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SINGAPORE TRAVEL GUIDE
As one of the jewels of South-East Asia, Singapore represents a perfect mix of modern style with the traditions and culture of other countries in the area, including China, India and Malaysia. Large numbers of travellers are drawn to the island-state every year to enjoy this unique blend and to experience one of the most exciting locations in Asia.
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SINGAPORE WEATHER - When To Go
Singapore’s climate does not change much throughout the year which makes it an ideal vacation spot almost any time. November to January, however, is monsoon season and the island can see large amounts of rainfall at this time.
Otherwise, the area maintains warm temperatures consistently. December and January are the coldest months but even then the temperatures average around 25 degrees Celsius per day. During the rest of the year, the temperatures are only a few degrees higher. The island is also prone to short bursts of rainfall and sometimes afternoon thunderstorms fueled by the area’s intense humidity.
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SINGAPORE ATTRACTIONS - Things to See and Do
Singapore is rich in culture. The island is home to a surprisingly large number of museums, including the Asian Civilizations Museum which showcases all of the elements which have created the Singapore of today and the unique Images of Singapore museum that recreates the area’s history using full-size models and technology. However, travellers don’t have to retreat to museums to see art in the city. Along the Singapore River, visitors can see life-size, bronze statues known as the People of the River.
Families and animal lovers visiting Singapore will also find plenty of activities to enjoy. Singapore Zoo is considered one of the best zoos in the world. Using an open design which covers 28 hectares, the zoo is home to more than 3,000 mammals. For a different view of the animals, guests can experience the Night Safari or the Jurong Bird Park.
Travellers looking for a taste of other cultures may also find the ethnic regions of the city interesting. Little India is one of the most popular, especially during the Indian Festival of Lights between October and November. The area provides visitors with a glimpse into authentic Indian culture. Another popular ethnic area is Geylang Serai which is in the Malay portion of Singapore. The area illustrates what life was like for these native people of the region during the middle of the 20th century.
Visitors to Singapore may also want to get an amazing view of the area and its stunning skyline of soaring buildings. One of the newest methods is to ride the Singapore Flyer which is an observation wheel located in Marina Bay and stands 165 metres tall. Each of the capsules can hold nearly 30 passengers and each provides a breathtaking 360 degree view. The Flyer opened for riders in March 2008. Another option is the Carlsberg Sky Tower which looms 131 metres above Singapore. Guests enter the tower which slowly revolves upward until reaching the top. Guests can get great views of Singapore and can even snap photographs of Malaysia and Indonesia in the distance.
For a more relaxing adventure in Singapore, guests can enjoy the Singapore Isles. These are small groups of islands which can be reached primarily by ferries from Marina Bay. St. John’s Island is a formal penal colony that has now been transformed into a relaxing and tropical location for swimming, picnics, and even a few games of football. Kusu Island is another option and is worth the visit for the large turtle sculpture – part of a Singapore folk story about a sea turtle that rescued two sailors and brought them to the island.
Another unique aspect of Singapore is that is home to three of the world’s major religions in large numbers and some of the most beautiful holy buildings associated with these religions can be found here. The Armenian Church is said to be the oldest on the island while Abdul Gaffoor Mosque in Little India and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown are also popular attractions. The Central Sikh Temple which is the religious focus for the island’s 15,000 practicing Sikhs is also worth a trip.
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SINGAPORE Eating Out and Nightlife
Dining in Singapore can be a unique experience because the food – like the rest of the area – is a blend of multiple cultures. Riverside dining is very popular with locals as well as tourists so many of the best spots for restaurants are located along the river. The Boat Quay and Clarke Quay are two examples. Club Street and Far East Square are also popular choices for people who love food and fun. Another treat for food lovers is the Food Festival which is held in Singapore every July.
After the sun goes down, Singapore does not slow down. Along the Orchard Road area, visitors can enjoy 24 hour a day shopping and dining. The Mustafa Centre in Little India is a 24 hour shopping mall – the only in Singapore. For more grown up entertainment, the riverfront areas are great places to find bars and clubs. Tropical cocktails go great with the view in Sentosa and the Civic District is a unique blend of bars and historic architecture. And don’t forget to try a Singapore Sling at the famous Raffles Hotel.
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SINGAPORE Getting Around / Local Transport
Like many modern urban areas, Singapore provides plenty of transportation options. Most travellers use the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system to get around the city because it’s convenient, affordable, and fast. Buses and taxis are also available to help visitors get from one place to another in Singapore. Another option is the SMRT Shuttle Service which offers three loop services and pick up passengers at many of the most popular locations, such as Little India and the Tekka Mall.
Travellers who prefer not using public transportation can also use a private car to navigate Singapore. Unlike many locations, the island is easy to navigate via roadways and all of the road signs are written in English. However, travellers will either need an Autopass card or an In-Vehicle Unit (IU). These cover the costs of using the roadways in Singapore.
Try Holiday Autos for Singapore car hire deals.
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SINGAPORE FLIGHTS - Flying from the UK
Direct flights to Singapore are available from London Heathrow with British Airways, Quantas Airways and Singapore Airlines.
Singapore Airlines also offer flights from Manchester.
Also try Expedia.co.uk for flight options to Singapore.
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