Travel tips to Singapore

Singapore is a small country in size but an economic giant especially in South East Asia. Singapore is situated at the south tip of Malaysia, just one degree north of the equator.

The city is a blend with the culture and religions of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European. The four main religions are celebrated by the different ethnicity and the auspicious day like Muslim celebrating the end of Ramadan, Vesak day for the Buddhist, the festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Christmas and Easter for the Christians, New Year Day and the Lunar New Year celebrated by the Chinese are officially public holiday for all. Food is a passion to many and a very much talk about topic amongst the locals due to the wide selections of multi ethnic food and European cuisines.

Though it is relatively easy to get around in Singapore, it is always good to find out some useful information before you begin your travel. Here are some useful travel tips for Singapore:

Visas for Singapore

All travellers to Singapore are required to go through immigration clearance upon their arrival into the country. The granting of social visit passes to visitors is determined by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the point of entry. Visitors must satisfy the following basic entry requirements before they are allowed to enter Singapore:
• A passport with at least 6 months validity
• Valid Singapore visa, if applicable
• Sufficient funds to last for the intended period of stay in Singapore
• Confirmed onward/return tickets (where applicable)
• Entry facilities to their onward destinations, e.g. visas.
• Completed Disembarkation/Embarkation Card
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable

Electricity connection in Singapore

Visitors to Singapore must check if their electrical appliances can handle the voltage of 220-240 volts AC, 50Hz. The power plugs used in Singapore are of the three-pin, square-shaped type. If your electrical device does not accept the voltage and the appliance plug shape is different, you will need a voltage converter and a plug adapter. However, most hotels in Singapore will provide transformers to visitors with electrical appliances of a different voltage when requested.
Sales tax refunds in Singapore

The Goods and Service tax in Singapore is 5%. To qualify for sales tax refunds, you need to have a minimum purchase amount ranging between SGD$300 to SGD$500. To claim your GST refunds, pack the items in hand luggage, and present the item(s) and the receipt at the Global Refund Services after immigration and security when leaving Singapore. Also allow an extra 15 minutes before departure. The refund payment can be made by cash, credit card payment or cheque. A small handling fee will be deducted from the refund amount.

Get more tips for travel to Singapore and the Official Immigration links at Holiday Essentials.

Off beaten track in Singapore

I have come across many people who would usually says that Singapore is clean and safe but very few know that lying within the concrete jungle, are interesting places off the beaten track to visit.

Here are some of the off beaten tracks sightseeing ideas in Singapore:

Farms

There are over 200 working farms in land scarce Singapore. Most of these farms are located in the north western part of Singapore. There farms that rear fish and goats, grow hydroponic vegetables, fruits and ornamental plants. It could be an interesting day out to explore how farming is done in this land scarce country.

These are two of my favourites:

When I visited Bollywood Veggies, I imagine it to be a bollywood influenced farm. I was pleasantly surprised. The 10 acre farm is filled with tropical fruits such as mango, banana and papaya, various types of vegetables and herbs that are unique in the region. After a walk in the farm, visitors can enjoy a refreshing glass of cold Aloe Vera drink and indulged in their popular organic banana curry.

Another farm which would interest many is Orchidville, the largest orchid farm in Singapore. Located near the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, the farm has over 2 million orchid plants. Besides immersing in the splendour of the orchids, visitors can also participate in their workshop that teaches creative learning with orchids, hybridization and cultivation and orchid craft.

Nature Reserve

There is a significant area of primary rainforest in this modern city. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is located 6 miles from the city and is a good place to get away from the busy city sights into the world of exotic birds, monkeys, squirrels and flying lemurs. Visitors can hike up the Bukit Timah Hill, the trail is easy and all you need is stamina to reach the top.

There many other nature reserves in different part of the country ranging from mangroves reserves to wetlands. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is located in northwest of Singapore and it is a stopover point for migratory birds. There are several viewpoints in the wetland enabling visitors to observe the behaviour of the birds without disturbing them. There is a diverse collection of flora and fauna ranging from mangroves to rare tropical flowers and plants.

Isle around Singapore.....cont'd here

Singapore - A multi cultural experience

Singapore is a country small in size, but an economic giant especially in South East Asia. Singapore is situated at the south tip of Malaysia, just one degree north of the equator.

Most reviews about Singapore are about it being a modern city and a haven for shoppers and food enthusiast. Having been a local there for most of my life, I would like to review Singapore in terms of its multi cultural background.

Singapore was founded by Sir Stamford Raffles as a trading post for the East India Company and its deep and sheltered harbour soon established the British Colony as an important port. The success of Singapore as a port soon attract people from India, China, Middle East, Europeans and many others to trade or seek employment in the colony.

Today, the city is a blend with the culture and religions of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European. The four main religions are celebrated by the different ethnicity and the auspicious day like Muslim celebrating the end of Ramadan, Vesak day for the Buddhist, the festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Christmas and Easter for the Christians, New Year Day and the Lunar New Year celebrated by the Chinese are officially public holiday for all. Food is a passion to many and a very much talk about topic amongst the locals due to the wide selections of multi ethnic food and European cuisines.

There are areas in Singapore that still retained its strong ethnic presence, the main places are:

Chinatown

Chinatown was the original enclave of Chinese immigrant; the place has a distinct Chinese cultural element of Chinese paintings, artefacts and signboard of clans and associations. The buildings in Chinatown are mostly 2 storey pre war colonial shop houses designed with elements of Victorian and baroque architecture.
The main streets in Chinatown contain stories of its pasts, for example, Pagoda Street was a centre of slave traffic and opium smoking den during 1850s to 1880s, Sago Lane for the numerous number of Sago factories in 1840s, it was also a place where the very sick were place in homes awaiting death (very much like the modern hospice without medical amenities).

During the period before Chinese New Year, stalls are set up selling Chinese New Year goodies such as sweets, decorations and various type of Chinese New Year food. The whole area is filled with fairy lights and decorated with blossoms, scrolls of auspicious Chinese proverbs and pictures of the Chinese New Year astrological animal.

Little India

Little India as it is famously known for its strong Indian cultural elements. The area was first established during the colonial days as a place for Indian immigrants to reside.

Walk around Little India and your senses will be titillated by the different spices. Spices like turmeric, cumin are grinded here, there are also many coffee shops and restaurants selling authentic Southern and Northern India curries. Whether you decide splash out in an air conditioned restaurant or have an inexpensive meal in a coffee shop, you will not be disappointed by the choices and quality of food here. There are several Hindu temples to visit. The Hindu temple is a sight to behold, the architecture of the temple filled with colourful figurine of Hindu Gods and animals.
There are many shops selling gold jewellery, Indian sari and scarves. A well known landmark in Little India is Mustaffa which is a 24 hour department store selling products ranging from electrical, household, foodstuff, jewellery, clothing and many more. It is a great place to get things at a bargain but be prepared for crowds.
Two major festival is celebrated there, the Festival of Light and Thaipusam. The street are brightly lighted during The Festival of Light or Deepavali (as it is known in the region). Hindus flocked to Little India to buy new clothes, jewellery and food to celebrate this festival. During Thaipusam which is held in January or February, devotees carry heavy shrines with sharp metal spikes and hooks known as Kavadi. The devotees endure pain as a sacrifice to the gods by carrying the Kavadi for a certain distance.

Geylang Serai

Geylang Serai is the oldest Malay settlement in Singapore. It is also the cultural heart of the Malay community. The Malays are the native inhabitants of Singapore and they are usually Muslims. The dress styles of Malay ladies are baju kurung and Kebaya. Baju Kurung is a long-sleeved loose fitting long blouse worn over a matching sarong. A long scarf (usually made of lace) is worn around the shoulders or around the head, crossed loosely at the front of the neck. Kebaya is a traditional blouse made of sheer material and worn with a batik or sarong.

You can experience the lifestyle of traditional Malay villages (Kampong) at the Malay village in Geylang Serai. Explore the traditional Malay art and crafts like batik painting, kite making and kampong games like top spinning. The Cultural Museum at the Malay village gives an in depth introduction to Malay artefacts such as weaving tools and musical instruments. Malay wedding is an elaborate affair. In the Cultural Museum, you will be able to see an extensive display of traditional Malay wedding complete with hand sewn garments, accessories and a bridal chamber.

The two religious festivities celebrated here are ‘Hari Raya Puasa’ and ‘Hari Raya Haji’. The streets are decorated with bright colourful lights and shimmering decorations that look like palm leaves. Stalls are set up along the road selling products that signify the festivities.

Christmas and Easter is celebrated by the Europeans, Eurasians, most Peranakan(Strait born Chinese with Malay and Chinese heritage) and members of other ethnic community who are Christians and Roman Catholics.

Christmas it is also a happy occasion for non Christians. The streets of the main shopping belt in Singapore are brightly decorated during the Christmas season. Christmas is probably one of the best times to visit Singapore as the temperature is not as warm, (about 24 deg to 30 deg) and the festive spirit is at its peak. Shops and places of attraction are not closed during Christmas and New Year, so your visit will not be hindered by the festivities.

There are definitely more to see in Singapore than just shopping and eating. Next time you are in Singapore, visit these ethnic hubs and immerse yourself in the heartland of the community.