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Singapore is a dynamic, multi-ethnic and
multicultural society, with people of all races and from all walks of life.
Known as Asia’s “Garden City”, Singapore is a place where East meets West, a
cosmopolitan melting pot with a unique identity. Our citizens maintain
traditions handed down through generations while comfortably adopting the
conveniences of modern life and modern technology. This adaptability has
played a major role in helping Singapore flourish into the bustling economic
hub it is today.
Geography
Singapore's geographic location has been a major
factor contributing to our growth as a centre for trade, communications and
tourism. We are linked to Malaysia by two short causeways, and the key
islands of Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago are just a quick ferry ride over.
Thailand and the Philippines are a short flight away. With an airport
served by over 80 airlines with more than 4,000 weekly scheduled flights to
181 cities in 57 countries worldwide, Singapore has become the world’s
gateway to Southeast Asia.
Economy
Singapore has a highly developed, market-based
economy. According to the 2005 UN Human Development Report, Singapore ranks
25th on the Human Development Index (which measures standards of living),
and second on the Index of Economic Freedom. Singapore was also rated as
the most business-friendly economy in the world by the World Bank in 2006.
Singapore's economy recorded a 7.7% growth in 2006, led by strong
performances in manufacturing and services. GDP per capita for 2006,
estimated at US$30,900, is comparable to that of major European countries.
People and Languages
As of June 2006, Singapore’s total population
was estimated at 4.48 million, of which residents (citizens and permanent
residents) comprise an estimated 3.61 million. By ethnicity, our population
is approximately 75.2% Chinese, 13.6% Malay, 8.8% Indian and 2.4% of other
descent. Singapore has 4 official languages: Malay, Chinese (Mandarin),
Tamil and English. English is widely spoken and understood. Most
Singaporeans are bilingual or trilingual. “Singlish”, our local variety of
English, is also commonly spoken. While not officially encouraged, it has
become very much a part of the Singaporean identity with its distinctive
multicultural vocabulary, and characteristic “lah” or “lor” at the end of a
sentence or phrase!
Climate
Singapore enjoys warm tropical weather that is
relatively calm and consistent throughout the year. The average daily
temperature is 26.8ºC (80ºF), with an average daily maximum of 30.9ºC (88ºF)
occurring in the afternoons, and an average daily minimum of 23.9ºC (75ºF)
just before dawn. Relative humidity often exceeds 90% at night and in the
early hours of the morning shortly before sunrise. Rain is felt throughout
the year. Singapore's latest weather report is available at
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/weather
Dress
Singapore’s tropical weather makes light summer
clothing the most practical choice, especially for outdoor activities like
sightseeing. However, a suit or shirt-and-tie for men and business suits
for women are expected at official occasions, including SCP courses. Indoor
air-conditioning can be cold, between 18ºC and 23ºC. Visitors are advised
to come prepared with a light piece of warm clothing.
Currency
Major currencies can be exchanged for Singapore
dollars at banks, hotels and authorised money exchange counters wherever the
sign “Licensed Money Changer” is displayed. Most shopping complexes have a
licensed moneychanger. Visitors are advised not to change money with an
unlicensed operator. While the average exchange rate is around S$1.55 to
US$1.00, more accurate information on the latest exchange rate can be found
at
http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic
Banks
Operating hours vary from bank to bank.
Generally, most banks open from 9.30 am to 3.00 pm from Mondays to Fridays;
and from 9.30 am to 11.30 am on Saturdays. Some banks do open for business
on Saturdays up to 3.00 pm; and Sundays from 11:30 am to 4.30 pm.
Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are also widely
available all over Singapore. You may use your approved credit card to make
cash withdrawals at any time. These ATMs are located in major shopping
centres and within the vicinity of housing estates and other public places.
Airport Tax
A Passenger Service Charge of S$21 should be
incorporated into your air ticket (including tickets issued outside of
Singapore). If this has not been done, you may be required to pay the S$21
during check-in.
Electrical Supply
Singapore's voltage is 220-240 volts AC, 50
cycles per second. Most hotels can provide visitors with a transformer
which can convert the voltage to 110-120 volts, 60 cycles per second.
Sockets for three-pin Type “G” plugs, similar to that found in the UK,
Malaysia and Hong Kong, are commonly used.
Flight Information
Flight information can be found at
http://www.changiairport.com
Postal Services
Most hotels provide postal services at the front
desk. Singapore Post operates a network of more than 1,300 postal outlets
conveniently located throughout the island. These outlets offer a wide
range of postal, telecommunication and agency services. Most postal outlets
are open 8.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday through Friday; and 8.00 am to 1.00 pm
on Saturday. The Changi Airport Post Office has branches at Terminal 2
(8.00 am to 9.30 pm daily) and within the Transit Area (6.00 am to 12
midnight daily).
Telecommunications
Singapore operates on the GSM 900 and GSM 1800
networks, with three major mobile telephone providers: SingTel, StarHub and
MobileOne. Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased at post offices, convenience
stores and other authorised dealers in various denominations. You should
bring along your passport for registration at the point of purchase.
Public payphones operated by credit card and/or
stored-value phonecards can also be used to make local and international
calls. Public payphones can be found in most shopping complexes and MRT
stations. Stored-value phonecards or International Calling Cards in various
denominations can be purchased at post offices, convenience stores and other
authorised retail outlets.
Public Transportation
Getting around Singapore is easy and
inexpensive. Excellent bus services complement one of the world’s most
modern and efficient Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) systems. The island’s
plentiful taxis are metered and air-conditioned.
A stored-value card, known as the “EZ-Link
farecard”, is used for all public transportation except taxis. It can be
bought at most Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations and bus interchanges.
Collectible tourist farecards are also available. Information on bus and
train services can be found at the ‘eGuide’ section of
http://www.transitlink.com.sg
Air-conditioned taxis are readily available and
can be boarded at well-marked taxi-stands outside most major shopping
centres. These can also be flagged down from most roads. The taxis provide
comfortable and hassle-free travel in the city-state. Taxi rates are by
meter only, with additional surcharges for peak periods, airport transfers
and restricted zones posted in plain sight on the interior of the taxi
window.
High-speed MRT trains connect most parts of
Singapore. Trains operate at intervals of between 2½ to 8 minutes from 5.30
am to 12 midnight on weekdays; and from 6.00 am to 12 midnight on Sundays
and public holidays. Rides range from S$0.80 to S$1.70 for a single trip.
Public bus services are well-integrated with the
MRT. The two major bus companies, SBS Transit and TIBS, operate regular and
inexpensive services priced between S$0.70 and S$1.70.
Other Important Pointers
As a visitor to Singapore, you are entitled to
claim the Goods and Services Tax (GST) you pay on purchases that you take
home. Information on how you can claim GST refunds through Global Refund is
found at
http://www.globalrefund.com
It is generally safe to drink water straight
from the tap in Singapore.
The penalties for drug trafficking and abuse are
severe. Persons convicted of trafficking in morphine in excess of 30g, or
diamorphine in excess of 15g, face the death penalty.
Places of Interest
There is much to see and do in Singapore. Many of these places are easily
accessible by public transportation. To find your way around Singapore or
for more information about Singapore, you can visit the Singapore Tourism
Board website at
http://www.visitsingapore.com/
Some key attractions include:
Join
Singaporeans at the arts hub’s various daily performances, or drop by for
some of the free concerts showcasing our young artists.
Sentosa
is Singapore's holiday resort island. The island was identified for
recreation and tourism in 1968 and has updated and upgraded itself over the
years to become one of the key draws for visitors to Singapore.
With one
of the largest collections of birds in the world, the Jurong Bird Park is
home to many Southeast Asian species and exotic and colourful birds from
around the world. It now counts 1,001 flamingos among its collection of
more than 8,000 birds from 600 species.
Singapore's renowned open zoo is truly a “United
Nations” of the animal kingdom. More than 2,000 creatures are housed in
landscaped enclosures, with rock walls and streams replacing cages. Through
its “Partners in Conservation Programme”, the zoo also works closely with
government and non-government conservation agencies in Cambodia, Indonesia,
Lao PDR, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.
From dusk, the world’s first Night Safari comes
alive with creatures of the dark. Since 90 percent of tropical animals are
nocturnal, there are 1,200 animals of over 100 exotic species to watch out
for.
Described as “Singapore’s oldest museum with the youngest and most
innovative soul”, the National Museum of Singapore was founded in 1887 but
reopened its doors in December 2006 after a three-year redevelopment phase.
The National Museum prides itself on introducing new and varied ways of
presenting history to redefine the conventional museum experience.
The
Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is the first museum in the region to
present a broad yet integrated perspective on pan-Asian cultures and
civilisations. Housed a graceful colonial structure dating from the 1860s,
the ACM’s collections are centred on the material cultures of the different
groups originating from China, Southeast Asia, South and West Asia.
Melding
past and present, the Singapore Art Museum houses its award-winning
collection of modern and contemporary Southeast Asian art in a beautifully
restored structure dating from 1855. With over 7,500 works in its permanent
collection, the Museum holds the world’s largest collection of 20th-century
Southeast Asian art by a public institution.
Last updated on 12 March 2007
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