SINGAPORE (Asia)

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Overview:

The Republic of Singapore is located on the Malay Peninsula and reaches out accross around 40 adjacent islands most of which have beautiful tropical beaches that due to their proximity to the equator are warm and great for swimming and diving all year round.

Beguiling Singapore is a modern city-state embracing economic progress against the backdrop of age-old tradition. The customs that underpin community life are created out of a cultural mix that includes predominantly Chinese, Indian and Malay ethnic groups.

Singapore is a land of stark contrast, from one of the sleekest cleanest cities in the world you can also find authentic asian foods and goods for a very reasonable price. Singapore is quite possibly the only city in the world famous for making the sale and chewing of gum illegal, and regulating the length of male haricuts in some places. Shopping is very cheap in Singapore and many of the more expensive holiday activities such as Scuba Diving and yachting can be found for a very affordable price from reputable professionals in the field.

It is also called a "fine" city, as fines are levied for spitting, jaywalking, littering and smoking in air-conditioned public places including restaurants. The sale and importation of chewing gum is also banned. Most Singaporeans do not live in the city centre, but in vast high-rise government housing estates spread around the island and rarely visited by tourists. The water is safe to drink. Drugs are illegal and there is an automatic death penalty for drug traffickers.

There is something for everyone, local traditions, history, cultural mix; a restful holiday or just shop-till-you-drop. The country is well-suited to those looking for a gentle introduction to Asia, it is completely Westernised.

Hotels are mainly located in the area from Orchard Road through to Marina Square. Most are high-rise (at least one has over 70 floors) and the broad choice ranges from the famous Raffles hotel to cheaper options in Chinatown and Little India.

Locality:

Singapore is located in SE Asia, at S tip of Malay peninsula. Changi international airport is 13 mls E of the city centre. It is 1 degree N of equator, and set on a flat diamond-shaped island linked to Malaysia by 2 road causeways and a railway.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

During the daytime attractions include golf , public tennis and squash courts, privately run gyms. Spectator sports including football, cricket, rugby and horse racing. Water sports - wind surfing, canoeing, sailing and water-skiing along the SE coast, Changi and Punggol.

Orchard Road is a shopper's heaven. Around a mile of glossy shopping centres sell all big designer names (but often for similar prices as UK) as well as cheaper imitations. Shops selling cameras, watches and stereo systems abound. To see the real Singapore, visit People's Park in Chinatown (Chinese department stores and cheaper shops), Little India and Arab Street. Most shops open mid-morning and close around 9pm, 365 days of the year.

Evening brings an array of activity especially in larger hotels, many bars and coffee shops. UK style nightclubs attracting big-name DJs from London and New York, theme bars.

The Esplanade theatre complex, a futuristic double-domed structure, hosts concerts, theatrical performances and opera. Chinese theatre/Asian shows for a wide spread of local culture. Frequent festivals celebrating different cultures ? street processions or Chinese opera (rather an acquired taste). Above all else, the main entertainment is eating out.

This is the food capital of Asia. Food, or hawker, centres are a must for visitors. Dozens of stalls serve a variety of food at low prices; informal, shorts-and-T-shirt places, usually open-air. Most notable are Newton Circus and Bugis Street. The Old Bugis area was notorious for local colour but today is a tame tourist trap. Food courts are also popular ? slightly more expensive than hawker centres and they tend to be air conditioned. Conventional restaurants serve a vast range of Asian and international food. Eating out is a national pastime so prices are generally reasonable. Wine is not cheap. Smoking is prohibited by law in all air-conditioned buildings.