Discover Singapore

Famous for the world’s best chilli crab, outstanding shopping and the luxurious Raffles Hotel, Singapore is a unique cultural hub just seven hours from Australia’s Eastern Seaboard.

Also known as The Lion City, Singapore consists of the island of Singapore and some 63 inlets within its territorial waters which lead to stunning beaches just kilometres from the world’s largest fountain, the tallest Ferris wheel in the world and an incredible array of international cuisine.

HISTORY OF SINGAPORE

Singapore began its life as a trading post - a bridge between the East and the West and as a crossroad for the Spice Route in the 1800’s and was later colonised by Brit Sir Stamford Raffles (after whom The Raffles Hotel is named).

Singapore’s name came from the word Singapura which means Lion City. The story goes that when Prince Sang Nila Uama re-discovered the island in the 11th century AD he thought he saw a strange creature which he was told was a lion – hence the name.

Since gaining independence some 40 years ago, Singapore has developed as a unique nation in its own right which has seen its population thrive.

SINGAPORE’S TOP THREE

Everyone who travels to Singapore needs to tick a few experiences off their list:

• Try a Singapore Sling – and try stop at one!
  • The Singapore Sling was first served in 1915 at the Long Bar of the Raffles Hotel. The ingredients are gin, Cointreau, cherry brandy, Dom Benedictine, pineapple juice, Grenadine, Angostura bitters and limes.
• Shop till you drop!
  • Singapore’s iconic shopping boulevard, Orchard Road now includes the stunning ION Orchard with boutiques featuring the best international designers, plus for gadget freaks, Sim Lim SQ or the Funan Centre offer incredible discounts on the most high tech new equipment. Plus, hunt for a bargain at the night markets or in Little India, Chinatown or the Malay community of Kampong Glam. Just remember to pack light!
• Feed your body and soul!
  • You’ll find many locals greet you with “have you eaten yet” rather than “how are you. That’s because they have so many incredible cuisines on offer! Enjoy Singapore Chilli Crab with the locals at East Coast Seafood, taste a traditional Singapore kopi (coffee), dine at one of Singapore’s hawker centres for just $10 or have a meal at the Imperial Herbal Restaurant, Clarke Quay, where the resident doctor will be able to diagnose any health aliments and assist in ordering your meal.

MUST SEES

From 2010, families will be thrilled by the multi-billion dollar integrated resorts, Mariana Bay Sands and Resorts World @Sentosa which will include the Universal Studios Singapore theme park.

The Singapore Flyer is the world’s tallest Ferris wheel and is a great place to start your trip and get your bearings. Nearby at Suntec City is the largest fountain in the world: the Fountain of Wealth is made of cast bronze and cost an estimated US$6million to build in 1997.

Visit the National Singapore Museum – a state of the art interactive museum to learn about Singapore’s history and traditions, and catch a show at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay - Singapore’s landmark state of the art performance centre on the Singapore River with international premieres from the world of dance, music and theatre.

JUST FOR THE EXPERIENCED TRAVELLER

If you want to visit the unknown Singapore, make a stop at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Singapore is one of only two cities to have a rainforest within its borders and Bukit Timah is a jewel not to be missed - the number of tree species growing in a mere hectare in the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is more than that in the whole of North America!

Singapore is also an inspiring place for history buffs – the Budda Tooth Relic Temple and Museum includes the Vairocana Buddha Prayer Wheel and the sacred Budda Tooth. And remember our fallen diggers at the Changi Chapel and Museum – a memorial to soldiers who fought in Singapore during WW2 including the many Australians who lived and died during the Japanese occupation.

SPEND UP!

Singapore dollars are the accepted currency and there are a number of currency exchange booths located in the city and at the airport. Major credit cards are also accepted at most venues. It is always recommend travellers take out travel insurance before departing their country of origin.

HOW WAS THE WEATHER?

Be prepared for a hot stay - Singapore’s weather all year round ranges from 23C to 31C.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Singapore is always hosting a number of festivals and events including the upcoming Festival of Lights (October), Christmas in the Tropics (mid Nov – early Jan), Chinese New Year festivities (February), Great Singapore Sale (May-June), Singapore Food Festival (July), Mid Autumn Light Ups (September), Deepavali Light Ups (September), and the 2010 SingTel Formula 1 Grand Prix (September) to name a few.

For more info visit www.visitsingapore.com or follow Singapore Oceania on www.Twitter.com/SingaporeOzNZ