Singapore is a prosperous modern nation

Singapore has long been a melting pot of cultures.

From the original Peranakan settlers – wealthy Chinese who intermarried with the indigenous Malay people – to immigrants from the Middle East, India and Europe, the island’s cultural mix is as heady as the fragrance of frangipani blossoms after a spring shower.

First impressions of Singapore are apt to be lasting – one of a giant tropical garden drenched with frequent rain.

Studded amongst the shrubbery are neat high-rise tenements occupied by industrious people whose lives appear so regulated that there seems hardly any time for the pleasures of life (even chewing gum is banned).

But when you start exploring behind the façade, Singapore’s varied ethnic precincts take on a whole new life.

Singapore is a veritable food-lovers’ paradise, with cuisines from all over Asia in addition to local specialties.

Shoppers too are well catered-for, whether at the 24-hour Mustafa Centre or at the brand-new VivoCity (at the Sentosa Ferry Terminal), the country’s biggest mall.

War history buffs might like to visit the former Changi Prison, the Labrador Hill battery and Kranji Cemetery – the latter sometimes unknown even to locals.

Nature enthusiasts will also find plenty of attractions, with the Singapore Zoo, Jurong Bird Park, the Botanical Gardens and the east-coast island of Pulau Ubin making welcome getaways.

Survival Guide:

Singapore has four official languages – English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese and Tamil. English is spoken everywhere, but a smattering of Chinese could also be useful.

Singapore has a tropical climate and is rainy and muggy year-round. According to the country’s National Environment Agency, Singapore is getting hotter and wetter. The agency noted that December 2006 was the wettest on record.

Most nationalities can enter Singapore without a visa for a visit of up to 30 days. Nationals of about 20 countries (notably India, China, Russia and Pakistan) do need a visa.

The currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). There  are about 32 Baht to the US dollar.

The country has a BIG range of accommodation options – from cheap walk-ins in the Little India precinct to more expensive options including the new Siloso Beach Resort on Sentosa Island. One highly recommended hotel in a quiet location is the super-minimalist Changi Village Hotel (1 Netheravon Road), opposite the Changi Ferry Terminal (for Pulau Ubin).

Singapore Airlines is the national carrier. Changi International Airport is one of the busiest in the world.

Singapore is comprised of one main island and over 50 smaller islands. The main island is linked to the southern tip of Malaysia by a causeway and bridge, over which a great deal of traffic flows every day. Singapore’s new Metro (MRT) system is fast and efficient, with three main lines and a few smaller loop lines covering most of the main island. Connecting buses fill in the gaps. Ferries and cruises ships take visitors out to Singapore's island.