A city of diverse lifestyles, cultures and people, Singapore is the only city in the world that one can experience China to India, Arabia to Europe all within minutes. Extensions to neighbouring islands increases possibilities-Sentosa–isle of entertainment and fun, Bintan (Indonesia)-beach resorts and spas and the gateway to Malaysia, Johor (Malaysia) culture and history–all within an hour of travel - imagine that possibilities that cater to all interest and ages!
There is something for anyone – elaborate cultures, rich traditions, fine dining and infinite shopping.
Mainland Singapore
The mainland of Singapore is the central hub of all activities; alive and buzzing with life, it encompasses a city, island and country. A combination of towering skyscrapers of the busy commercial district, high-rise housing in the peaceful suburbs, arts and cultural districts that reach across time and distance and the calmness of the natural landscape equates to a location filled with thrills and surprises which are waiting to be uncovered.
Sentosa Island
A slice of paradise right at the doorstep – south of mainland Singapore, Sentosa offers a kaleidoscope of attractions and activities. Be enthralled by the island’s breathtaking beauty of lush greenery peppered with perfect 3 – 6 star hotel accomodation that will certainly blow you away! It’s a themed attraction, tropical resort, nature park and heritage centre all rolled into one, never failing to amaze anyone.
Bintan
A short 55 minutes ferry ride away from Singapore lie the unique tropical island retreat of Bintan – situated within the Riau Archipelago of Indonesia. This resort island is truly refreshing to your mind and body. Characterized by beautiful charming beaches and coastlines, combined with laid back lifestyle, come prepared for a pampering and enjoyable experience.
With Bintan’s location in a different country, it is useful to take note of essential information which may be useful for you travels.
Currency
Main currency in use is the Rupiah (Denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000, 50000, 100000). Singapore and US Dollars are also accepted in the resort areas of the island. Credit Cards are accepted in major hotels and resorts while cash can be exchanged at hotels and resorts on the island.
Visa
Visitors to Bintan must hold a valid passport or travel document with a minimum validity of six months beyond the intended visiting period. Visitors are eligible to apply for Visa-On-Arrival at the ferry terminal upon arrival to the island. This requirement excludes individuals holding documents issued by countries including Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Macau, Phillipines, Chile, Morocco and Peru.
Tax
A 10% service charge and 11% goods and services tax, is applicable in most hotels and private restaurants.
Language
Bahasa Indonesia is the national language but English is widely used.
Time Zone
GMT+7hrs (1 hour behind Singapore time)
Electricity
220V (Standard 3 pin square plugs and socket.)
Access
(Air) Bintan has a small airport at Kijang located in the eastern region of the island offering flights to domestic Indonesian destinations. Popular flight routes into the island originate from neighbouring Batam Island (Riau Archipelago) and the capital Jakarta (Java, Indonesia).
(Ferry) Ferries are the main way to gain access to Bintan from Singapore. Across the island, there are 3 main ferry terminals receiving arrivals from all around the region. The ferry terminal in Tanjung Pinang (main town on Bintan, south-west) is the main passenger port in Bintan and is used by all domestic and international arrivals into the city, other terminals include: Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal in the north which is the main terminal serving ferries arriving from Singapore, and Tanjung Uban in the west.
Public Holidays
New Year (1 Jan 2010);
Chinese New Year (14 Feb 2010);
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (26 Feb 2010);
Hindu New Year (16 Mar 2010);
Good Friday (2 Apr 2010);
Ascension (13 May 2010);
Vesak Day (28 May 2010);
Isra Mi’raj (10 Jul 2010);
Indonesian Independence Day (17 Aug 2010);
Hari Raya Puasa (10-11 Sep 2010);
Hari Raya Haji (17 Nov 2010);
Islamic New Year (7 Dec 2010);
Christmas Day (25 Dec 2010)
Johor
Johor is the Southern most state on Peninsula Malaysia and the keeper of many national and natural treasures untold. It is a delightful mixture of the traditional and modern, and natural and ultra-modern urban jungles.
Be intrigued by this country often classified as “the little red dot” on the world map!
With a total land area of 682 square kilometers, Singapore is one of the smallest nations in the world, almost 20% of which is reclaimed from the sea. Despite the country’s small size, it is ranked as one of the world’s wealthiest, what an amazing achievement! Singlish, a Singapore patois mixing English with odd phrase of Chinese, Malay and even Tamil, has 2 entries – lah (an expression) and sinseh (a traditional Chinese medical practitioner) – in the Online Version of the Oxford English Dictionary. Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world. Here, people can walk freely on any street without fear, even late at night. Singapore’s synonymous legendary famous cocktail “The Singapore Sling” was first served in 1915 at a bar in the Raffles Hotel. The ingredients are gin, cointreau, cherry brandy, don Benedictine, pineapple juice, grenadine, angousutra bitters and limes. A must try for anyone visiting! Singapore’s myriad of events and festivals are often characterized with colourful street processions, elaborate worship ceremonies and sumptuous feasts generating a continued hype and vibrancy around this modern metropolis. Mesmerizing and fascinating, they promise to make your Singapore vacation an unforgettable and memorable one.
Indicated are major festivals and events celebrated and held in the country:
January
23 Jan 2010 – 7 Mar 2010: Chinatown Light-Up
23 Jan 2010 – 13 Feb 2010: Chinatown Festive Street Bazaar
30 Jan 2010: Thaipusam
| July
28 May 2010-25 Jul 2010: Great Singapore Sale 2010
Singapore Food Festival
15 Jul 2010 – 22 Nov 2010: Singapore Garden Festival
|
February
23 Jan 2010 – 7 Mar 2010: Chinatown Light-Up
23 Jan 2010 – 13 Feb 2010: Chinatown Festive Street Bazaar
2 – 7 Feb 2010: Singapore Airshow
12 – 20 Feb 2010: Singapore River Hongbao Festival
13 Feb 2010: Chinese New Year Countdown @ Chinatown
14 – 16 Feb 2010: Chinese New Year
19 – 20 Feb 2010: Chingay Parade Singapore 2010
| August
9 Aug 2010: Singapore National Day Celebrations
10 Aug 2010 – 7 Sep 2010: Hungry Ghost Festival
14 - 26 Aug 2010: Youth Olympic Games, Singapore 2010
Hari Raya Lightup and Bazaar @ Geylang Serai
|
March
23 Jan 2010 – 7 Mar 2010: Chinatown Light-Up
12 – 21 Mar 2010: Mosaic Music Festival
| September
10 Aug 2010 – 7 Sep 2010: Hungry Ghost Festival
Hari Raya Lightup and Bazaar @ Geylang Serai
10 Sep 2010: Hari Raya Puasa
22 Sep 2010: Mid-Autumn Festival
24 – 26 Sep 2010: F1 Singapore Grand Prix
|
April
2 Apr 2010: Good Friday
5 Apr 2010: Qingming Festival
10 – 11 Apr 2010: OSIM Singapore International Triathalon
15 – 24 Apr 2010: Singapore International Film Festival
| October
Little India Light-Up |
May
14 May 2010-13 Jun 2010: Singapore Arts Festival
28 May 2010: Vesak Day
28 May 2010-25 Jul 2010: Great Singapore Sale 2010
| November
Little India Light-Up
5 Nov 2010: Deepavali
17 Nov 2010: Hari Raya Haji
Christmas Light-Up @ Orchard Road
|
June
28 May 2010-25 Jul 2010: Great Singapore Sale 2010
Singapore River Festival
16 Jun 2010: Dumpling/ Dragon Boat Festival
| December
Christmas Light-Up @ Orchard Road
Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon
25 Dec 2010: Christmas
31 Dec 2010: New Year’s Eve Countdown/ Celebrations
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