Singapore lies 137km (85 miles) north of the Equator. Neighbouring countries are Malaysia and Thailand to the north, the Philippines to the north-east and Indonesia to the south. Sentosa lies south of the main island and Bintan to the south-east.
Singapore offers a wide variety of accommodation types to suit all budgets and preferences. They range from backpacker, budget and youth hostels to boutique and five-star hotels. Most hotels come with standard facilities like International Direct Dial (IDD) phones, internet and cable, room service, mini bars, data ports for modem, no-smoking rooms or floors, and business and fitness centres furnished with the latest equipment.
The currency unit of Singapore is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). It is available in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 1000 and 10,000 notes. Approximate currency exchange S$1 = US$0.65/ €0.48 (Subject to exchange rate fluctuation). Brunei currency is also acceptable at par with the Singapore currency in the country.
Credit cards are accepted in major hotels as well as shopping malls. Cash and travellers cheques can be exchanged in licensed exchange offices and international hotels.
A 10% service charge and 7% goods and services tax, is applicable in most hotels and private restaurants.
Singapore is 8 hours ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +8).
There are four official languages in Singapore: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English. English is the language of business and administration, and is widely spoken and understood. Most Singaporeans are bilingual, and speak their mother tongue as well as English.
Electricity
Singapore uses the United Kingdom, 3-square-pin plug and socket. (220V-240V).
Accessibility
Singapore is accessible via various means which include air, land, sea.
Airport Information
Singapore Changi Airport is the main international gateway into the country. The airport has garnered a whole range of awards since its opening in 1981 and is one of the world’s busiest airports by international passenger traffic. With 80 airlines serving more than 180 cities in over 50 countries, it makes an impressive gateway to Singapore, wowing visitors with its modern architecture, extensive shopping and efficient processes. It consists of 3 terminals, 1 budget terminal and 1 luxury terminal.
Flight Times from Major Cities:
Singapore – Kuala Lumpur: 55mins
Singapore – Kota Kinabalu: 2hrs 15mins
Singapore – Penang: 1hr 20mins
Singapore – Langkawi: 1hr 30 mins
Singapore – London: 12hrs 40mins
Singapore – Frankfurt: 12 hrs
Singapore – JFK (New York): 21hrs
Singapore – San Francisco: 18hrs
Singapore – Los Angeles: 17hrs
Singapore – Sydney: 7hrs 10mins
Singapore – Melbourne: 6hrs 40mins
Singapore – Perth: 5hrs 15mins
Singapore – Auckland: 9hrs 30mins
Singapore – Christchurch: 9hrs 35mins
Singapore – Johannesburg: 10hrs 30mins
Singapore – Dubai: 7hrs 15mins
Singapore – Narita (Tokyo): 7hrs 35mins
Singapore – New Delhi: 5hrs 30mins
Singapore – Mumbai: 5hrs 20mins
Travel by Land
By land, Singapore is accessible by buses, taxies and trains from Malaysia via 2 causeways, 1 in the North and the other in the west.
Travel by Sea
The Singapore Cruise Centre in the south is a popular port-of-call for many international and round-the-world cruise liners. Also, ferry services are available from various ferry terminals to destinations such as Batam and Bintan (Indonesia, Riau Archipelago) and Desaru (Malaysia).
People
Unity in diversity is the philosophy of this cosmopolitan city. Although geography has played a part in the success of Singapore, its mainstay is its people. Lacking natural resources, Singapore's strength is its hardworking, adaptable and resilient population.
Singapore's population of almost four million comprises 77% Chinese, 14% Malays, 8% Indians and 1% Eurasians and people of other descent. The original inhabitants were Malay fishermen, but after the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles and the establishment of a British trading post, Singapore became a magnet for migrants and merchants. Seeking a better life for themselves and their families, they came from the southern provinces of China, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Ceylon and the Middle East. Though inter-marriages have taken place over the years, each racial group within Singapore has retained its own cultural identity while developing as an integral part of Singapore community.
Climate
For sun babies, Singapore's tropical climate is heaven-sent! The island is warm and humid all year round, with only slight variations between the average maximum of 31 degrees Celcius and minimum of 23 degrees Celcius. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy sunbathing, swimming, sailing and other water sports. But for those who do not enjoy the tropical climate, Singapore is sheltered from the worst effects of the sun with air-conditioning in almost all of its shops, hotels, office buildings and restaurants. Rain falls throughout the year, with more consistent rain coming during the monsoon season from November to January. Showers are usually sudden and heavy, but also brief and refreshing.
Religion
With its ethnic mix also comes its diverse set of religions. Singapore's skyline boasts the distinctive minarets of mosques, spires of gothic cathedrals, intricate figurines of Hindu temple gods and distinctive roof architecture of Chinese temples. The main religions are Islam, Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Judaism.
Public Holidays
New Year's Day (1 Jan 2010)
Chinese New Year (14-16 Feb 2010)
Good Friday (2 Apr 2010)
Labour Day (1 May 2010)
Vesak Day (28 May 2010)
National Day (9 Aug 2010)
Hari Raya Puasa (10 Sep 2010)
Deepavali (5 Nov 2010)
Hari Raya Haji (17 Nov 2010)
Christmas Day (25 Dec 2010)
School Holidays
(13-21 Mar 2010)
(29 May 2010-27 Jun 2010)
(4-12 Sep 2010)
(20 Nov 2010 - 31 Dec 2010)