Republic of Singapore
(Singapore)


<p>From the opium dens of the past to the hi-tech wizardry of today.</P>
<p>Singapore has traded in its rough-and-ready opium dens and pearl luggers for towers of concrete and glass, and its steamy rickshaw image for hi-tech wizardry, but you can still recapture the colonial era with a Singapore Sling under the languorous ceiling fans at Raffles Hotel.</P>
<p>At first glance, Singapore appears shockingly modern and anonymous, but this is an undeniably Asian city with Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions from <i>feng shui</i> to ancestor worship creating part of the everyday landscape. It's these contrasts that bring the city to life.</P>
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Getting There
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To Do & See
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Entertainment & Night Life
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where to stay
At a Glance
When to Visit:
<p>Go anytime. Climate is not a major consideration, as Singapore gets fairly steady annual rainfall. Co-ordinate your visit with one of the various festivals and events: Thaipusam is a spectacular festival, occurring around February. If shopping and eating are major concerns, April brings the Singapore Food Festival and the Great Singapore Sale is held in June.</P>
Orientation
<p>Singapore is a city, an island and a country. Sir Stamford Raffles founded Singapore on the Singapore River, which is still the heart of the city, encompassing the central business district and the popular entertainment and dining precinct along the quays. Most of Singapore's tourist action is centred around Orchard Rd, Chinatown and Little India.</P>
Getting Around:
<p>Singapore's public transport is plentiful and varied. You have the option of using metered taxis (although rickshaws are really only in Chinatown and the back streets), the MRT subway system or the convenient bus services. You can get around on the water by ferry or bumboat.</P>
Weather:
<p>Singapore is one giant sauna anytime of the year. November to January are the wettest months but the other months are not exactly dry. The only real deterrent is the lack of refreshing winds during March and September. Generally expect average temperatures to reach around 31&#176;C (88&#176;F) during the day and linger around 24&#176;C (75&#176;F) at night.</P>
Dial in code(s):
City code:065
Ethnic Groups:
<p>77% Chinese, 14% Malay, 8% Indian</P>