The Sunny Island Set in the Sea …
Do be warned before you step on this sunny island. It is hot and humid, and I mean it! Even though I am a local, it still took me quite a while to adjust to the humidity after I returned from my studies in Western Australia. So, dress light and short if you can!
It does make an awful lot of difference when you walk around town.
The Central Business District
The photo above shows Singapore’s Central Business District by the Singapore River. It is very crowded on weekdays and almost like a ghost town during weekends.
There are two areas that underwent conservation near the CBD. One of them is Boat Quay, which is the stretch along the river behind the bridge.
The other area, which is found on the other side of that bridge, is Clarke Quay.
Historically, the forefathers traded by the river and these conserved buildings were used as godowns and shops.
Now, the area is a favourite hangout for expatriates and professionals working nearby.
The stretch provides a variety of alfresco dining, pubs, bars and restaurants. Do check out the popular jazz bar, Harry’s Quayside, at the Boat Quay.
Economy
Just a little bit more about Singapore, it is well-known as one of the world’s busiest ports.
and Changi Airport has been voted as the best airport in the world for 10 consecutive years.
There are no natural resources in Singapore. Therefore, importance is placed on human
resources, knowledge and skills.
Many companies base their headquarters in Singapore for regional activities in the Asia Pacific.
Besides that, it is also a busy financial hub.
The tourism industry is strong, with about 7 million tourists visiting per year. For more information, look at the Tourism Resource Centre
Language
The national language of Singapore is Malay. However, English is the official language for administration. Other more common languages used are Tamil, Chinese and other dialects.
Most Singaporeans tend to speak ‘Singlish’ and they speak really fast. This is English with mixed expressions of Malay and Chinese Dialects.
Often, they tend to slang with ‘Lah’ s and ‘Loh’ s.
For example, “I don’t want lah!”
Visitors do tend to get puzzled and have difficulty understanding.
Just remember, listen and leave out the ‘lah-loh’ bit, you will probably figure it out soon enough. Interestingly, the shops do sell t-shirts with big printed ‘Lah’ s and ‘Loh’ s for tourists and the locals to wear. Some even attempt to speak Singlish. I must say, it is quite a humourous affair, and a wonder at how English evolved into Singlish!
Well, I guess I will start of the first guide with what’s happening in Singapore now.
These festivals are on around May to July every year. It would be a real pity to miss them.
So if you do drop by to this hot sunny island at mid-year, sample the food, enjoy the performances and shop like crazy!
What’s Happening in Singapore
There are three mid-year events that take place, usually between the months of May to July.
Do check out the websites for the actual dates each year.
I guess this is self-explanatory. During the sale, shoppers can find really good bargains of up to 70% or more, and sometimes with freebies thrown in. The main shopping district is at Orchard Road. Almost all the shops participate in the sale. Do expect to queue up at the cashiers, fitting rooms, and even for transport or anything. If you can, go during the week as the weekends are really squeezed tight with hordes of people.
By the way, it is tax-free shopping for tourists who spend S$300 or more. Seriously, I don’t think you would spend that little anyway, unless you are on a really tight budget! Just remember to get your tax refund cheque and make your claim at the Departure Hall at Changi Airport before you fly off.
The annual festival is organised by the National Arts Council. Performers from all over the world are engaged. Performances include Dance, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts and Fringe Events.
Most are free but some require ticket admission. Check with
SISTIC for ticketing information. Best to do advance online booking to prevent disappointment, especially if the performances are popular!
Well, other than being well-known for its shopping, Singapore is also known for its variety of food due to its multi-cultural background. Go to food fairs and sample the food. You can expect to find Western, Malay, Indian, Peranakan, Japanese and other specialities. Hmm … yummy!
Check the Singapore Food Festival website for the Food Fest Calender.
Yours Truly …
I am a local. Love to go places, take photos and basically
get “soaked” into the culture.
I do own a pair of Blundstone booties which I bought from
Australia. However, it is too hot to wear such a thing in
Singapore, but I still look at them and think of where I have
trekked with them.
Visit my website at Tikita’s Island
History
This tiny fishing village was founded by a British East India
Company official, Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles, in
1819. The settlement came about so that the British could
secure their trade against the Dutch in the Far East region.
Quirky Facts
It is unknown how Singapore actually got its name. The
most popular legend being a Sumatran Prince who came
ashore after a shipwreck, and spotted a beast. His advisors
then told him that it was a lion (Singa). Thus, the name
Singapura came about.
Was also known as Temasek which means “Sea Town”.
Singapore is also well-known for its fines imposed on
littering, smoking in air-conditioned areas, spitting and
flushing of toilets. Death penalty for drug trafficking and
possession.
Geography
96km North of the Equator.
At the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia, separated by the
Straits of Johor.
The main island covers 647.5 sq.km, together with 60 other
little islands.
Climate
Temperature ranges between 23 to 33 degrees Celsius. Humidity is
high at about 84.4%. Subject to NE and SW monsoon.
Do roam around in light clothing.
Transport
Very assessible and easy to navigate around.
Check out the online transport guides:
Mass Rapid Transit
Singapore Bus Services
Trans-Island Bus
Buy the Singapore Explorer ticket for unlimited rides or hop
on the Singapore Trolley for a sightseeing option.
Currency
The Singapore Dollar (SGD). Banks and licensed money
changers do offer better exchange rates than hotels.
Do scout around town area and compare the rates.
Dining
Due to its multi-racial society, you can expect to find a
variety of Western, Malay, Indian and Chinese food.
Other flavours can also be found around town.
Look out for reasonably priced ‘all-you-can-eat’ buffets.
Coffee Places
Visitors can find numerous coffee joints all
around town:
Starbucks Coffee,
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf,
Seattle Coffee Company,
The Coffee Club,
Dome.
Arts & Music
Visitors can catch various performances.
Check out the for
The National Arts Council for schedules and SISTIC for
ticketing information.
You can book your tickets online.
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