Travel Guide Before Trip to Singapore

Singapore is a cosmopolitan city-state that became independent from the British in 1965 and is now one of the world's leading financial centers in shipping and banking-- Singapore is pricey by Southeast-Asian requirements, with everything costing about double what it does somewhere else in the area. While most individuals come here for a number of days just "to do" Singapore, I love this city and think it should have longer than that.

There's a lot to do here, some terrific parks by the Malaysian border, and extraordinary (and inexpensive) Chinese and Indian food. Singapore is also moving beyond it's sterile image and quick becoming a city with world-class nightlife.

Typical Costs

Lodging-- Accommodation isn't really low-cost in Singapore. A night in a hostel dorm will cost around 15-30 SGD, and a spending plan hotel starts at 50 SGD for a fundamental double room with fan. Many hotels here are around 80-110 SGD per night.

Food-- There are a lot of affordable eateries around Singapore with street stalls usually offering food for less than 6 SGD per meal. Chinese and Indian food is normally around 8-9 SGD per meal. Many casual dining establishments are around 20 SGD and after that, the sky is the limit.

Transport-- There are lots of buses and taxis around Singapore, however the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) runs the length and breadth of the country. MRT tickets vary in cost, as they are based upon the range took a trip, but normally cost around 4 SGD.

Activities-- On the whole, activities in Singapore are not that expensive. Some, like the Singapore Botanical Gardens and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, are free. Entryway to Singapore Zoo is 32 SGD and Underwater World is 29 SGD.

Cash Saving Tips

Take public transit-- Travel on public transportation is simply 10 SGD per day for travelers with a Singapore Tourist Pass. This will get you unrestricted trips on a variety of buses and trains.

Eat on Smith Street-- The stalls here provide food for less than 6 SGD and are a fantastic place to sample local snacks.

Consume inexpensive-- Save cash on food by consuming in Little India, Chinatown, or the hawker stalls throughout the town. Meals in these places cost just a few dollars.

Leading Things to See and Do

Check out Singapore Zoo-- This zoo is among the best on the planet as well as one of the top attractions in Singapore. Covering a location of 70 acres, this location is huge and has a huge variety of animals: over 3,600 mammals, birds and reptiles. The zoo's night safaris are extremely popular, offering visitors the possibility the stand up close and personal with nocturnal animals. Entrance to the zoo and a night safari expenses 71 SGD. Watch out though, there's no food around here and given that you need to await the night safari to begin, you get stuck eating the overpriced zoo food. See the zoo in the morning and come back at night for the safari.

Eat at the Boat Quay-- Boat Quay is a hive of activity and is the location to go for dining and entertainment. The alfresco pubs and restaurants likewise make Boat Quay suitable for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing. Make sure to bring a video camera to capture the imposing high-rise buildings and strange statues along the riverside.

Hang out (and celebration) on Sentosa-- This little island getaway is popular with residents and travelers alike. Visit the Tiger Sky Tower, Asia's tallest observation tower. At 450 feet, it provides remarkable views over Singapore and Sentosa. The Underwater World aquarium is the piece de resistance on the island; walk through tunnels below sharks, piranhas and eels. Universal Studios is also found on the island. You need to pay to get on to Sentosa. The expense to obtain there on the Sentosa Express is 4 SGD.

Admire Thian Hock Keng Temple-- Stunning architecture makes Thian Hock Keng one of the most photogenic structures you're likely to see in Singapore. The temple was made from the finest materials and finest craftsmen that China needed to offer around the time of its building in the 1840s. The temple was designated as a national monument in 1973.

Hang with the Merlions-- You are sure to see statues of these imaginary animals dotted about Singapore and you can quickly pick up a mini replica of them. The Merlion is Singapore's mascot and has the head of a lion and the body of a fish. The original statute (and most excellent Merlion) can be found in Merlion Park with the 37-meter tall reproduction on Sentosa also deserving a see.

Explore Bukit Timah Naturae Reserve-- Bukit Timah is located within Singapore's only staying stretch of rain forest, and is the country's premier ecotourism attraction. The wildlife identifying here is fantastic and you are most likely to see macaques, squirrels and flying lemurs and numerous types of birds. The reserve is just 30 minutes from the town hall and proves that the city is more than just high rises.

Wander around Chinatown-- Chinatown encompasses two square kilometers of traditional Chinese life, nestled close to the modern-day Central Business District. This continues to be the location to get a genuine sense of Chinese culture within Singapore. The streets are filled with temples, craft shops, stalls and dining establishments and are a terrific place to get a deal.

Travel to Pulau Ubin-- The island of Pulau Ubin is simply off the northeastern coast of Singapore and is a little a throwback to the 1960s with the residents residing in standard villages referred to as "kampongs." This location might not be any various from the CBD-- the locals still use a diesel generator for electricity and bring their water from wells. Rent a bike to take a trip round the island taking in the odd sights, towns and beaches.

Relax in the Singapore Botanic Gardens-- The Botanic Gardens lie close to the city and consist of 52 hectares of specialty gardens and forest. The main attraction within the Gardens is the National Orchid Garden which is home to over 1000 types of orchid, however there is also a ginger garden, a rain forest and various streams and waterfalls to check out.

Consume in Little India-- No journey to Singapore is total without a check out to Little India. Here you can get incredible, inexpensive food, great veggies, and interesting snacks and souvenirs. Make certain you eat at the gigantic lunchroom dining establishments and don't hesitate to consume with your hands!

Learn more about Singapore's History-- For a more cultural experience, visit the former British naval base of Fort Siloso. It's the only preserved fort on the coast of Singapore, and provides a great check out the city-state's complex history. It's a sound, interactive tourist attraction. Entry is 12 SGD.

Check out Sri Mariamman Temple-- This very colorful, ornate temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. It was created in exactly what is called the Dravidian design, and lies in the Chinatown.

View a Free Concert-- The Singapore Symphony Orchestra hosts various complimentary performances at various places around the nation, frequently in parks, or at the racecourse. Examine their site for information.

Visit the MacRitchie Tank Park-- The MacRitchie Tank Park is a piece of nature in the middle of urban spread. Here, you can hike along the eight-kilometer treetop hike, which includes a huge bridge suspended high above the forest floor. It's a beautiful escape from the city.

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