SINGAPORE

A nexus of Asian political and economic life, Singapore is a cutting-edge urban space that blends Chinese, Indian and Malay cultures with British colonial influences. Prowl the buzzing shopping scenes on Haji Lane and the tree-lined Orchard Road, get a feel for the city’s cultural heritage at its unique museums, and taste gastronomic excellence in its markets and at one of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants.

GETTING THERE

Singapore’s award-winning Changi International Airport (SIN) is located approximately 30 minutes from the city. Visitors can take a metered taxi downtown for about $20, including the airport surcharge; or use the airport shuttle service, a coach bus that travels to all major hotels for about $7.20 per adult and $4.80 per child. Open 24 hours a day, booking counters for the shuttle can be found in all three of the airport’s terminals.

GETTING AROUND

The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system offers trains and public buses that travel to the main areas of the city and the farther parts of the island. Pick up a stored-value EZ-Link fare card in MRT stations or a Singapore Tourist Pass, which allows unlimited travel on MRT trains and buses for one (about $8), two ($12.80) or three ($16) days. There is a refundable $8 deposit.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Chinatown Heritage Centre
Get a glimpse into the lives of the early Chinese sinkheh (migrants) to the promised land of Singapore at the Chinatown Heritage Centre. The museum recreates street scenes and original interiors of shophouses from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Singapore Botanic Gardens
Retreat from the hustle and bustle of downtown Singapore and take a stroll through the sprawling Botanic Gardens, an urban oasis open daily 5 a.m. to midnight. Admire the National Orchid Garden’s collection of 60,000 beautiful plants and many-colored orchids and then wine and dine at one of its eateries.

Singapore Flyer
Singapore’s version of the London Eye, the Singapore Flyer is the world’s largest observation wheel, offering visitors panoramic views of the colorful city and the Indonesian and Malaysian coastlines on a clear day. Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., tickets cost about $26 for a 30-minute ride.

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

Hungry Ghost Festival
A Taoist celebration honoring the departed, the Hungry Ghost Festival is held during Ghost Month, usually between August and September. In Taoist belief, spirits come back to visit their families at this time, and in order to pay their respects, the living present offerings in the form of prayer, fruit, food and outdoor concerts. Everyone is welcome to watch how the traditional rites are practiced, but don’t sit in the front row — it’s reserved for the spirits.

Singapore Arts Festival
One of Asia’s leading arts festivals, the Singapore Arts Festival brings together internationally acclaimed and local artists annually, usually mid-year. Celebrating cultural diversity and artistic spirit, the festival features some 75 acts including art, dance, theater and music performances from various countries.

Singapore Food Festival
Held annually from the end of June to the end of July, the Singapore Food Festival is a foodie’s paradise. Discover the unique cultures of the island while satisfying your taste buds with specialty dishes from Chinese, Malay, Indian and Peranakan cuisines.

RESOURCES

For more information, visit yoursingapore.com