Singapore Travel Guide

Many people marvel at the beauty of Singapore and her progressiveness. Most impressive to note is that she was formerly just a humble fishing village, inhabited by an indigenous settlement.

Fast forward to today. Singapore is a bustling cosmopolitan city populated with high-rise buildings and landscape gardens. Brimming with a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture, Singapore is a dynamic city that’s rich in contrast and color. In fact, you can even say that Singapore embodies the finest of both East and West.

Located in Southeast Asia, Singapore has a land area of about 710 square kilometers, making her one of the smallest countries in the world and the smallest in the region – hence the moniker “The Little Red Dot”. Although small in size, Singapore commands an enormous presence in the world today with its free trade economy and highly efficient workforce. Also, her strategic location in the region has enabled her to become a central sea port along major shipping routes.

Other than having a sound business infrastructure and favorable economic climate, another factor for Singapore’s rapid growth is due to a stable and competent ruling government. Singapore is a parliamentary republic with a political system that’s centered on democracy.

History

Singapore was a swampy fishing village when Sir Stamford Raffles founded it as a trading post for the British East India Company in 1819; and today it is a thriving and progressive metropolis. Founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew contributed largely to the rise and success of modern Singapore from the time its independence in 1965. Its resilient people are its main resource and its population of over 4 million comprising Chinese(over 70%), Malays, Indians and other ethnic groups form an integrated multi-cultural society.

Attractions

Singapore boasts some of the region’s best attractions. Highly acclaimed would be the Singapore Zoological Gardens, the Night Safari, the Jurong Bird Park, Sentosa Island, Resort and the Singapore Botanic Gardens with its National Orchid Gardens.

Explore the main ethnic enclaves like Chinatown, Little India and Geylang Serai to get a glimpse of the varied flavors of different cultures and way of life.

Luxury Travel in Singapore
The Republic of Singapore is a lively Southeast Asian city-state marked by the enticing combination of urban prosperity, modern refinement, and multicultural spirit. Now free of its once-staid image, Singapore is now a fashionable destination of visual and culinary delights. Luxury travel in Singapore offers visitors a myriad of attractions, in Asia’s cleanest and safest urban landscape.  From the cosmopolitan center to the outer beaches, Autism Travel Specialists.com’s Singapore tours will take you deep into the heart of the Lion City.

Despite its small size, Singapore is a tremendously important port and one of the wealthiest nations of the world. The people of Singapore are a diverse mix, and the variety adds a rich cultural dimension to luxury travel in Singapore, particularly if visiting during a festival or holiday. Chinatown and Little India are exciting neighborhoods to visit any time of year and annual celebrations like Chinese New Year, the Hungry Ghost Festival, the Buddhist Vesak Day, and the Hindu festival of lights known as Deepavali, are just a few of many holidays that fill Singapore’s streets with color and decorations. Beyond the festivities, luxury travel in Singapore offers an assortment of other activities to enjoy, the likes of which include extraordinary shopping, hikes through the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, and visits to historical sites and buildings. Our Singapore tours bring travelers to the helm of this diverse cultural hub, a verdant urban landscape and an impressive city that embraces four official languages and a contemporary art and culinary scene all its own.

Singapore Tours
Kick back with a luxury Singapore vacation and enjoy the marvelous hotels, restaurants, and high-end shopping that the bustling metropolis has to offer. Your options for private luxury travel to Singapore are bountiful, and whether you are drawn to the city for business, pleasure, or both, the team at Autism Travel Specialists can plan customized Singapore tours to suit your schedule and interests. Singapore is the ultimate destination for modern Asian indulgence, and our Singapore private luxury tours never disappoint.

Hotel Accommodation

Singapore offers a wide range of hotels – from comfortable to 3-star to grand 5-star and super-deluxe accommodation. Most hotels are located in two main areas -Orchard Road and Marina Square. And traveling time to the airport is no more then 30 minutes.

Sightseeing Tours

An interesting selection of daily-sightseeing tours are available focusing on the unique features of our island’s attractions in addition to daily tours to Malaysia and the Indonesian Islands.

Eating Out

Singapore is unquestionably a food paradise…and our popular pastime-eating-goes on anytime and anywhere. This is due to the wonderful array of cuisines and dishes stemming from a diversified racial mix. You can venture to the inexpensive hawker stalls and food malls or indulge in chic cafes and stylish restaurants where you’ll find both ambiance and memorable food.

Entertainment

You can also unwind and relax at many nightspots, drink at elegant wine bars, or lively beer pubs or listen to jazz and pop bands located around the city.

The Performing Arts

The Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is Singapore’s leading mega performing arts complex where most renowned musicals and plays are regularly staged in the finest state-of-the-art theatres with brilliant acoustics.

The Esplanade, a venue worth a visit, is an amazing architectural feat with its imposing twin durian-domed structures.

Shopping

Shopping is an irresistible pastime as there’s a marvelous range of products from high fashions to the latest utilities. Watch out for the annual Great Singapore Sale(June-July) – the shopping extravaganza with remarkable offers.

Goods and Services Tax

A 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is levied on most goods and services. Visitors may apply for a refund of the GST paid on goods worth $100 or more at affiliated retailers.

Getting Around

Getting around Singapore is easy and inexpensive. Apart from the excellent bus service, the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) offers a comfortable and efficient way of travelling fares starting from S$0.90.

Hailing a taxi is a breeze as there’s an abundant supply of air-conditioned taxis. Fare starts from $2.50 for the first 1 km or part thereof, but different fare structures. Surcharges apply at certain places, time periods and days. There are also additional charges for travelling on roads under the Electronic Road Pricing Scheme, which will be added to the metered fare.

Gateway City

Located in the heart of South East Asia, Singapore is the ideal connecting point to the region whether it be to Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam or Indonesia.

Besides, regular flights from Changi Airport take you to all the surrounding regions.

Airport

Ranked among the top airports in the world, Changi Airport offers unparalleled service and features. Facilities include business centers, over 100 tax-free shops, 24-hour medical center in Terminal 2, Internet centers, transit hotel rooms, showers and gym facilities to name a few.

Drinking Water

It is perfectly safe to drink water straight from the tap in Singapore.

Drug Abuse

Those convicted of possessing and trafficking in drugs will face severe penalties including jail sentences and/or the death penalty.

Electricity

Singapore’s voltage is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second.

Littering

In line with our clean and green Images there are strict laws against any kind of littering which is subject to fines.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in public transport, all air-conditioned private and public buildings, lifts, theaters, cinemas, restaurants and eateries, hair salons, supermarkets, shopping centers, bus stops and taxi stands.

Weather

Located just 2 degrees north of the equator, Singapore enjoys warm tropical weather throughout the year. The average daily temperature is from 25 Celsius to 33 Celsius. Rainfall is heavier during the N.E Monsoon November-January and the hottest months are July-August.

What to Wear

Light summer clothing is the most comfortable. Most restaurants do not restrict type of dress and would accept smart casual attire.

Exchange Rate

In October 2017, US$0.73= S$1.00 (Singapore Dollars).

Important Things to Know:

Passport Requirement: Yes
Visa Requirement: No. Travel up to 90 days without a visa.
This Destination is Best For: Theme Parks, Culture, Culinary, History and Eco-Adventure
Is This a Family-Friendly Destination: Yes
Best Time To Travel to This Destination: February to April, but year-round destination.
Recommended Vaccinations: Vaccination for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.