Singapore before dawn © night86mare

Beguil ing Singapore is a modern city - state embracing economic progress againstthe backdrop of age -old tradition. The customs that underpin community l ifeare created out of a cultural mix that includes predominantly Chinese, Indianand Malay ethnic groups.

Singapore is an island off the southern tip of Malaysia, l inked to it by acauseway. It evolved from a sleepy fishing vil lage in the early 1900s to becomeone of Asia's economic leaders. Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles landed onSingapore's northern bank in 1819 and felt that its location made it ideal as atrading station. From here Singapore's landscape was transformed by Britishcolonial rule, Japanese occupation, Communist insurrection and finally,independence. Since becoming a republic in 1965 the island has experienced increased prosperity and exponentialeconomic growth. Shimmering skyscrapers tower above the slick financial districts and elegant colonial buildingspreserve a l ingering old-world charm.

Singapore's full calendar of events showcases a spectrum of cultural celebrations and shopping activit ies. The earlysummer months bustle in anticipation of the Singapore Sale - a time when tourists can cash in on the competitiveprices of electronic equipment, jewellery and other merchandise. The business activity thrives amidst thecelebration of Chinese, Hindu and Muslim festivals that punctuate the year with their colourful representations.These include the Chinese New Year, Ramadan, Hari Raya Puasa, Vesak Day, the Dragon Boat Festival, Festival ofthe Hungry Ghosts and Thaipusam.

The core of downtown Singapore is formed by the Colonial District embell ished by cathedrals and cricket lawns.The notable sites of the area include the Empress Place Building and the luxurious Raffles Hotel. Although most ofold Singapore has been demolished to make way for the modern city, many major landmarks within the Colonialdistrict have been preserved. The surrounding ethnic enclaves of Little India, Chinatown and the Arab Quarters alsoprovide glimpses into the traditions that have sustained their respective communities through the centuries.

SINGAPORE

Basics

Time: Local time is GMT +8.Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin, square- shaped plugs are in use.Money: Singapore's currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD), which is divided into 100 cents. The US and AustralianDollars, Yen and British Pound are also accepted in the larger shopping centres. Major credit cards are accepted inhotels, shops and restaurants. ATMs are widely distributed and banks advance cash against the major credit cards.Travellers cheques can be cashed at banks or l icensed moneychangers and at selected hotels. Banks are opendaily, but some do not do foreign exchange on Saturdays.

Currency Exchange Rates

SGD1.00 SGD5.00 SGD10.00 SGD100.00 SGD1,000.00

A$ 0.90 A$ 4.49 A$ 8.99 A$ 89.89 A$ 898.89

C$ 0.77 C$ 3.84 C$ 7.69 C$ 76.86 C$ 768.62

€ 0.49 € 2.47 € 4.93 € 49.30 € 493.00

NZ$ 1.10 NZ$ 5.51 NZ$ 11.03 NZ$ 110.28 NZ$ 1,102.76

R 5.59 R 27.97 R 55.94 R 559.43 R 5,594.32

£ 0.43 £ 2.15 £ 4.30 £ 43.02 £ 430.24

US$ 0.69 US$ 3.43 US$ 6.86 US$ 68.60 US$ 685.97

Note: These rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.Language: Singapores official languages are English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. A patois called Singlish, orSingaporean English is widely spoken. It is the by-product of mixing English, Chinese and Malay syntax and idiom.

a stay of up to 30 days, providing a free Social Visit Pass is obtained on arrival. Extensions are possible for a fee

Passport/Visa Note: Travellers should hold confirmed documents and tickets for onward or return travel andenough funds to cover their stay. Male travellers with long hair are advised to tie their hair back on arrival.Women who are six months pregnant or more may be refused entry. All nationals, regardless of visa requirements,may be issued with a Social Visitor's Pass on arrival allowing for a stay of 14 or 30 days provided their visit is fortouristic or business purposes. Extensions are possible for S$40, but the initial Pass is free. Passports must bevalid for at least six months from date of arrival.Health: Travellers from countries where there is an incidence of yellow fever need to have immunization recordson arrival in Singapore. There are excellent medical facil it ies in Singapore. There is a high risk of dengue fever.Visitors should avoid poorly cooked food, particularly seafood, and be cautious of certain types of fish that containbiotoxins even if cooked. Health care is excellent but also very expensive and medical insurance is advised.Tipping: Tipping is not encouraged as most hotels and restaurants in Singapore already levy a 10% service chargeon customers' bil ls. Tipping is not a way of l ife in Singapore, but is appreciated for excellent service.Climate: Singapore's cl imate is mostly hot and humid with average temperatures ranging between 79°F (26°C)and 86°F (30°C) during the day with cooler temperatures at night. The wettest months are between November andJanuary (the monsoon period); however rainfall occurs throughout the year. Rainstorms are usually short butheavy, so remember to take an umbrella.Safety: Singapore is a very safe travel destination with crime limited to the odd theft. The Singapore Governmenthas stepped up security measures following the terrorist attacks in Bali and is committed to maintainingSingapore's reputation as a safe destination.Customs: Singapore is a fairly diverse society and has been moulded by its immigrant population, primarily Malay,Chinese and Indian, along with the large ex -pat community. The city is incredibly efficient and the citizens verylaw-abiding - there are fines issued for just about any offence in Singapore, including S$500 for smoking in publicplaces, S$50 for jaywalking, S$1,000 for l ittering and S$500 for eating, drinking or chewing gum on the MRT.There are even fines for not flushing public toilets so it goes without saying that getting involved in i l legal drugs isnot advisable; trafficking carries a maximum penalty of death. Chinese Singaporeans have three names, the first ofwhich is their surname, or family name. As a result visitors should be prepared for hotels mistakenly reservingrooms under their f irst names. For clarity surnames may be underlined.Business: Business in Singapore is conducted formally. The adherence to a dress code is strict, with suits thepreferred business attire. Punctuality is essential in all business meetings, unlike social engagements where a'fashionably - late' policy is observed. Appointments should be made at least two weeks in advance. The exchange ofbusiness cards is vital at introductions and the ceremony of it is important for creating good relations. Businesscards are to be treated with respect and not folded, written upon or vandalised in any way. Shaking hands is thecommon form of greeting for both men and women and may last up to 10 seconds. The person is to be addressedby their respective tit le followed by their surname. It is a good idea to ask beforehand how the person is correctlyaddressed as this may vary depending on the different cultures within Singapore. Business hours are generally 9amto 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken over lunch.Communications: The international access code for Singapore is +65. The outgoing code is either 001, 002, 008or 018, depending on the service provider, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00144 for the UnitedKingdom). City or area codes are not used. Public phones are good for local and international calls; they takecredit cards or phonecards, which can be bought at newspaper kiosks and Telecom shops. Calls made from hotelsare free of any surcharges. Several local mobile phone operators use GSM 900/1800 networks. Email and Internetaccess is available at Internet cafes throughout the city.Duty Free: Travellers to Singapore over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 1 l itre of wine, spirits and beer.Chewing gum and tobacco products must be declared on arrival. Strictly prohibited is the trafficking in i l legaldrugs, which carries the death sentence. Prohibited items include meat and meat products, and firearms andexplosives without a permit.

The S ingapore sky l ine © Chr i s topher Chan

SINGAPORE

Beguil ing Singapore is a modern city - state embracing economic progress againstthe backdrop of age -old tradition. The customs that underpin community l ife arecreated out of a cultural mix that includes predominantly Chinese, Indian andMalay ethnic groups.

Singapore is an island off the southern tip of Malaysia, l inked to it by a causeway.It evolved from a sleepy fishing vil lage in the early 1900s to become one of Asia'seconomic tigers. Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles landed on Singapore's northern bankin 1819 and felt that its location made it ideal as a trading station. From hereSingapore's landscape was transformed by British colonial rule, Japaneseoccupation, Communist insurrection and finally, independence. Since becoming arepublic in 1965 the island has experienced increased prosperity and exponential economic growth. Shimmeringskyscrapers tower above the slick financial districts and elegant colonial buildings preserve a l ingering old-worldcharm.

Singapore's full calendar of events showcases a spectrum of cultural celebrations and shopping activit ies. The earlysummer months bustle in anticipation of the Singapore Sale - a time when tourists can cash in on the competitiveprices of electronic equipment, jewellery and other merchandise. The business activity thrives amidst thecelebration of Chinese, Hindu and Muslim festivals that punctuate the year with their colourful representations.These include the Chinese New Year, Ramadan, Hari Raya Puasa, Vesak Day, the Dragon Boat Festival, Festival ofthe Hungry Ghosts and Thaipusam.

The core of downtown Singapore is formed by the Colonial District embell ished by cathedrals and cricket lawns.The notable sites of the area include the Empress Place Building and the luxurious Raffles Hotel. Although most ofold Singapore has been demolished to make way for the modern city, many major landmarks within the Colonialdistrict have been preserved. The surrounding ethnic enclaves of Little India, Chinatown and the Arab Quarters alsoprovide glimpses into the traditions that have sustained their respective communities through the centuries.

Attractions

Raffles Hotel

The Raffles Hotel is a grand Victorian edifice rising from the pavements of the colonial district. Its elegant charmhas enticed writers and entertainers such as Somerset Maugham, Rudyard Kipling, Joseph Conrad and CharlieChaplin. Singapore Slings have become the hallmark of the Long Bar. Here ceil ing fans whirr above the heads ofexpatriates and tourists as they sip smart cocktails in superb comfort. The Tiff in Room is best known for itsafternoon teas and sumptuous Saturday night buffets.Gin and tonics alongside the odd game of snooker can be enjoyed at the Bar & Bil l iard. Other distractions includean upper- level museum containing vignettes and photographs on the l ives of Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor,Richard Burton and Noel Coward, as well as a Victorian - style playhouse and numerous specialty shops andrestaurants.Address: 1 Beach Road; Telephone : 6337 1886; Website: www.raffleshotel.com ; Transport: The hotel islocated on Beach Road and can be reached by MRT from City Hall Station Chinatown

Chinatown is set against the backdrop of Singapore's modern infrastructure and the prosperous financial district. Itis a crowded and colourful network of streets and alleyways contained by Upper Pickering Street, CantonmentRoad, New Bridge and South Bridge Road. The area is a receptacle of traditional Chinese customs that werecarried by the communities in Chinese Junks from the provinces of Guangdong and Fujian to Singapore in the early19th century. Temples, terraces, markets and shops sti l l provide a glimpse of the old ways but much of its originalcharacter has been lost in the redevelopment of the past 30 years. Yixing Xuan's Teahouse provides a fascinatinginsight into the ancient, ritualistic art of tea-making while a visit to the Thian Hock Keng Temple leaves one inawe of Chinese traditions of worship and symbolism. The streets of the district offer traditional healing practices.Here snake skins are blended with herbs and spices to produce powerful potions for various ailments. Brightlycoloured exotic fruit interject the marketplace with l ively displays of Rambutan, Durian and Mangosteen. Thestreets are a delight for bargain hunters looking to buy kimonos, jewellery, t - shirts, pottery and traditional crafts.Tanjong Pagar is the area best known for its traditional crafts such as painted masks, paper umbrellas, clogs andkites. Electronic goods, luggage, texti les and other more conventional products can be found in Chinatown'smodern section located at the intersection of Cross, New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Street.Transport: To reach China Town by MRT, the nearest station is Outram Park (EW16) or Chinatown (NE4) Little India

The first Indian settlers arrived with Sir Stamford Raffles in the early 19th century, bringing with them colourfulsi lks, aromatic spices, incense and other accoutrements of Indian culture. They worked on the roads and helpedbuild the infrastructure of the city, settl ing within the ethnic enclave that has become known as Little India. Thearea is delineated by the north - south Serangoon Road, which runs parallel to Race Course Road. Its eastern endstretches to Jalan Besar. Temples, fortune - tellers, busy restaurants, stirring curry spices, jasmine garlands and theexotic hues of si lk saris fi l l the vibrant streets to create a colourful ensemble. Little India is at its best during theHindu Festival of Lights when the area is festooned with decorative l ighting displays.Website: www.litt leindia.com.sg; Transport: Little India is a 15 -minute walk from the Colonial District, BencoolenStreet or Beach Road. From Orchard Road, bus 65 or 111 to Serangoon Road. By MRT travel to Dhoby Ghaut, andfrom there on foot or Bus 65 or 111 Kampong Gelam and Arab Street

Kampong Gelam is said to have taken its name from the Gelam tribe of sea gypsies who lived in the original Malayvil lage southwest of the Rochor River. Sir Stamford Raffles allotted the area as an ethnic enclave to the Muslimpopulation and it became the focal point for Arab trade and traditional Malay culture. Baghdad, Muscat Street andHaji Lane resonate with tradition as cane, straw, rattan and pandan leaf goods spil l out onto the streets. Thespectrum of fabrics flowing onto the pavements of Arab Street comprise chiffon, si lk, cotton georgette and includethe batiks of Indonesia and Malaysia. Located between Kandahar and Aliwal streets is the Istana Kampong Gelam.It was built as the royal palace of Sultan Ali Iskandar Shah, the son of Sultan Hussein who negotiated thehandover of Singapore to Britain. The government recently took possession of the building with plans to transformit into a Malay heritage museum. Another significant building in the area is the Sultan Mosque (open daily 9am to1pm and 2pm to 4pm). The glistening necks of the domes are decorated with the bases of thousands of glassbottles.Transport: The Arab Quarter is a 10 -minute walk from Bencoolen Street. Take bus 7 from Orchard Road toVictoria Street, if commuting by MRT, stop at Bugis Singapore Zoological Gardens

The Singapore Zoo has been thoughtfully created to simulate the natural habitats of its resident animals. Eightzones recreate the geographic regions of the animals indigenous to it and include the South East Asian rainforest,African savannah, Nepalese river valley, Burmese jungle and South American pampas. These vistas can also beexplored after daytime during the famous Night Safari, bil led as the first of its kind. The zoo can be exploredalong its meandering walking trails or from the comfort of a tram that winds its way along a circular route. It ishome to more than 2,000 animals representing over 240 species, the highlights of which include the Komododragons, polar bears and primate kingdom. Animal shows are held daily, and children can enjoy camel rides orshare food with an orang-utan in the zoo's Children's World section. A Guide to the Zoo is available on arrival withdetails of feeding times and other activit ies. It includes a map and suggested it ineraries incorporating the majorshows and attractions.Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road; Telephone : 6269 3411; Website: www.zoo.com.sg ; Transport: Bus 171 fromthe city to Mandai Road and transfer to 927 at the first bus stop. Or take MRT to Ang Mo Kio to connect with bus138; Opening time : The zoo is open daily from 8.30am to 6pm; Admission: S$15 (adults), S$7.50 (children).Zoo and Night Safari: S$30 (adults), S$15 (children) Jurong Birdpark

The park is contained within a 20 -hectare (49-acre) stretch of land in the Jurong Lake area. It is one of theworld’s most extensive bird collections and the largest in South East Asia. Eight thousand birds comprising 600different species inhabit the park and range from Antarctic penguins to New Zealand kiwis. Walkingtrails cut through the tropical landscape. Incredible sights to look out for include the Waterfall Aviary, which at98ft (30m) it is the world’s highest manmade waterfall. The Penguin Parade has a large pool set against alandscape of rocks, cl iffs, nesting alcoves and burrows; it has a viewing gallery where visitors can seepenguins 'f lying' underwater through a 98ft (30m) wide window. The South East Asian Bird Aviary is a breathtakingspectacle that includes the experience of a simulated thunderstorm. Other bird shows feature flamingos, macaws,hornbil ls and cockatoos. The park also includes facil it ies for young children to enjoy including the new Splash 'nSlide Station.Telephone : 6265 0022; Website: www.birdpark.com.sg ; Transport: Take the MRT to Boon Lay Station and takeSBS bus 194 or 251; Opening time : Daily 9am to 6pm; Admission: S$16 for adults, S$8 for children. Concessionsand packages available Singapore Art Museum

The beautifully restored building (formerly St Joseph's School for boys) rests serenely on Bras Basah Road. Themuseum has 14 galleries that showcase the national art collection and plays host to a range of special exhibitionsand outreach programmes. More than 7,000 permanent artworks represent the largest collection of 20th centurySoutheast Asian art. Tours are available in English, Japanese and Mandarin.

Address: 71 Bras Basah Road; Telephone : 6332 3222; Website: www.singart.com; Transport: Take the MRT toDhoby Ghaut (N1) or City Hall Station (C2). SBS bus 7, 14, 16, 36, 97, 131 or 162; Opening time : Monday toSunday 10am to 7pm. Extended hours on Friday until 9pm ; Admission: Regular shows: S$3 (adults), concessionsS$1.50. Blockbuster shows: S$5 (adults), concessions S$2.50. Free entry after 6pm on Fridays Singapore Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens sweep across an area of 52 hectares (128 acres) constituted by primary forest and specialtygardens in close proximity to the city centre. The National Orchid Garden is the world's largest orchid gardenfeaturing more than 20,000 varieties set amongst water features and an exotic bromeliad collection from South andCentral America. The park also contains many rare plant specimens in addition to the specialty gardens decoratedwith frangipanis, roses, ferns and desert plants. Outdoor concerts in the gardens can be enjoyed on the SymphonyLake or French cuisine can be savoured at the Au Jardin restaurant.Address: 1 Cluny Road; Telephone : 6471 7361; Website: www.sbg.org.sg; Transport: SBS bus 7, 105, 123 and174 or SMRT 75, 77 and 106 from Holland Road; SBS bus 66, 151, 153 and 154, or SMRT 67 and 171 from BukitTimah Road; Opening time : Daily 5am to 12pm; Orchard Garden: 8.30am to 7pm; Admission: Free, but there isa S$5 charge for the Orchid Garden Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Singapore and Rio de Janeiro are the world’s only two cities to contain primary rainforest within their boundaries.Bukit Timah is located seven miles (12km) from Singapore’s centre. It is a 164-hectare (405 -acre) reservepreserving a variety of tree and animal species including flying lemurs, long- tailed macaque monkeys andanteaters. Designated walking and cycle trails undulate through the dense jungle and its highest point is markedby Bukit Timah at 538ft (164m).Telephone : 6468 5736; Website: www.nparks.gov.sg ; Transport: SBS bus 170, or TIBs 67, 75, 171, 173, 184,852 and 961; Opening time : Daily 8.30am to 6.30pm; Admission: Free Chinese and Japanese Gardens

Chinese and Japanese landscape designs are embodied in these neighbouring gardens. The Imperial Sung Dynastystyle is cl ipped to perfection within the13 -hectare (33-acre) Chinese Garden. It boasts the world's largest Suzhou-style Bonsai garden outside of China, containing over 1,000 plants. The symmetry and simplicity of Zen aestheticsis the motif of the Japanese Gardens with its peaceful rock gardens and summerhouses.Address: 1 Chinese Garden Road; Telephone : 6261 3632; Transport: Take the MRT to the Chinese Garden stop;Opening time : Daily 6am to 11pm; Admission: Free, but there is a S$5 charge for the Bonsai Garden Sentosa Island

The theme-park island is a popular weekend spot and one of the most visited attractions in Singapore. A day'sexcursion could turn into an overnight stay in any one of the hotels or camping sites. The island is enveloped by ahigh- speed monorail and l inked to downtown Singapore by a 1,640ft (500m) causeway and cable car system.Entertainment ranges from soaking up the sun on the imported - sand beaches to visit ing a variety of entertainmentareas. From a moving walkway one can experience the sea l ife of The Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon. TheImages of Singapore Exhibition explores Singapore's history in l ife- size dioramas. On the furthest western point ofthe island l ies Fort Siloso from which Singapore guarded its territory against invading Japanese forces. Otherattractions include the Merlion, the Musical Fountain and the Sentosa Luge. A distinctive landmark is the CarlsbergSky Tower, Asia's tallest free- standing observation tower, which affords the best views of Singapore as well asbreathtaking vistas across Sentosa and the Southern Islands, and even Malaysia and Indonesia on clear days.Telephone : 1800 736 8672; Website: www.sentosa.com.sg ; Transport: The orange Sentosa bus leaves from theHarbourFront Bus interchange; Admission: S$2. Additional fees are charged for individual attractions Changi Museum

It was here, during WW II, that All ied POW soldiers were subjected to harsh treatment at the hands of theirJapanese captors. Changi Prison is sti l l in use as a correctional facil ity and it is the place of execution forconvicted drug offenders. Half a mile (1km) from the old site, next to the prison, is the new Changi Chapel andMuseum. The display of photographs, letters and drawings in the museum are a moving tribute to the legacy ofthe Japanese occupation. During this period that spanned three and a half years more than 50,000 civi l ians andsoldiers were captured and imprisoned. Visitors have access to a variety of videos and literature relating to the waryears.Address: 1000 Upper Changi Road North; Telephone : 6214 2451; Website: www.changimuseum.com;Transport: SBS bus 2 from Tanah Merah MRT Station or SBS bus 29 from Tampines MRT Station; Opening time :Daily 9.30am to 5pm (final admission 4.30pm); Admission: Free Pulau Ubin

The island of Ubin provides a peaceful interlude to the city's bustle and can be reached by boat from Changi Point.The boat docks at Ubin vil lage, a Malay settlement where houses perch quietly on sti lts above the beach sand andmangrove. Beyond this point one can explore the island by mountain bike and enjoy its pristine beaches fringedwith coconut palms, its variety of seafood restaurants and restful Buddhist temples scattered here and there.Transport: To get there, bumboats transport passengers from Changi Point for about S$2 one way throughout theday Haw Par Villa

Located along Pasir Panjang Road, Haw Par Vil la was previously known as Tiger Balm Gardens and subsequentlyrenamed after its original owners. The Aw brothers, Boon Haw and Boon Par (who made their fortune from thewell - known Tiger Balm ointment) opened the park in 1937. It is inspired by Chinese legend and mythology asrepresented by the display of grotesque and gaudy statues, the coup de grâce of which are depicted in The TenCourts of Hell.Address: 262 Pasir Panjang Road; Telephone : 6872 2780; Transport: To get there take by MRT to the BuonaVista stop (W7); by bus SBS No.10, 30 or 188 from the World Trade Centre, No. 143 from Orchard Road or No. 51from Chinatown; Opening time : Daily 9am to 7pm; Admission: Free

On the fringe of the Arts Belt and close to several art museums, the 2nd red dot design museum was establishedin Singapore in November 2005. It is the host of the red dot design awards, where products and brandscommunicate their design distinction. The museum intrigues, inspires and entices visitors with interactiveinstallations and remarkable exhibitions. It is the heart of design and creative activit ies including conferences,exhibitions and parties. The museum is the venue for the annual red dot design award celebrations, the mostsignificant event in the design calendar. The red dot design museum supports MAAD, a market for original creativeworks in fashion, art, craft and design.Address: 28 Maxwell Road; Telephone : +65 6327 8027; Website: www.red-dot.org ; Transport: The nearestMRT station is 0.15km away. Take the East West Line (Green) and stop at "Tanjong Pagar" (EW15).; Openingtime : Monday, Tuesday and Friday 11am to 6pm (closed on Wednesday and Thursday); Saturday and Sunday 11amto 8pm.; Admission: Adults: SGD 8.00, Children (under 12): SGD 4.00. Free admission during MAAD.

Airports

Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

Location: The airport is located 14 miles (23km) from the city.Time: GMT +8.Contacts: Tel: +65 6542 1122.Transfer between terminals: A free Skytrain runs between the three terminals.Getting to the city: The MRT train departs from Changi Airport MRT Station, located under Terminals 2 and 3.Trains depart from 5.30am to midnight, cost S$2.70 and take around 27 minutes. A public bus service to the cityhas regular departures from 6am to midnight, and can be found in the lower levels of each terminal. The 1 hourjourney costs S$2. In addition there is an airport shuttle service between the airport and the city centre and mosthotels in Singapore; the buses leave when all six seats have been fi l led or every 15 to 30 minutes. The cost is S$9per adult, S$6 per child.Car rental: Avis, Budget and Hertz are all represented at the airport, however for visitors staying in the city it 'sbest to take taxis or the excellent public transport system.Airport Taxis: Taxis to Singapore central are available from outside the arrivals hall of both terminals; the fare tothe city centre is about S$25 with a travel time of around 25 minutes. Bookings can be made at the airport shuttlecounters; the MaxiCab driver is paid directly. The taxi stand can be found outside the Arrival Hall on Level 1 inTerminal 1 and at the end of the Arrival Hall on Level 1 in Terminal 2 (South Wing). For comprehensive taxiinformation, cl ick here.Facilities: Changi Airport has a wide range of facil it ies, including ATMs, bureaux de change, business services,airl ine lounges/travel clubs, duty - free shops, child facil it ies and multimedia payphones for Internet and e -mails.Facil it ies for disabled passengers include a 24 -hour wheelchair rental service. Other facil it ies include a mini -supermarket, snack bars and restaurants, a putting green, gym, rooftop pool, hairdresser, laundry service, karaokelounge, Science Discovery Centre, smoking room, prayer room and a post office. The new terminal 3 is a 'green'terminal with natural skylighting, a butterfly garden, koi ponds and over 200 species of foliage, including a five-level high wall of hanging plants.Parking: Short - and long- term parking is available.Departure Tax: None.Website: www.changiairport.com.sg

Red Dot Design Museum

Singapore Climate and Weather

Singapore's cl imate is mostly hot and humid with average temperatures ranging between 79°F (26°C) and 86°F(30°C) during the day with cooler temperatures at night. The wettest months are between November and January(the monsoon period); however rainfall occurs throughout the year. Rainstorms are usually short but heavy, so

Singapore experiences a tropical cl imate with hot, humid weather all year round. Temperatures remain high withdaytime averages of 86°F (30°C). Humidity is usually above 75%. Singapore has two distinct monsoon seasons, the

North Eastern season being from December to March and the South Western season from June to September.

November to December is the rainy season. June to August is the best time to travel to Singapore, although it issti l l rainy and humid and travellers should pack accordingly.

Singapore Emergency Numbers

remember to take an umbrella.

Emergencies: 999 (Police); 995 (Ambulance).

SINGAPORE SHOPPING

RIGHTLY, or perhaps a tad unkindly, Singapore has been escribed by some as one big shopping mall. But to shopping aficionados, such a generalisation only means that this modern city can lay a safe claim to being one of Asia’s most sophisticated yet diverse shopping destinations. While it’s a year-round shopping paradise, the best time to visit is during its annual eight-week Great Singapore Sale (www.greatsingaporesale.com.sg), when all kinds of discounts and deals pop up island-wide from late May through July.

To kick-start your all-out Singapore shopping spree, there’s perhaps no better place than the much vaunted – and flaunted – Orchard Road, where you can peruse a bevy of Singapore shopping malls, conveniently stacked one after the other, all the jolly way from Wheelock Place (near the Orchard MRT station) to Plaza Singapura (Dhoby Ghaut station). MRT, of course, stands for the Mass Rapid Transit trains that run both underground and above ground throughout most of Singapore. But walking is probably the best method to explore Orchard Road. If you can stand the heat and afternoon downpours just to bag that bargain, consider yourself a true Singapore shopping loon. Find the best digs for your trip in our Singapore business hotels review and family hotels roundup.

Orchard Singapore, A Road with Attitude, Shopping Mall Guide

Originally named after the many pepper and nutmeg plantations dotting the road in the 1840s, Orchard Road has undergone a S$40 million revamp that unveiled widened pedestrian walkways and better lighting. The bustling shopping belt starts off from the busy junction where Wheelock Place (501 Orchard Road, tel: [65] 6738-8660, www.wheelockproperties.com.sg) stands with an unmistakable glass cone built within its architecture. Its flagship tenant is Borders (01-00, tel: 6235-7146, www.borders.com.sg), where you can spend hours browsing shelves upon shelves of books, magazines, CDs and DVDs. Paperchase has a section for attractive cards and giftwrap on the go. Orchard Singapore is the epicentre of designer search.

Other tenants in Wheelock Place include collectible pen boutique Elephant & Coral (03-07, tel: 6736-1322, www.elephant-coral.com), Apple computer and iPod reseller, epiCentre@Orchard (02-20, tel: 6238-9378, www.epicentreorchard.com), the Nike shop (02-02/03, tel: 6738-1965, www.nike.com.sg), chockfull of the latest sports gear, and Marks & Spencer (tel: 6733-8122, Basement 1 and 2), well-known British department store with fashion, foodstuff, toiletries and decent underwear for men and women.

Straddled atop the Orchard MRT station is ION Orchard (www.ionorchard.com), touted as “Singapore’s first multi-sensory experiential shopping and lifestyle mall”. So that’s music, colour, perfumed stores and increasingly heavy bags, and a serious sense of space – this gargantuan mall will house more than 300 stores across 640,000sq ft of drool-worthy shopping. Aside from visiting the stand-alone stores of Bimba & Lola, Boss Selection, Christian Audigier, Custo Barcelona, IWC Schaffhausen, Just Cavalli, Marc Jacobs, Vivienne

Tam and 7 For All Mankind, shoppers can call on the duplex flagship stores of Cartier, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Topshop/Topman, Uniqlo and Zara.

A short detour into Scotts Road will bring you to Far East Plaza (14 Scotts Road, tel: 6734-2325), which in recent years has spruced up its image serving a younger clientele with a variety of small shop units hawking designer t-shirts, dresses and accessories – in particular Level One, which is a designated zone for street fashion. While the wares here are not always dirt-cheap, limited-edition Japanese tees, for example, are still affordable at just below S$50 (the approximate exchange rate is US$1 = 1.45 Singapore dollars). Now commence the Singapore shopping bargain hunt.

Directly opposite the Far East Plaza is DFS Galleria Scottswalk (25 Scotts Road, tel: 6229-8100, www.dfsgalleria.com/en/singapore). Show your passport for duty-free savings on international luxury brands like Burberry, Cartier, Dunhill, Prada and Tiffany & Co. Be prepared to embrace an assortment of fashion, cosmetics and liquors, as well as a selection of local specialties, like Tiger Balm medicated ointment, Chinese tea and Singapore Sling in takeaway bottles.

Making your way back to Orchard Road, check out Tangs (320 Orchard Road, tel: 6737-5500, www.tangs.com), a Singapore shopping institution, founded by C K Tang in 1932, in what remains the heart of the city. Tangs is now a posh lifestyle store that, aside from stocking international brands in fashion, shoes, accessories, beauty products, electronics and homeware, offers exclusive and specialised merchandise. Check out Tang + Co on Levels 3 and 4, with women’s and men’s collections, and PlayLab (Level 4) with casual wear and funky accessories, bearing labels like bods. bodyknits, FCUK, Levi’s and Mooks.

Just a quick underpass away is Wisma Atria (435 Orchard Road, tel: 6235-8177, www.wismaonline.com). Its tenant mix includes longtime highstreet favourite GAP (01-18, tel: 6732-0438), trendy ALDO footwear and accessories (03-24, tel: 6836-2271) and Lanvin (02-47, tel: 6733-6167), which excels in high-quality tailor-made suits for men.

Japanese department store Isetan (tel: 6733-7777, www.isetan.com.sg) is the flagship tenant here with other interesting stores including quirky Singapore shop Red Army Watches (01-02/03, tel: 6732-6043, www.redarmywatches.com) – combine revolution themes with Russian timepieces bearing brands like Vastok Europe, Zeppelin, Poljot International, and you’re halfway there. Add Moshi Moshi Jewellery (B1-54, tel: 6738-1178, www.moshimoshijewellery.com), specialists in silver jewellery and you have a one-stop shop for the latest wrist wear.

Over at Pacific Plaza (www.fareastretail.com.sg) on 9 Scotts Road, our insider tip is head for Quintessential (02-01, tel: 6738-4811, www.quintessential.com.sg) and keep your eyes peeled for quirky recycled "eco handbags" by Ben & Bear. Designed by Raewyn du Toit, the bags are made from throwaway jeans, belts, clothes and inner tubes from tyres that are refashioned into must-have feel-good fashion accessories.

Lucky Plaza (304 Orchard Road, tel: 6235-3294, www.luckyplaza.com.sg), once a prominent Orchard Road landmark, has lost much of its shine due to the mushrooming of swankier competition around it. It is notorious for touts persistently peddling copy-watches and is a favourite haunt of Singapore’s foreign domestic workers on Sundays. Stop off here for cheap Singapore shopping bargains.

If haggling gives you a headache, you can adjourn to the fixed price tag comfort of Paragon Shopping Centre (290 Orchard Road, tel: 6738-5535, www.paragon.com.sg), where you’ll find everything under one roof for the fashionista in you – from Prada, Gucci, Burberry, Ermenegildo Zegna, Miu Miu, Salvatore Ferragamo, Banana Republic and G-Star, to department stores such as Metro (tel: 6836-3322, www.metro.com.sg) – founded in Singapore in 1957 as a textile store in a two-storey shophouse. Paragon offers high-end Singapore shopping with style, space and, of course, that ubiquitous Singaporean specialty – really cold air-conditioning.

The Heeren (260 Orchard Road, tel: 6733-4725, e-mail: enquiries@heeren.com.sg or www.heeren.com.sg) is more hip than ever after its overhaul. Though no longer a haven for music junkies (HMV has uprooted to 313@Somerset), it is still the place to go for the young and restless. Stocked to the brim with boutiques hawking stylish street togs, vintage wear and cult fashion brands, it is where you can score some cool, quirky finds. Hit Ed Hardy – a Hollywood celebrity favourite – for some serious rock-and-roll inspired pieces or head over to Mu, where fashion is strictly avant-garde. Make a stop at Limited Edt Vault, famous for its wide selection of limited edition sneakers. For a quick, refreshing break, there’s the new Ben & Jerry’s street walk café. Don’t expect to shop basics here – everything from watches to t-shirts reek attitude. Both Hereen and Paragon offer some of the best designer brands and outlets for your Singapore shop list.

Ngee Ann City (391 Orchard Road, tel: 6506-0461, www.ngeeanncity.com.sg), with its imposing façade and grandiose interiors, is a worthy stopover for a couple of hours (or a day, if you can spare the time) on your Singapore shopping itinerary.

The Japanese department store Takashimaya (tel: 6506-0458, www.takashimaya-sin.com) has international labels like DKNY, Kenzo, Bally, Bulgari (or BVLGARI), Hermes, Jimmy Choo, Salvatore Ferragamo, Cartier, Pucci, Escada Sport and Jim Thompson stretched over a whopping six floors from Basement 2 to Level 4. In its food hall, you can also sample Japanese snacks and sweets, and gourmet food items from Harrods and Fauchon.

In the other parts of the expansive Ngee Ann City, you’ll find popular designer boutiques signposted by Alfred Dunhill, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Guess and Club Monaco. But don’t forget to drop by Japanese Books Kinokuniya (03-10, 6737-5021, www.kinokuniya.com.sg), the largest bookstore in Southeast Asia, and Best Denki (05-01, tel: 6835-2855), where you can take your pick from a wide range of electrical appliances.

Next to Ngee Ann City is the Meritus Mandarin Hotel. The shopping arcade, Mandarin Gallery (tel: 6831-6363, email: concierge@mandaringallery.com.sg or

www.mandaringallery.com.sg) re-opened December 2009 with over 100 shops on five floors. The stylish window displays of D&G, Mouboussin and Just Cavalli decorating the street front will tempt passers-by to steal more than a quick peek. Celebrated local designer Ashley Isham has set up shop here with his two labels, Ashley Isham and ai.By Ashley Isham. There is also a good, varied selection of luxury items: Vertu mobile phones, Bell & Ross watches, organic beauty products at bud Cosmetics and exquisite handmade chocolates from DeSte confectionery.

Centrepoint (176 Orchard Road, tel: 6737-9000,(www.fraserscentrepointmalls.com/malls/cp), is another popular shopping centre thanks to its legendary tenant, Robinsons (tel: 6733-0888, www.robinsons.com.sg) – another homegrown department store with an illustrious history as a trusted retailer. Taking up five floors, Robinsons welcomes shoppers with its Beauty Hall and big names like Clinique and Estée Lauder. Women can check out ensembles from Coast, Trucco, Jessica, InWear and Part Two, while men can indulge in Matinique and Cottonfield. If you’re shopping for your home, there is Margaret Muir’s collection of embroidered bedlinen, and brands like Calvin Klein Home, Alessi and Dorma.

Nearby Orchard Central (www.orchardcentral.com.sg) is a 14-storey mall boasting Nike, Levi’s and The Hour Glass. Neighbouring 313@Somerset (www.313somerset.com.sg) brings on a slightly different shopping experience as it houses multi-level boutiques, a rarity in Singapore malls. The four-storey Forever 21 store is an instant attraction for shopaholics. Conveniently connected to the Somerset MRT station, the shopping centre spans eight floors and contains a balanced mix of international (Zara, Mango, Cotton On) and local (Charles & Keith, Osmose) brands.

Towards the other end of Orchard Road lies Plaza Singapura (68 Orchard Road, tel: 6332-9298, www.plazasingapura.com), built in 1974 and later extensively renovated into a one-stop urban mall. It features the popular French hypermart Carrefour (Level 1 and Basement 2, tel: 6836-6868, www.carrefour.com.sg), department stores like John Little (03-31, tel: 6835-9776, www.johnlittle.com.sg), as well as another branch of Marks & Spencer (02-16, tel: 6835-9552).

Singapore shopping options in Marina and Raffles City

Moving out of the Orchard Singapore enclave, another shopping area fast gaining prominence is the Marina Bay area, which has a cluster of malls deserving of mention.

Raffles City Complex, designed by world-renowned architect I M Pei, is perched atop City Hall MRT station, and a great starting point for exploration. Raffles City Shopping Centre (252 North Bridge Road, tel: 6318-0238, www.rafflescity.com.sg), part of the complex that also houses an office block and two hotels, has another branch of Robinsons department store and numerous fashion and specialty shops such as Swatch (01-41, tel: 6334-5951), agnès b (01-26, tel: 6334-4910), Calvin Klein Jeans (01-06, tel: 6336-0610) and Dockers (01-14, tel: 6333-4517).

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store (01-37C, tel: 6336-1870) allows you to peek into the vast art collection that the museum (fondly known as The Met) has on display in its homebase of New York. Reproduced works of art (created under the supervision of art historians and master craftsmen) can be bought at a fraction of the price of comparable originals – for example, a couple of hundred Singapore dollars for an Indochinese sculpture or exquisite necklace. Hand-painted porcelain plates and intricately printed neckties can go for less than S$100, or you can choose prints of famous paintings, notepads and bookmarks that will hardly dent your wallet.

Take the CityLink underground passageway (1 Raffles Link, tel: 6339-9913, www.citylinkmall.com) to an interesting mall below ground that connects you to Marina Square and Suntec City Mall. Along the way, check out a smaller HMV store (B1-47, tel: 6238-7218), contemporary women’s footwear at Charles & Keith (B1-31, tel: 6338-0913, www.charleskeith.com), Godiva Chocolatier (B1-15, tel: 6238-0819, www.godiva.com.sg), and L’Occitane (B1-13, tel: 6238-8426, www.loccitane.com.sg), a natural beauty brand from France.

Conveniently connected to CityLink is Marina Square Shopping Mall (6 Raffles Boulevard, tel: 6339-8787, www.marinasquare.com.sg), comprising four levels of shopping with more than 300 shops including; GEOX (02-128, tel: 6333-9819), which touts comfy Italian shoes that “breathe”; The Planet Traveller (03-113, tel: 6337-0291, www.theplanettraveller.com), Asia’s largest lifestyle travel store with a floor space of 5,000sq ft catering to all your travel needs; Fourskin (03-358, tel: 6333-1878), a local label offering trendy tees for around S$20; and CLUBMARC (02-101, tel: 6338-8095, www.clubmarc.com), a sophisticated label for men and women.

Suntec City Mall and One Fountain

Accessible from Marina Square via an overhead bridge is Suntec City Mall (3 Temasek Boulevard, tel: 6825-2667, www.suntec.com.sg), a sprawling shopping mall divided into four themed zones (Galleria, Tropics, Entertainment Centre and Fountain Terrace) and features the Fountain of Wealth, acknowledged by The Guinness Book of Records as the largest fountain in the world. Legend has it that you should wet your hands in it, return to Singapore, and get instant wealth – although with all this shopping, your wallet might not agree.

Fashion fans take heed: you can seek out Mango’s largest Asia store (01-157, tel: 6339-2720) here, together with the G2000 flagship store (01-143, tel: 6334-1035, www.g2000.com.sg). You’ll find specialty shops offering casual wear, home furnishings and leisure products speckled throughout the Tropics zone. The mall also features Carrefour’s first store in Singapore (Level 1 and 2, in the Entertainment Centre zone, tel: 6333-6868, www.carrefour.com.sg) and Toys ‘R’ Us (03-005, tel: 6336-3908, www.toysrus.com.sg).

Tick tock, tip-top watches and furniture on Millenia Walk

An often-overlooked Singapore shopping gem is Millenia Walk (9 Raffles Boulevard, tel: 6883-1122, www.pontiacland.com/milleniawalk.shtml, designed by Pritzker Award winning architect Philip Johnson), within walking distance from both Marina Square and Suntec City. It houses over 190 interesting fashion spots and speciality shops.

Looking for a Singapore shop doing watches? You'll be spoilt for choice at Singapore watch shops like the Hour Glass (01-27, tel: 6339-4870, www.hourglass.com.sg, which has four outlets just on Orchard Road), and Cortina E’space (01-62, tel: 6339-1728, www.cortinawatch.com). Don’t forget previously mentioned Red Army Watches in Orchard Road’s Wisma Atria.

Millenia Walk’s fashion outlets to recharge your wardrobe include British India (01-79, tel: 6337-1410), Celia Loe (01-67, tel: 6337-9887, www.celialoe.com) and Bread & Butter (01-73, tel: 6336-7310), while beauty, spa and cosmetic stores take the shape of Aesop (01-57D, tel: 6336-4747, www.aesop.com.sg) and Senteurs De Provence (01-77, tel: 6334-4163, www.senteurs.com.sg).

If you’re into designer furniture and home accessories, check out SPACE (02-26/03-05, tel: 6415-0000, www.spacefurniture.com.sg) and its splurge-worthy pricetags – think S$5,000 for a sofa. Then crank up your wallet again for brand name home entertainment systems at Atlas Experience (01-59, tel: 6339-0966, www.atlas-experience.com). For more affordable furniture and electronics, roam the sprawling Harvey Norman store (02-27, tel: 6311-9988, www.harveynorman.com.sg).

Singapore Electronics and Computer Shopping

Near City Hall station is Funan The IT Mall (109 North Bridge Road, tel: 6336-8327, www.funan.com.sg), which, as its name suggests, is geek heaven. Notebook PCs, ranging from Lenovo and Acer to HP and Fujitsu, are on display at various shops here, as well as other computer hardware, software and accessories scattered on different floors of the building.

Across North Bridge Road from Funan is The Adelphi (1 Coleman Street, tel: 6339-9179), where most of the respected hi-fi brands are on sale to satisfy the cravings of even the most ardent audiophile. Also nearby is Cathay Photo Store located in Peninsula Plaza (111 North Bridge Road, 01-11, tel: 6337-4274, www.cathayphoto.com.sg), if you wish to stock up on camera lenses or try out the latest digital camera or video-cam.

Bugis Junction and Arab Street

Another place to get cheap computer electronics and audio-visual equipment is Sim Lim Square (1 Rochor Canal Road, tel: 6338-3859, www.simlimsquare.com.sg), a more crowded, less organised version of Funan, but with more room for deals and price

negotiations. Sim Lim Square is near the Bugis MRT station, which is also where you can alight to visit Parco Bugis Junction (200 Bugis Junction, tel: 6334-8831, www.bugisjunction-mall.com.sg), where you’ll find department store BHG (tel: 6223-2222, www.bhgsingapore.com.sg), incorporating the popular Muji store, famous for its minimalist fashion, stationery and household items.

Apart from various little shops selling everything from fashion to electronic items, Parco Bugis Junction also boasts boutiques such as Little Match Girl (02-05, tel: 6336-3396, www.littlematchgirl.com.sg), m)phosis (01-02, tel: 6339-8553), and shoe-and-handbag seller Kipling (01-04, tel: 6337-8023). Other stores include The Body Shop (01-28, tel: 6338-0096), a smaller outlet of Books Kinokuniya (03-09, tel: 6339-1790, www.kinokuniya.com.sg) and Sony Style (01-58, tel: 6837-0646, www.sony.com.sg).

Across Victoria Street, opposite Parco Bugis Junction, is hard-to-miss Iluma (201 Victoria Street). Designed by award-winning Singapore architecture firm Woha, it features a distinctive façade – 10-storeys of studded lights that resemble oversized gemstones. More than 150 shops for the young, hip and trendy – like flagship menswear label Mark Fairwhale (shop 01-12, tel: 6835-9897), shoe-centric D&C (02-04, tel: 6238-6838), Style Evolution (03-06, tel: 6884-4475, www.style-evo.com) for fashionable bags and wallets, as well as smaller boutiques like Berries Studio (02-08A, tel: 6884-9918).

Beside Iluma, you’ll find Bugis Street, with its sheltered walkways and shopping zones housing over 600 stalls of trendy street wear and eclectic knickknacks. Any breezy, fun Singapore shopping expedition should mark Bugis Street as a must-do.

For more bazaar-style shopping, take a stroll over to the Arab Street area that oozes Malay cultural vibes. Check out hand-woven baskets and other cane, straw and rattan products, as well as antiques, retro artefacts, batik shirts, table linens and sarongs. For textiles ranging from chiffon to silk, stop for a look at Basharahil Bros. (101 Arab Street, tel: 6296-0432) and Poppy Fabric (111 Arab Street, tel: 6296-6352). As Arab Street is near the Sultan Mosque, you’ll also find Singapore shop houses selling the holy Quran, prayer mats and songkok (headgear worn by Muslim males) – not to mention coffee shops and restaurants serving Malay, Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine. Hip boutiques are beginning to line the nearby Haji Lane and adjacent streets crisscrossing this “kampong glam” district.

Visit carpet retailer, Anil Brothers (26 Haji Lane, tel: 6298-3395), House of Japan (55 Haji Lane, tel: 6396-6657), Pluck (31 Haji Lane, tel: 6396-4048) and White Room (37 Haji Lane, tel: 6297-1280, www.atwhiteroom.com) for vintage clothing and other delightful kitsch; Grandfather’s Collections (42 Bussorah Street, tel: 6299-4530) for antiques and retro finds, and Salad (25 Haji Lane, tel: 6299-5805, www.the-salad-store.blogspot.com), where black-and-white home décor and fashion accessories rule the day.

Little India, Chinatown shops, Ann Siang Hill and Club Street

Other ethnic shopping enclaves in Singapore include Little India and Chinatown – both are tourist attractions in their own right, steeped in ethnic colours and flavours. Little India is about 20 minutes’ walk along Selegie Road from Dhoby Ghaut MRT station, (or go straight to Little India MRT station). Here, you can choose from Indian gold jewellery (intricate bridal ornaments to more affordable bangles and ankle bracelets), brassware, silverware and, of course, yards and yards of glittering saris in multiple hues.

If your friends back home enjoy cooking Indian curries, ready-made packets of spice are wonderful take-home gifts. Should the assault to the senses start to numb, you can always escape into Mustafa Centre (145 Syed Alwi Road, tel: 6295-5855, www.mustafa.com.sg), a modern 24-hour department store that offers everything from electronics, clothing and toiletries to foodstuff at very reasonable prices. Small packages of delicious Ceylon tea from Mustafa’s shelves make affordable gifts of under S$10.

In the shadow of the financial district’s high-rise towers, Singapore’s Chinatown is accessible by either Chinatown or Outram Park MRT stations. If you plan a stint of shopping in Singapore, set aside a half hour or hour at least for this district. Chinatown Point (133 New Bridge Road, tel: 6535-2846) is situated just above Chinatown station. Inside, the section that is generally of most interest to travellers is The Singapore Handicraft Centre, where different shops offer a mélange of crafts such as bronze works, paintings, antiques, pottery, porcelain wares, wood carvings, embroidery and more.

Just across the junction from Chinatown Point is Yue Hwa department store (70 Eu Tong Sen Street, tel: 6538-4222, www.yuehwa.com.sg), which offers authentic Chinese products including tea, herbs, medicines, foodstuffs, silks, cheongsams, handicrafts, household items and antiques.

OG People’s Park (100 Upper Cross Street, tel: 6535-8888, www.og.com.sg) is a household name in Singapore, with a long history in Singapore’s retail scene. Like any department store, it sells fashion, accessories, beauty and cosmetic products, toys, and so on.

While in Chinatown, you can also venture into the maze of shophouses all along Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road and South Bridge Road. Don’t forget to wander into side streets (like Smith Street, Trengganu Street, Temple Street and Pagoda Street) and any interesting alleyways – you never know what you might find, whether a quaint medicine stall hawking snakeskin, an authentic teashop or a smoky store selling tidbits and barbecued pork.

Ann Siang Hill and Club Street may be yuppie hotspots at night, but scour the shops there in the day for some interesting finds. At Style: Nordic (39 Ann Siang Road, tel: 6423-9114, www.stylenordic.com), browse the coolest fashion and furniture from Finland, Denmark and Sweden. Book lovers will relish Books Actually (86 Club Street, tel: 6222-9195,

www.booksactually.com). This all-in-one bookshop retails classics by the likes of Truman Capote, hand-stitched notebooks and retro film cameras and typewriters.

Holland Village and Dempsey Road Antiques

Explore Holland Village (accessible by buses 7, 77 or 106 from Orchard Boulevard, or a 20-minute jaunt on foot from Buona Vista MRT station) for handicrafts and more shopping without the bright lights and ice-cold temperatures. With its mix of cafés, pubs and eateries, Holland Village is also dubbed Singapore’s “bohemian enclave” and the perfect spot for people-watching. This is also where you can find a variety of shops selling well-made souvenirs and handicrafts – from Bali-inspired crafts to Chinese silks.

Located in Holland Road Shopping Centre, Lim’s (211 Holland Avenue, 02-01, tel: 6467-1300) brims with interesting Asian-themed furniture and creative décor ideas (like porcelain vases, lacquerware and silk pillow covers) sourced from China, India and Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand. Just off Holland Road, two bus stops away from the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the Dempsey Road area (now part of Tanglin Village, www.tanglinvillage.com.sg) is home to art galleries, antique shops and furniture and carpet dealers.

Nestled within the former British army barracks (which later became the Singapore Armed Forces’ Central Manpower Base), Linda Gallery (Block 15, Dempsey Cluster, tel: 6476-7000, www.lindagallery.com) is a specialist in contemporary Chinese art and Indonesian paintings, but on occasion also showcases Singapore art. Woody Antique House (Block 7, Dempsey Cluster, tel: 6471-1770) is another interesting place to peruse and discover Burmese teakware and Chinese antiques.

And back to Tanglin Road

Closer to town, just before the Orchard Road shopping bustle, Tanglin Shopping Centre (19 Tanglin Road, tel: 6737-0849, www.tanglinsc.com) is another good place to hunt for Asian antiques and curios – from Persian carpets to Japanese pearls. Select Books (03-15, tel: 6732-1515, www.selectbooks.com.sg) is an independent bookstore specialising in Southeast Asian titles, while Antiques of the Orient (02-40, tel: 6734-9351, www.aoto.com.sg) offers antiquarian maps, prints and books, as well as original photographs and postcards. Enjoy the quaint buildings of Tudor Court while you are at it. Head back into the hustle of Orchard Singapore or delve into the quieter side of Tanglin.

Tanglin Mall (163 Tanglin Road, tel: 6736-4922, www.tanglinmall.com.sg) is a centrally located shop stop for families with kids as well as expat singles on the run. The basement food court serves excellent Indian vegetarian as well as Korean. But why limit your choices. There’s lots more. Sample British India, Salam Carpets, Birkenstock, Kidz Design, Royal Sporting House, an excellent basement bits-and-bobs-for-the-home store, and the bopping That CD Shop (shop 01-17, tel: 6732-2568), a hands down favourite with locals and expats

for its huge CD and movie range, exotic compilations, and welcoming attitude. Sit down on the sofa and listen. They’ll crank up the volume up for you.

If you can’t get enough of Singapore’s original and creative art scene, pop over to MAAD (tel: 6534-7209, www.maad.sg), short for Market of Artists And Designers, which is a one-of-a-kind crafts market at Red Dot Design Museum (28 Maxwell Road; nearest MRT station: Tanjong Pagar) that provides a platform for budding artists and designers to transform their innovative ideas into reality. MAAD bazaar is held every first weekend of the month (Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 7pm), filled with designer t-shirts (starting from S$28), hand-crafted earrings (from S$15) and necklaces (from S$30), pinhole cameras (around S$250), as well as dresses, toys, bags, iPod skins, and all kinds of eclectic items.

Some Big Retail Shopping Options

Now, for a complete shift in mood: VivoCity (1 Harbourfront Walk, tel: 6377-6860, www.vivocity.com.sg) is a sometime rising star on Singapore’s competitive retail front. Easily accessible from Harbourfront station, this is Singapore’s largest retail, entertainment and lifestyle destination, well-positioned to tap tourist traffic heading for a spot of gambling or theme-park fun at Sentosa Island’s Integrated Resort.

Designed in the signature style of internationally-acclaimed Japanese architect Toyo Ito, it houses the multilingual bookstore, PAGE ONE (02-41, tel: 6272 0822, www.pageonegroup.com), beauty stores Crabtree & Evelyn (01-09, tel: 6270-6887, www.crabtree-evelyn.com/stores/country/singapore) and Sa Sa (02-176/177, tel: 6376-9713), another branch of electronic chainstore Best Denki (02-07, tel: 6276-6636), and fashion boltholes Pull and Bear (01-28A, tel: 6276-2260), A|X (01-202, tel: 6376-9646), Diesel (01-204, tel: 6376-9007) and Fox (01-29, tel: 6278-4236). For serious shopaholics, VivoCity should top any Singapore shopping list.

Local Singapore shopping malls, Sentosa Resorts World

It’s worthwhile to note that while Orchard Road, Marina Bay and Harbourfront remain the main shopping clusters in Singapore, suburban malls have also cropped up in housing estates like Tiong Bahru (Tiong Bahru Plaza, 302 Tiong Bahru Road, tel: 6276-4883, www.tiongbahruplaza.com.sg), Bishan (Junction 8, 9 Bishan Place, tel: 6354-2955, www.junction8.com.sg), Woodlands (Causeway Point, 1 Woodlands Square, tel: 6894-2237, www.fraserscentrepointmalls.com/malls/cwp) and Boon Lay (Jurong Point, 1 Jurong West Central 2, tel: 6792-5662, www.jurongpoint.com.sg) – all of which are easily accessible via MRT.

Most of these malls do not have much character, as they serve the basic needs of residents rather than catering to tourists, but they do have supermarkets (mainly Cold Storage and NTUC Fairprice), and the usual clothing stores like Giordano, Baleno, Hang Ten and Bossini, where jeans can start from S$20 and polo shirts start from S$10, as well as

pharmacies and beauty stores like Guardian Pharmacy, Watson’s and The Body Shop. Often they also have healthcare equipment vendors like OSIM and OTO.

However, travellers curious enough to venture into the heartland should head towards the Eastern neighbourhood of Tampines (which is also a stop on the MRT line), where there is yet more choice – Tampines Mall (4 Tampines Central 5, tel: 6788 8370, www.tampinesmall.com.sg) and Century Square (2 Tampines Central 5, tel: 6789-6261, www.centurysquare.com.sg). But the newest and shiniest is Tampines 1 (10 Tampines Central 1, tel: 6572-5522, www.tampines1.com.sg), which aims to bring a dash of “metropolitan lifestyle” to the area, with fashion brands such as Springfield (01-03, tel: 6781-6073), Promod (01-01, tel: 6782-8510) and Uniqlo (02-28, tel: 6587-0093, www.uniqlo.com/sg).

The latest addition to the Singapore shopping arsenal is the Resorts World Galleria on Sentosa Island, the new hotel-and-entertainment hub that launched in January 2010. The Galleria, between Crocksford Tower and Hotel Michael, both upscale establishments, reflects top-drawer tastes as well as fun fashions that will appeal to families and younger couples. As this complex applies its finishing touches expect Alfred Dunhill, BVLGARI, Coach, Bally, Chanel and Rolex watches, Polo Ralph Lauren, Shanghai Tang, Swarovski, and a Victoria's Secret (so no more lengthy mail orders).

Singapore Airport duty-free shopping prices for alcohol, perfume

With so many retail choices in downtown Singapore, most visitors won’t postpone their shopping experience until just before their departure. But Changi Airport Shopping City (www.changiairport.com.sg), winning the vote for the world’s best duty-free shopping, should keep last-minute duty free shoppers more than happy. Apart from world cuisine provided by 80 food and beverage outlets, numerous newsstands and the usual duty-free outlets selling fragrances, cosmetics, cigarettes and liquor, departing passengers can check out the first Mercedes-Benz boutique in Asia Pacific in Terminal 2 of Singapore airport (Departure/Transit Mall North), where a wide selection of exclusive gifts items like model cars, toys, golf and lifestyle accessories are on display.

The other Singapore airport duty-free stores include M.A.C. (Terminal 1 Departure/Transit Mall Central and Terminal 2 Departure/Transit Mall Central, tel: 6542-9235), Bobbi Brown (Terminal 1 Departure/Transit Mall Central, tel: 6545-5841), Origins (Terminal 1 Departure/Transit Mall Central, tel: 6545-5841), Montblanc (Terminal 1 Departure/Transit Mall West, Terminal 2 Departure/Transit Mall South and Terminal 3 Departure/Transit Mall South, tel: 6542-1572), RAOUL (Terminal 2 Departure/Transit Mall, 6542-9660), Bottega Veneta (Terminal 2 Departure/Transit Mall Central and Terminal 3 Departure/Transit Mall South, tel: 6543-4466), Tod's (Terminal 2 Departure/Transit Mall Central, tel: 6543-4466), Vertu (Terminal 3 Departure/Transit Mall, 6242-0555), Tiffany & Co (Terminal 2 Departure/Transit Mall South, tel: 6543-2443) and Shanghai Tang (Terminal 2 Departure/Transit Mall Central and Terminal 3 Departure/Transit Mall North, tel: 6543-4466).

Singapore duty free shopping prices at all three terminals are competitive with elsewhere in Asia. The slippery greenback means rates are fluctuating constantly. Pick up a 50ml Dior j’adore eau de toilette for around S$86, Chanel No.5 at S$211, a BVLGARI Rose Essentielle 50ml eau de toilette at S$93.50, a one litre Chivas at S$44.90 and a one litre bottle of 12-year-old Johnnie Walker Black Label for about S$46.20. Don’t forget to bring along that extra bag – or simply buy one at Changi Airport. Then fill it up right to the top.