The former British trading post and colony has carved a unique niche for itself in its two short centuries of existence, nowadays offering a vivid combination of ultra-modern skyscrapers, remnants of tropical rainforest and colourful ethnic urban areas, each with a character very much of their own.

One of the most noticeable features of this tiny city-state is its cleanliness, and crime is virtually unknown. It is one of the world's safest places to visit.

Despite its rather sanitised reputation, Singapore is anything but dull. The visitor is spoilt for choice, for things to see and do, and it has vibrant nightlife, a rich cultural mix, and a whole planet's worth of culinary experiences.

It suits all budgets, too - grand and expensive at the famed Raffles Hotel, and cheap (but good) in the many food markets.

The most famous sight is undoubtedly the Raffles Hotel, built in 1887 and declared a National Monument exactly 100 years later. It's one of the world's last remaining Victorian grand hotels of the East. Somerset Maugham, Rudyard Kipling, Joseph Conrad and Charlie Chaplin made it a favourite retreat and today, tourists flock for afternoon tea in the Tiffin Room and a Singapore Sling in the Long Bar.

Highlights 
• Chinatown
• Night Safari
• Sentosa Island
• Jurong Bird Park
• National Orchid Garden, in the Singapore Botanic Gardens
• Asian Civilisations Museum
• The colonial architecture of the Supreme Court
• City Hall, the site of the Japanese surrender to Lord Mountbatten in 1945

Singapore Visitors' Centre
Junction of Cairnhill and Orchard Roads
Tel: +65 1800 736 2000.
Website: www.visitsingapore.com or www.stb.com.sg

While eating is often described by Singaporeans as their national ‘sport', shopping comes a close second. There is a seemingly unlimited choice of malls offering international brands, but there are also many more traditional markets and shops where amazing bargains can be picked up, particularly electronics and camera equipment.

Where? Ngee Ann City, Orchard Road, Sungei Road, Marina Square.
What? Electronics, Indian spices, jewellery and brassware, Chinese clothes, food and medicines, Arabian batiks, cottons, silks and velvets.

There are many international cooking styles in Singapore. Malay cuisine is a favourite. One of the best ways to eat in Singapore is to snack in the open, at one of the 8,000 street foodstalls.

Singapore specialities
• Chilli crab.
• Satay (skewers of marinated chicken) served with peanut sauce, cucumber, onion and rice.
• Hot, spicy or sweet Indonesian cuisine includes beef rendang (coconut milk curry).
• Chicken sambal and gado gado (a fruit and vegetable salad in peanut sauce).

Warm and fairly humid summer temperatures throughout the year (approximately 30ºC/86ºF during the day and 23ºC/74ºF in the evening). There is no distinct wet/dry season. Most rain falls during the northeast monsoon (November to January) and showers are usually sudden and heavy.

There is a wide variety of accommodation, ranging from budget hostels to modern, ultra high-class hotels. These have extensive facilities, including swimming pools, health clubs, several restaurants, full business services and shopping arcades. It is advisable to make advance reservations. All rooms are subject to 4% tax and 10% service charge.

Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
460 Alexandra Road, #19-00 PSA Building
Tel: +65 6375 1600.
Website: www.mpa.gov.sg

Singapore (Tanjong Pagar) Railway Station (operated by Malaysian Railways)
Keppel Road
Tel: +65 6222 5165.
Website: www.ktmb.com.my

Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, Singapore Changi Airport, PO Box 1 Singapore 918141
Tel: +65 6542 1122.
Website: www.changi.airport.com.sg

Singapore

GMT + 8.

Singapore Dollar (S$) = 100 cents.

The four official languages are Malay (the national language), English, Chinese (Mandarin) and Tamil. Most Singaporeans are bilingual and speak English.

The island of Singapore is situated off the southern extremity of the Malay Peninsula.

4.6 million.

Parliamentary Republic.

Buddhist majority, with Christian, Taoist, Hindu, Muslim and other minorities.

Handshaking is the usual form of greeting. Social courtesies are often fairly formal. Dress is informal. Most first-class restaurants and some hotel dining rooms expect men to wear a jacket and tie in the evenings; a smart appearance is expected for business meetings. Evening dress for local men and women is unusual. Each of the diverse racial groups in Singapore has retained its own cultural and religious identity while developing as an integral part of the Singapore community.

Laws relating to jaywalking, littering and chewing gum are strictly enforced in urban areas. Smoking is widely discouraged, and illegal in enclosed public places (including restaurants). Dropping a cigarette end in the street or smoking illegally can lead to an immediate fine.

Tipping: Officially discouraged in restaurants, hotels and the airport. A 10% service charge is included in restaurant bills.