Hotels in Singapore - a guide to Singapore hotels

Singapore hotels and resorts reservation guide - the definitive guide to Singapore accommodation. The Singapore hotels and resorts guide provides a brief summary, customer ratings and reviews for hotels or resorts. For a quick summary see the list of hotels and resorts in Singapore. For detailed hotel information or to reserve a hotel or resort in Singapore, please select a hotel or resort and let asiahotels.com be your Singapore travel agent.

Singapore travel info
General information for the traveller new to Singapore.

Visas
All visitors to Singapore must have a valid passport, with appropriate visas for their outbound journey and proof of sufficient funds for their proposed stay in Singapore. Most visitors are granted a 30 day social visit visa upon arrival at Singapore, although residents of certain countries are required to obtain a visa in advance. Women who are more than six months pregnant should check the requirements before visiting Singapore.

Customs
There are no limits on the amounts of foreign currency you can bring into or take out of Singapore.

Visitors may bring the following into Singapore duty free:

Alcohol - 1 litre of wine, 1 litre of spirits and1 litre of beer
All cigarettes should be declared, no matter how few, although a single packet will usually be allowed through without any tax being levied.

Singapore has strict rules prohibiting the import of chewing gum, porn and "seditious or treasonable material".

The following items are NOT allowed to be brought into Singapore:

Liquor and cigarettes marked with the words "SINGAPORE DUTY NOT PAID" on the labels, cartons or packets.
Cigarettes with the prefix "E" printed on the packets
Chewing gum
Chewing tobacco and imitation tobacco products
Cigarette lighters of pistol or revolver shape
Controlled drugs and psychotropic substances
Endangered species of wildlife and their by-products
Firecrackers
Obscene articles, publications, video tapes/discs and software
Reproduction of copyright publications, video tapes, video compact discs, laser discs, records or cassettes
Seditious and treasonable materials
Singapore has perhaps the toughest customs regulations in the world. Narcotics are particularly sensitive all medicines require a prescription confirming they are for your physical well being. There are severe penalties for the illegal possession of medicines.

Penalties for carrying or trafficking illegal drugs are very severe including prison sentences, caning and the DEATH PENALTY.

Time
Singapore time: GMT + 8 hours

Currency
Singapore Dollars (SGD or S$) - Check current exchange rates.
Notes issued - S$10,000, S$1,000, S$500, S$100, S$50, S$20, S$10, S$5, S$2
Coins issued - S$1, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, 1 cent

Language
There are four official languages - English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. Most Singapore residents speak English in addition to another language.

Tipping
Tipping is discouraged in Singapore and completely prohibited at Changi Airport. All hotels and restaurants add a 10 % service charge.

Banking Hours
Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 3.30 pm (all banks)
Saturday 9.30 am to1.00 pm and Sunday 9.30 am - 3.00 pm (at a limited number of banks on Orchard Road).

Telephone
The international dialling code for Singapore is 65 (there are no other area codes in Singapore).
When making international telephone calls from Singapore, first dial 001 + country code + area code + telephone number.

Electricity
220-240V AC 50 cycles per second.
3 pin square plugs.

Water
Tap water is safe to drink and bottled water is widely available.

Health
Make sure that you have adequate health insurance, as medical care can be very expensive in Singapore. Generally there is no need for inoculations but it is always best to check the current situation and any vaccination requirements with your doctor when planning your trip.

International Airport
Changi International Airport

Airport Departure Tax
SGD21

Etiquette/Dress Code
Smart casual summer clothes are acceptable in Singapore and residents are fairly tolerant of different cultures' mode of dress.

The majority of the population in Singapore are ethnic Chinese; as with most Asian countries, situations should be avoided which would cause a loss of "face". Try to steer clear of confrontation as it is not appreciated and will only worsen rather than resolve any situation.

Diplomatic Missions
Many countries have representative offices and consulates in Singapore

Introduction

Singapore's Merlion
Nestled at the base of the Malaysian Peninsula, the small island of Singapore has witnessed a variety of settlers over the years. In the early 19th Century, Sir Stamford Raffles arrived and work began to turn the small undeveloped area into a prosperous free port.

Many changes have occurred since, transforming Singapore from its quiet rural beginnings to the position it now holds as a thriving independent nation. Blend this colourful past with an historic culture, combine it with the large number of immigrants in the country and you create the colourful, cultural melting pot that is Singapore today.

For many people, Singapore conjures up images of a modern, ordered and controlled city. Rules and laws do abound, however there is a character to Singapore that you cannot help but enjoy. This is a modern city with pockets of traditional life, where Asian culture can be experienced safely and with relative ease.

English is widely spoken and people tend to be friendly and happy to lend assistance to a wandering tourist. Convenience is the byword, with everything from excellent public transport to computer points on the streets giving information on local tourist attractions.

This city is not only modern and efficient but is aesthetically pleasing - towering office blocks are interspersed with green areas; streets are wide and tree-lined and even the fly-overs are adorned with trailing ivy!

Sentosa's Fantasy Island

A pleasant way to take in some of the river sights and to get your bearings is by taking one of the half-hour cruises along the Singapore River. Tickets can be bought from booths beside the departure points at the Raffles Landing Site opposite Boat Quay and from the jetty at Clarke Quay.

Sentosa is a small tropical island and a nice little place to visit. there are often events happening throughout the year, From beach foam parties to spectacular sand castle displays. Singaporeans often joke that SENTOSA is an acronym for "So Expensive Nothing To See Actually" and to a certain extent that's true. For the most part, the people who know it only visit for a bit of beach volleyball on Siloso Beach. Still it's not a bad place and the site of the Merlion, the half lion, half fish symbol of Singapore, plus some other diversions.

Other Sentosa sites include Images of Singapore, an educational chronicle of Singapore's growth and Fort Siloso, the old British hillside fort which, with its underground passages, is great for kids. Underwater World isn't among the world's best but still worth seeing. The musical fountains are fun. Volcanoland however is dreadful and your visit may last only seconds. Cinemania is also watered down to embarrassing levels. If you think it is going to be some kind of spectacular I-max cinema, skip it.

The colourful conservation area of Chinatown with its quaint, traditional architecture feels like a movie set nestled amongst the modern buildings. Old shop houses have been converted into boutiques and eateries creating an air of times-gone-by.

Another conservation area worth a visit is the bright and cultural Little India, where it is possible to try an authentic Indian meal or shop for traditional foodstuff and clothing. To experience the real buzz of Little India, visit on a Sunday when the area is mobbed with thousands of locals shopping, eating and milling around on their day off.

Ferry Terminal


Of course, no trip to Singapore is complete without a visit to the famed Raffles Hotel. Established in 1887, the curious are allowed to only glimpse the grandeur of the main entrance. Then visit the Raffles Museum, a large shopping arcade and a host of food and beverage outlets, including the world famous Long Bar where you can sip a Singapore Sling and follow tradition by tossing empty peanut shells onto the floor.

As the name implies, East Coast Park is situated on the east coast of the island and boasts walking/cycling tracks and a water theme park called Splash. A multitude of water-related activities are available from the beach, which is not the most ideal swimming environment given its location on one of the busiest tanker routes in Asia!

For an alternative to city life take a 15-minute bumboat ride from Changi Point to the island of Pulau Ubin. Here you can rent bikes from one of the numerous stands or hire one of the dilapidated taxis to drive you round. Roads pass through tropical wooded areas, although sadly, many places are in a state of neglect and beaches are dirty and spoiled. Still, this is a pleasant day trip and an opportunity to glimpse aspects of rural life
Museums
Amongst the many museums, the National Museum on Stamford Road is definitely worth a visit. Housed in a lovely colonial style mansion, displays include a visual history of Singapore, a beautiful selection of jade carvings and an old-style Peranakan house. There are also art galleries in the area and another old colonial building just off Bras Basah Road has been converted to house the Singapore Art Museum displaying works from both local and regional artists.

Another museum popular with those interested in World War II history is the Changi Prison Chapel and Museum. Situated next door to the current Changi Prison, this provides an overview of the war along with some personal reminders from those held captive during the Japanese occupation.

Nightlife and Eating Out
Eating would appear to be the national pastime in Singapore! Restaurants abound and the choice appears to be limitless wherever you are, whatever your budget and whatever your taste. Restaurants, bars and general entertainment areas are dotted all over the city. Many free publications, such as "Where Singapore" and "This Week Singapore."

Hawker Stalls and Food Courts offer a host of cheap, local fare which can be enjoyed whilst mingling with the locals. Many of the hawker stalls have been converted to food courts and moved to air-conditioned buildings. However, for a slice of authentic charm, old style stalls can still be found, more notably the Lau Pa Sat hawkers centre near to Raffles MRT and at Newton Circus close to Newton MRT.

Situated on the edge of the Financial District, the popular Boat Quay is a vibrant, bustling area with tables spilling out onto the riverside walk. A choice of foods from Indian to sizzling seafood can be enjoyed in this great Mediterranean atmosphere. Nights are lively and as the eating crowds disperse, the bars take over and music fills the air late into the night.

Further down the river is Clarke Quay, which is similar to Boat Quay, although more family-oriented. A range of riverside restaurants and a host of food stalls offering the chance to sample local/Asian delicacies are available. There is an abundance of choice from the relatively cheap to the expensive, from Western to Asian.

Once the location of a convent, Chijmes is now a national heritage site with the restored gothic church - complete with nightclub below - towering over quaint boutiques, craft shops and a variety of dining opportunities.

East Coast Park has some very popular local seafood restaurants. Meals can prove expensive and it must be said that cheaper options can be found elsewhere in Singapore, however the seaside location does make for a great atmosphere. If you like spicy food then the famed black pepper crab or chilli crab an absolute must!

Popular with locals, although a little bit out of town, is the picturesque Pasir Ris. Thatched open structures house bars/restaurants and seating is arranged alongside the small beach creating a seaside resort feel.

One of the largest entertainment areas is Mohammed Sultan Road, where original shop houses have been converted into trendy bars and clubs to party the night away.

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