Singapore Hotels

True enough, you can see colorful facets of life in Singapore in different sections of the city. Quaint shop houses still stand in Chinatown reminiscent of how the Chinese made the Straits one of their trading posts in the region.

It is wonderful to see then how Singapore has retained its identity despite the rush brought on by the modern times. The efficient planning of streets, sleek office buildings and intricately designed shopping malls have put Singapore on the map and make this city-state one of the highly urbanized cities in Asia.

Attractions

The interesting pockets of culture are the first ones to include in your itinerary to Singapore.

Chinatown has traditional shophouses that have been converted into hawker centres. In Little India, you can smell an array of foodstuff being sold in spice shops and find lots of personable merchants, whose jobs are to sell you anything ranging from exquisite silks, gold and silver jewelry. Take in an authentic Indian meal while you're here too.

Founded in 1887, the grand dame Raffles Hotel is not to be missed. Though visitors are only given a view of the magnificent entrance, a leisurely time can be spent in the Raffles Museum, a huge shopping arcade featuring a bevy of restaurants and watering holes. One of which is the legendary Long Bar, home of the famed Singapore Sling.

To see more museums, the National Museum is worth a peek. Apart from learning about Singapore's history, the museum also has an exquisite collection of jade carvings and the charming old Peranakan house. Art galleries nearby and the Singapore Art Museum, a restored colonial building, along Bras Basah Road show masterpieces from local and foreign artists.

To enjoy the fine outdoors and breathe in that fresh, open air — parks abound in Singapore! Haw Par Villa or Tiger Balm gardens contains Chinese mythical figures and statues.

The Botanical Gardens also holds the National Orchid Garden and has tall trees and lush greenery to soothe away the aches and pains of city living. Further afield is the popular Jurong Bird Park. It features creatures in an open zoo setting.

Right beside the Botanical Gardens is the famed Night Safari. Open every evening at 7.30pm, the long ride through the tram lets you see all the animals, big and small, in their natural habitat.

For an amusement theme park that's more like a tropical retreat, head for Sentosa. Locals head for beach parties or foam soirees here as most of the attractions are catering for the tourist crowd. Still it's a good chance to see the Merlion, a half-lion half-fish which is the undying symbol of Singapore.

Lastly, what would a trip to Singapore be without dropping by the shopping haven of Orchard Road? This bustling street is lined with glitzy department stores housing designer labels or smaller boutiques with funky more affordable brands.

Events

Singapore's events are as diverse as its demographics: Hindu devotees observe Thaipusam walking the streets with their cheeks pierced with long, shiny rods and small needles sticking out of their backs as a form of penance during January; Around the same time, Chinese New Year brings out firecrackers and families hold reunions. The Chingay Parade ushers colourful floats and lion dancers; and sometime between October to November, Deepavali lights up Indian areas with decorations and street lights. And the Muslims celebrate Hari Raya Puasa to mark the end of Ramadan, a month of feasting.

Climate

Hot (January — December) 22ºC - 31ºC ; located just 137 km north of the equator, Singapore is both hot and very humid all year around. Rain is a daily occurrence but tends to fall in short tropical showers during the afternoon.