Kevin Laura asked:


Despite its tiny size, Singapore has become one of the wealthiest nations in the world to day.  An exotic location towards the south of Malaysia, the island is a tourist’s heaven.  No wonder that millions of people across the globe visit this place every year. More than ten million visitors arrived in Singapore on various purposes here during the year 2007.

Camping at a convenient place

Shopping and casinos are two of the major attractions for tourists and travelers visiting Singapore. Especially those in the Orchard Road shopping area are extremely popular. The city of Singapore itself is highly populated and the roads are always packed with moving people.  You require good hotels to stay in such a populous place that provides multiple avenues of enjoyment and relaxation.

Good news for you is that hotels in Singapore are mostly first rate.  All parts of this most populous city like the Orchard Road, River District, North Downtown, Heritage District, East Singapore, Chinatown, and Financial Districts have several top class hotels that could accommodate you providing all your requirements. However, most of the hotels are 5 star and consequentially a bit expensive.  Some of the major hotels in the area are Le Meridien, Royal Plaza, Hilton, Marriott and Meritus.



When budget is your concern



Not every visitor can afford or like to spend money being accommodated in the 5 star hotels.  Those who wish to have the comforts yet not pay as much may look for the 4 star hotels in River District or 3 star hotels in Heritage District in Singapore. Examples of four star and three star hotels are the Hotel Royal and Hotel Bayview Singapore.

You could even opt for the budget hotels like the South East Asia Hotel.  This hotel has got 51 rooms and is less expensive compared to the luxury hotels in Singapore. There are numerous other budget hotels in and around the city of Singapore where you can reside while visiting the country if you are purely on travel and tourism purposes and when there may be no meaning of lavish spending on accommodation.

If mobility is what you are looking for



There are many visitors who are always on the move.  Therefore they try to find out suitable accommodation near the airport, bus terminal, or railway station.  You can find both luxury and budget hotels in Singapore catering your needs.  For top class visitors hotels like the Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel with 520 rooms could be ideal as it takes only ten minutes to proceed to Changi International Airport from this hotel.

Similarly, the Oriental Hotel at the harbor side and Intercontinental hotel located near the Bugis Junction complex is suitable for those who wish to be mobile with less expensive transportation facilities. Those who are looking for shopping spree could choose hotels like Raffels Hotel, or the Regent, or the Conrad Centeennial as they are either located in the heart of the market complexes or close to them.

Have a better trip with convenient accommodation

During your trip to the city you will normally be on the look out for a Hotels Singapore or guest house that will provide you all the modern comforts at a reasonable price.  Close proximity to transportation hubs and shopping centers would be an added benefit.  People who are on business trip would be looking for a hotel where they get good communication and conferencing facilities.  And everyone will like good food, drinks, and fitness and relaxation facilities. 

Fortunately for you, Singapore hotels can provide all of these facilities for you.



Arts and Entertainment Singapore

Nancy Eben asked:


Singapore, the smallest nation in South East Asia, is considered the cleanest country in the world. It would become one of the most important commercial and military centre of British Empire and the hub of British power in South East Asia. It is the mosaic of an indigenous Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Arab population, which has led to cultural diffusion or diversity in Singapore. Beside this fusion, myriad of attractions have attracted tourists from all around the world.

With regard to provision of accommodation of these visitors, Singapore hotels have contributed a lot in catering to the needs of tourists with regards to providing them comfortable accommodation and entertaining facilities in addition to their warm hospitality. Many of the tourists with the aim of avoiding any hassle and adding fun and excitement to their trip access online hotel reservation sites in advance and finalize their stay in some popular hotel or resorts.

These online hotel reservation Singapore sites offer several different sorts of packages and hot deals for the comfort of travelers and to save on their pockets. Access some true online booking sites that guarantee you safe and secure transaction and you are assured of instant confirmation as well in any of the Singapore hotels. They make their maximum endeavor to provide a lot of information regarding the availability of the rooms and the city help you in taking the right decision. Their travel guide and other information are for personal assistance of the client, which helps him in deciding their itinerary tour before the actual visit to the place.

Some of the popular hotels of Singapore offer luxury accommodation to tourists. They cater to the needs of both business and leisure travelers with their warm hospitality and immediate attendant and modern service. Some of the cheap hotels in Singapore also provide such services in such a way that they never get disappointed for unaffordable expensive hotels. Many Singapore hotels provide the added advantage in accommodation for the visitors exploring theme parks, scenic beauty, bustling markets, and modern architecture. They provide several facilities for business travelers in their well equipped conference rooms. These are highly recommended accommodations in the country as they have pleasing lodgings, commendable services and modern facilities.

One can easily come across several different types of cheap and star hotels around some famous places of interest for the ease of travelers. The well decorated rooms, cleanliness and other modern facilities and amenities are provided to make your trip memorable.



Entertainment Center

Manoj Gursahani asked:


Tempting discounts, rock-bottom prices and an amazing travel destination…I’m back home from an incredible Asian shopping fiesta- the Great Singapore Sale!!

If you are looking out for that ‘must-have’ bag, latest laptop or the hottest mobile phone and are planning to take a break in the near future, then take my word- the trip to Singapore during the Great Singapore Sale is the place to be! For this year’s mega sale, from 26th May to 23rd July, you can expect slashed prices from 20-30% upto 70% that include all the big shops across the island.

I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by the shopping madness that spills out from the central shopping belt of downtown Orchard Road and Marina Bay to the city fringes and neighbourhood centres like Marine Parade and Toa Payoh, till the point you leave the country, at the Changi Airport.

As I found out myself, the discounts at the ongoing Great Singapore Sale are even more tempting this year with the Singapore Tourism Board launching massive promotions for the Indian tourists, with special airfares and attractive tourist packages during the Sale; including the added lure of a privilege card for the Indian shoppers entitles us to further discounts at the mammoth Suntec City mall.

If you want to be at the heart of the shopping excitement, I suggest you stay at the Oriental hotel or the Marina Mandarin- an arm’s throw from the Marina Square and the Suntec city mall. You can try the Fortuna or Claremont Hotel in Little India, for those slightly budget-conscious.

Delight in a bargain off the street-side shop, pick up a curio or two as you walk through colourful ethnic quarters, or cocoon yourself in one of the 12 air-conditioned shopping malls across the island that will take turns to extend shopping hours as far back as 12 midnight each weekend.

Bossini, Esprit, Polo, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger… or trendiest in electronics, jewellery, watches and cosmetics; to IT gear and techno-gizmos, in this sale you’ll find it all.

Simply flash your Visa or American Express credit cards and you’ll find some amazing bargains, not just from select shops but also from a variety of food outlets. Be sure to do your homework to take the maximum advantage of these on-going credit card promotions.

If you want to stay connected, but dread the colossal roaming bill when you come back, just buy a local simcard from any of the 7/11 shops. With simcards starting from 10 Singapore$ denominations and refills available easily, I think its the cheapest way to get connected.

What bugged me at times though, were the huge queues was getting a taxi, especially when you are lugging your armful of shopping bags. The only way to avoid this is to dial for a taxi (65221111), which would charge you about 10% more than the actual tariff, but it’s a real convenience for those willing to pay a little extra.

And if you are weary from the hours of shopping, don’t worry, you can even enjoy a free body and foot massage at the tourism board’s visitor lounge in downtown Orchard Road along with some free entertainment and lucky draws!

For me, the best way to take a break from shopping was to enjoy a delicious Indian meal served on banana leaf at Sammy’s Curry at the Marina Square Food court around the Suntec area (priced at max 8 SD, it’s a must-have treat) or a sit back and relax with a classy Indian dinner at the Ras Restaurant on the Clarke’s Quay. When you are finally through with shopping, don’t forget to walk through plexiglass underwater tunnel aquarium or take the night-safari at the Singapore Zoo. With a backdrop of colourful ethnic Asian community, tall gleaming skyscrapers of downtown Singapore, excitement of the Sentosa Island and the wilderness of the Jurong Bird Park, Singapore offers you a spectacular value for money.

And for the hardcore shopping enthusiasts there’s always some last minute duty-free shopping at the Changi Airport with the refund of the 5 percent sales tax on receipts of purchase of more than 100 Singapore$ during the Sale.

So arm yourself with sturdy shoes, recharged mobile phones and Credit cards, and get ready to fill your shopping bags with unbeatable bargains at the sale of the year. Indulge in 60 days of shopping carnival, shop-till-you-drop at the Great Singapore Sale!

Copyright (C) Manoj Gursahani



Entertainment Center

Ethan Ong asked:


Shakespeare and all the greats have been reborn in the remarkable silhouette that is the Esplanade Singapore. Built for the specific purpose for art and culture, the Esplanade is a hub for everything and everything to do with plays, performances and the artistic pulse. The calendar in the esplanade is choked full of local and international performances all year round, so your literary tastes will be fulfilled.

No square inch of the esplanade is wasted. First we move into the concert halls, which has been home and will be home to many magnificent performances. Seating close to 2, 000 people at any one time and designed with the best acoustics - the concert hall has seen many diverse range of music performances from budding local performers to international concerto’s and full orchestra performances.

There is also a theatre and a theatre studio within the premises, also with a seating capacity of about 2, 000 people. Boasting the largest and most expansive performing stage in Singapore, the theatre is also a chameleon - able to adapt to any performance of any size, shape, form and orientation. With excellent lighting, state of the art staging equipment and acoustics that ensure you hear every shudder and whisper of the performer, the Esplanade theatre is a locale for live entertainment like you have never seen. A recital studio is also available within its durian like enclosure, for those intimate performances by speakers, poets and even cosy jazz recitals for crowds below 200.

The fun doesn’t stop there. With more than 20 other locations indoors and outdoors against fantastic views of the bay, the Esplanade is just a promise of fun and entertainment for anyone - however innovative, creative or experimental.

A quick visit to the webpage and clicking the ‘Whats on’ icon will show you a whole list of current attractions, events, performances as well as upcoming slots in the future. Anything from visual arts, theatre, concerts as well as multi arts performances will be displayed with a short blurb describing the event and what you can expect from it. The website is highly detailed and they can narrow down your search by time, place, and type of event/performance - you don’t have to run through the entire detailed list to find the sort of thing you would like to do. If you are in the mood for a Shakespearean sonnet or even a modern take on Jeffrey Chaucer, then all you have to do is key in the appropriate words and voila!, you will be taken to a page with your desires displayed in colourful icons.

Signing up for their weekly electronic newsletter is also highly recommended, as you get to be in the know of the latest happenings in esplanade and event highlights. You also get preferential treatment in some cases and access to special events and performances. The esplanade is the vindication of Singapore and the Arts Council efforts to raise the arts scene to another level and 20 years later after its initial planning is an epicentre of performance, a place where art thrives and flourish - all for the benefit for anyone who chooses to pass through its unique walls and grand performances.



Singapore Tourist Attractions

Cristiano Renardo asked:


 

On September 26 – 28, 2008, Formula 1 is coming to Singapore.

 

The race is the 15th leg on the 2008 FORMULA 1 race calendar and it will be the first street circuit held in Asia for the Formula 1.

With the circuits of Malaysia, Bahrain, Singapore, Japan and China there are now five races held in Asia.

 

It will be the first time in history that a Formula 1 race will be held at night.

A total of 1600 special lighting projectors will be placed all around the track, spaced every 4 meters to give the drivers optimal visibility.

Singapore will be introducing a street circuit that can compete with the one in Monaco.

 

The race will take place in the heart of the city, around the Marina Bay area and the circuit will pass landmarks such as City Hall, The Esplanade, The Padang and the Fullerton Hotel , with most 5-star hotels only a few minutes away.

 

The circuit promises to be fast and spectacular and will run anti-clock wise, like the circuits in Brazil and Turkey and is 5.067 km long, including 14 left turns and 10 right turns.

 

The race will be run over 61 laps with accelerating speeds of up to 300km/h on the Pit Straight, St Andrews Road and Esplanade Drive, and above 300km/h on the Raffles Boulevard.

 

Around half a Billion people will watch while the McLaren drivers Hamilton and Kovalainen will compete against the Ferrari’s of Räikkönen and Massa on the streets of Singapore.

 

The race will start at 8pm to ensure that it can be broadcasted at a convenient time for European fans.

Around 80.000 to 100.000 paid crowds will be able to watch the race around the circuit.

 

But Tickets don’t come cheap at 168 Singapore dollar for a walkabout to 1,388 Singapore dollar for a ticket at the Premier Pit Grandstand.

The Formula 1 Grand Prix will draw over a 100 000 tourists to Singapore and it is needles to say that the Hotel industry is at an all time high and shortage of rooms will drive prices sky-high.

 

It is by far the biggest sports event ever held by Singapore and it’s estimated that the race will generate about S$100 million and with the current five year deal with Formula One Management, there is no doubt that it will be the number one on the of things to do in Singapore for the next few years.



Entertainment Center

Kevin Laura asked:


Feel the difference, as Singapore with its diverse culture maintains a discrete uniqueness from the other part of the world. Natural pictographic surroundings add to the charm of Singapore. This petite island has become centre of attraction for tourists all over the world. Singapore really flourished after it got independence in 1965. This islet has become much preferred, favorite tourist destination.

You can find many  in Singapore hotels and select which suits your needs and pocket. Hotels offer many things to make your body and soul feel younger. Hotels in Singapore are well known for the ‘spa’ facilities provided by them. But if this is not your idea of revitalizing your spirit, then ‘yoga’ can do wonders for you. Chinese, Indian cuisine added in the hotel menu as there are many Asians settled down in Singapore.

When you decide to visit Singapore, make sure you plan your trip properly and book your hotel room well in advance. Singapore famous for its very good mass transit system, scenery many hotels are full throughout the year.

Singapore boasts of housing every plausible hotel chain in the world . These hotels are conveniently located in the hub of the city and meet the requirements of travelers and businessmen alike. They offer a number of amenities and features which any 7 star hotels would proudly provide. Therapeutic massages are a hot favorite amongst travelers.

The hotels in Singapore are unique in the sense that they blend the rich cultures and cuisines from the east and the west. These hotels provide a Midas touch in a travelers’ life and provide the concoction of luxury hotel amenities and the much needed hospitality of an Eastern boutique hotel to give a 360 degree hotelling experience.

There are many hotels for those who are not looking for 5 and 7 star amenities. Singapore houses a number of budget and economy hotels including the self- check in hotels and the fix-it and do-it-yourself ones. These hotels also provide neatly done up interiors, exotic views, good cuisine and Wi-Fi connectivity and all at an affordable rate. And what more! These are located in the heart of the city making them a natural choice for budget travelers and vacationers’ alike. Most of these hotels have their own car rental agencies at competitive rates. Almost every place is located at walking distance from these hotels making your vacation light on your pockets. Also the side walks and the esplanades provide you a great walking experience.

Booking your room at these hotels is just a click away. Almost all of these hotels provide you to have a look at their rooms on the internet. You can also call their toll free numbers or contact the consulates of Singapore for more information. Singapore houses mega events like F1 car racing. It is advisable to book your hotel in advance. This ensures that you are saved of these vagaries later on and besides, you get a great discount too. Singapore hotels provide you the most in terms of your expectations.



Entertainment Center

Peter Fleming asked:


Southeast Asian city Singapore is one of the top tourist destinations of the world. Located at the islands of Malay Peninsula, Singapore features many interesting facts that attract tourists enormously all through out the year. Accommodations of Singapore are scattered all throughout the city and the hotels are of various range. The fascinating tourist destinations and shopping venues are located at the vicinity of some of the motels of Singapore. The facilities of such hotels are well enough to ascertain a pleasant stay at these hotels. Tourist traveling with low budget can choose one of the Budget Hotels In Singapore. The rooms of cheap hotels are well furnished but lack of some special qualities and features that you can find in luxury hotels like 3 star hotels in Singapore.

Keeping in view the features of discount hotels, the tourist can opt for some of the well known budget hotels in Singapore like Hotel 81 Princess Singapore, Fragrance Hotel - Pearl Singapore, etc.

The blend of cultures of different countries creates a perfect universal culture and every one can enjoy here in Singapore without discriminating caste, creed and religion. Make your stay at one of the luxury hotels like 3 Star Hotels In Singapore if you want to take the chance of both cheap and luxury type hotel. To name some of the 3 star hotels in Singapore are Plaza Park Royal Hotel, Golden landmark Hotel, etc. Plaza Park Royal Hotel is located near Marina Square and having all such facilities of a luxury hotel including front desk service, safe deposit box, meeting and conference halls, service parking, valet parking, and other hotel room facilities like pay channel TV, telephone, hair dryer, and attached bathrooms with bath shower tub. Likewise Golden Landmark Hotel is located on Arab Street and at the close proximity to the Bugis Mass Rapid Transit station.

Online Hotel Booking is the easiest way to pick a hotel of your choice from the websites. Due to the advance technology it takes a very little time to book a hotel online.



Entertainment Center

Ethan Ong asked:


A long time ago is someone tried to convince me that the art and entertainment scene Singapore was anything but boring, then I would refuse to believe them and tell them to start drinking stronger coffee. But this was some years ago and definitely Singapore has truly been transformed from a slightly mediocre city of bright lights to a lively arts and entertainment destination with a reputation that resonates all over the region and even Asia Pacific.

Lets talk about arts and heritage. The National Arts Council and some other governing bodies have pulled together their efforts and truly created a Renaissance City from almost nothing. Now, not only do we have the buildings, but we have quality acts, plays and exhibitions to show to the world. The National Museum and Heritage Gallery are some locations that boast Asian and worldwide exhibits taken from the best and the brightest from neighbouring countries. As a tourist attraction the architecture of these places and more is a definite draw, but as a purely spiritual attraction, these museums have outdone themselves with creative, innovative and unique exhibitions and performances, indoor and outdoor that has inspired much laughter, applause and wonder.

Just look at the Esplanade; touted as the ‘Theatres on the Bay’, there are more than a few hundred plays, recitals and concerts playing within its massive wall and multiple theatres in a year. It plays host to the famous Mosaic festival and some internationally acclaimed and locally produced shows. Ian McAllan graced the ‘durians’ with his presence in a bestselling performance and rendition of King Lear.

The nightlife and entertainment scene is no slouch either, with more than 300 bars, lounges and clubs all over Singapore. Can you imagine that in an island that is only about 40 miles wide and 32 miles long? How did the entertainment scene manage to pack in that amount of night spots in such a small space? Well it is true and whatever your fancy, whether you want to sit back and sing karaoke, relax at a lounge, sip a beer while listening to a live band or even dance the night away, there is somewhere you can go. Singapore even boasts more than 4 acclaimed local and international microbreweries, with more than 200 different varieties of beers sold in Singapore so far. Festivals and events simply add to this resume, with the recent Oktober Fest capping of the year with one of the biggest and best beer festivals in Asia, boasting a wide variety of beers for sale.

Concerts? Of course! Big names like Eric Clapton, Rob Stewart and pop bands like Green Day and Linkin Park have all graced this island with their voices and there is definitely more to come with giant music festivals like WOMAD set to land on our sandy shores once again! There is no end in sight to how much can be written about the arts and entertainment scene in Singapore, so what are you waiting for? Dive in!.



Singapore Tourist Attractions

Ethan Ong asked:


Singapore heritage centres actually represent a snapshot of each of 2 ethnic groups living in Singapore. From guided tours to exhibitions, this is a journey of education, diving through the rich histories of the Chinese and Malay populations - their past, their present and their potential future. Get a glimpse of their lives, their practices and the quirks that make them who they are today, all in a single location.

Put on your rice hats and step on over to the Chinese Heritage centre, a story told in living colours and lights as well as the passing smells of some of the best roasted, steamed and fried cultural delights. Go back in time to the black and white days of the early Chinese in Singapore and feel first hand the cramped living conditions these early settlers had to put up with - disease stricken, over crowded shop houses and busy, dank and sometimes dangerous streets. Now, he heritage centre sits pretty in its newly restored location, but it still remembers what it used to be.

The centre is a multilevel experience, and each time you ascend or descend, you get to experience a variation in the history and cultures of the early Chinese. You can almost imagine vividly by looking at the exhibitions and the displays of how life used to be, the decadent life of opium smoking, dens and places of gambling and prostitution that used to overcome this poor estate. This place is not just a re creation of history, it is sculpted by true stories to paint a picture that is both real and inspiring.

We cannot forget the Malay Heritage Centre, for Singapore was once a small and cosy Malay fishing village before the invasion of the colonial powers, who changed the course and destiny of this tiny island in ways the early fishermen and farmers could not have imagined. Find out how Islam came about and the pivotal role of learning and religious education on the early Malay community. Experience the kampong life and relive the old living conditions of the Malay community through guided tours and see how it changed from its humble beginnings to modern Singapore today.

Get dragged in to the culture and life through the daily festivals and performances by troupes and actors in the heritage centre. See how they used to defend themselves with silat, a traditional Malay martial art and sit down and waft with the sounds of Malay instruments of old.

These heritage centres play a very important role within Singapore. For the local population it reminds us where we came from and how humble we our beginnings and how much we have struggled from then till the comforts we are living in now. It also serves as a glimpse into our individual culture and tells us the story of the generations before us and how they lived.

For visitors, it plays the part of a theatre play and educational, informative lesson set in an interesting landscape. Understanding us better is one of the key features that these centres try to impart on tourists, as the most valuable souvenir of all is the one they take back in their hearts and in their minds.



Visit Singapore!

Nancy Eben asked:


A beautiful island nation at the tip of the Malay Penisula nowadays has become a prominent stop off destination for all sorts of tourists from all over world. Few prominent attractions of the Singapore are Bukit Timah Natural Reserve, Chinese and Japanese Garden, East Coast Park, Jurong Bird Park, Chinatown, Little India and many other places. Abdul Gafoor and Al-Abrar are the two most famous mosques amongst tourist in the Singapore. Basically, Abdul Gafoor Mosque is modern form of era old mosque Al-Abrar Mosque. Al-Abrar was originally constructed of wood in 1859 and is commemorated on a granite plaque. The newer form was built in 1907. The newer forms include ornate European-style columns and the sunburst above the main entrance. Discount rate hotels in Singapore are easily accessible in the proximity of mosque. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is another prominent tourist destination. It is pure primary rainforest approximately one million years old. It has been spread up in more than 81 hectares. The most amusing fact concerning with this nature reserve is free guided tour provided by the national parks Board on the first Sunday of the month at 9:30 and 10:30AM. If someone loves to explore historical facts than one must visit Asian Civilisations Museaum which nicely exhibits Southeast Asian culture highlights the history of the region and explores the Chinese, South Indian, and Islamic heritage that helped to shape regional cultures here. Well-planned galleries showcase fine arts, furniture, porcelain, jade, and other relics with excellent descriptions. Often, a scholar is known as poor person in terms of money and usually a scholar only shows interest in the places like museums and archeological evidences. Hence, numerous Discount Hotels in Singaporeare located in these areas. Most of the times Singapore hotels discount refer to that luxury star hotel which are being offered on discounted rate but the good thing is no compromise with the quality and service of the hotel. Hence, it becomes a wonderful chance to experience the one of the most developed destination in the world. Such sorts of hotels are also available near the globally famous spots like Changi Golf Club, Chinatown Heritage Centre, Singapore Science Centre and Singapore Zoo. Wild Wild Wet is a water park with flumes, raft slides, wave pool, plus lots of water activities for children. Locker rooms, food and beverages are also available here plus trained lifeguards are also available here. One can also enjoy public and sporting events with lots of pleasant activities in the Padang.



Arts and Entertainment Singapore