Overview Tab
The British acquired sovereignty over Singapore in 1824, with the island nation declaring separation from the UK in 1963 and announcing total independence as a republic in 1965. The English legacy of 139 years control remains dominant throughout the nation with many colonial buildings standing proud. Today Singapore remains an important trading nation with Australia and a great city-break destination.
Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate with no significant temperature variation year round. The mercury rises to around the 30/31 degree mark across the year. The wettest months are November and December.
There are a variety of festivals and events punctuating the Singapore calendar. Sentosa Flowers celebrates spring in all its colourful glory, Chinese New Year is a lively affair and the Dragon Boat Festival sees teams strive for victory. The Mooncake Festival, also known as the Lantern Festival, is a very beautiful occasion. Held near the Marina, the River Hong Bao is an annual fair themed around that year’s Chinese zodiac symbol.
Air
Flying from New Zealand to Singapore takes around eleven and a half hours. Airlines that fly to Singapore include:
Land
Singapore is linked to Malaysia via to two entry points; the popular and often congested Causeway in the north and the Second Link in the west.
Luxury Hotels
A glorious remnant of colonial England, Raffles Hotel continues to offer outstanding service. There are many international hotel chains based in Singapore including the Hyatt, Swissotel, Marriott and the Hilton.
To find out more about the range of holiday accommodation available with Travel Associates call 0800 482 776 or enquire online.
Sights to See
Singapore has a range of distinct neighbourhoods all deserving exploration. Celebrate the Chinese culture in Chinatown, taste Indian delicacies in Little India and hunt down incredible fabrics on Arab Street. Orchard Road is the foremost shopping street in the city.
Have a stroll through the colonial district and wander past the Old Parliament Building which is now an arts centre, a Cenotaph memorial, St Andrew’s Cathedral, City Hall and the former Supreme Court Building. If you’re not staying in Raffles it’s worth investigating the public areas and possibly staying for a Singapore Sling.
Sentosa Island features a variety of attractions including a golf club, underwater world, a beach and numerous World War II fortifications. The Singapore Zoo, with the popular night safari, is perfect for the family. Before leaving Singapore, pay your respects to the Merlion, the official symbol of the city, a half-lion, half-fish that stands confidently over the city.
Don't leave home without...
Singapore is a modern cosmopolitan city, so if you accidentally forget your favourite moisturiser, the chances are it can be easily replaced in a supermarket or chemist.
Local Customs
When eating food with chopsticks, never stick the utensils vertically into a bowl of rice because according to local customs, they resemble incense sticks associated with the death. Also don’t use the chopsticks to move bowls or plates; they’re purely for delivering food from the bowl to your mouth.
Things to be careful of…
Drugs
Singapore has very strict laws involving illicit drugs. Do not test the law or the patience of the judicial system or your visit to Singapore may last a little longer than you intended.
