Visiting Singapore. Review on Singapore, General

Singapore

Singapore's name was derived from the words Singa (Lion)Pore (City). Isn't it an Indian influence?? Singapore was a slum around 47 years back, i.e. in 1965 when it got independence, they were in fact in a pretty bad shape and got separated from the Malaysian federation. I was in Singapore last week and the transformation is unimaginable. I saw couple of documentaries on Channel 5 commemorating the 47 Independence day celebrations. There was one 47 year old speech by Lee Kwan Yoo, the father of Singapore. He said ''I know that the road ahead is difficult, but don't loose heart. This City will become a Metropolis, I promise you that...''. And boy was he right...Singapore is today one of the richest nations in the world.

How to Get There

Indians need a Visa to enter Singapore. The Tourist visa is typically valid for 3 months and allows 14 days stay, which can be extended later. It costs 500 Bucks (Rs). The air ticket (depending on the Airline) is available at anywhere between 15,000 to 20,000 (Excursion fare, two-way)

There are plenty of flights to Singapore from almost all the important Airports in India and the world. Even Trivandrum and Cochin is connoted to Singapore and Silk Air has direct flights to Changi International Airport. Form Chennai, you can take the Singapore Airlines (Expensive) or Indian Airlines. The Changi airport is a well oiled machine, where everything is super-efficient. From the Airport to the City center, it would take around 30-45 minutes by Taxi, which is pretty good. You can take the buses as well which are well maintained.

Where to stay and how to travel

There are plenty of luxury and budget hotels all around the town. The tariff ranges between 100 Sing Dollars to 300 Sing Dollars. (1 S$=27 Rs). The most economical way to travel is by the Bus. Taxi is also available and can get them from anywhere. There have a well connected and efficient MRT (Mass Rapid Transport) system as well.

Since the City is already crowded, its recommended that you don't rent a Car, is more fun to travel in the public transport.

About the Sights & Sounds & Food

Singapore is a very diverse country, the majority of population is of-course Chinese. (Lee Kwan Yoo once Remarked ''We are 2 Million Chinese in a Sea of 20 Million Malays''). But there is a Sizable number of Indians and Malays as well.

What to do in Singapore apart from Shopping?? Now, you can go to Sentoza Island for a Change, which is probably the most popular attraction. You can go around the Island by Walk, Cycle or Roller-Blades. If you are lazy, you can take the monorail train as well. The place has got eateries and a good beach as well as a hotel. You can climb on top of the 10 M (Approx) tall statue of Merlion, the Symbol of Singapore.

Singapore is a shopping paradise. You can go to Great World City, or Suntec City Mall and spend a whole day. Many malls have cinema halls and shows the very latest block busters, and if you want to take a rest while shopping, you can grab a movie as well. The most happening area in the City is of-course Orchard Road which is full of beautiful people and great shops with irresitable offers. The malls also has by default a Food court where you get all kinds of Cheap food, from Malay to Japanese Cuisine.

In the evenings, you can go down to Boat Kway to relax. The whole Kway is dotted with restaurants of all sizes and shapes and Indian food is very popular. You can gaze at boats going by. Yeah, they have a boat taxi over there. Mind you, the food is bit expensive though. Instead of this, you can go to any of the normal restaurants and try your luck. I really liked a chain of Chinese Restaurant called Crystal Jade which had really great customized food for slightly above average prices. You can go to any of the pubs or discos and chill out as well.

Most people go to Singapore for shopping, electronics are very Cheap, probably after Malaysia. For buying such stuff, you can go to Sim Lim Square which is a 5-6 storey building full of electronics stores, you get everything from Handy cam's to CD-RW IDE.

The people on the street are friendly and English is a official language and you will never face any problem communicating with them. Tipping is non-existent and Government discourages tipping. Go around in a pair or Bermudas and sandals, that's what the Singaporeans wear most of the time. Chewing gum is not available in the country, if you are addicted to it, carry it with you. Cigarettes are expensive. Plenty of beer is available, the local beer is Tiger Beer and its ok.

What I feel

The review has become longer then I intended it to be, anyway, I feel that its a good place to visit once or twice (if you want to shop again). The people are friendly and the surroundings pleasant to look at. But there ain't nothing much natural to see in Singapore, only the Condominiums and the shopping malls and the sky scrappers. Its a good place to stop and shop and move to some other less developed resort in Malaysia, Thailand or Indonesia.

The Indonesian Island of Bintan is just a 45 Minutes Ferry ride away, please book your tickets in advance cos they are always full. Indians need a Visa to enter Indonesia. Will write a separate review about Bintan cos there is a lot to write. You can travel to Malaysia (Johor) by road. They have Coaches to Kuala Lumpur as well (Takes around 5-6 Hours by Road).

That's it folks, nothing more to add. Hope you found this helpful.

Peace

Ranjith