A vibrant cosmopolitan state where modernity merges with the traditional, Singapore is a city full of surprises. Its unique colourful and harmonious blend of East and West fully expresses the essence of Singapore’s culture.
History
Once known as Temasek or "Sea Town", Singapore has evolved from a sleepy fishing village to a modern city-state since its founding in February 1819 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. Today, this bustling metropolis is home to more than 4 million people of various ethnic descents.
Food Galore
Referred to fondly as the national past-time, good food abounds in multicultural Singapore. Anytime, anywhere, you can enjoy a gourmet feast to suit any budget. Choose from authentic Chinese, Malay, Indian, Japanese, Vietnamese, Asian, Mediterranean, European and American cuisine. The variety is endless.
In Need of Retail Therapy
Singapore is also known as the shopper’s paradise. From the latest hi-tech innovations to traditional crafts, from haute couture to bargain accessories, visitors can be guaranteed to find them on this island where shopping hours start from 11am to 10pm.
Dressing For Our Weather
Loose and light summer clothing is recommended on this sunny tropical isle, where the climate is warm and at times humid all year round. Temperatures vary from 24ºC to 33ºC.However, do bring along business attire for meetings and conferences that are held in air-conditioned rooms.
Lingua Franca
English is widely spoken in Singapore, along with Mandarin, Malay and Tamil, which make up the nation’s official languages.
Singapore is serviced by more than 60 major international airlines. With the new Changi Airport Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station, visitors can now conveniently travel to and from the airport to destinations all over the island. Taxis are also abundantly available from the airport to the city center. Please note that there is a surcharge for all taxi journeys commencing from the airport and for after-midnight rides. Please refer to the prevailing rates displayed prominently in each taxi. Public buses also ply the airport route and visitors may catch one to town from the underground bus station at the Arrival Hall. Singapore’s efficient transport system – bus, taxi and rail (MRT) – ensures that visitors can get to any destination within the island with minimum fuss and maximum ease.
Money
The local currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). Notes come in denominations of $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $500, $1000 and $10000. Coins come in denominations of 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢ and $1. Banks and authorized money changers are easily located. Most restaurants, hotels and shopping malls accept major credit cards. Exact change is recommended when travelling on public buses.
Passports & Visas
A valid passport or international travel document is required for all visitors. Check with the local travel agent, embassy or nearest Singapore Tourism Board office on visa entry requirements.
Tipping & Taxes
Tipping is discouraged in most hotels and restaurants, as they already levy a 10% service charge. A 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is also levied on most goods and services. However, visitors may request for a GST refund for expenses amounting to SGD$300 or more. Receipts may be pooled from participating shops, which display a TAX REFUND sticker. A minimum purchase of SGD$100 is required at each shop. Refunds may be made at the Airport upon presentation of purchases and receipts. Check with the participating outlets for details.
Singapore Tourism Board
General Information about Singapore
Information on travel and entry requirements
Streets of Singapore
Cost: SGD$ 65 / person
A night out on the streets of Singapore, starting from Bugis Village, an exciting place filled with restored shop-houses and shopping complexes. Enjoy a trishaw ride while enjoying the view of Singapore at night including Clarke Quay. Finally, we will head down to the nooks and creeks of Geylang, where there you will find glorious local food. (Dinner included)
Night Safari Tour
Cost: SGD$ 85 / person
This premier night zoo houses over 900 animals of 135 exotic species in eight zones re-created to simulate geographic zones like the Southeast Asian rainforest, African savanna, Nepalese river valley, South American pampas and Burmese jungle. This tour is inclusive of a tram ride as well as a scrumptious meal at our very own Night Safari.
Singapore Duck Tour
Cost: SGD$ 80 / person
Singapore Duck Tour is the first and only amphibious theme tour attraction in Asia. Here, you will marvel at the historical landmarks around the colonial Civic District on the Singapore Heritage Tour. Then, we will bash through the woods for the ride’s climax as we splash into waters. Enjoy the breeze as we go on waters to view highlights like the Esplanade, Merlion Park and Clifford Pier. We will then end the exciting journey with a scrumptious meal provided in a local restaurant.
Please contact us at secretariat@icet.com.sg for more social event options. Customised packages are also available upon request.