Lying almost on the equator, Singapore is a thriving city-state that has overcome its dearth of natural resources to become one of the juggernaut economies of Asia. In the crowded streets of Chinatown, fortune tellers, calligraphers and temple worshippers are still a part of everyday life. In Little India, you can buy the best sari material, freshly ground spices or a picture of your favourite Hindu god. In the small shops of Arab St, the cry of the imam can be heard from the nearby Sultan Mosque.
Singapore may have traded in its rough-and-ready opium dens and pearl luggers for towers of concrete and glass, and its steamy rickshaw image for hi-tech wizardry, but you can still recapture the colonial era with a gin sling under the languorous ceiling fans at Raffles Hotel. It is this carefully stage-managed combination of Western modernity and treasured Eastern and colonial past that makes Singapore such an accessible slice of Asia.

Full country name: Republic of Singapore
Area: 620 sq km (239 sq mi)
Population: 3.5 million (growth rate 1.15%)
People: 76% Chinese, 15% Malay, 6% Indian
Language: English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil
Religion: 31% Taoist, 28% Buddhist, 18% Muslim, 10% Christian, 4% Hindu
Government: Parliamentary democracy
Major industries: Shipping, banking, tourism, electrical & electronics, chemicals, oil refining
Major trading partners: US, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan

Facts for the Traveler

Visas: Most Western nationals either do not require a visa at all or do not require a visa for a social stay of up to 90 days. A 30-day permit is issued on arrival, and extensions are difficult to obtain.
Health risks: None
Time: GMT/UTC+8
Electricity: 220-240V, 50 Hz
Weights & measures: Metric with local variations

When to Go
Go anytime. Climate is not a major consideration, as Singapore gets fairly steady annual rainfall. You may like to co-ordinate your visit with various festivals and events: Thaipusam is one of the most spectacular festivals, occurring around February. If shopping and eating are your major concerns, July is a good month as the Singapore Food Festival and Great Singapore Sale are held then.

Events
Singapore's polyglot population celebrates a number of festivals and events. Chinese, Hindu and Muslim celebrations follow a lunar calendar so dates of festivities vary from year to year. Chinese New Year, in January or February, is welcomed in with dragon dances, parades and much good cheer. Chinatown is lit up and there are fireworks and night markets. During Ramadan, food stalls are set up in the evening in the Arab St district, near the Sultan Mosque. Hari Raya Puasa, the end of Ramadan in January or February, is marked by three days of joyful celebrations. Vesak Day in April or May celebrates Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death. It is marked by various events, including the release of caged birds to symbolise the setting free of captive souls. The Dragon Boat Festival, held in May or June, commemorates the death of a Chinese saint who drowned himself as a protest against government corruption. It is celebrated with boat races across Marina Bay.
The Festival of the Hungry Ghosts is usually celebrated in September. This is when the souls of the dead are released for feasting and entertainment on earth. Chinese operas are performed for them and food is offered; the ghosts eat the spirit of the food but thoughtfully leave the substance for the mortal celebrants. The festival of Thaipusam is one of the most dramatic Hindu festivals and is now banned in India. Devotees honour Lord Subramaniam with acts of amazing body-piercing masochism - definitely not for the squeamish. In Singapore, devotees march in procession from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple on Serangoon Rd to the Chettiar Hindu Temple on Tank Rd. The festival is based on the lunar calendar but will be held in October for the next couple of years.

Sight Seeing

Parliment House: The oldest government building in singapore and today it is the home of the Republic's Parliment. The entrance has a beautiful Bronze elephant that cannot be missed.

City Hall: A place of Historic importance as it is here that the Japanese surrendered to Lord Mountbaten. The supreme Court being the beighbour is an example of colonial architecture.

Mount Faba: From here you get to the most panoramic view of the harbour & sentosa Island, youu can use the cable care to sentosa.

Raffles Hotel: One of the most famous hotels in the world, it is fully restored to its former glory afterr an extensive $ 160 million restoration. A place where most of the famous royalty, film stars, world leaders & authorities have stayed.

Sentosa Island: Singapore's most famous holiday resort Island which can be reached by cable car from Mount faber or WTC (World Trade Center) or even by ferry or land by through the cause way bridge.

In Sentosa the popular attraction are:-

Merlion: The 37 meter tall Merlion acts as a beacon to attract people to the island a viewing tower and the famous tourism symbol of singapore. At night the Merlion comes alives with a light, sound & water extravaganza where a spectacle of colour lager shoot from the eyes of the Merlion.

Underwater World: A submerged acrylic walkway that allows visitors to pass softly and it is Asias largest tropical oceanarium that houses a variety of marine creatures.

Musical Fountains:A synchronesation with the symphony of dancing water fountains spot not to be messed.

Wax Museum: A great way to get to know Singapores history & its cultural diversity through some interactive wax statues.

Mono rail: Get on the mono rail to get a birds eye view of the attractions.

Jurong Bird Park: Famous for being South East Asia's largest Bird Park as it has over 8000 birds also known for as the worlds second largest penguin
Exhibit Highlights include penguin geeding tine & the all stars Bird show.

Night Safari: A wild adventure not to be missed, there are some 1200 animals from over 100 exotic species to see youcan either walk on your own along the trail are relax in the tram tride.

Discovery center: Here is where you can discover singapore through its history civil defense efforts & technology encleavous, it offers a funfilled interactive entertainment for the entire family.