|
Singapore Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Singapore
- Singapore Holiday Package Deals
|
!
Search & Compare Discount on Singapore Hotels or Holidays
|
Singapore Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Singapore - Beguiling Singapore is a modern city-state
embracing economic progress against the backdrop of age-old
tradition. The customs that underpin community life are created out
of a cultural mix that includes predominantly Chinese, Indian and
Malay ethnic groups.
Singapore is an island off
the southern tip of Malaysia, linked to it by a causeway. It
evolved from a sleepy fishing village in the early 1900s to become
one of Asia's economic tigers. Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles landed
on Singapore's northern bank in 1819 and felt that its location
made it ideal as a trading station. From here Singapore's landscape
was transformed by British colonial rule, Japanese occupation,
Communist insurrection and finally, independence. Since becoming a
republic in 1965 the island has experienced increased prosperity
and exponential economic growth. Shimmering skyscrapers tower above
the slick financial districts and elegant colonial buildings
preserve a lingering old-world charm.
Singapore's full calendar of events showcases a spectrum
of cultural celebrations and shopping activities. The early summer
months bustle in anticipation of the Singapore Sale - a time when
tourists can cash in on the competitive prices of electronic
equipment, jewellery and other merchandise. The business activity
thrives amidst the celebration of Chinese, Hindu and Muslim
festivals that punctuate the year with their colourful
representations. These include the Chinese New Year, Ramadan, Hari
Raya Puasa, Vesak Day, the Dragon Boat Festival, Festival of the
Hungry Ghosts and Thaipusam. The core of
downtown Singapore is formed by the Colonial District embellished
by cathedrals and cricket lawns. The notable sites of the area
include the Empress Place Building and the luxurious Raffles Hotel.
Although most of old Singapore has been demolished to make way for
the modern city, many major landmarks within the Colonial district
have been preserved. The surrounding ethnic enclaves of Little
India, Chinatown and the Arab Quarters also provide glimpses into
the traditions that have sustained their respective communities
through the centuries.
Advertisment: Search for a Holiday deal.
There are options for all Singapore holidays, hotels,
Singapore Flights and other deals with the
multi-search
booking engine.
Singapore
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Raffles Hotel
1 Beach Road
www.raffleshotel.com |
What is it? The Raffles Hotel is a grand Victorian
edifice rising from the pavements of the colonial district. Its
elegant charm has enticed writers and entertainers such as Somerset
Maugham, Rudyard Kipling, Joseph Conrad and Charlie Chaplin.
Singapore Slings have become the hallmark of the Long
Bar. Here ceiling fans whirr above the heads of
expatriates and tourists as they sip smart cocktails in superb
comfort. The Tiffin Room is best known for its
afternoon teas and sumptuous Saturday night buffets. Gin and tonics
alongside the odd game of snooker can be enjoyed at the
Bar & Billiard. Other distractions
include an upper-level museum containing vignettes and photographs
on the lives of Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton
and Noel Coward, as well as a Victorian-style playhouse and
numerous specialty shops and restaurants.
Hours of Operation:
Phone:6337 1886 |
2. Chinatown
|
What is it? Chinatown is set against the backdrop of
Singapore's modern infrastructure and the prosperous financial
district. It is a crowded and colourful network of streets and
alleyways contained by Upper Pickering Street, Cantonment Road, New
Bridge and South Bridge Road. The area is a receptacle of
traditional Chinese customs that were carried by the communities in
Chinese Junks from the provinces of Guangdong and Fujian to
Singapore in the early 19th century. Temples, terraces, markets and
shops still provide a glimpse of the old ways but much of its
original character has been lost in the redevelopment of the past
30 years. Yixing Xuan's Teahouse provides a fascinating insight
into the ancient, ritualistic art of tea-making while a visit to
the Thian Hock Keng Temple leaves one in awe of Chinese traditions
of worship and symbolism. The streets of the district offer
traditional healing practices. Here snake skins are blended with
herbs and spices to produce powerful potions for various ailments.
Brightly coloured exotic fruit interject the marketplace with
lively displays of Rambutan, Durian and Mangosteen. The streets are
a delight for bargain hunters looking to buy kimonos, jewellery,
t-shirts, pottery and traditional crafts. Tanjong Pagar is the area
best known for its traditional crafts such as painted masks, paper
umbrellas, clogs and kites. Electronic goods, luggage, textiles and
other more conventional products can be found in Chinatown's modern
section located at the intersection of Cross, New Bridge Road and
Eu Tong Street.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
3. Little India
www.littleindia.com.sg |
What is it? The first Indian settlers arrived with Sir
Stamford Raffles in the early 19th century, bringing with them
colourful silks, aromatic spices, incense and other accoutrements
of Indian culture. They worked on the roads and helped build the
infrastructure of the city, settling within the ethnic enclave that
has become known as Little India. The area is delineated by the
north-south Serangoon Road, which runs parallel to Race Course
Road. Its eastern end stretches to Jalan Besar. Temples,
fortune-tellers, busy restaurants, stirring curry spices, jasmine
garlands and the exotic hues of silk saris fill the vibrant streets
to create a colourful ensemble. Little India is at its best during
the Hindu Festival of Lights when the area is festooned with
decorative lighting displays.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
Singapore
holidays - Top Events
1. Thaipusam
From 2007-02-01
To 2007-02-01
|
What is it? Thaipusam is a Hindu festival in honour of
Lord Subramaniam, son of Shiva, and is a day of purification and
penance during which devotees make offerings of thanks for
blessings received through fulfilment of vows. The festival centres
on the two-mile (4km) procession of penitents who carry 'kavadis'
(large wood or metal frames) hung with offerings such as milk,
honey or flowers and decorated with bells and peacock feathers.
These loaded shrines are gruesomely supported by heavy spikes,
hooks and barbs driven into their bodies, and some participants
pierce their tongues and cheeks with skewers and spikes. Supporters
will gather around the devotees chanting prayers and encouraging
them along the way. Devotees undergo a period of spiritual
preparation before the procession and enter a trance-like state in
order to tolerate the pain involved.
Where is it? Procession from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to Sri
Thendayuthapani Temple |
2. Singapore Arts Festival
From 2007-05-26
To 2007-06-24
|
What is it? Recognised as one of Asia's top arts
festivals, the Singapore Arts Festival is a celebration of dance,
drama and music from around the world, embracing classical as well
as the avant-garde, cultural diversity and the latest in artistic
innovation. Audiences are treated to performances of creative
freedom, from ballet to street shows within the Festival Village
and on the fringes, as well as workshops and talks in venues
throughout the city.
Where is it? Various |
3. Chinese Lunar New Year
From 2007-02-16
To 2007-02-25
|
What is it? Lunar New Year is the most important festival
in the Chinese calendar and is a time to exchange well wishes and
gifts of good fortune. The streets of Chinatown become lit with red
lanterns, twinkling lights and elaborate decorations, fireworks
colour the sky and busy street bazaar stalls are laden with Chinese
delicacies and symbols of prosperity and good luck. Part of the
festivities is the Chingay Parade, the largest and grandest street
procession in the country, which is a multi-cultural and
cosmopolitan parade featuring some of the finest performing groups
from around the world. This colourful event presents lavishly
decorated floats, stilt-walkers, lion dancers, fire jugglers, and
music performances. Another annual New Year extravaganza is the
River Hong Bao, which is a cultural event including a range of
performances from top national artists, as well as art and craft
stalls and floats; spectacular fireworks displays take place on the
opening and closing nights.
Where is it? Chinatown (Parade in Orchard Road, River HongBao in
Esplanade Park) |
4. Thimithi Festival
From 2007-10-16
To 2007-10-16
|
What is it? The major event at this Hindu festival is the
breathtaking fire-walking ceremony in which devotees honour the
goddess Draupadi. Legend has it that she proved her fidelity and
innocence to her husband by walking barefoot over burning coals,
and Hindu priests and devotees demonstrate their faith, courage and
endurance by walking across a 21ft (7m) pit of glowing coals
without showing any signs of pain. In this test of purity devotees
believe that they will only be burnt if they are impure. Afterwards
they wade through a pit of goat's milk and then stain their feet
with yellow turmeric. For more information contact the Singapore
Tourism Board on +65 736 6622.
Where is it? Sri Mariamman Temple |
5. Moon Cake Festival
From 2007-09-25
To 2007-09-25
|
What is it? This festival, also known as the Lantern
Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival, commemorates the 14th-century
revolution led by Yuan Zhang who smuggled notes inside moon cakes
and used lighted lanterns as a signal to launch the revolt. One of
the highlights of the festival is the Moon Cake Fair where hundreds
of festive stalls line the streets of Chinatown selling an
astonishing variety of moon cakes, traditional paper lanterns,
decorations and other delicacies. Children parade down the streets
with their brightly lit lanterns in the Children's Lantern
Procession. The Chinese Garden becomes a fairyland of lights and
colours for the Lantern Festival, and there is also a range of
cultural shows and performances including lion and dragon dancing,
Chinese instrumentalists and craftsmen.
Where is it? Chinatown and Chinese Garden |
|
