Frequently asked questions :

Which is a better location - Marina or Orchard ?

Both have their own merits, choose Orchard if you are in town purely for shopping. Marina and the surrounding areas (Suntec and Raffles City) will be a good base if you prefer to explore the city a bit more.

Where should I make the reservation - direct with the hotel or a third party ?

If there is a great deal on, an air and hotel package (eg. Singapore Airlines stop over package), those are the best ones to go with for. - If you have an amazing price on the airline tickets, book the hotel yourself through any sites eg. asiabesthotel.com, marimari.com, asiaroom.com, expedia.com etc. Whichever has the best prices.

Dont forget to compare prices with the hotel's direct site as they do have certain price (eg. prepaid) and promotional rates that are not available anywhere else.

What should I bring ?

SIN is one degree off the equator so anything to keep cool; cotton and quick drying fabrics are best. It does rain a lot so bring along shoes that are comfortable and you don't mind getting them wet.

What is the weather like?

Hot and humid, average temp. is 27 degree celsius throught the year with one degree cooler or warmer towards or away from the monsoon season (northeast season begins Dec to Mar, southwest from Jun to Sep, Apr and May being dry and the hottest month in SIN)

What to do ?

Shopping is big in SIN - dining is the biggest hobby in town

What not to be missed ?

Attractions :

* 1) Zoo
* 2) Jurong Bird Park
* 3) Haw Par Villa
* 4) Sentosa
* 5) Raffles
* 6) Chinatown
* 7) Little India
* 8) Geylang Serai
* 9) River areas of Boat Quay, Clark Quay and the Esplanade
* 10) Bugis
* 11) Singapore Museum
* 12) Botanic Gardens

Fun activity :

* 1) Cable Car ride
* 2) River boat ride
* 3) Wild Wild Wet
* 4) Hippo Tours
* 5) Duck Tours
* 6) Snow City
* 7) MRT ride into a local town
* 8) Trolley Tours
* 9) Trishaw Tours
* 10) walking tours
* 11) Singapore Flyer

What is the best souvenir to buy and where ?

* Chinatown has a mixture of touristy souvenirs of keychains, mugs, T-shirts as well as nice Chinese handicrafts like beaded evening bags and shoes, fans, antique chinese home decorative items, silk scarves, etc
* Little India for authentic Indian spices, jewelry and fabric
* Singapore museum shop has quite a few unique gifts and souvenirs
* RISIS Orchid & Peranakan Collections are available at Suntec Mall
* Singapre Sling and unique items at Raffles Hotel
* Local snacks that make great gifts for food lovers are available at the airport (SPFG cafe boutiques) or any DFS shops

How much is the cab fare from the airport to a hotel in Orchard Road or Marina area ?

to Orchard Road the cost will be around S$20 while to Marian area will be S$15-17, bear in mind there may be applicable surcharges (check this link for details : http://www.visitsingapore.com)



How much is the cab fare from a hotel in town to the zoo ?

fare from most hotels in town (orchard area) will cost about S$15 to Mandai area (zoo, night safari and orchid garden are located)

How is the MRT ?

Good and efficient, clean and safe. Definitely a great way to explore SIN

What about the SIA hop on/off bus or City Buzz ?

an easy way to get to know SIN if you don't have the leisure of time to explore the city, easy to use and cheap

Is the food safe at Hawker centres or food courts ?

SIN has a high standard of hygiene, all food establishments are required to display their health certificate issued by the health authority, grading from A (being the best) to D.
from:http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g294265-s409/Singapore:Singapore:First.Time.Visitors.html