planning a trip to singapore

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MIS Assignment : Planning a trip to Singapore Topics to be covered: Transportation - Air Travel, Trains and Buses, Rental cars, travel maps Weather Conditions & maps. - landmarks, start and stop sites, hotels and restaurants on map, directions Lodging - rates, amenities, surroundings, food, discounts, booking room, spas, promotions Destination information - restaurants, museums, shows, shopping, special attractions, sports, concerts, cuisines, culture, local language, guides etc Total cost and sources online Singapore nothing lonely about the planet (http://www.raahi.com/travel-guides/singapore/at-a-glance.html)

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  • 1.MIS Assignment: Planning a trip to SingaporeTopics to be covered: T Transportation - Air Travel, Trains and Buses, Rental cars, travel maps t Weather Conditions & maps. - landmarks, start and stop sites, hotels and restaurants on map, directions h Lodging - rates, amenities, surroundings, food, discounts, booking room, spas, promotions b Destination information - restaurants, museums, shows, shopping, special attractions, sports, concerts, cuisines, culture, local language, guides etc l Total cost and sources onlineSingaporenothing lonely about the planet(http://www.raahi.com/travel-guides/singapore/at-a-glance.html)

2. Singapore has 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 Singapore Sling under the languorous ceiling fans at Raffles Hotel.At first glance, Singapore appears shockingly modern and anonymous, but this is an undeniably Asian city with Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions from feng shui to ancestor worship creating part of the everyday landscape. It's these contrasts that bring the city to life. At a Glance Travel guide: 3. When to Visit:Go anytime. Climate is not a major consideration, as Singapore gets fairly steady annual rainfall. Co-ordinate your visit with one of the various festivals and events: Thaipusam is a spectacular festival, occurring around February. If shopping and eating are major concerns, April brings the Singapore Food Festival and the Great Singapore Sale is held in June.OrientationSingapore is a city, an island and a country. Sir Stamford Raffles founded Singapore on the Singapore River, which is still the heart of the city, encompassing the central business district and the popular entertainment and dining precinct along the quays. Most of Singapore's tourist action is centred around Orchard Rd, Chinatown and Little India.Getting Around:Singapore's public transport is plentiful and varied. You have the option of using metered taxis (although rickshaws are really only in Chinatown and the back streets), the MRT subway system or the convenient bus services. You can get around on the water by ferry or bumboat.Weather:Singapore is one giant sauna anytime of the year. November to January are the wettest months but the other months are not exactly dry. The only real deterrent is the lack of refreshing winds during March and September. Generally expect average temperatures to reach around 31C (88F) during the day and linger around 24C (75F) at night.Dial in code(s): 4. City code:065 Ethnic Groups:77% Chinese, 14% Malay, 8% IndianBest Time To Visit Singapore(http://www.travelinfoz.com/singapore-travel-guide/best-time-to-visit- singapore.html) This island nation of world tourists attractions in Singapore for pleasure trips and holidaying in the best places in Singapore. Tourists visit Singapore through out the year. However the best time to visit Singapore is the festive seasons. In January every year, the entire Chinese population of Singapore celebrates the Chinese New Year on a grand scale. China-town, one of the popular attractions of Singapore, the area most densely inhabited by the Chinese will wear a festive look, with colorful decorations, lighting up the entire area with beautiful luminaries. During this peak tourist season in Singapore, Chinese will greet the tourists with bouquets and oranges and there will be street parades known popularly as Chingay. A huge bazaar is also organized.The next peak tourist season for Singapore comes in November, when the Indians celebrate Deepavali with lights, music, dance, cultural programs and lot of fanfare. During this peak tourist season in Singapore, one of the best places in Singapore, Serangoon road will be having milling crowds with lights everywhere shopping merrily for the festive season.Also in November tourists visit Singapore, when Malay Muslims celebrate Hari Raya Puasa to mark the end of their fasting season 5. in Singapore. An active night bazaar to sell clothes, food such as candied dates, cakes etc. will be opened in the night at Joo Chiat Road. Another best time to visit Singapore is during September when Chinese celebration with Lantern Festival takes place. The entire Chinese Garden, another best place in Singapore will glitter with big lantern lights of Chinese origin while kids also light up paper lanterns observing the tradition.For art and cultural fan-fare loving tourists to visit Singapore the best time to visit Singapore is June, when the famous Art festival, one of the popular attractions in Singapore is conducted with music troupes performing in the Esplanade Theater including the popular cellists of Symphony Orchestra.Christmas is another peak season to visit Singapore and one can witness the celebration with lights, fun and frolic in the entire Singapore Island. So the best places in Singapore can be visited during travel to Singapore and the peak seasons in Singapore mentioned above and tourists can enjoy all the attractions of Singapore. Air Tickets(http://www.cheapairticketsindia.com/ http://internationalflights.yatra.com/flight/intl/searchIntl? depart_city_1=DEL&destination_city_1=SIN&flight_depart_date_1=30/10/2010&class_ 1=E&depart_city_2=SIN&destination_city_2=DEL&flight_depart_date_2=03/11/2010& class_2=E&ADT=1&CHD=0&INF=0&type=R) More the number of stoppages for a flite, cheaper is the flight. Malaysia airlines is the cheapest flight. 6. Round trip from New Delhi to Singapore: Date of boarding flight from New Delhi: 30th October,2010. (12:25, DEL) Date of return From Singapore: 3rd November, 2010(9:50, SIN) Charges for round trip: Rs. 18,326 per head 7. Hotels Available: (http://internationalhotels.yatra.com/hotel/searchresults? currencyCode=INR&userCity=singapore&additionalDataString=vrBookingSource| null&locale=en_IN&searchParam=2EBABFD7-C0B7-4EDC-A830- BE4D93D426FF&searchType=DESTINATION&travelDetail=[-0]1&cid=317676)There are a number of hotels available from 2 star to seven star but to make the cheapest trip, a 2 star Hotel is chosen: Fragrance Hotel Crystal: 2 star Near Singapore National Stadium Charges: Rs1715.28 INR (nightly rate) 8. Fragrance Hotel-Crystal is conveniently located in Geylang at the Eastern part of Singapore and in just 15 to 20 minutes by taxi from Singapore 9. Changi International Airport, 5 to 10 minutes away from Singapore Central Business District (CBD) and just 10 minutes away from the renowned shopping belt of Orchard Road. The nearest Aljunied MRT Station is just within a few minutes walking distance from the hotel.Geylang is located in the heart of the City and is a vibrant place throughout day and night with many eateries operating round the clock and here you can certainly able to sample a variety of good food at reasonable prices and enjoy an exciting nightlife when you stay at Fragrance Hotel-Crystal.Room Facilities 125 guest rooms In-room Wi-Fi available* Colour television Individually controlled air-conditioning Hair dryer Coded key card entry Ensuite bathroom with heater Phone with IDD facility (subject to call charges) Complimentary drinks Tea/Coffee making facility VCD player (at selected rooms only)Hotel Facilities & Services Broadband internet station* Safe deposit boxes Fax and laundry services* 24-hr CCTV cameras to public areas Iron & ironing board available upon request Complimentary car park Airport transfer arrangement * Guided sightseeing tours ** *Available upon request and the usual fee applies.** Available upon request. Services provided by the local tour agencies. 10. Transportation in Singapore 11. Traveling in Singapore is both easy and economical. There is an efficient public transportation network, which offers taxis, buses, and the modern Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system. With its excellent public transport system, Singapore is, without a doubt, the easiest city in Asia to get around.Singpapore's modern Changi International Airport is vast, efficient, and organized. There are banking and money-changing facilities, a post office, which is open 24 hours a day, credit card phones, free phones for local calls, Internet facilities, free hotel reservation counters, luggage facilities, restaurants, day rooms, fitness centers, saunas, business centers, and over 100 shops. The airport even provides free films, bars with entertainment, hairdressers, medical facilities, a swimming pool, and even a mini Science Discovery Museum. In other words, Changi International Airport has almost everything a visitor would require.There are two terminals: Terminal 1 and the newer Terminal 2. The Changi Skytrain, which is a monorail, shuttles between both terminals. Located on the extreme eastern end of the island, the airport is about 20km from the city center. To add on to the airport's efficiency, "airbuses" are provided to make traveling to and from the airport much easier. The airbus will take the weary traveler straight into town without any hassles and at a reasonable rate too.Singapore has over 15,000 air-conditioned taxis, which provide comfortable, hassle-free traveling at reasonable costs. Visitors can flag them down anytime. To further ease visitors, well marked taxi stands are available outside most major shopping centers and hotels. An extra charge will be added during peak hours, as well as for advanced booking. 12. Clean, punctual, and air-conditioned, Singapore's MRT subway system is a hallmark of efficiency. It is the easiest, fastest, and most comfortable way of getting around Singapore within minutes. Do note that there are fines for littering, smoking, eating and drinking in MRT stations and on board the trains. The MRT operates from 6 a.m. to midnight at frequencies of 3 to 8 minutes.Singapore's bus network is extremely frequent and comprehensive. Visitors rarely have to wait more than a few minutes and a bus will get them anywhere. If you are planning to travel a lot by public transport, it is best to purchase a copy of the TransitLink Guide, which has a list of all bus and MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) services. You can also buy the TransitLink Card, a stored value card that can be used on both the MRT and bus. Most buses operate between 6 a.m. to midnight.Visitors should have a valid driving license from their country of residence or an International Driving License in order to drive in Singapore. During peak hours, all vehicles passing through Electronic Road Pricing Scheme (ERP) roads should have an In- Vehicle Unit (IU) installed in the vehicle. A CashCard (stored value card) is used to pay the tolls. The toll is deducted each time the vehicle passes through ERP gantries. IUs can be rented at S$5 a day (minimum two days) with a deposit of S$120. Sales outlets are located near the Woodlands Checkpoint - at BP, Caltex, Mobil petrol stations, and two at Woodlands center.Public Transportation( http://www.singaporeexpats.com/guides-for-expats/singapore- travel-guide.htm#Taxi)1. Taxi 2. MRT 3. BusTaxi 13. Taxis are also widely available and the rates for all the taxi companies ranges, but not far apart. Bookings can be made via the phone, and normally takes about 5-10 minutes' to arrive. Additional charges are capped to taxi bookings but some taxi operators are currently having promotions where bookings after 12 midnights are free. Taxis are plentiful and it is easy to get one except during peak hours and rainy days. Rates are reasonable and standard among all the five taxi companies in Singapore. With the introduction of the world-first satellite tracking and booking system, service has improved too. The satellite system uses interactive media for booking a taxi. All taxis display their taxi's registration number inside the taxi above the doors. If you left something in the taxi, you can call the taxi company first as the driver will usually hand it to them. A surcharge may also be imposed by taxis for picking up passengers from certain places like Changi International Airport and Singapore Expo Centre. In Singapore, taxi cab fares must be charged by the taxi meter and are based on a flag down rate and the distance travelled. The flag down rate ranges from S$2.80 to S$5.00 (depending on the type of taxi).Taxis here will stop at taxi stands where orderly queues are formed and anywhere else that is safe and does not violate traffic rules. Hailing a cab can sometimes be frustrating as someone may just walk a few steps ahead of you and stop the same taxi. You may also come across taxis that do not stop even though they are empty. This may be because the drivers are on 14. call or are changing shift. A closer look will reveal that these taxis usually have a red destination label on their dashboard or windscreen which means they are changing shift and will only accept passengers traveling in that general direction. Taxi Booking Numbers Taxi (City Cab) - (65) 6552 2222 Taxi (Comfort Cablink) - (65) 6552 1111 Taxi (TIBS) - (65) 6481 1211 15. MRT - Mass Rapid Transit 16. MRT is a electrical subway system in Singapore. MRT routes are expanding in this small country, moving around in Singapore using MRT isn't difficult after all, if you are able to find a suitable place to reside. The MRT now consists of four lines traveling north-south, east-west, northeast and a line running from Jurong to Chua Chu Kang. The MRT service is fast, modern and air-conditioned. It operates at regular intervals of three to eight minutes from as early as 5.30 am to 12.30 am daily. Traveling on the MRT is relatively cheap with fares ranging from $0.70 to $2.20 on each line. You can buy stored value passes, called TransitLink fare card, for multiple trips or single value card each time you travel. The TransitLink fare card can also be used on buses operated by Singapore Bus Services (SBS) and Trans Island Bus Services (TIBS). Tickets are sold at all stations and costs are clearly displayed above the ticket machines. Eating, drinking and smoking are not allowed in the trains or on the platforms.BusBuses are also a common mode of transportation here in Singapore, all buses now are air-conditioned and some even have mobile televisions installed, making rides a pleasant one. Bus services are regular and inexpensive and most of the buses are air-conditioned. There are many types of buses, from mini-buses to double- deck to super-long buses that can take 110 passengers. Bus- Plus - a special "customised" public transport mode are small 17. capacity luxurious buses which usually ply from housing estates to the Central Business District (CBD). There are also feeder bus services which provide loop services from bus terminals to housing estates. The services are regular and cheap with a flat fare irrespective of distance traveled. A special "customised" public transport mode called Bus- Plus supplies luxurious but small capacity air-conditioned buses from housing estates to the CBD. Bus fares vary according to the distance traveled. You must have exact fare ready as all buses are One-Man-Operated where the driver does everything and does not give change. It is therefore, important for you to know your route and fare beforehand. The bus guide is a good source of information and it is available at all leading bookstores or SBS Head Office. Certain groups of people are entitled to special rates when they travel on buses or MRT. Senior citizens, children below 1.2 metres in height and students with concession cards are given concessionary rates. Map of Singapore(http://mapsingapore.com/index.php) 18. Map of Orchard Road 19. ORCHARD ROAD OVERVIEWFor many in Asia, Orchard Road is Singapore. Perhaps Asia's most renown boulevard, Orchard Road is a true shoppers paradise. From high quality and very competitively price electronic products in Lucky Plaza to the world's most exclusive haute couture fashions in Ngee Ann City (and everything in between) you'd be hard pressed not to find what you're looking for on Orchard Road.And when you get tired of shopping, just take a seat in any one of the literally hundreds of restaurants and cafes that line the street and dot the malls or get an ice cream sandwich from one of the old men under the shade trees and watch the world go by.PREFERRED HOTELS IN ORCHARD ROAD AREA STAR HOTEL CLASS GUEST REVIEWSPRICE 20. Pan Pacific Orchard Singapore 8.9 (7 reviews) 306.02 nett/night Royal Plaza on the Scotts 9.1 (5 reviews) 353.10 nett/night York Hotel Singapore7.6 (1 review)220.10 nett/night MAP OF HERITAGE DISTRICT 21. HERITAGE DISTRICT OVERVIEW 22. Also referred to as the Colonial District due to the number of the buildings that date back to the 1800's British colonial era. Most buildings, churches and government buildings in particular, have been carefully preserved and are still in use today.The Heritage District is the most centrally located area in downtown Singapore. Standing at the Singapore Art Museum, you are equal distance from Dhoby Ghaut and City Hall MRT stations and a 20 minute walk to pretty much anywhere else in the downtown area (Orchard Road to the west, Chinatown to the South, the Financial District to the East and Little India to the North). Indeed, an air-conditioned underground walkway lined with shops and restaurants connects the area to Suntec City and the Convention Centre in the Financial District.PREFERRED HOTELS IN HERITAGE DISTRICT AREA STAR HOTEL CLASS GUEST REVIEWSPRICE Bayview Hotel Singapore7.2 (4 reviews)205.98 nett/night/bf Hotel Royal @ Queens Singapore 8.2 (1 review) rates to be advised Naumi Hotel Singapore rates to be advised ParkRoyal on Beach Road rates to be advised Rendezvous Hotel Singapore 9.0 (1 review) 317.79 nett/night MAP OF FINANCIAL DISTRICT 23. FINANCIAL DISTRICT OVERVIEW Initially a swamp, the Financial District was one of the first projects undertaken by Sir Stamford Raffles. Taking land from a nearby hill, Raffles filled in the swamp to build a business centre to augment the city's trading post. The area, surrounding Shenton Way, is now Singapore's answer to Wall Street.The area has now extended to the north and now encompasses the marina area, an area dominated by Suntec City - a massive complex of 5 office towers that house domestic and international that comprise most of Singapore's financial institutions. As well in the midst of Suntec City is the Convention Centre and the accompanying large 5 star 24. convention hotels. An air-conditioned underground walkway lined with shops and restaurants connects the area to City Hall MRT and the Heritage District.PREFERRED HOTELS IN FINANCIAL DISTRICT AREA STAR HOTELCLASS GUEST REVIEWSPRICE Grand Park City Hall10.0 (1 review)rates to be advised Mandarin Oriental Singaporerates to be advised Marina Mandarin Singapore317.79 nett/night Pan Pacific Singapore482.57 nett/night Ritz Carlton Millenia Singaporerates to be advised MAP OF CHINATOWN 25. CHINATOWN OVERVIEW Once an infamous red light district, complete with opium dens and whatnot, Chinatown underwent a government planned gentrification program in the 1970s and is now one of Singapore's most fashionable areas. The ubique tess 2 and 3 storey shophouses that once housed many a samll warehouse and trading company have been turned into delightfully romantic boutique hotels, chic designer shops and trendy restaurants 26. PREFERRED HOTELS IN CHINATOWN AREA BUDGET / BOUTIQUE HOTEL CLASS GUEST REVIEWS PRICE The Keong Saik Hotel Singapore 7.0 (29 reviews) 95.00 nett/night/bf The Scarlet Hotel Singapore8.9 (4 reviews)264.82 nett/night MAP OF LITTLE INDIA 27. LITTLE INDIA OVERVIEW When visiting Little India, best to be prepared for sensory overload. Walk down Serangoon Road and you will be 'assaulted' with Indian music blaring at top volume from one shop while next door the air hangs heavy with the the aroma of Indian spices and burning incense all wrapped in a cacophony of vivid colours.The neighborhood itself is not that large - you can easily walk around it in a day - and with great food, friendly people and a bunch of unique shops that you won't find anywhere else in Singapore Little India is one of the most vibrant and interesting neighborhoods in Singapore 28. PREFERRED HOTELS IN LITTLE INDIA AREA BUDGET / BOUTIQUE HOTEL CLASS GUEST REVIEWSPRICE Broadway Hotel Singapore6.6 (21 reviews) 107.00 nett/night Cityhub Hotel Singapore188.32 nett/night/bf Perak Hotel Singapore 7.7 (8 reviews)150.00 nett/night/bf MAP OF EAST SINGAPORE EAST SINGAPORE OVERVIEW 29. Often overlooked by the international traveler, East Singapore (the neighborhoods and area in and around Geylang Road, Joo Chiat and airport) is where Singaporeans go about their everyday lives working, playing and shopping. As such, the hotels in this area cater mainly to the businessmen that serve local businesses and offer good value for money (especially the Hotel 81s) for budget travelers or visitors in transit.Predominately Malay, there are markets, cafes and any number of small stalls all going about their business quite nicely thank you in a harmonious blend of cultures and religions. If you are looking for the "real" Singapore of today, this is where you will find it.PREFERRED HOTELS IN EAST SINGAPORE AREASTAR HOTEL CLASS GUEST REVIEWS PRICErates to be Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel SingaporeadvisedBUDGET / BOUTIQUE HOTELCLASS GUEST REVIEWS PRICE MAP OF SENTOSA ISLAND 30. SENTOSA ISLAND OVERVIEW The word "Sentosa" means peaceful Malay. First used by the British as a garrison for the not-too-peaceful purpose of guarding Singapore from naval attack, Sentosa has been the subject of intense development for a number of years. Initial development seemed targeted towards the local market as a place to go for the weekend or school outing. British military installations were transformed into museums and eductional sites and a number of leisure attractions were added.However Sentosa is now emerging as a destination in its own right. This especially true for convention and meeting planners who want the convenience and efficiency of Singapore but in a beach resort. 31. Although not a theme park per se, more international calibre attractions have been added over the years including an Underwater World, two 18-hole golf courses. Singapore Tourism(http://singapore.tourism-asia.net/singapore- tourism.html)Attractions:Singapore has always been a paradise for the tourists. It is a charismatic city which has a perfect blend of contrast and color. Singapore serves you with diverse culture, exotic sea food combined with brilliant art and architecture. Stuffed with great enthusiasm, Singapore tourism provides memorable experience, for its visitors in some of its highlighted attractions. This includes journeys that will take you to see the scenic beauty of the island, and even under the crystal clear waters that surround it.A single day's travel will take you from the past to the future, from extraordinary traditional enclave to efficient business centre, from lush gardens to sleek skyscrapers. Tourist Attractions If you are planning to visit Singapore then here is a list of Tourist Attractions or the Places of Interest in Singapore which you can visit while you are here in Singapore:Asian Civilization Museum: The Asian Civilization Museum is a form of the three museums of the National Museums of Singapore. This is the most established museum in the region to focus exhibits and origins in Asia's cultures and evolutions.Escape Theme Park : Scream your hearts out at Singapore's 32. biggest outdoor theme park, Escape Theme Park. Escape Theme Park will certainly thrill and excite you with its huge range of wet and dry rides for the whole family.Jurong Bird Park: Located at the west end of Singapore, the Jurong Bird Park is the largest and most remarkable bird park in Southeast Asia that will certainly fascinate and impress you with its variety of 9,000 birds.Kent Ridge Park: With a size of 47 hectares, this park offers you the most magnificent views of the off-shore islands such as the Pulau Duran Darat. Filled with Tembusu, Acacias and Dillenias trees, you will certainly enjoy the peacefulness and serenity of the park.Merlion: The Merlion is to welcome all visitors to Singapore. Standing tall at 8.6 metres high and weighs as heavy as 70 tonnes, it was designed since 1964. It is originally located at the mouth of the Singapore River.Night Safari: The Night Safari is the first wildlife park built especially to be viewed at night unlike the traditional nocturnal houses elsewhere. This place occupies 40 hectares of land, ranging animals from South America and other parts of Asia.Pulau Ubin: A small island, shaped like a boomerang, this island is off the northeastern coast of Singapore main island. This could be the very last kampung or village in Singapore.Singapore Johore Battery at Changi: The Johore Battery is a war memorial site in Singapore that dates back to the early 1940s. Some of the other major coastal batteries were the Pasir Laba Battery, Labrador Battery and the Fort Siloso Battery.Singapore Zoo: The modern Singapore Zoo, or formerly known as 33. the Singapore Zoological Gardens, displays animals in the open. Residents of the animal kingdom roam spaciously in landscaped enclosures. Heritage Culture and Traditions Singapore is a perfect mixture of social ethnicities and traditions. The visitors can explore myriad of festivals, arts and numerous events which are a great fusion of several influences. Moreover, Singapore is gifted with rich heritage which can be seen in its splendid building structures and monuments. Now Singapore's heritage scene has blossomed with a steady rise in museum visitors and cultural activities in recent years.Architecture Singapore presents one of the finest and modern skylines in South east Asia. Its modern buildings can challenge sky scrapers from any part of the world. Singapore comes up with the buildings and monuments of colonial heritage in unparalleled style. You can also visit Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA), which is a national organization that represents the architects in Singapore. The marvelous and innovative architecture in Singapore sure keeps the visitor glued to her beautiful skyline. Must Visit in Singapore Little India: As you step into Little India, just be prepared for the feast of your senses! You will be welcomed by the strong scent of spices and jasmine garlands, followed by the treasury of 34. silverware, wood carvings, brassware and colorful silk saris. In 19th century, Indian immigrants arrived to find work here, be it as laborers to build roads or to take up prominent positions in the civil service.Festivals: In Singapore, every ethnic group has its own festivals, mostly related to their religion. Almost every month of the year, you will find a celebration of some form or other, bringing a great display of color, pomp and ceremony which is enjoyed by the whole population. In a peaceful and harmonious society, Singaporeans respect and celebrate one another's festivals with relish.Singapore Food (http://singapore.tourism-asia.net/singapore-food.html) Food and entertainment go hand and glove in Singapore. Arrival of people from plenty of cultures ensures that variety of food is available in Singapore. Thai, Indian, European, Malay, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Peranakan, Indonesian cuisine vies with one another for capturing the taste buds.Although number of cuisines are available in Singapore, some of them are particularly associated with the island. Here is concise information about variety of singapore food:Nonya Food Nonya Food is delicious blending of Chinese, Malay and other influences. Nonya recipes pass from one generation to the next, and preparation of the dishes is time-consuming. Nonya cooking is all about the combination of spices, using pungent roots like galangal, turmeric and ginger; aromatic leaves like pandan leaf, 35. fragrant lime leaf and laksa leaf, with other ingredients like shrimp paste, chilies, candlenuts and shallots. For making dishes tangy, ingredients like lemon, tamarind, belimbing (carambola) or green mangoes are used.Cakes are used in place of fruits for dessert. The cakes are of rich variety, made from ingredients like rice, sweet potato, coconut milk and sugar.Halal Food Sizeable chunk of Muslim population ensures availability of mouth-watering halal food. There are Malay Muslim and Indian Muslim food, both ever-ready to ignite the taste buds. Nasi Padang, a cooking style which originated from Sumatra, is a must try for the tourist. Indian Muslim or Mamak food is liked very much by the residents of Singapore and main dishes include mee goreng, rojak and mutton soup.Vegetarian Food Vegetarian eateries have witnessed significant growth in recent times. Delicious vegetarian dishes influenced by Indian and Chinese Tao traditions can be savored at these eating centers. Though non-veg food is more popular among both Singaporeans and the tourists, liking for vegetarian food is also increasing.Sea Food Singaporean seafood is the favorite of many visitors. Black pepper crabs, chili crabs, drunken prawns and deep fried baby squids are few juicy dishes not to be missed. Lobsters, chut chut (a cone shaped sea shell to be sucked) or raw cockles are also eaten. Eating barbequed sting ray from banana leaf is definitely an experience to savour. And there is no need to search for good seafood centers. They abound in every part of the island.Inspired Cuisine 36. Singaporean cuisine evolved under the influence of China, India and Malay. Influence from such varied lands ensured that the Singaporeans learnt to cook an astonishing variety of dishes. Dishes of such diversified taste never cease to fascinate the tourists and they are never tired of experiencing. Ten Dishes You Should Try in Singapore (http://goseasia.about.com/od/singaporepeopleculture/ig/Ten-Singapore- Dishes/)Singapore's Favorite Foodstuffs, Available at Any Hawker Center Islandwide Singapore cuisine spoils the visiting gourmand in more ways than one - from a wide assortment of dishes from all around the world, to food choices for all budgets, Singapore's food scene has it all. Still, you shouldn't leave without trying the local favorites, the dishes that warm the average Singaporean's heart and fill his stomach.These dishes aren't purely Singaporean in origin - most of them hail from the Malay peninsula, China, and India, but Singaporeans have embraced these dishes and made them part of their lives.These are the top ten dishes you should try, should you ever find yourself in Southeast Asia's food capital. These delicious Singaporean dishes can be sampled at any hawker and food center on the island. The 7 Best Singaporean Dishes You Really Must Try (http://www.angryangmo.com/2009/07/28/7-best-local-singapore-dishes-must- try/) Just too good to be true! Singapore's best food here, only for you! 37. 1. Singapore Breakfast:Kaya Toast,Kopi And Watery EggStart your day with the typical Singaporean way of getting energy for the humid day, lying ahead. A set of two half toast with Kaya (a traditional Coconut jam) and Butter, served with sweet Coffee (Kopi) and my all time favorite, watery eggs. Which are literally eggs cooked for seconds, cracked opened, put into a bowl, and mixed with Soy sauce and pepper either you hate it or you love it!2. Chili Or Black Pepper Crab You have heard about it by now, even if you only just arrived at the airport, but the famous and locally invented Chili Crab dish is everywhere. Its like a local VIP in form of food. 38. It is in the end the one local dish that earns the most of fame and without question is itself part of that not really existing Singaporean culture, the Chili Crab.A whole crab is usually served in a fantastic creamy, chili sauce , with juicy meat and little buns, so called mantou, to dip into the sauce. Epic. Win.3. Popiah NOT Papaya Those little rolls are stuffed with veggies, peanuts and crab meat, and are perfect as the healthy snack in between.4. Chicken Rice Another very famous (and cheap) local dish is the Chicken Rice. Usually a plate or bowl with rice, topped with cucumber and chicken pieces. However, the famous thing in this case is actually the rice that gets 39. cooked in chicken stock and is very flavorful.You can get a whole meal from 2$ onwards!5. Murtabak This so called Indian Pizza is a mix of minced Chicken or other meat with onions, chilli sauce and vegetables packed into a fold over of dough. very tempting, very unhealthy!6. Laksa If you cry the first time you have Laksa dont worry, its supposed to be spicy, very spicy (for Ang Mohs) and once you reach the bottom, its not over yet.Laksa is a very spicy, but tasteful soup, sweet-sour with ingredients of seafood and local veggies. Take it slow, so you can enjoy it before your taste buds get burned! 40. 7. BBQ Stingray Together with Laksa, BBQ Stingray is probably on the same level of spiciness. Mostly served in seafood hawker centers, with my favorite being the one at East Coast Park the flat stingray, gives a lovely flavor for the fish lover.Very spicy with a special chili sauce and topped with lime or lemon its a great dish for a cozy dinner along the ocean.Singapore Shopping Where to Shop and What to Buy in Singapore(http://www- singapore.com/singaporeshopping/) Alongside eating, shopping is considered the national past time on the island. Ranging from hi-tech wares to designer wear, there is something for everyone. Browsing around local markets and 41. shophouses in the ethnic enclaves to the glitzy portals of Orchard Road, the experiences are wide, varied and even intriguing.For most visitors, Orchard Road is a must-visit on the itinerary. Packed with modern malls and hotels, this stretch is transformed into a dazzling display of lights and festive embellishments at Christmas time when all buildings join in the annual festive light- up. Fabulous knick knacks and other memorable finds are also found in Chinatown, Arab Street, Little India and the suburban areas like Holland Village, Katong and Tampines. Unlike most Western countries, shopping hours usually start from late morning to 21:30 or 22:00 at night and these can extend to as late as midnight during festive season.The mid-year Great Singapore Sale is a much looked-forward to time when prices come down heftily in all precincts. Even during non-sale times, visitors will do well to bargain, particularly, in electronic stores found at Lucky Plaza, Sim Lim Square or Far East Plaza. A general rule of thumb for haggling is to begin about 25% -30% below that being offered. Do make it a point to compare prices at various shops. For convenience, most stores accept credit and charge cards. SHOPPINGMallsFunan The IT Mall IMM Isetan Singapore John Little Lucky Plaza Malls of Centrepoint Metro Mustafa Online 42. Parco Bugis Junction Raffles City Robinsons Suntec City Takashimaya Tangs The Heeren Wisma AtriaMajor SupermarketsCarrefour Cold Storage Econ Minimart NTUC Fair Price ShopNsaveOnline ShoppingeBay Singapore Myepb.com Popular Times Yahoo!Singapore AuctionsMEDICALMedical Centers & HospitalsChangi General Hospital 43. East Shore Hospital KK Women's and Children's Hospital Mount Alvernia Hospital Mount Elizabeth Hospital National University Hospital Raffles Hospital Singapore General Hospital Tan Tock Seng Hospital Thomson Medical Centre Total Cost of trip(4 nights 5 days):All costs cannot be ascertained, since charges vary from person to person as per choice of food, choice of mode of transport, shopping expenses, etc.Basic Charges include: Stay at hotel for 4 nights: =Rs.(1715*4) = Rs.6860 Air fare for round trip: = Rs. 18,326 Total of hotel and air fare = Rs.25,186 Travel by taxi: =@ $2.80 per km MRT and bus travel is comparatively cheaper. Food and shopping extra. Expenses of entry fees at various places extra.