Singapore travel tips

Singapore is a large and vibrant city great for a travellers/tourists to visit. Without further ado, here are some of my top travel tips for Singapore!

1. Weather. Singapore is extremely hot and humid with temperatures averaging around 25-35 no matter what season. Therefore, it's recommended to pack shirts, shorts and any other light clothing. It can also be a good option to bring an umbrella to cool off from the sun rays and also in case of any rain.

2. Tourist pass. Travellers can purchase a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited bus and train transport for 1 to 3 days. These are available at Changi Airport or TransitLink ticket Offices. Alternatively, they can also be purchased online. Public transport is extremely convenient and easy to use. However, taxis are also a good alternative although a little more expensive but more convenient.




3. Hawker centres can get extremely busy during lunch hours so make sure to reserve a table placing a packet of tissues on it. Afterwards, feel free to explore all the stalls.

The Sites of Singapore

Marina Bay

Marina Bay is a perfect example of Singapore’s transformation to become one of the world’s most luxurious travel destinations, boasting some of the city-state’s most iconic hotels and attractions.

The Merlion

No trip to the independent city-state is complete without a visit to the mythical symbol of Singapore, the Merlion, a half-fish, half-lion statue weighing 70 tonnes and standing at 8.7m tall. Located in Merlion Park, the statue includes a water fountain, shooting out into the picturesque Marina Bay.

Clarke Quay's Nightlife 

Originally a centre of commerce, Clarke Quay is now a labyrinth of restaurants, concept bars, retail stores and recreation outlets, with this party hub now most famous for its nightlife. A wide assortment of themes and attractions, there are plenty of choices available for after-sunset indulgence. Try Bar Cocoon or Bamboo Bar at The Forbidden City, Lunar Asian Fusion Bar for great shows, or Bar Opiume at the Empress Place by the riverside and then Attica or Canvas for an after-hours rave.

Sentosa Island

The best of the island life is experienced at its finest on a day trip to Sentosa Island, with world-class entertainment opportunities like Madame Tussauds Singapore, S.E.A Aquarium, and Adventure Cove Waterpark.

Garden By the Bay Surpertrees at night

Singapore’s latest green space,
Gardens By the Bay is well worth a visit. Located in the bay area of Singapore, the huge, vibrant futuristic indoor park is home to famous structures like the Supertree, the steel-framed ‘tree’ plantation, towering over gardens, offering an impressive skywalk over the gardens. Over 200 difference species of plants and flowers cover the exterior of these tall upright gardens and twice a night they are a centrepiece of the gardens’ light and music show casting a glow over the park, creating a modern fairytale-like atmosphere.

Gardens By the Bay Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, and Floral Clock 

General Information on Singapore

Singapore in located in Southeast Asia. Being an independent city-state, Singapore is approximately 648 square kilometres and has around 4.3 million in population.

Around 76% of people in Singapore are Chinese, 15% Malaysian and 6% Indian. It is known to be one of the most urban societies in the world. Singapore has successfully promoted racial harmony and national unity.

Having a racial diverse population, Singapore’s has multiple languages. The main languages include Malay, Chinese, English and Tamil. Malay is the national language and english is the administration language. The government encourages use of all the languages, making most Singaporeans bilingual or multilingual.

The Singapore Flag

The Singapore currency is the Singapore dollar or simply, the Sing dollar (SGD). It’s conversion rate is 1AUD=1.01SGD.

Singapore has a warm, humid climate. The minimum average temperature in Singapore is 23 degrees and the maximum average reaches up to 31 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is frequent mainly in the monsoon season (November - January). The average rainfall per year is 95 inches. 

Personal Favourite Travel Destinations: Amsterdam

Hi, my name is Jess and I'm one of the bloggers, posting on things to do and sites to see in the various locations we blog about. Growing up in a family that loves to travel, I have been to the USA, New Zealand, New Caledonia, and various destinations throughout South-East Asia. Recently, I have travelled around continental Europe with some friends and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life!!! The best place of all? AMSTERDAM

Map of the Netherlands

ABOUT AMSTERDAM

The nominal capital city of the Netherlands, it’s the nation’s most visited city roughly attracting 3.5 million foreign visitors per year. Situated in Western Europe, the Netherlands, often called Holland, shares its borders with Belgium in the south and Germany to the east while its north and west are bordered by the North Sea. Like most countries within the European Union, the currency in the Netherlands is the Euro (€, EUR).

Probably the most planned city of northern Europe, Amsterdam has long been a well-known city. During the 17th century the city was the centre of world economy, while in this day and age its known for its tolerant character and the diversity present. 

With a population of more than 820,000, the city’s main form of transport is by cycling with roughly 600,000 of the population using bicycles as their main form of transport. Arguably the greatest small city in the world, it has the benefits of a big city but is quiet, mainly due to its extensive canals, resulting in minimal road traffic. In this city your destination is never far away.

THE MANY SIGHTS OF THE CITY

There is plenty to see and do in Amsterdam, home to cultural highlights including the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, Jewish Historical Museum and the Rijksmuseum with Rembrandt’s world-famous Nightwatch. The Van Gogh Museum, along with the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum, are known as the big three, fanning out around the grassy expanse of Museumplein.

Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk Museum

 The Anne Frank House, situated in the western canal ring, brings the poignant history to life, as the location where the Frank family hid from the Nazis in a secret annex for over two years, and Anne wrote her immortal diary.

Anne Frank's House

 The lively Dam Square is the main square located in the historic centre of Amsterdam. Overlooking in the square is the Royal Palace, Koninklijk Paleis, the official residence of the royal family.

Vondelpark

The city’s best loved escape it Vondelpark, a 47 hectare English style garden complete with ponds, footbridges, winding footpaths, and many sculptures.

I Am Amsterdam Letters

Take a photo with the iconic 'I Am Amsterdam' letters. Though a typical tourist picture may seem cheesy at the time, it makes for a great souvenir.

MY TOP TRAVEL TIPS'

Bicycles along a bridge in the canal ring

1. For the most authentic view of the city, a bike tour and canal cruise is a definite must to any traveller. Even for someone like me who hasn't ridden a bicycle since before my teenage years, riding a bike in Amsterdam was no big feat due to its relatively flat surface and little road traffic.

2. Pedestrians are low down the pecking order so be very careful and watch out for trams, cyclists and cars when walking around.Look both ways when crossing bike lanes (marked with white lines and bicycle symbols) and never walk along them.

A Coffeeshop

3. Know the difference between a cafe or Koffihuis and a coffeeshop. If you are in the mood for a caffeinated beverage, make sure you go to a koffiehuis (coffee house) which sells coffee as well as light meals. A cafe on the other hand is a casual restaurant or bar while a coffeeshop is the name referred to a licensed seller of cannabis products. 

I Amsterdam Card

4.To avoid massive queues at popular museums/attractions, pre-purchase your tickets online for fast-track entry. If you're hitting a lot of museums,an I Amsterdam Card is worth to be invested in, with a canal cruise and public transport included. 

Kuala Lumpur travel tips

Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the largest city in Malaysia. A melting pot of cultural delights, food, some of the cheapest high quality hotels in the world and some amazing sights to see, Kuala Lumpur is a great location for anyone looking for an exciting travel destination. Here are my top 3 travel tips for visiting KL:

1. It can get really hot and humid. Average temperatures in Kuala Lumpur are around 30 degrees Celsius and the sun can be unforgiving. Plan any strenuous activities in the early morning or in the afternoon/night. If you can't handle the sun, cheap umbrellas are available at convenience or drug stores. These are great for cover from the sun and also useful in case of rain.

2. Transport. Kuala Lumpur is quite a messy and unstructured city so taking the taxi is not a bad option and also quite cheap. Public transport is also good but taxis are much easier. Furthermore, if drivers demand a fixed price, find another as taxis in KL have meters.




3. Tipping is quite common in Kuala Lumpur both in restaurants and taxis. If the service merits it, don't be afraid to tip 10% of the charge and for taxis don't be afraid to give a few extra ringgit which is not much at all.

Kuala Lumpur Cuisine

Malaysian Cuisine

Malaysian cuisine is highly complex and diverse. There is many ingredients used such as belacan ( prawn sauce), coconut (milk, water, oil), soy sauce, herbs, and many more. 

When travelling to Kuala Lumpur, there are a multiple dishes that the locals love thus essential for travellers to try.

Nasi Lemak 

This is the national dish of Malaysia. It is a mixture of rice (cooked and streamed in coconut milk and pandan leaves), sliced cucumbers, roasted nuts, hard boiled egg, dried anchovies, sambal (spicy sauce - mixture of chilli, spices and pepper) with the choice of chicken (mostly) or beef. 

Laksa

A Malay dish which consist of rice noodles with chicken, prawn or fish, served in spicy soup: either based on rich and spicy curry coconut milk.

There are many types of Laksa such as

• curry
• asam 
• combination

Hokkien Mee

With ingredients such as pork, squid, fish cake etc, cabbage, and Chinese style fried yellows braised in dark soy sauce. This is another must try dish that is found commonly on the streets of Kuala Lumpur.

Satays

Very popular in Malaysia and around Kuala Lumpur, with options of pork, chicken and beef. The peanut sauce is a must try with the satays. Also served with onions and cucumbers. 

Roti Canai

A Malay version of an indian classic. Often served with mild curry. The roti is a paper thin flat bread that is very elastic. It is an enjoyable and light meal to have. 

Teh Tarik ( hot milk tea)

This is a hot milk tea beverage. It is a strongly brewed tea that is sweeten with condensed milk and is prepared by pouring tea from one jug to another before serving which gives a consistent and thick froth.

Durian

Known to be the "king of fruits" in south east asian countries. Durian is grown throughout Malaysia and is a popular fruit. It has a unique flavour that is creamy however the strong odour that can be off putting for some individuals. 

Kuala Lumpur's Language and Culture

Malaysia is filled with a multicultural society and this is made evident once you have visited Kuala Lumpur. The country of Malaysia is fairly westernised making it a popular destination to travel. However, the locals that live in Kuala Lumpur are made up of mostly native Malays, Chinese and Indians. Despite Kuala Lumpur's multiculturalism, it is clear that the ethnicities retain their religions, customs and way of life. Additionally, as children grow up, they are educated in the same schools and will eventually work in the same offices as their parents with few of them marrying outside their ethnicity. Families tend to socialise within their own ethnic group as family is considered the centre of the social structure. As a result there is a great emphasis on unity, loyalty and respect for the elderly. The family is the place where the individual can be guaranteed both emotional and financial support. When one member of the family suffers a financial setback, the rest of the family will contribute what they can to help out.

In Malaysian society, all Malays, Chinese and Indians all strive to maintain face and avoid shame both in public and private. Face is a personal concept that embraces qualities such as a good name, good character, and being held in esteem by one's peers. Face is considered a commodity that can be given, lost, taken away, or earned. On top of this face also extends to the family, school, company, and even the nation itself. The desire to maintain face makes Malaysians strive for harmonious relationships. Face can be lost by openly criticizing, insulting, or putting someone on the spot; doing something that brings shame to the group; challenging someone in authority, especially if this is done in public; showing anger at another person; refusing a request; not keeping a promise; or disagreeing with someone publicly. Conversely, face can be saved by remaining calm and courteous; discussing errors or transgressions in private; speaking about problems without blaming anyone; using non-verbal communication to say "no"; and allowing the other person to get out of the situation with their pride intact.

 

Etiquettes and Customs will vary upon the ethnicity of the person you are meeting. In general, most Malays are aware of Western ways so the handshake is normal. There may be slight differences though and a few things to bear in mind include: 
• Malay women may not shake hands with men. Women can of course shake hands with women. Men may also not shake hands with women and may bow instead while placing their hand on their heart.

• The Chinese handshake is light and may be rather prolonged. Men and women may shake hands, although the woman must extend her hand first. Many older Chinese lower their eyes during the greeting as a sign of respect. 
• Indians shake hands with members of the same sex. When being introduced to someone of the opposite sex, nodding the head and smiling is usually sufficient. 
Among all cultures, there is a general tendency to introduce: 
• the most important person to the lower ranking person. 
• the older person to the younger person.• women to men

 

The Malay language is an Austronesian language spoken not only by Malaysians but all Malay people who reside in the Malay Peninsula, southern Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, central eastern Sumatra, the Riau islands, parts of the coast of Borneo, Cocos and Christmas Islands in Australia. It is also very similar to Indonesian, known locally as Bahasa Indonesia. In Malaysia, the language is officially known as Bahasa Malaysia, which translates as the "Malaysian language". The term, which was introduced by the National Language Act 1967, was predominant until the 1990s, when most academics and government officials reverted to "Bahasa Melayu," which is used in the Malay version of the Federal Constitution.