SINGAPORE is famous for its bans on oral sex, Cosmopolitan and chewing gum. But there is still plenty of pleasure to be had in this tiny city state.
This is one of the cleanest, safest cities that you can visit. Admittedly this is because the penalities for breaking the law are harsher than harsh, but it still makes for a pleasant place for a short stay.
The authorities are trying to soften Singapore’s dictatorial image, though, and have relaxed a few of the rules. You’ll be pleased to know you can now chew gum, read Cosmo and indulge in fellatio, all at once should you want.
Arriving: Changi airport (www.changi.airport.com.sg) is 16km (10 miles) from the city centre. The easiest ways to get to your hotel are to use the city’s metro system, the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) — this costs two Singapore dollars (about 65p) — or take a taxi which will cost between S$16 and S$24. Each takes about 30 minutes into the city centre.
Staying: Even if you don’t follow in Rudyard Kipling’s footsteps and stay in the Raffles Hotel (www.raffleshotel.com) it is worth visiting the colonial palace’s Long Bar to sample the excellent Singapore Slings. This is where they were invented, after all. The hotel has 103 suites, 18 restaurants and a spa. But as you’d expect of a hotel which is as much a tourist attraction as a place to stay, it is fairly pricey. If your budget is a little tighter then try Hotel 1929 (www.hotel1929.com). Condé Nast Traveller magazine ranks it as “one of the world’s best value designer hotels”. The “quirky” 32-room establishment houses the owner’s collection of vintage chairs and has a jacuzzi on the communal roof terrace.
Eating: The Economist (www.economist.com) recommends the Teahouse at China Square for dim sum business lunches. Forbes (www.forbes.com) prefers hotel-based restaurants such as the Gordon Grill at the Goodwood Park Hotel or the Tandoor at the Holiday Inn Park View.
Business etiquette: The culture is fairly Western but there are still a couple of things to bear in mind, including to remember to present business cards face upwards with two hands. Black business cards may look chic but in Singapore they’re a no-no.
There is a strong coffee culture so don’t be surprised if you are asked to meet business colleagues in Starbucks or on the golf course — golf is very popular in the male business community, according to www.executiveplanet.com.
Language: The official languages of Singapore are English, Malay, Tamil and Mandarin. The unofficial language is Singlish, which is a mixture of English, Malay and Chinese.
Free time: Walk around the city and explore Chinatown or Little India or escape the hubbub in the Botanic Gardens (www.nparks.gov.sg). Alternatively go for the full tourist experience at Fantasy Island Sentosa (www.sentosa.com.sg).
Transport: There are two chief modes of transport: the MRT and taxis. The MRT is the city’s metro system, but don’t even think about taking a pungent durian fruit down there — it is strictly forbidden. Instead take your fruit in the back of one of Singapore’s many taxis — cheap by London standards. At busy times you are advised to wait at the marked queueing stations but otherwise it is easy to flag them down. Electronic road pricing means that you have to watch out for supplements which will be added to the metered bill. The little ringing bell can be quite irritating (it’s a speed warning for the driver).
Gifts: Gold and diamond jewellery is cheap in Singapore. Honest. Shopping is a national pastime. Head for the malls on Orchard Road and you should be able to buy anything you desire. The sales are in June and there are lots of bargains to be had. Take your coat though — the malls are usually air conditioned beyond belief.
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