Singapore as an excellent conference venue

The Union des Associations Internationales (UAI) ranks Singapore among the world’s top 10 convention venues and has named it the top convention venue in Asia for over a decade. Singapore’s strategic location makes it one of the busiest crossroads in the world. Most major Asian capital cities are within a six-hour radius of flying time and all ASEAN capitals are within a three and a half-hour flying radius. With over 70 international airlines linking Singapore to 175 cities in 55 countries, Singapore is a major transportation hub and a popular stopover for long haul travellers. Once in the Lion City, inexpensive taxis are plentiful and there is a comprehensive bus network and efficient Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system. Singapore has a well-developed infrastructure to meet all business needs. The city has been ranked seventh among 59 countries for infrastructure in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2003.

Wide accommodation choices

Singapore offers a wide range of accommodation from international standard hotels to economy class facilities like budget lodgings and serviced apartments to cater to the different needs of your delegates.

The first nation-wide broadband information infrastructure in the world is available island wide and Singapore has also established high-speed connectivity to more than 30 countries.

What about the language?

English is the most common language in Singapore. Other languages spoken are Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and many dialects.

And after conference hours?

With such an exciting diversity of ethnic cultures and attractions, there is always something to do in Singapore. The Lion City also offers duty-free shopping, more than 30 tempting local, Asian and international cuisine plus sports galore including a large number of lush golf courses!

Let the spectacular array of arts events enchant you all year round. Singapore has it all, from fine 

art and antique exhibitions, award- winning music and dance extravagances, to cutting-edge drama, film and comedy. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of traditional Chinese opera, embark on a leisurely exploration of our arts district, visit our museums and check out our various performing arts venues and institutions, Esplanade-Theatres on the Bay.

For the young and the young at heart, Singapore offers a range of night activities which will keep you partying all night long. From jazz and house music to tribal and Top 40, Singapore offers a play-list of dance clubs for any generation. Those who want something more relaxed may enjoy a night at a number of pubs in the city or just recline comfortably at a jazz lounge where world-class jazz can be heard. If wine and high spirits are not for you, go for all-night bowling at one of the bowling alleys at Marina South. After a hectic night of activity, settle down at one of the many 

But is it safe?

Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world, where both locals and tourists can walk along the streets late at night without fear. The nation’s general economic prosperity and professional, effective police force contribute to the low crime rate, and enable the continued success in controlling crime and enhancing personal security.

Travellers may wish to note that Singapore is globally ranked third in the “protection of personal security and private property” and first in “social cohesion as a priority for the government” by the World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) 2002, published by the International Institute for Management Development. The WCY also identified Singapore as the most politically stable country in Asia.

There is a wide selection of attractions and public places of interest to keep delegates, spouses and accompanying persons occupied throughout their stay in Singapore. From theme attractions to offshore islands, landmarks, museums and places of worship, Singapore offers endless unique experiences, waiting to be discovered.

Next to the Zoo is the Night Safari, the world’s first night wildlife park set in 40 hectares of dense secondary forest. You will be able to see more than 1,000 nocturnal animals from over 100 species in their natural habitat. As you walk along the well-lit trails, do not be alarmed if a friendly deer walks up to you. The nocturnal activities of animals such as the Cape buffalo, African bongo, blue sheep, striped hyena and the golden jackal will be revealed as you watch them prowling, hunting, feeding and interacting with each other.

Visit the largest open-concept bird park in the Asia Pacific and one of the best in the world. Not-to-be missed attractions in the park include the interesting Penguin Parade, where penguins live and play in an environment similar to that of the South Pole; the South-east Asian Bird Aviary where a thunderstorm is simulated everyday at noon; and the highly entertaining Fuji World of Hawks show & JBP All Stars Birdshow. Take flight only after having refreshments at the “Lodge on Flamingo Lake”.

 

A truly exhilarating experience also awaits you at the Underwater World, where only glass panels separate you from baby sharks, manta rays and other marine life. If you have time to linger a little longer, visit the pink dolphins at the lagoon or go on a nature trail or relax at the Central Beach over-looking the harbour. Stay on and watch the sun setting whilst sipping your favourite cocktail or beer at Sunset Bay. Spa enthusiasts will not be neglected either. They can choose to immerse in the region's first mud pools at the garden spa, Spa Botanica, in The Sentosa Resort & Spa, or check out the treatments at the Aspara - Phytomer Spa in Shangri-la's Rasa Sentosa Resort.

Shop for Chinese antiquities or buy Tiger Balm (medicated ointment) and marvel at the array of Chinese herbs on sale. Visit the famous Chinese temples there or experience a prayer session in progress at the Sri Mariamman Temple, right in the heart of Chinatown.

The bustling street market, an integral part of Chinatown’s street scene in the past, has made a comeback from June 2004. The new Chinatown Night Market has over 200 street stalls selling a wide and interesting selection of retail items, ranging from handicraft to fashion apparel, electronic goods, jewellery, trinkets, modern home accessories and food items, just to name a few. There are also nightly cultural/concert performances which add to the lively atmosphere at the Night Market.

bird tell your fortune or settle down for an Indian vegetarian snack at a modern fast food Indian restaurant – Komalas. For the more adventurous, eat a South Indian rice meal with your fingers off a banana leaf at Apollo Banana Leaf Restaurant or Muthu’s Curry Restaurant along Race Course Road.

GOURMET PARADISE

Talking about food, Singapore is indeed a gourmet paradise. Being a multi-racial society, Singapore offers a wide array of choices for a delightful gastronomical experience. Speaking of good food, Chinese food comes in eight regional styles … Indian food ranges from the mild and subtle North Indian to the fiery South Indian styles ... Malay delicacies ... three spicy varieties of Indonesian 

food ... Singapore's homegrown Nonya cooking - a combination of Chinese and Malay styles ... plus Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese and Thai food - they can all be had in Singapore! As for western cuisine, you'll find places serving English, French, American, German, Swiss, Spanish, Mexican, Italian and even Russian food. Do not miss Singapore’s famed Chilli Crab, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Fried Kway Teow (flat rice noodles fried with black soya sauce) and Nasi Padang (rice with various Malay dishes). Of course, if you want to know where the best food is, follow your nose. Don’t be afraid to explore and go where the average Singaporean goes, especially eating at the local food centres. Good food in Singapore need not be expensive!

and exclusive boutiques offer a range of products of international quality. Most malls are interlinked and you can shop in air-conditioned comfort, and not be bothered by tropical showers. If you are adventurous, hop onto an MRT train that takes you to the heartlands, where suburban malls offer equally good quality products at even better prices.

ARTS CITY

Singapore is also a City for the Arts. We have a burgeoning arts scene and there are drama, music and dance performances all year round at various locations, culminating in the Singapore Arts Festival in June. World-class acts like the WOMAD (World of Music, Art and Dance) have kept its audiences on their toes while the Comedy Festival has sent 

everyone home in stitches. The high quality of these international performances means that tickets are taken up fast and furious, so do remember to make advance bookings.

GOLFING IN SINGAPORE

With perfect weather nearly all year round, Singapore is the ideal destination for golfers from all over the world to tee off. International events such as the Caltex Singapore Masters, are held here. With the superb golfing facilities and an extensive selection of clubs - some of which have signature courses of their own -you'll be spoiled for choice on our beautiful fairways. You need not worry about your handicap either, as most courses have multiple tee off positions. You can play golf at almost anytime of the day - and night! - as some courses are open for play in the evenings. This means you can enjoy the courses at a wide variety of clubs, regardless of your skill level.

You can also easily access regional golf courses in neighbouring destinations like Bintan, Batam and Johor. For instance, two signature championship courses in Indonesia, designed by Jack Nicklaus and Ian Baker-Finch, are a short 45-minute ferry ride from Singapore.

There are some things to keep in mind when golfing in Singapore. Most of our golf clubs and courses have a dress code that requires a collared T-shirt with trousers or short pants. Proper golf shoes should also be worn. However, be aware that some clubs may not allow spiked shoes on the course. If you need a caddie or a golf buggy, they can be hired at reasonable rates from most clubs. 

For your own convenience, try to confirm a tee off time before going to the club as a competition or routine maintenance may be in progress. Most clubs are well-equipped with lockers, showers, changing rooms, as well as dining and entertainment outlets.

For a holiday with a touch of luxury, try cruising. Singapore is the cruise hub in the Asia-Pacific. Choose from a diverse selection of cruise operators, both local and international, offering

luxury cruise of discovery to nearby tropical destinations like the Malaysian resort islands of Tioman, Penang and Langkawi. Head off to the nearby Indonesian islands of Batam and Bintan and lie on idyllic beaches and dine on delicious seafood. Exotic destinations like Phuket and Malacca are also a short sail away.

SINGAPORE TOURS


Ducktours & HiPPOtours

Wade along with the Singapore Ducktours as they bring you on the Singapore Heritage Tour around the Civic and Marina District before plunging into the Singapore River onboard an amphibious craft. The LARC (Light Amphibious Resupply Craft) was first used as a military vehicle during WWII for the transportation of cargo. Today, the half-boat, half-truck vehicle is restored for visitors to experience the unique journey from land to sea as they take in the many sights around the area. While the 'duck' tours have been around in the US, UK and Australia, Singapore is the first in Asia to have this. Hop onto 'duck' and expect 60 minutes of wacky fun and waddling entertainment as you learn offbeat facts about Singapore from the entertainer-cum-tour-guide.
HiPPOtours is a double-decker open-top bus introduced in June 2004. It is a free and easy, hop-on and off, topless HiPPOtour that will allow you to explore at your own pace and indulge in the things that you love. It is a unique way of city sightseeing and you can choose either the Sunny HiPPO-Day City Sightseeing or the Moonlight HiPPO – Night City Sightseeing.