A Shoppers Paridise - With a Strong Colonial Flavour (Singapore)

Member Name: flyingsparks

Product:	Singapore
Date:	16/03/07 (44 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: History and Modernity in one package

Disadvantages: Don't stand still too long or they will redesign the road around you!

It was not so long ago that Singapore was a destination that few but the wealthy could afford to visit, but with the growth in cheaper flights, and with the ongoing quest for year round sun, Singapore is now firmly on the tourist map for European travellers.
Despite the long-haul flight it is possible to visit Singapore on a budget it just takes some careful planning.

Travelling in Singapore on a Budget
The cheapest and most effective way to travel around Singapore on a budget is to use the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system. This train system is cheap fast, and goes almost anywhere you are likely to want to visit. Buy yourself an EZ-Link card and you can just 'touch-in' and 'touch-out' of the network avoid queuing for tickets.
If you want to go somewhere that is not on the public transport routes then just get as close as you can on the MRT network, and then take a taxi to your final destination.

Attractions of Singapore
Singapore has a rich history and much of it can be experienced at little or no cost.
It is difficult to go far in Singapore without coming upon reminders of the Japanese occupation, and there are many sites and monuments relating to that period that are freely accessible. For a broader view of the history and culture of Singapore why not try one of the famous Singapore walks (www.singaporewalks.com/). One of their best walks is the 'Belly of the Carp' A walk that starts at the Museum of Asian Civilisations, and takes you along the Singapore river while talking you through the many points of historic interest along the waterfront. Later highlights of this walk include a visit to an underground mosque, and a trip on the river in an authentic bum boat.

Shopping in Singapore
If modern Singapore is more to your taste then go shopping and you will be spoilt for choice. Singapore is a shoppers paradise. There are many modern air conditioned shopping centres to choose from, but as prices can get expensive and you are in Singapore on a budget then you may do better to head for Chinatown or Little India and spend some time browsing the many small shops and stalls that crowd these districts. If you are able to avoid the usual tourist trinkets you may well be able to grab yourself a bargain.

Summary: A taste of history, and a thriving modern city - Go now, before the city changes again.