Moving to a new apartment is fun and exciting. There’s something wonderful about moving into a new apartment rental when it’s freshly painted and the kitchen is sparkling. Before deciding on a new place to live, there are a few things to ask of the apartment rental company.

How Utilities And Rent Are Handled ?

One of the first questions to ask is what utilities are covered in the lease agreement. Different companies handle utilities differently, but you will most always be expected to cover your telephone, cable, and Internet costs. Some apartment management companies pay for electricity and gas, but it isn’t common so plan to pay for those every month to keep your home comfortable. Water and trash services are usually paid for by the landlord.

When asking about utilities, it’s also a good idea to ask about any grace period for rent. Rent is almost always due on the first of the month and some places offer a five day grace period in case you can’t drop off your rent right on the first. Some others require a direct debit every month for rent. Doing this means you’ll never have to worry about a late fee since the company is responsible for debiting the money every month.

How Does The Apartment Rental Company Handle Maintenance Issues ?

Even apartments that are well taken care of will need maintenance occasionally. Be sure to ask how maintenance requests are handled and how long it usually takes to get major and minor problems fixed. Maintenance emergencies don’t just happen during business hours so take it as a good sign if the company has an after-hours emergency phone number.

Make sure you purchase apartment rental insurance for your personal items. The property management company will cover any damage done to the unit if something goes wrong, but will not cover your furniture, clothing, or anything else inside your home. Apartment rental insurance is inexpensive, but can be a lifesaver if you ever need it.

What Type Of Tenants And How Long They Stay ?

Ask the apartment rental company about the type of people you’ll be living near. Nearly all apartments come with a little noise from other tenants so you’ll want to know if you keep a similar schedule with your neighbors. If you’re a student or someone who keeps late hours, moving in next door to a family with early-rising children may not be the best idea. While your potential neighbors shouldn’t prevent you from renting an apartment you love, it’s a good factor to keep in mind.

Apartment dwellers are nomadic by nature. Many people rent because they like the option of picking up and moving at the end of the lease. If your potential rental apartment has many long-term residents, consider that a sign that the company takes care of their tenants.

Finding a rental apartment will be easy if you follow these few guidelines. These guidelines will help you find a beautiful, relaxing apartment you’ll love coming home to.

Discerning parents shopping for accommodation for their children studying in Singapore would find student homestay, an attractive choice. Generally, such a service is offered with or without guardianship.

Several factors favour homestay as an ideal and sensible option over others such as hostels and dormitories. These include:

• Higher expectations of students and parents. They want the best in convenience and comfort, guardian care and support and service quality.
• Singapore’s growing status as a global education hub. This in turn spawns a vibrant and thriving industry specialising in homestay and guardianship targeted at international students.
• Increasing affluence in Asia. Youths from the rising economies of China, India, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Indonesia form the bulk of Singapore’s international students. Therefore, affluent parents are willing to invest for their children’s quality education including their homestay and guardian care in Singapore.

Why choose homestay?

A major concern of many parents of children studying abroad is their offspring’s accommodation. Parents are usually worried about the location or district where the house is sited, the accommodation type, the costs involved and the quality of the related services.

Hence, homestay in Singapore has an edge over other housing options available because:

• The guardian or house-parent to students ratio is low compared to say, that of a hostel. Therefore, the standard of guardian care and support is higher in comparison.
• The ambiance and environs of a typical Singapore Homestay accommodation (pictures) is of a higher quality than other alternative accommodation types. A Singapore homestay for instance gives students a home-away-home feel, living with an ordinary family in a typical Singapore household.
• Home-cooked meals and laundry and ironing services provided in a homestay are superior in quality.
• Homestay in Singapore provides students with greater personal touch, flexibility and space compared to other forms of student housing.

How to select a Singapore homestay - the Ideal?

Good planning and the student’s interest should be taken care of when considering the location and type of homestay. Before deciding on their choice, parents need to iron out several issues including:

1. Their budget or financial constraints, if any. Homestay accommodation with guardianship in Singapore ranges from SGD $1,000 based on current estimates.
2. Distance between the school and location of the homestay under review. Schools’ locations frequently coincide with main transportation axis that provides accessibility to bus or/and MRT ( Mass Rapid Transport, often known as Subway in the west ). Learn the transportation system in Singapore.
3. Amenities available in the vicinity of the homestay. Singapore residential districts provide access to MRT stations, taxi-stands, bus-stops and interchanges. Other amenities include public swimming pools, public gym, other sports facilities, cinemas, and shopping malls.
4. Quality of the homestay providers, guardians, house-parents or hosts. It is most important to consider the openness of homestay hosts towards receiving international students who may come from very different cultures. The level of care and support given by the host family to your child may directly affect his or her performance.
5. Condition and ambiance of the homestay premises. When reviewing homestay premises, the emphasis is placed on cleanliness, maintenance status especially of the student’s bedroom, toilet and shower facilities.
6. Services on offer such as Internet, laundry, meals and guardian care.
7. There are several types of homestay accommodation available in Singapore. Generally, this falls into two groups: a) Private Homes b) Public Housing or commonly known as HDB apartments.

HDB Apartments

HDB stands for Housing Board Development. HDB is Singapore’s brand of high quality public housing. HDB residential district has over the years benefited from Singapore Government initiative for city renewal. On our blog, you may learn more about HDB homestay in Singapore and recent HDB developments including international awards. Depending on locations, HDB homestay fees are generally priced lower compared to a private type homestay accommodation within the same vicinity. Pictures below show facilities in a public (HDB) residential district. Lastly I like to briefly mention the Singapore education system on the following section.

Singapore Education System

The Singapore government runs a comprehensive network of top-rate schools and universities. These cover a slew of courses ranging from pre-primary to tertiary level.

Public tertiary institutions include three universities: National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Management University and five polytechnics. Insead Business School and other renowned institutions maintain their Asian campuses in Singapore too. The private educational sector is thriving with a wide selection of schools and courses on offer.

Finally you can read more about Singapore Education System at our blog where we plan to provide frequent updates about public and private school system. I hope you have found this article useful in providing you guidance in selecting your homestay. Thank you for reading.

Before embarking on your shopping spree, the first place you must visit is Orchard Road. This is the epicenter of the whole shopping scene in Singapore and here, you can find almost anything and everything you need from designer wear, electronic goods, souvenirs and many more! The whole stretch of road is flanked by malls cramped into just a few blocks of the shopping district where some of the biggest shopping centers in Singapore, including (from west to east) Tangs, The Forum Shopping Mall, Palais Renaissance, The Shopping Gallery at Hilton, Lucky Plaza, Centrepoint Shopping Centre, Paragon, Orchard Towers and Singapore Plaza.

If you’re particularly wealthy, you can start your promenade at the Tanglin Shopping Centre at the very head of Orchard Road, which offers plenty of shops dealing in antiques, souvenirs, exquisite Persian, Pakistani, and Afghanistan carpets and discreet tailors. Further down the road, there is the Palais Renaissance. This marble edifice, as its posh name suggests, is distinctly upmarket, and offers a superb range of prestigious, exclusive boutiques that carry top-notch international designer labels.

CENTREPOINT

176 Orchard Road
Tel: (65) 6737 9000
Nearest MRT station: Somerset (NS23)
Centrepoint is among the largest and most popular shopping centers in Singapore, meeting virtually every need of tourists and locals alike. Here you’ll find the award-winning Robinsons & Co, regarded by many as Singapore’s premier department store and a legend for quality and service since it began trading in 1858. Robinsons & Co was the winner of the Tourism Awards 2002, Best Shopping Experience - Retail Outlet. There are also stores specializing in classical music, casual clothing, optical equipment, electronics, furnishings, Oriental rugs, sporting goods, fine arts, Asian antiques and artefacts, a major bookshop and much much more. The complex also has a good selection of restaurants and fast-food outlets.

DELFI ORCHARD

402 Orchard Road
Tel: (65) 6732 1605
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)
A good place to browse for household items like Waterford crystal and Wedgwood china. Numerous upmarket clothing and accessory stores are also located here.

FAR EAST PLAZA

14 Scotts Road
Tel: (65) 6734 2325
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)
You’ll find yourself coming back over and over again to this fun, mixed bag of sorts. This is the place both local and expatriate, young and the not-so-young love to hang out at. The bustling shopping centre sells everything from the most fashionable and outrageous shoes and clothes, to precious gems, eyewear and compact discs. Make sure you check out Level One, which boasts a wide array of street fashion, unique accessories & knick knacks!

FAR EAST SHOPPING CENTRE

545 Orchard Road
Tel: (65) 6734 5541
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)
Another large complex on Orchard Road with a host of shops from small jewelry stores, inexpensive clothing and tailor shops to health equipment and computers. Established Kwok Gallery on level three specializes in rare porcelain, jade sculptures and fine old ivory carvings. House of Hung on the ground floor is a popular jewelry store for gold, diamonds and precious stones.

FORUM THE SHOPPING MALL

583 Orchard Road
Tel: (65) 6732 2479
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)
The giant Toys “R” Us anchor store located here is a magnet for kids. Other shops sell a range of goods - children’s clothing, quality fashion, jewelry, optical goods and electronics. Designer label stores including Song + Kelly 21 concept store, Calvin Klein and Max Mara stores are also located here.

THE HEEREN

260 Orchard Road
Tel: (65) 6733 4725
Nearest MRT station: Somerset (NS23)
Here’s where you’ll find mega music store HMV, the largest music superstore in South East Asia. Found in this shopping mall is also the Japanese One.99 Shop where all products are attractively priced at that price. Check out the restaurants on Level 5 which offer a mouthwatering selection of Asian food ranging from Peranakan to Japanese cuisine or head down to Movenpick Marche at basement one which offers a casual dining experience. At levels 4 and 5, Annex, a new and exciting shopping concept awaits your exploration. Similar to Harajuku in Tokyo or Island Beverly in Hong Kong, Annex has everything from street and vintage fashion wear to unique accessories, quirky toys to comics

THE SHOPPING GALLERY AT HILTON

Hilton Hotel, 581 Orchard Road
Tel: (65) 6734 5250
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)
Yet another firm favorite for designer items. Take your pick from the three levels of exclusive brands of Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Paul Smith, Valentino, to name a few. The link bridge to The Four Seasons Hotel also provides shoppers with more exquisite choices at The Four Seasons Shopping Gallery which also houses Notices, The Gallery, a treasure trove of fine art and paintings from around the world.

INTERNATIONAL BUILDING

360 Orchard Road
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)
Just across the street from Liat Towers is International Building. Drop into its many boutiques and tailor shops, then sit down to a good meal at either of the Thai, Chinese or Japanese restaurants.

LIAT TOWERS

541 Orchard Road
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)
The Esprit boutique is located at one end of the ground floor, and the American coffee chain, Starbucks, at the other.

LUCKY PLAZA

304 Orchard Road
Tel: (65) 6235 3294
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)
This shopping centre contains an enormous selection of shops. Everything from watches to kimonos.

MERIDIEN SHOPPING CENTRE

100 Orchard Road
Nearest MRT station: Somerset (NS23)
Drop by the many fashion and accessory boutiques here, including a food court at ground floor.

MIDPOINT ORCHARD

220 Orchard Road
Nearest MRT station: Somerset (NS23)
Houses numerous outlets, including a hobby shop which sells sporting goods, gold jewelry, bridal gowns, fur coats and jackets.

NGEE ANN CITY

391 Orchard Road
Tel: (65) 6739 9323
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)
This massive centre (winner of the Tourism Awards 2002, Best Shopping Experience - Shopping Centre), which will take you more than a day to browse through, houses Japanese giant chain store, Takashimaya, and over 100 specialty stores retailing sports items, stationery, jewelry to designer clothes. Popular US Guess?, Hugo Boss Woman, Spain’s Zara and Mango fashion labels and Australia’s Country Road are just some of the many boutiques you would want to drop into. And when the shopping gets a little exhausting, revitalize yourself at one of the many restaurants and eating outlets, including the little Harrod’s tea room. Do drop by Kinokuniya, the largest bookstore in Southeast Asia. There’s also a full-facility sports centre, an art gallery and a culture centre you can visit.

OG BUILDING

228 Orchard Road
Tel: (65) 6737 4488
Nearest MRT station: Somerset (NS23)
OG Department Store, carries a good range of affordable footwear and clothing for the whole family, including a wide range of business and casual ladies’ wear in larger sizes.

ORCHARD EMERALD

218 Orchard Road
Nearest MRT station: Somerset (NS23)
Some of the better known goods sold in this small green centre include Sony electronics and a mix of branded sportswear. You wouldn’t want to miss Icon, a boutique with some of the hippest clothes in town.

ORCHARD PLAZA

150 Orchard Road
Nearest MRT station: Somerset (NS23)
This complex is full of good value tailors, hair salons and make-up specialists. Custom-made ladies shoes can also be ordered from several shops.

ORCHARD POINT

160 Orchard Road
Tel: (65) 6737 9595
Nearest MRT station: Somerset (NS23)
There is a wide range of clothing stores here, together with a miscellany of reasonably-priced stores. Check the fourth level for art galleries. Spotlight, which occupies the entire third level, offers an extensive range of household products, home furnishings and linen.

ORCHARD TOWERS

600 Orchard Road
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)
Jewelry, Thai silk, antique and leather shops vie for space here with tailors, electronic stores, several restaurants and a gourmet food and wine supermarket Jasons.

PACIFIC PLAZA

9 Scotts Road
Tel: (65) 6733 5655
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)
Pacific Plaza houses some of Australia’s most popular clothing lines like Stussy, Mambo, Billabong and Quiksilver. Drop into The Vintage Place and have fun going through the racks of used designer clothing - Gucci, Prada, Donna Karan, Dolce & Gabanna and many many more. For something different, head to Lifestorey which sells unique home and soft furnishings sourced from the world over.

PALAIS RENAISSANCE

390 Orchard Road
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)
This imposing complex is worth a visit whether to splurge on beautiful designer brands, or if only to admire the splendid interior. It houses a superb range of prestigious designer boutiques including DKNY, Gianni Versace, Prada, The Link and Jim Thompson.

PARK MALL

9 Park Mall
Tel: (65) 6339 4031
Nearest MRT station: Dhoby Ghaut (NE6 / NS24)
With over 45 shops, the merchandise mix comprises home furniture and furnishings for every room in the house.

PLAZA SINGAPURA

68 Orchard Road
Tel: (65) 6332 9298
Nearest MRT station: Dhoby Ghaut (NE6 / NS24)
Plaza Singapura was the first multi-storey shopping mall to be built in Singapore in 1974 and through the years, it has been popular amongst tourists and locals alike. This one-stop lifestyle shopping mall features cinema entertainment, fashion, music, home furnishing and a wide range of food and beverage outlets. Plaza Singapura will soon be linked with the existing Dhoby Ghaut MRT station, the new north-east MRT-line interchange and LRT line to the downtown Civic and Business District.

THE PARAGON

290 Orchard Road
Tel: (65) 6738 5535
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)
Men’s quality fashion is particularly well-represented here, with labels like Alfred Dunhill, Gucci and Ermenegildo Zegna. Home-grown Metro department store is also located here along with Mont Blanc and Marks & Spencer. Golfers are in for a real treat with the Pan-West retail store. For steak lovers, do not miss Lawry’s Prime Ribs.

SCOTTS SHOPPING CENTRE

6 Scotts Road
Tel: (65) 6734 7560
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)
Yet another shopping complex popular for its shops selling a mix of clothes to suit all tastes and ages. You’ll find designer boutiques like Pois Pois, lingerie boutique - Blush, and boutiques by local designers such as Esther Tay. Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, just one of the trendy cafes making their mark in Singapore, is on the ground floor. Scotts Picnic, the basement food court, will satisfy your taste buds with a range of Asian and local delights.

SHAW CENTRE

1 Scotts Road
Tel: (65) 6737 9080
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)
Not to be confused with Shaw Towers on Beach Road, Shaw Centre is located along Scotts Road. Tourists are usually drawn to this complex for interesting curios at Ming Blue and rosewood furniture at Singapore Woodcraft. Also in the same building are two local boutiques, Avana and Tyan, offering a mixed range of imported designer clothes, and two elegant furniture shops, Monticello, and the designer store of Rolf Benz. Lola collection carries imported European wear and Foot Fetish is a favorite women’s store for shoes. Les Amis, a French restaurant, is an award-winning outlet.

SHAW HOUSE

350 Orchard Road
Tel: (65) 6235 1150
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)
The Japanese department store, Isetan, occupies four floors of this complex including a well-stocked supermarket packed with Japanese snacks, noodles, sushi and other delicious items. Designer shops like Max & Co and Trussardi share the same premises, along with one of Singapore’s most popular cineplexes, Lido.

SPECIALISTS’ SHOPPING CENTRE

277 Orchard Road
Tel: (65) 6737 8222
Nearest MRT station: Somerset (NS23)
A veteran in the Orchard Road scene, this centre is now home to John Little, one of Singapore’s most established department stores. Specialty shops sell everything from Famous Amos cookies to winter coats and golf equipment. The Korean restaurant on level five was the first Korean restaurant in Singapore.

TANGLIN MALL

163 Tanglin Road
Tel: (65) 6736 4922
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)
This trendy shopping mall features a pleasant blend of boutiques, specialty shops and restaurants for the young and young-at-heart. You will find a fairly wide selection of products from beadwork, clothes and accessories to home furnishings and ethnic collectibles. There’s also a well-stocked supermarket at the basement.

TANGLIN SHOPPING CENTRE

19 Tanglin Road
Tel: (65) 6737 0849
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)
Frequented for Asian antiques and curios, this centre also houses several shops specializing in exquisite Persian, Pakistani and Afghanistan rugs, and a variety of tailors and eating places. C. T. Hoo on level one sells Mikimoto pearls from Japan. Antiques of the Orient on the second level specializes in handmade antique maps and prints. Just next door at Orchard Parade Hotel is Manchester United’s Theatre of Dreams’ merchandise store.

TANGS

320 Orchard Road
Tel: (65) 6737 5500
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)
Tangs has been providing quality merchandise at fair prices since 1932. Five floors stock a wide range of products from household goods to fashion wear and cosmetics, electronics to stationery and shoes to fabrics for all the family. The silk and batik outfits are particularly popular with visitors looking for gifts to take home.

TUDOR COURT

131 Tanglin Road
Nearest MRT station : Orchard (NS22)
This charming row of Tudor-front shops offers the shopper a variety of antiques and home furnishings.

WHEELOCK PLACE

501 Orchard Road
Tel: (65) 6738 8660
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)
Marks & Spencer with its range of quality clothes and food occupies two floors of this building. Home-grown restaurant, Olio Dome is located at the same premises. The second biggest US bookstore chain, Borders, stocks a wide range of books at the ground level.

WISMA ATRIA

435 Orchard Road
Tel : (65) 6235 2103
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)
The Japanese department store, Isetan, fills one end of this bright blue complex while a mix of boutiques fills the other end. You’ll also find designer boutique Anteprima on the ground floor. Shop for the latest high street fashion at favorite UK fashion stores such as Topshop and Warehouse.

The Gardens epitomises the tropical island’s luxuriant parks. Spread over 52 hectares and close to the centre of the city, the Gardens is a combination of untouched primary forest and specialty gardens displaying frangipanis, roses, ferns and desert plants, to name a few. There are numerous plant species here, including many rare specimens, reflect the Gardens’ richness and diversity of plant life.

The present orchid enclosure has 20,000 orchid plants on display. The National Orchid Garden promises sprawling orchid displays, water features, and an exotic bromeliad collection from Central and South America. Other attractions for visitors’ enjoyment include Palm Valley, Eco-Lake and outdoor concerts on Symphony Lake.

Shop for exquisitely beautiful gift items at the RISIS Store located at the entrance of National Orchid Garden. Its merchandise ranges from ornate sets of orchid brooches to unique name cardholders with designs inspired by the Peranakan culture, which is a fusion of Chinese, Malay, and European influences. Definitely a great place for those who are looking for special mementos.

If you are looking for a fine dining experience by the greens, head on down to Au Jardin, an exclusive little French restaurant serving one of the best French cuisine in town. For more information, call Tel: 6466 8812. If fine dining is not your cup of tea, drop by any of the cafes ideally located in the Gardens.

Open: 5am - 12 midnight (daily)

National Orchid Garden: 8.30am - 7pm (daily)

RISIS Store: 8.45am - 5.45pm (daily)

Admission:
Botanic Gardens: Free
National Orchid Garden: SGD 2 adults, SGD 1 children and seniors

Approximate Touring Time: 2 hours

Location: Cluny Road Singapore 259569
Tel: (65) 6471 7361
Fax: (65) 6475 4295

Getting There: From the Orchard MRT Station (NS22) along Orchard Boulevard, take SBS bus 7, 105, 106, 123 or 174.

Accessibility for the physically disabled: The following information is obtained from Access Singapore.

• Entrance - Accessible to wheelchair and ambulant-disabled.
• Reserved disabled car park lot - At Cluny Road. Accessible to wheelchair and ambulant-disabled.
• Accessibility within the premises - Big compound and hilly terrain at some points. Access to wheelchair is limited and assistance may be required. Accessible to ambulant-disabled.
• Lifts - Nil
• Public toilets for the disabled - Bukhill Hall (door closes inward). National Orchid Garden (steep kerb ramp at door). Access to wheelchair is limited and assistance may be required. Accessible to ambulant-disabled.
• Eating outlets - Nil
• Public telephone - Accessible to wheelchair and ambulant-disabled.
• Taxi stand - Nil

Pulau Ubin is an island off the northeastern coast of Singapore, shaped like a boomerang and covered by low hills. This offshore island is being developed into a nature park complete with trails, shelters, camping sites, chalets and other basic amenities.

To enjoy the natural vegetation and the laidback kampong atmosphere, you should try leisure walking or cycling. Bicycles can be rented at the village. The trails have been upgraded to facilitate trekking and basic amenities like toilets and shelters are available for the convenience of visitors.

Much of its natural environment will be preserved in the development programme and visitors can still experience the rustic village atmosphere encompassing granite quarries, coconut and rubber plantations, mangrove swamps, fish and prawn farms, and traditional fishing “kelongs”.

Located at the eastern tip of Pulau Ubin is a natural beach called Chek Jawa, on which marine life such as the horseshoe crab and sand dollar, a disc-shaped member of the star-fish family, live. It also houses sea-grass meadows that habour carpet and peacock anemones, as well as coral rubble that is home to sponges of various hues. Visits to Chek Jawa are on a first-come-first-served basis and only when there are low tides. To book, call the National Parks Board at Tel: (65) 6542 4108.

Enjoy a sumptuous meal at a seafood restaurant, and cap off your stay with a visit to the colourful Thai and magnificent Ma Chor temples by the seashore.

Getting There: Take the MRT to Tanah Merah Station (EW4), then take SBS bus 2 or 29 to Changi Village bus interchange, followed by a 10-minute boat ride from the Changi Point jetty. Cost of the boat ride is SGD 2 and the service operates from 6am to 11pm.

Underwater World Singapore is one of Asia’s most exciting tropical oceanarium (Large aquarium). Tourists will have the opportunity to admire the amazing sea lives from this part of the world together with endangered underwater animals. This place offers visitors the chance to look at different ocean creatures which are sure to captivate you and you do not need to dive into the water and get yourself wet. These creatures, native to Australia, have the natural camouflage of leafy and frilly appendages. This large aquarium features a long walk-through tank where you can experience sharks and rays swimming right over your head; especially liked the little sea dragons, relatives of the sea horse.

The main attraction is DUGONG, sea cow that entertains visitors with its acrobatic movements. You may observe them through a series of interactive, feeding and training sessions specially designed to demonstrate their natural abilities of tail-walking synchronization.

The Night Ocean Discovery programme begins at 7pm daily and is your chance to view a totally different world where nocturnal sea creatures come to life as night falls. See brightly colored fish amidst the coral life or watch seahorses anchored to plants. The rare and exotic marine mammal, the Dugong will intrigue visitors with its graceful movements. Catch a glimpse of deadly sea creatures like the Moray Eel, the Stone Fish, Lion Fish, Porcupine Fish or the Leopard Shark.  Many marine species, such as the black tip and white tip sharks, eagle rays and big-belly seahorses, breed and thrive in the Underwater World.

Open: Underwater World Singapore: 9.00am - 9.00 pm (last admission at 8.30 pm).

Admission: SGD 17.30 adults, SGD 11.20 child (from 3-12 years old). Admission is free for children below 3 years old. This also includes admission to the Dolphin Lagoon.

Approximate Touring Time: 1.5 hours (including Dolphin Lagoon)

Getting There: To Underwater World Singapore (UWS), take Sentosa Bus (Orange colour) from Seah Im Bus Interchange (just next to Harbourfront MRT station).
On Sentosa, take the monorail to Station M2 or by bus on the Blue, Red or Green Lines.

Accessibility for the physically disabled: The following information is obtained from Access Singapore.

The Singapore Zoo (Former Singapore Zoological Gardens) is acclaimed as one of the world’s most spectacular zoos. The use of natural barriers like streams, rock walls and vegetation to separate animals from visitors enhances the “open” zoo concept. Spreading over 28 hectares, it is home to over 3,600 mammals, birds and reptiles, including rare and endangered species. The Zoo’s orang utan breeding programme has created a large community of these gentle, endangered species.

The breeding programme has also witnessed the first tropical birth of a polar bear. Other endangered species like the Malayan tiger, the white rhino, proboscis monkey, komodo dragon and the sealion have also found a haven in the zoo. A highlight is the Fragile Forest - an exciting and educational display of ecosystems and rainforest culture.

The Hamadryas Baboons - The Great Rift Valley : Ethiopia showcases the ecosystem typical of the savanna climatic zone in Ethiopia. The area is landscaped to include a multitude of habitats for a wide range of animals, rock formations and tribal villages. The exhibit is home to the rock hyrax, the banded mongoose, the black backed jackal and 50 hamadryas baboons.

A regular tram service that covers the entire Zoo offers an excellent overview of the attractions. The commentary provides useful information. However, to fully appreciate the zoo, the tram introduction should be complemented by a walking tour.

Guests can also enjoy breakfast with some of the animals from the zoo such as the Oriental small-clawed otter, the reticulated python and the highly-endangered Orang Utan in close proximity. Termed as Wild Breakfast, this dining-in-the-wild experience promises to be a hit. Make a date with our friends at the zoo over breakfast at 9am. This is priced at SGD 15.80 (adults) and SGD 11.60 (children 3 ~ 12 years old).

Winner of the Tourism Awards 2001, 1998, 1993, 1992, 1991- Leisure Attraction of the Year.

Open: 8.30am - 6pm (daily)
Last ticket sale: 5pm
Admission: SGD 16.50 adults, SGD 8.50 children (3 - 12 years) (Note: All price includes 7% GST)
Parking charges: Car/saloon S$3.90, Lorry/Van S$4.90
Tram rides (unlimited rides for both weekdays & weekends): SGD 5 adults, SGD 2.50 children
Horse-carriage ride: SGD 8 adults, SGD 4 children
Elephant rides: SGD 8 adults, SGD 4 children
Pony rides: SGD 4 children

Admission ticket packages:
For admission to Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Jurong BirdPark. Tickets are valid for one month from date of issue:

• SGD 30 adults, SGD 15 children for Singapore Zoo and Night Safari
• SGD 45 adults, SGD 22.50 children for Jurong BirdPark, Singapore Zoo and Night Safari

Approximate Touring Time: One day

Location: 80 Mandai Lake Road Singapore 729826

Tel: (65) 6269 3411

Mail: info@zoo.com.sgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Getting There: Take the MRT to Choa Chu Kang Station (NS4), then board SMRT Bus 927 which takes you all the way to the zoo. Or take the MRT to Ang Mo Kio Station (NS16), then board SBS bus 138.

Animal Presentation ~ Times:

• Splash Safari (At Splash Amphitheatre) - Daily: 11:00am, 2:30pm and 5:00pm
• Elephants At Work & Play (At Elephants of Asia) - 11.30am (weekdays), 11.30am & 4pm (weekends & public holidays)
• Kidz Gone Wild (At Garden Pavilion (near Primate Kingdom)) - Daily: 12.30 pm
  

Accessibility for the physically disabled: The following information is obtained from Access Singapore.

• Entrance - Accessible to wheelchair and ambulant-disabled.
• Reserved disabled car park lot - Outside entrance. Accessible to wheelchair and ambulant-disabled.
• Accessibility within the premises - Hilly terrain. Access to wheelchair is limited and assistance may be required. Accessible to ambulant-disabled.
• Lifts -Nil
• Public toilets for the disabled at the entrance and Pavilion by the Lake - Accessible to wheelchair and ambulant-disabled.
• Public toilets for the disabled at the Reptile Garden - Narrow door width. Access to wheelchair is limited and assistance may be required. Accessible to ambulant-disabled.
• Eating outlets - At the Makan Terrace. Accessible to wheelchair and ambulant-disabled.
• Public telephone - Accessible to wheelchair and ambulant-disabled.
• Taxi stand - High kerb. Access to wheelchair is limited and assistance may be required. Accessible to ambulant-disabled.

Web sites :

• Singapore Zoo

]]> http://blog.sgjunction.com/2008/08/07/singapore-zoo-information/feed/ http://blog.sgjunction.com/2008/08/07/welcome-to-singapore-night-safari/ http://blog.sgjunction.com/2008/08/07/welcome-to-singapore-night-safari/#comments Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:50:01 +0000 admin http://blog.sgjunction.com/?p=228

This is the world’s premier night zoo. The twilight holds many surprises and more so at Night Safari, where you can look a rhinocerous in the eye or hear the howls of a pack of striped hyenas. There are over 1,200 animals of over 110 exotic species to watch out for. The animals are in 8 zones that recreate various geographic regions like the Southeast Asian rainforest, African savanna, Nepalese river valley, South American pampas and Burmese jungle.

Strike out on your own along the walking trail or relax in a tram ride - whichever you choose, Night Safari is a wild adventure not to be missed. Winner of the Tourism Awards 2000,1999, 1997 and 1996 - Leisure Attraction of the Year.

Open: 7.30pm to midnight (daily)

Last ticket sale: 11pm

Admission: SGD 22 adults, SGD 11 children (3 - 12 years) (Note: All prices include 7% GST)

Parking charges: Car SGD 3.90, Bus/Lorry SGD 4.90

Tram Rides: SGD 10 adults, SGD 5 Children (3 - 12 years)

Admission ticket packages:
For admission to Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Jurong BirdPark. Tickets are valid for one month from date of issue:

• SGD 30 adults, SGD 15 children for Singapore Zoo and Night Safari
• SGD 45 adults, SGD 22.50 children for Jurong BirdPark, Singapore Zoo and Night Safari

Animal Show : 7.30pm, 8.30pm, and 9.30pm daily (weather permitting)

Approximate Touring Time: 3 hours

Location: 80 Mandai Lake Road Singapore 729826
Tel: (65) 6269 3411
Mail: info@zoo.com.sgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Getting there: Take the MRT to Choa Chu Kang Station (NS4), then board SMRT Bus 927 to the zoo. Or take the MRT to Ang Mo Kio Station (NS16), then board SBS bus 138.

Accessibility for the physically disabled: The following information is obtained from Access Singapore.

• Entrance - Accessible to wheelchair and ambulant-disabled.
• Reserved disabled car park lot - Outside entrance. Accessible to wheelchair and ambulant-disabled.
• Accessibility within the premises - Access to wheelchair is limited and assistance may be required. Accessible to ambulant-disabled.
• Lifts - Nil
• Public toilets for the disabled - Near entrance. Accessible to wheelchair and ambulant-disabled
• Eating outlets - Accessible to wheelchair and ambulant-disabled.
• Public telephone - Accessible to wheelchair and ambulant-disabled.
• Taxi stand - High kerb. Access to wheelchair is limited and assistance may be required. Accessible to ambulant-disabled.

Travellers who require customs services or to pay duty and/or GST on their goods may proceed directly to the Customs Duty Office at the Checkpoint.

Dutiable Goods

There are 4 types of dutiable goods in Singapore in general. For a full list of dutiable goods, please refer to the Singapore Customs website.

• Intoxicating liquors, including spirits, wine, beer, ale and stout;
• Tobacco, including cigarettes and cigars;
• Motor spirit; and
• Motor cars and motorcycles/motor scooters.

For more information with regards to clearing the Singapore Customs, please click on any of the following:

• Pets
• Medicines
• Vehicles
• Prohibited Items
• GST Relief

Useful Contacts