Lion's share of Singapore

Dark clouds hovered above as the tour bus moved along a road close to Singapore's massive port. Across the road, I could see stacks of containers and a variety of cranes used to move cargo.

The not-so-touristy scene, blurred by a downpour, continued for about two kilometres before the tour guide pointed towards the port and informed us: “It is really a big port. It handled 27 million containers last year.''

Guide surprise

I was not unfamiliar either with that statistic or the facility's size, having earlier read about the Singaporean port.

But I was amazed to hear that information from the mouth of a tour guide.

Was she supposed to know such hard industry statistics as part of her job?

A container port is hardly a stop on a tourist's itinerary; in the shipping business, containers are far removed from the more glamorous segment of cruise operations.

Nonetheless, my admiration for Singaporean tour guides grew.

I was in Singapore on my third trip. The first time I was in the Lion City was in 2000, and I can say that the Singaporean efficiency which I liked so much then has not diminished one bit.

During my week-long stay in the city eight years ago, I had tired myself sightseeing.

Singaporean sightseeing tours are so well organised that I ended up going on tours twice daily! With an excellent and intelligent public transportation system, it is also easy to plan your schedule, packing much more during a day than you would in any other major city. It is one of the safest cities in the world.

As a visitor, you would notice the high level of public services and strict order. One joke is that Singapore is such a “fine city'', you should be be prepared to pay a fine if you break the rules.

This ensures a public order that most countries in the world can only wish for. For tourists, that means a hassle-free stay.

Singapore has maintained a strong balance between built-up areas and green space within the city.

That does not, however, mean it does not have environmental issues to tackle — so what if it looks pretty.

If you are not venturing out into the sea, you would hardly notice the water pollution.

The status of a major shipping and manufacturing hub does not come without a heavy environmental price.

A day-long familiarisation can take you to most popular tourist areas. Shop for low prices, get the best currency exchange rates and enjoy delicious spicy food in Little India.

The Financial District and Esplanade are the faces of modern Singapore's economic success.

From Mount Faber, you can get a panoramic view of the city skyline. From there you can take a cable car to Sentosa Island for more touristic delights.

Commerce rules this prosperous city but culture is visible everywhere.

Cultural sites on the tourist map have not been conceived for visitors, rather they are part of Singapore's life.

Buddhist and Hindu temples, mosques and ethnic shopping areas testify to a harmony that people of this multi-racial city state value so much.

Cultural bondings

Ethnic diversity is seen by the Chinese, Malay and Indian communities as a source of strength rather than something to curbed and feared.

The pace of life is hectic, as befits a vibrant commercial city but one thing is certain: You would not find Singaporeans aloof if you want to engage in conversation.

Once you have become friends with a Singaporean, you will quickly learn the five Cs — cash, car, condominium, credit card and club membership — that are so essential to everyone.

For a place that lacks natural resources, prosperity does not come easily.

One must innovate to have a competitive edge. No wonder the knowledge of Singaporean tour guides goes beyond the patter.

Go there . . . Singapore . . . From the UAE

From Dubai

Package per person includes economy class flight on Emirates; 4 nights stay in a deluxe room with breakfast at the Shangri La.

Fare from Dh5,415 per person
Package per person includes economy class flight on Emirates; 4 nights stay in a deluxe room with breakfast.

Fare from Dh5,001 per person
Return airport transfers and all taxes and service charges included.

— Information courtesy: The Holiday Lounge by Dnata. Ph: 04 4298576

Flavour flow

Indian curry dishes in Singapore are very different from what they offer in India.

The Singaporean varieties developed as a result of the confluence of Malay and southern Indian cuisine.

Try a host of breads: chapati, dosai, puri, prata and naan. Wash them down with teh tarik (specially prepared South Indian tea).

Try hawker food do souvenir shopping and get some insight into Chinese culture in Chinatown. For a flavour of Malay culture, visit the Arab Street area.

It is far better to avoid an organised tour to explore Singapore's mind-boggling variety of cuisines — from hotel restaurants to hawker stalls — and explore on your own.

Hygiene standards at eateries are strictly enforced.

Must do

A city tour is strongly recommended if you are just stopping over for a day or two before catching another flight from this regional transportation hub.

As soon as you are out of the airport, you cannot fail to appreciate the thick greenery in this city — especially considering that it has the image of a concrete jungle of condominiums and elegant business towers.

Also consider visiting Jurong Bird Park for an amazing bird show.

You can also buy a video of a performance of the feathered creatures. Singapore Zoo is where you can have breakfast with monkeys.

Your will meet hordes of visitors in these places. It may be a small place in terms of square kilometres, but Singapore has enough attractions to keep you busy for at least a week.

Nature trail

Discover an interesting world of flowers at the National Orchid Garden.

If you have never seen a flower resembling a dancing lady in a long skirt or a flower in the shape of a woman's shoe, you will see them all at this garden dedicated to orchids.

Did you know?

At the historic Raffles Hotel, you will find how
an old tradition of throwing peanut shells on the bar floor is alive and kicking