A Visitor’s Guide to OCT - DEC 2019 43805SIAG_AwdStrat19_Awd_Serv_148x210_InsiderGuide_Apr19_Inc.indd 1 27/2/19 5:02 PM contents WHAT’S ON TAKE ME HOME 04 Look out for these exciting events. 20 Take your pick from unique keepsakes that pay tribute to Singaporean culture. PARK LIFE 10 Explore green sanctuaries that are SHOPPING TRAILS easily accessed from the city centre. 22 Don't miss out on the best buys in town. TREASURES OF LITTLE INDIA EYE-OPENING TOURS 12 Teeming with traditional sights, 24 Sign up for these immersive tours to sounds and scents, Little India experience a very different side of invites you to browse a wide range Singapore. of heritage and modern souvenirs. JUST KIDDING AROUND MAKAN TIME 26 Here are some ideas of how you and 14 Tuck into our city’s best your young ones can explore Singapore local dishes. together. THE EAT LIST ACTION & ADVENTURE 16 Indulge in new epicurean experiences 28 Be part of the action. at these modern restaurants. NEON NIGHTS ART IN THE CITY 30 Dive into new after-dark experiences 18 Be inspired by different forms that you won't forget. of art. Editor Andre Frois Contributing Editor Darren Chua Sub Editor Chai Tze Yuen Art Director Nor Hamimah www.mongoosepublishing.sg DC 001 05 19 Q4 STB is not responsible for the accuracy, For general enquiries, contact completeness or usefulness of this SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD publication and shall not be liable for any damage, loss, injury or inconvenience arising Tourism Court, from or in connection with the content of 1 Orchard Spring Lane, this publication. You should verify or seek Singapore 247729 clarification from the individual third parties Tel: +65 6736 6622 | Fax: +65 6736 9423 referred to in this publication. Tourist line: 1800 736 2000 (outside Singapore) 43805SIAG_AwdStrat19_Awd_Serv_148x210_InsiderGuide_Apr19_Inc.indd 1 27/2/19 5:02 PM HANDY TIPS TRANSPORT HANDY TIPS MRT Follow these pointers to make the best of your stay. Trains typically run from 5.30am to midnight. Standard tickets vary from GST Refund S$1.50 to S$2.60 (inclusive of S$0.10 card cost). See page 32 for the MRT map. Payment by cash and cards is safe and efficient in Singapore. Tipping is not www.smrttrains.com.sg a common practice as service charge has been factored into the Goods and +65 6331 1000 Services Tax (GST). As a tourist in Singapore, you can claim a refund on 7% GST under the Tourist Tax Refund Scheme if you make any purchase more Bus than S$100 at the participating shops. Here’s how to go about it: Fares start from S$1.40. Try to have the 1. Look out for these signs at the shops. exact fare as change will not be given. www.sbstransit.com.sg www.smrt.com.sg +65 6331 1000 You can now use your Mastercard® and Visa contactless bank cards issued outside of Singapore for the payment of 2. When making purchases from retailers who are on the Electronic public transport fares in Singapore. Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS), you are required to show your Foreign admin fee applies, please refer to passport in person to prove your eligibility under the TRS. TransitLink’s SimplyGo website (simplygo.com.sg) for more information. Photocopies or images of passports are not acceptable. The retailer will then issue an eTRS transaction to you at the point of purchase with your passport details. Taxi Fares start from S$3.90. 3. Apply for your tax refund at the eTRS self-help kiosks located at Comfort & CityCab +65 6552 1111 Singapore Changi Airport’s Departure Check-In Hall (before Premier Cabs +65 6363 6888 departure immigration) and Departure Transit Lounge (after SMRT Taxis +65 6555 8888 departure immigration); and at Seletar Airport Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) duty office. CONNECTIVITY 4. At the eTRS kiosk, scan your passport to retrieve all your purchase Free Wi-Fi details. Register for free public Wi-Fi service with 5. If you are departing from Changi Airport, you can choose to have the your foreign number at any Wireless@ refund credited directly into your credit card, Alipay account (for Chinese SG hotspot across Singapore, and receive your login details via an SMS citizens only) or get a cash refund. If you are departing from Seletar message. Overseas charges may apply. Airport, you will be asked to choose your refund to be made by credit card, Alternatively, you can rent a pocket Wi-Fi Alipay (for Chinese citizens only) or bank cheque. Once you are done, device at Singapore Visitor Centre review the outcome of your refund request shown on the eTRS kiosk to (orchardgateway) or Changi check if you need to go to the Customs Inspection counter, where custom Recommends at Changi Airport. officers may ask to see your purchases for further verification. SIM Card 6. Due to the handling fees, the refunded amount will be less than the Telcos in Singapore have ceased the original GST amount charged. The details of your transactions can provision of 2G network in Singapore. To be verified by registering and logging into the eTRS e-Services at attain 3G/4G roaming, buy a Singapore https://touristrefund.sg or via the “eTRS Singapore” app downloadable prepaid SIM card from Singapore Visitor from Google Play or Apple App Store. Centre (orchardgateway), Changi Recommends or telecommunications retail shops located at the airport, major shopping malls and convenience stores islandwide. 2 — OCT/NOV/DEC 2019 WANT MORE? VISIT VISITSINGAPORE.COM HANDY TIPS Visit Singapore Travel Guide Download and try the enhanced Visit Singapore WHAT THE Travel Guide app for tips and recommendations on hidden gems in the city. Choose places of SINGLISH? interest according to your Passion Tribes, explore English is Singapore’s Singapore with ease and discover the latest primary language, though events in town. our English is peppered with colloquial expressions that you can easily pick up. Local Tips Paiseh • Keep to the left on escalators, especially during peak hours. Paiseh means “it’s not courteous of me to do/say • When taking public transport, always give way to alighting passengers. this”, so you might hear a Board buses from the front door and exit by the rear door. Remember to Singaporean say paiseh press the ‘stop’ button early. “ ” if he or she is late, makes a • Some items like pets and durians are not allowed on public transport. mistake, is embarrassed or is informing you that you are breaking a rule. Bojio • Singaporeans love queueing. If you see a queue, check out what’s at the A Hokkien phrase locals use front of it—you might be in for a treat! when not invited to an activity or event. • Singapore does not have a tipping culture, but if you’d like to express your appreciation for the service you have received, please feel free to do so. “You went to get coffee without me this morning? Mobile e-payments Bojio!"” Running out of cash while shopping? These electronic payment apps will Makan make sorting notes and coins a thing of the past. Electronic payments are A Malay expression referring widely accepted by various merchants across our island. to food or the act of eating. Download: Look out for VIA’s logo should you “There are many shiok have a compatible makan places in this e-wallet under VIA neighbourhood—here, it’s alliance. makan time, all the time! Alipay: Usage of Alipay’s mobile payment function may be restricted beyond mainland Chinese users ” VIA™: VIA™ is Asia’s 1st cross border mobile payment alliance that allows you to use your local mobile wallet overseas. Simply look out for the VIA™ logo to pay via QR. Find out more at viaconnects.com Shiok An expression of great Muslim-friendly Destination satisfaction and pleasure. Singapore's diverse, multi-ethnic community offers many Muslim-friendly facilities. “The food in hawker This includes facilities ranging from Halal-certified or Muslim-owned eating centres like Lau Pa Sat and establishments to prayer rooms in most* major attractions, hotels and shopping Tekka Market is very malls. For a full list of mosques in Singapore, visit www.muis.gov.sg/mosque shiok!” * Do check in with the individual establishments on the facilities available. HAD A GOOD TIME? SHARE IT WITH US AT #VISITSINGAPORE OCT/NOV/DEC 2019 — 3 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER Oct Oct 4-6 10-12 Wine Fiesta 2019 The GREAT Wine & Dine Festival Enjoy delicious food and wine pairings and attend The GREAT Wine & Dine Festival brings you a selection seminars by revered experts in oenology. At this landmark of exclusive dishes by acclaimed celebrity chefs. Over th 12 edition of Wine Fiesta, you can take your pick from 200 wines, including those nominated at the inaugural over 250 different wines from around the world. Wine Pinnacle Awards, will also be featured. www.winefiesta.com.sg www.thegreatfestival.com Grand Hyatt Singapore Resorts World Ballroom, Resorts World™ Sentosa Orchard HarbourFront by Hofesh Shechter Shechter Hofesh by Oct Grand Finale 9-11 International Chefs Summit Asia (ICSA 2019) Image courtesy of ICSA 2019 focuses on Asian chefs, Asian restaurants and Company © RahiRezvani ingredients that are unique to our region. Take part in panel discussions, live cooking demonstrations and special Oct dinners held by renowned chefs from around the world. 10-20 da:ns Festival 2019 www.icsaworld.com Award-winning dance companies and choreographers Monti Fullerton Pavilion from around the world will descend upon Singapore to Raffles Place celebrate the 16th edition of Esplanade's da:ns festival. This 11-day festival will treat audiences to free and ticketed showcases of classic and contemporary styles of dance, including traditional dances of Asia.