New York City

New York is a city of superlatives. Besides being a world financial centre, the urban island of Manhattan teems with world-renowned restaurants, architectural masterpieces and venerable art institutions that make it one the world’s greatest cultural cities.

Events and Activities during Autumn in New York
Autumn is perhaps the best time to visit New York City -- temperatures are mild, there are many great Autumn activities, the summer crowds have left, and the holiday crowds have not yet arrived. The Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy, Baseball, U.S. Open, Halloween, the New York City Marathon, Thanksgiving and more make Autumn a great time in New York City.

Attractions

Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge, one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States, stretches 5,989 feet over the East River connecting the New York City boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. On completion, it was the largest suspension bridge in the world and the first steel-wire suspension bridge.

The Brooklyn Bridge has a center lane open to bicycles and pedestrians, just above automobile traffic. While the bridge has always permitted the passage of pedestrians across its span, its role in allowing thousands to cross takes on a special importance in times of crisis and becomes a symbol of New Yorkers' resilience.

Central Park

Central Park has offered a welcome escape from the concrete jungle of New York City for over 150 years. Take a walk, a boat ride or just enjoy a picnic in Central Park and discover for yourself why Central Park is so popular.

Madison Square

Madison Square, located in the Flatiron district, is one of the historically most important squares in New York City. The attractive 19th century Madison Square Park is surrounded by historic landmarks from the Gilded Age, including the famous Flatiron building and the classical Metlife tower.

Fifth Avenue

New York City’s Fifth Avenue is a shopping district unrivaled by the likes of London’s Knightsbridge section or Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. The approximately 10-block stretch of this Big Apple avenue – from 49th to 59th Street – is covered with stores representing some of the world’s most magnificent designers.

South Street Seaport

Situated on Lower Manhattan’s waterfront with a breathtaking view, South Street Seaport is a must-see for anyone visiting New York City. It’s a combination maritime museum and mall, offering insight into NYC’s rich maritime history and providing a great place for shopping and dining.

Statue Of Liberty

Located in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty was a gift of international friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is one of the most universal symbols of political freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886 and was designated a National Monument on October 15, 1924. The Statue was extensively restored in time for her spectacular centennial on July 4, 1986.

Times Square

TimesSquareNYC.org, the official web-site of Times Square provides you with complete information on Broadway Theater, Hotels and Restaurants, Special Events, and of course, the world's most famous New-Year's celebration, New Year's Eve in Times Square.

It is one of those places that make New York a city that never sleeps.


Washington Square

Washington Square Park, located in the heart of Greenwich Village, is a very popular and crowded square. It is best known for its bohemian and rebellious character.

New 7 Wonders of the World

The New Open World Corporation (NOWC), a private and a non profit Swiss orgainsation tried to create an alternative to the historical list of the Seven Wonders of the World. The final list was announced on July 7, 2007 in Lisbon, Portugal. The method of choosing was through votes which were cast through the Internet or by telephone.

The new list:

The Great Wall of China


This wonder is a series of stone and earthen fortications built in China throughtout the 5th century BC till the 16th century to protect China in the north. It stretches over approximately 6400 kms, signifying resistance from the foerign intrusion.

Petra
Jordan

This wonder of the world lies in a basin among the mountains of eastern range of the Arabah in Jordan. It is famous for having many stone structures carved into the rock. The city built served as a fortress and was so designed to store water thus making an artificial oasis in the desert city.

Christ Redeemer Statue

Brazil

Standing 125 feet tall atop the Corcovado Mountain high above Rio, this statue took five years to build. Constructed in France by sculptor Paul Landowski, it was shipped to Brazil in pieces, and then carried up the mountain by train, where it was reassembled.

Machu Picchu

Peru

This "city in the clouds" was built 8,000 feet above sea level in the 15th century by Incan emperor Pachacutec. Abandoned by the Incas, the city remained unknown until it was rediscovered by an explorer in 1911.

Pyramid at Chichen Itza

Mexico

The center of Mayan civilization in its day, Chichen Itza is still visible in several structures, including the pyramid of Kukulkan.

Roman Colosseum

Italy

This giant, 50,000 seat amphitheater in the center of Rome was built over 2,000 years ago, and still influences the design of sports stadiums worldwide.

Taj Mahal

India

This wonder lies in India, and was built as a sign of love and remeberance of one's beloved. The purity of love is symbolised by the white marble used. It presents an intricate mix of Persian, Turkish, Indian and Islamic architecture.

The Seven Wonders of the Modern World

The 20th century has provided spectacular advances in design, engineering, and construction which have allowed humanity to create an array of monumental structures. And from these, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), with help from experts around the world, selected these wonders: the Empire State building, the Itaipu Dam, the CN Tower, the Panama Canal, the Channel Tunnel, the North Sea Protection Works, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

These wonders embody an abundance of human ingenuity, thus showcasing humankind's ability to dream, plan, and achieve on a colossal, mind-boggling scale.

Man has an incredible ability to make the impossible, possible.

Empire State Building

Finished in 1931, it towers 1,250 ft over New York City. Until the first tower of the World Trade Center was finished in 1972, it was the world's tallest building.

Itaipu Dam

Built by Brazil and Paraguay on the Paraná River, the dam is the world's largest hydroelectric power plant. Completed in 1991, it took 16 years to build this series of dams whose length totals 7,744 m. It used 15 times more concrete than the Channel Tunnel.

CN Tower

In 1976, the tower became the world's tallest freestanding structure. It looms about one-third of a mile high (1,815 ft) above Toronto, Canada. A glass floor on the observation deck lets you look 342 m down to the ground.

Panama Canal

It took 34 years to create this 50-mile-long canal across the Isthmus of Panama. The amount of digging required and the size of its locks helped make it the most expensive project in American history at that time—and the most deadly: About 80,000 people died during construction (most from disease).

Channel Tunnel

Known as the Chunnel, it links France and England. It is 31 mi long, and 23 of those miles are 150 ft beneath the seabed of the English Channel. High-speed trains whiz through its side-by-side tubes.

Netherlands North Sea Protection Works. Because the Netherlands is below sea level, a series of dams, floodgates, and surge barriers have been built to keep the sea from flooding the country during storms. The biggest part of the project was a two-mile-long moveable surge barrier across an estuary finished in 1986. It is made of 65 concrete piers each weighing 18,000 tons. It has been said that the project is nearly equal in scale to the Great Wall of China.


Netherlands North Sea Protection Works




Because the Netherlands is below sea level, a series of dams, floodgates, and surge barriers have been built to keep the sea from flooding the country during storms. The biggest part of the project was a two-mile-long moveable surge barrier across an estuary finished in 1986. It is made of 65 concrete piers each weighing 18,000 tons. It has been said that the project is nearly equal in scale to the Great Wall of China.


Golden Gate Bridge.



Connecting San Francisco and Marin County in 1937, for many years this was the longest suspension bridge in world. Experts thought that winds, ocean currents, and fog would make it impossible to build. It took about four years to complete the beautiful 1.2-mile-long bridge. It is held by 80,000 mi worth of steel wire, and the cables that link the two towers are 36.5 inches in diameter—the biggest ever made.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North America. The falls are made up of two separate parts, Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side and American Falls on the USA side.

Although not the highest waterfall in the world they move a staggering 168,000 cubic metres (219,600 cubic yards) of water per minute over a drop of 51m (167ft), making them one of the natural wonders of the world. The surrounding town, a celebrated North American honeymoon destination, offers a wealth of visitor activities including a casino, as well as land and boat tours of the falls.

Activities & Attractions

Maid of the Mist

For more than 150 years, the Niagara Falls Maid of the Mist has taken visitors through the foaming waters beneath the falls. The journey begins at the bottom of the Observation Tower, where you’ll be provided with a souvenir rain poncho.

The Maid of the Mist will then take you to the base of the American Falls and then to the basin of Horseshoe Falls, through the crashing waters and massive rock formations. This half-hour Niagara Falls tour allows you to experience firsthand the power and intensity of the falls.

Cave of Winds Tour

Soak up the experience of being closer to the waters of Niagara Falls than you thought possible, on a spectacular Niagara Falls tour. Your journey begins with an elevator ride 175 feet into the Niagara Gorge. Then, clad in a souvenir rain poncho and sandals, you’ll follow a tour guide over wooden walkways to the Hurricane Deck, less than 20 feet from the torrents of Bridal Veil Falls.

On the deck, you’ll experience tropical storm-like conditions, getting doused with the spray from the rushing waters. A special viewing area has also been set up for handicapped individuals and adults with children in arms.

See a side of the falls few people get to experience by taking the Cave of the Winds journey after sunset, one of the most awe-inspiring Niagara Falls tours available to the public. Follow the rainbow of colors illuminating the falls right up to the Hurricane Deck for a breathtaking adventure you won’t forget.

FIVE STAR RESORTS IN THE MALDIVES [PART III]

Huvafen Fushi, Maldives





Set within its very own lagoon, Huvafen Fushi is a wonderland where the stunning environment is an attraction in itself. This beautiful resort is dedicated to the sustainable and sensitive development of the land and natural resources of the island as well as ensuring their guests enjoy a stay beyond their wildest dreams.

The forty-three bungalows all have air-conditioning and their own private oasis with a fresh-water pool. The Beach and Deluxe bungalows are ideally situated on the powdery white sand, whilst guests staying in the Ocean and Lagoon bungalows can step down into the crystal clear water from their private deck.

With fresh produce from around the world flown in daily, the master chef and his team deliver temptation at every turn, with flavourful, light and healthy cuisine. The Aquum Spa combines soothing architecture, cutting-edge spa technology and the very latest in water therapies, including the world's first underwater spa treatment rooms.

Soneva Gili, Maldives

Located on Langfushi Island on North Male Atoll, Soneva Gili is truly unique, being the first all over-water villa resort in the Maldives. A mere fifteen minute speedboat journey from the airport, Soneva Gili is located in one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives. Its crystal clear turquoise waters are ideal for snorkelling.

The whole resort has been carefully planned to ensure that you are afforded absolute privacy. The water villa suites and residences are rustic in appearance and offer the ultimate in home comforts while skilfully utilising natural materials and traditional fabrics.

The villas are unbelievably spacious and have open-air living rooms and bathrooms, roof-top sun deck with jacuzzi or daybed and also a floating sun deck. Facilities also include an oceanside restaurant, overwater bar and also the superb Six Senses Spa. Soneva Gili is quite simply the ultimate waters edge experience.

Paradise Island Resort & Spa

Approximately 20 minutes by speedboat from Male’, on the eastern edge of North Male’ Atoll, in a reef-enclosed lagoon, Paradise Island is almost 1 km in length while the width of the island is just 230 meters. This resort has absolutely everything for the sun worshippers.

Paradise Island Resort & Spa is ideal for :
Family Holidays
Diving
Spa

Website: www.villahotels.com

FIVE STAR RESORTS IN THE MALDIVES [PART II]

One & Only Reethi Rah, Maldives


This chic One&Only Resort is the ultimate in style and sophistication. It boasts some of the largest villas in the world, and all 130 of these luxurious and stylishly decorated villas have direct access to the lagoon or beach and stunning ocean views.

Meaning "beautiful island" in the national language Dhivehi, One&Only Reethi Rah, with its twelve powder soft white beaches, is a truly unique hideaway that offers its guests an extraordinary degree of privacy in its 44-hectare expanse. Designed in an octopus shape, Reethi Rah has 6km of coastline and woven hammocks are placed throughout the island for guests to relax in.

The resort boasts three swimming pools, with an additional thirty-seven private villa pools with carved lava stone aqua beds overlooking the sea. Guests will also enjoy the services of a dedicated Villa Host to cater for their every need.

Website : www.oneandonlykanuhura.com

Sun Island Resort & Spa

Sun Island is surrounded by the beauty that Maldives typically represents and offers all the modern comforts, conveniences and facilities that you can ever think of. A mature island with dense tropical vegetation and tall coconut palms, you can wander into the trees and loose yourself amongst them if you like.

With wide beaches of fine white sand all around the island there is no difficulty in finding your own private little cove for a day. At Sun Island Resort you are spoilt for choice. The resort can serve your every whim and desire- be it sports, games, food or even shopping.

Sun Island Resort & Spa is ideal for:
Family Holidays
Diving
Spa

Website: www.villahotels.com

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa

Taj Exotica Resort and Spa melds unstinting luxury with a tranquil sense of harmony with nature. Fifteen minutes by speedboat from the airport, the resort is situated on the island of Emboodhu Finolhu, South Male’ Atoll. Set in one of the only clear sand lagoons in the Maldives and surrounded by flawless beaches, it is impossible not to be seduced by the sheer beauty of the scenery even before arriving.

This secluded retreat features 64 air-conditioned villas with breathtaking views of the ocean and lagoon. Most villas are over-water villas, each with a private pier. Truly, a luxurious romantic close-to-nature hideaway setting that would be hard to better anywhere in the Indian Ocean!

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is ideal for:

Diving
Romance
Spa

Website: www.tajhotels.com/maldives

FIVE STAR RESORTS IN THE MALDIVES [PART I]

Full Moon Maldives

The recent renovation made Full Moon Resort, Maldives, one of the most desirable locations in the archipelago. Unwind as the sun sets across the horizon or watch traditional Maldivian entertainment on the deck on the sophisticated Anchorage Bar.

A selection of culinary experts awaits you in the five restaurants, ranging from Thai, Mediterranean, Continental or Asian cuisine. The heavenly Sen Spa, built on its own island offers an exotic menu of treatments and stunning view.

Soothing treatments, a relaxation lounge, steam sauna room and hydrotherapy pool ensure pure relaxation.

Full Moon Maldives is ideal for :
Family Holidays
Diving
Romance

Website: http://www.fullmoonmaldives.com/

ISLAND HIDEAWAY

The Island Hideaway at Dhonakulhi Maldives, Spa Resort & Marina is a new luxury boutique resort situated on the privately-owned uninhabited virgin island of Dhonakulhi, North Maldives, Indian Ocean.

The resort was opened on 1st August 2005 with 6 types of spectacular guest villas. Our marina is the first of its kind in the Maldives. The Island is a haven of peace, tranquillity and serenity.

The Island Hideaway is the only resort in the entire Haa Alif and Haa Dhaalu Atolls of the North Maldives.

Website : http://www.island-hideaway.com/

Four Seasons Resort Maldives At Kuda Hura



This is Four Seasons most secluded tropical resort, where palm-thatched villas dip their feet into a sea of turquoise, and sunrise, sunshine and sunset paint the endless sky.





From incredible scuba diving, deep sea fishing and snorkelling to award-winning dining and indulgent spa treatments, this is a honeymooners’ raven and an active enthusiasts’ paradise.




Add a dash of adventure to your holiday by exploring the untouched reaches of exotic atolls aboard the Four Seasons Explorer.




This sleek new catamaran embarks on three-, four- and seven-night cruises every week from the Resort, her homeport.


Four Seasons Resort Maldives is ideal for :
Diving
Romance
Spa

Website: www.fourseasons.com/maldives

Reference : My Maldives Travel Guide

Maldives 'The Last Paradise On Earth'

If you're looking for a few extra hours of sunshine then you should visit the Maldives between December and April, which is also the brilliant height of the dry season. However, this is also the main season for tourism - resorts can be fully booked and prices are higher than the rest of the year.

The Christmas-New Year period is the busiest and most expensive part of the high season, when many of the all-inclusive package tourists arrive from Europe and America. Between May and November it's still warm, but the skies can be cloudy, humidity is higher and rain squalls and tropical storms blow in on the southwest monsoon.

This is the official low season - prices are lower and there are fewer tourists but some resorts close for annual repairs. The transition months of November and April are said to be associated with increased water clarity and better visibility for divers.

The Maldivian capital of Malé is the islands' only real attraction as such. Home to a third of the country's population Malé is one of Asia's most densely populated cities. As the only island in the Maldives with traffic, a commercial centre and no natural beaches, Malé certainly is an interesting anomaly in this part of the world. One highlight for holidaymakers is the Grand Mosque, while the city's markets overflow with local colour.

Many of the Maldivian resorts are family orientated and boast all the usual resort facilities including child-friendly restaurants, swimming pools, organised activities and sports facilities. Kilometres of unspoiled, uncrowded beach, a wide variety of watersports and the calm sea are also big hits with kids, as are island-hopping excursions.

Scuba Diving in Maldives

The Maldives Islands are a paradise for Scuba Diving holidaymakers and a mecca for marine biologists. A majority of the Maldives islands resorts have diving schools and offer you the service of professional diving instructors. There are numerous diving sites throughout the country. Some are ranked among the best in the world. The Ministry of Tourism and your resort itself would be able to give you detailed information on location (including maps), life forms, information on safety and environmental protection and special information on unique sites such as shipwrecks to make your Scuba Diving Holiday in Maldives a memorable one.

Popular Maldives Scuba Diving Sites

Banana Reef

This protected marine area has a bit of everything: dramatic cliffs, caves and overhangs; brilliant coral growths; big predators such as sharks, barracuda and groper; and prolific reef fish including jackfish, morays and bluestriped snapper. It was one of the first Maldives dive sites to become internationally known. The reeftop is excellent for snorkelling.
Mantas drop in at several cleaning stations around the reef.

Wreck of the Maldive Victory

This is an impressive and challenging dive because of the potential for strong currents. This cargo ship hit a reef and sank in 1981 and now sits with the wheelhouse at around 15m (49ft) and the propeller at 35m (115ft). The ship's structure is almost intact and provides a home for a rich growth of new coral, sponges, tubastrea and large schools of fish.

Shark Point

As the name suggests, encountering and observing sharks at this point is a frequent and regular happening. They swim to and from at the end of the channel where the currents are strongest. Friendly Gray reef sharks and whitetip reef sharks are those most likely to approach the divers.

Reference : Lonely Planet Destination Guide

The BEST of BALI

The self-styled ‘Ultimate Island' certainly has plenty to recommend it for everyone, from those looking for a relaxing beach holiday through to a cultural journey. It is a dramatic holiday paradise of rolling rice paddies, tropical rainforest and sweeping beaches, topped with hulking volcanoes. Added to the natural attractions of this island are a sprinkling of resorts that ring the coastline offering a wealth of world-class facilities and hotels. One of the world's largest Hindu communities add their own local colour with lively processions and a flurry of temples, many set at some of the island's most dramatic locations.

The island of Bali in Indonesia is year after year voted by the readers of all major travel magazines the most enchanting travel and holiday destination in the whole world.

Bali, a tropical island in the Indonesian archipelago, is so picturesque and immaculate it could almost be a painted backdrop. It has rice paddies tripping down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soaring up through the clouds, dense tropical jungle, long sandy beaches, warm blue water, crashing surf and friendly people who don't just have a culture but actually live it. In Bali spirits come out to play in the moonlight, every night is a festival and even a funeral is an opportunity to have a good time.
Bali Island, the perfect holiday destination for all ages offers something for everyone. This tropical paradise has a unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful shopping and a rich past and heritage. The Balinese people are proud of having preserved their unique Hindu culture against the advance of Islam, the dominant religion throughout Indonesia. This is still reflected in day to day life and can be seen in the numerous ceremonies, Balinese festivals and magnificent temples and palaces. Some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found on the western side of the island whilst conversely the eastern side is a wonderful haven for families, with beautiful white sand beaches and gentle seas.

Bali Island is a shopper's paradise particularly for casual and tailored clothing, locally made jewellery, handicrafts, antiques and artifacts. Leather ware is one of the unexpected local bargains with everything from handbags through to tailor made leather jackets and coats, all at unbelievable prices. In fact, prices are so inexpensive, you're sure to need more room in your suitcase! Try bargaining at the street markets of Kuta, Sanur of Nusa Dua or fixed price shopping at a Denpasar department store. Bali has it all.

For those that want to stay wet, Bali Island has world class scuba diving, snorkelling and wonderful day trips out to Nusa Penida for beach sports and coral viewing.

When the sun sets, the choices are still hard to make - a quiet romantic moon lit dinner or watch the spectacular Balinese Fire Dance or Kecak Dance. For those that want to party, Bali Island has it all with bars, discos and night clubs.

As a truly international destination attracting visitors from all over the world, restaurants in Bali are extremely cosmopolitan yet inexpensive. Experience not only local delicacies like Nasi Goreng and Sate Campur but also Chinese, Malaysian, Japanese, Italian/European Greek, Moroccan and even Mexican cuisine. We must not forget Bali's wonderful seafood - local lobster at such prices that you will want to keep coming back for more.

For those more culturally inclined, Bali can offer the peace and tranquility of Ubud high in the hills; the spectacular Mother Temple at Besakih; the ancient capital of Bali, Singaraja and the floating palace at Ujung near the pretty beach area of Candi Dasa. The Scenery is nothing less than spectacular. Jungle, picturesque hillside rice terraces and the awesome magnificence of Kintamani Volcano.

The more active, wanting a break from the idyllic beaches, can experience wonderful golf courses in the mountains at Bedugul and beachside at Nusa Dua, the thrill of white water rafting or kayaking down the beautiful Ayung River; mountain cycling amid scenery you will never forget and organized rice paddy and jungle treks to see the side of Bali most tourists never encounter.

Bali Island, a truly international destination, offers every standard of accommodation ranging from charming yet modest bungalow style hotels in lush tropical gardens for the budget minded through to arguably amongst the most exclusive and sophisticated hotels in the world!

Reference: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/

Singapore : The Lion City

Tourism for Singapore has proven to be of good economic benefit. Culture lovers thrive in this fusion of Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures - the main ethnic groups - with its assortment of mosques, temples and synagogues. Singapore presents a happy collision of opposites – grand and expensive at the famed Raffles Hotel, but low-key and cheap in the food markets of Bugis Junction and Clarke Quay.

But even in the low-key and cheap areas, Singapore remains an incredibly clean city where nothing is allowed to dull the shine – even down to the banning of chewing gum. In the last few years there has been some pressure to relax the numerous laws that have given Singapore a reputation as a prosperous but rather antiseptic and pettily repressive city-state. But Singapore City's exciting riverside parade of bars and restaurants reveals that Singaporeans actually do know how to have fun – and plenty of it.

RECOMMENDED ATTRACTIONS

Singapore Zoo & Night Safari

The Singapore Zoo is world class. Set on a peninsula jutting into the Upper Seletar Reservoir, the zoo's 28 lush, landscaped hectares (69 acres) are home to more than 4000 residents. Newer attractions like the 'Australian Outback' exhibit and the 'Hamadryas Baboons - the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia' convey entire ecosystems: animal, mineral, vegetable and human.

Endangered species include Komodo dragons, malodorous white rhinos, a charismatic orang-utan colony, and blue-eyed white tigers with paws as big as your face. The zoo claims to have the world's largest primate collection - if you visit on a weekend, the sweaty human hordes doing the rounds blur the distinctions between man and ape.
Visitors can stand behind a window in 'Ethiopia' and watch 50 shameless red-bummed baboons doing things that Singaporeans still get arrested for.

Want more beast for your buck? Visit the zoo in the late afternoon then hit the Night Safari next door. Clamber aboard the tram for an atmospheric jungle ride past a parade of spotlit nocturnal species.

Hours: 8:30am-6:00pm

Web: http://www.zoo.com.sg/

Underwater World


Sentosa's saving grace, Gracie the dugong, is Underwater World's star performer. Leafy sea-dragons and wobbling Medusa jellyfish are mesmeric; stingrays and ten-foot sharks cruise above Ocean Colony's submerged glass tubes.

Hours: 9:00am-9:00pm

Web: http://www.underwaterworld.com.sg/

Chinatown

Chinatown is Singapore's cultural heart, providing glimpses of the old ways with its numerous temples, decorated terraces and frantic conglomeration of merchants, shops and activity. Unfortunately much of Chinatown has been torn down and redeveloped over the past 30 years, but it's still a fascinating place to explore.
Although faithful restoration has saved some parts of Chinatown, it has also posed a new threat, as the restored buildings are now desirable properties commanding high rents. Traditional businesses - such as shops selling incense to temple worshippers, letter writers and chop (stamp) makers - are moving out, and a new gentrified Chinatown of fashionable restaurants and expensive shops is taking its place.

Little India

This modest but colourful area of wall-to-wall shops, pungent aromas and Hindi film music is a relief from the prim modernity of many parts of the city. Centred around the southern end of Serangoon Rd, this is the place to come to pick up that framed print of Krishna you've always wanted, eat great food and watch streetside cooks fry chapatis.

The Zhujiao Centre is the main market, but there are also interesting spice shops nearby. The best temples are Sri Veeramakaliamman, Sri Srinivasa Perumal and the glitzy Temple of 1000 Lights.

Food and Drink

Singapore is a gourmet’s paradise, ranging from humble street stalls to 5-star restaurants. There are over 30 different cooking styles, including various regional styles of Chinese cuisine, American, English, French, Indian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Russian and Swiss. Malay cuisine is a favourite, famed for its use of spices and coconut milk.

Things to know: One of the best ways to eat in Singapore is in the open at one of the ubiquitous street foodstalls. Although there are many self-service establishments, waiter service is more common in restaurants. Bars/cocktail lounges often have table and counter service. There are no licensing hours.

Nightlife

Singapore has a vibrant and exciting nightlife. Entertainment ranges from bars, clubs, discos, karaoke pubs, street opera, night markets, river cruises, multiplex cinemas to theatre productions and international stage shows. Boat Quay and Clarke Quay are popular riverside landmarks that offer exclusive restaurants, alfresco dining and lively bars. Moored Chinese junks have been refurbished into floating bars and restaurants. Bugis Street, Changi Village and Holland Village, known as Holland V, are popular areas for food, drink and entertainment. Muhammad Sultan Road is one of the latest entertainment hubs in Singapore with a wide variety of pubs, nightclubs and wine bars, as is Club Street.

Shopping

The vast range of available goods and competitive prices have led to Singapore rightly being known as a shopper’s paradise. Special purchases include Balinese, Chinese, Filipino, Indian and Malay antiques; batiks; cameras; Chinese, Indian and Persian carpets; imported or tailored clothing; jewellery and shoes, briefcases, handbags and wallets. Silks, perfumes, silverware and wigs are other favourite buys. The herding of shop owners from Chinatown into multistorey complexes lost some of the exciting shopping atmosphere, although these huge centres do provide an air-conditioned environment. Orchard Road is the main shopping street, although many of the large hotel complexes, such as Marina Square, have shopping centres attached.

Although most outlets operate Western-style fixed pricing, bargains can still be made in some places but generally only after good research and shrewd negotiating. Electrical equipment of all types can be bought at Sungei Road, but caution is advised as there are many imitation products around. For more information on shopping in Singapore, see the Singapore Shopping brochure published by the Singapore Tourism Board.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 10.00-21.00, Sat 10.00-22.00. The Mustafa Centre in Little India is open 24-hours.

Note: A 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is levied on most goods and services purchased from taxable retailers. Tourists whose purchases total S$100 or more from a single retailer participating in the Tourist Refund Scheme are eligible for a refund of the GST paid on goods not consumed in Singapore. Refunds may be received at the airport, prior to departure flights

Reference: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/