OUR DESTINATIONS
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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- Asia
- Singapore
- Singapore
- Chinatown
Chinatown
Chinatown is set against the backdrop of Singapore's modern
infrastructure and the prosperous financial district. It is a
crowded and colourful network of streets and alleyways contained by
Upper Pickering Street, Cantonment Road, New Bridge and South
Bridge Road. The area is a receptacle of traditional Chinese
customs that were carried by the communities in Chinese Junks from
the provinces of Guangdong and Fujian to Singapore in the early
19th century. Temples, terraces, markets and shops still provide a
glimpse of the old ways but much of its original character has been
lost in the redevelopment of the past 30 years. Yixing Xuan's
Teahouse provides a fascinating insight into the ancient,
ritualistic art of tea-making while a visit to the Thian Hock Keng
Temple leaves one in awe of Chinese traditions of worship and
symbolism. The streets of the district offer traditional healing
practices. Here snake skins are blended with herbs and spices to
produce powerful potions for various ailments. Brightly coloured
exotic fruit interject the marketplace with lively displays of
Rambutan, Durian and Mangosteen. The streets are a delight for
bargain hunters looking to buy kimonos, jewellery, t-shirts,
pottery and traditional crafts. Tanjong Pagar is the area best
known for its traditional crafts such as painted masks, paper
umbrellas, clogs and kites. Electronic goods, luggage, textiles and
other more conventional products can be found in Chinatown's modern
section located at the intersection of Cross, New Bridge Road and
Eu Tong Street.
Information & Facts
Language
Singapores official languages are English, Mandarin,
Malay and Tamil. A patois called Singlish, or Singaporean English
is widely spoken. It is the by-product of mixing English, Chinese
and Malay syntax and idiom.
Money
Singapore's currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD), which is
divided into 100 cents. The US and Australian Dollars, Yen and
British Pound are also accepted in the larger shopping centres.
Major credit cards are accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants.
ATMs are widely distributed and banks advance cash against the
major credit cards. Travellers cheques can be cashed at banks or
licensed moneychangers and at selected hotels. Banks are open
daily, but some do not do foreign exchange on Saturdays.
Time