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– 142 – www.paradises.com first safari park for nocturnal animals, home to some 2500 animals spread over 40 hectares of secondary jungle. If time allows, make the popular day trip to Sentosa Island–it has beaches, walking trails, golf courses, restaurants, hotels and fun family attractions including Resorts World, encompassing Universal Studios Singapore and Marine Life Park, the largest oceanarium in the world. Singapore is so close to Malaysia and Indonesia, it is possible to do day tours to places like Johor Bahru, and Malacca. The Indonesian islands of Bintan and Batam are just a short boat ride across the Singapore Strait. These islands are situated in the Riau Archipelago and are close enough for Singaporeans to enjoy a late night meal at one of the restaurants on the islands and return the same evening to Singapore. The islands conveniently use both Singapore currency and Indonesian rupiah. Batam is a duty free zone so you can purchase alcohol, perfume and chocolates as well as Indonesian handicrafts at the ferry terminal. Where to stay From the luxurious to backpacker hostels, there is a range of accommodation readily available in Singapore. Traditional and historic or high-rise with every mod-con, small boutique hotel or world-class resort, they're all here, mostly found around the CBD, Orchard Road and marina areas. Getting around Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is the most convenient way to travel, with trains running every three to eight minutes from 6am to midnight. Singapore has a good bus network with frequent services and a ready supply of taxis, all metered, and available for hourly hire. Taxi Tour Guides are also a fantastic way to see the sights of Singapore. Taxis displaying the Tour Guide stickers are professionally trained guides as well as drivers. Hiring cars or bumboats (motorised boats that ply the Singapore River) is easy, and there are regular ferry services and luxurious junk tours. Tri-shaws have disappeared from Singapore's main streets, but can still be found operating in Chinatown, Little India and back streets. Agree on a fare beforehand. Food and entertainment Singapore is the food capital of Asia. Chinese, Indian, Malay, Indonesian and Western foods are all on offer, and some of the tastiest creations are those from the colourful hawker (street) stalls. Peranakan or Nonya cooking is a local variation on Chinese and Malay food, mixing Chinese ingredients with local spices such as lemongrass and coconut cream. The spicy, coconut-based soup laksa is a popular Nonya dish. Singapore is also a great place to discover exotic tropical fruits. Activities Walking is one of the best ways to see all that the compact city district offers, while sporty types will enjoy golf, computerised bowling alleys, archery, canoeing along the East Coast and the lagoon at Sentosa Island. Nature-lovers can visit parks and trek through reserves, and aquatic sport enthusiasts can waterski, windsurf, jet-ski, and wakeboard. Shopping In Singapore, shopping is not just a casual activity to fill in time; it is the mainstay of the culture. Orchard Road offers a dazzling array of stores, and then there's Chinatown, Arab Street and Little India– home to the Mustafa Centre–Singapore's first 24-hour department store. The east coast suburb of Katong is 15 minutes from town, and the yuppie haunt, Holland Village, 10 minutes away. Climate The climate is hot and tropical year round. Cool, loose fitting summer clothes are recommended. Currency Singapore dollars and cents. Tipping is not generally expected at hotels or restaurants as they have a 10 percent service charge. — S i n g a p o r e —