Singapore

Singapore has a diverse population of nearly 5 million people. The population is made up of Chinese, Malays, Indians, Caucasians and Eurasians and Asians of different origins.

Around 42% of the population are foreigners, with English as the first language. They also have a local dialect of English as well. This dialect is called Singlish and is unique to Singapore. It has close affinities with the Malaysian dialect known as Manglish. Public holidays reflect the racial diversity and religions of Singapore and includes the Chinese New Year, Buddhist Vesak Day, Muslim Eid ul-Fitr and Hindu Diwali. Christmas Day, Good Friday, and New Year's Day are also public holidays. Singapore celebrates its independence day on 9th August. Singapore has a strategic location as a port with a wide variety of nationalities and ethnicity from places as far as Arabia.

Singapore's weather is distinct by its consistency and has no serious fluctuations in climate changes. Thus there are no seasons that need to be avoided. Whilst tourists visit Singapore year round, the best time to visit Singapore is during the festive seasons.In January every year, the entire Chinese population of Singapore celebrates the Chinese New Year on a grand scale. The Indians celebrate Deepavali with lights, music, dance, cultural programs and lot of fanfare during November.

During this peak tourist season in Singapore, one of the best places in Singapore is Serangoon road. You will find milling crowds everywhere shopping merrily for the festive season.During September the Chinese celebrate with the Lantern Festival. The entire Chinese Garden, glitters with big lantern lights of Chinese origin with kids lighting up paper lanterns observing the tradition.June is the time for the famous Art festival, conducted with music troupes performing in the Esplanade Theater.Christmas is another peak season to visit Singapore and one can witness the celebration with lights, fun and frolic in the entire Singapore Island.

Singapore is nicknamed as the "Lion City" and "Garden City" with a myriad of attractions for tourists. There is the Animal Kingdom to visit, or Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom of Sentosa Island. Here you will find butterflies, scaring insects of scorpions, giant spiders, Rhino beetles and more.

Inside the city you will find the Singapore Zoo where you will be amazed by the Orangutans and large pythons and other animals. Another attraction is the Night Safari to meet the rhinos, giraffes and hear the howls of a bunch of hyenas in the still of night. Jurong Bird Park is available for the bird watchers with 9000 birds of 600 species. Underwater World of Sentosa is a stunning attraction where you will be virtually under the sea to enjoy the world of sea creatures

There are no vaccination requirements for entering Singapore. It is, however, recommended that all long-term residents of Singapore be immunized against hepatitis B.A communicable disease, sometimes transmitted by the Aedes mosquito in Singapore, is Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (Dengue fever or DHF). There is no immunization against DHF. Take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes. Use insect repellent, wear long, light colored loose-fitting clothing, and ensure your accommodation is mosquito proof. Many areas of Singapore are regularly 'fogged' to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. The 'fog' consists of toxic chemicals and care should be taken to avoid travelling into areas immediately after fogging has taken place. The currency used in Singapore is the Singapore Dollar

No visas are required for holders of private South African passports for visits of less than 30 days.