SINGAPORE HIGHLIGHTS: CHINATOWN: A Singapore heritage site located Rosetta Stone V3 just behind the skyscrapers of Singapore's financial district with sights and sounds like no other. Fortune-tellers and tailors are as much a part of the street life as temples and tea houses. The shop-houses along Smith Street have been carefully restored to retain their original look and uniqueness. In the evening Chinatown transforms into a bustling food street with locals and visitors feasting on the many local dishes available here. The Tanjong Pagar area houses traditional shops with modern shops located at the junction of Cross Street, New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Street. LITTLE INDIA: Perhaps the most colourful of Singapore's ethnic neighbourhoods with shops selling Bollywood DVD's and south Indian produce. More akin to actually being in India itself but all arranged in a neat and unique Singapore package. ARAB STREET: A notable contrast to Singapore's shopping malls and department stores with many bazaar-style shops offering handicrafts and textiles. The Sultan Mosque is probably the biggest tourist draw. Modest dress should be worn before entering. ORCHARD ROAD: World famous epicenter of Singapore's shopping and entertainment industries. This is a 'shoppers paradise' that rarely sleeps. Also a great haunt for excellent fine dining, classy restaurants and bars. SINGAPORE RIVER: Singapore's past, present and future all come together here. Visitors can follow the riverbank on foot or make the return journey by on one of the river's famous 'bumboat rides' and cruises passing centuries-old godown warehouses and shop-houses. Robertson Rosetta Stone Chinese Quay, Boat Quay and Clarke Quay are home to some of the cities lively shops, wine bars, al fresco bars and restaurants with waiters plying for trade as potential patrons pass leisurely by. MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE - GENERAL INFORMATION PASSPORTS AND VISAS Malaysia: No visa required for British passport holders for visits not exceeding two months. Singapore: No visa required for British passport holders for stays up to 30 days. At least six months validity is required on the passport for both countries, based on date of departure for Singapore. Proof of onward/return travel along with visas and/or entry permits required by Singapore. VACCINATIONS AND HEALTH Malaysia: Yellow fever immunisation essential if arriving from an infected area within six days. Protection against malaria recommended if visiting remote jungle regions. Malaysia and Singapore: Precautions against hepatitis A, typhoid and polio recommended. Please consult your GP for up to date information. CURRENCY Malaysian Ringgit (RM) and Singapore dollars (S$). US dollars, sterling and euros accepted along with major credit cards. ATM facilities are widely available in both Malaysia and Singapore. CLIMATE Malaysia: Tropical climate with warm and humid weather all year round and occasional rainfall throughout the year. Wetter months on the west coast are between May and September. On the east coast and in Malaysian Borneo the rainy season is November to February. Temperatures are cooler in the hills and highlands. Singapore: Warm and Rosetta Stone Chinese subject to rainfall all year round with high humidity, particularly March to September. TIPPING AND BARGAINING Malaysia: Tipping is not generally necessary although always appreciated if the service is deserving of it. Singapore: Not encouraged.


