For one day each year, the streets of central Singapore are blocked off to make way for the Hindu festival of Thaipusam, a celebration of spirituality through self-sacrifice. This year it took place on February 7, 2012. Thousands of people walk the four-kilometre Thaipusam pilgrimage route carrying flower garlands or milk pots to give as … read the full post

With free WiFi in many public places and practically every Singaporean wielding an iPhone, internet cafes are quickly becoming a thing of the past in Singapore. Thankfully, if you need to do some impromptu web surfing, printing, or Skyping a few internet cafes survive in all of the city’s central neighbourhoods. Little India is home … read the full post

Singapore’s wonderful botanic gardens boasts many attractions — we’ve always been particular fans of the orchid garden and simply that there’s such a lovely rolling splash of greenery so close to the centre of town. Near the orchid garden you’ll find a graffiti strewn tree decorated with everything from “Dave was here” through to melodramatic … read the full post

Singapore may be famous for its street food, but in this sterile city-state only one place remains where you can literally dine on the street. After dark, busy Smith Street is blocked off from traffic to become Chinatown Food Street, where you can feast on fried noodles and Tiger Beer beneath the red lanterns. While … read the full post

Will you be in Singapore on February 7, 2012?  If so, you won’t want to miss Thaipusam, a gruesome but very fascinating festival practised by the Tamil Hindu community. This annual religious event is also celebrated in India, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia (the Travelfish.org Kuala Lumpur correspondent wrote about it, too). Update February 8, 2012: … read the full post

When backpackers come to Singapore they typically make their home at one of the hostels in Bugis or Little India. While it’s true that these neighbourhoods have a lot to offer budget travellers, don’t forget about Chinatown. Singapore’s Chinatown offers a central location,  amazing food, tons of culture, vibrant street markets, and top-notch hostels. Comfortable, … read the full post

With a record that includes banning chewing gum and censoring slapstick comedies like Borat, it’s fair to say that Singapore is not known for its sense of humour. But that doesn’t mean Singaporeans don’t enjoy a good laugh. To see the city-state at its silliest and most politically incorrect, check out Comedy Masala night every … read the full post

With nearly three out of every four Singaporeans being of Chinese heritage, it’s no surprise that Chinese New Year is the biggest festival of the year in the city state. It’s also the only multi-day public holiday in this high-stress society, and for many Singaporeans it’s the one time of year when they can forget … read the full post

Whether you’re shopping for a designer watch, durian cookies, football cleats or the latest smartphone you can find it in Singapore – and all under one roof at the 24-hour shopping mecca of Mustafa Centre. Mustafa Centre is more than just a department store: it’s one of Little India’s biggest attractions. Its four levels are … read the full post

It feels like I’ve barely had time to put away the champagne glasses but it’s New Year’s in Singapore once again. Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, officially begins on January 23, 2012, and is celebrated for 15 days. This is the biggest event of the year in … read the full post