Saturday, January 21, 2012

Bibliography

Research:
Culture Shock in Singapore- Expat Arrivals
http://www.expatarrivals.com/singapore/culture-shock-in-singapore
Singapore Must-see Attractions- Asiaweb
http://www-singapore.com/attractions/10mustsee.htm
Getting Around Singapore- Xpatxperience http://singapore.xpatxperience.com/gettingaround/singapore_public_transport.shtml
Practical Information: Visas- Lonelyplanet
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/singapore/practical-information/visas
Recommendation of Vaccinations- MDtravelheath
http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/asia/singapore.php
Mercury Backpackers Hostel- Hostelbookers
http://www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/singapore/singapore/76852/
A Beary Good Hostel- Hostelbookers http://www.hostelbookers.com/property/index.cfm?fuseaction=propertyDynamic.overview&intpropertyID=62929&strArrivalDate=2012-09-01&intNights=17
Top 10 activities in Singapore- Asiaweb
http://www-singapore.com/activities/10mustdo.htm
1 CAD to 1 SDG- Xe
http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert/?Amount=1&From=CAD&To=SGD
Travel Report: Singapore- Foreign Affairs and International Trade
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/report_rapport-eng.asp?id=265000
Climate: Singapore- BBC Weather
http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/hi/country_guides/newsid_9384000/9384311.stm

Pictures:
Vaccine
http://www.vegansoapbox.com/vaccines-and-veganism/
Shocked Face
http://free.clipartof.com/details/46-Free-Surprised-Smiley
Thumbs
http://mornington-peninsula-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/thumbs-up-thumbs-down-in-mornington-peninsula/
Reverse Bungee
http://travelpre.com/asia/southeastern-asia/singapore/29-g-max-reverse-bungy.html
Little India
http://www.time.com/time/travel/cityguide/article/0,31489,1845806_1861713_1861709,00.html
Singapore Flyer
http://www.time.com/time/travel/cityguide/article/0,31489,1845806_1861713_1861709,00.html
Flag of Singapore
http://www.olstars.com/en/flag/Singapore
Singapore Dollars
http://www.banknotes.com/sg.htm
Canadian Embassy
http://www.logotypes101.com/free_vector_logo/71777/The_Canadian_Embassy.aspx
Sun Protection Gear
http://www.superstock.com/stock-photos-images/1538R-47090

Friday, January 20, 2012

Daily Budget

With food, activities, shopping and transportation in consideration I have decide that my daily budget will be $125. Bringing that to a total of $2375 in spending money for the 19 days that I will be in Singapore.

Five 'A' Approach to Travel and Tourism

Attractions
Cultural:
Singapore Flyer- This is the largest observation wheel in the world! Built over a three-story terminal building, the Flyer is 150 metres in diameter, 165 metres high, and travels at 0.21m per second. This structure has attracted millions of tourists to Singapore for chance of riding the Flyer.
Asian Civilizations Museum-  What once used to be a Empress Place Building named in honour of Queen Victoria, this museum holds ten thematic galleries that explore the traditional aspects of Asian culture, religion and civilization. With beautiful and well currated artifacts from Southeast Asia, China, India, Sri Lanka and Turkey the ACM is a must see while in Singapore.
Chinatown/ Little India - These are the best places to start learning about Singapore’s Chinese/Indian culture and history. At these ethnic enclaves you’ll experience a mix of heritage, by visiting museums, shopping and tasting a variety of delicious foods.

Biophysical:
Singapore Zoo- the zoo is the first in the world to offer tourists the experience of going on a night safari tour with an optional buffet at the end, or a morning tour with an optional jungle breakfast amonst orangutans.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve- Home to various species of butterflies, mud skippers and lizards, this natural park attracts many tourists interested in bird watching, aquaculture and fish farming. 
Singapore Botanic Gardens- A national landmark and is also the only few pieces of original jungle left in Singapore. It features a small tropical rainforest, a ginger garden and an orchid garden. The gardens are known to hold more than 300 types of flora with the tallest trees standing about 40 metres high.

Access
In Singapore the methods I would use of getting around are taking the Mass Rapid Transit system (MRT), taking a taxi, or simply walking.


Accommodation
For the remainder of my trip I will be staying at A Beary Good Hostel.
Address: 46B Smith St, Chinatown, Singapore, Singapore 058956
Type: 10 Bed Dorm - Mixed (Shared bathroom)
Cost: $20.67 per night x 19 = $392.73 CAD or 493.15$ SDG

Watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SggBMZuSvFo

Activities
Shopping
Dining
Diving /Snorkelling
Golfing
Bowling
Sailing
Theme Parks
Relaxation (spas/massages)
Reverse Bungee Jumping

Amenities
While in Singapore the amenities I would need are at least three meals everyday, a place to sleep every night, clean water to drink and accessible washroom facilities.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Travel Motivators and Travel Barriers

     My motivation behind visiting Singapore is to finally see the Merlion statue, which has been a dream of mine since I was 10 years old. Singapore has attracted me with it's unique cuisine, it's diversity of so many different cultures in one country, and the beautiful artistry in many public places. Also, considering many Srilankan Tamils live in Singapore it makes me curious to see how they live. Food in Singapore would definetly not be a barrier for most travelers because Singaporean cuisine is quite delicious and for those who prefer not to try anything new, there are many restaurants that serve western dishes and fast food chains are everywhere in Singapore. The only barrier I can see for myself and other travelers is the extreme heat. Singapore is very hot all year round and it would be uncomfortable trying to sight-see whilst drenched in sweat and exhausted.   

Climate During Visit

       In Singapore the climate is hot, humid and wet all year round. March and September are the most unpleasant months because of the excessive humidity and the lack of winds. Considering my trip is in September the best thing I can do is be prepared for this kind of weather. To protect myself from the hot sun I will make sure to pack a bottle of sunscreen, a hat and a pair of sunglasses. I will pack clothing that is both light in material and comfortable to wear. Also, whenever I am out walking I will make sure to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and rest in shady areas. 

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Culture Shock

      Culture Shock in Singapore is minimal, but there may be some things that foreigners might be unfamiliar with. To begin, in Singapore is not uncommon to hear a number of languages being spoken around you. Singapore is home to a diverse population of mainly Chinese, Malay, and Indian which has resulted in the mixture of traditions, holidays, and customs. Also considering English is the official language spoken in Singapore tourists will most likely not have any communication problems. Furthermore, is not uncommon to see most Singaporeans dressed in casual wear. With an average temperature of 80°F (27°C), comfort in Singapore comes first. Cotton shirts, blouses, shorts and summer dresses are commonly worn anywhere, except to fancy restaurants, the workplace and places of worship. Lastly, Singapore is a conservative country with harsh penalties for crime offenders. Regardless of where your passport says you're from if you have committed a crime you must face the consequences. All drugs are illegal in Singapore and traffickers are given the death penalty for their action. Freedom of speech and expression is restricted in Singapore and also certain publications and films are banned, or censored before being released to the public.

Arrival Accomodation

After ariving in Singapore I will be staying at Mercury Backpackers Hostel for two nights in a 4-bed dorm, (female only) at the total cost of $44.36 CAD.

Address: 57 Lavender Street, Singapore, Singapore 338714

Directions from the airport:
From Changi International Airport, I will have to go to Changi Airport MRT station and take the East West Line train to Tanah Merah Station. After getting off,  I will have to make my way towards platform B and take the East West Line train towards Joo Koon direction and get off at Lavender MRT Station.