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Destination Training and Updates: Singapore February 2016

Singapore An overview

Population : 5.47 million

People : Ethnic Chinese (74,2%) Ethnic Malay (13,2%) Ethnic Indian (9,2%)

Language : English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil Currency : Singapore Dollar (SGD)

Time zone : SST +8 Hours

Singapore As Asia’s answer to the economic powers of the West, Singapore is a dazzling super-city with enough urban wonder to rival the world’s most vivid cityscapes. From its humble beginnings as a sleepy fishing village, this glittering city emerged as an epicenter of Eastern modernity in only a few short decades. Despite its size, Singapore packs the punch of even the biggest metropolitan hubs – and remains one of the region’s most fascinating destinations for travellers on the hunt for urban adventure.

Singapore As one of the wealthiest nations on earth, first time visitors to Singapore are often surprised by the scale and grandeur of the island nation’s development. The façade of modern skycrappers and futuristic infrastructure belies the fact that most Singaporeans do come from humble roots, and followed the country on its rise from a collection of fishing village to an economic powerhouse – a history that the super-city’s locals carry with a great amount of pride.

Singapore Highlights • Marina Bay Sands • Orchard Road • Night Safari • Merlion Park • Chinatown • Raffles Hotel • Sentosa Island • Singapore Botanic Gardens

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Marina Bay District Marina Bay is the undisputed crown jewel of Singapore, and the finest example of how far the young country has come in its young history. Often compared to Hong Kong’s Causeway Bay, no trip to Singapore would be complete without jaunt around these sparkling waters lined with opulent skyscrapers. All of the pomp and circumstance of half a century of careful construction are on full display, creating a stunning cityscape highlighted by famed Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Gardens by the Bay, the world’s most expensive garden.

Chinatown and Little India In stark contrast with the modern skyscrapers surrounding it, Chinatown is characterised by old fashioned red and gold-hewed low-rise buildings that are both modest in appearance and proud in the manner. As Chinese immigrants represent the largest ethnic enclave in the island nation, these buildings illustrate a proud continuity of tradition in Singapore.

Sentosa Island Translating as “Peace and Tranquility” in Malay, Sentosa Island is Singapore’s most famous beach destination and top tourist attraction, welcoming nearly 20 million visitors a year. Sentosa’s pristine white-sand beaches are not naturally occuring – instead, they were created using imported sand from Malaysian beaches – but the result is a surprisingly pleasant sandy paradise just a stone’s throw from metropolitan Singapore.

Singapore

Singapore Zoo

Little India

Changi Airport

Jurong Bird Park Chinatown

Marina Bay

Sentosa Island

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What’s happening? Hotels, restaurants, events

Hotels

Sofitel Singapore Sentosa - ****

The South Beach - ****

The Patina - ****

Hotel Boss - **** 11

Restaurants

Red House Seafood - $$

Tiffin Room - $$$

National Kitchen - $$$

Majestic Bay Seafood - $$ 12

What’s new? Tiong Bahru District One of the oldest estates in Singapore but it has become more of a hipster enclave with new cafes and lifestyle shops. A nice place to spend a leisurely afternoon.

Chinatown Heritage Center The center recently completed its renovation and is a key stop to include in any visit to Chinatown.

National Gallery A new museum showcasing art from Singaporean and Southeast Asian artists. It is housed within 2 restored buildings – the formeer City Hall and Supreme Court.

Kidzania A new attraction for children that offers edutainment through role-playing (but this will only open in April).

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Our Tours Local Life and Essence Tours

Local Life Tours • Experiential, interactive, half or full day tour. • SIC for up to 10 PAX. • Connects travellers with authentic Asian people & culture. • Low environmental impact. • A percentage of our revenue goes directly back into local communities. • Help preserve and share local communities’ tradition & heritage.

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Local Life: Singapore Singapore Taste of Chinatown Sink your teeth into a variety of flavours with influences from Indian, Chinese and Malay cuisine! This cultural excursion uncovers just why Singaporeans are nothing short of enamoured with food. Sample the city’s most famous culinary icons in bustling hawker centres, local restaurants and famous street stalls.

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Have a taste of slow cooked bakkwa at Bee Cheng Hiang. Learn from an expert about the different varieties of Chinese tea at an over a century old local tea shop. Meet the master calligrapher Mr. Yong. Learn about the area’s charming culinary history. 16

Local Life: Singapore Local Flavour Walking Tour Discover the diversity of Singapore with a journey into two very different, yet equally colourful ethnic enclaves not far from city centre. Set off to discover the charms and icons of Singapore’s bustling Chinatown district and vivid Little India in an illuminating journey by foot.

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Explore the backstreets of Chinatown and stroll past some of the area’s most iconic architecture. Try some of the best blends of coffee and crispy toast – both local favourites for decades. Experience the traditional wet market. Explore the Little India in Singapore. 17

Who are they for? Local Life • Families and travellers looking for something different • Travellers looking for cultural experiences • People who want to connect with the destination a little more • Clients who might not want a full private guided tour

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Other Recommended Tours • We have a diverse portfolio of touring products in all destinations across Singapore. • Our excellent team on the ground ensure that your clients will connect with the true nature of their destination, in a way that suits them and their interests. • Speak to your Buffalo Tours representative for more information on these, or any other tours available.

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Other Tours: Singapore Melting Pot Discovery Experience the diversity of Singapore’s famously vibrant cultural melting pot with a journey to the city’s three main ethnic enclaves. Wander through bustling Chinatown, discover tasty Singaporean dishes in Kampong Glam Malay district and take in the colour and energy of Little India.

• Exploring Singapore’s three major ethnic enclaves. • Wander through the streets toward the breathtaking Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. • Visit Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. • Discover the depths of the building constructed in 1827. 20

Other Tours: Singapore Little Red Dot City Highlights Discover the story of Singapore – AKA the Little Red Dot – and its fascinating rise from a humble fishing village to a modern economic powerhouse. Chug across Singapore River onboard a traditional bumboat, snap photos at Merlion Park and Marina Bay Waterfront.

• Explore the history of the tiny nation of Singapore – referred to lovingly as the Little Red Dot – and how it has transformed. • Hopping onboard a traditional bumboat, sail across the watery stretches bound for Merlion Park. • Take in beautiful views of Marina Bay waterfront. • Visit the National Orchid Garden and explore the garden’s 60,000 plants and orchids. 21

Other Tours: Singapore Singapore After Dark Explore the very best of Singapore during its vibrant nocturnal hours. Set off under the cover of night to visit the Bugis Village street market, journey by ‘trishaw’ to the historic Raffles Hotel and Long Bar to sip a Singapore Sling in the very location it was made famous, and take in the dazzling bayfront water show from Marina Bay Sands.

• Explore the bustling metropolis of Singapore from a different perspective – under the cover of night. • Wander along Bugis Village, the largest and most vibrant market in Singapore. • Hop on board a ‘trishaw’ to Raffles Hotel, the oldest in Singapore and an icon of the country’s colonial past. • Enjoy the city scenery after dark at Marina Bay Sands. 22

Other Tours: Singapore Life In The Lion City Experience Experience first-hand the history and modern charm of Singapore on a short tour to the city’s highlights. Discover the true story of the city-state’s rise to economic power at the Singapore City Gallery, sit down for an authentic breakfast at the famous Maxwell Road Hawker Centre.

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Visit the Singapore City Gallery for an in-depth look at how urban planning transformed. Experience a truly authentic Singaporean dining experience in Maxwell Road Hawker Centre. Have a leisurely boat ride around Singapore River.

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Other Tours: Singapore Gardens By The Bay Excursion Discover Singapore’s uniquely futuristic take on the green house with a tour around the famously colourful Gardens by the Bay. Wander through the towering glass domes to visit the ever-changing Flower Field, the worldrecord holding Cloud Forest indoor waterfall.

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Explore Singapore’s first step toward becoming a city in a garden – and one of the city skyline’s most futuristic additions. Smell the aroma of the multi-coloured Flower Field, a regularly changing floral display that reflects seasons, festivals and themes. Peer up at Cloud Forest’s 35-meter highest indoor waterfall. 24

Other Tours: Singapore Battlefields Discovery Discover the fascinating story of Singapore during WWII and the Japanese attack that would later lead to its occupation. Get a handson and in-depth look at the country’s torrid history with a visit to the most significant wartime locations, including the Labrador Nature Reserve, Bukit Changdu and the Changi Chapel and Museum. • • • •

Discover the story of the WWII Japanese attack and subsequent occupation of Singapore. Visit the Labrador Nature Reserve, a location that served as the location for British defence posts to protect the harbour. Visit the Reflections at Bukit Changdu – a restored colonial bungalow close to the site of the Battle of Pasir Panjang. Journey to the Changi Chapel and Museum. 25

Other Tours: Singapore Sentosa Island Adventure Get ready for a full-day family-friendly excursion to the famously exciting Sentosa Island. Hit each of the man-made islands best spots with a visit to the Singapore Live show, the Skyline Luge ride and the S.E.A Aquarium to discover the incredible energy of Asia’s best park.

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Passing over panoramic views of the harbour along the ride to the island. Enjoy the Images of Singapore Live, a spectacular stage performance rivalling Broadway that tells the story of Singapore’s transformation. Visit S.E.A Aquarium, a marine world that’s home to over 800 species of marine life from around the world. 26

Other Tours: Singapore Street Food Adventure Get an authentic taste of Singapore’s wonderfully exotic blend of flavours. Sample Bak Kwa barbecue jerky in Chinatown, brave a taste of the infamously smelly durian fruit, enjoy a bowl of traditional Chinese sweet soup and end up taking in panoramic views from the top of the Pinnacle’s 50th viewing spot. • • • •

Have a taste of Bak Kwa, a barbecued jerky meat dish famous for locals and visitors alike. Wander down lantern-lined streets where medical herbs, souvenirs and assorted knick-knacks line the stalls. Explore the Chinatown Food Street. Visit the Pinnacle and take in the sights of Singapore at night from the 50th floor viewing platform. 27

Bringing it all together A truly unique journey

Singapore and Bintan Island Gateway| 5D Enjoy the best of both worlds on an adventure in bustling Singapore and a relaxing few days at the dreamy Indonesian beach of Bintan. Explore the most dazzling architectural icons and uncover the story of Singapore’s past life as an epicenter of wartime conflict, before kicking back on the beautiful beaches of Bintan. • • •

Explore the legend of how Singapore got its name at Merlion Park. Visit the colonial district to see the architectural remains of British Empire. Board a ferry and getaway to the beautiful island of Bintan, enjoy the sun and surf in a quite, idyllic seaside escape.

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Singapore and Malaysia in Context| 7D Explore the urban jungles, historic landmarks and breathtaking landscapes of Singapore and Malaysia on a whirlwind journey to the greatest hits. Soak up the futuristic urban energy of dazzling Singapore, cycle through the rustic island outpost of Pulau Ubin, and experience a kaleidoscopic blend of culture in Kuala Lumpur. • • •

Discover the city’s diversity firsthand on a guided tour of its most unique ethnic neighbourhoods. Travel back in time with a brief boat ride to Pulau Ubin, one of the few remaining traditional areas in Singapore. Discover the capital city of Malaysia’s unique heritage on a guided walking excursion.

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Singapore Short Packages

Singapore Highlights

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Get a taste of Singapore’s vibrant culture and exotic flavours with a whirlwind journey to the city-state’s most iconic destinations. Wind through the hub’s sparkling cityscape before diving into the hubbub of Bugis Village Market and the historic Raffles Hotel. Snap photos at Merlion Park, stroll the Civic District’s glittering high street and wind down at the famous Orchid Gardens for the ultimate urban escape.

Singapore Family Adventure

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Explore the very best of Singapore’s familyfriendly destinations in an action-packed fourday adventure! Enjoy breakfast with the orangutans at the open-concept Singapore Zoo, and enjoy a dazzling stage showcase telling the story of Singapore’s fascinating history. Wrap up your journey with a ride on the Skyline Luge and a visit to the S.E.A Aquarium, for an up-close and personal discovery of Asia’s most vibrant sea life.

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Why work with us? Buffalo Tours and our partners

Why partner with us?

Hotel partnership

Competitive pricing

Unique product

Own vehicles and boats

Buffalo tours own operations

Professional reservation staff

Sales & marketing support

IT resources

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“Changing Lives through Travel”

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