Singapore
Climate: tropical with highest temperatures in July and August. February is usually the sunniest month and rainfall is highest from November to January when there are sudden showers.
Time: GMT + 8hrs.
Language: English widely spoken. Other languages include Mandarin, Malay and Tamil.
Health: no com-pulsory vaccinations but visitors arriving within six days of leaving areas infected with yellow fever must have a valid yellow fever vaccination. Children under one year are exempt.
Tipping: prohibited at the airport and discouraged in hotels and restaurants, where there is a 10% service charge.
Currency: the Singapore dollar has 100 cents. Most banks open from 9.30am-3pm on weekdays, and from 9.30am- 11.30am on Saturdays.
Passports/visas: UK nationals require a valid 10-year passport but not a visa.
Regulations: law enforcement is strict. Smoking is banned in all air-conditioned public places and indoor restaurants. Chewing gum and duty-free cigarettes cannot be brought onto the island.
Getting there: regular scheduled flights from Heathrow and Manchester with connections available from most regional airports. Direct flights by Singapore Airlines, British Airways and Qantas, while Malaysia Airlines operates via Kuala Lumpur and Emirates via Dubai.
Flying time: 13 hrs.
Packages: available from a wide choice of operators including British Airways Holidays, Destination Far East, Distant Dreams, Dream Journeys, Hayes and Jarvis, Kuoni, Magic of the Orient, Premier Holidays, Tradewinds and Somak.
Airport tax: all passengers, except children under two, must pay £6.50 when leaving Singapore for international or domestic destinations, although this is usually included in the fare.