Located at the southern tip of the Malaysian Peninsula and right at the heart of Asia, Singapore thrives as a financial and innovation hub for the region and beyond. Through global linkages and establishments of Free Trade Areas, ties with Greater China, India and the rest of Asia Pacific are continually strengthened. Language fluency, together with excellent technological and management expertise, gives Singapore an edge in accessing this growing region.

Even as Singapore successfully transforms into a cosmopolitan city state, it still retains its Asian charms, as reflected in its strong multi-cultural society – the majority of the population are of Chinese-descent, with Malays, Indians and Eurasians contributing to this mix. This charm is largely evident in our hospitality, cuisine, arts and architecture as the city continues to evolve.

Singapore is known for its warm tropical weather, with little variation throughout the year. The daily average temperature ranges from 31ºC (88ºF), in the daytime to 24ºC (75ºF) in the evenings. The weather is usually characterised by rain ranging from light showers to thunderstorms, with humidity levels hovering around 75%.

The venue of the conference will be Biopolis Matrix (30 Biopolis Street, Singapore, 138671). The metro (MRT) stop Buona Vista is in walking distance.

Singapore offers a wide selection of accommodation across different categories to suit varying budgets. From well-established international hotel chains to the many boutique and budget hotels across the island, Singapore currently has over 300 licensed hotels.

The hotel closest to the conference venue at Biopolis Matrix is the Park Avenue Rochester Hotel. From there you will have an easy access to the conference venue, with shopping and dining options all within 10-15 minutes’ walking distance.

The conference venue at Biopolis is just a few minutes by foot from the Buona Vista MRT station, which provides access to many other hotel options (e.g. around MRT stations “HarbourFront” and “Outram Park”) when using either the orange or the green line.

Singapore is the place where East and West meet. You can pretty much wear whatever is correct in your country. Singapore has tropical temperatures. Thus, jackets are usually not required because it is simply too hot to wear one. However, we still would recommend to bring along a jacket or something else that can provide thermal comfort because some indoor places can be chillingly cold. Most commonly seen attire at business events for men is a long-sleeved shirt (without tie). Women usually wear light Western business attire although some prefer Malay-style sarong.

Nationals from most countries do not require a visa for a 30-day social visit to Singapore, provided that they are in possession of valid travel document. The few countries that require visas for social visits are listed on the website of the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority website (→).

Participants from these countries are strongly advised to register early so that you can start the visa application process well in advance. Singapore’s authorities recommend to submit the visa application within 30 days prior to arrival in Singapore. We recommend to start at least two months before the Conference with the process so that you have time to complete your dossier if needed.

For most up to date information, including the full list of authorised agents, please refer to the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority website (→).

International Airlines and Connectivity

With three passenger terminals, Changi Airport is one of Asia’s best-connected airports. It serves 108 international and budget airlines which fly to some 255 cities across 62 countries around the world, providing delegates many convenient options to travel to Singapore.

From Airport to Conference Venue

The meeting venue of Biopolis is slightly west of Singapore’s city centre, which is within a 30-minure drive from the Changi Airport.

The approximate duration and cost of travelling via taxi from Changi Airport to points of interest are:

Other than the availability of taxis, there are a variety of public transportation options from the airport to the city centre:

Singapore’s network of public transportation of bus services, taxis and mass rapid transit (MRT) systems ensure that visitors move around the city quickly and inexpensively. As the public transportation network has long operating hours, travelling around Singapore is made easy and safe throughout the day.

Rate of Exchange USD 1 = SGD 1.27 for reference. All fares indicated are indicative rates . They are subjected to change.

Singapore is a very safe and clean city. Men and women can visit every part of the city alone at any time of the day. Taxi drivers all speak English, they are known to be very honest, and must have no criminal record. Singapore has very strict laws and order. Drug offenders face the death penalty, molestation is a very serious crime and so is shoplifting. Even small littering can give you a big fine. However, Singapore police is very discrete and you will rarely notice their presence – but be assured: they are around to keep Singapore a safe place even if you don’t see them. For more details, see e.g. Tripadvisor (→) or the Virtual Tourist (→).

Singapore has continually reinvented itself to become one of the most enticing destinations in Asia, attracting record numbers of tourists with its cuisines, cultures, shopping havens and nightspots. There are many opportunities for nature lovers, conservationists, adrenaline-junkies, and wellness devotees to pursue their interests in this surprising city. Singapore’s tourism landscape continues to excite both first time and repeated visitors with our latest attractions such as the River Safari and the Marine Life Park and more in the pipeline.

Tourism Highlights

How well do you know Singapore? 10 amazing things you never knew about Singapore (→)

Travelling with kids? Best day ever with kids (→)

See and do options, all within easy reach! For nature lovers, culture buffs or thrill-seekers (→)

You love nature but have no time to extend your stay? Trek through the jungle at night (→)

Zoos, parks and wildlife

Night Safari

Experience the world’s first wildlife park in the safari tram with a detailed guided tour about the nocturnal animals; it will take you through seven geographical zones of the world. Explore the mysterious world of animals in a different light; meet the leopards and lions at the Leopard Trail at their most active. Or, go down under into the Outback to discover native wildlife of Australia including a family of wallabies in their walk-through habitat along the latest Wallaby Trail.

Singapore Zoo

With more than 2,800 species of animals, and over 300 species roam freely in the open you can see the world’s most distinct wildlife habitats here in Singapore zoo. Whether you aboard the guided tram or trek on foot to explore, you will experience an unforgettable journey in Singapore zoo.

Jurong Bird Park

Home to more than 5,000 birds across 400 species, Jurong Bird Park is one of Singapore’s hidden treasures filled with various exhibits. Hike to the largest man-made waterfall in the world which house over 600 birds and take in the beautiful scenery, or make you way down to Lory Feeding and have the opportunity to meet the friendliest birds feed from your hands.

River Safari

River Safari is one of the world’s largest repositories for river dwelling animals from world iconic rivers such as the Mississippi, Congo, Nile, Ganges, Mekong and Yangtze rivers you can choose to tour around by trekking or cruising around in the boat. Not only that, River Safari is also home to two giant pandas, Kai Kai and Jia Jia, there are free tours around the exhibits for you to understand the giant pandas and their habitat more and the importance of conserving the environment.

From: http://rmgtours.com/daily-tours-booking (→)

S.E.A. Aquarium

S.E.A. Aquarium is one of the World’s Largest Aquarium, home to more than 100,000 marine animals of over 800 species, across into 49 different habitats, each one as fascinating as the next. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

Gardens by the Bay

Gardens By the Bay is Singapore’s newest garden attraction, featuring various outdoor gardens and lakes, including the famous Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. Visit Gardens By the Bay at night and you will be greeted with the stunning light show.

From: http://www.asiatours.com.sg/sg-morning-tours.php (→)

Museums

Alive Museum

Explore the Alive Museum for a fun and immersive experience. This is a place where you can become part of a masterpiece, with over 60 art pieces and endless ideas to create memorable pictures with your family and friends.

From: http://www.asiatours.com.sg/sg-morning-tours.php (→)

National Museum of Singapore (Free guided tour)

National Museum of Singapore is the nation’s oldest museum and has been around since 1887. Its galleries adopt cutting-edge and multi-perspective ways of presenting history and culture to redefine conventional museum experience. As a cultural and architectural landmark in Singapore, the Museum also hosts innovative festivals and events all year round such as the dynamic Night Festival, visually arresting art installations.

From: http://nationalmuseum.sg/visitors-info/guided-tours (→)

Singapore Art Museum (Free guided tour)

SAM is one of the world’s most important public collections of Southeast Asian contemporary artworks, with a growing component in international contemporary art. SAM draws from its collection and collaborates with international contemporary art museums to co-curate and present contemporary art exhibitions.

Changi War Trail Museum Tour

A chance to visit Changi Museum and the site of the old Changi Prison on this historical tour that focuses on the Japanese Occupation of Singapore during World War II.

From: http://www.viator.com/tours/Singapore/Changi-WWII-War-Trail-and-Museum-Tour/d18-2984CHA (→)

City tours

The City Experience

The City Experience Tour showcases the contrast between old and new and the blend of East and West, which will bring you through the cultural places as such the Little India and Chinatown. From cultural to the colonial district you will experience the best of both worlds as we visit the Merlion Park and the Esplanade.

Singapore DUCK tours

Our DUCK will embark on its journey from Singapore Flyer and go by places such as Victoria Theatre, Supreme Court and the War Memorial Park. It will then proceed down to Marina Bay where you will be able to see the Esplanade, the Merlion statue and Old Clifford Pier. After which, it will head back to Singapore Flyer where you may alight.

From: http://www.asiatours.com.sg/city-experience.php (→)

Others

Universal Studio Singapore

Feel the excitement of Hollywood with 24 movie-themed rides and attractions, 18 of which are unique to our resort. Universal Studio Singapore boasts a collection of world-firsts including the Far Far Away Castle from the world of Shrek and the world’s tallest duelling roller coasters – Battlestar Galactica – Human vs.Cylon.

Sentosa Adventure Tour

Spanning 16.5 feet wide and 56.5 feet tall, it is the only wind tunnel with an 18 feet tall acrylic glass wall that lets you enjoy an unparalleled view of South China Sea and Siloso Beach, something that you will only experience in iFly Singapore! Or whizz over jungle canopy and Siloso Beach from ver 450 metres long and at 72 metres above sea level in MegaZip flying fox

Sentosa Package, Explore on your own (Free & Easy)

Includes Singapore Cable Car Sky Network (round trip) And Wings of Time (first show)

PLUS Choose 3 from 5 Attractions:

Sentosa Luge + Skyride

Sentosa Merlion

Sentosa 4D AdventureLand – Any one ride

Butterfly Park & insect Kingdom

Set meal at Merrybrown

Singapore Night Out

First stop is Gardens by the Bay. Singapore’s impressive latest attractions of greenery spread over 101 hectares right in the heart of the city. The OCBC Skyway is at a height of 22 metres and surrounded by panoramic vistas of the Gardens and Marina Bay skyline, this 128-metre long aerial walkway is an experience not to be missed. As dusk falls, the captivating Marina Bay skyline emerges and the entire area comes alive nightly with the Garden Rhapsody – a light and sound show at 7.45pm. Next visit Marina Bay Sand’s SkyPark, an iconic platform built 200m in the air, seemingly defying gravity. Next, proceed to Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade. The Waterfront Promenade transforms into an audio visual experience at night, with integrated lights and pipe in music along the stretch. You can look forward to a stroll along the Mist Walk, dancing water jets and enjoy a panoramic view of the Bay from any point along the promenade. We then descend to Shoppes by the Bay which houses almost all the international brands of watches, leather goods, jewellery, and clothes. At 9.30pm, watch another synchronized light and music show this time against the City and Bay as the backdrop. Next board a river taxi for a 20 minutes ride up the Singapore River to Clark Quay passing historical bridges and buildings built more than a century ago.

From: http://www.asiatours.com.sg/sg-morning-tours.php (→)

Travel agencies

1. Ace Tours & Travel Pte Ltd http://www.acetourstravel.com/ (→)
2. Apple Holidays Pte Ltd http://apple-holidays.com/ (→)
3. Asia-Euro Holidays Pte Ltd http://www.aeholidays.com/ (→)
4. Asia Pacific Travel Pte Ltd http://www.asiapacifictravel.com.sg/ (→)
5. Continental Travel Singapore Pte Ltd http://www.continentaltravel.sg/ (→)
6. Cosmo Holiday Pte Ltd http://www.cosmoholidays.net/ (→)
7. CS Travel Pte Ltd http://www.cstravel.com.sg/ (→)
8. Emerging View Services http://www.emerging-view.com/ (→)
9. Eu Holiday Pte Ltd http://www.euholidays.com.sg/ (→)

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