Having played the role of travel guide for friends visiting from overseas, I guess there are a few guidelines and tips for the wandering traveler or the first time businessman flying into Singapore. Though by no means comprehensive, I will offer you bite-sized travel tips in hopes of making your trip to the garden state a much more enjoyable one.

Though Singapore is viewed as modern and developed, against the backdrop of its tall skyscrapers and lush landscape, most of its people were brought up and raised by conservative early generation Asians with their culture deeply rooted within the society and were taught core family values when they were youths. Though this is currently changing amongst the youths of Singapore today, the main bulk of Singapore’s society are generally perceived and stereotyped as distant and unapproachable. If you, who are reading this, are looking to set up a business in Singapore, it is generally favored upon for you to initially be polite and heartwarming. Once the trust has been gained, respect and warmth will follow suit. You will learn that Singaporeans are mostly a likeable lot, polite and friendly.

For the tourists, generally the same rule applies. If you get lost holding a map of the downtown district in the middle of the crowd, chances are, you will less likely be approached and asked if you need assistance. However, if you stop anyone walking along the street for help, they will most definitely take a moment to help you find your desired location. I believe that though Singaporeans may be less reciprocal in their ways but if and when needed, they go out of their way to offer assistance.

Singapore is well-known for its world class transportation. With a train service that spans out throughout the island and bus services aplenty, you will find that a car is not a necessary mean of travel to get to any destination in the city state. I would ultimately recommend getting from one point to another by means of public transportation, in this case, the train or the buses, to get the unique experience of being in Singapore. With its reasonable fares and immaculate condition, the first time traveler will also get a feel of what it would be like to be the average Singaporean on his or her way to work, school or off to a social event.

If you are a tourist looking for the complete experience, may I suggest the trishaw rides that are readily available for hire along City Hall. There are also tourist packages offered by Hippo Tours and Duck Tours for a ride along Singapore’s bustling city streets atop an open-top double-decked bus or a scenic ride along Singapore River to appreciate the skyline at sunset. The Singapore Tourism Board offers a wide range of activities for those unfamiliar with the island.

Food for the first time traveler will most definitely be an eye-opening extravaganza. Being racially and culturally diverse, you will be spoiled for choice whenever you need to fill an empty stomach. For the ultimate cultural experience, I suggest the hustle and bustle of the hawker centers located all over the tiny island. Rows upon rows of stalls are set up under a sheltered building selling various different types of food, almost certainly to your liking. If you are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with that setting, there are air-conditioned foot courts that offer a similar experience in a more comfortable setting. For the first time business traveler, you can offer your clients wine and fine dining at various top-notch, world class restaurants across Singapore, most conveniently located in the Central Business District.

I think I have offered you a small window of what to expect in Singapore if you are traveling to or is already in Singapore for the very first time. These are only a few things to expect, so, for the complete experience, why not walk up to a local and get him or her to suggest a few places to go, to eat and have fun? I am confident he or she will only recommend you the best places to go, the best things to do. I sincerely hope you will enjoy your first visit to the pearl of South-East Asia, where the weather is warm, the locals are friendly and where surprise awaits you at every corner.