Firstly, you will have to secure an import licence from the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA). This can be done by filling up a form online from the AVA’s website. This import licence is very important, as your dog will not be allowed on the flight if you are not able to provide the airlines with this documentation.

You will also have to arrange for the necessary health certificate from a certified veterinarian in your home country to give your dog a clean bill of health, i.e. no diseases etc, and to certify that your dog has been residing in your country of residence. It is also recommended that you prepare and collate all other documentations on previous vaccinations that your dog has received in the past to ensure that the necessary paperwork is ready in case you are asked to produce them. Do take note that the health certificate is to be issued no more than a week before your pet’s arrival into Singapore.

Your dog will also be required to go through a series of additional vaccinations, such as rabies and booster shots, amongst others, before its departure for Singapore. The first rabies vaccine has to be administered at least more than four months before being brought to Singapore. Your dog will also have to be fitted with a microchip in accordance to its documentations. Singapore has a series of guidelines applicable to dogs from different countries, which you may conveniently access on the AVA website at this link.

Upon your dog’s arrival into Singapore, it will be initially taken to the Changi Animal and Plant Quarantine Station (CAPQ), where it will be put through a veterinary check. Depending on the situation, it may either be quarantined for a period of time (depending on the location it came from) or released to its owner if it passes the checks. It is your onus to ensure that you make the necessary arrangements with CAPQ at least a day or two prior to your pet’s arrival into the country, especially to arrange its quarantine stay, to prevent unnecessary delays and issues. The cost of a dog’s quarantine stay is to be borne entirely by the owner.

Do also note that in Singapore, depending on the kind of property you are staying in, you may or may not be allowed to keep your dog in your residence. In accordance to the regulation in Singapore, if you are residing in a Housing Development Board (HDB) apartment, you can only keep one dog of an approved breed in your residence. Those in private residences may keep up to three dogs, which is of course subjected to AVA’s approval. As a dog owner in Singapore, you must also ensure that your dog’s licence is renewed yearly, and failure to do so might result in the revoking of your dog’s licence or the seizing of the dog by the authorities.

Purchase

It might then just be of interest to know that in Singapore, you can choose to reside temporarily (for either days or months) at hostels, which are very affordable and more importantly, clean and comfortable. Read on to find out more about the top 5 best hostels in Singapore!

1) River City Inn

Located barely five minutes away from Clarke Quay station, River City Inn has been touted as one of the best hostels to stay when in Singapore. The hostel has a homely feel to it with its warm tones and friendly staff and offers a its guests a clean environment. Also catering to the warm Singapore weather, the dormitory rooms are equipped with air-conditioning for your comfort. You can choose to either stay in a mixed (SG$26/US$20 per bed per night) or ladies only (SG$29/US$23 per bed per night) dormitory. There is also the option of booking a private 4 or 6-bedded room if you are travelling with your family.

Location: 33C Hong Kong Street, Singapore 059672
Tel: +65 6532 6091
Website: www.rivercityinn.com

2) Five Stones Hostel

The Five Stones Hostel, also located five minutes away from Clarke Quay station, features attractive and brightly painted rooms coupled with interesting murals, some of which featuring traditional Singaporean games. The name of the hostel in itself is reflective of a popular traditional game, where small beanbags are tossed repeatedly in the air.  A bed at Five Stones Hostel is slightly costlier, starting at SG$30/US$24 per night for a 14-bedded mixed dormitory, but includes daily breakfast, full wifi access and all day coffee and tea. If you prefer private rooms, Five Stones Hostels also offers that, starting at SG$105/US$84 per room per night.

Location: 61 South Bridge Road (Level 2 & 3), Singapore 058691
Tel: +65 6535 5607
Website: www.fivestoneshostel.com

3) BUNC@Radius

Located in a restored shop house within the Indian heritage area, BUNC@Radius should surprise its guests with its contemporary and sleek interior. While other dormitories often have an open concept, BUNC@Radius offers its guests a sense of privacy within a shared dormitory with its partitioned beds that comes equipped with your own LED reading lights, lockers and plug sockets. BUNC@Radius also has a ladies floor, which offers private ladies lounging area, and a movie and game room. You can choose to either book a single or double bed, which begins at SG$40/US$32 per bed per night or a private room which would cost you SG$100/US$80 per room per night. But do look out for the offers that they usually put up on their website, as you may even get the beds at half the price!

Location: 15 Upper Weld Road, Singapore 207372
Tel: +65 6262 2862
Website: http://www.radiancegrp.com/bunc%40radius/

4) Wink Hostel

Staying in a shared dormitory room would sometimes mean that you would have to put up with the noise of other guests. As such, to ensure that their guests do get a decent night’s sleep, Wink Hostel offers partitioned pod beds, complete with sound-resistance and personal lightings of fancy colours too (purple, green and orange). You can choose to either stay in a single-bedded pod (SG$50/US$40 per pod per night) or a double-bedded pod (SG$90/US$72 per pod per night). Wink Hostel also offers ladies only dormitory. Located in Chinatown, this hostel is easily accessible via Chinatown MRT station and guests need not worry about going hungry, as food places are aplenty in the area.

Location: 8A Mosque Street, Chinatown, Singapore 059488
Tel: +65 6222 2940
Website: www.winkhostel.com 

5) Blanc Inn

This posh looking hostel is one of the latest additions to Singapore’s bed and breakfast landscape. With its French name (meaning White Inn), it’s no surprise that this hostel is out to exude elegance in its theme while maintaining a reasonable price for its guests. This hostel also moves away from the typical bunker bed dormitory style rooms, and instead offers its guests privacy, with the beds being separated far away from one another and cleverly partitioned by walls and separators so it does not feel like room-sharing. Beds at Blanc Inn start from SG$60/US$48 per night for a single bed and can go up to over SG$200/US$160 for a private room which accommodates 6 people.

Location: 151, Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207564
Tel: +65 6297 9764
Website: www.inn.com.sg

Purchase

Together with Boat Quay, Clarke Quay – a waterfront area located upstream from its historical counterpart – used to be the heart of commerce and trade during colonial life in Singapore. Named after the 1870s governor of the British Straits Settlement, this part of town along the Singapore River was a prime location for warehouses and cargo boats for about one and a half centuries. Though there is not much left to bear witness to its somewhat rough-and-tumble past, Clarke Quay remains true to its commercial roots, after a fashion.

Since the early 1990s, the riverside promenades of “CQ”, where stevedores, seamen, traders, and hawkers once thronged, have become a favorite destination for shopping enthusiasts, tourists, and partygoers. The thriving retail and entertainment precinct harbors several pedestrian malls along the quay, as well as one of the hubs of Singapore’s bustling nightlife.

A Paradise for Shopping Lovers and Party Animals

The Central Shopping Mall is probably the best-connected of the various department stores in the neighborhood. The five-level, 19,000 m² shopping center sits directly above Clarke Quay MRT station, an underground stop of the local rapid transit network.

The huge complex with its distinct Japanese theme features several fashion and design outlets, plus over 150 retailers, offering everything from art to fine wines, from beauty treatments to stylish homeware and knick-knack souvenirs. On the weekend, the Central Singapore River Market transforms the promenades outside into an open-air maze of arts and crafts stalls, inviting both locals and tourists for a leisurely stroll and some gift-shopping.

On the other riverbank, you will find Clarke Quay proper, a popular assortment of numerous venues for dining, drinking, and clubbing. Sleepy in the morning and pretty low-key during the day, CQ doesn’t wake up until night falls in Singapore – and then keeps partying from dusk till dawn. The former godowns (warehouses), now splendidly refurbished, and tongkangs (Malay cargo vessels), moored along the riverfront,  house a variety of bars, pubs, cafés, ice-cream parlors, restaurants, live-music venues, lounges, and nightclubs.

Tips for Dining and Clubbing

If you enjoy Asian food, Clarke Quay is definitely the right place to go. Within a fairly small area, you can feast on Balinese, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, and Vietnamese dishes, or taste contemporary Pan-Asian fusion cuisine. Carnivores may rather go for the local steakhouses or BBQ places, and you could try the more dubious charms of takeaway franchises or the Singapore Hooters as well. German travelers and expats might be tempted to have a look at the Paulaner Beerhouse – also represented at the annual Singapore Oktoberfest – and see what passes for authentic “Gemütlichkeit” halfway around the globe.

After a lavish dinner at Clarke Quay, it is probably not advisable to join the screaming youths on the reverse bungee thrill ride, the only one of its kind in the city. After all, there are plenty of other venues to choose from. However, you shouldn’t be adverse to “themed” clubs and lounge bars: From faux-Cuban to pseudo-Irish, there’s a lot of that going on here.

But never mind the décor and interior design. Music is king in the later hours of the evening. For hip-hop or R&B, you should pop in at The Arena; Mandopop lovers hang out at Shanghai Dolly, and to listen to some blues, folk, or rock, you have to seek out The Crazy Elephant. The best live acts normally show up at Grand Hollywood, whereas PlayHouse hosts slightly risqué cabaret shows. Once the night is no longer that young, the real party is only getting started – at least at The Attica and its spin-off venue, Attica Too.

Escape from CQ

Of course, Clarke Quay has its downsides, too. With several international hotel chains in the vicinity, it is a rather touristy area that often gets very crowded at night.

If all the hustle-and-bustle should prove too much for you, there’s an easy escape from CQ’s party people. Just take a river cruise that starts at Clarke Quay. In the comparative serenity of your boat, you will be able to relax a bit and admire the bright neon-colors of the nightly illuminations from afar.

It has come to the point that spas are no longer just found at hotels or on resorts or even just in the town area of Singapore but rather, you can easily stroll into a relaxing and reputable spa in the comforts of your suburb. The benefit of a wide range of spas in Singapore means that customers have their pick in accordance to their budget, from the exclusive and posh spas that charge an exorbitant amount to the smaller spas that goes easy on your wallet.

Currently, the trend in Singapore with regards to spa is to purchase deals on popular websites such as www.deal.com.sg and www.groupon.sg. These websites often have spa promotions, on a daily basis, offering treatments at sometimes more than half the original pricing, making it very affordable to purchase. However, do take note that while some of these promotions may be applicable for all (Singaporeans and non-Singaporeans), others may require foreigners to possess an Employment Pass or Dependent’s Pass to be eligible for the deals. In any case, we have also listed three popular spas in Singapore of different price ranges that you may want to visit for that R&R getaway!

Spa Botanica

Known to be one of Singapore’s most popular and finest spas, Spa Botanica is the epitome of relaxation. With its multiple accolades over the years, Spa Botanica offers a wide variety of packages ranging from its signature treatments to day packages, and even specific packages targeted to travelers and pregnant women. Spa Botanica is located at The Sentosa Singapore and at Tanglin Club. However, be prepared to pay a few hundred dollars (at the very least $$100 [USD81] onwards) to be pampered at this spa, as the treatments do not come cheap!

Address: Spa Botanica, 2 Bukit Manis Road, Sentosa, Singapore 099891
Website: www.spabotanica.com

Aramsa Spa

What better way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle than to have a spa treatment within the lush and tranquil greeneries of a national park?  The spa rooms at Aramsa Spa features an open concept within a garden setting, allowing you to relax to the sounds of nature and enjoy the sight of the greeneries that surround you and forget all the worries that may be on your mind. Treatments at Aramsa Spa start from S$50 (US$40) onwards.

Address: Bishan Park 2, 1382 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, Singapore 569931

Website: www.aramsaspas.com

Balik Kampung Spa: The Neighbourhood Spa

Located in the heartlands, Balik Kampung Spa (which means returning to the village or returning home in Malay) brings you back to a time where things were simple and stress-free. As it is marketed as a neighbourhood spa, you can be sure to get better deals at Balik Kampung Spa in comparison to the higher-end spas in the more exclusive areas. However, lower pricing does (from $$25 [USD20] onwards) not mean a compromise on the ambience and the treatments. Balik Kampung Spa does not fail to exude the idyllic façade that most spas do and offers a wide range of treatments from nail care to full body massages.

Address: 9 Chu Lin Road, Singapore 669899
Website: www.balikkampung.com

Purchase

Central Thai

Central Thai, which is located in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2, serves very good and authentic Thai food at an extremely reasonable pricing. Usually, dining on Thai food at restaurants would cost quite a bit but at Central Thai, each person should be prepared to spend about S$25 (US$20), inclusive of drinks and desserts. Central Thai offers an array of curries, from green to yellow to red that would definitely make you want to come back for more. The highlights at this restaurant include its Seafood Tom Yam and the lime and chilli steamed fish. If you are not ready to turn up the heat so high, then you can start off with the Tom Yam Talay pizza, which gives you an East meets West flavour.

Address: 60 Airport Boulevard, Changi Airport Terminal 2 Viewing Mall, Level 3, Singapore 819643

Tel: +65 6546 1585

Diandin Leluk Thai Restaurant

Located in a place aptly called “Little Thailand”, Diandin Leluk Thai Restaurant is a well-known haunt for Singaporeans and many Thai nationals who crave for their local cuisine. While the building (Golden Mile Complex) that it is located in may be a bit dodgy, it is apparent that the quality of the food is a two-thumbs up as this restaurant draws in throngs of diners. Diners at Diandin Leluk Thai Restaurants often rave about the Stir Fried Kangkung Belacan (vegetable cooked in shrimp paste) and the Sticky Mango Rice, which is basically glutinous rice, served with ripe mangoes and drizzled with coconut milk. The pricing is also quite decent at Diandin Leluk Thai Restaurant and diners can expect to pay approximately between S$15 – 20 (US$12 -16) per person for a complete mea

Address: 5001 Beach Road, #01-67/68/69 Golden Mile Complex, Singapore 199588

Tel: +65 6293 5101

Nakhon Kitchen

Another place that is often recommended for Thai food is Nakhon Kitchen, located at Hougang. In Singapore, you can tell if a place is sought after by the queue that snakes outside of the establishment, and at Nakhon Kitchen, you have to be prepared to join the queue. However, the waiting time will be well worth it when you finally get to slowly (and carefully) slurp on the very spicy Clear Tom Yam soup, and tuck into the popular Pineapple Rice, Pad Thai Noodles, Pandan Chicken and Red Curry Prawns, amongst other dishes. Cost wise, it is not too expensive either, depending on whether you order a single plate meal or multiple ala-carte items, it should cost approximately S$8 to S$15 per person (US$6 – $12).

Address: 212 Hougang Street 21, #01-341 Singapore 530212

Tel: +65 6286 8785

Ah Loy Thai

Don’t let the simple façade of the restaurant fool you because Ah Loy Thai might just leave you with tears in your eyes – from the spices of course! Ah Loy Thai is a no-frills restaurant with one main objective, serving tasty Thai dishes. The recommended dishes at Ah Loy Thai includes the Butter Calamari, – which is not too spicy so it might be ideal for those with a low spice tolerance – the Tom Yam soup, and their Mango Fried Chicken, amongst many other Thai specialties. You might have to put up with a slightly slow service but what’s a little waiting time for good food? Dining here will cost you between S$18 to S$40 (US$14 – 32) per person, depending on what is ordered.

Address: 100 Beach Road #01-39/40 Shaw Tower, Singapore, Singapore

Tel: +65 9165 1543

Purchase

Singapore’s property is divided into 28 different districts, with some districts being considered “prime” in comparison to others. The prime districts, which usually are close to the heart of Singapore cost more than those in certain suburbs. Read on to find out what kind of properties Singapore has to offer and the price range that one should expect to pay.

Housing Development Board (HDB)

The most popular type of housing in Singapore is the high-rise Housing Development Board (HDB) properties that are present almost all over Singapore. HDB offers properties, in blocks of flats that range from a one-bedroom to a five-bedroom apartment and even a mansionette, which is similar to a duplex. Properties within HDB blocks often share various public amenities, such as a park, play area for children, a sports station, amongst others. These amenities are open to anyone, and not limited to those living in the area.

Pricing for HDB apartments also depends on the location. The closer it is to amenities such as train station and malls, the higher the price is. Bear in mind that as these properties are government owned, homeowners are not allowed to do massive structural changes to the housing layouts.

Current market price range: S$300,000 to S$1,000,000

Apartments & Condominiums

While HDB properties may give you a more communal atmosphere, those seeking something more private would turn to apartments and condominiums. Many expatriates often purchase and rent apartments and condominiums as most of these properties are private properties, thus making it easier for a foreigner to purchase. However, do take note that some of these apartments and condominiums, such as the executive condominiums (EC) are owned by the government and thus are subjected to the Housing Development Board’s rules and regulations. Like HDB apartments, you can easily find properties ranging from a studio unit to a penthouse within the apartment and condominium category.

Many of the apartments and condominiums in Singapore offer its residents luxury living. Residents often get to enjoy private amenities such as swimming pools, barbecuing areas, gymnasiums and saunas and sports facilities, amongst others. Some condominiums even offer themed living, such as a safari theme or jungle theme. Residents can also expect a better security system as all condominiums and some apartments offer 24-hour security. And as expected, due to the “luxury” that these apartments and condominiums offer, the pricing scale for these properties are higher in comparison to the government subsidized HDB units. One can also expect to pay more than a few million for condominiums near places such as Orchard Road or the coveted Sentosa Cove.

Current market price range: S$800,000 to approximately S$10,000,000

Landed Properties

Within the landed properties category, you can find different type of housing styles, from bungalows (a stand alone house) to terraces (which means you’ll be sharing walls with your neighbours). Landed properties often provide its residents with a larger land area, including space for gardens and garages. It should be noted landed properties (and even condominiums) are divided into two categories – freehold and 99-years lease.

A freehold property, which basically means that you own the land that your property stands on, allows the homeowner to keep the property for generations. However, freehold property would cost more than a 99-year lease property. A freehold property would also allow you to remodel your house in almost whatever manner you want to, provided it does not contravene specific rules and regulation, such as having too many floors, etc.

With a 99-year-lease property, you basically have that duration to stay in your property. Properties with a 99-year lease attached to it also may depreciate in value faster as the years go by. It will be a lot harder to eventually sell the property once it has only a few good years left on the lease. However, a 99-year lease property is definitely cheaper than a freehold property, and may be ideal for expatriates living in Singapore.

Like all properties around the world, location matters. A landed property in the suburbs will be a lot cheaper, around S$1.5 million to about S$5 million, than one in areas like Sentosa Cove, where property prices can go as high as over S$20 million.

Current market price range: S$1,200,000 to approximately S$23,000,000

Purchase

As an expatriate living in Singapore, or planning to move to Singapore, it is crucial to have in mind an idea of the living expenses that should be expected in this city. Living in Singapore means that there will be a whole range of expenses that you must be prepared to bear, thus this article serves to provide you with an idea of what life here will cost you.

Rent

Depending on the kind of place you choose to stay in, rent in Singapore can vary from S$600 per month for a single bedroom, to over a few thousand dollars (approximately S$3,000 onwards) for a comfortable private condominium unit, depending on the location and the condition of the place. However, if you are looking for luxury condominiums (in places like Sentosa Cove or Orchard Road) or landed properties to live in, then you should expect to pay a rent of at least S$8,000 upwards per month. These prices usually do not include electricity and the other miscellaneous expenses.

Utility bills

When it comes to household utility bills, Singapore charges for electricity, gas and water. As of April 2013, the cost for electricity is 26.70 cents per kWh, while the cost for gas stands at 21.04 cents per kWh. Water is priced at S$1.17 per meter cube if the consumption is below 40-meter cube and S$1.40 per meter cube if it is above a consumption of 40-meter cube. The tariff changes quarterly so it’s best to refer to http://www.singaporepower.com.sg/irj/portal/tariffs for an accurate figure. If you are frugal with the electricity, you can expect to pay about S$150 per month. For a better understanding of the average household electricity expenses, do refer to the Singapore Powers website, http://www.singaporepower.com.sg/irj/portal/ourservices .

Groceries

As Singapore does not thrive on agriculture, expect to pay more for your groceries here. Many of Singapore’s food products, such as rice, vegetables and fruits, are imported, mostly from neighbouring countries. The plus side to this is that it is very easy to get your hands on international produce that you find in your home countries. When it comes to spending on groceries, expect to spend about S$100 a week if you are having all your daily three meals at home.

Transportation

Singapore is known for its reliable public transport system, which includes trains, buses and taxis. If you are travelling around by buses and trains, you can expect to spend about S$4 daily for a two-way commute. Travelling with a taxi will definitely be pricier as the lowest opening meter that you can find in Singapore is S$3. However, if you travel during the peak periods, be ready to fork out 25% – 50% extra on top of your basic fare. You will also have to incur the cost of the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) during peak periods.

Alternatively, if you choose to own a car, please note that purchasing a car in Singapore will cost you a lot more than around the world. A sedan car, like a brand new Mazda 6, will cost you at least S$140,000, including the Certificate of Entitlement (COE). If you choose to get a second hand car, prices may range from S$20,000 onwards, depending on the year of the car. Owning a car means that you will also have to bear the cost of parking, which goes from S$1 per hour to S$4 per hour, depending where you park and the time of day. Fuel cost should also be a factor to look into when deciding to own a car in Singapore. The rate per liter of fuel stands at about S$2 to S$2.60, depending on the grade of fuel.

Dining

When it comes to the expenses of dining in Singapore, it all depends on your palate. Singapore offers a wide range of food that can cost you from S$3 a meal to over S$100. Do note that the service charge and taxes are included into your bills so there is usually no need for tipping in Singapore.

If you choose to have a meal at one of the many hawker centers in Singapore, you can have a simple dish, such as a roti prata or vegetarian noodles, and a drink and spend about S$3. Fast food in Singapore will set you back about S$8 for a full meal, including a drink and sides. If you choose to dine at the middle category restaurants, such as Swensen’s or NYDC, you will be looking at a bill of approximately S$20 per person. Of course there are also places that will set you back a few hundred dollars for a prime cut steak. So again, dining expenses are wholly dependent on your palate and appetite.

Healthcare

Despite having some of the best medical facilities in the world, Singapore does have reasonable medical costs, though some may argue that it is quite expensive. A trip to a general practitioner for a consultation will cost approximately S$40 (including the medication). A nights stay in a hospital ward can vary from S$30 to almost S$3,000 per night, depending on which hospital and the type of ward. This does not include the doctors’ fee and the different tests that you may have to go through. Some companies in Singapore may provide medical benefits but as this is not a requirement here, not all companies will offer this. If your company does not cover you for medical benefits, then it is highly advised that you take on an insurance plan in case of emergency.

Purchase

Working Culture in Singapore

In Singapore, it is important for an expatriate to understand the working culture before  starting work to avoid getting off on the wrong foot with superiors and colleagues. For many Singaporeans, working is an integral part of their lives and it is not rare to find Singaporeans, and even expatriates, spending most of their waking hours in the office. The working hours for many jobs in Singapore are typically between 9am to 5pm or 10am to 6pm, the concept of working overtime (with or without extra pay) has become quite a social norm in the working world. The idea of working after hours is quite apparent for those amongst the upper echelons of the company, such as those with managerial positions.

Despite the fact that employees sometimes leave the office later than their official working hours, most companies do expect their staff to adhere to punctuality when it comes to clocking in. However, this may not be the case for some companies, who may be willing to allow a later reporting time for those clocking in long hours. The best way to avoid any misunderstanding about the issue of time is to of course clear it with your superior right at the start of your contract.

Another thing that one should note about the working culture in Singapore is the formality that is expected in most companies. Any complaints or issues to be raised are expected to go through the proper channel, i.e. through the human resources department. However, this is not a blanket rule as some companies do adopt an open-door policy, and employees are given the opportunity to raise any issues with their superiors. It is also not common to address superiors by their first name in Singapore. But again, it is to be noted that some companies and employers may be comfortable with a first name basis relationship.

Popular Industries for Expatriates

One of the most popular industries that attracts many expatriates is the banking and finance industry. As Singapore is considered to be Asia’s financial hub, many international banks, such as Royal Bank of Scotland and Bank of America, amongst others, have decided to set up shop on the island.

Another area that has seen a surge in expatriates over the years is the research and development (R&D) industry. With Singapore’s aim to move forth in the varying R&D field, which includes biomedical and pharmaceutical industries, the country has invested millions of dollars to develop this industry, including tapping in on highly skilled foreign researchers and developers to assist in its goals.

Other industries such as consultancy, communications and media, healthcare and education have also seen a steady growth of expatriates within them.

Average Salaries for Expatriates

The salary packages for expatriates in Singapore are quite lucrative in comparison to many other Southeast Asian countries. Generally, in order to be an expatriate in Singapore, you would have to secure a proper working permit from the Ministry of Manpower. The working permit would have its own salary requirements to ensure the hiring company pays a fair salary.

For those who are considered highly skilled expatriates, i.e. those who are in managerial positions and above, they would have to be awarded an Employment Pass (EP), which would require a basic salary of at least SGD $3,000 per month. Generally, highly skilled expatriates with years of experience would earn an average salary of approximately SGD $5,000 per month upwards. For those in the mid-skill employment, such as nurses and those in the healthcare sector, the average salary earned would be around SGD $2,500 per month.

Some expatriates, especially those in higher positions, may even be offered housing and transport as part of their salary packages. As this is not a requirement by the government of Singapore, the company may choose to throw in these additional benefits to attract foreign talent to work for them.

Purchase

Resorts World Sentosa

Considered the latest addition to Sentosa Island. Resorts World Sentosa offers visitors the chance to go on exhilarating rides and come close to popular characters at Universal Studios Singapore. You can also explore the marine world at the Southeast Asia (S.E.A) Aquarium and aquatic water theme park, Adventure Cove Waterpark.

Alternatively, you can try your luck (and pray Lady Luck is on your side!) and gamble the night away at the casinos, which is free for all foreigners to enter. You can also catch exciting international shows at the Festive Theater and dine at restaurants, such as L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, or at the laidback popular restaurant, Hard Rock Café.

Website: www.rwsentosa.com

iFly Singapore

Ever wanted to skydive but fear that leap of the plane and the dangers that may come with it? Well, now at Sentosa, you can experience the thrill of being weightless at the iFly, an indoor wind tunnel for simulated skydiving, that allows even kids (aged 7 and above) to fly. A team of professionals will be on site to guide you through the experience and also to ensure your safety.

Website: www.iflysingapore.com

Fort Siloso

Travel back in history to the time when the British colony governed Singapore. Fort Siloso was then known as the “Fortress of Singapore” and used as a coast fort to protect Singapore from enemy attacks. Walk through the same hallways once walked by soldiers and explore the rooms, which once housed them. Don’t be shocked by the “soldiers and officers” communicating in this fort, as wax figures have been strategically placed in the fort to make your walk through history all that more exciting. If you have no qualms with tiny spaces, then explore the underground bunkers, which houses weapons and meeting rooms. There are also numerous artilleries for you to discover around this fort and a museum to learn more about Fort Siloso. You can also take part in the daily-guided tour to gain a better insight.

Website: http://www.sentosa.com.sg/en/attractions/siloso-point/fort-siloso-tours/

The Merlion

You’ve probably heard about Singapore’s iconic Merlion – a half lion, half fish mythical creature. And if you’re in Sentosa, you will definitely not miss the 12-storey (37 metres) statue that greets you when you enter the island. Now, you can take the opportunity to get into the Merlion’s head, which offers you a majestic 360 degrees view of the entire Sentosa Island.

Website: http://www.sentosa.com.sg/en/attractions/imbiah-lookout/the-merlion/

Skyline Luge Sentosa

Zoom down on either a 650 or 688 metre trail, or both, on the luge, a part go-cart and part toboggan. Riders of all ages will enjoy this attraction, which gives you full control of the luge, allowing you to either ride it fast and furious or take your own time down the scenic routes. After the ride, you can hop on the Skyride, which is a chairlift that takes you back up from where you started, while giving you a beautiful view of the island. If you time it perfectly, you can even view the fireworks that going off from the nearby Songs of the Sea show!

Website: http://www.sentosa.com.sg/en/attractions/imbiah-lookout/sentosa-luge-skyride/

Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon

Get lost in the underwater life as you walk through a tunneled tank, housing a wide variety of colourful fish, stingrays and sharks. If you are brave enough, you can even choose to take a dive into the tank and swim with the sharks. However, if you prefer to swim with marine creatures that are a bit “safer”, you can choose to head to the Dolphin Lagoon and swim with the affable pink dolphins.

Website: http://www.sentosa.com.sg/en/attractions/siloso-point/underwater-world-singapore/

Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach and Tanjong Beach

Grab your beach balls and suntan lotion and head out to the beaches of Sentosa for a day in the sun. The three beaches line the coastline of Sentosa and each offers a different experience. For those seeking a fun-filled time, Siloso beach would be ideal as it is set up with bars and restaurants and areas for games and other activities. For those with families and young children, Palawan beach would be the place to go as it offers lots of running space and ample sand for sandcastle building with the young ones. If you are looking for a romantic spot to just relax with your loved one, then Tanjong Beach should be your choice, as it is known to be the tranquil beach on the island.

Website: http://www.sentosa.com.sg/en/beaches/

Purchase

With so many food choices in Singapore, it is wise to turn to these Singaporean food blogs to assess a particular restaurant and make sure your money is well-spent on delectable cuisines and not some mediocre quality food. Check out these top 10 best Singapore food blogs and keep in tune with the best places to dine!

1) I Eat, I Shoot, I Post

As this website’s tagline states – never waste your calories on yucky food. This particular blog is known as one of the best food blogs in Singapore as it provides its followers with reviews of mainly hawker food around the island, and of course some posh restaurants too. It is a plus point that the website categorizes by location, which allows you the reader to immediately zoom in to the food places within your vicinity!

2) Ladyironchef

This Singapore food blog offers reviews of restaurants of varying cuisines coupled with captivating and drool worthy images of the dishes. What is user-friendly about this website is that there is an index page which allows users to choose eateries from their “Best of Lists”, which includes listings of restaurants offering late night dining or best dessert places, amongst others. Ladyironchef also offers travel reviews (which includes overseas restaurant reviews), amongst the food reviews.

3) Sparklette

Reviewing Singaporean restaurants by allocating them with a star rating system, Sparklette is a good blog to visit if you have decided on a particular cuisine type but require recommendations on which restaurant to go to. With its highly user friendly – and very pink – interface, Sparklette allows you to navigate its site through selections of cuisine, ambience, food and meals (meal types/dietary requirements). The site also offers travel, beauty and lifestyle reviews.

4) Makansutra

You will come to realize that in Singapore, if Makansutra recommends a place, then it is almost always a must to eat there. This website is founded by a household name in Singapore, Mr K.F Seetoh – the man whose name is synonymous with food. The reviews of restaurants and hawkers are easily accessible on their food blog. Makansutra even offers food tours, taking you to the best food places in around the island, covering all four corners of the island.

5) Miss Tam Chiak

With its large eye-grabbing pictures of food on the main page of this blog, it is almost impossible not to click the word “more” just to view more delectable pictures, and of course read the reviews that follow it. Miss Tam Chiak (which means Miss Greedy in Hokkien) offers its readers’ restaurant reviews and recipes of mainly local Asian cuisines.

6) Keropokman: Singapura Makan

Yet another easy to navigate blog, Keropokman: Singapura Makan (which means Singapore Eat in Malay) guides its readers with reviews in accordance to area, cuisines, local favourites and locations. The four categories make it really easy for you to find a place well suited for your palate.

7) SG Food on Foot

Designed to be a food blog catering to those who navigate the island via the MRT system, this blog does reviews of food places near train stations. You can choose restaurants or hawkers according to the train line you are on or a specific train station, and a list of reviews of places in that area will pop up. An additional bonus to this site is that it even gives you the direction to the food place, which would be beneficial to expats who are new to Singapore!

8) Food Prints

Stemming from a blog called Eat.Read.Live, Food Prints provides reviews of eateries in Singapore, from restaurants to hawker fare. While its reviews may not be as extensive as the other blogs mentioned in this articles, it is to be noted that the reviews on Food Prints are pretty direct and to the point, making it an easier read for those in a rush.

9) The Dirty Stall

Don’t let the name of the blog turn you away because the reviews on this blog are quite the gem! The food places reviewed on this blog include pretty nice establishments (and not quite the dirty stalls as one would expect), ranging from the popular Chinese cuisine to the exotic Moroccan dishes! This blog also offers recipes from a variety of cuisines for you to experiment in your own kitchen.

10) The Silver Chef

The Silver Chef puts up very frank reviews of mainly hawker center eateries and smaller restaurants with fairly reasonable pricings. Most of the reviews on this blog focus on local Singaporean flavours, from Bak Kut Teh (a Chinese soup) to Nasi Lemak (fragrant rice served with chilli, anchovies and egg, amongst other items). So if you are looking for a very local Singaporean tasting meal, then the reviews on this blog will point you in the right direction!

Purchase

Of course here at Living in Singapore we also cover lots of food topics as well. If you have not already checked us out we recommend you check out the following popular guides: Where to find Western food in Singapore , Where to go for healthy food in Singapore , Top Singapore Restaurants and Singapore Buffet Restaurants Guide!