Visiting Singapore

Hi!

I'm off to Singapore in January, only for a couple of days, I'll be stopping over on my way to Oz.

I was wondering about the local customs and culture. Last thing I want to do is annoy the locals and/or get locked up

I've found a few things on the web about how chewing gum isn't allowed (not sure if that is everywhere or just some places).

Cigarette buts shouldn't be placed on the floor.

I haven't found anything out about photography, are people going to be offended easily if I'm photographing locals? Is it best to ask first, shoot form a distance?

If anyone could give me some tips please?


Many thanks


James

bump!

Anyone?

Hello,

I went to Singapore several years ago to visit a friend over there.

It is right about chewing gum, in fact it's illegal throughout Singapore and I believe it's illegal to bring it into Singapore as well.

Smoking is not a big thing there and usually the only places you can smoke are at outdoor tables, in certain areas, and outside malls where special bins are provided. I was a 40 a day man when I went and a 10-15 a day when I got back!!!

One thing I found out while there is peoples perceptions. I was visiting a Singaporean woman who was my guide while I was there. Whilst walking through Little India I was convinced all the men were staring at me and not in an agreeable way. I mentioned this to my friend and she stated that Singaporean lady with western man usually means she is either a mistress or a prostitute!!!

I do not know what the situation is with regards to photography as I was not a photographer back then. However, it is a modern yet conservative country so I would personally be careful and probably would either shoot at distance or ensure you had their permission first.

Places I would visit over there would be:

Boat and Clarke Quay - The latter especially has lots of good abstract opportunities.
Raffles Hotel - Inside, if allowed, and there is a fountain in the courtyard which has potential
Little India and Chinatown - Should be done for the cutlural aspect esp the markets
Orchard Road - The main shopping area and again good opportunities for "cityscape" style photography.
Night Safari - Lots of interesting animals often not seen in zoos but if you have a quick lens, worth taking a look if you get chance.
Sentosa Island - If you get chance, worth a look and see the Merlion "statue" and musical fountains.

Sorry I couldn't be more help on the customs of photography there but hope this helps a bit.

Enjoy your trip, you will love it in both Singapore and Oz!!!

Singaporeans are in general fun loving people photographing themselves a lot (see eg. >this<). If you follow the normal rules of politeness, you won't be in trouble. Singapore is full of light, so night shots can be impressive.

You can find also the list of our Singaporean POTN friends >here<. You might send a PM to some of them asking specific advice (I trust they are helpful ).

Off topic of photography...Singapor​e has many, many areas known as 'hawker' areas. These have food merchants offering superb food, all under supervision of the Health Dept. Different hawker areas have different food themes, so if you don't see a type of food that appeals, go to a different hawker area! Each time I go to Singapore (been there about 4 times) I make a beeline for a hawker area...Chile crab is killer (good), among many other things. You don't have to buy all from one stall, but can mix and match food from different stalls at that hawker area.

Don't bring any illicit drugs! If you are caught with marijuana, the punishment is harsh. The airline magazines years ago mentioned 'ten strokes with the rotan' as the penalty...and I have read elsewhere that THAT is something you do NOT want to experience! (Ever hear the comedian Bill Cosby's routine about "dad's belt with meat hooks on it"?...that is the impression I get about the rotan!

Just excerpted from the web: "Caning in Singapore is a barbaric act where trained personnel (some say the caners are trained exponents of the martial arts) slash a six-foot long, one-inch thick cane, across the hapless victims’ buttocks. The individual’s ankles are strapped onto a heavy, metal frame and they bend forward where their wrists are similarly locked, with only their naked backsides exposed. I was told by some of the inmates that the screams of the victims after each stroke of the whip makes one lose all appetite for food. The cane breaks skin and draws blood. Doctors are on hand to administer treatment and to assess if the individual can take more punishment. A maximum of 24 strokes is the legal limit and only males below 50 years of age can be whipped. "

Singapore is not all that bad...I live here!

Photography - not a big thing here. People are generally conservative and can get quite offended by people trying to take pictures. However, if you are obviously a tourist and/or you are taking pictures in a "typical tourist destination" it should not be any problems.

Always be polite and always smile, and you should have zero problems across the city.

Things that you be interested in shooting:
1. The food - You will be amazed at the kinds of foods there
2. City Skyline - you should be able to best see the city skyline by the Esplanade (night/Day)
3. Housing Development Blocks (HDB) apartments - They are the most prevelant housing units in singapore and is a uniquely singaporean feature. It is really a concrete jungle and people can get lost!
4. The religious buildings - A good mix of Temples, Mosques and churches - Always ask permission if you wanna take pictures inside
5. Boat Quay and Clark Quay - Both are along the same river and can provide good shots at night and in the day time
6. If you are in Singapore in late January, you will be able to go to Chinatown to see how people are getting ready to celebrate Chinese New year. If not, you can still go there, it houses old buildings nestled among new skyscrapers
7. Sentosa - Not recommended as lots of construction going on now and for the next 3 years. spots that are untouched are typically "touristy"
8. East coast park on a Sunday afternoon - Capture how people have fun on sundays in one of singapore most visited recreational areas
9. Orchard Road - Singapore's premier shopping area, bustling with people and activity.
10. Little India - You can get really good shots there.

There are still a few more places, but I think that would keep you really busy for your short trip.

Remember to post pics of ur trip!

Hi ya thanks for the advise, I've been so busy recently haven't had time to post much on here!

I fly out this Thursday, I'm so excited!

Cansing, may I ask you another question?

What about tattoos?

Are they Taboo in Singapore? I've heard some parts of Asia they are.

I have a couple on my upper arms, with a normal T Shirt on you can see about an Inch or two poking from under one sleeve? Am I best to cover my arms?

Thanks Again


James

you're fine with tattoos - in fact there are a few good inkists in town. i spend quite a bit of time there for work (i'll be there in about 3 weeks before going off elsewhere) - there are so many areas of s'pore that are great for taking photographs. enjoy your trip and have some bbq sting ray and lime juice if you get the chance!

blackviolet wrote in post #2544771
you're fine with tattoos - in fact there are a few good inkists in town. i spend quite a bit of time there for work (i'll be there in about 3 weeks before going off elsewhere) - there are so many areas of s'pore that are great for taking photographs. enjoy your trip and have some bbq sting ray and lime juice if you get the chance!

Excellent stuff!

Mmm sting ray and lime sounds good:p

On the photography side of things keep in mind it is very hot & humid.
This means that when you go outside from airconditioned hotels/shopping centres etc your camara gear may fog up. I git a bit paranoid about it so only took my wife's Canon A700 P&S and left the 350D and all it's lenses inside the hotel.

Otherwise than the heat,were only there 2 nights so probably didn't have time to get used to it, we found Singapore to be very clean, safe, great food and people. Photography gear wasn't that cheap, compared to Australia or Hong Hong, and I found the store people to be very forcefull especially in Little India and around Orchard Rd (lots of competition). No problems at all in the up market (hops & prices) shoping centres in the City (CBD?).

Hope this helps.
Richard

dicktay wrote in post #2549018
On the photography side of things keep in mind it is very hot & humid.
This means that when you go outside from airconditioned hotels/shopping centres etc your camara gear may fog up. I git a bit paranoid about it so only took my wife's Canon A700 P&S and left the 350D and all it's lenses inside the hotel.

Otherwise than the heat,were only there 2 nights so probably didn't have time to get used to it, we found Singapore to be very clean, safe, great food and people. Photography gear wasn't that cheap, compared to Australia or Hong Hong, and I found the store people to be very forcefull especially in Little India and around Orchard Rd (lots of competition). No problems at all in the up market (hops & prices) shoping centres in the City (CBD?).

Hope this helps.
Richard

I'll remember that, thanks very much!

forgot to ask is memory very cheap in singapore? Looking at buying some more 1Gb cards

Didn't check on that as I had 10GB with me.
I

dicktay wrote in post #2551123
Didn't check on that as I had 10GB with me.
I

How much is it in Oz? I'll be in Sydney next Tuesday

I've got 5GB but want to get some more

$AU98 in woolworths for a 2GB San disk.
Ebay ~$AU60 including postage.