Is it true that it is against the law to chew gum in Singapore

Asks esme

A. Yes it is true - chewing gum is an offence, as are eating or drinking on the subway; jaywalking and neglecting to flush a public toilet. All of these are crimes under Singaporean law and all carry hefty fines if you get caught. These laws may seem extreme to western visitors, but as a result Singapore is one of the cleanest and efficient countries you're ever likely to visit.

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Q. What is Singapore like to visit

A. It is a great place to visit because it is very small and therefore easy to cover, and if Singapore is your first stop in Asia you will be let in very gently to eastern culture because Singapore itself is nowhere near as overwhelming as many south east Asian cities.

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Having said that, it has an amazingly diverse multicultural population - but life here seems a lot more controlled and organised than elsewhere. Which is great for visitors because it is difficult to get lost or ripped off (especially on transport as the public transport system is unique in its efficiency, safety and cleanliness).

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It is, however, quite expensive to visit - tales of a coca cola costing �3 and a gin and tonic costing �6 are all true. Most tourists only spend a couple of days here as a result of this, but this is enough time to take in most of the sights.

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The downtown area of Singapore is split into districts - Little India, the Arab Quarter, Chinatown and the Colonial District - all of which you'll have time to visit on a long weekend. All of these districts are within walking distance of the Singapore River - which forms the heart of the downtown.

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Little India

The area around Serangoon Road is known as Little India - its population is mainly Hindu and this is the most vibrant and lively area in the whole of Singapore. It is full of restaurants, markets and temples. One of the best attractions here include the temples of Sri Mariamman, the Veerama Kali Ammam, Sri Srinivasa Perumal and the Temple of 1000 Lights.

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Arab Quarter

The Arab Quarter has been a Muslim settlement since the early 19th Century, when Sir Stamford Raffles gave the area over to the control of Sultan Hussein Mohammed Shah. Today, it is a great place to buy carpets, fabrics and spices - and to visit its inexpensive restaurants. One of the main attractions here is the Sultan Mosque, built in 1925. It is open to the public, if you dress conservatively (covering legs and arms). Another is the Jama-ath Mosque, it is one of the most beautiful places of worship in Singapore.

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Chinatown

The area between New Bridge Road, Cecil Street and the Singapore River is known as Chinatown and was once a huge Chinese enclave - it is currently undergoing a period of change because the government saw its older traditional buildings as slums at worst and an eyesore at best and has bulldozed much of the area to redevelop it. It then had a change of heart and decided to save and restore the rest of the 19th buildings that had not been demolished - so it's a bit of a mix-match today - but well worth visiting. The best place to visit is Chinatown is the Thian Hock Keng Temple.

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Colonial & Financial District

The area around the Singapore River is known as the Colonial District. Sir Stamford Raffles first arrived here in 1819 - and it is by far the most affluent and smartest part of town. Some sights to look out for include the Empress Place Building, Parliament House, Padang (home of cricket in Singapore), St Andrew's Cathedral, Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, Raffles Place, Raffles Hotel and Boat Quay - the trendiest place to hang out in Singapore as it is full of riverside restaurants, bars and night markets.

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Q. I have heard that Singapore is a good place for shopping, where is the best place to go, especially for clothes

A. Orchard Road is the best place as it is full of massive malls, all beside each other, full of everything you could want to buy. Ngee Ann City mall is the best place to shop for clothes.

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Q. Is there anywhere worth visiting away from the downtown area

A. There are lots of other places to see, some of these include Sentosa Island, it has some great beaches but it is best known for its theme parks - the Underwater World (full of tropical fish and sharks) and the Images of Singapore Exhibition (tells the history of the state since the 13th Century to the present day) - other attractions here include Fantasy Island, Volcanoland and Wondergolf.

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Other attractions away from the downtown area include Haw Par Villas (another theme park, inspired by Disneyland), the Singapore Zoological Gardens and Bukt Timah Nature Reserve.

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Q. How big is Singapore

A. It covers 250 sq miles or 648 sq kilometres of land.

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Q. How long does it take to fly from London to Singapore

A. A direct flight from London Heathrow to Singapore Changi airport takes 13 hours (the time difference is 8 hours ahead of GMT).

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Q. What is the currency

A. Singapore dollar.

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Q. Do I need a visa to visit

A. Not if you have a European passport, you will be issued with a 30-day permit on arrival (which can be extended to 90 days).

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You can find out more about visiting Singapore from the Singapore Tourism Board, 1st Floor, Carrington House, 126/130 Regent Street, London W1R 5FE. Telephone: 020 7437 0033

Website: www.newasia-singapore.com and www.meet-in-singapore.com

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If you have any other Travel related questions, please click here

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By Karen Anderson