Zeilen langs de schatten van Borneo

Singapore is een unieke stadstaat die net ten zuiden van het Maleisische schiereiland ligt. Naast het vasteland zijn er nog talrijke kleine eilandjes, samen goed voor een oppervlakte van 640 km². Singapore kent sterke Chinese, Maleisische, Indiase en westerse invloeden. Hierdoor biedt deze metropool een oogverblindende smeltkroes van culturen, exotische keukens en architecturale stijlen aan. Omwille van de multiculturele bevolking vinden we in Singapore enkele districten terug, zoals Chinatown met zijn indrukwekkende Hindoe-heiligdommen en tempels die versierd zijn met goudsbloemslingers. De glinsterende, ultramoderne winkelcentra en futuristische wolkenkrabbers staan hiermee in schril contrast. De natuurhistoricus William Hordonay omschreef Singapore dan ook als ‘de handigste en meest wonderbaarlijke stad die hij ooit heeft gezien’.

Currency 

Local currency: Singapore Dollar 
Symbol: $ 
ISO code: SGD 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $1000 
Coins: 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 
Banking Hours: Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Singapore Airlines, Scoot, SilkAir 
International Airports: Singapore Changi Airport 
Domestic Airports: None 

Road: 

Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Singaporean cuisine is a blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences. Signature dishes include Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, chili crab, and satay. The city-state is also renowned for its hawker centers, offering a variety of affordable and delicious street food. 
Drinks: Notable local drinks include tehtarik (pulled tea), kopi (local coffee), and sugarcane juice. 
Tipping: Not expected, but rounding up the bill is appreciated. 

Annual rainfall: Approximately 2340 mm 
Average temperature: 27°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 31°C 
Average lows: 24°C 

Winter: 

Singapore has a tropical climate, so it does not experience distinct winter seasons. 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Singapore is from February to April, during the dry season, to avoid heavy rainfall.

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Singapore does not have distinct winter and autumn seasons. 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Malaysia is a nation characterised by intriguing contrasts. It is a complex combination of various cultures, diverse landscapes and architectural styles. Chinese joss houses, Hindu temples and gold-domed mosques exist alongside state-of-the-art skyscrapers and contemporary business complexes. The land itself is divided into two parts by the South China Sea. Peninsula Malaysia (West Malaysia) boasts vast bustling cities, stately colonial architecture, misty tea plantations and tranquil islands. Malaysian Borneo (East Malaysia) features lush jungles brimming with exotic animal and plant life, towering granite peaks and even some remote indigenous tribes. Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in a range of adventurous activities including hiking through some of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests, scuba diving in some of the world’s most renowned dive sites, or white water rafting in one of the nation’s numerous exquisite national parks. Alternatively spend your days exploring the supercharged capital, Kuala Lumpur, with its pockets of rainforest interspersed between towering high rise buildings or simply relax under palm tree-lined beached.

Currency 

Local currency: Malaysian Ringgit 
Symbol: RM 
ISO code: MYR 
Subunit: Sen 
Banknotes: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 ringgit 
Coins: 5, 10, 20, 50 sen 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Limited 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9 AM - 4 PM 
Weekends: Limited hours in some locations 
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

*Check the specific hours of local banks for the most accurate information. 

Air: 
Main airlines: Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia 
International Airports: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) 
Domestic Airports: Yes 

Road: 
Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Limited 
Valid International Driver's License needed: No 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Limited 

Water: 
Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Malaysian cuisine is diverse and influenced by Malay, Chinese, Indian, Thai, Javanese, and Sumatran cultures. Signature dishes include Nasi Lemak (coconut milk rice with anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, and sambal), Satay (grilled skewered meat served with peanut sauce), and Laksa (spicy noodle soup). 

Drinks: Teh Tarik (pulled tea), Kopi O (strong black coffee), and Air Bandung (rose-flavored milk drink). 

Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated, typically 10% in restaurants. 

Annual rainfall: Varies 
Average temperature: 27°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 32°C 
Average lows: 23°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 31°C 
Average lows: 22°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Malaysia is from March to October when the weather is dry and sunny on the west coast and in the highlands. However, the east coast experiences heavy rainfall from November to February. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

This tiny Southeast Asian nation is located on the north shores of the island of Borneo, facing onto the South China Sea and surrounded by Malaysian territory. The country’s vast mineral wealth is reflected in the lavish architecture and modern amenities of its capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, located on the banks of the Brunei River. Here you will find wide, leafy boulevards, opulent mosques with pearly facades and golden domes, and the sprawling Istana Nurul Iman - the sultan’s luxurious residential palace. Other points of interest are the Tamu Kinggeh Market, with its massive array of exotic fresh produce, piles of fragrant spices and sublime seafood, and the stilted river village of Kampong Ayer. Leaving the city behind, head to the Ulu Temburong National Park , a tropical rainforest area that was declared a reserve in 1991. The park has beautiful canopy walkways that allow you to experience its beautiful trees and the wildlife that inhabits them - up close and personal. Lastly, no trip to Brunei would be complete without a visit to the coast, with its exquisite coral reefs teeming with life.

Currency 

Local currency: Brunei Dollar 
Symbol: BND 
ISO code: BND 
Subunit: Sen 
Banknotes: BND $1, BND $5, BND $10, BND $50, BND $100 
Coins: Sen 1, Sen 5, Sen 10, Sen 20, Sen 50 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Limited 
Diner’s club: Limited 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Weekends: Limited hours 
Public Holidays: Yes (hours may vary) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: Main airlines: Royal Brunei Airlines 
International Airports: Brunei International Airport (BWN) 
Domestic Airports: None 

Road: 

Driving on the: Left   

Tar roads: Yes   

Gravel roads: No   

Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes   

Car hire available: Yes   

Taxis: Yes   

E-hailing services: No  

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: No 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: No 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Bruneian cuisine is influenced by Malay, Chinese, and Indian flavors. Highlights include Ambuyat (sago starch), Nasi Katok (rice with fried chicken), and Ambuyat with Durian (sago starch with durian fruit). 

Drinks: Teh Tarik (pulled tea), Bandung (rose syrup milk), Teh C Peng Special (iced milk tea) 

Tipping: Tipping is not common in Brunei. 

Annual rainfall: Varies 
Average temperature: 26°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 32°C 
Average lows: 23°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 22°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Brunei is during the dry season from November to April when rainfall is minimal and temperatures are pleasant. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes