RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GUESTS

THINGS TO KNOW DURING YOUR STAY

• Keep to the left on escalators
• Tipping is not the norm  
• Join the queues 
• Do not litter  
• Eat and drinking is not allowed while on public transportation.  
• Smoking is prohibited in nature parks and generally not recommended outside of designated smoking areas (indicated by signage) 
• Consumption and sale of drugs is strictly prohibited  
• Make use of public transport. Check out your options here.
• Consider exploring the city using our hotel’s green transport options listed here.  
• Bring a reusable shopping bag to avoid unnecessary plastic waste.
• Know what you are purchasing, be careful of purchasing products from endangered species which may not be legal to bring home.   
• Respect cultural differences 
• Try out our local cuisine  
• Always seek permission before taking pictures 

DO’S AND DON’TS

When Visiting Places Of Worship

• Look up the dress code prior to your visit. Modest dressing, including covering your shoulders, legs and tattoos is generally advisable at places like Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Malabar Mosque. 
• Further advisory can be found here.

When Visiting Places Of Cultural Heritage

• Respect traditions and values. When unsure, ask and seek to understand. Refrain from imposing your values, culture and stereotypes. 
• Respect and appreciate authenticity. Put aside preconceived notions of culture and experiences you will have at a destination. This can relieve the pressure a destination feels of having to conform to tourists’ expectations, which might contribute to the decline of traditional stories and other cultural degradation. 
• Support local initiatives and entrepreneurs. Supporting local ensures the benefits of tourism reach those preserving the destination and its culture.   
• Value local craftsmen. While it may be tempting to haggle, authentic handcrafts and traditional styles are part of the region’s heritage. Consider showing appreciation for that by valuing products with your money. 
• Be open to new experiences. You may discover delightful encounters and learn about a new culture as a result! 
• Reduce waste and consumption. Tourism can contribute to an increase in trash at a destination. Being mindful to avoid disposables and disposing trash responsibly is a good start.  
• Consider going off the beaten path. This is more than just a cliché statement. Some cultural sites (like UNESCO heritage sites) suffer from over-tourism. Why not diversify your itinerary and consider other experiences? 
• Further advisory can be found here.

When Visiting Gardens, Parks, And Nature  

• Use designated bins. Help keep our parks clean.   
• Take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints. Please respect our green spaces and refrain from plucking leaves and flowers from plants.  
• Maintain a safe distance from wildlife and do not feed them. Do find out what to take note of (e.g. safety advisory) before your visit to nature areas.   
• Show consideration towards others when using shared facilities. Help keep our parks enjoyable for all visitors. 
• Keep noise levels low. Appreciate the sounds of nature and respect other park goers by keeping noise levels low.  
• Stay on designated trails. Avoid stepping off track while on our nature trails. 
• Be careful of hitchhikers on your shoes, clothes and bags. Invasive species can spread through the dirt in your shoes or on other belongings. Clean your shoes and belongings with water before and after visiting natural sites will help.  
• If flying a drone, be mindful of where that can be done. For the safety of others and to protect our biodiversity, do fly your drones in a safe and responsible manner. More information can be found here. 
• Do not feed the monkeys, birds or animals at the nature sites/trails.
• Further advisory can be found here.
   

When Purchasing Souvenirs And Food

• Support conservation worldwide by asking questions and learning the facts before you buy any wildlife or plant product. 
• Consider if a product or dish is made from an endangered species. Some of these products may be made from protected animals or plants and may be illegal to export or import. By making informed choices, you can avoid having souvenirs confiscated, or paying a fine. 
• Consider supporting local communities and artisans by purchasing environmentally friendly items not made from endangered animal or plant products.
  
• Think twice about items on the following watch list: 
  • All sea turtle products  
  • Ivory, raw and carved  
  • Fur from tigers, most spotted cats, seals, polar bears, and sea otters  
  • Live monkeys or apes 
  • Most live birds, including parrots, macaws, cockatoos, and finches  
  • Wild bird feathers and mounted birds  
  • Some live snakes, turtles, crocodilians, and lizards 
  • Certain leather products, including some made from caiman, crocodiles, lizards and snakes  
  • Some corals, coral products, and shells  
  • Some orchids, cacti, and cycads  
  • Medicinals made from rhino, tiger, or Asiatic black bear 
• Try asking these questions to make more informed choices: 
  • What is this product made of? 
  • Where did this product come from? 
  • Does the country I’m visiting allow the sale and export of this product? 
  • Do I need permits or other documents to bring this item home? 
• When trying new food, it is generally advisable to avoid dishes made from protected-species like: 
  • Blue fin tuna 
  • Civet coffee 
  • Foie gras 
  • Shark fin soup 
  • Ortolan bunting 
  • Caviar (except certified from sustainable sources, e.g. Marine Stewardship Council)
• More information about being a responsible consumer can be found here.

COMBATTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING: HOW YOU CAN HELP AS A TOURIST

1. Do Not Support Trafficking: Avoid any activity that might contribute to human trafficking. “Sex tourism” has driven demand for exploitative services in some areas, and engaging with trafficked individuals, especially minors, is always a crime—no matter the local laws. These actions are prosecutable abroad and at home, so be mindful and help prevent exploitation. 
2. Stay Informed: Be aware of the signs of human trafficking, which can include individuals showing signs of fear, lack of freedom of movement, or avoiding eye contact. 
3. Choose Ethical Businesses: Support hotels, tour operators, and businesses that have policies and training programs to prevent human trafficking. Many organisations display certifications for their commitment to ethical practices.  
4. Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice anything concerning, report it to our staff members. Many countries provide dedicated, anonymous hotlines for reporting human trafficking. 
5. Spread Awareness: Discuss these issues with fellow travellers and share resources on social media to help educate others on human trafficking prevention.

Let’s work together to keep tourism safe and sustainable for everyone. 

PUBLIC TRANSPORT MAPS

Source: Land Transport Authority Rail Network

USEFUL MOBILE APPLICATIONS DURING YOUR STAY