Discover Singapore with EF

The S$3 million prize makes the Singapore Airlines International (SIA) Cup one of the world's richest horse races, attracting a top international field to the Singapore Racecourse. Three-year-olds and upwards race over 2000 metres/ten furlongs, with a possible 16 starters.

The hottest ticket for performing arts in the Far East, the Singapore Arts Festival juxtaposes glittering names of Asian and Western dance, theatre and music. More traditional artists prevail, but the experimental, innovative types are gaining more exposure each year.

The World Book Fair draws thousands of booksellers, publishers and avid readers through the doors of Singapore's SuntecCity Exhibition and Convention Centre. Check out the latest titles, attend storytelling sessions and meet authors at book signings.

Pulses race at the Bedok Reservoir during the Singapore Dragon Boat Festival. Top crews of 24 men from all over the world compete in beautifully decorated boats, which speed through the water to the invigorating beat of drums and gongs.

Some of the world's top badminton players compete for victory at the Li-Ning Singapore Open Super Series. Fans of the sport fill the Singapore Indoor Stadium to watch the best progress from the preliminary rounds through to the finals.

Taste classic and craft lagers from around the world at Beerfest Asia, held in marquees on the Formula 1 tracks of the Marina Promenade, behind the Singapore Flyer. Once suitably merry, crowds enjoy live music and compete in arm-wrestling championships.

Talented young Singaporeans showcase their dancing, singing and drama skills at the International Kids Performing Festival, held at the famous Esplanade Theatres on the Bay. A four-day pass allows access to all the shows and workshops run by professionals.

Ballet Under The Stars in Fort Canning Park is a charming evening event that draws a loyal crowd each year. Bring a picnic and unwind in the open air while watching classical and contemporary choreography by the Singapore Dance Theatre. 

Flex those credit cards and sharpen your elbows for The Great Singapore Sale, when the city's boutiques, malls and department stores offer dizzying discounts on their wares. Snap up designer clothes then relax weary feet with a bargain spa package.

Get stuck into Singapore's Asian-fusion flavours at the annual Food Festival, an epicurean extravaganza of cookery workshops, food markets and sit-down feasts. Sample local dishes of finger-licking chilli-crab and fish head curry, followed by sticky sweet desserts from Little India.

The Triathlon Association of Singapore presents the OSIM Singapore Triathlon, held in the area around East Coast Park. Participants swim 1.5km in the open sea, switch to a bike for a 40km cycle ride, then complete a gruelling 10km run.

The dynamic Singapore Street Festival takes place on and around the famous shopping thoroughfare - Orchard Road. There are plenty of competitions where artists can show off their talents, be it bellydancing, percussion, rap or breakdancing.

Follow the course of the Singapore River from Boat Quay to Robertson Quay as it bursts into life during the Singapore River Festival. Bumboat parades, live music, aerial shows and more take place on its riverbanks every night.

Recording artists from across the globe converge on the pint-sized island of Singapore for SINGfest, Fort Canning Park's open-air music festival. The line-up appeals to a range of tastes with commercial rock bands and a sprinkling of pop and R'n'B.

Known as MOPAsia for short, Month of Photography Asia brings solo and group photo exhibitions to Singapore's galleries and museums. The featured photographers base their work around the festival's central theme, which addresses political, social and cultural aspects of Asia.

Singaporeans celebrate their National Day of Independence with a parade of death-defying stunts by the Singapore Armed Forces, harmonies from a 2000-strong combined schools' choir and dazzling pyrotechnics. Afterwards, spectators join the parade members to dance joyously in the streets.

For two days, Suntec Singapore teems with comicbook fans as the Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention brings together pop culture from all around the world. Its wide programme caters towards everyone, from Japanese Cosplayer to Marvel Comics toy collector. 

Singapore venues stay open until the early hours during Night Festival, a weekend of outdoor theatre, music and dance organised by the National Museum of Singapore. Be dazzled by creative light installations and heart-stopping circus acts.

The Hungry Ghost Festival is an ancient Chinese tradition observed in diaspora communities around the world, including Singapore. Chinese believe that during this month, the 'Gates of Hell' are opened and restless spirits freed to roam the world.

Join in night-time festivities and see traditional dance performances during the fasting month of Ramadan in Singapore's Malaysian quarter. The meals are unfussy, usually comprising congee, rice, noodles or bread, washed down with kathira, a passion fruit and milk-based drink.

Singapore celebrates the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival with cultural shows and a vibrant parade of dragon dances, lantern-carrying children and fireworks. Wander the decorated Chinatown streets, browsing market stalls and sampling the festival's traditional mooncakes made with red bean paste.

The Yellow Ribbon Prison Run sees joggers of all abilities follow either a fun 6km or more challenging 10km route around the Prison Complex in Changi. Proceeds go towards the Yellow Ribbon Fund, a Singapore-based project that supports ex-offenders.

Singapore's International Film Festival brings Asian cinema into the spotlight with screenings of independent films and documentaries, and the coveted Silver Screen Awards. 'Singapore Panorama' focuses on home-grown productions and other sections showcase works by non-Asian filmmakers.

Ultra-fast Formula One cars scream around Marina Bay at Singapore's night-time Grand Prix. The drivers complete 61 laps of the three-mile circuit. Smell the burning rubber from a grandstand or look down from a glass pod on the Singapore Flyer.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri marks the end of Ramadan, a month-long period of fasting and alms-giving for Muslims. During this month, the streets of Kampong Glam and Geylang Serai, Singapore's traditional Malay areas, come alive with an enchanting light-up and bustling bazaars.

Navarathiri, meaning "nine nights", brings Hindu mythology, song and dance to Sri Thendayuthapani and other significant Hindu temples in Singapore. Devotees adore three aspects of the Divine Mother: Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi through elaborate costumes, song and dance.

This festival's noisy, colourful celebrations take place at temples around Singapore, including Kiu Ong Yiah Temple. Nine days of street parades, Chinese opera and blessings entreat the Nine Emperor Gods to bestow good fortune, longevity and health on participants.

ARTSingapore is a contemporary Asian art fair held on Level Four of the SuntecCity shopping mall. Art fanatics and potential buyers come to browse over US$30 million worth of works from both established and emerging artists.

The Body Mind Spirit Festival is the place to go to learn more about holistic living and alternative remedies, from aromatherapy to laughter therapy. The exhibitors present a range of talks and demonstrations at Suntec Singapore.

The cool night air and the slick facilities of the Singapore Turf Club provide a great setting to watch the S$500,000 Raffles Cup. Three-year-olds and upwards with weight-for-age conditions gallop across 1800 metres of track at the Kranji course.

Science bods and bright minds gather at conference centres and hotels in Singapore for International Energy Week. Through a series of conferences, exhibitions, seminars and discussions, the event aims to develop key energy strategies for the future.

The Singapore Sun Festival nourishes body and soul through wine, culture and well-being, with more than 90 performances and activities. Catch world-class tenors and Grammy winners in historical locations including Arts House at The Old Parliament.

The Singapore Cricket Club (SCC) International Rugby Sevens is the region's premier international club tournament and one of the oldest in the world. It is played annually on the Padang, where rugby games have been hosted since the 1880s.

The Singapore International Photography Festival (SIPF) showcases photographers from all corners of the globe and their distinct view of the world. Each biennale, a Southeast Asian photographer takes centre-stage and reveals what he captures in a solo exhibition.

The Vertical Marathon is a race to the top of Southeast Asia's tallest hotel, Swissôtel The Stamford. Athletes face a gruelling 73-storey climb but are rewarded with superb panoramic views of the city when they cross the finish line.

For a chilled weekend, pull up a deckchair at Singapore's National Sailing Centre as centreboard-class boats compete in the NOSS Sailing Championships. The best viewpoint is from the beach, as the boats follow a triangular course close to the shore.

The Singapore River comes alive with the beating of drums and the swish of oars during the annual dragon boat River Regatta. Watch from the banks as over 2000 participants from 100 teams compete in this spectacular and energetic event.

Singapore's best windsurfers battle it out in the National Championships. Competitors follow a triangular course, for which the optimum viewing point is the National Sailing Centre, built specially to catch the best winds.

Dance India, Taste India on Merchant Loop, next to Riverside Point, promotes Singapore's rich cultural heritage with lively performances and stalls serving mouth-watering vegetarian food. Workshops encourage visitors to try ancient skills such as mehendi (henna), kolam floor-drawing and yoga.

The Singapore Marathon attracts some of the world's most seasoned athletes. Spectators come along to soak up the carnival atmosphere and fun runners join in the half marathon, 10K run, 5K Fun Run, and Kids' Dash for under 13s.

Singapore is a hive of celebration on New Year's Eve, with laser lighting, music performances and fireworks illuminating the sky. At Marina Bay, families gather to write New Year wishes on white paper spheres before floating them on the water.

Spend a balmy Christmas in the Tropics with Singapore's special festive programme. The chic shopping area, from Orchard Road to Marina Bay, is festooned with twinkling lights and themed ornaments. Take a free open-top bus tour around the illuminated streets.

Pongal is a four-day festival that celebrates harvest and the start of the auspicious month of Thai in the Hindu calendar. The events at Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Singapore's Little India district are particularly spectacular.

Singaporean Hindus demonstrate their unwavering faith in the spectacular Thaipusam street procession from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple. Some devotees carry milk-pot offerings for Lord Subrahmanya, whereas others attach kavadis (large metal frames) to their bodies using hooks and spikes.

Join River HongBao's vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations at The Float, a waterbound platform at Singapore's Marina Bay. Traditional and contemporary Chinese performances grace the main stage, while fireworks spray overhead. Try delicious cuisine from the food stalls.

Part of Singapore's Chinese New Year celebrations, the Huayi Festival showcases Chinese talent through a diverse programme of theatre, music and dance, both traditional and cutting-edge. Masterclasses and post-show talks give audiences the opportunity to interact with the artists.

The Chingay Parade, part of Singapore's Chinese New Year celebrations, sees magical floats and vibrant performers dance their way around the Singapore Flyer and Formula 1 Pit Building in Marina Bay. Spectators vote for their favourite float.

Singapore's Chinese New Year Light Up sees districts festooned with crimson lanterns and animal-shaped ornaments to welcome the coming year. The best decorations can be found on Eu Tong Sen Street, Garden Bridge and New Bridge and South Bridge Roads.

The M1 Fringe Festival brings cutting-edge art to venues throughout Singapore. Culture vultures can feast on thought-provoking theatre, abstract dance and mixed media exhibitions from artists across the world. All the events are based around the festival's yearly changing theme.

Singapore's Mosaic Music Festival is a melting pot of jazz, world music, soul, electroclash and hip-hop. International and up-and-coming artists make up the eclectic concert programme at the Esplanade. Budding musicians can learn from the pros at instrument masterclasses.