Illegal things to avoid when traveling to Singapore

Singapore is known for having very strict laws and a zero-tolerance policy, which is why the country has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.

But some of the things that are considered illegal are, well, kind of normal, especially to a visitor. Avoid getting fined or arrested by NOT doing the following things.

Chewing gum

One of the most well-known items banned in this list, Singapore has taken a strong stance against chewing gum since its ban in 2004. Unless it is used for medical purposes (like nicotine gum, for example), chewing gum is generally banned in Singapore. Furthermore, if you are caught selling chewing gum, you could face a penalty as high as SGD 100,000.

Nudity

Not only is it illegal be nude in public, you can be fined up to $2,000 and be put in jail for up to three months if you are nude in your own home and someone catches a glimpse of you through the window.

According to the government website, “Any person who appears nude in a public place or in a private place and is exposed to public view, shall be guilty of an offense.” Make sure the curtains are closed before changing into your pajamas!

Connecting to someone else's wifi 

Using a Wifi signal, even if it is an open signal, is considered hacking unless you have permission to use it. This is a serious offense that is punished with a $10,000 fine and even jail time.

Annoying someone with a musical instrument

Singapore's statutes state that playing an instrument in a public place in "a manner as to cause or be likely to cause annoyance to any person lawfully using a public road or in any public place shall be guilty of an offense" that includes a fine of up to $1,000.

E-cigarettes

Despite various reports of e-cigarettes being less harmful than actual cigarettes, Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has maintained its stance on the cigarette substitute, arguing that it could be a gateway for non-smokers to get addicted to tobacco. It has been banned in Singapore since 2011, with a penalty fine of $5,000 imposed if you are caught importing or distributing it.

Vandalism 

This is a serious offense in the country but does not just refer to the destruction of property or graffiti. Hanging posters advertising a concert, banners for a festival, or flags is also prohibited. Penalities include fines and even jail time in more extreme cases.

Taking durian onto public transportation

Love it or hate it, the durian splits opinion with many disagreeing when it comes to the spiky fruit. Some people find the stench so unbearable that it prompted the government to ban the king of fruits on all public buses and trains. How bad is the stench? While some laud it for its pleasantly sweet and creamy scent, others have described it to have a pungent, almost sulphur-like stench.

Drugs

This is not a surprise, right? Drugs are illegal in most countries. But Singapore takes things up a notch.

The country's police are authorized to run a random drug test on both locals and visiting foreigners wherever they want to. If you are in the country and you test positive, even if you did not take the drugs in Singapore, you are looking at some serious jail time.

Read more: 6 food centres to visit in Singapore

Source Internet

Most underrated destinations in Dubai

Dubai is a major tourist stop to see the world’s biggest, tallest, and richest. But there is so much more than this to Dubai, and for those who want to experience the more historical and residential parts of Dubai; here are a list of some of the most underrated places to visit in Dubai.

Souq Naif

While many tourists rush to the Gold or Spice Souq for shopping in Dubai, Souq Naif is the market for the more adventurous traveler. From sparkling Arabic inspired dresses to Persian carpets, from local sweets and dates to Indian run snack shops, this enormous souq will give you a glimpse into the local market life for the residents of Dubai.

Mirdif City Centre

This shopping center is one of those underrated places that all travelers should stop by. It has a friendly, family atmosphere, and is the perfect place for people watching the local Emirati families and Arab residents of Dubai do their shopping. Mirdif City Centre also has enough brand name shops, cute cafes, delicious restaurants, and touristy shops to fulfill all your mall needs.

Al Mamzar Beach Park

Many tourists will stick to the glitzier beaches of Jumeriah and JBR, but Al Mamzar Beach Park is just as wonderful for a relaxing soak in the sun or walk along the corniche. Here you won’t be bombarded by tourists trying to squeeze in a spot on the sand, but instead enjoy a clean beach, green park, local families, and even delicious food stalls. For those who wear the hijab or would rather enjoy the beach without the prying eyes of men, Al Mamzar Beach also has women-only days.

Dubai Desert Conservation Centre

A trip to Dubai is not complete without an excursion into the desert, however it can be hard to choose which tour or which experience you want to pay for. Instead of paying for a tourist-trap trip, why not support the Dubai Desert Conservation Centre, which aims to educate about local wildlife in the desert as well as provide guided tours into the desert to experience the authentic desert and culture of the Emirates. You’ll be able to ride camels, hold a falcon, and even spend a night in the desert while learning about the traditional ecosystem of Dubai.

Dubai Museum

While many tourists see Dubai as a modern and even futuristic city for the most globalized of citizens, many forget that Dubai has a historical and traditional past that all Emiratis are proud to protect and treasure. Instead of getting trapped in the materialistic aspects of the city, why not stop by the Dubai Museum located in the ancient Al Fahidi Fort for an educational experience, find out about the life of Emirati Bedouins, and traditional local culture. You won’t regret this experience and will walk away with a whole new appreciation for the history of Dubai.

See more: 5 best shopping malls for shopaholics in Dubai

Source: theculturetrip

Best beaches in Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui is one of Thailand's largest island, and also popular for its beachgoers looking for long stretches of white sand and clear water stretching to the horizon. The island is reachable by ferry from the mainland, and there’s also an international airport that receives regional flights from large urban centers like Bangkok.

Lipa Noi

Lipa Noi’s proximity to the island’s ferry port makes it a great choice for visitors who want to hit the beach without wasting valuable time traveling all over the island needlessly. Lipa Noi is one of the islands best swimming beaches due to its white sand and the lack of underwater dangers, like jagged chunks of rock and coral found on some of the island’s other beaches. The water is shallow and increases very gradually, making it possible for an adult to stand with their head above water more than 100 meters out.

Lipa Noi is home to some of the island’s most popular seafood restaurants. Likewise, the lodging options run the full range to fit nearly every travel budget. The waterfront sports a few ritzy seaside villas, but there are inexpensive bungalows available that are just a hop, skip, and jump from the beach too.

Silver Beach

Characterized by the majestic boulders jutting from its aquamarine water and stretches of ruggedly beautiful beaches reminiscent of Tom Hanks’ island sanctuary in Castaway, Silver Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches you’ll likely ever see no matter where your travels do. By the size, Silver Beach is one of the smallest islands and it’s also home to a few of the island’s original resorts that have been catering to foreign travelers for decades.

Crystal Bay Beach Resort and Silver Beach Resort are a few of the most popular, sporting private stretches of beach that are typically reserved for their guests, but rumor has it that it’s really a public beach and that they just post the no trespassing signs to keep the riff-raff out.

Snorkeling is particularly fun in the clear, boulder-strewn waters, and depending on the tide, you’re likely to see a variety of fish and marine crustaceans.

Bophut Beach

Known for its alluring Fisherman’s Village, exotic local markets, and swanky, comfortable seaside resorts and restaurants, Bophut Beach has a little something for everyone. Bophut Beach is a narrow arc filled with white sand and framed by majestic clusters of palm trees. For those interested in doing some cultural sightseeing, the Big Buddha Temple just inland is a magnificent place that’s well worth the trip, especially for those who’ve never seen a real-life Buddhist Temple up close and personally.

Dining and lodging options abound, and unlike many other nearby beaches, there’s plenty to see and do to fill your time if you can only stand laying on the beach for an hour or two at a time.

Taling Ngam

Due mainly to its proximity to the Anthong Marine National Park, Taling Ngam is one of the cleanest and most picturesque of all of Koh Samui’s beaches, and it probably won’t be overdeveloped anytime soon. It’s located on the island’s southwest corner nearest to the mainland, making it a convenient option for those who’d rather get their fill of quality beach time instead of exploring.

Taling Ngam’s remoteness is its greatest asset for many visitors, but for those who prefer to be close to town, it’s probably not a good choice. Nathon is the largest nearby town and is about 20 minutes away by taxi, and Chaweng is about an hour.

Source touropia