Because of its friendly duty-free laws, Singapore has long been a diehard shoppers' paradise. Since July is traditionally the month that sees the highest influx of tourist arrivals, the STBP or Singapore Tourism Promotion Board has been organising a Great Singapore Sale since 1994 -- with almost 100 per cent success.

It is indeed worthwhile to observe and emulate how such a tiny country has such a firm grip on the world's map. During the recent Asian economy crash, Singapore remained virtually unshaken while Thailand, which thought of organising a similar year-long festival, failed dismally. to the extent that the Tourism Authority of Thailand had to close TAT offices in 23 countries within the firstquarter of the year. Instead of merely allocating funds from the national exchequer for the sale -- and thus incurring a budget gone haywire -- Singapore banks heavily depends on sponsorship and support from its private sector.

The city's main shopping area is Orchard Road, a wide tree-lined boulevard on the lines of New York's Fifth Avenue. Almost all shops will be participating outlets, and will have either sticker/banner proclaiming it to be thus so. Stores are open from 10 am to 10 pm and goodies range from the latest in perfumes, electronics and designer labels such as Donna Karan, Gucci, Givenchy, Hermes etc, at almost up to 70 per cent off -- perhaps the only country where city prices are cheaper than the duty-free. Many international brands launch during the Great Singapore Sale, which is on from July1.

Most hotels are participating members as well, often in conjunction with major retail stores, so that you receive a discount voucher either for a food outlet within the hotels or else shopping atone of the stores. Hotel sales go up from an average of 86 per cent to 91 per cent during the GSS.As with all cities, Singapore has its share of questionable retailers, so watch out for the Red Merlion logo in the form of a flowing lion, which certifies the shop to be a member of `Good Retailers Scheme". The good news is that the errant shopkeepers are speedily dealt with and ordered to refund visitors pronto, by the Small Claims Tribunal.

One store that a visitor can feel completely safe in, whose honesty is attested by the STBP, is Mustafa at Sersngoon or the LittleIndia District. Owned and managed by Muslim Tamils, their USP all year round are the cost price rates and incredible range of products.

Adding to the Mardi Gras atmosphere and run concurrently with the GSS in the Singapore Food Festival, commencing on July 1, this year. Boat Quay and the piquant Clarke Quay- Singapore's first river side village- are the usual venues for as little as $2 of $3 a dish.

Shopping

Photographic Equipment:Orchard Road; Scotts Road; Raffles Place

Sports equipment: Far East Plaza; Centrepoint; Orchard Towers

Toys and Games: Wisma Atria, Orchard Road

Antiques: Tanglin Road, Orchard Road

Designer Wear: Orchard Road

Fabrics: Tanglin; Geylang Serai

Footwear and Leather goods: Orchard Road; Scotts Road

Jewellery: Bridge Road; Arab Street; Larry Jewellery; Orchard Towers

Souvenirs: Royal Selangor, Pandan Road; Tangs

What To Do

Discos, nightclubs and karoke bars: Orchard Road

Pubs: Boat Quay

Streetside entertainment: Clarke Quay

Jurong Bird Park

Jurong Crocodile Paradise

Singapore Zoological Gardens (Breakfast with Ornag Utans)

The Night Safari

Sentosa Discovery Island

Where to Eat

Hawkwer Food: Cuppage Centre; Orchard Road; Food Centre; Newton Circus; Chinatown Complex; South Bridge Road

Italian, Americian, seafood: Boat Quay

Continental, Chinese, seafood, with emphasis on riverside dining: Clarke QuayThai, Chinese Indian: Cuppage Place