GUIDEBOOK : New Year’s in Singapore

How to get there: Daily flights from Los Angeles via Tokyo to Singapore are available on the following airlines.

Singapore Airlines has seven-day advance-purchase economy round-trip ticket costing $1,100 on Monday through Thursday. United and Japan airlines also offer seven-day advance-purchase tickets for Monday through Thursday at $1,283. All tickets carry a $16 tax.

When to go: Arrive well ahead of the New Year, because many shops and restaurants close for several days so families can gather at home.

Where to stay: The Oriental, 5 Raffles Ave., Marina Square, is one of the city’s most elegant hotels. Cost from $220 per person, double occupancy, a night. For reservations, call (800) 223-6800.

In the Westin Raffles Center, centrally located adjacent to the original Raffles Hotel, the Westin Plaza costs from $189 per person, double occupancy, a night and the Westin Stamford from $169. Call (800) 228-3000 for reservations.

How to get around: Many cabs during the New Year holiday refuse to pick up passengers. If you need to travel beyond walking distances, arrange through your hotel in advance for a car and driver.

Where to shop: The market stalls along Smith, Temple and Pagoda streets in Chinatown where Trengganu Street crosses them. The busiest day will be Feb. 14., the day before New Year, so go early in the morning.

Where to eat: Food in Singapore is excellent, and street stalls are safe to eat at. Besides various Chinese cuisines, you can find Malay, Indian and Nonya restaurants, the latter a regional cuisine of the Straits Chinese, a mix of Malay and Chinese. Aziza’s Restaurant at Peranakan Place serves typical Nonya food.

For more information: Contact the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board, 8484 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 510, Beverly Hills 90211, (213) 852-1901 or (213) 464-7872.