WikiTravel

 The Canadian city of Toronto has certainly developed over the past few decades. Once relatively unknown and obscure, the city has evolved into one of the most well known centers of business, communication, and culture in the country. Whether visiting as a tourist, or for business, you’re bound to find something worth your attention.

THE HISTORY OF TORONTO

The city of Toronto has an official history dating back to 1834 but, in reality, the city dates back to ancient times. French settlers were exploring the area as early as the 1600’s and, later, it was found that the Huron people had long used the areas around the Humber and Don rivers as local meeting places. That is, as a matter of fact, how Toronto earned its name – literally translating to “meeting place.”

Over the next few decades, a small village known as Teiaiagon grew on the site where the city stands today. It later served as a French trading post and, was dominated by the British and renamed York. Even the United States at one point tried to invade the area. Years later, the name Toronto was readopted and after World War II the city began to grow with a population of residents melding together from around the world. Today you’ll find a wide range of ethnic groups living together while remaining true to their roots.

TRANSPORTATION THROUGHOUT TORONTO

Visitors to Toronto may find the city a bit overwhelming at first. There is, fortunately, no need to rent a car while there. The public transportation system is relatively advanced and features several options, including a subway, streetcar, and bus service.  You can even take a public ferry to one of the other Toronto Islands.

Fares for each of the public transportation systems within the city are the same. You can buy individual passes, tokens, day passes, family day passes, weekly passes, and even monthly passes, depending upon your needs.

If you plan on being in the city for more than a few days, a weekly pass, priced at $36, is certainly worth the investment as it offers you unlimited rides from Monday through Sunday. This type of pass also makes it easy for you to hop off and on the transportation systems when you see points of interest you’d like to visit. Ask the concierge at your Toronto hotel how to get a pass.

TIPPING AND ETIQUETTE IN TORONTO

The average tip in a Canadian restaurant is believed to be 15%. Some people will tip up to 20% for excellent service. You can, of course, stick to the 10% rule of thumb if that is what you are used to, or if that is what you believe is deserved, but most service employees expect at least 15%. Gratuities are generally not automatically included on a check unless the party is comprised of 8 people or more. Some restaurant owners are particularly knowledgeable about which countries do not primarily tip and, whether the practice is right or wrong, if they suspect such they will automatically include the tip in the bill.

In Toronto it is also customary to tip hotel employees, including your porter, valet, or anyone else who comes in contact with you during your stay. Tipping your manicurist, hairdresser, and taxi cab driver is generally expected as well. The minimum in the latter instances is 10%.

Common courtesy is incredibly important throughout Toronto and all of Canada. Be patient and be polite when dealing with both locals and other tourists. Saying please and thank you, or apologizing for bumping into someone, is considered incredibly respectful. It is important to realize that Toronto, the rest of Ontario, and areas throughout Canada are diverse from a cultural standpoint. You need to be respectful of other cultures at all times.

VISITING THE CHURCH-WELLESLEY NEIGHBORHOOD

The Church-Wellesley neighborhood is considered the “Gay Village” and is perhaps one of the most sought after destinations amongst gay and lesbian travelers in Canada. The village is full or pride and is packed with some very fun and entertaining clubs, restaurants, cafes, and shops. During the month of June, the Pride Day Parade and celebration is held, lasting a full week.  If you visit a Toronto tourism office, you can pick up a Gay Toronto tourism guide. The city is incredibly friendly towards all lifestyles.

VISITING THE ANNEX & KOREATOWN

The Annex & Koreatown are two diverse areas surrounding the University of Toronto. If you want to have some fun watching the Bohemian and academic communities mingle, this is the place to visit. The area is full of art houses, coffee shops, theaters, and budget-friendly shops. The local ambiance is friendly, a little nerdy, and loved by many.

The city of Toronto has tons to offer visitors from all walks of life. Take your time, explore the areas that attract you most, and take the time to enjoy the experience.

Located in the heart of Asia, Singapore represents a community of cultures still trying to define itself. After establishing independence from Britain in 1965, Singapore became home to an eclectic mix of Chinese, Malay, and Indian people. Thais, Filipinos, and Eurasians also call Singapore home and visitors walking down the street are often startled by the way their lifestyles both clash and blend.

The seasons in Singapore are very similar so if you’re looking to plan a trip around the climate you need not worry about when to visit. The only time the weather varies is between November and January when you may find yourself visiting during a rainier time of year. The average temperature in Singapore throughout the year is approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit (or 26.6 degrees Celsius). The weather aside, the best way to plan your trip to Singapore is by checking the calendar of events. The Great Singapore Sale (a must for shoppers) takes place between May and June and the Singapore Arts Festival is usually held in June as well. The Singapore Film Festival (April) and Singapore Food Festival (July) are also favorites.

MIND YOUR MANNERS WHILE EATING IN SINGAPORE

Dining etiquette in Singapore isn’t complex, but deserves a mention. There are a number of dining habits we have in the west that are not practiced in the east. First of all, the average restaurant in Singapore serves food family-style whereas in the west this is the exception and not the norm. In most restaurants all of the dishes will be placed on the table at once so that everyone can begin eating together but if you are in a very formal setting the meal will be served one dish at a time. If your Singaporean companion serves you during the family-style meal he is doing so because he has a high level of respect for you. It is considered polite to do the same in turn when your companion’s bowl begins to grow empty. Pay special attention to the way you use your chopsticks. Never leave them sticking up out of a bowl of rice – a gesture that is considered a bad omen. When you are finished eating dip your chopsticks in tea and then wipe them clean before putting them aside.   Don’t forget that because of the vast blend of cultures found in Singapore you may be dining with individuals who have strict dietary restrictions. In many cases these restrictions are guided by their religious beliefs, but make sure you ask about everyone’s needs before choosing a dining establishment.

VISITING A WET MARKET IN SINGAPORE

Most communities around the world have some sort of meat and produce market, but only in Singapore will you find a wet market. Wet markets have earned their name quite literally – the building and stalls are frequently hosed down with water to keep them clean. Make sure you wear pants and shoes you don’t mind getting wet when you visit.   Most of these markets actually have two sections – a wet section for meats and vegetables and a dry section for beans, noodles, and herbs. In the wet section you’ll find your average far as well as a blend of eels, frogs, and maybe even turtles. Two of the most frequently visited wet markets are the Chinatown Complex (well known for selling seafood, pork, and eels) and the Tekka Market (popular amongst locals looking for beef, mutton, and freshwater fish). Both markets sell toys, clothing, linen and a wide variety of souvenir-type articles.

SINGAPORE’S INCREDIBLE ART FESTIVALS

Singapore hosts over a half-dozen different arts festivals throughout the year. The odds are high that you’ll plan your trip around or near one of these incredible events. The Singapore River Busker’s Festival, for example, is held in mid-November and features shows put on by a wide variety of street performers. The festival lasts for an entire week and most of the performances happen after sunset. Stop by to see musical performances as well as sword-swallowers and a myriad of other entertaining individuals. The Singapore International Comedy Festival is another favorite. Held in either March and/or April, the festival attracts comedians from all over the world. Most attendees are hand-picked based on their performances at other global events and are then invited to Singapore. During the first week of September you are likely to stumble upon the WOMAD festival (World of Music Arts and Dance). Throughout the three day event you’ll witness spectacular performances showcasing international traditions and ethnic cultures from around the world.

The city of Kuala Lumpur is bustling with activity from sunrise to sunset and beyond. It’s a popular destination amongst tourists in Malaysia, with dozens of incredible attractions to explore. Learn a bit about the culture before you embark on your journey and you’re bound to have an incredible experience.

WHEN TO VISIT KUALA LUMPUR

There is quite a bit of traffic and congestion on the roads of Kuala Lumpur. If you can avoid it, try not to rent a car or you may spend more time in it than you do at your destinations. The city has a great public transportation system in place for tourists called the Hop On Hop Off (HOHO) bus. The HOHO bus is very friendly for tourists and is your best bet for seeing the city.

Another option is the RapidKL bus line, but people tend to have more bad experiences than good with this bus system. The drivers tend to be rude, act as reckless drivers, and sometimes even refuse to stop the bus to let people off (due to traffic) or to let people on (even though there is room). They curse, call passengers stupid, and are generally irritable. Take the system if you must, but elderly travelers and those with children should avoid it altogether.

Kuala Lumpur does have a modern train system as well, but many tourists find it confusing the first time they use it. Tickets are relatively inexpensive and platforms are clearly marked to show the directions each train is going. While there is no set timetable, trains arrive and depart frequently, almost making a formal timetable unnecessary.

HEALTH AND SAFETY IN KUALA LUMPUR

 

Like many major cities, Kuala Lumpur is relatively safe to visit, especially if you pay attention and take standard safety precautions as you travel. Some things you can do to protect yourself include:

Making sure your family back home has a list of your hotels and their phone numbers.

Making photocopies of your important documents (credit cards, passports, etc). Leave one at home and take the other set with you. When you arrive, lock your originals up in the hotel and carry the photocopies with you.

Letting your credit card providers know you’ll be in a foreign country.

Find information for your country’s Embassy in Kuala Lumpur so that you can reach it in the event of an emergency.

Lovely Malay House, Kampung Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Aside from these, you should take care to not carry more money than you need. Do not flash your cash or wear too much expensive jewelry. Hold on to your bags and belongings at all times.

TIPPING AND ETIQUETTE IN KUALA LUMPUR

While giving a tip is not an offensive gesture, citizens of Malaysia generally do not participate in the practice. You can, of course leave a tip, ranging from change up to 10% of your bill to a restaurant waiter or server. They don’t expect but would appreciate the gesture. Tipping your hotel pool server, or the bouncer at a club, may earn you better service throughout your stay.

Most of the people in Malaysia are very friendly. That said, women who are not conservatively dressed may attract more attention than they desire, especially in some of the smaller towns surrounding Kuala Lumpur. Wear what you want while you’re on the islands, but consider being a little conservative, even wearing a scarf on your head, while on the mainland.

IMPORTANT MALAY PHRASES

English is a very common language throughout Malaysia, so you likely won’t have trouble communicating during your stay. Even still, it’s nice to learn at least a few phrases to show your willingness to learn and respect another culture. A few simple phrases are as follows:

Selamat Pagi (Good Morning)

Good Bye (Selamat tinggal)

Tidak (No)

Ya (Yes)

Sila (Please)

Nama saya ialah (My name is…)

Malaysia – 27 KL Tower (Menara Kuala Lumpur) from the ground, Kuala Lumpur

These are just a few examples of simple Malay phrases. When learning this language, you are better off with an audio program that will teach you proper pronunciation techniques as well as simple terminology.

The city of Kuala Lumpur is friendly, welcoming, and full of life. You’ll enjoy every moment you spend there!