Lying on the meandering Singapore River, the garden city of Singapore is the dynamic and bustling capital of the Republic of Singapore, and is an exciting and intriguing microcosm of several cultures. Named in the 11th century, Singa (lion) Pura (city), after a false sighting of what was thought to be a lion, the city offers an interesting insight into the rich ethnic and cultural heritage of the country. Through separate ethnic enclaves within the city these differences are reflected in their extensive variety of foods, unique shops, historical architecture, traditional festivals and entertainments!! The unique and iconic symbol of the Merlion personifies the city of Singapore. Half lion and half fish, the Merlion is proudly displayed throughout the city and encapsulates the history of Singapore through the myth of the lion, which was supposedly once seen on the island, and the fish, which was once the mainstay of island life.
Established in the 19th century by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles on behalf of the British East India Company due to its position on the historic ‘spice route’, the city rapidly became a major trading centre for South East Asia, and gateway to the Orient. Attracting traders, entrepreneurs and business people from the four corners of the world has created a unique and thriving mix of Asian cultures. Within this adaptable environment, Singapore has been able to evaluate and grow, keeping pace with today’s rapidly changing influences, yet maintain links with the past and continues to enjoy its rich and diverse heritage. Singapore attracts people like a magnet, with over 10 million tourists enjoying its incomparable Asian appeal and hospitality, upon which is built the unique, exciting attributes which make the city a place to see, and a place to be seen!! The city continues to expand, catering to the growing demands placed on it by being one of the world’s ‘Global Cities’, with the new developments at the Resorts World complex on Sentosa Island, the Marina Bay Sands complex within the city and the Singapore Flyer, setting new benchmarks for Singapore. The construction of the Resorts World complex includes several hotels, a casino, Universal Studios, Festival Walk, Marine Life Park and the Maritime Xperiential Museum, while the Marina Bay Sands development includes a hotel, the Sands Theatres, casino, convention/exhibition centre and the fascinating ArtScience Museum. The three towers of the Marina Bay Sands hotel overlook Marina Bay and the high-rise of downtown Singapore, and support the one hectare Sands SkyPark with its huge high-level infinity swimming pool, rooftop restaurants, nightclubs and bars. Of course the Singapore Flyer, which is recognised as the world’s tallest Ferris wheel, provides visitors with one of the best perspectives from which to see the city both at night and during the day.
The main nationalities living in the city are Chinese (75%), Malay (14%), Indian (9%), with the remainder being European. These cultures are reflected in the unmistakable, traditional old world charm of Little India, Chinatown, and Kampong Glam, the cultural heart of the Malay community. These enclaves are easy to reach either by taking a tour, or just by catching one of the many taxis or trishaws, and are home to differing and unique cultural flavours, foods and festivals!!
Singapore is a safe destination where security is high, nearly everybody speaks English, and everyone is so friendly and helpful. Being a tourist is simple as there is an abundance of tourist information, pamphlets and brochures in every hotel lobby, and heaps of tours, taxis and trishaws. Many hotels are close to the river and water taxis can take you to the Boat Quay, Clarke Quay or Robertson Quay where you can experience many of the city delights, from shopping in restored warehouses, scratching through flea markets and antique shops, to dining under the stars!! Cuisine is heavily promoted in Singapore to attract tourists, with the Singapore Food Festival running for the whole month of July. Hailed as the national dish, Laksa is readily available, and consists of rice noodles, shrimps, cockles, fish cake and chili paste in a thick coconut based broth. Also while in Singapore don’t forget to try the Singapore Sling, no it’s not a throwing contest, it’s a world acclaimed cocktail – enjoy.
Just to provide some additional ideas to enhance your stay in Singapore the city provides a variety of attractions which range from exciting Chinese opera performances to Hindu fire-walking ceremonies. It is also possible to take a trip by cable-car up to Mount Faber for spectacular views over the city, or enjoy one of the many cultural festivals which are well worth seeing. For the more cerebral amongst us it is possible to spend some time at the new ArtScience Museum, the Asian Civilisations Museum, the Changi Chapel and Museum, the Chinatown Heritage Centre, the Chinese Heritage Centre or the Hua Song Museum. The city is full of interesting places, such as the 74 hectare Singapore Botanical Gardens, or the ever popular Singapore Zoo which offers something completely different such as having breakfast with the orangutans or night safaris!!
|