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Introduction
Unique is the word that best captures Singapore, a dynamic
city rich in contrast and colour where you'll find a harmonious
blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture. A bridge
between the East and the West for centuries, Singapore,
located in the heart of fascinating Southeast Asia, continues
to embrace tradition and modernity today. Brimming with
unbridled energy and bursting with exciting events, the
city offers countless unique, memorable experiences waiting
to be discovered.
A single day's trails will take you from the past to the
future, from a colourful ethnic enclave to an efficient
business centre, from serene gardens to sleek skyscrapers.
Start your day with a unique breakfast in a long house set
amidst lush vegetation and forest trees with Singapore's
very own orang utans to keep you company. Then...
Take a step back in time as you enter a traditional Chinese
temple, Muslim mosque, Hindu temple and Christian church-all
in one neighbourhood...
Return to the present by strolling along the streets of
Orchard Road, where local teens parade the latest fashion
trends and pick up entertaining local catch phrases.
A simple meal is made memorable when drifting along the
Singapore River on a traditional bumboat. Step off the boat
and...
Indulge in Singapore's favourite pastime - shopping. From
fascinating antiques to luxury labels. The latest gadgets
to ethnic crafts, you'll find them all. You can even shop
for basement bargains in the heart of Little India at four
in the morning!
When you are done with shopping, retreat into the peaceful
sanctuary of one of our acclaimed spas just a stone's throw
away from the best business facilities in the world...
If thrills and spills are more your speed, then get catapulted
60 metres into the air on a reverse bungy ride. More laughter
and fun is in store if you board an amphibious "duck"
to explore the city, in the company of its wacky guides.
Don't be late for the show - give yourself at least an hour
to enjoy a customary Chinese tea ceremony before you step
into a world-class venue to catch a Broadway musical.
Singapore is truly a city like no other, a world of possibilities.
With its friendly and welcoming people, state-of-the-art
infrastructure and something new happening everyday, your
stay will be a memorable mix-and-match of all the things
you have always wanted to do. Come and enjoy countless fascinating
experiences, and take away memories that are uniquely Singapore.
History
The earliest known mention of Singapore was a 3rd century
Chinese account which described Singapore as "Pu-luo-chung"
("island at the end of a peninsula"). Little is
known about the island's history at this time but this matter-of-fact
description belies Singapore's colourful past. By the 14th
century, Singapore had become part of the mighty Sri Vijayan
empire and was known as Temasek ("Sea Town").
This was no less accurate than the 3rd century name. Located
at the natural meeting point of sea routes at the tip of
the Malay Peninsula, Singapore had long known visits from
a wide variety of sea craft, from Chinese junks, Indian
vessels, Arab dhows and Portuguese battleships to Buginese
schooners.
During the 14th century, this small but strategically-placed
island had earned a new name - "Singa Pura", or
"Lion City". According to legend, a visiting Sri
Vijayan prince saw an animal he mistook for a lion and Singapore's
modern day name was born. The British provided the next
notable chapter in the Singapore story. During the 18th
century, they saw the need for a strategic "halfway
house" to refit, feed and protect the fleet of their
growing empire, as well as to forestall any advances by
the Dutch in the region. It was against this political backdrop
that Sir Stamford Raffles established Singapore as a trading
station. The policy of free trade attracted merchants from
all over Asia and from as far afield as the United States
and the Middle East. By 1824, just five years after the
founding of modern Singapore, the population had grown from
a mere 150 to 10,000.
In 1832, Singapore became the centre of government for the
Straits Settlements of Penang, Malacca and Singapore. The
opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 and the advent of telegraph
and steamship increased Singapore's importance as a centre
for the expanding trade between East and West.
Singapore had been the site of military action in the 14th
century when it became embroiled in the struggle for the
Malay Peninsula between Siam (now Thailand), and the Java-based
Majapahit Empire.
Five centuries later, it was again the scene of significant
fighting during World War II. Singapore was considered an
impregnable fortress, but the Japanese overran the island
in 1942. After the war, Singapore became a Crown Colony.
The growth of nationalism led to self-government in 1959
and on 9 August 1965, Singapore became an independent republic.
Giographical Location
Located at one of the crossroads of the world, Singapore's
strategic position has helped it grow into a major centre
for trade, communications and tourism. Its geographical
location is 136.8 km north of the equator, between latitudes
103 degrees 38' E and 104 degrees 06' E.
It is linked to Malaysia by two causeway bridges and the
key islands of the Riau archipelago of Indonesia are just
a quick ferry trip away. Thailand and the Philippines are
a short plane journey away and Singapore, with an airport
served by more than 69 airlines, is very much the gateway
to South-East Asia.
Climate
Singapore's climate is warm and humid, with only slight
variations between the average maximum of 31 degrees Celcius
and minimum of 23 degrees Celcius. This makes it ideal for
those who enjoy sunbathing, swimming, sailing and other
water sports. But for those who do not enjoy the tropical
climate, Singapore is sheltered from the worst effects of
the sun with air-conditioning in almost all of its shops,
hotels, office buildings and restaurants.
Rain falls throughout the year, with more consistent rain
coming during the monsoon season from November to January.
Showers are usually sudden and heavy, but also brief and
refreshing.
People
Although geography has played a part in the success of Singapore,
its mainstay is its people. Lacking natural resources, Singapore's
strength is its hardworking, adaptable and resilient population.
Singapore's population of almost four million comprises
77% Chinese, 14% Malays, 8% Indians and 1% Eurasians and
people of other descent. The original inhabitants were Malay
fishermen, but after the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles
and the establishment of a British trading post, Singapore
became a magnet that drew hundreds of thousands of migrants
and merchants. Seeking a better life for themselves and
their families, they came from the southern provinces of
China, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Ceylon and the Middle
East. Though inter-marriages have taken place over the years,
each racial group within Singapore has retained its own
cultural identity while developing as an integral part of
Singapore community.
Language
There are four official languages in Singapore: Malay, Mandarin,
Tamil and English. English is the language of business and
administration, and is widely spoken and understood. Most
Singaporeans are bilingual, and speak their mother tongue
as well as English. Malay is the national language.
Religion
With this mixture of people, Singapore is also a mixture
of religions. Singapore's skyline boasts the distinctive
minarets of mosques, spires of gothic cathedrals, intricate
figurines of Hindu temple gods and distinctive roof architecture
of Chinese temples. The main religions are Islam, Buddhism,
Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism and Zoroastrainism. |
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... more information on Singapore
(Singapore Tourism Board) |
