The exotic multi ethnic and cosmopolitan island state- city of Singapore is a recent brew of Malay, Chinese, Western and Indian cultures, located in Southeast Asia at the tip of the tropical Malay Peninsula. Close to the Equator, Singapore is actually one island with an area of 682 sq. km surrounded by nearly 63 islets. The capital city covers over 1/3rd of the area of the main island of the world’s smallest country. Predominantly, the population is Chinese but has a enormous number of Malay, Indian and other ethnic groups.
With over 150 years of colourful history, Singapore derives its name from the Malay word, Singapora which means ‘ Lion City’ while another variation relates it to Sanskrit ‘Simha’ or lion. The rich culture and history traces its roots to the Srivijaya Empire which has roots in ancient Sumatra. It started as an outpost of the Sumatran Empire and later became a part of the Johore Sultanate in the 15th. century and 16th century. However, in 1617 the Portuguese burnt it down and downfall seemed imminent but managed to gain prominence in the 19th century as a trading post under the British East Indian Company. During the Second World War, it was under Japanese Occupation (1942-1945). In 1963, it joined the Federation of Malaysia but separated to become an independent nation of Republic of Singapore in 1965.
Today, the amalgamation of multi ethnic cultures, lifestyles and traditions have woven together to demonstrate a unique identity to Singapore and draws innumerable tourists from all parts of the world.
Sightseeing Highlights
The most attractive destination that all tourists head to is Sentosa Island. With a Mega theme park, Underwater World, Asia’s best oceanarium with a tropical theme that allows viewing of over 2,500 sea creatures ranging from sharks, sea dragons to dolphins and electric eels, from a 80 meter acrylic tunnel. It is open from 9 am to 9 pm everyday.
Visit the first nocturnal Zoo in the world, Night Safari which encompasses an station of over 40 acres and is home to more than 120 species including 29% endangered animals. Other attractions with Night Safari park include Forest Giant’s Trail, Fishing Cat Trail, Giant Flying Squirrels and Bat Mangrove Walk.
For nature lovers and ecologically minded people, a visit to National Orchid Garden is a must. A part of Botanical Gardens of Singapore it has over 2000 hybrid varieties of orchids and 60,000 orchid plants on display.
Singapore Zoo also known as Mandai Zoo occupies 28 hectares of land and has over 315 animal species with over 2550 animals living in their natural habitat.Visit the Philately Museum, Singapore History Museum, the Asian Civilizations Museum and the Arts Museum, are some of these.
Butterfly Park and Singapore Insect Kingdom is not to be missed as they house over 2000 species of different butterflies and insects.
Jurong Bird Park is a delight with over 8,000 birds of 600 species of endangered birds, tropical birds, flightless birds and water birds from Southeast Asia
The Sultan Mosque and the Jama-at Mosque are some of the finest mosques in Singapore.
One of the oldest temples is Thian Hock Keng temple which was built in 1842. It is dedicated to the Taoist deity, Lord Matsu or God of sea
Experience
If you are looking to get the best out of your Singapore whisk, check out the pristine white sand beaches at Changi beach, Punggol beach, Sembawang beach and Sentosa Palawan beach.
If shopping is on your agenda, then visit the best flea markets at Sungei Road ‘Thieves Market’, Clarke Quay (Sundays only, 10 am to 6 pm), China Square (Sundays only 10 am to 6 pm) or Far East Square (Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 12.30 pm to 8 pm).
For a heritage tour of Singapore, make a traipse to the historic Fort Canning ( Bukit Larangan), Fort Tanjong Katong within the Katong Park and Fort Siloso or even the World War II site of Civilian War Memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives due to the Japanese Occupation of Singapore during 1942-45.
For a rocking nightlife, hit the pubs. Some of the most popular pubs are AZZUCAR, Ministry of Sound, The Butter Factory, Attic and many more. There is no end of entertainment in this beautiful island city.
Other Activities
From adventure sports to nature walks in the only remaining primary rainforest patch in South East Asia, popularly known as Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
Enjoy swimming, snorkelling, surfing, water sports to hiking and trekking. Art aficionados don’t have to miss out but can enjoy the thriving art and music hub of Singapore.
You can shop to your heart’s delight at Orchard Road or browse through Chinatown’s antique shops. Petite India is famous for the Mustafa and other elite malls. Commuting is easy with MRT trains or fast lane Expressways.
Excursion
To see Singapore landmarks in a nutshell, take a trip to the Civic District, Cricket Club, the Padang, Supreme Court, the historic Parliament House, and City Hall. The most famous symbol of Singapore, Merlion present a picturesque notion for carrying back memorable photographs.
If religious places are on your agenda, don’t miss out on the Hindu temples in Limited India while the oldest Buddhist-Taoist temples, the Thian Hock Keng temple is a must see. Visit the heart of Indian community, better known as Little India has traditional stalls, Indian goods, silk, incense and spices.
For a romantic trip, relish a beautiful dinner in the true style of royalty, aboard the M V Cheng Ho, a beautiful replica ship of the Ming Dynasty vessel Da Fu. It is a perfect dinner cruise along the dazzling Singapore River with the backdrop of ships harbored in the Western Anchorage.
Shopping Delights
Synonymous with Singapore’s shopping experience is Orchard Road that showcases the major supermarkets, departmental stores, multi cuisne restaurants and hotels. Some of the best hotels are Hilton International, Le Meridien, Orchard Hotel, The Boulevard, Mandarin Hotel, Goodwood Park, Hyatt Regency and Orchard Parade.
You can go and shop at huge shopping complexes such as Orchard Point, Centrepoint, Forum the Shopping Mall, Paragon, Shaw Centre, Orchard Emerald, The Far East Plaza, Ngee Ann City, Orchard Plaza Wisma Atria, Far East Shopping Centre, Lucky Plaza, Orchard Plaza, Orchard Towers, Shaw House, Tanglin Place and Tanglin Mall. Other hot spots to shop are at Arab Street, Holland Village, Tiny India, North Bridge Road, Marina Square and Parkway Parade.
Restaurants
Apart from the local cuisines that you can sample, Singapore restaurants offer a multi specialty restaurants and eateries serving world class cuisines. Here is a list of some of the best restaurants that you can try out:
Rochester (Contemporary Western cuisine)
At Holland Village/Buona Vista
1 Rochester Park,
Singapore 139 212
Ph. 6773 0070
Aj’s Tandoori (North Indian cuisine)
At The East #01-03,
328 Joo Chiat Rd.
(Opposite Hotel 81)
Ph. 6440 1257
Bukhara (North Indian cuisine)
At Clarke Quay,
The Cannery,
Clarke Quay
Ph. 6338 1411
Café Modestos (Italian cuisine)
Orchard Parade Hotel
Ph. 6235 7808
California Pizza Kitchen (Pizza)
Orchard, Forum the Shopping Mall
Ph. 6836 0110
Maharaja Kitchen (Indian cuisine)
Little India, 42 Veerasamy Rd
Ph. 6299 3321
Long Beach Seafood (Chinese Seafood)
The East,
1018 East Coast Parkway,
Singapore Tennis Centre
Ph. 6445 8833
Transportation
All transportation in Singapore is world class and commuting all through the city is relatively easy. From boats, taxis, buses and MRT (Mass Hasty Transit System) which starts from 6am to midnight as these are the safest and the cleanest commuting systems in the world. The fares are applied on the distance travelled. Tariff can be paid through Contactless Smart Card ‘ezlink’, single trip ‘Standard Ticket’ and Visitors Card.
For tourists, a Visitors Card at $45 is available to sightsee around Singapore that can be bought after presenting the passport. Included is a booklet of discount coupons for shopping, golf, restaurants and hotels.
Festivals and Cultural events
Chinese New Year, Chingay Parade (near Orchard Road.) and Hari Raya Puasa (celebrate the end of Ramzaan and Thaipusam at Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple and Sri Thandayuthapani Temple located in Little India.
Buddhist festival of Vesak, the Dragon Boat Race and the Dumpling Festival is one of the most famous Chinese festivals with rice dumplings, lion dances, operas at Albert Hall. Popular among tourists is the Singapore Food festival with a mix of Malay, Indian and Chinese and more cuisines. From May to July, appreciate the shopping discounts in the Great Singapore.
National Day Parade, Hungry Ghost Festival and Lantern Festival are some of the other Chinese festivals. Hindu festival of Deepavali in Little India is charming to peruse at all decorated with flower garlands and oil lamps. Christmas is also celebrated with equal gusto all over the country.
Destinations stop to Singapore
Nearby destinations that you can visit while on a roam to Singapore or make a weekend trips are:
Kuala Lumpur- The capital of Malaysia is 4-5 hours by train or bus and a 35 minute air inch.
Johor Bahru- A Malaysian city known for budget shopping and restaurants.
Bintan- Just 90 km by ferry, this paradise like Indonesian Island has beautiful resorts for an Indonesian holiday experience.
Tioman- It is a Malaysian East Coast island that can be reached by boat and bus.
Batam- The nearest Indonesian island is a boat ride away.
Malacca- A small colonial town just 3 hours by bus.
Quick Facts
Capital: Singapore City
Coordinates: Latitude: 1° 22′ 0 N, Longitude: 103° 47′ 60 E
Climate/Weather: 24 ° C to 32 ° C through out the year
Official Language: Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and English
Currency: Singapore dollar (SGD)
Calling Code: +65
Best Time to Visit: All year round
Tourist Information
The High Commission of India
India House
31, Grange Road,
Singapore 239702.
Phone: + 65- 67376777, 62382538 (only for after office hour queries. Timing for emergency service procedures – 1730 to 2200 hrs)
Fax : + 65- 67326909
