Explore Singapore
Singapore is unique city-state lying among the islands of South East Asia. It’s a small country on a small island. Its population of a mere 5million people inhabits this beautiful island. While it may be a densely populated island, the uniqueness of this island lies in the fact that 50% of its land area is covered by greenery and it has about 50 major parks and 4 nature reserves. The whole country resembles an enchanted garden set in a tropical climate with great food, fantastic shopping and vibrant nightlife. This makes it a great stopover or perhaps a spring board into the region.
Founded as a British trading colony in 1819, it has become one of the worlds most prosperous countries and sports busiest sea port. Towering gleaming skyscrapers, modern subways and bus ways, this extremely clean city is an amazing medley of Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures. Spread over a mere 704 square km (or 272 sq miles) this urban country is divided into districts.
Districts
Riverside:
Along the Singapore River where Sir Stamford Raffles first set foot to set up his colony. The Riverside is where many Government offices are located and its laden with banking and financial institutions. The nations bankers and businessmen fill its many buildings and halls by the day and by night some of its trendiest nightspots dot the banks of the river.
Orchard Road:
Situated just north of the river, Orchard Road is Singapore’s main shopping street. Its named after the nutmeg orchards that used to line the streets in the 1830’s. Today Orchard road is just miles and miles of shopping malls.
Marina Bay:
Created from reclaimed land its Singapore’s newest district. The Marina Bay Sands casino and convention center are the latest attractions .
Chinatown:
Traditional Chinese quarters of the town merging seamlessly into the Central Business District and still retaining its own traditional charm
Little India:
One of the most colourful and distinctive places in Singapore, Little India as the name suggest is the center for the large Indian Community in Singapore.
Bugis & Kampong Glam:
These old Malay districts have now been converted into hundred of shops and restaurants, colourful promenades and bazaars. Its a perfect place to head out on a weekend.
North & West:
The northern and western parts of Singapore are the islands hinterlands. Large jungle dotted with public housing and Industrial Area. The place is famous for the Singapore Zoo, the Night Safari and the Bird park.
East Coast:
Miles of beach and a large residential Area. This region is where the Airport is located as well. There are some fine eateries as well. Also this area encompasses the Geylang Serai - the home of the Singapore Malays.
Sentosa:
This is a resort island, a large amusement and entertainment island. Home to the Universal Studios and exotic resorts, this is Singapore’s equivalent to Disney Land.
Highlights:
Nature Sight Seeing:
At the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari explore Asian, African and South American habitats at night without any visible barriers between the animals and guests. The Singapore Botanical Gardens has over 3000 types of orchids growing. The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a quiet getaway from the excesses of stressful life. The Bukit Timah nature reserve is the only remaining place where the primary rain forest still exists on this island. The Jurong Bird park has extensive specimens of exotic birds from all over the world including a flock of 1000 flamingos.
Shopping:
Singapore is one of the largest business hubs in Southeast Asia. There are various shopping belts in Singapore located along Marina Bay, Bugis Street, Orchard Road, China Town, Little India, Arab Street, North Bridge Road and the suburbs. Orchard Road has the most expansive shopping choices where the local populace shops extensively. Every year the Tourism Board of Singapore organizes the Great Singapore Sale. One can expect some great promotions and discounts and shopping until 11 PM on weekends.
Dining:
Singaporeans are proud of their cuisine. It’s a perfect representation of the country’s ethnic diversity. So deeply integrated is this ethnic culture that you would find a Malay hawker stall selling Halal versions of Indian and Chinese food and vice versa. Some dishes introduce elements of all three cultures while others incorporate influences from the rest of Asia and the West. Watch out for the Singapore Food Festival organized by the Singapore Government every year in July.
Night Life:
One of the most vibrant night-life in the region, the Singapore media rates Singapore as one of the top five countries in the world for night-life.
Other Highlights
The Helix Bridge - Pedestrian bridge shaped as a double helix.
Resorts World - at Sentosa
Casino - at the Marina Bay Sands, requires a SGD$100 entrance fee even if its just to have a look around
Singapore Flyer – Giant Ferris wheel 42 stories high
Marina Barrage - A dam in Singapore
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