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SINGAPORE --

MY COUNTRY

MY HOME

 

The mythical Merlion stands watch at the mouth of the Singapore river.

Singapore: an Introduction

Being one of the smallest countries in the world in terms of area, the Republic of Singapore is, however, not to be underestimated as a center of commerce and economic power in SE Asia. Although the city state merely has an area of 646 square kilometers and a population of 3.1 millions (of which a 78% majority are Chinese, 14% are Malay, 7% are Indian), it is one of the few places in Asia with an advanced political system of Parliamentary democracy. Its government is led by President S. R. Nathan and Prime Minister Mr. Goh Chok Tong. The official languages of this multinational state are Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, and English.

Geographical Location

Singapore is just north of the equator, at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, and is linked to Malaysia by a causeway. It consists of a main island and over 50 islets, one of which is Sentosa, Singapore's famous resort island.

Climate

Singapore has tropical climate with average temperature between 73°F and 86°F. There is more rain in November, December and January than in other months. Tourists are advised to bring light summer clothing and dress comfortably.

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”). By the 14th century, Singapore had become part of the mighty Sri Vijayan Empire and was known as Temasek (“Sea Town”). 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.
During the 18th century, the British 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 center 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 steam ship increased Singapore's importance as a center 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, but the growth of nationalism led to self-government in 1959, and on 9 August 1965, Singapore became an independent republic. Later on, the pragmatic and shrewd Lee Kuan Yew led Singapore onto the road to become a modern financial and industrial center of Asia. In 1990, Lee resigned as Prime Minister and Goh Chok Tong took over.

Money Matters

The local currency is Singapore dollar (S$) and cents. Approximate exchange rate is:


US$1 = S$1.85


Travelers' checks/checks and foreign currencies may be changed at most banks and licensed money changers. Most automated teller machines (ATM) offer the PLUS, STAR or CIRRUS network systems. Major credit cards like American Express, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted.


Tourists should be aware of a 3% Goods & Services Tax (GST) levied on most goods and services purchased from taxable retailers. GST will be refunded if more than S$300 is spent (receipts of S$100 or more can be pooled from shops displaying the "Tax Free Shopping" sticker) on goods not consumed in Singapore. Refunds may be done at the airport, prior to departure flights.

Transport in Singapore

Taxis are available from hotels and taxi stands and may be hailed on the street if there is no stand nearby and no disruption to traffic. Other convenient forms of transport include Bus, MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) which are fast and cheap.

Major Attractions

Sentosa

It takes at least a full day to enjoy Sentosa's many attractions. Highlights include: Underwater World, which is Asia's largest tropical oceanarium, with over 2,000 species of fish and has a submerged Perspex walkway which allows visitors to pass safely under the water within inches of sharks, stingrays and moray eels. The Butterfly Park, which is home to 2,500 live butterflies from over 50 species and a Nature Walk that leads through lush jungle to the summit of Mount Imbiah, from where Singapore's neighboring islands can be seen. Fantasy Island, a spectacular water theme park, boasts 13 different water rides and 31 different water slides as well as 3 activity pools, a state-of-the-art "interactive experiential theatre" and an Entertainment Mall with unique themed restaurants. A visit to the Volcano Land and the Orchid Gardens is also recommended. The resort island can be reached by Cable cars leaving from Mount Faber and the World Trade Center, a ride which offers a panoramic view of the Singapore harbor; via ferries from the World Trade Center; or even overland by the Causeway-bridge.


Jurong Crocodile Paradise

The Crocodile Paradise includes over 2,500 crocodiles in a landscaped setting, with underwater viewing areas and a breeding enclosure.


Singapore Zoological Gardens

This renowned 'open' zoo houses more than 2,000 creatures in its landscaped enclosures, with rock walls and streams replacing cages. Special attractions include Children's World where kids can interact with animals, the Six Island Primate Kingdom, the sea lion and penguin gallery, the air-conditioned polar bear exhibit and a miniature railway.


The Night Safari

The Night Safari is the first in the world to provide an exciting adventure with the comfort of a zoo environment and the vastness of a national wildlife park. Visitors can weave along two loop roads by trams, or walk along trails, to see some 1,200 nocturnal animals of over 100 exotic species under subtle artificial lighting.


Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Singapore is one of the two cities in the world to have a significant area of primary rainforest within its boundaries - the other being Rio de Janeiro. This 81-hectare reserve, only 12 kilometers from the city center, contains more species of plants than the entire North American continent. At the heart of the reserve lies Singapore's highest point - Bukit Timah Hill at 162.5 meters above sea level. Along well-marked paths walkers can see exotic birds, butterflies, monkeys, squirrels, flying lemurs and other wildlife.


Singapore Botanical Gardens

Spread over 52 hectares close to the center of the city, the Botanical Gardens combine both primary jungle and manicured gardens which together hold thousands of species of plant life, including many rare specimens. Malaysia's rubber industry had its origins in the Botanical Gardens in the late 19th century when colonial botanist Henry Ridley propagated rubber plants from London's Kew Gardens. A lake adds to the serenity of the gardens, and is home to water fowl, ducks and kingfishers. Outdoor concerts are popular here.

Sisters Island

This southern island is perfect for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving, although currents at Sisters Island can be strong, so it is suitable for experienced divers only. Pack a picnic and stay the whole day.

Merlion Park

The tourism symbol of Singapore, the Merlion is a mythical beast, said to be half lion, half fish. The eight-metre high Merlion statue stands guard at the mouth of the Singapore River.

Singapore skyline as seen from the harbour

 

 

 

 

 

 
     

 

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