Singapore
Initially a trading colony of the Britishers, Singapore is presently one of the most desired tourist destinations in the world. With spectacular skyscrapers, dazzling shopping malls, attractive gardens and pulsating night life, Singapore can enthral you in many ways, that’s for sure.
Introduction:
Singapore’s speciality lies in its perfect blend of culture, arts & cuisine. Infact Singapore exemplifies the best of East & West. Besides being one of the leading oil refining and distribution centre, Singapore also supplies a wide range of electronic components.
Singapore’s strategic location, interesting cultural diversity and tourist hotspots makes it a leading destination for business as well as pleasure.
Geography:
Singapore located at the southernmost tip of the Peninsular Malaysia lies to the north of the equator. It consists of 58 islets. The island comprises of an enormous shoreline of 193 kilometres. 40% of the island boasts of parklands, plantations, reservoirs, and open military areas and 50% comprises of the town areas.
Climate:
Singapore enjoys a tropical climate with variations ranging between maximum of 31° Celsius and minimum of 23° Celsius. Rain falls throughout the year. Although the showers are sudden and heavy, they occur for a brief period.
Flora & Fauna:
Singapore has a huge assortment of flora and fauna. Most of its forests comprise of secondary regrowth owing to the clearing of the lands for cultivation. Foliage in public parks and on roadside includes unusual species like Bougainvillea, Lantana and Prangipani.
Singapore is abode to nearly 80 various mammals, 110 reptiles and amphibians, over 300 bird species, and about 60 freshwater fish species though some are already extinct. Most of the native animals are now confined to the Nature Reserves and the forested areas. The Flying Lemur, the Flying Lizard, long-tailed Macaque, snakes, skinks and bats are some of the fauna found.
Must see Destinations:
Suntec City :
Suntec City boasts of the world’s biggest fountain. Weighing 70 ton, the fountain is expected to bring good luck by using the powers of feng shui. The mall surrounding the fountain houses electronics, fashion, and dining outlets among others.
War Memorial Park & Civilian War Memorial:
The Memorial was built in the memory of those who lost their lives during the Japanese occupation. The remains of the dead are put to rest under the monument. It was officially dedicated by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on February 15, 1967. Since then, every year the government organizes a memorial service in the memory of those killed.
Saint Andrew’s Cathedral:
Another major attraction is the St. Andrews Cathedral. The present Neo-Gothic structure was built after the original one was demolished in 1855. The luminous white walls and pillars are made from a combination of egg whites, coarse sugar, coconut husks, and shell lime called Madras Chunam.
Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall:
The Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall is not one but two buildings, built separately – the town hall (1862) and the theatre (1901). The two buildings are joined by a clock tower and a common corridor. The theatre has a seating arrangement of 900 persons whereas the concert hall with the best acoustics in town has a seating arrangement of 883 persons.
Merlion Park :
The Merlion designed as a symbol for the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is synonymous with Singapore. One of the major tourist attractions, the Merlion was earlier located at the Merlion Park by the Esplanade Bridge. At present it is located in 2,500 square meter park beside the Singapore River, adjacent to one Fullerton.
Singapore Flyer:
Located at the Marina Bay development, the Flyer is the world’s largest observation wheel measuring up to the 42-storey high. Standing atop a three-storied building, with 28 air-conditioned capsules, the flyer stands tall at a height of 492 feet above ground.
Each trip takes 30 minutes giving the passengers incredible views of the Marina Centre territory and the historic city centre.
The Esplanade:
Esplanade is a performing arts centre and the programmes showcased cater to different types of music, dance, theatre and visual arts, with a special emphasis on Asian culture. It also houses the Esplanade Mall, with multiple restaurants and shops.
Chinatown:
Chinatown comprises of KretaAyer, Telok Ayer, Tanjong Pagar and Bukit Pasoh –each boasting about their own unique flavour. The centre of every action is the Terengganu/Smith Streets area. However it will be a mistake to assume that each & evey part of Chinatown as Chinese. The AlAbrar Mosque, the Jamae Mosque and Sri Mari Amman Temple stands witness to the amalgamation of different cultures.
Little India:
Today, Little India is the centre of attraction of the Indian community in Singapore. Its aromatic spice streets tempts you wander down its lane filled with ethnic jewellery, jasmine garlands and silk saris. During Deepavali, the Indian Festival of Lights, Little India is lit up with brightly decorated lights.
