It is an amazing place; very metropolitan with an infusion of cultures, and one of the cleanest, safest places around. There is no gum sold in Singapore; the government banned it years ago because there was so much of it covering the streets and sidewalks, as well as on their railway tracks. So bring gum, just don't spit it out -- there are huge fines!
They have a zero-tolerance drug law and death is the consequence, so think twice about carrying drugs into Singapore, or anywhere for that matter! It is also said that for every one person visiting Singapore, there is twice the undercover police.
It is virtually Utopia as a tourist. With its central location in the Asian continent, Singapore and its port are a Mecca for Asian economies. It is quite beautiful; very modern with "hi-tech" looking buildings made of steel and glass.
Where is Singapore? It's in Asia, almost on the equator. From the U.S., it might take you up to 24 hours of travel... but well worth the time!
a little bit of history
*According to Malay legend, a Sumatran prince encountered a lion -- considered a good omen -- on Temasek, prompting him to found Singapura, or Lion City. It mattered little that lions had never inhabited Singapore (more likely the prince had seen a tiger); what did matter was the establishment of the region as a minor trading post for the powerful Sumatran Srivijaya empire, and as a subsequent vassal state of the Javanese Majapahit empire in the mid-13th century.Singapore might have remained a quiet backwater if not for Sir Stamford Raffles' intervention in 1819. The British had first established a presence in the Straits of Malacca (now called Melaka) in the 18th century, when the East India Company set out to secure and protect its line of trade from China to the colonies in India.
Fearing another resurgence of Dutch expansionism -- which had been the dominant European trading power in the region for nearly 200 years -- Raffles argued for an increased British presence, which he was promptly given. Under his tutelage, Singapore's forlorn reputation as a fetid, disease-ridden colony was soon forgotten.
they came by the truckload
Migrants, attracted by a tariff-free port, poured in by the thousands and a flourishing colony with a military and naval base was established. Singapore's inexorable growth continued into the 20th century. However, the outbreak of World War II brutally exposed the fallacy of British might: they suffered the ignominy of defeat when Japan invaded the colony in 1941. The British were, however, welcomed back after Japan's surrender in 1945, but their right to rule was no longer assured.By the 1950s, burgeoning nationalism had led to the formation of a number of political parties as Singapore moved slowly towards self-government. The People's Action Party, with the Cambridge-educated Lee Kuan Yew as leader, was elected in 1959. Lee became prime minister, a position he was to hold for the next 31 years.
In 1963, Singapore formed a union with Malaya (now Malaysia) but by 1965, the nascent federation was in tatters. Singapore became independent soon after and was once again the economic success story of the region. Pragmatic and shrewd, Lee fashioned a government hell-bent on modernization and the suppression of political opposition.
in with the new
Lee Kuan Yew resigned as Prime Minister in 1990 and Goh Chok Tong -- a leader more inclined towards consultation and liberalism -- took over. The mark of Sir Stamford Raffles is indelibly stamped on central Singapore. By moving the business district south of the river and making the northern area the administrative center, Raffles created the framework that remained the blueprint for central Singapore through generations of colonial rule and the republican years of independence.Places of interest include: Empress Place Building, an imposing Victorian structure, built in 1865, which houses a museum, art and antique galleries and a chic restaurant; the incongruous Padang, where flannelled cricketers once caught, bowled and batted in the searing heat; Raffles Hotel, a Singaporean institution which has become a byword for oriental luxury; and any number of imposing churches, such as St Andrew's Cathedral and the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.
* History provided by Lonely Planet
fast facts
Religion: 31% Taoist, 28% Buddhist, 18% Muslim, 10% Christian, 4% HinduGovernment Parliamentary Democratic President: Mr. Ong Teng Cheong
Prime Minister: Mr Goh Chok Tong
Major industries: Shipping, banking, tourism, electrical & electronics, oil refining
Major Trading Partners: US, Malaysia, Japan
what to do and see
There are great places to see and culture to observe, photo-ops and great places to eat. My favorite area is Orchard Rd. If you can stay in this area, this is where you can find some of the most beautiful hotels in the world. It is a central place full of shopping centers that are amazing. There are hot night spots, bars, and the cool thing to do is "chill" at the many lounges here.Jurong Town, in the West, has several tourist interests. Check Haw Par Villa -- this really cheesy theme park -- Jurong Bird Park, Chinese & Japanese Gardens, and Singapore's Science Center. Another one of my favorite places in Singapore is Sentosa Island. Weekends tend to be crowded. It is a "park" that has museums, aquariums, beaches, sporting facilities, rides, and food areas. It is said that the beach areas' sands have been imported.
Now, those are the typical touristy things to see. But, of course, I need to do offbeat things. I land somewhere and I sniff out cool local areas. You can find better deals on "take-homes," as I like to call them, fascinating foods and unusual experiences. I love Arab Street.
Arab Street is a bazaar where you can find products from Indonesia such as shirts, sarongs and baskets. It's colorful, noisy and so much fun. Haggle over the price of what you're interested in and that's part of the fun for both you and the seller! Don't miss the amazing Sultun Mosque and the Malabar Muslim Jamaath Mosque. Northbridge Road boasts some of the best Indian-Muslim food around.
Singapore has a huge Indian culture and influence. There is an area called Little India where you can shop and eat some of the best Indian food in the world. There are street side cooks, spice shops and artisans. There is a fabulous market place called the Zhujiao Center and some of the grandest temples are located here. Don't miss the Temple of 1000 lights.
where to stay
I really like the Westin Hotel. It is a modern Hotel with an amazing view. Off the main floor and lobby is a walkway to a fabulous shopping center (conveniently located).Another favorite is the Raffles Hotel -- don't miss Sunday brunch. It is such a beautiful place; colonial charm, very British and fabulous. Stay there if you can and receive first-class attention. It is centrally located, and within walking distance of sites, restaurants and shopping centers.
feeling the pangs of hunger?
8 On The Bay is located on the East Coast. It is an amazing 13,000 square ft. restaurant, offering up to 7,000 bottles of Australian wines and an additional 5,000 bottles from all over the world. Don't miss the Chilean oyster shots! The chef also takes extra requests.Craveight Seafood Chinese Restaurant -- Outram Park looks very "western" on the outside, but it boasts some of the best Chinese food in Singapore. I love their noodles and fried bean curds.
Also Try Tango for Italian -- don't miss out on their calamari (squid); Gordon's Grill, for a traditional English/Scotish "dining experience" (plus, as a dessert lover, try their six desserts on a dish); and Kintamnai Indonesian Restaurant in the Apollo Hotel for their grilled red snapper.
kick up your shoes
Singapore is also known for its nightlife. I can promise... you will not be asleep until 10am the next morning. So rest up and expect to stay out late. Typically, dining occurs around 10-11pm. Club hopping begins at about 1am.The following are some restaurants and cool hot spots.
The Boom Boom Room was recently reopened with a new facelift. It has two levels: upstairs is a cabaret -- plan to get involved, because audience participation is required! Downstairs is a cafe/bar.
Amoeba is a celebrity hangout owned by ex-MTV VJ, Nadya. Swanky and groovy-cool, it's decorated with velvet booths, great lighting and a fabulous bar. Plenty of house music, and the unisex bathrooms will make for some interesting moments. Make sure you call ahead to be put on the guest list.
Siam Supperclub has great music, indoor-outdoor restaurant/bar. Great sushi!
The Blue Elephant is a great place if you want to listen to jazz. Pick up a crazy Elephant T-shirt! A bit more touristy, but fun nevertheless.
shake your moneymaker
Now, for those of you who love to dance, Singapore has some of the hottest dance spots.Dreams Of The Red Chamber is, well, it's very red! Great music, fun bar.
Double O (dbl O) has three bars and 6,000 square feet of bar, lounge and dance floor. Very trendy scene. A great place to people watch!
Sultan of Swing is one of the latest hot spots. It is absolutely huge, and gets easily packed. There is a members-only area, and you can eat there if dancing your heart out increases your appetite. A must.
karaoke singing
Karaoke is part of the Asian culture. I can't sing.... at all! Not in the shower, nowhere. In fact, I refuse to even sing "Happy Birthday" and opt for just mouthing the words. But, I have to say, a few cocktails, a fun place and a dare... I'm there. "Holiday" by Madonna becomes my best friend!For my fellow crooners check out The Peak. There are rooms, so you don't have to expose everyone else to your "unspoken talent." Really reasonable drinks -- they have to be. For another karaoke option try Vogue.
Whether you visit Singapore for a new experience, business, or because you've always wanted to go, you will be quite impressed with what it has to offer. It's a different world filled with diversity, past meeting present, and a truly unique place on Earth.
Need more info? Visit the following sites, and hey, enjoy your stay in Singapore.
Resources:
http://www.visitorsingapore.com/
http://www.sentosa.com.sg/
http://www.westinsingapore.com/
http://www.raffles.com/rhotel.htm
http://www.metroage.com/getasia/getasia.nsf/content/Home+page
Singapore Travel Guide
0 comments:
Publicar un comentario