Singapore - A Dream Destination

Singapore's strategic location at the southern tip of the Malaysian peninsula has ensured its importance, which is greater than its size might seem to justify. Singapore consists of the island of Singapore and some 63 islets within its territorial waters. Many of the city's attractions are clustered closely together. Singapore was separated from the rest of Malaysia on 9 August 1965, and became a sovereign, democratic and independent nation. Singapore is generally hot and humid. It's warm and humid year round, with the temperature almost never dropping below 20°C (68°F), even at night, and usually climbing to 30°C (86°F) during the day. For those who enjoy the sun and the beach, Singapore is an ideal place for everyone. Once you go there, you will keep coming back, we do! 

History: Singapore, an island-state in Southeast Asia, was founded as a British trading colony in 1819 which joined Malaysia in 1963, but withdrew two years later and became independent. Now it is one of the world's most prosperous countries, with strong international trading links (its port is one of the world's busiest) and with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations of Western Europe. Singapore's strategic location combined with a largely corruption-free government, skilled work force, pro-foreign investment and export-oriented led to a successful free-market economy which attracts international investment funds on a large scale despite its relatively high-cost operating environment.

Major Attractions: Singapore is in fact one of the most enjoyable cities in Southeast Asia. As you zoom in from one of the world's best airports. As you stroll through the fashion emporiums of Orchard Rd, poke around antique shops in Chinatown or take a walk around one of the dozens of beautiful city parks. It is truly amazing. Why not visit the lion, the symbol of Singapore, it is beautiful day or night and you will get some great pictures to take back home. Also remember to eat the local ice-cream, it is delicious and for less than one dollar, you will get more than what you can eat. Why not try the sweetcorn icecream, it is actually one of my favorites!

• Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom: Like an emergent butterfly, the delicate beauty of the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom is breath-taking! Enjoy watching 1,500 live butterflies - from over 50 species. Watch the blossoming of new life at the Live Pupae house or admire up to 3,000 species of the world's most beautiful and rare insects, which includes the largest Dynastes Hercules beetle ever recorded - all 160mm of it. Museum are natural inhabitants of Asia, so, they add a local color to the gorgeous landscape.

• Jurong Bird Park: Do visit Jurong Bird Park where 9,000 colorful birds of 600 species will amaze you with their variety, shapes and sizes. The newly revamped Bird Park offers a range of new and exciting exhibits and facilities which are truly breathtaking and worth your while. The newly revamped Birds n Buddies Show now includes bird-inspired characters as buddies to the largest collection of live birds in a show performance. At two bird shows, you can watch flamingos, macaws, hornbills, cocktatoos and even hawks in action! Or start the day in style - by having breakfast with a star-studded bird cast!

• Night Safari: As the sun sets, a different world comes to life. At the Night Safari, you can look a rhinoceros in the eye, hear the howls of a pack of striped hyenas or watch giraffes glide serenely across the plain in the still of the night. This premier night zoo houses over 900 animals of 135 exotic species in eight zones re-created to simulate geographic zones like the Southeast Asian rain forest, African savanna, Nepalese river valley, South American pampas and Burmese jungle. A safari park divided into eight geographical zones, which can be explored either on foot via three walking trails, or by tram. This is the world's first wildlife park built for visits at night, the Night Safari is not like any ordinary zoo illuminated by the night or a modern version of nocturnal houses found in many zoos around the globe. The Night Safari took four years to plan and three years to construct. It was officially opened on May 26, 1994 by Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong. A must see for the whole family.

• Singapore Zoo: The Singapore Zoo is a model of the `open zoo' concept. The animals are kept in spacious, landscaped enclosures, separated from the visitors by dry or wet moats. The moats are concealed with vegetation or dropped below the line of vision. In the case of dangerous animals such as leopards and jaguars which can climb very well, moat barriers are not used. Instead of just observing the animals, educational content designed in an interactive mode is a feature of all exhibits.

• Underwater World: Situated on Sentosa, Underwater World Singapore is a dream haven that showcases the awe-inspiring beauty of a whole different world beneath the seas. A spectacular 83 metre-long tunnel that houses majestic rays, fearsome sharks and great shoals of other fishes. Underwater World Singapore also offers a unique activity that enable visitors to unwind and have fun at the same time.

Many marine species, such as the blacktip and whitetip sharks, eagle rays and big-belly seahorses, breed and thrive in the Underwater World. At Underwater World Singapore, a 'voyage to the bottom of the sea' begins at the water's edge, with shallow rock turtle and ray pools. Be greeted next by brightly colored corals and exotic ocean dwellers (including moray eels, sea dragons and jelly fishes) before you embark on a spectacular underwater journey through our 83-metre-long moving travelator with a tunnel housing the majestic rays, fearsome sharks, great shoals of other fishes and a host of other creatures that inhabit the ocean depths. At the end of the underwater tunnel experience, do not miss out on the rare opportunity to exchange some playful glances with our graceful dugong, Gracie. Also look out for the latest themed exhibit in our changing exhibit hall on the first level. The current theme is the "Living Fossils" exhibiting various unique and amazing marine and freshwater creatures, whose ancestors appeared more than a few hundreds of millions years ago!

• National Museum: Originally opened in 1887, the National Museum, is an architectural gem with each of its two levels reflecting a different order of Greek classical architecture. Of particular note are the Museum's 20 dioramas, three-dimensional reconstructions of historical scenes and events tracing Singapore's development from a sleepy fishing village to the present day metropolis. Another exhibit shows the world of a wealthy Straits Chinese family at the turn of the century, complete with elaborate Peranakan furnishings and finery. The Children's Discovery Gallery is another compelling attraction, with interactive exhibits designed to explain Singapore's cultural heritage, visual and performing arts. Everyone will learn something.

• Chinatown: Among the narrow streets of picturesque shop houses and restaurants brimming with life, the temple idol carvers, herbalists, calligraphers, traders and trishaw drivers pursue a way of life that has changed little for generations. Incense stream from the old temples, the elderly spread their wares out on the pavement for sale and sea cucumbers, regarded as a delicacy, dry in the sun. Much of Chinatown has recently been renovated, but the old traditions endure. During Chinese New Year, the whole of Chinatown is lit up and buzzes with activity as stalls sell a variety of festive goods.

• Little India: On Serangoon Road, Little India can be found. It embodies the vibrant and colourful culture of the Indian community in Singapore. Small shops selling delicious food, materials and gifts can be found. The Hindu religion plays an important part in the life of Little India, and the Sri Veerama Kaliaman and Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temples in the area are well worth visiting.

Resorts World at Sentosa: Resorts World at Sentosa, a world-class family resort opening in 2010, is designed as a collection of resorts within a resort so visitors can have a multi-resort experience. Packed with thrilling rides and a dazzling array of leisure attractions offering fascinating experiences. So if you have the time visit Sentosa once the resort opens.

• Sentosa Luge and Sky ride: Part go-cart, part-toboggan, pure excitement - the luge is a fun-filled gravity ride that's safe for all ages. With a unique steering and braking system that allows you to make the ride as leisurely or as exciting as you want. Jump on the Sentosa Luge & Sky ride and brace yourself for a brand new island resort adventure! This is the first ever luge in Southeast Asia. Sentosa Luge & Skyride now operates from 10am in the morning all the way till late at night, so why not enjoy the ride.

• Clarke Quay: The best place to spend a romantic evening. A place to wine, dine and having some great time by the riverside. Clarke Quay offers a quirky alternative to mainstream attractions, with second-hand and antique shops and restaurants with an amazing array of F&B options. In the evenings, dance clubs and pubs come alive with music from the 1960s to the present. Named after Sir Andrew Clarke, Singapore's second governor, Clarke Quay had been the commercial centre, where an unending stream of lighters would transport their goods upriver to the warehouses.

• Boat Quay: Boat Quay is the trailblazer of the Singapore entertainment scene. With an eclectic mix of high end restaurants and alfresco dining and lively bars and pubs, Boat Quay is arguably the favourite place to "chill out" for most professionals and expatriates.

Food is the national obsession - and it's not difficult to see why. Sitting out under the stars at a bustling hawker centre with a few bottles of Tiger beer and diving into an enormous array of Asian dishes is one of the iconic Singaporean experiences. Sambal stingray, char kway teow, oyster omelette, chicken rice, clay-pot seafood, fish head curry, beef rendang...the list is as long as it is delicious.

Transportation: Traveling around Singapore is a cinch! An efficient public transportation network of taxis, buses and the modern Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system ensures that getting from point A to point B is hassle-free and extremely affordable. Transportation within Singapore is mainly land-based. Almost all parts of Singapore are accessible by road, including islands such as Sentosa and Jurong Island. The other major form of transportation within Singapore is rail: the Mass Rapid Transit which runs the length and width of Singapore, and the Light Rail Transit which runs within a few neighborhoods. The main island of Singapore is connected to the other islands by ferryboat services.

Singapore has always been the favorite destination for tourists including myself. The people are wonderful, the food delicious, the shopping glorious and the sites spectacular!

(Sources: singaporeexpats.com, activeholidays.in, visitsingapore.com, lonelyplanet.com)