Only 3,000 miles away from Tokyo lies a little island, inconsequential for much of its history. In later years, however, it has become a Mecca of sorts for businessmen and tourists alike. Why visit Singapore? This article will tell you.
Singapore is a small island, just over 400 square miles, located on the end of the Malaysian peninsula. Much of its early history is unknown. It wasn’t until the early 19th century that it came into significance. Sir Stamford Raffles, a British diplomat, was appointed the task of finding a safe harbor near China that the British could use as a halfway point for their military and merchant vessels. He realized that Singapore, being an island distanced from land wars that occurred frequently in Asia, would be an ideal place for ships to continue on from England to China. He struck a deal with the reigning sultan and made the island into a port for the East India Trading Company. Within five years the population had grown fourfold. Since Singapore was a port of free trade, merchants of all nationalities came, bringing with them bits and pieces of their culture. Immigrants also poured in with the growth in size. Malays, Chinese, Arabs and others flocked in for work as loaders, errand runners and servants. By the 1900’s, Singapore was a flourishing port with many different cultures living side by side, and a undeniable center for trade between the East and the West. Singapore was taken over by Japan during the Second World War, and life there was hard for the extent of the conflict. When the war was over, Singapore was made a British Crown Colony, and in 1965 became an independent nation.
Singapore’s history is what makes the nation so particularly unique. The country is an especially complex mix of many cultures, unlike any other in the world, primarily because its Eastern-Western combination is so unusual. You can visit a Hindu temple, then jump next door to see a Buddhist shrine, after which sitting to sip a cup of tea at a British hotel before examining wares in Arab Street. It is arguably one of the only places in the world where so many different cultures can be experienced in such a small area. Here are some of the attractions the country of Singapore has to offer:
Downtown Singapore is centered around Orchard Road, a long street with over fifteen shopping malls right off the sidewalk. If you like shopping, they have everything. Designer boutiques, less expensive department and fashion stores, books, stationary shops, you can find anything. The National Gallery and History Museum are also on Orchard Road, as is beautiful Raffles Hotel, the original, fully renovated hotel where legends like Rudyard Kipling and Joseph Conrad once stayed. On Saturday’s, Raffles offers a high tea, British style, giving you the opportunity to sit and gaze at the original architecture and the vintage décor. Across Orchard Road from Raffles is CHIJMES (pronounced “Chimes”), an old abbey that has been converted into a dozen different restaurants and shops, all overlooking a courtyard where live musicians and dancing troupes often perform. If you stay anywhere in Singapore, stay on Orchard Road. There are many beautiful and affordable hotels right on the avenue.
Branching out from Orchard Road are three distinct ethnic areas, Little India, Arab Street, and Chinatown. Each has their own distinct flavor and people. Little India looks alive with the brightly colored sari’s of the Indian women flashing in the sun. There are many shops full of bolts of silk and sparkling jewelry as well as a few different Hindu shrines. Make sure you sit down and try some Indian cuisine; the curry here is fantastic. Arab Street is dominated by a beautiful mosque. Off from the mosque is a collection of shops, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean café’s, and benches under palm trees to sit and cool off. Chinatown is a collection of different stores and restaurants for the large Chinese population. Great food and interesting temples are good to see here.
On the far side of the inner city, next to the business sector is the Merlion statue, a Singaporean landmark. When a Sri Lankan prince landed in Singapore in the 15th century, he thought he saw lion with a fish’s tail on the shores of the island, and thus dubbed it “Singa-pura”, or “lion city”, hence the name Singapore. The Merlion statue is about 30 feet tall, and out of the lion’s mouth comes a shooting stream of water that falls into the harbor. Near the statue is the Boat Quay, a collection of delectable restaurants that overlook the Singapore River, where you can sit and watch the boats go by.
Outside the city, to the south, lies Sentosa Island. A short ferry or taxi ride away, the island has three beaches, an aquarium, and several resorts and museums. It is a great day trip, perfect for traveling families. Most people come for the white sand beaches, which can’t be found easily on the main island, but the other attractions of Sentosa are a lot of fun as well.
Up to the north of Singapore is what some call the best attraction in all the country, the Zoological Gardens and Night Safari. Here you can see animals up close and personal, many with no fences at all. There are a number of free ranging monkeys you can see swinging on branches all over the zoo. Inside an atrium there are butterflies that will land on your finger, as well as lemurs and fruit bats. A walk through the “outback” takes you by wallabies and kangaroos that you can feed. Everywhere there are helpful guides, interactive activities, and tons of animals waiting to be seen. The zoo is also a center for conservation and environmental study. Right next to the zoo is the Night Safari, where you can see animals in their habitats at night. Flying squirrels, bush babies and other nocturnal animals can be seen swinging in the branches. The big animals like lions and tigers are there as well. A tram takes you through the park, but you can also get off and walk the park by yourself. This park also offers a fire dancing show and several restaurants, and is only open after dark. The Singapore zoo in quite possibly the best zoo in the world, so don’t miss it if you are in the country.
The main languages in Singapore are English and Chinese, so the language barrier is not a problem for Americans. It is hot, so bring cool clothes. Taxis and the MRT (the subway system) are both very cheap, making getting around the island easy. Food can be inexpensive or very expensive, depending on where you go, but it is said to be the best in all of Asia. Getting to Singapore isn’t hard; both JAL and ANA offer reasonable flights every day of the week. For military members, Space A travel is also an option. The Yokota AMC terminal will have more information. For more information on anything Singaporean, go to visitsingapore.com, the official tourist website.
Singapore is such a unique and fun place to visit, a must for anyone living in Asia. If you have a vacation coming up, take it in Singapore.
