SINGAPORE
- – THE LION CITY
Singapore, world's only island city lies 1 degree north of the equator. It consists of 63 islands. This densely populated island is richly blessed with greenery with abundant flora parks and gardens. It does not lack behind in the field of technology as well. In fact we could call it an overall hub. It happens to be the most "technology-ready" nation, top International-meetings city, with "best investment potential”. It is the second-most competitive country, third-largest foreign exchange market, third-largest financial centre, third-largest oil refining and trading centre, and the second-busiest container port. On the UN Human Development Index Singapore is ranked 11th internationally and first in Asia. It excels in education and healthcare. The country has also been tagged as the tax haven. The urbanization of Singapore costed it its 95% of the rich forests therefore more than half of the flora and fauna of Singapore is preserved in nature reserves, such as the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. It is filled with plenty of monasteries, historical sites, beaches, shops and diverse cuisine that will blow your mid and keep you coming back again and again. The Peranakan cuisine and a mix of Chinese and Malay cuisines are their new mix as a result of their effort increasing the diversity in their cuisine. Singapore is also known for it being the safest and the cleanest cities.
History
The Kingdom of Singapura was founded in 1299 on the island by Sang Nila Utama. Colonial Singapore was founded in 1819 by Stamford Raffles when it was a trading post of India. In 1826, Britain took over Singapore after establishment of British Raj but it was soon taken over by Japan in the 2nd World War. In 1963, it gained independence from UK and became a sovereign nation in 1965. The nation in spite of lacking resources developed into an Asian Tiger economy which was based on external trade. Singapore in the 14th century was known as Temasek, It used to be a trading port for the Majapahit Empire and the Siamese. In 1824 the whole of Singapore was possessed by the British. On 9 August 1965 Singapore gained independence and became the Republic of Singapore. In 1967, the country co-founded the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Lee Kuan Yew became the Prime Minister. Then the country moved from Third World economy to First World affluence. The Prime Minister’s beliefs shaped Singapore's policies for the next half-century. By the 1990, the country had already risen to becoming one of the world's most prosperous nations, with highly developed free market economy, strong international trading links, and the highest per capita gross domestic product in Asia. Today the nation continues to thrive.
Culture & Tradition
Singapore though is comparatively small, has the most diverse religion, language and culture. The most followed religion in Singapore is Buddhism, followed by Christianity then Islam then Taoism and Hinduism. The island has four official languages which are Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English. English is its common language though. Most of the Singaporeans are bilingual. When it became independent in 1963, from the United Kingdom, there were mostly uneducated laborers from Malaysia, China and India. Some wanted to make money in Singapore without intending to reside here. There was also a small population of Peranakans, the middle class locally born people. They believe that harmony between different races and religions forms crucial part when it comes to success of Singapore. This indeed played quite a role in building the identity of the Nation. The cuisine of Singapore is mind blowingly diverse, with varieties of food which represent different ethnicities. It has further been increased by hybridization of different styles. It is culturally linked with India, China, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Singapore today is a land with wealth and stability.
Places to Visit
Marina Bay Sands :
Mari a Bay Sand is a resort complex, with hotel, a mall, the Art Science Museum, and the Marina Bay Sands Skypark which is a vantage point for taking in the entire city. It has a Skypark's viewing deck and infinity pool in a ship, which is allowed to use by the hotel guests only.
Singapore Flyer :
This is the world’s largest observation wheel. You can enjoy the view of Singapore skyline, the Spice Islands of Indonesia and Malaysia's Straits of Johor while indulging in the various packages that will serve and pamper you.
Gardens by the Bay :
You won't want to leave once you get the taste of this piece of beauty. It is colorful getaway from the bustling of the city with lush green Bay East Gardens full of flowers. Then there is Super tree Grove where there are a number of iconic and futuristic structures, designed to perform functions sustainable environmentally. Then there is the Cloud Forest Dome proudly boasting the tallest the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.
Botanic Gardens :
This is Singapore's first UNESCO World Heritage. It preserves a piece of Singapore’s wilder heritage. Other attractions here are National Orchid Garden, an eco-garden, eco-lake, bonsai garden, sculptures, and several other gardens.
China Town :
Singapore's China Town will take you to China. Everything here is typical Chinese, from small mom-and-pop stores to the bright red lanterns and even the legitimate Chinese food. Other attractions here are the Chinese Heritage Centre, Shri Mariamman and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.
