Travel Destination: Singapore
About Singapore
Singapore literally means Lion (Singa) City (Pura) and its famous Merlion symbol (the lion head with a fish body) is a mythical representation of its rediscovery by Prince San Nila Utama in 11 AD and humble beginnings as a fishing village.
It is one of the only four true city-states in the world, the other three being Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City. Despite being the smallest country in Southeast Asia, it is big in surprises and flavours.
Think Malay, Chinese, Indian and Muslim and you will come up with nothing less than a country called Singapore, a fusion of many cultures and yet living in perfect harmony. Where else can you find an Indian temple, a Catholic church and a Muslim mosque standing in close proximity and no untoward incident happening? No way! No kidding! Discipline is a big word here but that doesn’t suggest that only boring stuffs are waiting for international travellers who want to take a peek into this very cosmopolitan city.
True, there is a timer to beat when crossing the street but that is a small price to pay to walk around the city safely even in the wee hours of the morning, even in the festive Chinatown during Chinese New Year. Singapore is truly unique when it comes to organisation and safety. Urban planning is tops this side of the world. Even residential buildings are torn down and rebuilt just to ensure the safety and security of the tenants. This city is a real Lego Land.
Because it is a multicultural city, four languages are considered official, Malay, Chinese, English and Tamil. Tourists will not feel out of place here because Singapore is like the world in a nutshell—it is very Western but very Asian too. Walking along the Orchard Road shopping district will transport you to Europe, China, India or any destinations in the world you can think of because of the people that you’d bump into, cross paths with or meet. People watching is actually an extra activity you can do here while seated on the bench in front of Paragon mall. After enjoying the tree-lined street that is Orchard, get ready for more shopping treats. Visit the Mustafa Centre (a 24-hour emporium), Little India, Bugis and Chinatown for bargain items, souvenirs and wholesale shopping.
If you get tired maximising your credit cards, you can take a little rest to savour the flavours of Singapore. Food is fabulous in this city and surprisingly the choices can fit anybody’s budget. Head to Smith Street or the Chinatown Food Street where you can find local hawker food that you can enjoy al fresco roadside dining fashion. Try the Char Kway Teow or Rojak, certified favourites. If you want the view from the top while dining, head to Equinox, The Restaurant, Hai Tien Lo Cantonese Restaurant, Blu or Sky Dining. You wouldn’t only indulge in the gastronomic delights but will literally experience dining on top of the world.
Now for some unique adventures: go pond fishing, biking or kayaking in Pasir Ris Park; experience the Underwater World in Sentosa; visit the 9,000 colourful of 600 species in the Jurong BirdPark; look a rhinoceros in the eye in Singapore Zoo’s Night Safari or trek through a rainforest in Bukit Timah Nature reserve.
As the adage goes, “good things come in small packages,” in Singapore’s case, it definitely is.