| Weekend Getaways | Services |
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| Introduction | ||||
| Sightseeing | ||||
| Accommodation | ||||
| Shopping | ||||
| Travel Essential | ||||
| Visa Requirement | ||||
| Little India | ||||
| Food | ||||
| Singapore Introduction |  |
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Unique
is the word that best captures Singapore, a dynamic city rich
in contrast and colour where you'll find a harmonious blend of
culture, cuisine, arts and architecture. A bridge between the East and
the West for centuries, Singapore, located in the heart of fascinating
Southeast Asia, continues to embrace tradition and modernity today.
Brimming with unbridled energy and bursting with exciting events, the
city offers countless unique, memorable experiences waiting to be
discovered. A single day's trails will take you from the past to the
future, from a colourful ethnic enclave to an efficient business
centre, from serene gardens to sleek skyscrapers. Start
your day with a unique breakfast in a long house set amidst lush
vegetation and forest trees with Singapore's very own orang utans to
keep you company. Then... Take
a step back in time as you enter a traditional Chinese temple, Muslim
mosque, Hindu temple and Christian church-all in one neighbourhood...
A
simple meal is made memorable when drifting along the Singapore River
on a traditional bumboat. Step off the boat and...
When
you are done with shopping, retreat into the peaceful sanctuary of one
of our acclaimed spas just a stone's throw away from the best business
facilities in the world... If
thrills and spills are more your speed, then get catapulted 60 metres
into the air on a reverse bungy ride. More laughter and fun is in
store if you board an amphibious "duck" to explore the city,
in the company of its wacky guides. Don't
be late for the show - give yourself at least an hour to enjoy a
customary Chinese tea ceremony before you step into a world-class
venue to catch a Broadway musical. Singapore
is truly a city like no other, a world of possibilities. With its
friendly and welcoming people, state-of-the-art infrastructure and
something new happening everyday, your stay will be a memorable
mix-and-match of all the things you have always wanted to do. Come and
enjoy countless fascinating experiences, and take away memories that
are uniquely Singapore. The
earliest known mention of Singapore was a 3rd century Chinese account
which described Singapore as "Pu-luo-chung" ("island at
the end of a peninsula"). Little is known about the island's
history at this time but this matter-of-fact description belies
Singapore's colourful past. By the 14th century, Singapore had become
part of the mighty Sri Vijayan empire and was known as Temasek
("Sea Town"). This
was no less accurate than the 3rd century name. Located at the natural
meeting point of sea routes at the tip of the Malay Peninsula,
Singapore had long known visits from a wide variety of sea craft, from
Chinese junks, Indian vessels, Arab dhows and Portuguese battleships
to Buginese schooners. During
the 14th century, this small but strategically-placed island had
earned a new name - "Singa Pura", or "Lion City".
According to legend, a visiting Sri Vijayan prince saw an animal he
mistook for a lion and Singapore's modern day name was born. The
British provided the next notable chapter in the Singapore story.
During the 18th century, they saw the need for a strategic
"halfway house" to refit, feed and protect the fleet of
their growing empire, as well as to forestall any advances by the
Dutch in the region. It was against this political backdrop that Sir
Stamford Raffles established Singapore as a trading station. The
policy of free trade attracted merchants from all over Asia and from
as far afield as the United States and the Middle East. By 1824, just
five years after the founding of modern Singapore, the population had
grown from a mere 150 to 10,000. In
1832, Singapore became the centre of government for the Straits
Settlements of Penang, Malacca and Singapore. The opening of the Suez
Canal in 1869 and the advent of telegraph and steamship increased
Singapore's importance as a centre for the expanding trade between
East and West. Singapore
had been the site of military action in the 14th century when it
became embroiled in the struggle for the Malay Peninsula between Siam
(now Thailand), and the Java-based Majapahit Empire.
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It
is a place that cherishes its past as it looks to the future."
Indulge
in Singapore's favourite pastime - shopping. From fascinating antiques
to luxury labels. The latest gadgets to ethnic crafts, you'll find
them all. You can even shop for basement bargains in the heart of
Little India at four in the morning! 
