Singapore is an island nation country. A young and multi-racial nation, which is only 39 years old of age. Though a small and young, it has come a long way since it gained independent as a nation. 90% of its people are off spring of immigrants from China, India and Malaysia. And it is amazing how its people can live in racial harmony. This is in fact one of the charms of Singapore.

Visiting Singapore is like visiting a mini Asia. There is Chinatown, where you get to know the tales of dragon descendents. Pass by Serangoon where Little India is and the smell of spices will program your brain to think that you are in Calcutta. Step into ancient Singapore when it was known as Temasek when you enter the Malay Village at Geylang Serai.

Get a taste of Tom Yam at the unofficial Little Thailand at Golden Mile Complex, where the Thai workers congregate daily. And on Sunday, shop at Far East Plaza at Orchard Road and you will be like in Philippines. This precinct also holds an unofficial title of Little Philippines. It is definitely value for money to visit Singapore and experience different culture and heritage all in one place. This is the beautiful of it and it is charm of Singapore.

It a country that is blessed summer all year round. Full blast of sunshine all year round. It is difficult not to get a tan by the time you leave unless you stay indoor all the times. This will be a waste of time. Blessed with tropical climate, it is the ideal place for sports that associate itself with the sun, sand and sea. This is evidence by the two beaches it has Ä East Coast Park and West Coast Park. East Coast Park can be compare to Gold Coast in Australia, though not in term of size. Singapore it is also a place for adventure sports. This can be testified by Extreme sportsman Ian Adamson, world record holder for endurance kayaking (349.2km).

Singapore Culture – Singapore is a small island country and has a multi racial population. Below are some details about Singapore. Singapore is located in South East Asia, at the southern most tip of Malaysia Peninsula. It is situated one degree north of Equator. The population of Singapore is about 4 millions.

The make-up of the population is about 77% Chinese, 14% Malay and 8% Indian. The remainder includes a number of other ethnic groups. English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil are languages widely spoken and there is an 80% literacy rate on the island. About 43% are Buddist and there are equal numbers of Islamists and Christians (at about 15%).

The various population strands all retain their Cultural Influences and it could be said that there is no unique Singapore culture as such. However, many consider Singapore the cuisine capital of Asia and there is a very wide range of European, Chinese, Indian, Indonesian and Westerns dishes on offer.

The Chinese New Year is a major celebration and the Lion Dance is performed during the street parties. Chinese opera is also popular.

To most visitors, Singapore immediately comes across as a very well run country and rules and laws are adhered to all the time.

Singapore History – Modern Singapore History dates to the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles in 1826 Later the British bought Singapore and turned it into a major port. Singapore, Penang and Malacca came together to form the Straits Settlement. Singapore prospered with the increase of trade with Asia, the opening of the Suez Canal and the coming of steamships. In 1867, the Straits Settlement became a British Crown Colony and formed close links with Britain and prospered from increased trade.

After the First World War, in 1921, the British Navy constructed a major base in Singapore and later on an important air base giving Singapore strategic importance.

The Japanese invaded Singapore in 1942 in order to control the allied port and airbase. During the rest of World War II, the population of Singapore suffered greatly and it wasn’t until 1945 that the British regained control of the island.

Following on the end of WWI, the Straits Settlement was ended and Singapore alone became a British

Crown Colony. In 1959, Singapore became self governing and in 1965 it became an independent nation in its own right.

Singapore Transport – Singapore has an excellent public transport system and so movement around the island is very convenient. As well as buses, trains, MRT – Mass Rapid Transit, taxi services operate 24 hours daily on metered fares. Luxury chauffeured limousines are also available for hire. Tipping is not expected.

Bus
The whole island is well served by 2 public bus networks. Purchase an EZ-Link card you can access to most attractions in Singapore. Most buses are air conditioned. If you don’t have EZ-Link card be prepare to have the exact fare as no change will be given back.

Train
The train network, SMRT, has an extensive suburb rail system and it does provide link from the airport to the city. It is one of the safest and cleanest train systems in the world. City Hall Station and Raffles Place Station are the two main stations in the city. All stations have a station control office where it also double up as customer services counter to provide information on directions and trains schedule. Do note that it is an offence to smoke and eat on the train. Also no chewing gum is allowed.

MRT
The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is a convenient way of getting around Singapore. And the EZ-Link card can be used on the metro too. You may buy a single trip ticket using the machines located at the stations. When travelling on the metro, do take note of the interchange where you hope on to another line. You may find this map useful