Singapore sits at the crossroads of Asia on an island at the end of the Malay Peninsula.Its history is the history of Asia condensed in an area of 276 square miles.It has four official languages reflectingthe dominant cultures that have created this vibrant city state.
As our cruise ship pulled into port, I was amazed at the number of ships anchored in the roads outside the port of Singapore. Hundreds.Across the parklands of the Gardens by the Bay I could see the Marina Bay Sands Hotel against the cloudy sky. I was ready to experience the sights and cultures that formed this unique metropolis of Asia.
Singapore sits at the crossroads of Asia on an island at the end of the Malay Peninsula.Its history is the history of Asia condensed in an area of 276 square miles. It has four official languages reflectingthe dominant cultures that have created this vibrant city state. It isgeographical on the main shipping routes to and from the Middle East and Europe to China and Japan and south to Indonesia and Australia.
Its name comes from the ancient title of the area, Singapura, City of Lions. The Merlion, a half fish and half lion, is the modern symbol of Singapore.Merlion Park on Marina Bay near the mouth of the Singapore River is where the 25 ft white Merlion statue stands spitting a stream of water into the bay.
There are so many things to see and do in Singapore, I had to choose some and eliminate others. I did not go to Universal Studios or Sentosa Island or ride the Singapore Eye. I decided totry and experience the different cultures that made this city one of the best in the world.
The Raffles Hotel captures the lost grandeur of the British Empire that once ruled most of Asia. The hotel was named after British statesman Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore. As you drive into the circular driveway to the entrance, your car door is opened by the perfectly dressed and turbaned doorman of the hotel.A century after its opening, the hotel was declared a National Monument by the Singapore Government. Today, its colonial architecture is beautifully preserved. It stands out from the modern style of its surrounding neighbors in the business district.
I sipped the drink that was created here at the hotel, The Singapore Sling,at the Long Bar. I watched the palm leaf style ceiling fans stir the humid air that flowedfrom the white open shutters.I could almost imagine colonial officers sitting at one of the vintage tables nearby discussing the fate of the British Empire. The Crown colony was dissolved in 1963 which ended the 144 years of British rule of the island.
The Buddha Tooth Temple stands 4 stories high in Red and Gold and dominates the area of Chinatown. Ethnic Chinese make up 72% of the islands population. Along its narrow lanes you can eat, drink, shop, buy groceries,and even worshipin the temple. The rows of shops sell just about everything.Row after row of red and gold paper lanterns stream overhead. It was almost Chinese New Year when I visited and decorations celebrating the Year of the Rooster were everywhere. I watched an old Chinese man sitting at a cafe table sipping his morning coffee as he watched the hustling throngs of people pass by. His face was etched with lines from the many things he must have experienced in his life.
The Golden Dome of the Sultan Mosque reflects the sun in the area of Singapore known as Kampong Glam. This area is dominated by Arab Street and is the Muslin neighborhood of Singapore. The indigenous Malay people are mostly Muslim and this area was where the regional Sultan resided. The house still stands along with other buildings a short walk from the Mosque. Malaysian Sultans ruled the area from the 15th century to the colonial period.
The Little India section of the city is hometo one of Singapore's oldest Hindu temples, the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, dedicated to the goddess and destroyer of evil, Kali. This six story structure is covered with sculptures of Hindu deities in wonderful colors.Shopping is big here with everything from traditional saris, flower garlands, sandalwood incense, and traditional sweets to electronics. Don't forget to buy your favorite Bollywood DVD. My wife had to buy me a shirt as she could not pass up the prices. Indian cuisine can be bought from street vendors to upscale restaurants.
Many streets in Little India have English names like Dickson Road, Clive Street, and Dunlop Street, named after the colonial settlers of early Singapore. The area was the home to the British horse racing track for many years.
As evening approached , I travelled to the best view in Singapore. The Marina Bay Sands Hotel unique design stands out in the skyline of Singapore. It is three towers are capped like a "T" by a skyline level containing an infinity pool, night club, open air bar and an outdoor viewing area that is so close to the skyscrapers of downtown you can almost see the occupants of the glassed enclosed offices across the small Marina Bay. You will travel up 57 levels to capture the stunningview from the Sands Skypark public observation deck. You also get a great view of the Gardens by the Bay with its Supertreesand glass domed Cloud Forest.
These tree-shaped vertical gardens are betweennine to sixteen stories tall. You can walk on the suspended walkway between two Supertrees to enjoy a unique view of the gardens.In the evening, catch the sky show of choreographed lights and sounds at the Garden Rhapsody amidst the Supertrees. The Cloud Forest is within a glass enclosed compound. A 100 foot tall mountain is veiled in mist and coveredin lush mountain vegetation and includes the world's tallest indoor waterfall.
After a drink or snack at the top of the hotel you need to experience the shopping plaza and three story casino that are part of the complex. Finally to cap your evening take a "Bum Boat" from the marina across the bay to Merlion Park to wander the waterfront with a great view of the Marina Bay Sands.You can even travel by these water taxis up the Singapore river to the Clark Quay. This is an entertainment district with more places to shop, eat, and drink. I loved this vibrant metropolis of Asia for its combination of history, culture, and fantastic skyline.
Singapore is a clean, modern, expensive and well governedmetropolis of over 5.5 million people.Some travel tips for this city are don' t spit, litter, smoke in public or chew gum.A hefty fine may result. Also Singapore has a modern and efficient transportation system called the MRT. It is less expensive than taxis andsigns are in multiple languages. I hope to return soon to see the sights I missed in this City of Lions.
Useful links
https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltaweb/en/public-transport/mrt-and-lrt-trains/train-system-map.html