Do you want something a little out of ordinary? Plan a holiday in Singapore – a growing tourist hotspot with visitors steadily on the increase. Known as the Lion City (from two Malay and Sanskrit words: Singha meaning lion and Pura – city), Singapore is a dynamic city-state that possesses a harmonious fusion of spectacular natural beauty and fine British colonial architecture. A cultural bridge between the East and the West, Singapore brims with unbridled energy and exciting events. And as far as it’s a tropical country, visitors are welcome all year round!
Singapore is also a land of culinary pleasures from around the world, where eating is just a national obsession, a passion and a way of life. Top dishes that are not to be missed include: Chilli Crab, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Laksa – Noodle Dish in Curry, Satay, Roti Prata and Fish Head Curry, all of them found at any hawker and food center on the island.
Singapore Geography
Found at the southernmost tip of the Peninsular Malaysia, the entire territory of Singapore consists of the island of Singapore and over 69 islets with only a few being inhabited. The main city area is nestled along the shores of the Singapore River. The northern and western parts feature hills and valleys, while in the eastern part sandy and flatter land predominates. Singapore experiences warm and humid climate, with temperatures hovering between 23°C and 31°C, which makes it a perfect base for sunbathing, swimming, sailing and other water sports. Rainfalls are usually sudden and heavy, yet brief and refreshing.
Singapore Attractions
With cultural diversity, high-rise condos and skyscrapers dominating the landscape, gorgeous beaches, green corridors and hot springs, and a wealth of amazing flora and fauna, Singapore is a truly unique haven for holidaymakers, which, according to the former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, will soon become a ‘tropical version’ of Paris, New York and London.
Many of the city’s attractions are clustered closely together. In the northern part of the city center, one can find the dazzling Orchard Road with its seemingly endless lineup of malls and boutiques. Chinatown with its famous Boat Quay is just to the southeast of the Orchard Road, while little India is found in northeast and the breathtaking Sentosa Island featuring a plethora of amusements is directly to the southwest of the city center. And though people say that the city can be toured in just three days, to see all the highlights and get beneath the skin of this enchanting getaway definitely warrants a longer stay.
If you are a history buff interested in the past and present days of the country, head to the National History Museum and the Asian Civilizations Museum. If you are holidaying with your family, the Night Safari and Singapore Zoo are excellent choices and if you have more time, taking in a performance at the Esplanade is highly recommended. Getting around Singapore is no problem, because here the buses and the trolley system are hyper-efficient. Taxis are also available and will take you wherever you wish for cheap prices.
Singapore is one of the cleanest cities in the world and the public transport maintains that image.
