Singapore – A Cosmopolitan Island Of South Pacific

On the tip of the Malaysian Peninsula in South East Asia is the Island city-state of Singapore.  Grouping about 63 big and small Islands, it covers an area of 274.2 square kilometers.

After its independence from British rule in 1963, it was merged with Malaysia. However, in 1965, it became a separate city-state in itself.

This city-state is at about 137 kilometers to the north of the equator. To its north is the Malaysian state of Johor and to its south is Indonesian Island of Riau.

When to visit Singapore

As suggested by its location, Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate where temperatures are uniform throughout the year ranging anywhere between 22 degree Celsius to 34 degree Celsius, humidity is high and there is plenty of rainfall, especially in November and December. June and July are the hottest months here.

While anytime is good to make a trip to Singapore, it also depends on where your interest lies. For instance, the shopping season attracts shopaholics from around the world is from May to early June.

Similarly, there are various festive seasons all throughout the year depending on which you can plan your itinerary.

How to reach Singapore

Being a very popular tourist destination, Singapore is easy to access from all over the world. The Changi International Airport at Singapore is an important getaway to most of the Southeast Asia which brings almost all international airlines here.

There also goo road ways and trains as well connecting Malaysia to Singapore. Trains also operate from Thailand.

If coming from Indonesia you can also take a boat tour. There are high speed ferries from Malaysia as well that offer daily services to the Tioman Island except in the monsoon.

Attractions in Singapore

This City-state Island has plenty of animal kingdoms, reserves and natural parks where you can spot a variety of animals.

There is the Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom with about 3000 species of butterfly and insects. About 600 species of birds can be spotted at an impressive Jurong Park. You can enjoy a Night Safari at a place by the same name with rhinoceros, hyenas and giraffes among other animals around.

Singapore Zoo is definitely not to be missed out. The Underwater World on Sentosa introduces to a marine life that takes you away to some different level altogether.

Some of the other nature specific attractions  here are the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, the 52 acre Singapore Botanic Gardens, the Pasir Ris Park, Mounta Faber that offer marvelous views, the Marina City Park, the Labrador Park, the Hort Park and the Fort Canning Park.

The cosmopolitan nature of Singapore is reflected through its many ethnic centers. There is Little India with Indian spices, jewellery, brassware and saris. Chinatown in Singapore evolved around 1821 when Chinese passengers began settling here, around the south of the Singapore River, know as Telok Ayer today.

Geylang Serai is a Malay cultural centre here in Malay village.

Singapore is adorned with many historic and cultural centers. Named after the Gelam tree that used to grow here is Kampong Glam, the historic seat of Malay royalty in this Island, which now is a Malay Heritage Centre.

Here you will also come across Peranakan, the descendants of early Chinese community who settled in the Malay Archipelago in the 17th century.

There are lots of isles around that you can make a trip to. The Kusu Island, the quaint village Island of Pulau ubin and the Sentosa resort with a nature park and an heritage centre are some of the worth visiting islands.

A peaceful getaway with lagoons, beaches, picnic spots and other fun-filled activities is the hilly Island of St John.

Monuments like Chijmes (pronounced chimes) is a national heritage site as well as popular for entertainment activities like shopping and dining. The Chijmes Hall is a restored chapel where musicals, recitals and theatrical performances reverberate.

At Singapore River at Empress Place is the Dalhousie Obelisk, a monument built to commemorate the visit of the 1950 Governor General of India, Marquis Dalhousie.

The cultural centers here are fine examples of architectural brilliance as well. The Esplanade or the theatres on the Bay that opened in 2002 was built originally in 1943 with just a park that went by the same name.

An attraction for the people of Singapore here is the Istana, the Presidents official residence which is open to public 5 times in a year.

The Lau Pa Sat, located in the centre of Singapore’s business district, is the largest and the only Victorian filigree cast-iron structure remaining in Southeast Asia. It was built in 1894. It now is centre of reasonably priced local food.

Unlike many modernized city that looses out on open public spaces, the Island of Singapore has a number of parks and gardens. The Merlion Park is name after the Island’s emblem The Merlion, designed for the Singapore Tourism Board in 1964.

The National Library Singapore Garden Walks are worth visiting too because of its environment-friendly landscaping. The library is a landmark itself, being the largest in Singapore. The Old Parliament House designed by George Coleman in 1827 as a colonial mansion is Singapore’s oldest building that has now been transformed as the Arts House.

All Parliament sittings too are open to public.

The Raffles Hotel built in 1827 is one of world’s last great 19th century hotels and certainly worth a dekko. In front of the Victoria Theatre is the bronze statue of Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of the Island, which also is a landmark here. Its white polymarble replicas at the North Boat Quay, also called the Raffles Landing Site.

The Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall is where Chinese heroism and nationalism reverberate as themes.

The Supreme Court and the City Hall with posh design, spacious interiors and murals by Italian artist Cavalieri Rodolfo Nolli, built in 1839 is a fine example of British colonial architecture.

The history and heritage of Singapore is preserved and retold in many of its museums such as the National Museum of Singapore, National Library Gallery, Asian Civilisation Museum, Images of Singapore, Singapore City Gallery, Peranakan Museum, Marina Barrage and the North East Water Visitor Center among others.

The Army Museum of Singapore, for instance displays the capabilities of army from colonial days to the present day.  The Asian Civilisations Museum tells the story of the cultural roots of this Island. Similarly, all museums have a unique story to tell about Singapore.

The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve here is primarily a rainforest, the only other within and Island’s boundary is in Rio de Janeiro.  For marine Life, the Chek Jawa Reserve is a haven.

The MacRitchie, Peirce and Seletar Reservoirs are popular picnic sites here.  The Mandai Orchid Garden is a 50 year old sanctuary that you must visit.

Reflecting the mixed ethnicity of Singapore, are the mosques like Abdul Gaffoor Mosque, churches like the Armenian Church, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, The Central Sikh Temple among plenty of other places of worship.

Towards the Singapore River are many shopping areas that you can go to. The city-state also has a couple of World War II sites like the Battle box, in Fort Canning, the Changi Chapel and Museum, the Civil War Memorial where a memorial service is held annually on February 15, the British built Fort Siloso and the Kranji War Memorial among many others.

Other theme based entertainment parks here are the Downtown East, The Forest Adventure, the G-Max Reverse Bungy and the Haw Par Villa; a Chinese folklore centre.

Among the villages that you can make a trip to are the Changi Village to the east of Singapore, the Holland village, Katong, Tampines estate in eastern Singapore, Toa Payoh and the suburb of Yishun to the north of the Island.

With a cosmopolitan ambience combined with natural beauty, Singapore Island should definitely be on your list of must visit destinations of the world.