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Singapore, the diamond-shaped island off the southern tip of Malaysia, is a
great cultural melting pot in Southeast Asian region. Although small, this
island is rich in cultural diversity and attractions, making it one of the most
stunning destinations in the world. Formerly a sleepy fishing village, Singapore
was brought to the world prominence when Sir Stamford Raffles, a 19th-British
civil servant decided to establish a trading station of the British East India
Company due to its proper location.
Despite lack of natural resources, Singapore is a wealthy nation in Southeast
Asia which endows a remarkable success in economic system. Free trade policy
permits its economic development; attracting a stream of ex-pat businessmen from
every corner of the globe. Tourism also plays a large part in national income as
the country offers availability and facilities for incentive travel,
conventions, conferences, and exhibitions.
It is marvelous that on a handful of land of Singapore, a myriad of different
things can implausibly co-exist. Various ethnic groups, Chinese, Malay, and
Indian with their distinctive culture and tradition all mingled here. Singapore
is also a joyful collision of contrasts; the gleaming skyscrapers of the modern
Singapore stand alongside the squat Chinese and Hindu temples as well as
traditional architecture; the up-scale shopping centers are as crowded as the
vibrant street markets. With so much diversity, Singapore may incomprehensibly
feature its personality; inversely, such a great diversity has created its own
unique character of the nation.
Singapore is a compact state to be explored thoroughly in just a few days.
The Colonial District forms the heart of downtown Singapore. Dotting public
buildings and cathedrals revoke the ambiance of the colonial period. Enjoy
vibrant atmosphere of various neighborhoods featuring distinctive parks,
architectures, shops and way of life in Little India, China Town, and Arab
Quarter. The main tourist area which teems with gleaming shopping malls and
luxurious hotels concentrates at the Orchard Road.
Beyond a labyrinth of high-rises in the city, a significant area of natural
pockets can also be explored on this small island. The Bukit Timah Nature
Reserve covers an area of primary rainforest. The superb Singapore Zoological
Gardens offers a remarkable experience with its night safari tours. Offshore,
the island of Pulau Ubin is where you can witness the Kampung Village's
inhabitants continuing to live a traditional life. Sentosa Island is the other
great respite from urban sights, famous for its Underwater World.
Located just 136 kilometers north of the equator, the country has a typically
tropical climate. Warm and humid temperatures are expected all year round,
approximately 30°C/86°F during daytime and 23°C/74°F in the evening.
Rainfalls are also common throughout the year, and usually sudden and heavy. The
wettest months are from November to January and the driest are from May through
July. Lightweight cotton and linen outlets are recommended.
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Singapore
