Singapore

DANIEL SUY - THE CITY OF SINGAPORE

The island now known as Singapore was in its earliest days the site of a Malay fishing village at the mouth of the Singapore River. As from the 11^th century the island took a new name, namely "Singa Pura" which means "Lion City". A legend tells that a Sri Vijayan  Prince spotted an animal that he mistook for a lion and… Singapore's modern day name was born. In the 14th century the island colony had been absorbed by the mighty Sri Vijayan empire and became known as Temasek  or"Sea Town". Because of its strategic location at the natural meeting point of sea routes at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore had been visited by sailors from different nations such as China, India, Arabia, Portugal and Bugin.

At the beginning of the 19^th century, the British East India Company, under command of  Sir Stamford Raffles, established a trading post on the island. This post became a harbour along the spice route. Hence, Singapore became not only the hub of British power in the region, it also became one of the most important commercial and military centres of the entire British Empire.

In the 20^th century Singapore became the scene of fierce fighting during World War II. The Japanese overran the island in 1942, notwithstanding its reputation as unseizable. After the war, Singapore became a Crown Colony. The growth of nationalism led to self-government in 1959 and on 9 August 1965, Singapore became an independent republic.

THE  PORT  OF SINGAPORE

Singapore has a 50 million SGD (Singapore Dollar) Cruise Centre, known as the SCC. It is located just across Sentosa, one of the region's premier island resorts.  Each year more than  six million people  transit through the SCC en route to their holiday destinations in the region.

The SCC has two main terminals:

The International Passenger Terminal which is used for international sea-borne traveling.
This terminal has 2 berths measuring 300 metres and 250 metres respectively and with drafts of up to 12 metres.

The Regional Ferry Terminal , also known as theTanah Merah Ferry Terminal which is used for regional traffic since 1995. TMFT is located in Changi near Singapore Changi Airport.
This terminal has 4 berths for regional ferries plying between Singapore and the Indonesian Riau Islands, and Malaysia.

Facilities at the International Passenger Terminal include shipping berths, passenger link-bridges to cruise ships, spacious air-conditioned arrival and departure lounges, lifts for the disabled and baggage carousels.

TRANSPORT IN SINGAPORE

Singapora has a well-connected road transport system which includes a network of expressways.

Buses
More than 2.85 million people use the bus network daily operated mainly by SBS Transit and SMRT Buses, the two main public bus operators, while more than 1.5 million people use either the LRT or MRT as part of their daily routine.

Metro and light rail
The heavy rail passenger Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) metro system has been in operation since 1985. The MRT has been further augmented by the Light Rail Transit (LRT) light rail system, and increases accessibility to housing estates. Established in 2001, the EZ-Link system allows contactless smartcards to serve as stored value tickets for use in the public transport systems in Singapore.

Taxi
Approximately 945,000 people use the taxi services daily. Use of private cars is discouraged.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN SINGAPORE

Singapore is the place where you can find a large collection of “World’s firsts” or “World’s biggest”…

- Changi Airport is often voted the world’s best airport

- The Singapore Flyer ( the world’s highest Ferris wheel attraction) where you can enjoy panoramic views over Singapore island and beyond from a heigth of  the 165m (540ft)

- Suntec City park has the biggest man-made fountain

- The Night Safari was the first night zoo in the world

- Jurong Birdpark has the highest man-made waterfall (30 m) in the world. . There is also the world's largest walk-in aviary, a nocturnal house and several spectacular bird shows.

- View what was once an ancient fort of the Malay kings, covering 2.8 hectares (7 acres): Fort Canning Park, on Fort Canning Rise. The colonial ruins of the British citadel can still be viewed.
- Orchard Road is the place to shop in a modern surroundings.

- Local and more typical shopping is centered in Chinatown, Little India and Geylang Serai.

- There are numerous Buddhist and Hindu temples, mosques and Anglican and Catholic cathedrals, which testify the diversity of religions in Singapore.

- The National Museum of Singapore which offers much more than just static collections telling the island state's colourful history, it is also a focal point for numerous festivals and events.