Singapore Travel Guide
The earliest written account of Singapore is found in a 3rd century Chinese text, described matter-of-factly as 'the island at the end of the peninsula'. Singapore's first inhabitants were Malay Buddhists, but that all changed when the British Raj sailed in as part of their colonial quest into South Asia. The island became a British trading post and a strategic point to keep out rivals like the Dutch who were also out for spoils in the South Seas.
Today's Singapore is a logical progression from its roots as a multicultural trading post, as today it could still be described as such. The city-state at the tip of Malaysia is best known for its commercial exploits and enterprises, and most of its tourism is based on shopping of some kind. Whether it is clothes, jewellery or a big win at the racetrack, Singapore is all about money. History and culture have taken a back seat in contemporary Singapore, as cultural activists watch traditional Chinese buildings get torn down in the wake of the almighty Singaporean dollar.
Tourist Attractions Around Singapore
In recent years, city tourism officials have made no secret about their ambitions to draw in more tourists to the island, and visitors will notice that for a certain ilk, Singapore can be paradisiacal, while for others it appears a bland whisper of Draconian hem and greed par excellence.
The island isn't that big, but despite being a major financial centre Singapore has suffered the same fate as its island cousin of Hong Kong. Space is at a premium, so building upwards is the norm. Though there are plenty of hotels to choose from, many are expensive and small. But the whole island isn't cramped, and there are many places to seek refuge around the island. The beaches offer everything from swimming and jet-skiing to dining in the restaurants that line the coast. The East Coast Park is the most popular spot for weekend relaxation for the city's young professionals.
One advantage of the island's multicultural past that has been nurtured to the benefit of anyone who visits is the cuisine. Singapore has some excellent places to eat, with menus as varied as the accents of its citizenry.
Transportation Around Singapore
Getting to Singapore is no chore at all. The city-state has invented itself as the premier travel hub in the region, with an airline that's frequently rated number one in global surveys.
Singapore is a very safe city, with crimes against tourists rare. Accidents and illnesses do occur, so be sure to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy before you travel.
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