Singapore is an island city located at the southernmost tip of the Malaysian Peninsula in South East Asia. It is well-known for being one of the richest, most well organised, efficient countries in the world, with a very high standard of living and an excellent skyline by the water. Singapore is an island with "1,000 shopping malls" or so they say. Despite the hot climate, it is a tropical paradise for most tourists. This great diversity of lifestyles, cultures, and religions thrives within the framework of a regulated society.
Singapore's "FINE" city reputation is well-earned, and in fact, many will admire at once the clean, modern metropolis. Surrounded by artificially 'ordered' parks, its tall housing projects are populated by more than 80% of the population -- whose smiling native charms often belie underlying tensions about the way the island is progressing after 30 years of development.
Highlights of Singapore include some of the ethnic parts of town: Arab Street, Chinatown, Colonial District, Orchard Road and Little India.
South of Singapore are a few beautiful islands that are well worth visiting. The most visited is Sentosa island. It is a playground for people of all ages. See the Sentosa island section for more information.
Please note that, like all countries in the region, visitors are not exempt from strict laws pertaining to drug possession and trafficking. The death penalty will be prescribed if you are caught with more than a Singapore fifty cent coin's weight of narcotics. Also bringing chewing gum to Singapore is strictly prohibited!
Singapore, the diamond-shaped island off the southern tip of Malaysia, is an unlikely success story. Once a simple fishing village, it was founded in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles, an official of the British East India Company, who decided it was the perfect location as a trading station. Since then it has become one of the world's most successful and prosperous cities, known as the Lion City.
The Central Business District (CBD) is located in the heart of the island of Singapore. Here, especially at the mouth of the Singapore River, Asian tradition meets modern technology -- gleaming skyscrapers tower over traditional architecture, while squat Chinese and Hindu temples stud the city. A curious blend of ancient and modern, the city is home to an ethnic mix of Chinese, Malaysians and Indians, as well as ex-pats from all over the world, in a predominantly English-speaking society. These different races live harmoniously thanks to religious tolerance, increased prosperity, stringent no-nonsense laws and a constant balmy equatorial heat.
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Having had its successful streak, Singapore leaders seem hellbent to not allow Singapore to go through the lifecycle of most successful states -- one of rise, torpor and decline. As such, Singapore, with intensive government backing, has launched multiple bids to maintain a continued relevance globally. Much has been made about the relaxation of its image and regulations -- the controversial bartop dancing, the much debated sanctioning of casinos, and the promotion of Singapore as an arts and cultural centre.
The island of Singapore keeps growing, due to land reclamation. Since the early 70's there have been couple hundred square kilometers added...for instance, Changi Airport as well as some of those downtown skyscrapers sit on reclaimed land.
The most beautiful area of Marina Bay is where the most activities will be in the next few years. Besides Singapore's first Integrated Resort, up and coming attractions include the Singapore Flyer, the world's largest giant observation wheel, which allows visitors a panoramic, spectacular views of Singapore and beyond.