Singapore
Singapore is one of the smallest countries in the world but it is packed with interesting
places, people, food and fun.
Because of its high standard of living and quality of life, it is known as the
Switzerland of Asia. Because of its high educational standards and cultural
vitality it strives to be the Athens of Asia. It is an ideal location to learn
English, Chinese and Malay. Singapore has grown enormously in stature in the
last few years and has been nominated number 3 for fun, night life and glamour.
It is a mainstream venue for international events for the global business and
financial community. With its forthcoming integrated resort, Singapore is
seeking to vie with Las Vegas to attract international high-rollers.
The Singapore River
The Singapore River was the lifeline of Singapore. Singapore changed from a small village by the river to a busy port. On 29
January 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles landed at the mouth of the Singapore River (where a white marble statue of him now stands). There were many offices,
shops, factories and warehouses along the river. Both rich Chinese, Arab and European merchants and poor immigrants worked here.
Chinatown
Singapore combines the ultra-modern and the quaint. Chinatown is one of Singapore's oldest settlements. There
are very old shophouses. Walk along Pagoda Street and Trengganu Street. Traditional Chinese culture can be seen everywhere in busy coffeeshops, Chinese
medicine halls, calligraphers, fortune-tellers, goldsmith shops and old temples. Singapore's Chinatown started to flourish in 1821 when the first Chinese junks
arrived from China. The male immigrants set up home here. Life was tough. Water had to be transported from wells at Ann Siang Hill and Spring
Street by bullock cart. That's why Chinatown is called Niu Che Shui in Chinese (Bullock Cart Water).
Little India
Little India is a colourful place. Serangoon Road was one of the earliest roads built in Singapore (by 1828). There was a
brick kiln industry here which attracted Indian immigrants. Today, it is the focal point of the Indian community. There are lots of small shops
selling Indian clothes, jewellery, food and spices.
Kampong Glam and Arab Street
Kampong Glam used to be a fishing village at the mouth of the Rochor River. The name comes from the Glam tree. Sultan
Mosque,
Singapore's biggest mosque, is here. Arabs were among the first traders to arrive in Singapore. Along Arab Street you can find
many shops selling cloth.
Fort Canning
Fort Canning is a large hill in Singapore. Hundreds of years ago, there was a Malay palace on top of Fort Canning. In 1822,
Sir Stamford Raffles built his house on top of it.
Climate
Singapore has a tropical climate. It is hot and humid. The day temperature is 29-33 degrees Celsius all year. You
should drink lots of water (6-8 glasses per day) and shower at least once a day. There are plenty of trees, parks and swimming pools.
For exercise, why not walk, cycle,
roller-blade and swim at East Coast Park ? Or, try jungle-trekking at Bukit Timah
Nature Reserve!
Food and Drink
Pop into a 'coffeeshop' or food centre in the morning for a cup of thick, black 'kopi-o' coffee and a plate of kaya on toast (a kind
of jam made from eggs and coconut). At lunchtime, walk round a hawker centre and select dishes from dozens of stalls. They have Chinese, Malay,
Indian and western food. Don't forget to try durian, 'the King of Fruit' (with
its unforgettable odour) and mangosteens, 'the Queen of Fruit'. To wash it all down,
try sugar-cane juice, soya-bean milk, chin-chao grass jelly, chendol, mixed fruit juices and home-brewed barley water.
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Last updated: January 2007