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Singapore More than meets the eye |
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Singapore is known for its cleanliness, order and safety. Recognized as one of the world’s major commercial harbors, this island republic serves as a connection point between Europe and Southeast Asia and has the reputation of being an Asian Tiger. Clearly, Singapore’s modern-day miracle rests on its ability to tap the skills of its human resource. The first page in Singapore’s history books suggests that the word Singapore, a derivative of its Sanskrit name Singapura, means “city of lion”. Situated at the tip of the Asian continent, it is close to the equator; therefore, regardless of the month of mainland, the country has some 60 tiny islands. The first thing one should do upon arrival at Singapore’s Changi Airport is to adjust one’s watch to the local time, which is an hour ahead of Thailand. Given its diverse races, languages, cultures and lifestyles, the initial experience in Singapore could be quite surprising. Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English are the four official languages spoken in Singapore, although Malay remains the national language. It is also known for “Singlish”, or the unique Singaporean English spoken by its people, although the government is campaigning heavily to ensure that proper English is spoken. Singapore’s racial diversity gives the country many festivals to celebrate. Muslims, Chinese, Hindus, Christians and Buddhists all have their share of festivities, in addition to other forms of entertainment, art, culture, sport and performances. But one of the events supported by the government is the Sales Festival that takes place every year during June and July, when all the shops offer hefty discounts on brand-name merchandise to attract shoppers from far and near. Orchard Street, in Singapore’s world-famous commercial district, is lined with more than 30 department stores. To ensure that you get quality and inexpensive goods, look for the Singapore Gold Circle sticker the quality assurance from Singapore Tourism Board on shop windows. Orchard Street itself is one of Singapore’s five “dragons” because it offers not only scores of elegant shops but also hotels, lodgings and night entertainment spots of all forms. The legendary Singapore Sling had its origin at Long Bar in Singapore’s grand old lady, the Raffles Hotel, which is located on this street. For those wishing to experience the diversity and the real flavor of Singapore, a corner coffee shop on Orchard Street is recommended as the place to observe street life. It is almost unbelievable that what is now one of the world’s most important streets was once an orchard. Another Singaporean experience that could not be found in Thailand concerns the gigantic bookstores frequented by Singaporeans of all ages and genders, among them Kinokuniya and Takashimaya. Borders on the ground floor of Weelock Place is said to have more than 200,000 volumes in stock, making it the region’s largest bookstore. Borders offers more than just food for thought: it also has an easy and comfortable ambience. In front of the store on Orchard Street is an open-air coffee shop offering mouthwatering delicacies that can satisfy any hungry stomach. Taking leave of Orchard Street for Stamford Road, one finds MPH, Singapore’s oldest bookstore that still retains the air of a local bookshop. On the same street is Caf? Artist, a Bookstore and eatery serving noodles and local food. Given their country’s racial and cultural diversity and fast growth, Singaporeans are somewhat faced with an identity problem which strict laws and practice could not satisfactorily answer. A good number of present-day Singaporean parents are concerned about their overly self-confident children who believe the law and the government will protect them if their parents fail to be reasonable. The kind of familial relationship still prevalent in Thailand is therefore the envy among many elderly Singaporeans. Tipping is not a practice in Singapore as service charges and tariffs are already included in the bill. Meanwhile, smoking in public places is strictly prohibited except in certain permitted areas. Smokers can face a fine of 1,000 Singapore dollars the first time they are caught smoking in prohibited areas, and the fine increases with each arrest. Smoking has become a status symbol in Singapore as cigarettes are relatively expensive. Among the famous landmarks which visitors should not miss is the Merlion, the statue of a lion which is the symbol of Singapore. Standing majestically at Singapore Bay, it will soon be relocated as the current site is no longer deemed appropriate because of a bridge spanning the bay and the all-night illumination from different imposing hotel buildings. While visiting Singapore, it’s a pity if “shopping till you drop” is the only thing you do because for the adventurous the island republic truly offers a lot of hidden charms. | ||||||
| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 29 October 2008 ) | ||||||
