Singapore may be small, but packs quite a punch. Today the financial and technological hub of South East Asia, Singapore was once a sleepy Malay fishing village, which came into its own as a British trading colony in the 1800's. Only about 655 square kilometers in area, it is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with about 6430 people per square kilometer. Although it is one of the 20 smallest countries in the world, its economy is a world leader, and has the world's busiest port in terms of tonnage handled.
Here are some must sees for your visit to Singapore.
• Ethnic Quarters
The ethnic quarters of Singapore provide a true picture of the cultural diversity that goes to make up the unique character of Singapore. Little India is a colorful area of shops selling everything from saris to freshly ground spices. Chinatown has quaint shops selling ethnic products, and every corner has the distinctive architecture of decorated temples and buildings. A range of exotic textiles is available in Arab Street, the heart of the Malay quarter, including batiks from Indonesia, silks, sarongs, and shirts. There are two mosques for the areas predominantly Muslim population - the spectacular Sultan Mosque and the tiny but beautiful Jama-at Mosque.
• Isles of Singapore
Apart from the main island, the smaller islands of Singapore state provide interesting getaway spots for the tourist. These islands can be reached by taking a ferry from the World Trade Center or hiring a boat form the Changi Jetty or the Clifford Pier. The island of Pulau Ubin still retains early 20th century rural life. St. John's island has a resort with water sports and quiet bungalows, while snorkeling and diving are popular on Lazarus and Sisters Islands.
• Shopping
The main activity in Singapore! Some of the main shopping areas are:
Chinatown has a multitude of shops ranging from the starkly modern to the traditional.
Pacific Plaza is one of the newest shopping complexes with fashion houses, international music outlets and sophisticated eating places.
Clarke Quay and Boat Quay are major tourist attractions on the banks of the Singapore River, with almost two hundred shops selling anything from pottery to clothes and souvenirs.
The ethnic quarters of Singapore provide a true picture of the cultural diversity that goes to make up the unique character of Singapore. Little India is a colorful area of shops selling everything from saris to freshly ground spices. Chinatown has quaint shops selling ethnic products, and every corner has the distinctive architecture of decorated temples and buildings. A range of exotic textiles is available in Arab Street, the heart of the Malay quarter, including batiks from Indonesia, silks, sarongs, and shirts. There are two mosques for the areas predominantly Muslim population - the spectacular Sultan Mosque and the tiny but beautiful Jama-at Mosque.
• Isles of Singapore
Apart from the main island, the smaller islands of Singapore state provide interesting getaway spots for the tourist. These islands can be reached by taking a ferry from the World Trade Center or hiring a boat form the Changi Jetty or the Clifford Pier. The island of Pulau Ubin still retains early 20th century rural life. St. John's island has a resort with water sports and quiet bungalows, while snorkeling and diving are popular on Lazarus and Sisters Islands.
• Shopping
The main activity in Singapore! Some of the main shopping areas are:
Chinatown has a multitude of shops ranging from the starkly modern to the traditional.
Pacific Plaza is one of the newest shopping complexes with fashion houses, international music outlets and sophisticated eating places.
Clarke Quay and Boat Quay are major tourist attractions on the banks of the Singapore River, with almost two hundred shops selling anything from pottery to clothes and souvenirs.
For more go to www.visitsingapore.com