Singapore: The Chameleon of Asia
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Singapore's National Beast: The Merlion or the Chameleon?
We've visited Singapore off and on since the 1960's, usually working. The National Beast is the Merlion but it should be the Chameleon because every time we see this city state it has changed its colours and shapes and sizes and self-confidence levels. As we are currently working in Southeast Asia not far from Singapore, we decided to have a break there. Besides, we wanted to download new books to our Kindle and we were sure that Singapore would enable us to do that directly through Whispernet which hasn't quite reached our little backwater yet.
So, off we went to Singapore and this time for a break and a scrounging around of old memories. Often, in the past, we were working and had tight scheds. We never bothered to do the full monty other than for the requisite dinners as we thought there was really nothing interesting. It was sort of Toronto with palm trees.
This time, we were not there for work so our plan was to see the sites, talk to locals, check out change management and try to understand how a country can behave as a Company! Anyway, we used to stay in the vicinity of Orchard Road as that was convenient for work. So, for a change, we booked in along Marina Bay so we could walk the old town and check the balance of Imperial left overs and I.M. Pei architectural triumphs.
Map of Singapore
Locate the places you like in Singapore
Singapore Hop on, Hop off Tour
The fastest way to view the city of Singapore
Since we were on the Marina Square across from Suntec, the convention center we just walked around there first. Parked there were the hop on, hop off buses, two deckers with no roof so we decided why not? We soldiered over to the Hippo Tour bus whose driver was not only friendly but run us through all the deals we are going to get. Thank goodness he wasn't selling rugs! Not one to give up great bargains, we took the full day package and planned to go first on the city tour and then take the heritage tour.
This Hop on Hop off system is wonderful. For years, we scorned this kind of thing as the last bastion of the blue hairs and German/Japanese Tour Squadrons, but being blue hairs ourselves now, we know it is the fastest way to get a quick overview of what a city has on offer. So now we usually take 'the tour" on our first day in any city we visit. We get to see the sights and decide which ones would be worth a return visit. There are guides in these buses giving us a background of the history of the place and other interesting vignettes. Some are flaky pastries pumping their own tips, but many are worthwhile.
Your Guide to Singapore
Easy to go around
Lonely Planet Singapore (City Travel Guide) by Joshua Samuel Brown, Matt Oakley
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Singapore Travel Guide by GuideGecko
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Lonely Planet Singapore (City Travel Guide)
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Singapore Sights 2011: a travel guide to the top 40 attractions in Singapore (Mobi Sights) by MobileReference
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Travel Singapore 2012 - Illustrated guide, phrasebook and maps. (Mobi Travel) by MobileReference
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Lonely Planet Singapore Encounter by Joshua Samuel Brown, Matt Oakley
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Experience Singapore: a travel guide (2011) by Dolphin Books
This ebook is a handy and usable travel guide to Singapore. more...0 points
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The Rough Guide to Singapore by Mark Lewis
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Singapore - Culture Smart!: the essential guide to customs & culture by Angela Milligan
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Singapore City Tour
Stop at Singapore's Botanical Garden
So, off we went to our city tour. We stayed on top of the bus to see better and take some pictures. Half of the bus is roofed with canvas to protect you from the sun but not deprive you of the view to be had and the sense of being outdoors. Our first stop was the botanical gardens which we always love to visit each time we come to this city. It is an oasis very close to Orchard Road, one of the busiest commercial districts in Singapore. The orchids alone are worth the visit but the flowers have attracted birds and butterflies and it is a wonderland. We stretched our legs and enjoyed nature and the rain forests.
Treasures of Singapore
Find your treasures in auctions
River Boat Cruise
A different view of the city
The other good stop in this one is the riverside where you can take a boat trip. We put this off for the next day. Memories of the Brit Navy and the rather scummy reputation Singapore enjoyed before the War were best left to another day.
We enjoyed the cruise. It gives you a different view of the city and you can look back to snippets of history.
Singapore Today
A Marvel of Achievements
No other state has achieved what Singapore has done to transform its tiny country. Maybe, it is easier given its size but it is more than that. It rallied its people to make it happen and that is all because of the leadership of its Minister Mentor, Lee Kuan Yew. Today, Singapore is Asia's shipping hub with over 600 shipping lines with their super tankers, cargo ships and passenger lines crowding the city's port. The port facilities are just amazing as well as the logistics to handle the traffic that you can so easily see when you tour the city. With this world class port, Singapore has become the major ship builder and repairer as well as the top refiner and distributor of oil in Asia.
Singapore is also the electronics components hub and where Asians flock to buy any electronics gadget in vogue. Now, many apps companies and startups have made Singapore its home attracting skilled Indians and Filipinos to work at many of these computer applications. Yes, if you have advanced skills in computer, try posting your resume in Monster Inc. and jobs will be flying your direction.
But Singapore's goal is to take from Hong Kong the crown of being Asia's financial centre. Maybe Asia is too small, it will take on the world. And with its over 300 banks, it will become that soon.
History of Singapore
What Singapore has Achieved
From Third World to First : The Singapore Story: 1965-2000 by Lee Kuan Yew
Few gave tiny Singapore much chance of survival when more...0 points
The History of Singapore (The Greenwood Histories of the Modern Nations) by Jean Abshire
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Scripting of A National History: Singapore and Its Pasts, The by Huang Jianli, Hong Lysa
Rather than presenting another narrative of Singap more...0 points
Singapore, the Battle that Changed the World by James Leasor
When Singapore fell to the Japanese on 15 February more...0 points
Rickshaw Coolie: A People's History of Singapore 1880-1940 by James Francis Warren
Between 1880 and 1930 colonial Singapore attracted more...0 points
Crossroads: A Popular History of Malaysia and Singapore by Jim Baker
In this fully updated, second edition of Crossroad more...0 points
Shopping in Singapore
Orchard Road
Our next stop was Orchard Road where we enjoyed a bit of shopping. We visited a few stores. CK Tang, the first of the great megastores here and, of course, Lucky Plaza where despite the national howls of moral rectitude, even the fakes are fake. It is the last of the great scungy multi floor oriental bazaars and it is worth every second you spend and every SDollar you waste. It was refreshingly clean and efficient. Of course, next door is the high end Louis Vuitton, Dior, Prada, Coach, Bulgari, Ferragamo, Chanel et al and be assured that what you are buying is authentic.
What's on auction on Singapore
Do some shopping online
Singapore, Green City
Hard wood trees all over Singapore
This city tour gives you a picture of a green city. Yes, Singapore has trees everywhere as it boasts and puffs of its Green commitments, and these hard wood trees give it freshness and stability as well complimenting an array of world class architecture which is scintillating. The green space compliments the bustle of a commercial. The city is light and not overwhelming and it really is a model for others to check out.
The Singapore Heritage Tour
Ethnic spots in Singapore
We needed to retreat for R and R to our hotel from the shops so we just hopped on the bus again. After depositing our packages, we took the heritage tour. We did not leave the bus this time. Instead, we allowed the bus to take us around so we didn't miss the commentaries of the tour guides on the specialized ethnic areas.
Singapore came within an inch of consuming its own history and just in time it saw that it would lose its soul and also any hope of tourism. So there are still some greatly upgraded landmarks in the city and the little pockets of minority areas like Little India, Thieves Market, China Town and the Malay heritage center. This is a reminder that the City has a multi ethnic history that is really worth studying as it seems to work well. The first mosque, Saint Andrews Cathedral, the first Hindu temple, the port area where the Chinese first settled and Bugis, the electronics area all are in good nic.
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Singapore Lion - Women's
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Architecture in Singapore
Marvels of Singapore
Sentosa, Singapore
Fun Park in Singapore
The next day, we wanted to check out Sentosa Island as we had avoided this manufactured tourist magnet place in the past. This time, we wanted to do the tourism bit so we took a cab to Mount Faber and then cable car. It is the highest I have ever been on and because they have recently renovated it, it looks sparklingly new and inspiring confidence. The views are fantastic as you can get an aerial peek of the water front. We saw how busy the port area is demonstrating how well the Singapore economy is doing. Yes, there are lots of jobs here. And wealth, too. Make no mistake, this is a very wealthy country and it is run in a very efficient manner to create this wealth.
Sentosa is the biggest park in Southeast Asia and lots of fun activities are there for tourists to enjoy. We went for walks and enjoyed the butterfly garden as the rides are really not for us but we could see the fun all the younger ones are having.
Look at some of these pictures of Sentosa Island
Singapore's Theme Park
Raffles Hotel Singapore
The Old Dame of Singapore
That evening, we were meeting some family members who are younger so we thought, we would first have a Singapore Sling in the iconic Long bar in Raffles. We used to stay in the hotel when it was still the old dame with the glorious foisty smells of Imperial Hotels. Conrad slept in that room, Greene over there. It's all rebuilt now but the occasional Pith Helmet display give a hint of history.
Nostalgia for Old Singapore
Get a memory of Singapore in the auctions
Going out in Singapore
Hard Rock Rocks
From there, we took the younger ones to the Hard Rock Cafe where we knew they would have a blast. We had another drink in the bar as we had no reservation so had to wait as the place is very busy. It is wise when you plan to go there, to make a reservation. It was a fun place with the whole restaurant greeting birthday celebrants as they each went to the stage and blew the candles and burnt out rockers raging at destiny on the silver screen.
The Electronics Center in Singapore
Bugis
More shopping was done the next day. This time, we went to Bugis for electronics. Yes, we got a lap top and a camera for really good prices. You can get the sales tax back at the airport when you spend more than a hundred Singapore dollars in a store. Unlike other countries, this process is very efficient here so it is worth going through it. For food, there is always Marks and Spencer for some of those super Pom cookies you miss and other specialty stores for the things you can't get back in Limbo.
On the man who led Singapore
Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew
"The message I want to convey is a simple one. We are a nation in the making. Will we make it? Am I certain we'll get there? No, we cannot say that. Something may go wrong somewhere and we'll fall apart....So this precious, accidental, improbable, unlikely nation that we have created should be nurtured, carefully strengthened and built upon."
Events in Singapore
Singapore Hosts Major Events
Singapore has positioned itself not only as a financial and business hub in Asia but also as the place to hold international events. You must have heard of a number of events Singapore recently hosted. And when we were there, we went to a fabulous modern art exhibition which just floored us. But the Singapore Sun Festival (October 29-November 7) tops all the other sun festivals in other major cities. Celebrating the Art of Living Well, this festival attracted acclaimed musicians like David Foster, Natalie Cole and tenor Jose Carreras; actors, chefs and other artists who joined in the extravaganza of music, literature, visual arts, film, wine, food and wellness.
Art in Singapore
Get one in auction
Watch for events in Singapore
News and updates
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Prosperity in Singapore
Baba Bling
Baba Bling is the exhibition staged by Musee Branly to celebrate Singapore's roots. The exhibition features over 500 artifacts including furniture, porcelain, embroidered costumes and beaded slippers belonging to the Peranakan Chinese community (born in the Malay Archipelago) called Babas. These Peranakan Chinese in the past formed the wealthy class and often served as the go-between the international traders and the locals.
There are other Peranakan communities such as the Jawi (Indian Muslim) or the Melaka Chitty (Hindu) all laying the foundation of a multi-cultural and prosperous Singapore.
Singapore of Old
Get a piece of Singapore memorabilia
You will need for your Singapore trip
Get one for yourself
Keep up to date on Singapore news
Singapore news
- Singapore: The World's “Unhealthiest” Country?
- By Shibani Mahtani Singapore's lawmakers have always worried their city-state's growth is unsustainable given its lack of water, energy and other natural resources. But a new study says matters may be worse than they know, with the country's current ...
- Singapore Stocks-Fall from eight-month highs, hit by Wilmar
- Index down 0.4 percent, support seen at 3000 points * Wilmar shares plunge on concerns about declining margins By Eveline Danubrata and Mark Tay SINGAPORE, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Singapore shares fell by midday, snapping a three-day streak of gains after ...
- Singapore Air cuts cargo capacity by 20 pct on weak demand, fuel price
- SINGAPORE Feb 22 (Reuters) - Singapore Airlines Ltd has cut its cargo capacity by 20 percent due to persistent weakness in demand and high jet fuel prices. "The air cargo market has shown weakness for the past nine months, and the depressed demand that ...
- Singapore Dollar Lower Late; Big Movements Unlikely In Near Term
- SINGAPORE (Dow Jones)--The Singapore dollar was slightly weaker against the US dollar late Wednesday compared with levels seen in Asia late on Tuesday, though the local currency had regained some poise following early losses and is expected to remain ...
Want to try Singapore food?
Your guide to Singapore cooking
Join in the celebration of Singapore
Singapore well deserves this
No Country/Company could be quite as great as the image Singapore reflects. Pride slides to hubris every once in a while as " biggest this" or "greatest that" gets a bit tiresome when it's in your face all the time. Still history is now treating Singapore well and it is well deserved. It has come a long way since King Rat and the depths of the 1940's and should celebrate what it is. You will really enjoy joining in with that celebration.
What others say about Singapore
Singapore is the best city to start in Asia
- Singapore: The World's “Unhealthiest” Country?
- By Shibani Mahtani Singapore's lawmakers have always worried their city-state's growth is unsustainable given its lack of water, energy and other natural resources. But a new study says matters may be worse than they know, with the country's current ...
- Singapore Stocks-Fall from eight-month highs, hit by Wilmar
- Index down 0.4 percent, support seen at 3000 points * Wilmar shares plunge on concerns about declining margins By Eveline Danubrata and Mark Tay SINGAPORE, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Singapore shares fell by midday, snapping a three-day streak of gains after ...
- Singapore Air cuts cargo capacity by 20 pct on weak demand, fuel price
- SINGAPORE Feb 22 (Reuters) - Singapore Airlines Ltd has cut its cargo capacity by 20 percent due to persistent weakness in demand and high jet fuel prices. "The air cargo market has shown weakness for the past nine months, and the depressed demand that ...
- Singapore Dollar Lower Late; Big Movements Unlikely In Near Term
- SINGAPORE (Dow Jones)--The Singapore dollar was slightly weaker against the US dollar late Wednesday compared with levels seen in Asia late on Tuesday, though the local currency had regained some poise following early losses and is expected to remain ...
Here are some lenses on Singapore you need to check out
More on Singapore
Useful links on Singapore
Know Singapore more
- SingPost
- Read news on Singapore
- Singapore Tourism Board
- Visit this site for tourism information you can trust.
- Singapore Facts
- Singapore Facts and Information that you should know.
More on Singapore
Here are the angels who blessed this Singapore lens
What joy they brought
Make sure you have your sunblock
For your Singapore trip
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Please share what you think of Singapore
Or this lens on Singapore
Am sure many of you had been to Singapore or have reead something about it. Please share here. Thanks.
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Reply
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JaguarJulie
Feb 11, 2012 @ 2:54 pm | delete
- Oh how I've yearned to visit Singapore, hearing so many good things about the place. You have shared some inspirational pictures and compelling details. Hope to visit one day.
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Ladymermaid
Feb 7, 2012 @ 8:48 pm | delete
- I am so glad to have been able to travel through Singapore through your eyes. You never disappoint me on your travels.
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ajgodinho Jan 30, 2012 @ 11:30 am | delete
- Wow, thanks for this virtual tour of Singapore, I felt like I was there. I've always known it to be a great country, but am impressed even more after reading this well presented lens. Stay blessed! :)
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indiavacationplans
Jan 21, 2012 @ 4:47 am | delete
- This looks like a cool place to go! Excellent lens! Blessed!
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rauspitz
Dec 2, 2011 @ 1:54 pm | delete
- Another outstanding lens filled with great information.
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Twitterers have been busy talking about Singapore
What are they saying about things to do in Singapore?
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- JeffryXavierLee
- RT @HakymRoslan: Singapore is full of kiasu people .
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- SpiritFinite_BF
- [PIC]120121 Sistar & Boyfriend 1st Singapore fanmeet in "My paper" newspaper (cr.KimmyLuvB2ST,jotwinsth) http://t.co/bOo5edAD
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- zxBoIBoixz
- I'm at Woodlands MRT Station (NS9) (30 Woodlands Ave 2, Singapore) w/ 9 others http://t.co/ElCE6dwA
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- SharleenKaye
- Does anyone know when is ONE DIRECTION comming to Singapore? Pls tweet me is you know when 1d is coming SG ok thanks.
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- ZenQMsia
- This is what we are made of :Teamwork! (Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Macau, Australia) http://t.co/RFw2qDck
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- Simon_Masaaki
- I'm at Tampines Mall (4 Tampines Central 5, Singapore) w/ 14 others http://t.co/myXqBHmg
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- SerySgherri
- @viaggiarelowcos è possibile un volo con air Asia,tratta singapore/kuala lumpur,ad agosto,€ 36?!? (2'passegg free)
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- yann99
- RT @finnair_sg: Planning a trip to Europe? Come join us at the Singapore NATAS Travel Fair happening this weekend! Other than... http://t.co/coXFn5tA
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- s08082007
- RT @JustGyuhyun: Video 2 UPDATE - @GaemGyu 120219 Super Show 4 in Singapore - Still With You + Isn't She Lovely http://t.co/3gjGD79Q
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- digital__jobs
- #fb Ambition Singapore: Events Sponsorship Sales Manager - Ambition Singapore: Events Sponsorship Sales Manager Attr... http://t.co/KAfRNkiI
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Here I am
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Great reminders of your Singapore trip
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Read this book on Singapore's development
Education in Singapore
Toward a Better Future: Education and Training for Economic Development in Singapore Since 1965
Amazon Price: $22.00 (as of 02/22/2012)
