Singapore

Singapore History

The history of Singapore dates to the 11th century. The island rose in importance during the 14th century under the rule of Srivijayan prince Parameswara and became an important port until it was destroyed by Acehnese raiders in 1613. The modern history of Singapore began in 1819 when Englishman Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles established a British port on the island. Under British colonial rule, it grew in importance as a centre for both the India-China trade and the entrepôt trade in Southeast Asia, rapidly becoming a major port city.

During World War II, Singapore was conquered and occupied by the Japanese Empire from 1942 to 1945. When the war ended, Singapore reverted to British control, with increasing levels of self-government being granted, culminating in Singapore's merger with the Federation of Malaya to form Malaysia in 1963. However, social unrest and disputes between Singapore's ruling People's Action Party and Malaysia's Alliance Party resulted in Singapore's separation from Malaysia. Singapore became an independent republic on 9 August 1965.

Facing severe unemployment and a housing crisis, Singapore embarked on a modernisation programme that focused on establishing a manufacturing industry, developing large public housing estates and investing heavily on public education. Since independence, Singapore's economy has grown by an average of nine percent each year. By the 1990s, the country had become one of the world's most prosperous nations, with a highly developed free market economy, strong international trading links, and the highest per capita gross domestic product in Asia outside of Japan.

Singapore attractions:-

1.The Sentosa Island

Located in the southern part of Singapore, The Sentosa Island is the best known resort island of Singapore. Packed with attractions, you are unlikely to exhaust its places of interest even if you spend one whole day there .

The latest attraction of the island is its Resorts World,where you can find Singapore's first casino. The Universal Studios themepark is now ready. In addition, there are exciting shopping malls and hotels.

2.Singapore Zoo/Night Safari:-

The Singapore Zoo is known to be one of the world's most spectacular zoos.  It is an "open" zoo that uses natural barriers like streams, rock and plants that separate visitors from the animals, and yet allow them to be close enough as if part of the animal kingdom.  Spreading over 28 hectares, it is home to over 3,600 mammals, birds and reptiles, including rare and endangered species.

Equally interesting is the Singapore Night Safari. It is the world’s first dedicated and premier night zoos, where there are over 1,000 nocturnal animals to watch out for. The animals are grouped in zones to recreate geographic regions like the Southeast Asian rainforest, African savanna, Nepalese river valley, South American pampas and Burmese jungle.

3.Chinatown:-

Chinatown Singapore is a place full of activity all year round. It is where Singaporean enjoy the traditional Chinese delicacies, shop in street market, and pay respects in the Chinese temples.  It is not purely Chinese nevertheless.  You also find  Indian temples and mosques there.

4.Little India:-

In Little India of Singapore, there are endless of things Indian for you to discover.  From Indian spices, ethnic jewellery, jasmine garlands, silk saris to parrot fortune tellers giving advice along the corridor.  It is even more lively in Indian festival.  During Deepavali the Indian Festival of Lights, usually falls around October and November, Little India is lit up and transformed into a fairyland of lights.  During Thaipusam that falls in Jan or Feb each year, you are able to witness the devotees piercing their cheeks, tongue, face or other body parts with sharp objects in the rituals

5.Singapore River :-

The Singapore River gives you a glimpse of the country’s past and present.  With the skyscrapers of the financial center at the background, a stroll along the river gives you a quick insight into Singapore's historical and commercial beginnings.  At night, enjoy good foods and partying along Boat Quay and Clark Quay.

6.The Botanic Garden:-

The 150-year old Singapore Botanic Gardens is a star visitor attraction for the sophisticated traveller as well as the local resident. This Gardens possesses an array of botanical and horticultural attractions with a rich history and a wonderful plant collection of worldwide significance. Complementing these unique resources are sensitive developments providing visitors educational and recreational facilities.

7.East Coast Park

East Coast Park is not only the most popular, but also the largest (1.85sqkm) park in Singapore. It was built on reclaimed land and offers various activities from water sports to cycling, rollerblading, bowling as well as an 18-hole indoor mini-golf course. Other facilities include a manmade sandy beach, shops/kiosks, rest-rooms, barbecue stations and holiday chalets.

8.Universal Studios Singapore:-

The latest addition to Singapore’s attractions is Universal Studios. Opened in March 2010, it has seven themed sections with countless rides and shows, all related to major hit movies. The park is part of the US$4.5 billion Resorts World Sentosa Development

Other attractions include from Underwater World, Dolphin Lagoon, Fort Siloso to beautiful beaches.  At night, do not miss the magical musical fountain multimedia extravaganza that transforms the island into a mystical land.