SINGAPORE

By: LEC

Singapore is a wealthy city state in south-east Asia. Once a British colonial trading post,
today it is a thriving global financial hub and described as one of Asia's economic "tigers". It is
also renowned for its conservatism and strict local laws and the country prides itself on its
stability and security.

Though physically small, Singapore is an economic giant. It has been Southeast Asia's
most modern city for over a century. The city blends Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian and English
cultures and religions. Its unique ethnic tapestry affords visitors a wide array of sightseeing and
culinary opportunities from which to choose. A full calendar of traditional festivals and holidays
celebrated throughout the year adds to its cultural appeal. In addition, Singapore offers luxury
hotels, delectable cuisine and great shopping! The island nation of the Republic of Singapore lies
one degree north of the Equator in Southern Asia. The country includes the island of Singapore
and 58 or so smaller islands. Because of its efficient and determined government, Singapore has
become a flourishing country that excels in trade and tourism and is a model to developing
nations. The capital city, also called Singapore, covers about a third of the area of the main
island.

SINGAPORE GEOGRAPHY

Singapore is small city-state in Southeast Asia with a total land area measuring only
721.5 square kilometers and one of the youngest nations in the world became one of its most
successful.
Singapore’s strategic location on the major sea route between India and China, its
excellent harbor, and its free-trade harbor status granted by its visionary founder Sir Thomas
Stamford Raffles. However, while Sir Stamford Raffles created the framework for Singapore’s
early success, it was Singapore’s former Prime Minister, the late Mr. Lee Kuan Yew who shaped
the first quarter-century of Singapore’s existence as an independent nation and defined the path
to its current success. What follows is a brief history of the country’s origins from a colonial
outpost to the developed nation that it is today.

A. PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
It consists of the diamond-shaped Singapore Island and some 60 small islets; the main
island occupies all but about 18 square miles of this combined area. The main island is separated
from Peninsular Malaysia to the north by Johor Strait, a narrow channel crossed by a road and
rail causeway that is more than half a mile long. The southern limits of the state run through
Singapore Strait, where outliers of the Riau-Lingga Archipelago—which forms a part of
Indonesia—extend to within 10 miles of the main island.

Location: Southeastern Asia, islands between Malaysia and Indonesia

Geographic coordinates: 1 22 N, 103 48 E
Area: total: 647.5 sq km
Land: 637.5 sq km
Water: 10 sq km
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 193 km
Lowest point: Singapore Strait 0 m
Highest point: Bukit Timah 166 m
Terrain: lowland (undulating central plateau with water catchment area and nature preserve)
 B. HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
Singapore is also known as the Lion City; it is one of the largest island cities in the world.
It is home to various unique characteristics, such as the economic structure, the political
structure, social and cultural uniqueness is also found among residents.

There are many reasons for people to emigrate from Singapore as well as immigrate to
Singapore, which creates a lot of movement within this region. There are positive and negative
factors, pull and push factors, that allow for the increase movement. Internal migration also
exists as people within Singapore move to popular locations and neighbourhoods.

The culture of Singapore is made through various aspects within society. The religion,
neighbourhoods, popular culture, festivals, food all play a role in the cultural diversity within
Singapore and to Singapore as a whole.

Singapore is a parliamentary representative democratic republic country, with the

President as the Chief of State and the Prime Minister the leader of the other three branches and a
multi-party system. Singapore has been classified by some as a “hybrid” country, having
elements of authoritarian government and democratic government.

Although Singapore is considered a materialistic country by most because of their

constant pursuit of success starting at a young age. Singapore was named the “Happiest country
in Asia” from a study done by ABC News. Interestingly enough the study also revealed that
family is the most important thing for Singaporeans. In the 2012 Quality of Living Survey by
Mercer Human Resource Consulting, Singapore was rated 1st in Asia for having the best quality
of life to offer citizens.
Republic of Singapore
Capital: Singapore
Population: 5.3 million
Major languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
Major religions: Taoism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism
Life expectancy: 79 years (men), 84 years (women)
Currency: Singapore dollar
 SINGAPORE AS A TOURISM DESTINATION
A. ATTRACTIONS

Gardens by the Bay

Glimpsed the beautiful designed green space (from the top of the Marina Bay Sands,
perhaps) you won't be able to stay away. Wander through the Bay East Garden, perfect for
enjoying the vibrant plant life and escaping the city bustle for a moment.

You won't want to miss Super tree Grove, where you'll find a cluster of the iconic,
futuristic structures designed to perform environmentally sustainable functions. Then, head to
the Cloud Forest Dome to see the world's tallest indoor waterfall and learn a bit about
biodiversity.

Gardens by the Bay is an independent organization responsible for developing and

managing one of Asia’s foremost garden destinations. It is led by a multidisciplinary
team of professionals who have been involved in the greening of Singapore and had
worked alongside international and local experts to develop the Gardens.

Botanic Gardens
 Botanic Garden is a star visitor attraction for the sophisticated traveller and the local
resident. It is a 160-year-old that possess an array of botanical and horticultural features with a
rich history and a wonderful plant collection of worldwide significance. Complementing these
unique resources are sensitive developments and entertainment events providing visitors
educational and recreational facilities amidst the wonders of nature. It is the most visited botanic
gardens in the world and is a unique example of the informal English Landscape Movement’s
style in an equatorial climate.

Merlion Park

You can glimpse this legend at Merlion Park. Spouting water from its mouth, the Merlion
statue stands tall at 8.6 metres and weighs 70 tonnes.

The Merlion's body symbolizes Singapore's

humble beginnings as a fishing village when it was
called Temasek, which comes from the same root as
the word tasek ('lake' in Malay). Its head
represents Singapore’s original name, Singapura, or
‘lion city’ in Malay.

It is a must-see for tourists who is visiting

Singapore, it is similar to other significant landmarks
around the world.
 Chinatown

Chinatown is an estate located largely in the Outram area in the Central Region of

Singapore. it is much-beloved for its blend of old and new, with historic temples and traditional
medicinal halls sitting alongside bold new bars and trendy lifestyle shops. Today, Chinatown is
Singapore’s largest Historic District, and an important and unique ethnic quarter Singaporeans
fondly call “our Chinatown”.

EVENTS
Chinese New Year
It is the most widely-celebrated festival among the local Chinese population, which falls
on the first day of the lunar calendar, generally takes place in late January or early February. It
goes without saying that Chinatown in particular is a hub of frenetic energy and excitement in
the days leading up to this 15-day holiday, as shops go all out in decorating their shops with
auspicious red and golden paraphernalia. The beating of drums and cymbals heard from afar
heralds the visit of a lion dance troupe engaged to usher in prosperity in the New Year.

Chingay Parade
 It is a celebration of the art of costume and masquerade, and the parade showcases a
fascinating procession of extravagant floats and performers from 150 organisations, including
traditional Chinese dancers, daredevil stilt-walkers and martial artistes. In recent years, the
parade has become a multi-racial celebration with the participation of the Malay and Indian
communities, and is worth attending for the visual spectacles and fascinating cultural insights
offered.

Dragon Boat Festival

It held on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, it is a
Chinese festival that honours the spirit of Qu Yuan, a poet and
minister of the Chu state. The patriot, much beloved by his
people, had drowned himself in the river, despairing of the
imperial court’s corruption that led to the downfall of his state.
Dragon boat races are said to have originated from that point,
as the fishermen raced out in their boats to recover the poet’s
body. Rice balls had also been thrown into the water to
discourage the fishes from feeding on the corpse. Today’s rice
dumplings, traditionally eaten
during this festival, remain a popular food in Singapore, Taiwan,
China, and in many Southeast Asian countries. Each luscious
dumpling contains an assortment of ingredients such as dates,
meat, chestnuts or salted eggs, encased in a glossy pyramid of
glutinous rice, and wrapped in bamboo leaves. Competitive
dragon boat races are still ongoing today, and those looking to get an eyeful of these intense
races should make their way to the Marina Bay area.

B. ACTIVITIES

Visit the Singapore Botanic Garden

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a wonderful green space that families can enjoy
together. Just minutes away from Orchard Road, the Botanic Gardens provides city-dwelling
Singaporeans an escape to nature; one that extends from Tanglin Road to Bukit Timah Road.
Broadly divided into three sectors – the Tanglin Core, the Central Core and the Bukit Timah
Core – there are many beautiful spots of nature that both children and adults can enjoy within the
Gardens. Pack a picnic basket, bring a ball or Frisbee or just take a leisurely stroll through the
Garden’s grounds. It is a perfect place to slow down and escape the demands of busy city life
while soaking in nature, fresh air and time with the family.

Ride the Singapore Flyer

Experience the giant Ferris wheel in Singapore with 28 air-
conditioned capsules, each one the size of a bus and able to
take on up to 28 riders. The Singapore Flyer's builders boast
that every passenger will
experience a vibration-free
30-minute ride, with an
incredible unobstructed
view of the surrounding
island-state, as well as glimpses of neighbouring countries
Indonesia and Malaysia . The Flyer has an overall height of
541 feet that offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of
Singapore’s Marina and it was the World’s Tallest Ferris Wheel until the 550-foot-High Roller
opened on Las Vegas Strip.

Singapore Cable Car

The Singapore Cable Car Line is one of its most exciting experiences. The Mount Faber
cable car line links Mainland Singapore to the buzzing Sentosa Island. While the newly
added Sentosa Line is an intra-island line and covers the length of the Sentosa Island. The
colorful cable cars dot the skyline and offer a fantastic panoramic view of the city.
The Singapore Cable Car line offers truly unique experiences like the evening dining
pass which thrills travelers and provides unforgettable moments.

National Museum of Singapore

Go and visit the nation’s oldest museum that seeks to inspire with stories of Singapore
and the world. The museum hosts a dynamic range of events through the year—from art
installations and festivals to performances and film screenings—in addition to presenting
exhibitions involving historically and culturally important collections of artefacts. One of the
latest immersive art installations – Story of the Forest by team Lab allows visitors to experience
the treasured collections of the Museum being brought to life through a spectacular digital
presentation.
 Night Safari in Singapore

One of the best night activity in Singapore according to travellers

is to visit the Night Safari. Night Safari will be welcoming you into a
world of nocturnal creatures and their dimly-lit habitats. This
wildlife park is spread across seven distinct habitats, each home to
its own array of fascinating creatures. Your eyes will take a while to
adjust to the darkness here, but
once they do, you’ll be greeted by over 2,500 resident
animals from over 130 species, including many indigenous
to the region, such as the endangered Asian elephant,
Malayan tapir and Malayan tiger.

C. AMENITIES & FACILITIES

Shangri-La Hotel
Shangri-La Hotel's in Singapore, Asian service from the heart, step
into its striking lobby oasis and discover a world of luxurious
indulgence. It is a five-star deluxe hotel, nestled within 15 acres of
tropical landscaped gardens, guests are warmly embraced by the
hotel’s distinct service and smiles. A sanctuary in the heart of the city,
this tropical hideaway provides a vibrant and diverse social scene,
unparalleled culinary experiences and family facilities to indulge in
the best of everything, or simply relax, unwind and let the world go
by.
For business or leisure, an extensive range of services and facilities are available to ensure
your comfort and convenience throughout the stay. Here are the facilities that you can
accommodate.
Facilities  In-Room Safety Deposit Box
 Wi-Fi and broadband Internet access  Butler Service in Suites (Valley
 Business Centre Wing)
 Horizon Club Lounge  Postal / Courier Service
 Facilities for the Physically  Express Check-in and Check-out
Handicapped  Laundry and Valet Service
 Parking Facilities  Chi, The Spa
 Health Club
 Outdoor Swimming Pool
Travel & Transportation
 Airport Transfer with meet-and-
greet service at the aerobridge
 City Shuttle Service
 Taxi and Limousine Service
 Food & Beverage
 24-hour In-Room Dining
 7 Restaurants and 1 Bar
 Grab-and-Go: Shophouse by Shangri-La
Business Centre
The Business Centre at Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, offers many business amenities for the
discerning executive traveler.

D. INFRASTRUCTURE & SUPERSTRUCTURE

Singapore is Located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula; it is a tropical climate that welcomes
both leisure and business travellers year-round. The island republic's excellent infrastructure
enables visitors to enjoy its many sites and attractions in a safe, clean and green environment.
Award winning Changi Airport provides airlinks to major cities around the world. The train and
subway systems are clean, fast and efficient. In addition, its state-of-the-art cruise terminal has
established Singapore as one of the premier cruising centres of South East Asia and an exciting
port of call on any Asian cruise itinerary.
 In the city, there is no need for a car. Public transportation is excellent and walking is a good
way to explore the city. All major attractions are also accessible by tour bus. Since the city is
only 60 miles (100k) from the equator, the tropical temperatures do not vary much. Rainfall is
fairly evenly distributed through the year. No matter when you choose to visit, warm weather
will be abundantly available. The visitor is struck immediately by Singapore's abundance of
parks, nature reserves, and lush, tropical greenery.

Singapore's progress over the past three decades has been remarkable, yet the island has not
been overwhelmed by development. Visitors will discover a wealth of historical treasures from
the past, in the beauty of older buildings, values and traditions that have survived in the face of
profound social and geographical change.
 Lacking any noteworthy natural resources, Singapore's early prosperity was based on a
vigorous free trade policy, put in place in 1819 when Sir Stamford Raffles first established it as a
British trading post. Later, mass industrialization bolstered the economy, and today the state
boasts the world's second busiest port after Rotterdam, minimal unemployment, and a super-
efficient infrastructure. Almost the entire population lives in upscale new apartments, and the
average per capita income is over US$12,000. Singapore is a clean, safe place to visit, its
amenities are second to none and its public places are smoke-free and hygienic.

Singapore is both an island and a country, but perhaps its best description is that of city-state.
Like the great city-states of the past, it offers civilization and order in the highest degree. Its
combination of Western-style development and Eastern-style calm seems to present the best of
both hemispheres: It's a modern metropolis where you feel safe walking the streets, and it's an
Asian business center that's a model of efficiency. Singapore is also a multicultural city, and
close to one-quarter of its population are expatriates or foreign workers from all over the world.
Known for its desire to become the technology hub of Asia, Singapore is the most wired country
in the region.

Singapore shares another trait with historical city-states: Its authorities strongly believe that
they can safeguard the status quo with regulations against almost anything and everything that -
in their view - could possibly upset the sense of tranquillity. In reality, visitors will find the place
is not as restrictive as the long lists of hefty fines for such things as littering and jaywalking
suggest. Some visitors to Singapore leave singing the praises of a society that "works," while
others feel the government's near-compulsive fixation on cleanliness and order makes Singapore
sterile in every sense of the word.

SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENT
Singapore is one of the largest portions in Southeast Asia and one of the busiest in the
world. One of the famous attraction here is the Merlion Park, which symbolizes the humble
beginning of the country. It is one of the visited attraction here in Singapore and you must go
here. Aside from that, Singapore are very nature based, were they have two different garden
attraction, the Botanic Gardens and Gardens by the Bay. It was very beautiful; you can see
different types of plants and the place is also instagramable were you can take pictures every
corner of the place. Visit the Chinatown and go around and find a souvenir for your family and
friends.
Singapore have numerous events that you want to attend, just like Chingay Parade where
you can experience to see the costume and masquerade and the parade showcases a fascinating
procession of extravagant floats. It is a multi-racial celebration with the participation of the
Malay and Indian communities, and it is worth attending for the visual spectacles and fascinating
cultural insights offered. Another thing you need to do in Singapore is to ride the famous
Singapore Flyer and Cable Car. Singapore Cable Car Line is one of its most exciting
experiences. It offers truly unique experiences like the evening dining pass which thrills
travellers. Singapore Flyer's builders boast that every passenger will experience a vibration-
free 30-minute ride, with an incredible unobstructed view of the surrounding island-state. It
was the tallest ferris wheel in the country.
In the city, there is no need for a car. Public transportation is excellent and walking is a
good way to explore the city. All major attractions are also accessible by tour bus. Singapore is
one of my dream destinations in the future and upon searching it looks like that I’m travelling it
already, seeing the different attractions and events brings me there and experience it even I just
read it. But I highly recommend it to visit and try the different attractions and activities what
Singapore has.