ORIENT: Singapore

Singapore - The Lion City
by Kay Harwell Fernandez

There are several reasons that more than six million people visit Singapore each year, a small tropical island of 239 square miles at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, and a vibrant, modern city-state of 2.8 million people.
For one thing, there's always the lure of the mysterious East, the fascinating multi-cultural mix of its people, and the incredibly wide-ranging variety of its exotic foods. Of course, there's the fabulous shopping---where haggling is said to be "inversely proportional to the price of the product, and arguing over a few cents is a matter of pride."
The climate in Singapore beckons with year-long balmy weather and the air, as well as the city itself, is clean and green---a garden city with a conspicuous lack of litter. In fact, the government has made a concerted effort to keep Singapore's standards high. It's even safe to drink water from the tap! The area is known for its low crime rate, a comforting thought to both vacationers and business travelers.
Open green spaces and parks are plentiful here. Singapore is one of the few cities in the world to have retained a large area of expansive primeval rainforest within her boundaries, cradling a huge variety of native and exotic plants. The Singapore Botanical Gardens, which sprawls over acre upon acre, is only a few minutes away from bustling Orchard Road. From the crest of Bukit Timah Hill, one can marvel at the wide vista of the city's glittering skyline, or opt to follow the footpaths leading to acres of national parks. One of the world's leading wildlife facilities, home to rare species of orangutans, tapirs, Samban deer, flying lemurs, grey-headed fish eagles, civet cats, and orange apes, lies nestled in the bosom of this enchanting land. The less timid can explore the world's first and only night-safari and see, at close range, animals such as: the cape buffalo, African bongo, the blue sheep, striped hyena, and the golden jackal.
A Bit Of History
Singapore was founded in 1297 as one of the three kingdoms of Srivijaya, a trading empire based in South Sumatra, Indonesia. It was originally known as "Temasek" or Sea Town. Legend has it that a Sumatran Prince, driven ashore by a storm, saw something "soft and beautiful, with a bright red body, jet black head, and white breast" and thought he saw a lion, hence the name "Singapura", which means "Lion City", and its symbol, the "Merlion," which is a mythical beast said to be half lion, half fish.
The modern seaport was founded in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles, who was seeking a new British commercial post in East Asia. In 1867, Singapore joined other Malayan states to form the Straits Settlements, which became a crown colony under the British Colonial Office. After the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 and the advent of steamships, Singapore's progress and prosperity increased as trade between Europe and East Asia expanded.
During World War II, Singapore was occupied by the Japanese and became a separate colony after the war ended. Steps toward self-government soon followed, with a new constitution introduced by 1959. Political differences between Malaya and Singapore led to the separation of Singapore from the Federation of Malaya in August 1965.
Singapore became a republic on December 22, 1965 and was admitted to the United Nations as a sovereign state. The new government, as established by the constitution, was a unicameral parliament.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew (in office for 31 years), Singapore developed a new national image based on an efficient and stable government and economic prosperity. Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong recently succeeded Yew.

Young Singaporeans of Chinese descent.

A Cultural Melting Pot
Singapore was among the first of the Asian countries to control population growth. There are three main ethnic groups ă Chinese, Malay and Indian. Chinese make up 76 percent, while the Malays and Indians comprise 15 and 7 percent, respectively. Most Chinese are Taoists and Buddhists, with a growing number of Christians. The Malays, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis are Muslims, and the Indians largely Hindus. The city's race relations are harmonious, and the government even stresses bilingualism. In fact, Malay, Chinese (Mandarin), Tamil, and English are all official languages.
Exotic Dining
It has been said that Singaporeans are passionate about food, which isn't surprising, considering that it offers the best of Indian, Malay, Chinese, and Indonesian cuisine, as well as other exotic varieties. One of the best places for both natives and visitors to sample outstanding and inexpensive local food are the Food Centre, and the "hawker stalls," renown for offering infinite gastronomic choices (including a Western burger, if you are hankering for one). Don't miss the "kopi tiam," the 24-hour coffee and tea houses which also serve breakfasts.
If your passion is Indian food, Little India on Serangoon Road offers many favorite eateries, but remember to eat with your right hand. The locals believe that the left must be reserved only for other bodily functions. Asking for eating utensils may also be considered a bit gauche.
Singapore Shopping
Even before Sir Stamford Raffles arrived, Singapore was an entrepot stopping point for Oriental traders and seafaring Arab merchants. Silk, porcelain, tea and ivory had already reached the island's seaports.
Today, its collection of shophouses offers an array of reasonably-priced, duty-free goods from around the world: cameras and stereos from Japan, computers from Taiwan, silk from China and Thailand, sportswear from Korea, perfumes from Paris, CD's from the United States, gems from Sri Lanka, and antiques from all over Asia. Clothing and accesories from all over the world---it's a true shopper's paradise!
Shopping can be a pleasant experience, whether pursuing the contemporary, air-conditioned malls, bargaining at outdoor bazaars, or leisurely taking in the street shops. Look for the red Merlion symbol displayed by shops approved by the Consumer's Association of Singapore and the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board.

Skyline of Singapore.

A Diverse Economy
The World Bank classifies Singapore as upper-middle income. In 1985, the gross national product (GNP) per capita was US $7,420, one of the highest in Southeast Asia.
During the 1960s, economic prosperity began when the government decided to de-emphasize industrialization. Diversification and upgrading of existing industry were the objectives, while developing the island into a center of international finance and regional services.
Here, manufacturing generates more than 25 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). Major exports include: machinery, petroleum refining, metal engineering, precision equipment, and appliances. Major imports are: machinery and transportation equipment, crude petroleum, food and chemicals. Energy averages forty percent of all imports.
Singapore ranks as one of the world's busiest seaports, and one of the most important trading ports in Southeast Asia. It is home to some of the world's leading banks. With growing trade, shipping, banking, and tourism anchoring the economy, unemployment, crime and proverty are almost non-existent in Singapore.
Par Excellence Hotels
Singapore's international reputation as a destination is justly deservedă--from its superior accommodations to its fantastic cuisine. The city's top hotels offer luxurious service at affordable rates. Even so-called bargain lodging is comfortable.
The famous and historic Raffles Hotel, restored three years ago, was once home-away-from-home for scores of visiting writers such as Rudyard Kipling, Somerset Maugham, James Michener, and Noel Coward.
With more than 25,000 hotel rooms representing every category, tourism in Singapore has moved to third position as a national industry.
Singapore After Dark
When the sun goes down, the pubs, bars, karaoke lounges and bistros come alive; entertainment goes high-tech, hollywood-style, or classical. You'll find Chinese operas, laser shows, live jazz bands, ethnic or bop-to-the-beat music. You may go for a romantic dinner cruise, or dine alfresco at riverside tables under the stars. Don't forget a sip of the renowned Singapore Sling cocktail as you go pubcrawling.
Getting around Singapore is easy. Bus service is said to be excellent. Taxi fares are cheap. You can take the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) or the Singapore Trolley. Better yet, to absorb more of the local flavor, take the "trishaw" and the rider will give you a running commentary.
Singapore---it is indeed Southeast Asia's gateway to the world.

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