Singapore is the melting pot of the East and is popularly called as the ‘Lion City’. Singapore remains an incredibly clean city where nothing is allowed to dull the shine – even down to the banning of chewing gum. It’s a place full of surprises, where a multitude of foreign influences over two centuries, have blended to form a modern society moulded from a unique cultural mix. Years of civic campaigns have enabled Singapore to become one of the greenest cities in Asia with leafy avenues and parks. Local Chinese temples, sit next to gleaming hi-rise towers mixing modern and old, with orderly precision.
The city presents a happy collision of opposites – grand and expensive at the famed Raffles Hotel, but low-key in the food markets of Bugis Junction and Clarke Quay. Tourism for Singapore has also proven to be of good economic benefit. Singapore has, over the last two centuries grown rapidly into a dynamic and bustling metropolis. Its strategic location in the heart of south-east Asia at the cross roads of east and west, has enabled the tiny city to become a vibrant melting pot of ideas, cultures and peoples.
Shopping
Singapore is the shopping capital of Asia. Orchard Road in the centre of Singapore's downtown district brims with shopping outlets. Around other arts of Singapore you'll find smaller enclaves like Chinatown or Little India with unique or alternative ethnic shopping options.
Places to visit in Singapore
East Coast Park:
The East Coast Park is probably the favorite outdoor hangout for Singaporeans. You can rent equipment at several spots for canoeing, wind surfing and cycling. The beach can be a little windblown and most of the time the horizon is cluttered with many ships waiting to get into Singapore's busy port.
Changi Beach Park:
Sprawling over 28 hectares of land, it is one of the oldest coastal parks in Singapore. Enjoy the sea breeze on the coast is definitely a pleasant experience.
Changi Beach Park is for the people who are bored with the hectic life of the cities and want to spend some days facing some pleasant sea breeze. A boardwalk along the coast connects the Changi Beach to the East Coast Park.
East Coast Park:
It is the largest park in Singapore and is famous for sports facilities, both land-based and water-based. The beach also provides succor to the visitors who want relaxing refuge.
Sentosa Island:
In addition to its many other attractions, Sentosa has some fine beaches on its ocean side which are carefully maintained. A popular island destination in Singapore, Sentosa Island has multi-faceted appeal. It is a beautiful island that has been converted into a giant theme park and playground for the citizens of Singapore and international tourists. Although there are many attractions to attract tourists, the pick of them are the Butterfly Park and the Underwater World Aquarium.
St. John's Island
It is an ideal getaway for those who want to pass their vacations in seclusion. One can simply laze away on the beach or by the lagoon, stroll or jog around the island or just indulge in soccer. The natural coasts of the island are circled by coral reefs. This large hilly island has been transformed into a tranquil getaway with picturesque lagoons, beaches, picnic grounds, trekking routes and soccer fields.
