Singapore - Immerse yourself in the riot of colourful cultures and vivid experiences that Singapore has to offer
Singapore is an exciting destination offering an abundance of lifestyle and entertainment options. Visitors can enjoy a unique personal experience of Singapore by visiting nature attractions, immersing in an astounding mix of ethnic experiences, strolling through museums that offer a peek into the multi-cultural heritage of Singapore or visiting historical landmarks and other themed attractions scattered all around the island.
Singapore retains its unique multi-racial quality from its early days when Arabs, Chinese, Europeans, Indians and Straits-born Chinese (or Peranakans) came to live side by side with the indigenous Malays.
Today, the three prominent races are Chinese (75.6 per cent), Malays (13.6 per cent) and Indians (8.7 per cent). Visitors can sample the different Chinese, Indian, Malay and Peranakan cultures in Singapore with walks through the ethnic enclaves of Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam and Katong/Joo Chiat respectively. These areas are easily accessible from the business district by the Mass Rapid Transit or by taxi.
Chinatown is the original site where Chinese immigrants lived, worked and played. This is also where you can see the oldest Hokkien temple, Thian Hock Keng, or experience a prayer session in progress at the Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore`s oldest Indian temple. The Chinatown Heritage Centre, housed in three restored shophouses, showcases the lifestyles, heritage and traditions of the early immigrants who lived and worked in Chinatown.
In Little India, you can watch how intricately jasmine garlands are woven, shop for sari material or enjoy a South Indian rice meal the traditional way – using your fingers and eating off a banana leaf. The former Istana Kampong Glam (Sultan`s Palace) has been converted into a heritage museum, the Malay Heritage Centre, to showcase the rich history and culture of Singapore`s Malay community. The building and architecture has been meticulously restored to retain its flavour and authenticity.
Formerly coolie lodgings, Chinatown today is a bustling area where one can stroll along the unique five-foot-ways (pedestrian walkways), savour delicious Chinese pastries and delicacies, pick up quaint souvenirs and experience traditional Chinese cultural sights and sounds.
Singapore`s heritage can also be seen in traditional Peranakan shophouses, formerly residences of wealthy Straits Chinese. Unique colonial heritage is also captured and conserved in our famous buildings and monuments such as Raffles Hotel, the former Supreme Court and City Hall (which will be the new National Art Gallery from 2012) and Victoria Theatre.
Today, visitors keen to experience this melting pot of cultures can visit during one of the many cultural festivals that Singapore offers and get an insight into how age-old traditions have blended with modern living. Besides the Spring Festival or Chun Jie which kicks off the year, there are also the Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali and Mid-Autumn festivals to look forward to, not forgetting Christmas in the Tropics which promises a special Christmas celebration in a Uniquely Singapore fashion.
During Chinese New Year (February), Vesak Day (August) and Mid Autumn Festival (September), Hari Raya (September) and Deepavali (October), the streets of Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Geylang as well as Little India respectively come alive with festive lights, cultural performances and street bazaars.
Other popular cultural attractions include Geylang Serai and Arab Street, while historical sites include Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, Changi Chapel & Museum, The Battle Box, Johore Battery, Fort Siloso on Sentosa, Reflections at Bukit Chandu, Kranji War Memorial, and Labrador Secret Tunnels. Singapore`s museums are worth a visit to better understand this young nation`s rich heritage and history. Images of Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum, Chinatown Heritage Centre and Malay Heritage Centre depict the lives of the early immigrants and the transformation of Singapore to become a cosmopolitan global city.
Of course, the grande dame of them all, the 120-year-old National Museum of Singapore which reopened in 2006 after a three-year S$136.2 million makeover, is a must-stop. With the new Peranakan Museum opening in April 2008, visitors will have yet another avenue to experience the multi-cultural melting pot that is Uniquely Singapore.
Source: www.telegraph.co.uk (28 Maret 2008)