IBSAF WORLD - August 2007

Singapore, is an island nation located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula At 704.0 km² it is considered one of the few city-states in the world.

The main island was a fishing village sparsely populated by indigenous Malays and Orang Lauts when it was colonized by the British East India Company in 1819.

The earliest known mention of Singapore was a 3rd century Chinese account which described Singapore as "Pu-luo-chung" ("island at the end of a peninsula").

By the 14th century, Singapore had become part of the mighty Sri Vijayan empire and was known as Temasek ("Sea Town"). Located at the natural meeting point of sea routes at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore had long known visits from a wide variety of sea craft, from Chinese junks, Indian vessels, Arab dhows and Portuguese battleships to Buginese schooners.

During the 11th century, this small but strategically-placed island had earned a new name - "Singa Pura" ("Lion City"). According to legend, a visiting Sri Vijayan prince saw an animal he mistook for a lion and Singapore's modern day name was born.

Since gaining independence, Singapore has seen its standard of living rise dramatically. Foreign investment and government-led island-wide industrialization have created a modern economy based on electronics and manufacturing. In terms of GDP per capita, Singapore is the 18th wealthiest country in the world.

Singapore is made up of not just one island but a main island with 63 surrounding islets. The main island has a total land area of 682 square km.

One word that sums up the Singapore experience is: UNIQUE. It is one of the most dynamic cities in the world, with the finest of east and west embodied in one, Singapore is very rich in contrast and color and has a harmonious blend of cuisine, culture, arts and architecture.

From exotic ethnic enclave to efficient business center; from serene gardens to sleek skyscrapers; Singapore has it all.

Singapore's strategic location, excellent facilities, fascinating cultural contrasts and tourist attractions contribute to its success as a leading destination for both business and pleasure.

With its ethnic mix also comes its diverse set of religions. Singapore's skyline boasts the distinctive minarets of mosques, spires of gothic cathedrals, intricate figurines of Hindu temple gods and distinctive roof architecture of Chinese temples. The main religions are Islam, Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Judaism.

Most Singaporeans speak the local language Malay as well as English which is used widely for business purposes.

What to see at Singapore

Litle India

Little India will greet you with a strong, heady scent of spices and jasmine garlands, followed by the treasure trove of silverware, brassware, wood carvings and colorful silk saris, dazzling to behold.

The influx of Indians in Singapore dates back to 1819. Today, Little India is the focal point of Singapore's Indian community. During Deepavali, Little India is transformed into a fairyland of gaily decorated, brightly lit streets bustling with shoppers.

You have to try out a temporary Henna tattoo or “Teh Tarik”, a hand pulled cup of tea while you are in Little India.

Geylang Serai

Geylang Serai is the cultural heart of the Malay community in Singapore. At the Malay Village, go back in time and discover the traditional 'Kampung Days' lifestyle of Malays in the 1950s and 1960s! Or experience traditional Malay arts and crafts like batik painting, kite-making and kampung games such as top spinning.

The Cultural Museum features a fascinating collection of artifacts like weaving tools, musical instruments and much more

Malay Heritage Center

The Malay heritage center takes you through a ride on the role of Kampong Gelam as the centre of Islamic learning and literacy in the late 19th century, where Muslim immigrants form the Malay Archipelago stopped to buy supplies before embarking on their journey to Mecca. Take a peak into the kampong setting to relive the old living conditions of the Malay community and its transformation to modern Singapore today. Take a glimpse at the Malay film-making industry and view the unique 3-D model of an early Malay settlement in 1819.

Esplanade – Theatres on Bay

Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay is one of the world’s busiest arts centers. It is an architectural icon with its twin shells and is situated just by Marina Bay at the mouth of the Singapore river.

Esplanade aims to be a performing arts centre for everyone, and its programmes cater to its diverse audiences. Its programme line-up spans all genres to encompass music, dance, theatre and visual arts, with a special focus on Asian culture.

The Merlion Park

The Merlion was first designed as an emblem for the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in 1964 – the lion head with a fish body resting on a crest of waves quickly became Singapore’s icon to the rest of the world.

Measuring 8.6 metres high and weighing 70 tonnes, the Merlion statue was built from cement fondue by the late Singapore craftsman, Mr Lim Nang Seng.

Designed by Mr Fraser Brunner, a curator of the Van Kleef Aquarium, the lion head represents the lion spotted by Prince Sang Nila Utama when he re-discovered Singapura in 11 AD, as recorded in the "Malay Annals". The fish tail of the Merlion symbolises the ancient city of Temasek (meaning “sea” in Japanese) by which Singapore was known before the Prince named it “Singapura” (meaning “lion” (singa) “city” (pura) in Sanskrit), and represents Singapore’s humble beginnings as a fishing village.

Statue of Sir Stamford Raffles

Sir Stamford Raffles – Singapore’s founder – stands tall and proud in the form of a dark bronze status in front of Victoria Theatre. Its replica, made of pure white polymarble, stands at North Boat Quay, an area commonly known as the Raffles Landing Site. This is the spot where Raffles was believed to have first stepped ashore.

Animal Kingdom

The Animal Kingdom of Singapore awaits you if you are a nature freak. You have places ranging from butterfly park to the Underwater world. The Butterfly park gives you a peak into more than 3000 species of butterflies and insects. It is one of the world’s largest collections. When you are done with the butterflies, take a look at more than 600 species of the feathered friends at the Jurong Bird Park. AT the Singapore Zoo you’ll get Orang utans, the Oriental small-clawed otter, or even the reticulated python! Enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of a whole different world beneath the seas at the Underwater World.

Museums

The Art Retreat Museum

Founded by Indonesian collector Kwee Swie Teng in 2003, Art Retreat is Singapore’s first private museum with a collection of modern Asian and European art. It is dedicated to the appreciation and collecting of art through exhibition, education and research.

Asian Civilizations Museum

As its name suggests, the Asian Civilisations Museum focuses on the heritage of Asian cultures.

Images of Singapore

Step back into 14th century Singapore with a little help from the 21st century! At this museum, life-size figures, rare artifacts and state-of-the-art technology bring the sights, sounds and smells of bygone Singapore to life.

MINT Museum of Toys

MINT (Moment of Imagination and Nostalgia with Toys), the world's first purpose-built museum for toys, opened in Singapore in May 2006.

Nei Xue Tang

Buddhism is one of the religious pillars of the East. Nei Xue Tang’s priceless collection of Buddhist art works pays tribute to devotees, with Buddhist artifacts, relics, antiquities and art pieces gathered from Japan and Gandhara to China and Indonesia.

Singapore Art Museum

Singapore Art Museum is housed in a restored 19th century mission school. It owns the largest public collection of over 7,500 20th century Singapore and Southeast Asian artworks in 20^th century.

Singapore Mint Coin Gallery

The Singapore Mint Coin Gallery houses an impressive collection of coins, medals and medallions from all over the world.

Other Attractions

DHL Balloon

Climb on board Singapore's first helium balloon ride - a novel way to take in the wondrous sounds and beautiful cityscape of Singapore. The DHL Balloon - the world’s largest tethered helium balloon designed in France.

G-MAX Reverse Bungy

Singapore’s first ever bungy! Be launched skywards at 200km per hour to a dazzling height of 60 meters! Experience G forces similar to those experienced by astronauts in a rocket launch, all in the safety of the latest G-MAX technology.

Singapore City Gallery

See the whole of Singapore from a unique vantage point, right under your feet! An exclusive, giant aerial photograph gives you a panoramic view of Singapore without climbing great heights.

Singapore Flyer

Singapore Flyer offers you breathtaking, 360° panoramic views of Singapore and beyond (opening in early 2008). Located at Marina Bay, it sits astride a three-storey Retail Terminal with an exciting array of retail and F&B choices. A central atrium opens out to a lush tropical rainforest, while an open-air theatre hosts live performances.

Singapore Discovery Centre

Spanning a total floor area of 4,500 square metres, the new Singapore Discovery Centre consists of 5 main galleries around 8 different themes. Guests will be able to immerse themselves in Singapore’s past, present and future, travelling through time to key moments in our nationhood and experiencing them “as they happen”.

Singapore Science Centre

For budding scientists, the world-acclaimed Singapore Science Centre will keep your mind racing with more than 1,000 interactive exhibits depicting the wonder and beauty of science.

Snow City

Snow in tropical Singapore? No, you’re not dreaming! At Snow City, Singapore’s first indoor snow centre, you can experience real snow, a sub-zero climate and a three-storey high snow slope!

Events in Singapore

Hari Raya Celebrations – Sep 8 – 21, 2007

It marks the culmination of Ramadan, a month-long fasting period and a time for abstinence, reflection and worship. The streets of Kampong Glam and Geylang Serai will be lit for the whole period. Apart from the light-up, be ready to soak in the festive atmosphere with the brilliant light displays and bazaars bustling with traditional food, clothes and souvenirs.

Singapore Food Festival – June 29 – July 31, 2007

A journey of the delicious and tempting tastes of Singaporean cuisine. From Laksa, Hainanese Chicken Rice to the Chilli Crab, and other local favorites of Singapore - the best experience of Singapore food and culture.

Singapore Sun Festival – Oct 18 – Oct 30, 2007

The Singapore Sun Festival, an integrated lifestyle event celebrating the "art of living well" through seven key disciplines including Music, Film, Visual Arts, Literature, Cuisine, Wine and Wellness. Celebrate the finer things in life at some of Singapore's beautiful and historic venues including The Esplanade Concert Hall, The Arts House, Singapore Tyler Print Institute and The National Museum. Enjoy a half day spa retreat in the morning, a visual arts exhibition in the afternoon followed by an evening concert or a dinner prepared by a celebrity chef featuring some of the world's finest wines.

WOMAD Singapore 2007 (10th Year Anniversary) – Aug 24 – Aug 26, 2007

The world of WOMAD (World of Music, Arts & Dance) returns as we celebrate our 10th year in Singapore! True to its commitment to diversity, WOMAD Singapore 2007 will continue to tap into the incredible range of global music experiences; from centuries-old traditions to the pulse of contemporary music. Catch six to eight soul-spinning performances each night that take place on multiple stages. These are complemented by the ever-popular workshops and masterclasses conducted by WOMAD artists, designed to stimulate and entertain both adults and kids. Further engaging the senses, WOMAD's Global Village offers up a delectable range of food, craft and holistic treatments that are as rich and diverse as the music on offer.

Christmas in the Tropics 2007 – Nov 17 – Jan 2, 2008

Feel the Christmas spirit in the air as you walk through the spectacular annual Christmas Light-Up on Orchard Road and Marina Bay. Adding to the festive atmosphere are the specially decorated shop windows and spectacular decorations in the malls.

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