It was only a matter of geography and destiny that Singapore would become a bustling seaport of trade and cultural diversity. Situated on the tip of the Malay Peninsula, it had always been a natural stopping point for all manner of ships originating in China, Arabia, India and Portugal. Even the British got in on the act during the 18th century, introducing colonialism to "Singa-pura" (The Lion City) as a midway point to service their fleets as well as prevent territorial expansion by the Dutch. With the opening of the Suez Canal a century later, the increased trade between the East and West--coupled with a strategic military position--made Singapore a prominent hub in world affairs. Its political status as a colony of the crown after World War II shifted to that of an independent entity in the 1960's. Although predominant British influences still remain throughout much of Singapore and its surrounding mini-isles, the co-existence of multiple ethnicities and religious practices makes a visit to this destination a cross-cultural bazaar and exotic photo spot.
LIONS, TIGERS AND POLAR BEARS:
It’s no surprise that one of the most memorable attractions of Singapore is its zoo. Whether by day or night, this open space habitat is not only home to over 3,000 species of animals but a world acclaimed breeding facility that has made important strides in keeping many exotic beasts off the extinction list. Certainly one of its most remarkable accomplishments was the birth of a polar bear, a rarity in a climate as humid as the Far East! Because the traditional cages we associate with zoos have all been replaced with thick viewing glass and moats, visitors really have a sense of being up close and personal with the wild kingdom. Seeing the zoo is an all day event, whether it’s from the comfort of a narrated tram tour or through the sheer stamina of walking. To get a sense of the zoo’s expansive layout, it’s recommended that you take the tram tour first, then go back and revisit specific exhibits where you want a closer view or the chance to take photos. The excitement of the Singapore Zoo doesn’t stop at dusk, however. If you plan ahead, you can participate in its popular Night Safari. This package includes an evening meal, lectures and the chance to see all those mysterious critters that only come out for hunting and howling when it’s dark.
STEP BACK IN TIME
The co-existence of towering skyscrapers and British colonial architecture is a testament to this country’s passion for both the future and the past. At the mouth of the Singapore River, you’ll find the era of the entrepreneurial Sir Stamford Raffles preserved at its best. It was Raffles who first saw the potential of Singapore as a center of trade. Soon thereafter, such landmarks as Victoria Theatre, the Parliament House (with its bronze elephant standing sentry duty), and the Raffles Hotel brought British pomp and elegance to the region. The best way to appreciate Singapore’s early years is to take a walking tour of the district; maps are available in the museum of the Raffles Hotel. A weekday guided tour inside Parliament House (since renamed The Arts House) is also highly recommended and includes an overview of Singapore arts, theater, music and the movies.
STAMP OF APPROVAL
I’m not sure which is more interesting at the Singapore Philatelic Museum—the building itself or room upon room of postage stamps and first-day covers from all over the world. The latter is definitely an inspiration to collectors—young and old—who have been meaning to get all those loose stamps into their proper place in an album. As for the architecture which houses these stamps, it is nearly a century old and consistent with the colonial grandeur of the nearby Empress Place and the Singapore Arts Museum. Many of Singapore’s older structures which were once private homes of the wealthy, in fact, have been successfully converted to galleries, libraries, museums, meeting halls and restaurants as part of the country’s ongoing preservation effort.
SINGAPORE DISCOVERY CENTER
Talk about a bigger-than-life film experience! The iWERKS Theatre located at the Singapore Discovery Center was the first of its kind to be brought to Southeast Asia and projects 3D imagery on a screen the size of a 5-story building. Your children will also want to drag you to the Motion Simulator, which takes you on a wild, virtual ride similar to those currently found at Universal Studios and the “Star Tours” adventure at the Disney theme parks. (Fasten that seat belt!) The interactive kiosks found at Periscope Adventure are a kid-friendly bonus, too, inviting younger family members to explore Singapore’s culture and history and engage in the role of futuristic planners insofar as exploring questions related to ecology, energy, and transportation.
TIGER BALM GARDENS
It’s kooky, it’s kitschy, and it’s definitely one of the more bizarre places you’ll ever see in your travels. And yet every year, Haw Par Villa (Tiger Balm Gardens) attracts curiosity seekers and shutterbugs from all over the world. Built in 1937 by a pair of brothers who got rich from selling tiger balm, the park is filled with giant, colorful statues that relate the myths of Ancient China. The tour begins with a boat ride through the length of a Chinese dragon and emerges, via waterfall, into the kind of surrealistic world one might expect to experience after quaffing too many Singapore Slings the night before. Haw Par Villa is particularly proud of its attraction called The Ten Courts of Hell, an exhibit depicting what happens to the souls of those who are not properly respectful of the powers that be.
OUTER ISLES
If you want to get away from the bustle of the larger cities, tranquility is only a ferry or helicopter ride away. The resort atmosphere of Lazarus, Sentosa or St. John’s is conducive to nature hikes, swimming, bird-watching, snorkeling, parasailing, or just finding the nearest hammock and putting up a “Do Not Disturb” sign. Each of the islands also comes with a colorful history. Kusu, for instance, is steeped in the mythology that it was once a turtle that saw two drowning sailors and turned itself into an island so that they could climb on its back and be rescued. In contrast, St. John’s was once a place that its inhabitants longed to escape from, not venture to; it was originally used as a Singapore prison.
