History
This tiny fishing village was founded by a British East India
Company official, Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles, in
1819. The settlement came about so that the British could
secure their trade against the Dutch in the Far East region.
Quirky Facts
It is unknown how Singapore actually got its name. The
most popular legend being a Sumatran Prince who came
ashore after a shipwreck, and spotted a beast. His advisors
then told him that it was a lion (Singa). Thus, the name
Singapura came about.
Was also known as Temasek which means "Sea Town".
Singapore is also well-known for its fines imposed on
littering, smoking in air-conditioned areas, spitting and
flushing of toilets. Death penalty for drug trafficking and
possession.
Geography
96km North of the Equator.
At the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia, separated by the
Straits of Johor.
The main island covers 647.5 sq.km, together with 60 other
little islands.
Climate
Temperature ranges between 23 to 33 degrees Celsius. Humidity is
high at about 84.4%. Subject to NE and SW monsoon.
Do roam around in light clothing.
Transport
Very assessible and easy to navigate around.
Check out the online transport guides:
Mass Rapid Transit
Singapore Bus Services
Trans-Island Bus
Buy the Singapore Explorer ticket for unlimited rides or hop
on the Singapore Trolley for a sightseeing option.
Currency
The Singapore Dollar (SGD). Banks and licensed money
changers do offer better exchange rates than hotels.
Do scout around town area and compare the rates.
Dining
Due to its multi-racial society, you can expect to find a
variety of Western, Malay, Indian and Chinese food.
Other flavours can also be found around town.
Look out for reasonably priced 'all-you-can-eat' buffets.
Coffee Places
Visitors can find numerous coffee joints all around town:
Starbucks Coffee, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Seattle Coffee Company, The Coffee Club, Dome.
Arts & Music
Visitors can catch various performances.
Check out the for
The National Arts Council for schedules and SISTIC for
ticketing information.
You can book your tickets online.
Useful Links
New Asia-Singapore
Singapore Travel Exchange
Singapore Infomap
Singapore Millennium Website
Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre
About Renita Chong
I am a local. Love to go places, take photos and basically
get "soaked" into the culture.
I do own a pair of Blundstone booties which I bought from
Australia. However, it is too hot to wear such a thing in
Singapore, but I still look at them and think of where I have
trekked with them.
Visit my website at Tikita's Island
Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our Asia Insiders page.
