Endless shopping centers, sparkling skyscrapers and strict public order, which usually come to mind most travelers. I hope you do not think that in this city there is nothing special interesting. Of course have!
The name of the city is translated from Malay and Sanskrit as the "City of Lion". And then the truth! The same powerful, this ruler. Singapore is quite different from other Asian megacities, such as Bangkok and Manila, at least because it is much cleaner, and if you give a tiny island of a chance, you will see that Singapore is something much more than shops, altitude and shopping Centers.
The Economic Center of Southeast Asia, Singapore constitutes an interesting mixture of cultures, religions and languages - and all this is beautifully packed in a shiny steel packaging.
Singapore is something from the junction between East and West. About the island is mentioned in the annals of the 3th century, and in those days he was an important shopping point. The island and the city was as important as an important seaport of the sea, both sides knew about him and brought a little their own. By the way, today Port of Singapore It belongs to the number of the largest ports in the world, and in some indicators and at all occupies the first place.
Singapore spread over 63 islands. The largest - Singapore, at the same time, he is the main island. Today, Singapore's Square is gradually, as the country has a project for a manual territory, and since the 1960s.
That is, by 2030 Singapore Square will not be 700 with kopecks of square kilometers, but all 800 (after all, it was about 580 square kilometers! The plans are very and very fast in this country). Little islands next to the big Singapore are simply merged with a big land (like, for example, it was with the Gurong Island).
By the way, it was from the 60s that such active modernization of the island began, because before that, a small poor country had to import even fresh water and the building sand, besides, neighboring countries were extremely unfriendly.
There are many landmark sights in the city, from zoos to parks with beaches.
And yet - here is the best in the region (although not the cheapest) Shopping , excellent transport infrastructure, cool kitchen and friendly people.
That nature, which remained untouched, carefully protect. 5% of Singapore land is protected by the state and is Reserves . By the way, due to such incredible development on the island, rain forests almost disappeared.
The island is incredibly pleased to meet tourists traveling by family-mindedly comfortable pedestrian walkways, lifts for wheelchairs in most buildings (just do not get used to it if Singapore stands at the beginning of your Asian trip!), And the locals adore children. Much is done for children - platforms and game territories in parks, as well as separate entertainment places.
Singapore won his independence in 1965, after the age of one and a half of the British rule (in 1867 Singapore became the colony of the British Empire, and the British used the islands as a transit path at the trading path to China), and a short union with neighboring Malaysia. Today, English is studied everywhere in Singapore, the members of the Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian populations who live on the island speak.
In general, English is mandatory for studying in all schools, universities and are completely translated into teaching in English. Since the 70s, the government spends large sums on the training of Singapore students in the best universities in the world. Because of the big national diversity, today you can hear a variety of languages on the streets. Also, the culture of migrants was reflected on the guise of cultural buildings, churches, temples, old buildings, as well as restaurants. By the way, Singapore - the world in the world in the world's population density - 7,437 people per square kilometer live here. Nightmare!
Restaurants and cafes are suitable for travelers with any sufficiency - and cheap snacks, and expensive restaurants. Because of the full modernization of Singapore, its local food may not seem like a diverse, cheap and colorful, as, say, in Thailand, but you can still dine on a very small amount, and very tasty, of course.
You can, for example, go to the area of Little India, popular among local residents, where you can eat an excellent dish of Lax, and you can go broke and dine in the most respected European, Chinese or Japanese restaurants - anyway, lunch will cost you cheaper than In a similar restaurant somewhere in Europe.
Singapore Crab Chile need to eat at least once in life.
From Singapore Airport, you can fly to all corners of the world, including cheap flights to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, Filippines and Indonesia fly from here. In short, in Singapore there are all the possibilities that will help you make your Asian travel as comfortable as possible.
Settle on the street Arab Street and Bugis They are famous for their inexpensive hotels and services.
And it is possible, if the funds allow, to soak in a five-star hotel, there are a lot of them! Sentose Island is worth visiting at least once - this is a fact. And still need to run down the street with shopping centers Orchard Road (Orchard RD) And dig a couple of excellent offers.
And you can go on a walking tour or take a night safari if you want something unusual. And do not forget to try Singapore Sling The birthplace of which is Long Bar of the hotel Raffles in Singapore.
Now this cocktail is literally a historical relic and national heritage. It consists of Gina, Cherry Brandy, Pineapple Juice, Grenadin, some Lickers. However, since the original was lost in the 1930s, today there are several options for this cocktail.
In general, Singapore, maybe not the most exotic and "genuine" Asian city, which you yourself may imagine, but, it's still quite fun, beautiful, surprising and interesting. So you should visit Singapore!