An Introduction to Singapore

Introduction and History

Singapore is an island city state in Southeast Asia. There are two bridges which connect it to the mainland of Malasia. Singapore became a British trading colony in 1918 through a deal struck by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. Briefly surrendering to the Japanese in 1942, Singapore was returned to the British in 1945, and self-rule followed in 1955. Full independence from Malaya was granted in 1965. It is now the second most highly populated principality in the world (Monaco is first) and has grown into a highly prosperous country combining impressive modern skyscrapers with traditional influences.

Population:  Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian                                 Currency:     Singapore Dollar

Visa Requirements:      None for UK           

 Likely Weather (April)             30 deg C (day) 24 deg (night) Humid, occasional rain

Local Food   Chinese/Malay         Webcam Link    http://www.marina-bay.sg/webcam.html 

Health   Currently no compulsory inoculations, consult your GP for advice

Language   Mandarin/English            Distance from Port to Town: Minimal

Easy Transport Options Taxi/metro/bumboat/walking

Suggested places of interest

Riverside (Museums, theatres), Orchard Road (shopping), Chinatown, Little India

IMPORTANT

Not allowed in Singapore: Handcuffs, feeding pigeons and monkeys, Malaysian newspapers, homosexual activity, chewing gum, strong painkillers or sedatives without prior permission, non-locally sold cigarettes (local cigarettes are stamped SDPC)

Drug trafficking carries a mandatory death penalty

Useful Links  http://www.cruisedirect.com/departureport/dp_singapore.php

Link to printable map http://uk.maps.yahoo.com/print?mvt=m&ioride=uk&tp=1&stx=&fcat=&frat=&clat=1.29378&clon=103.853256&mag=4&zoom=15&trf=0&radius=1.74768&&q1=singapore&bminlat=1.2684662763665193&bminlon=103.81626297326659&bmaxlat=1.319093471054767&bmaxlon=103.89024902673338&v3=0