Another Perspective - The Diversity of Singapore

Another Perspective - The Diversity of Singapore

Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is an island country off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula and two of the offers on our newsletter this week begin in beautiful, pristine Singapore City.

If you decide to cruise out of Singapore it is definitely worth a pre cruise stay for a minimum of 2 or 3 days to explore this small, but unique Country.  With a population of close to 5 million people it is the second most densely populated country in the world after Monaco.

Despite its small size Singapore is one of the wealthiest countries in the world – and it shows.  I spent a few days there several years ago and came away with memories of immaculate cleanliness, stunning architecture, tropical gardens, streets lined with bougainvillea, pristine white buildings and a thriving, well dressed, cosmopolitan population.

However, the history of Singapore is still evident primarily through the high percentage of immigrants who make up its diverse population. The first settlers, Malays, Chinese, Indians and Europeans, all still have a large presence in the country and there is a strange mix of culture from old men playing mah-jong in the streets to white clad cricketers playing on meticulously groomed cricket pitches.

The heritage of the British colonial stay is profound as Singapore only became an independent nation in 1965. An imposing statue of Sir Stamford Raffles, founder of Singapore, can be seen today at Raffles Landing in North Boat Quay and of course there is the famous Raffles hotel, a luxurious, elegant hotel in the centre of town.

As a result of its colourful history the diversity of Singapore is visible beneath the surface of colonialism.  Ethnic markets; exclusive stores & chic boutiques on Orchard Street; botanical gardens; beach escapes on Sentosa Island (Asia’s favourite playground); stylish restaurants with mouth watering cuisine; leafy forests with chattering monkeys; - all of these are waiting to be explored in the unique nation that is Singapore..

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