A perfect blend of the east and the west

Singapore: Beauty adorned!:

by Rosanne Koelmeyer Anderson in Singapore

A sunny island, an enchanting city, a bridge between the east and the west, Singapore is simply beyond words. A unique blend of rich cultures and the modern world, The Merlion, born of legend and lore is a charming blend of contradiction that best represents multi-cultural Singapore, where old world charm meets modern urban living.

The Singapore River and its precincts, the colonial quarter and the Fullerton Building, which was erected in 1928 tells the story of Singapore and Singapore's transformation from the third world colonialism to a first world independent state with the best of both worlds, the past and the present.

United by their common prosperity, it is their diversity that powered their success in building an ultra-modern country with one of the busiest ports and one of the best airports in the world, preserving their time-honoured traditions while embracing cutting-edge innovations, integrating their local perspective with a global outlook.

With the Chinese New Year around the corner, the city is adorned with bright lights and decorations and throbbing with activity especially in China Town, which testifies to the fact that Singaporeans have diverse cultural and religious roots. Visiting China town in February is said to be a great treat.

The night safari

The underwater world at Sentosa

Fish reflexology at Sentosa

However, it doesn't have to be festive time, where designer fashion meets shopping passion, Singapore is one of the world's best shopping paradise and believed to be a national pastime in Singapore, Orchard Road, Vivo City, the newest and largest shopping mall in Singapore, the Mustafa Centre, the twenty four hour shop which sells any item imaginable which no one of course misses visiting and the ethnic districts of course of China Town, Little India and Kampong Glam which would help you chose gifts to carry home.

A global exchange capital with high growth of trade and commerce, Singapore is a dynamic hub for tourism and pleasure, business, banking and finance, info-communications technology and the biomedical sciences amidst a vibrant cosmopolitan setting where English is used as the medium of language which has contributed significantly towards their progress and taken them thus far.

Coming up in June is Singapore's Arts Festival as well as a stage for more than 20,000 world-class arts and entertainment events throughout the year and their passion for food is evident in almost every corner of the street, at any hour of the day or night whether it be fine dining or at the street-side coffee shops and restaurants which serve a melange of flavours from around the world .

So much of fun and entertainment awaits you on this sunny island; be it sightseeing the city along Orchard Road, the Esplanade, the Merlion Park or to major heritage sights like Chinatown, Little India or Kampong Glam.

If you are daring and looking for an adrenal rush, a breathtaking experience with a difference you may fly the DHL Balloon, 6500 cubic metres which ascends up to a height of 150 metres or 40 storeys, Singapore's latest theme attraction, the world's largest Tethered Helium Balloon which offers visitor's a unique way to view the whole of Singapore.

The famous Duck Tour which is rated number 1 in Singapore is not to be missed too. More than a tour, it is 60 minutes of land and sea adventure on a genuine Vietnam War machine where holding on to your seats as it waddles away is a must and be prepared for a splashing good time.

If you are looking for a more relaxed tour take the River cruise down the scenic Singapore River on an authentic bumboat of yesteryear and discover the rich history and landmarks of Singapore.

But, the most interesting is the much talked of Sentosa, the popular island resort with a wonderful Underwater World, the world's first oceanarium to implement a Radio Frequency Identification System in an exhibit;a unique leisure attraction showcasing the rich variety of marine life where visitors are taken on a "voyage to the bottom of the sea" as well as educating them about the importance of marine conservation.

Look out and you will find the banner fish, the surgeonfish parrotfish and the diamond-shaped triggerfish. Among them are the Garden Eels, shy creatures that live in a colony on the sandy sea floor which grow up to 40 cm in length although no more than half their bodies are usually seen above the sand, the Harlequin Shrimp, the Rhinopias Scorpionfish which rarely swim but rather walk along the sea bottom on its pelvic fins, the Dragon Moray Eel,the Pipefish, the Seahorse and the fearful looking Sand Tiger Sharks, and be mesmerized by the graceful jelly fish that move and glow with elegance to name a few.

At the Dolphin Lagoon you can enjoy a memorable experience with the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins and see them wave their fins, balance basketball and even whistle whereby the Underwater World Singapore aims to increase public awareness and understanding of dolphins in the hope of promoting the protection and conservation of these highly intelligent marine mammals.

The most interesting of course was an unusual experience of fish reflexology where you find people sitting very relaxed with their feet in a warm pool of fish while a school of Turkish spa fish swim up and nibble at your feet which is said to reveal smoother and healthier skin, an amusing opportunity to experience a unique and revitalizing therapy, complete with a foot massage at Fish reflexology.

A ride in the cable car 90 metres above water is yet another great experience and an opportunity to take some memorable photos too. If you are with your loved one it is even more interesting as there are exclusive packages with candle-lit romantic wine and dining on the cable car rides as well not forgetting the enthralling Musical Show of the "Song of the Sea", with a highly sophisticated array of fire works and water gimmicks to keep you mesmerized for a good half an hour or so.

The night safari is yet another tour not to be missed. Home to more than 900 animals and 130 species in Asia's illuminated zoo in the night you could take part in a wild night adventure of fun.

And as night falls Singapore is even more busier as Singaporeans are real party owls. They flock to the city bars, hip clubs and classy lounges where they wine and dine till the wee hours of the morning.

Apart from all the lighter side of life is Singapore's contribution towards medical care in Asia. Asia's leading medical hub, it is said to attract more than 400,000 healthcare visitors from sixty countries each year too. All these features make Singapore one of the most sort after exciting and adventurous places to visit in Asia.

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