Singapore - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

PagodaSwan · 11-12-2005, 10:25 AM

The earliest known mention of Singapore was a 3rd century Chinese account which described Singapore as "Pu-luo-chung" ("island at the end of a peninsula"). Little is known about the island's history at that time but this matter-of-fact description belies Singapore's colourful past.

By the 14th century, Singapore had become part of the mighty Sri Vijayan empire and was known as Temasek ("Sea Town"). Located at the natural meeting point of sea routes at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore had long known visits from a wide variety of sea craft, from Chinese junks, Indian vessels, Arab dhows and Portuguese battleships to Buginese schooners.

During the 14th century, this small but strategically-placed island had earned a new name - "Singa Pura" ("Lion City"). According to legend, a visiting Sri Vijayan prince saw an animal he mistook for a lion and Singapore's modern day name was born.

The British provided the next notable chapter in the Singapore story. During the 18th century, they saw the need for a strategic "halfway house" to refit, feed and protect the fleet of their growing empire, as well as to forestall any advances by the Dutch in the region.

It was against this political backdrop that Sir Stamford Raffles established Singapore as a trading station. The policy of free trade attracted merchants from all over Asia and from as far afield as the US and the Middle East.

By 1824, just five years after the founding of modern Singapore, the population had grown from a mere 150 to 10,000.

In 1832, Singapore became the centre of government for the Straits Settlements of Penang, Malacca and Singapore. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 and the advent of telegraph and steamship increased Singapore's importance as a centre for the expanding trade between East and West.

Singapore had been the site of military action in the 14th century when it became embroiled in the struggle for the Malay Peninsula between Siam (now Thailand), and the Java-based Majapahit Empire.

Five centuries later, it was again the scene of significant fighting during World War II. Singapore was considered an impregnable fortress, but the Japanese overran the island in 1942. After the war, Singapore became a Crown Colony. The growth of nationalism led to self-government in 1959 and on 9 August 1965, Singapore became an independent republic.

PagodaSwan · 11-12-2005, 10:25 AM

Singapore is made up of not just one island but a main island with 63 surrounding islets. The main island has a total land area of 682 square km.

However, its compact size belies its economic growth. In just 150 years, Singapore has grown into a thriving centre of commerce and industry. Its former role as an entrepot has diminished, as the nation has increased its manufacturing base.

Singapore is the busiest port in the world with over 600 shipping lines sending super tankers, container ships and passenger liners to share the busy waters with coastal fishing vessels and wooden lighters.

One of the world's major oil refining and distribution centres, Singapore is a major supplier of electronic components and a leader in shipbuilding and repairing. It has also become one of the most important financial centres of Asia, with more than 130 banks. Business dealings are facilitated by Singapore's superb communications network which links the nation to the rest of the world via satellite, 24-hour telegraph and telephone systems.

Singapore's strategic location, excellent facilities, fascinating cultural contrasts and tourist attractions contribute to its success as a leading destination for both business and pleasure.

PagodaSwan · 11-12-2005, 10:27 AM

Singaporeans are passionate about food and eating. Look around and the proof is everywhere! Almost in every corner of the island, you will find an endless variety of food, served hot or cold, at any hour of the day (or night)! In this cosmopolitan and multicultural city, you can expect nothing less than a melange of flavours from around the globe. It’s not just East-meets-West when it comes to feasting in Singapore – it is a tasty tale about a country’s unique cultural tapestry woven in with its distinct influences to capture the essence of Singapore’s multicultural heritage.

PagodaSwan · 11-12-2005, 10:27 AM

For visitors looking for an adventure in our concrete jungle, we recommend the Uniquely Adventurous Itinerary below.For visitors looking for an adventure in our concrete jungle, we recommend the Uniquely Adventurous Itinerary below.

First, visit the Underwater World and face the highly dangerous Bull Sharks and saw-fish in the Extreme Bull Sharks Encounter.

If you have survived the heart-stopping experience with the sharks, reward yourself with lunch at Holland Village, an enclave of charming shops and restaurants, popular with expatriates and yuppies. You may also want to do a spot of shopping for Asian arts and crafts at the Holland Village Shopping Centre and the Holland Village Complex.

After lunch, proceed to the Jurong BirdPark where you can be a falconer for a day, learning to handle trained birds of prey. This is your chance to practise falconry - a sport, which traditionally had been associated only with royalty and aristocracy.

After all that excitement, it’s time to relax with some light shopping at Bugis Street - Singapore's largest permanent street bazaar. Besides unexpected bargains, you can also find interesting sights like the co-existence of a Buddhist and an Indian temple side-by-side. Also, stop by Bugis Junction, the only shopping mall in Singapore with a glass-covered and air-conditioned shopping walkway, on top of a rich historical background and interesting shophouse architecture.

For a different view of Singapore, proceed on to Clarke Quay and have a go at the Reverse Bungy Jump. Feel your heart drop to your feet as you are flung up at great speeds and then jerked back down to earth. This experience is certainly not for the faint-hearted!

The day's activities should have worked up your appetite and imagination. Join the Magical Makansutra Food Safari, where you will be able to sample some of Singapore's finest street food. Each safari lasts about three hours and features five food types. We guarantee that our local food like Bak Kut Teh (pork ribs in tea soup), Laksa (noodles in a spicy coconut broth) and Roti Prata (Indian pancakes) will leave you wanting more.

After dinner, it's time to walk off those calories… if you dare. Go on the unique walking tour of the historic Kampong Glam area where you will be spooked by little-known supernatural stories of Sultan Mosque, Old Istana, Kris shop, perfume shop and the royal graveyard. Embrace thousands of years of Malay folklore and discover forgotten places - places that still haunt the memories of some in eerie twilight.

PagodaSwan · 11-12-2005, 10:28 AM

Singapore is great for families and kids - go on a Uniquely Enjoyable adventure!

Nothing will thrill the kids more than having breakfast at the Singapore Zoo with Orang Utans and snakes! Don't miss the popular animal shows such as the Spirits of the Rainforest and Elephants at Work & Play. Also, go on the hour-long exclusive Wild Discoverer Tour, where you will be taken on a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo, including a first hand account of how the Singapore Zoo maintains their world-class exhibits, prepares their food, conditions behaviour and bonds with the animals. You may even get to feed the Hamadryas Baboons!

For lunch, we recommend any of the several seafood restaurants lining the waterfront at the East Coast Seafood Centre. Spice up your tastebuds with Singapore's famous Chilli Crab and for the kids, the less spicy but equally tasty Black Pepper Crab

A dose of history awaits you and your family at the Changi Museum War Trail. The trail will bring you back into the past as you explore and discover Singapore during the war-stricken years of the Japanese Occupation.

For more adventure, hop aboard an amphibious craft that combines both a harbour tour & city tour in one – the Ducktour! It's a unique way of touring our city that’s both fun and educational for the whole family!
After a day of sightseeing, head on down to Satay Club at Clarke Quay for delicious satay (barbecued meat on skewers) and barbecued seafood. After dinner, visit the Night Safari – the world's first night-time wildlife park. With a new animal show – Creatures of the Night - featuring the stellar cast of leopards, pumas, otters, binturongs, racoons, owls, wolves, hyenas and servals, the whole family is bound to be entertained!

After tucking your kids in bed at the hotel, there’s still time to squeeze in a little shopping. Take a trip to Mustafa Centre - the only 24-hour mall in Singapore with bargains on anything from computer games and clothes to electronic products.

PagodaSwan · 11-12-2005, 10:29 AM

Discover the rich colours and contrasts of Singapore in the Uniquely Enriching tour, designed to showcase the city’s harmonious blend of culture, cuisine and arts.

Start the day with a local breakfast of Roti Prata (Indian pancakes) and a strong cup of kopi (Singapore-blend coffee) at a local coffee shop.

Then explore our colonial past, starting at The Arts House at the Old Parliament House – an iconic building in itself. Now an arts venue, this is the oldest surviving government office where Singapore's political leaders once took centrestage in debating hot issues of the day.

To learn more about Singapore's unique Peranakan culture, don't miss the Asian Civilisations Museum just 15 minutes away at Armenian Street. After learning about the origins and practices of Peranakan culture, why not experience it for yourself? Head on down to the Joo Chiat district, which is lined with quaint pre-war shophouses and great food outlets. Be sure to visit Kim Choo Kueh Chang, famous for the glutinous rice dumplings, and Rumah Bebe for their signature accessories and intricate beadwork seen in Peranakan clothing.

Another must is a visit to Little India at Serangoon Road - a district which embodies the vibrant and colourful culture of the Indian community in Singapore. You can watch the intricate weaving of jasmine garlands using banana tree fibre, pick up a packet of curry powder or spices, or let a parakeet tell your fortune.

Of course, no visit to Singapore would be complete without a visit to Chinatown – the original site where Chinese immigrants lived, worked and played. Much of Chinatown has recently been renovated, but their traditions and much of the architecture have survived the test of time. Join the walking tour of Chinatown - Secrets of the Red Lantern which reveals Chinatown's rich heritage & colourful history.

Finally, take a stroll to Chinatown Food Street where you can savour the best of delectable local cuisine and try local favourites like Char Kway Teow (fried broad noodles) and Rojak (vegetable salad in peanut gravy) served from rows of outdoor hawker stalls like days of old.

PagodaSwan · 11-12-2005, 10:30 AM

Honeymooning in Singapore? Spend a Uniquely Romantic day with us to sweeten your stay!

Begin the morning with breakfast at Halia Restaurant set amidst the tranquil settings of the Singapore Botanic Gardens - a perfect place for a romantic tête-à-tête in the middle of a tropical idyll. Work off the hearty meal with a stroll in the National Orchid Garden.

Visit Sentosa - our island resort getaway. Begin your tour of the island with a visit to the Carlsberg Sky Tower for panoramic views across Singapore, Sentosa and the Southern Islands. Lunch at Trapizza @ Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort will certainly put a smile on your face as you chill out at this trendy pizzarie restaurant on Siloso beach.

After a satisfying meal, go to the Underwater World and Dive with Dugongs - be immersed in a world of fairytales as you join the playful dugong, Gracie for a fun time in her Dugong Cove!

Next, on to Spa Botanica - Singapore's first tropical garden destination spa where you can indulge in an intimate “Two-gether Day Package”. This includes a romantic couple's body scrub and the couple's Vichy shower, followed by a moor body wrap before a delicious light snack. You can also enjoy the sheer indulgence of the exotic couples aroma massage before relaxing in the couples' King's bath, complete with a sprinkle of flower petals and a glass of champagne.

Leave the island with a romantic dinner in the sky. Dining in a cable car against the backdrop of the crimson sunset is definitely an experience to remember. Finally, end the idyllic day with cocktails at Singapore's highest point - Equinox.

PagodaSwan · 11-12-2005, 10:31 AM

Girls just wanna have fun – and so you can on this Uniquely Rewarding getaway, exclusive for the ladies!

Start your day with an outdoor breakfast at the Jurong BirdPark, with serenading songbirds amidst a landscaped garden and overlooking the Flamingo Lake.

After a hearty breakfast, embark on a shopping spree! Start at Orchard Road – the ultimate shopping paradise that is bursting with the latest lifestyle and fashion trends from all over the world. Visit Singapore's home grown outlet, Tangs, or check out hip and trendy fashion apparel at Far East Plaza and The Heeren. Break for lunch at the newly opened Indochine right in the heart of Orchard Road. A perfect place to feel the buzz of the city and people-watch!

Move on to the Marina Bay area for more uninterrupted shopping, stretching from Raffles City to Citylink Mall and from Suntec City to Marina Square/Millenia Walk. The superb interconnectivity between the six malls and its many retail shops promises many pleasurable hours of retail therapy.

Next, rest those tired legs... and your wallet.... by indulging in a spa treatment at Amrita Spa at Raffles City. Nestled among Singapore's urban landscape, it is the largest luxury spa in Asia, spread over three levels with spa and fitness facilities. Pamper yourself to one of the luxurious signature spa treatments such as Total Body Wellness and Elixir of Youth.

Still tired? Visit the Imperial Herbal Restaurant - one of Singapore's finest examples of Chinese cuisine. It's a place frequented by health-conscious epicureans who have out-yanged their yin [or vice versa].

The night is still young! After that rejuvenating dinner, expend the rest of your energy at Insomnia located at CHIJMES or Coyote Ugly at Mohamed Sultan Road. You and the girls may also want to drop by Zouk before calling it a night.

PagodaSwan · 11-12-2005, 10:32 AM

If you’re looking for a holiday to remember, check out these 20 novel ideas for a roaring good time in Singapore!

Check out our 20 Unique Things to do in Singapore for Free

1. Savour seafood
by the beach, Singapore-style! Enjoy spicy Chilli Crab, zesty Black Pepper Crayfish and succulent Butter Prawns for a lip-smacking meal.

2. Check into a unique hotel
in Singapore - from the hip Gallery Hotel with its distinctive postmodern decor to Hotel 1929, a boutique hotel in Chinatown known for its funky interiors and vintage chairs.

3. Pamper yourself
to a relaxing massage in a lush garden setting at the one of Asia's biggest outdoor spas, Spa Botanica.

4. Try your hand
at being a trapeze artiste in Trapizza, a novel beach attraction that innovatively marries a pizzeria with Singapore 's first flying trapeze school.

5. Tee off at night
under the flood-lit fairways at Jurong Country Club or Orchid Country Club.

6. Hitch an amphibious ride
on the Ducktour - a half-boat, half-truck craft - and splash into the harbour after a city tour.

7. Snap a picture
with one of Singapore's most photographed personalities, the doorman at Raffles Hotel.

8. Restore your yin and yang
or brave some of more exotic delicacies at the Imperial Herbal Kitchen, including deep fried scorpions and ants.

9. Party till the wee hours
of the morning at Singapore's premier clubbing zone, Mohamed Sultan Road.

10. Meet the wild cats
lions, cheetahs, jaguars, pumas, tigers – on a special zoo tour. Or board a buggy for a personally-guided, behind-the-scenes tour at the Singapore Zoo!

PagodaSwan · 11-12-2005, 10:36 AM

11. Fancy being a dolphin trainer?
Then swim with the pink dolphins at Sentosa for a day and experience their personalities and antics first-hand!

12. Relive the excitement of Jaws,
dive with the sharks at the Underwater World. Meet a world of sea creatures including the rare dugong, or sea cow. Even non-certified divers can take part on this fun-filled activity!

13. Go back in time
to a different Singapore during World War II. The Changi Chapel and Museum, Johore Battery, Reflections at Bukit Chandu and Fort Siloso on Sentosa hold memories of those turbulent years.

14. Learn how to be a falconer
and handle birds of prey at the Jurong BirdPark. Or have a hearty breakfast beside a flock of pink flamingos!

15. Catch a glimpse
of the elusive Malayan Water Monitor lizard, which can grow up to 2metres, at the Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve.

16. Enjoy the highest high tea
in Singapore at the Equinox on the 69th storey of Swissotel The Stamford and take in the awe-inspiring views!

17. Sample the fiery fish-head curry
served with rice on a banana leaf and eat it the traditional way - with your hands!

18. Imbibe in a night of culture
pick up tickets for a performance at the highly acclaimed Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.

19. Do three things in one
at Suntec City, you can see the world's largest fountain, discover fengshui - the ancient art of geomancy, which is integrated into its design, and indulge in retail therapy!

20. Go shopping at 4am
at Singapore's 24-hour mall, the popular Mustafa Centre and choose from over 120,000 products!