City Guide

Connected by a causeway to peninsular Malaysia, Singapore measures only 622 sq km, yet it is home to more than 3 million people. For the most part, their ancestors arrived only within the past 200 years, coming from China, India, Malaysia, and Europe to form one of the world's most vibrant ethnic mixes. Founded in 1819 as a trading center by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, Singapore won its independence in 1965 and has rapidly emerged as one of Asia's economic "tigers." It has been Southeast Asia's most modern city for more than a century for a reason. Successive governments have kept it that way through constant change, still in progress. Nevertheless, Singapore is easy to explore independently. The best way is on foot, wandering the streets to discover small shops, a special house, or a temple, or just to observe the daily scene.

My Visit

By the time I visited Singapore, the project I was involved with had stabilised which enabled me to enjoy the sights of the City and neighbouring Island of Sentosa, without having to work additional time in the evenings, as with most of my visits I was treated to the local hospitality of my hosts. I managed to visit the famous Raffles Hotel and try a Singapore Sling (nothing special!), various seafood restaurants and one evening at an Indian Restaurant which served fish head curry , I didn’t try the eyes , but ate most of the rest of it.