Singapore is an island city located at the southernmost tip of the Malaysian Peninsula in South East Asia.
It is well-known for being one of the richest, most well organised, efficient countries in the world, with a very high standard of living and an excellent skyline by the water. Singapore is an island with "1,000 shopping malls" or so they say. Despite the hot climate, it is a tropical paradise for most tourists. This great diversity of lifestyles, cultures, and religions thrives within the framework of a regulated society. Singapore's "FINE" city reputation is well-earned, and in fact, many will admire at once the clean, modern metropolis. Surrounded by artificially 'ordered' parks, its tall housing projects are populated by more than 80% of the population -- whose smiling native charms often belie underlying tensions about the way the island is progressing after 30 years of development.

Highlights of Singapore include some of the ethnic parts of town: Arab Street, Chinatown, Colonial District, Orchard Road and Little India.

South of Singapore are a few beautiful islands that are well worth visiting. The most visited is Sentosa island. It is a playground for people of all ages. See the Sentosa island section for more information.

Singapore, the diamond-shaped island off the southern tip of Malaysia, is an unlikely success story. Once a simple fishing village, it was founded in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles, an official of the British East India Company, who decided it was the perfect location as a trading station. Since then it has become one of the world's most successful and prosperous cities, known as the Lion City.

The Central Business District (CBD) is located in the heart of the island of Singapore. Here, especially at the mouth of the Singapore River, Asian tradition meets modern technology -- gleaming skyscrapers tower over traditional architecture, while squat Chinese and Hindu temples stud the city. A curious blend of ancient and modern, the city is home to an ethnic mix of Chinese, Malaysians and Indians, as well as ex-pats from all over the world, in a predominantly English-speaking society. These different races live harmoniously thanks to religious tolerance, increased prosperity, stringent no-nonsense laws and a constant balmy equatorial heat.

Since the island became an independent Republic in 1965, it has enjoyed a vigorous and successful free trade policy. This has led to an unprecedented rise in the standard of living and exponential economic growth, due mainly to the export industry.

The country is rightly proud of its efficiency, cleanliness and highly developed infrastructure. The luxury shopping centres and world-class restaurants that grace Singapore City's modern business district could take their place in any large Western conurbation. But there is also ample evidence of Singapore's rich cultural heritage in the fascinating districts of Little India, Arab Street and Chinatown.

Other distractions include ever-popular Sentosa Island, the tranquillity of the Chinese Gardens, the bonsai-sized reserve of Bukit Timah and the world-renowned Night Safari at the Singapore Zoo.

Increasingly thought of as a holiday destination in itself, Singapore is an ideal introduction to the kaleidoscopic cultures of Southeast Asia and a wonderful place to spend a few days or so, exploring the exciting blend of excellent food, shopping and diverse, hospitable people.