Singa Pura, The City of Lion, is the old name of Singapore. In the 13th century, a prince from Malaya was shipwrecked and washed ashore to an unknown island where he saw a creature which he thought was a lion and named the island as ’’’’Singa Pura’’’’. The name Singapore was derived from Singa (Lion) Pura (City). Singapore was separated from the Malaysia on 9 August 1965, and became a self-regulating, democratic and independent nation.
The Lion Head is being used as an alternative National Symbol because of restriction to the use of national flag and State crest for non-government and commercial purposes. Like their national flag, it is red against a white background. It has five curls; characterizes - democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality. The lion’’s determined expression signifies the nation’’s single-minded resolve to face any challenges and overcome any obstacles.
After independence, main task for the leadership was to create a sense of national integrity and consciousness among the immigrants from different part of the world mainly from China, India and other countries of SE Asia. Integrity was in question due to migrant population. Clear objective and single-minded attitude of leadership took advantage of geographical location and world economy. They not only Integrated them and developed World Class Industrial Estates but also made Singapore as one of the most Happening City in the world. Determined expression of Lion Head or the Merlion is the true symbol of Singaporean Attitude.
We talk about “Unity in Diversity” but that can be seen in Singapore. People from different part of the world congregated there to earn their livelihood and they love to call them Singaporean and at the same time maintained their cultural heritage. All this can happen only if there is committed leadership.
I am fortunate to see many world-class cities but Singapore is unique. Its only resource is 4 million people. A country without any natural resources has grown as Transportation Hub, reasonably good Industrialization including a huge refinery complex of Shell, Tourist Destination and as a Campaign City.
A Proud and Confident Singaporean Lady who took me around the city after late working in our office, shown me a Merlion. The feature of the Merlion instigated me to know more about Merlion and Singapore. Could not get enough time but let me share whatever I could learn.
Airport
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On the way to Bangkok, I reached there by SQ 327 from Mumbai as a transit passenger and spent about five hours to catch my next flight. Name of the airport is Changi. Changi is really Changla (Good in Marathi) or Changa (Good in Punjabi) airport in all respect. It has a big shopping area and a paradise for those searching for expensive cosmetics, electronic items or wine. There are many food stalls to suit your requirements. Kaveri even serve Indian Thali and cold drink of your choice for S$ 10. I could not resist tasting their food and spent about S$ 6 for an uttappa and coke. Kaveri is near gate no F-54. Left for Bangkok at schedule time without any hassle. During the weekend, I came back from Bangkok by SQ 65 at around 2030 hours. It took only 35 minutes to go though the Immigration counter, collection of luggage and Red Channel. Officials on duty was ready to serve you with a smile but equally strict about the rules. Taxis were readily available.
Attractions –
Sentosa Island
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Next day was Sunday so utilized the day to see most famous attraction of Singapore, Sentosa Island. Singapore government developed this island as a tourist spot. One can reach there by Road, Cable Car or by Sea. I opted a guided tour of RMG and entered the island by cable car from mount Faber. A very safe way to travel there but someone who is afraid of height or sickness related to height should go by road. One can see Asia’s biggest oceanarium, butterfly park, museum, and Laser show at night.
I will try to right a separate review on Sentosa Island.
Mount Faber
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I went there at night to see skyline of Singapore. Skyline of CBD area along the river Singapore is quite impressive. Local go to mount Faber for picnic.
Islands in west where refinery, petroleum storage tanks, industrial estates are can be seen from here.
Other attraction those I could not visit are –
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URA Gallery, Night Safari, Zoo, Jurong Bird Park. Hope to see some of these places in my next visit. One can go for day tours to nearby Malaysia; visa may be required.
Shopping
Duty free shopping mall at the airport is good but not something extra ordinary. Drinks and Cigarettes are cheaper at the shops in Mumbai airport.
I was amazed by the huge stock of several items at Mustafa. It is a famous shopping center at Sarangoon Road. This part of Sarangoon is also known as Little India. Price of many items is less than even duty free shop. There is no scope to bargain here. Almost all salespersons are from South Indian. Any taxi driver will take you there. From Orchard Road, one can go by bus no. 111.
For electronic items, Sim Lim Square is famous but one should be good enough in bargaining.
Food
If you are fond of trying different types of food then Singapore is the right place for you. Go to Little India for Indian food and taste your favorite dish but for variety walk by the side of Singapore River. This place is near the CBD and serves all types of Asian Food and some of the continental food. Almost 2 km along the river is full of eating joints. I could get one of my favorite beers ‘Corona’. Name of the local beer is tiger and it is not bad but not as good as my favorite KF.
If you are fond of seafood then try Chinese, Thai and Indonesian dishes.
In Orchard Road, I could see lot of counters of McDonald and Burger King. Burgers are costing around S$ 5+. Such counters may be there in all other areas of Singapore.
Transportation
Getting a taxi is not difficult during the weekday and most of them accept credit cards even my Amex. Taxi drivers are very honest and they can speak English. It is better to confirm any extra charges before hiring a taxi.
Public transport is very efficient and most of the Singaporean uses public transport. Bus service is good and one can enjoy air-condition buses. There are train services of MRT however have no personal experience but seems to be equally good.
Buying a car in Singapore is very expensive. This is because of some additional money to buy permission to buy a car that may be 75% of the cost of the car. This additional burden is to control number of car on this island city. Two wheelers are also very costly for the same reason. Therefore, people have no choice but to depend on public transport.
Education
Campus of Singapore University is very impressive. There are lot of students from neighboring countries and that indicate there standard of education. University has big hostel complex. I have also seen a residential complex for the teachers.
They have their own academy for Police and Defence Personnel.
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