Singapore at a Glance
Uniquely Singapore
What makes a place unique, that gives it its distinct identity?
- Its people.
- Its landscape.
- Its place in the world.
- Its passage through time.
From its beginnings as a humble trading post to the bustling metropolis it is today, Singapore has always been different. A bridge between the East and the West for centuries, Singapore is today a vibrant melting pot of ideas, cultures and peoples. Local in its perspective but global in its outlook, Singapore is a city that has evolved uniquely, where age-old traditions and cutting-edge innovations are celebrated, a place brimming with unbridled energy and bursting with exciting events.
Singapore – truly a city like no other. With its friendly and welcoming people, state-of-the-art infrastructure and something new happening every day, Singapore is so easy to appreciate. Come and discover countless unique experiences, and take away memories that are uniquely Singapore.
Of thrilling spectacles and artistic inspiration
Be spoiled for choice in the region's most happening city. With Singapore's packed events calendar, where else can you get that unique blend of colourful ethnic festivals, vibrant performances and spectator sports? A regular stop on the international entertainment circuit, with a thriving local arts scene, Singapore offers incredible possibilities for a night-out, especially at the distinctive Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. Do check our calendar before you arrive – you could catch a boisterous street parade, a Hindu firewalking ceremony or a dazzling festive light-up. Or share an evening with a big-name opera diva, a British boyband or a Canto pop-star!
Of high-seas adventures and romantic escapades
As a gateway to the region and surrounded by some of the most beautiful waters in the world, Singapore is a natural place for visitors to discover the unique pleasures of cruising. Try your hand at the casino, catch a cabaret show or simply work on your tan as you sip a leisurely cocktail beside the pool. Then discover the region as you sail to stunning destinations like Phuket and Langkawi. Travel with that special someone for a romantic holiday of a lifetime.
Of quality luxury labels and mind-boggling variety
Where else can you get such incredible diversity in one convenient location? From luxury boutiques to quality antiques, from the latest electronics to tomorrow's fashion trends, you can shop for days in the city. Suss out the best bargain deals and fantastic sales in the malls, shops and markets. Beyond everyone's favourite shopping boulevard, Orchard Road, there are many other shopping districts in Marina Bay, Bugis, the civic district and the suburbs waiting to be explored. Singapore – a one-stop destination where you can practically shop the world.
Of legendary efficiency and high-tech convenience
The businessman of today never had it easier. In one compact wired city, he can effortlessly close that deal, travel about hassle-free and enjoy the range of services only a world-class business hub can provide. As the premier Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) destination in Asia, you'll also appreciate Singapore's top-notch facilities, excellent infrastructure and attentive staff. Coupled with so many after-hours options for the corporate guest, Singapore makes for a truly unique combination which has won numerous accolades, including the World's Best Business City.
Of subtle flavours and local delights
They don’t call Singapore a food paradise for nothing. When it comes to fine dining, whether it is haute French cuisine or a ten-course Cantonese banquet, Singapore is peerless in its diversity. Then there is the entire range of local dishes that are truly unique to Singapore – from fragrant Hainanese chicken rice to fiery Chilli Crab and Peranakan curries. In Singapore, you have endless unique culinary experiences. It all depends on how many meals you can fit in a day!
Of unforgettable experiences and endless photo moments
The sights and sounds of bustling ethnic communities. Nature's creatures at play in a natural environment. Funky architecture in a lush garden city. There are so many aspects of Singapore that win over our visitors you'll need more than a few days to see them all. In this city of contrasts, you can sightsee from a trishaw ride in the shadow of skyscrapers or relive the tough lives of early immigrants through modern technology. Or just chill out on the pier where the popular icon, the Merlion, stands guard at the mouth of the Singapore River. Whatever you choose, there's always something unique round the corner to surprise and enthral you.
Today Singapore is the favoured destination of many, a city where every visit leaves you enriched, recharged and craving for more. There is so much waiting to be experienced, a world of possibilities not found anywhere else. Come and discover it for yourself, and find out why we call our city Uniquely Singapore.
A city like no other, a world of possibilities.
Singapore City
It's popular to dismiss Singapore as a kind of Asia Lite - blandly efficient and safe, a boringly tasteless, disciplinarian and unadventurous place where citizens are robbed of their cherished freedom to spit on the street and chew gum. Utter nonsense.
Singapore is in fact one of the most enjoyable cities in Southeast Asia. As you zoom in from one of the world's best airports along the lushly tree-shaded expressway or on the zippy MRT train line, you'll quickly realise this is no traffic-snarled Bangkok. And as you stroll through the fashion emporiums of Orchard Rd, poke around antique shops in Chinatown or take a walk around one of the dozens of beautiful city parks, you'll know the city bears no comparison to crime- and poverty-ridden Manila or Jakarta.
Location of Singapore
Singapore lies on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, between latitudes 1º 09´N and 1º 29´N and longitudes 103º 36´E and 104º 25´E.
It has a total land area of 707.1 sq km, with one main island (617.1 sq km) and 63 offshore islands. The larger offshore islands are Pulau Tekong (2365.5 hectares), Pulau Ubin (1023.9 hectares) and Sentosa (460 hectares).
Brief History of Singapore
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 11th 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.
Singapore Today
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.
share this page