Mention this tiny island nation off the tip of the Malay Peninsula and people may envision a prim, repressive society that puts drug dealers to death, censors movies and TV, and fines ordinary citizens for chewing gum.
That's unfortunate, because this former British trading colony of 4.6 million, now an international financial and high-tech hub, is surprisingly convivial and has much to offer: world-class nature parks and museums, an exciting Pan-Asiatic cultural blend, unique cuisine, sparkling high-rises and diverse ethnic enclaves. .
And you can chew gum, under recently relaxed rules. Just make sure it's sugarless and teeth-whitening一the only kind that can be sold.
The greening of Singapore is largely the work of its 20th century founder and now Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew, dubbed by some the '' monster gardener.''
There is a Chinatown in Singapore, a predominantly Chinese city. You'll also find a Little India and an Arab Quarter. Highlights of a walking tour included the ornate 19th century Thian Hock Keng Temple, crafted without nails; a modern Chinese medicine store; and tiny but historic Sago Street, with its '' wet market'' full of tropical fruits, fish, live frogs and more.
Singapore's main zoo is large and lavishly landscaped, with minimal barriers between animals and humans. It's so humane that it recently treated its Komodo dragon lizard for a nerve disorder and depression with acupuncture. At last report, the patient was on the mend.
That's unfortunate, because this former British trading colony of 4.6 million, now an international financial and high-tech hub, is surprisingly convivial and has much to offer: world-class nature parks and museums, an exciting Pan-Asiatic cultural blend, unique cuisine, sparkling high-rises and diverse ethnic enclaves. .
And you can chew gum, under recently relaxed rules. Just make sure it's sugarless and teeth-whitening一the only kind that can be sold.
The greening of Singapore is largely the work of its 20th century founder and now Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew, dubbed by some the '' monster gardener.''
There is a Chinatown in Singapore, a predominantly Chinese city. You'll also find a Little India and an Arab Quarter. Highlights of a walking tour included the ornate 19th century Thian Hock Keng Temple, crafted without nails; a modern Chinese medicine store; and tiny but historic Sago Street, with its '' wet market'' full of tropical fruits, fish, live frogs and more.
Singapore's main zoo is large and lavishly landscaped, with minimal barriers between animals and humans. It's so humane that it recently treated its Komodo dragon lizard for a nerve disorder and depression with acupuncture. At last report, the patient was on the mend.