Singapore’s attractiveness as a travel destination can be traced back to its history. For hundreds of years, travellers have found Singapore to be a welcoming stop. As far back as the 13th century, trading boats and merchant ships would take refuge in its safe harbour along the Malacca Straits, even making the island their new home. These early inhabitants would bestow upon Singapore a cultural heritage that is considered exotic today.
Even as Singapore celebrates its diversity of cultures, it embraces the future and worldwide trends in leisure and entertainment. As a result, tourists find Singapore to be full of fresh surprises and worthy of repeat visits.
Visitor numbers to the country have been growing consistently over the years. In 2009, Singapore received 9.68 million visitors, mainly from Indonesia, the People’s Republic of China, Australia, India, Japan, United Kingdom and Malaysia.
Traditional attractions
Singapore’s cultural and heritage trips showcase the old traditions which are still very much alive. Get a blast from the past by heading down to any of these ethnic enclaves: Chinatown, Kampong Glam, Arab Street and Little India. Each quarter unveils traditional artefacts, clothing, ethnic delicacies and other cultural treasures.
For starters, you could enjoy the Chinese antiques, traditional costumes or calligraphy of Chinatown, then have a whiff of assorted spices at Little India and purchase a sari or some jewellery for a loved one. Finally, hurry down to Kampong Glam and Arab Street for bazaar-style shopping and be intrigued by the exquisitely hand-made batiks from Indonesia and Malaysia – without ever leaving the country!Recent and upcoming attractions
Singapore has many attractions to offer.
In September 2008, Singapore played host to the annual Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix, marking a milestone in the history of F1: it was the first street race in Asia as well as the first night race in the world. A total of 1,600 projectors were used to illuminate the 5.067-kilometre circuit to 4 times brighter than that of a stadium; spectators were surely as dazzled as they were thrilled to get up close and personal with the F1 racers.
Visitors can also look forward to the Gardens by the Bay, which will comprise three waterfront gardens in the Marina Bay area. Visitors to the Gardens will be greeted with a super surprise; they will be dwarfed by SuperTrees - tree-like structures that measure up to 16 storeys high! This lush-looking bay area will surely support the Singapore dream of being ‘A City in a Garden’.
Also in 2010, Singapore hosted the first Youth Olympics Games. With a total of 26 sports – which include innovative ones like BMX biking and beach wrestling – and a whopping 3,200 athletes and 800 officials involved across 12 days, this youthful, bustling city will only get younger.
Source: Singapore Tourism Board
Images courtesy of Yoursingapore
