Singapore | Bintan

Locate just off the southern tip of the Malaysia Peninsula, Singapore has been a regional focal point ever since an English adventure, Sir Stamford Raffles, bought it from a Malaya sultan in 1819. the original name of the island was Temasek, meaning "sea town", and its present title was given by Sumatra prince who, on landing on the island and beliving that he saw a lion, promptly called the place Singa-Pura, Sanskrit for Lion City.
This tiny nation of three million people with a total land area of just 633 square Kilometers has a rich and varied cultural background. Chinese, Malaya's, Indians and Europeans have all played a part in this island's development, bringing diversity to every aspect of life. 
For the visitors, Singapore presents the whole of South-East Asia in microcosm. Food varies from inexpensive local dishes at out door eating stalls to the finest cuisine in the excellent restaurant; shopping in air-conditioned malls or streets bazaar, ranges from the latest electronic goods to antiques, haute couture and herbal medicines. Entertainment encompasses every thing from the Chinese theater to Indian movies, lively discotheques to heritage museums, hi-tech theme parks to wild life conversion areas.
Singapore is also a good place from which to explore other parts of the region. Malaysia and Indonesia are on Singapore's drop step, and other south east Asian countries are easily accessible.

Exciting things to see and do
New Asia- Singapore holds many wonders for the adventurous visitor willing to explore. Theme parks, nature reserves and museums are some of the exciting attractions that open to you .
Sentosa island, which attracts 4 million visitors a year, has a whole hosts of attractions for the active and not so active. Watersports activites and tow challenging 18-hole golf courses are among the highlight at Sentosa, and the many theme attractions like Fantasy Island, Underwater World and VolcanoLand are sure to please. With three luxury hotels offering all the facilities and amenities you would exoect from a top-class resort, Sentosa is a haven for outdoor lovers and seekers of fun and relaxation. The Singapore Cruise Center is also near the Haw Par Villa Tiger Balm Gardens, which provides an interesting insight into Chinese myths and traditions. For the art enthusiast, Singapore is home to many art museums,with the Singapore History Museum being the largest. If you are interested in local flora, a stroll in the beautiful Botanic Gardens and National Orchid Gardens is highly recommended .
And for an unconventional picture of Singapore nightlife, visit the Night Safari and take in the exciting sights of nocturnal animals in specially - recreated habitats .
Also ,pick up complimentary walking tour maps available from the airport which guide you on an exploratory stroll around places like the Singapore River, Chinatown and little India . These areas offer a unique perspective of Singaporean life with their carefull preserved and restored shophouses, some hailing as far back as the British colonial area .

Countless flavours and experiences
Food is an important part of life in Singapore .From world-class cuisine to down -to-earth hawker centers, you are sure to have the gourmet experience of a lifetime .
The range of cuisine in Singapore is incredible, Chinese, Malay , Indian and Peranakan food, and much more, can be found everywhere. There are more than 500 restaurants that cater to every taste, and they serve all styles of cuisine from Mexican, japanese, Italian, American and Greek to northern Indian, there are also hawker center and food courts that do the entire island . There is even New Asia- Singapore cuisine, Singapore s own fusion of Western and Asian cooking. To sample this unique cuisine, visit Doc Chengs at Raffles Hotel .
For truly unique alfresco dining , Boat Quay and Quay along the Singapore River offer a wide range of food and entertainment choices, while the newly- restored CHIJMES, with its magnificent Gothic-scyled chapel, provides fine cuisine amidst the historical Civic District. And for a gastronomic treat, come in July to join a month-long celebration of food- the Singapore Food Festival .

Shopping paradise of the world
Singapore shopping is about variety, quality, value for money and excellent service. From the latest in electronics, tradirional crafts, European high fashion and traditional Asian wares to high-tech computer software . You are almost guaranteed to find it all here .New Asia- Singapore brings together the world best at prices that do not cost the earth. Because we are a duty-free port, most goods tend to be less expensive than in their country of origin .
The range of goods available is phenomenal. Fashion from international couture houses can be found in modern shopping centers such as Suntec City , Ngee Ann City or Wisma Atria .Local stores like Tangs and Metro offer an exciting range of fashion.ifyou prefer a shopping experience with a local flavour, the ethnic quarters of little India, Chinatown, kampong Glam and Arab Street offer everything from traditional crafts, household items and silk clothes to jewellery and interesting souvenirs .
And to truly experience the excitement of shopping in Singapore, come during June-July .The Great Singapore Sale -when retailers all around the island display their best products at unbeatable sale prices.

Festivals of colour
Only in New Asia - Singapore do you find major festivals celebrated by all ethnic groups, from Chinese, Malay and Indian to Eurasian . They offer you an experience in colour and character, giving a good view of the rich cultures that make up Singapore s multi-cultural heritage . From Thimithi, when Hindu devotees walk across hot coals, to the Lunar New Year, when the Chinese usher in their New Year- whatever the time of year, there will always be a festival for you to experience and enjoy .
This year-long series of activities make up an exciting calender of events in Singapore. There is also an active arts scene in Singapore attracting a host of special events which have previously included major international performances like the Bolshoi Ballet, and production of renowned musicals such as les Miserables and Phanton of the Opera .
Singapore is also the venue for the annual Festival of Arts, where you can catch the best of Asian and International culture .And if you are visiting Singapore towards November, see the magical Celebration Singapore with its display of lights and cheer stretching from Christmas to the Lunar New Year .

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