It is not only shopping that brings visitors to Singapore. Describe some other tourist attractions and say why you think visitors enjoy them.

Louis Krisman (16) (423)

Even in today’s globalised world, any mention of “Singapore” to a passer-by overseas will most likely earn one a bewildered look. Owing to its small land area, this democracy might not rank amongst the most recognised countries in the world, nor does it enjoy constant media and political coverage, unlike some of its larger and more prominent neighbours. While political events in this country may not have a significant impact on the international scale, Singapore does not fall short when it comes to offering foreign travelers a slew of places of interests to visit. The Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) innovative publicity campaigns have drawn praises from the international community, and at the same time, put Singapore under the international spotlight. In the past year alone, a total of 9.05 million tourists visited Singapore, making tourism one of its largest industries. The country’s minute size belies its illustrious past; it is a myriad diversity of the many cultures in the world, and overflows with a fascinating wealth of spiritual beliefs. Aside from the proposed Integrated Resorts that will, for the first time in history, legalise the construction of casinos in Singapore, this country has a plethora of attractions that will doubtless appeal to sightseers worldwide.

Singapore’s new destination brand is “Uniquely Singapore”- unique is the word that best captures this modern nation, a dynamic city rich in contrast and color which allows one to find a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture. Cuisine has long been vigorously promoted as an attraction for , and is usually advertised by various initiatives undertaken by the STB as one of Singapore's best attractions alongside . In a country tagged as “A Gastronome’s Paradise”, there is no scarcity of epicurean cuisines to tantalize the palates of many. The country offers a fascinating blend of street food and haute cuisines, a direct consequence of the large expatriate community present in Singapore. Singaporeans wine and dine with a profound passion that amazes many, thus it is no wonder that with every turn of the head in this food-crazed nation, there would doubtless be a road-side eatery or a fine dining restaurant in sight. Tourists visiting Singapore have long been attracted by the wide variety of foodstuff that this nation has to offer, and it is easy to see why. By presenting itself as a food paradise, Singapore has successfully imported subtle notions of the world’s different cultures into its national cuisine. The food that Singapore offers is so eclectic that the list reads like the countries present in a United Nations General Assembly. South China ethnic cuisines, Cantonese delights, traditional Hakka specialties or an outlandish Turkish number- this country presents the staple food of virtually every culture in the world, all within the little island of Singapore. One need not travel around the world to taste the host of food-fares that different countries have to offer; a trip to Singapore would excite his palates with any food that he craves for, from all corners of the globe. Whether it is the perpetually-crowded hawker centres, or exquisite fine-dining restaurants, Singapore promises to be an gourmet’s eternal heaven, due to its gamut of foreign and local cuisine. The multiculturalism of local food, the ready availability of international cuisine, and their wide range in prices to fit all budgets at all times of the day and year helps to cement Singapore’s position as a “gourmand’s little slice of paradise”, a moniker it is more than worthy of assuming.

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It is not only the gastronomic gamut that manages to entice tourists to flock to Singapore. The architectures of many of Singapore’s buildings have contributed to the country’s mystical old-world charm. In a country where real estate is at a premium, the Government has had to be extremely meticulous in the process of urbanizing Singapore. Within the Central Business District, the towering skyscrapers dominate Singapore’s skyline, a reflection of the city’s economic growth and prosperity. These gigantic structures dwarf the few historical sites and buildings that reside in the country. The ancient buildings serve as a reminder of Singapore’s colonial history and its illustrious past. Fort Canning Hill, for example, has a rich history which dates back to the late 19th Century. It was the site of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles’ residence and Singapore’s first Botanical Garden, built by the keen botanist himself. In the days of British colonial governance, the hill served as headquarters of the British Army. The place possesses a magical allure that accentuates its hilly terrains, and is the top destination for many tourists that visit Singapore. Another historic monument that never fails to attract visitors is Singapore’s oldest Anglican church- St. Andrew’s Cathedral. The house of worship was once regularly patronized by the British Governor and other officials. The external façade is reminiscent of the early English Gothic architecture, with intricate carvings on the glossy white exterior synonymous to the structure of ancient cathedrals in Eastern Europe. In between modernizing to suit the world’s rapidly-changing economy, Singapore has succeeded in preserving some of its oldest monuments and structures and as a result, presents a colorful landscape that combines the minimalist simplicity of modern structures with the enigmatic appeal of its older edifices. A visitor to Singapore can expect to be treated to a visual delight- a testament to its illustrious past and foray into the modern era. The assorted mix of antiquated constructions and imposing skyscrapers offers a captivating insight into the city’s urban developments, all while retaining that much-sought-after charm of the olden days.

Perhaps the single most popular tourist attraction in Singapore, the Night Safari in Singapore Zoo boasts to be the world’s first nocturnal zoo. As with any country, the zoo has always been a major tourist attraction, drawing up to a million visitors annually. However, what sets Singapore’s zoo apart from its foreign replicas is its open concept. Animal lovers who visit the zoo are ensured a fulfilling time as the zoo follows the modern trend of displaying animals in their naturalistic habitat, with hidden barriers separating the enclosed animal and visitors. This is a departure from the traditional way of displaying animals in an enclosure (cages), and grants visitors a unique “up-close and personal” experience with the animals. By simulating an open landscape, the Singapore Zoo aims to recreate the natural habitats of the different animals, and at the same time remove virtually any barriers between them and the visitors. The Night Safari offers an even more exciting and extraordinary experience- the world’s first wildlife park is built to allow visitors to witness the wonders of nature after the sun has set. Through the use of special lighting techniques that resemble moonlight, park officials have successfully created an environment in which the animals’ nocturnal and behavior are undisturbed, while offering visitors a chance to peek into the amazing world of animals in twilight. The zoo’s unparalleled success can be attributed to its bold new concept and the animals which reside in it- of the 120 animals which can be observed at the Night Safari park, 72 percent are endangered species. The white tigers in the zoo fall under such a category, thus it is easy to see why Singapore’s zoo has always been a magnet for tourists that arrive in Singapore. Among various attractions that the zoo offers, one of the highlights is the "Breakfast with an Orangutan" program, which allows visitors to meet and interact closely with the orangutans in the zoo, including the famous primate “” who has somewhat evolved into a celebrated icon of the Singapore tourism industry. The Singapore Zoo will continue to attract visitors worldwide into its vast enclosure, thanks to regular maintenance and the management’s innovative long-term plans to draw visitors.

It seemed not too long ago when the tiny city-state of Singapore was imbued with a racially-charged atmosphere that threatened to plunge the nation into political pandemonium. For a nation which not too long ago was on the threshold of anarchy, its ascension into the upper echelons of developed countries worldwide is nothing short of extraordinary.

Critics and media have often lampooned the city-state as a “fine” nation, a witty and apt pun on the country’s self-styled image. Singapore draws flak for imposing draconian laws that even regulates jaywalking and the mandatory flushing of public toilets; the country is also a popular holiday destination due to its “clean and green” image, which contributes to one of its numerous tags, a “garden city”. Even so, the public’s warm and arresting hospitality, coupled with legislative transparency that is so rare in our politicised age, has never failed to amaze many from abroad. It is home to the world's busiest hub for transhipment traffic and cutting-edge public metro system. Over the past few years, the STB has been relentless in launching various publicity campaigns, in an attempt to put Singapore in a favourable light as a dynamic and vibrant nation. This latest charm offensive will promote Singapore as a modern and exuberant city which has shaken off its conservative and stiff-necked customs. Anyone who has visited Singapore cannot help but fall head over heels in love with the country’s gastronomic offerings and its enthralling mix of modern advancement and old-world charm. Singapore has well and truly arrived on the international stage, eager more than ever to stake its claim as an economic powerhouse and cultural hub.

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