DARLING's SKETCH: August 2007

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乐山大佛 (JUN 07)

BEAUTIFUL DRESS (JUN 07)

ABOUT SINGAPORE

The land
Situated 136km (85 miles) north of the equator, Singapore in an island state lying off the southern tip of the Malaysian peninsula. The main island (covering some 580sq km/224sq miles) is what most people refer to as'Singapore'; the state also encompasses around 58 smaller islands, most of which are scattered over the sea to the south in the Straits of Singapore. Singapore is a low-lying island with the capital occupying roughly a third of the total area.

Population
The population of Singapore is 4.45 million.It is a multiracial society comprising around 78 per cent Chinese, 14 per cent Malays, 7 per cent Indians and small numbers fo European and other nationalities.

Language
In Sanskrit, an old Indian language, "Singapore" means "Lion city". The important languages of Singapore are English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. Most Singaporeans speak English.

Climate
Singapore and the southern tip of Malaysia lie at latitude 1 degreeN, with the northern provinces of Peninsular Malaysia extending up to latitude 7 degreeN, putting both countries in the Tropical Humid belt with average annual rainfall of around 3,000mm (118 inches). Hot and humid all year round, average temperatures range from 20 degreeC to 30 degreeC. It can rain at any time of year, usually in short, heave downpours. Singapore has the most rain between November and January. monsoon

History
Singapore was set up as a British trading town in 1819 by Thomas Stamford Raffles, and became an important town in the Malay Archipelago. The country was given colony status in 1867. The Japanese attacked Singapore in late 1941, and took control of the colony on 15 February 1942 and renamed it Syonan-to (pronounced as Sho-nan-to) during the rule. People of Singapore suffered during the Japapnese rule until the surrender in September 1945 back to the British. The suffering during the World War II made the people think that the British were not as powerful as before. In 1963, Singapore joined Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak to form the new nation of Malaysia. Malaysia is a country with many races. Among the races, the Malays have special benefits. For example, the Malays can get university education more easily than other races. Most people in Singapore are Chinese. Singapore wanted equality (equal treatment) for all the people of Malaysia. This caused quarrels between the state government of Singapore and the federal government of Malaysia. Singapore separated from Malaysia and became independent on August 9 1965. At first, many people thought Singapore would not be able to survive on its own. However, the people of Singapore wanted to make their new country better. Today, Singapore is doing very well economically.

Economy
Singapore's economy is based on tourism, trade, finance, shipping and manufacturing. The port handles some 130,000 vessels and 18 million containers a years. Singapore is a clearing-house for trade and finance troughtout the region in tin, rubber, coconut oil, rice, timber, jute, spices and coffer. Oil refining is also important, with several offshore refineries located on the islands in the Straits. Tourism is a key component of the economy, generating around S$10 billion annually and employing 130,000 people directly or indirectly.

Hospitality
Singaporeans are well mannered and polite to visitors, although generally they keep their distance. It is unusual to be invited into someone's home on first acquaintance. Nonetheless, you will be made to feel welcome. Malaysians tend to be more generous with their hospitality and it is important to remember that whenever you enter someone's home, be it a suburban apartment or a rural fisherman's hub, you should take off your shoes and leave them at the door. Never walk in anywhere uninvited.

Temples and mosques
Visitors are normally welcome in mosques outside prayer times, although you should not enter the inner prayer hall unless you are a Muslim. Both men and women will need to have their arms and legs covered, and robes are usually provided if you are not suitably dressed already. Never photograph people at prayer. Shoes should always be removed before entering mosques. The same applies to Indian temples, although not to Chinese temples.

Exploring Singapore City centre
The city of Singapore overlooks the Straits of Singapore on the southern side of the island. It is divided by the Singapore River. To the south of the river is the bustling area of Chinatown and the financial district.
Immediately to the north of the river is the colonial heart of Singapore, with many imposing buildings from that era centred around a large open space known as the Padang. Beyond is Raffles City., overshadowing the venerable Raffles Hotel.Continue northwards and you will reach Little India and Arab Street. Turn left and you will come to the start of Singapore's Golden Mile, the ever-open shopping malls and numerous luxury hotels centred on Orchard Road and Scottw Road.

Around the island
The majority of Singapore's residents live outside the city centre in satellite dormitory towns such as Queenstown, Kallang, Toa Payo and Jurong. Most of Singapore's manufacturing industries are on the north coast. Many of the large theme parks, wildlife parks and similar attractions are outside the city centre to the west, in areas such as Jurong, but with comfortable, regular and cheap public transport, nowhere on the island is hard to reach. Remnants of the island's natural heritage can still be found outside the city centre. the last patch of the primary rainforest that once covered the island surrounds the highest hill, Bukit Timah.

Entertainment
Much of Singapore's nightlife centres around Orchard Road, which has a host of bars, hotel cocktail lounges, discos and karaoke lounges. Some of the best entertainment is provided by street parades, open-air Chinese opera and other performances associated with Singapore's many festivals. Both the Strait Times and the tabloid New Paper carry weekend supplements listing pubs, bars and lounges with live performances or other attractions. The free magazine Singapore This Week also has a good round-up of events.
Singapore has none of the raunchy nightlife of cities like Bangkok, although there are plenty of 'health centres' and escort services for the single male. The city's most notorious spot used to be Bugis Street, where flamboyant drag queens and transvestites paraded after dark around the cafes. The old Bugis Street was demolished to make way for the MRT and has been rebuilt on a new site across the road,complete with air-conditioned restaurants and a theatre-cabaret venue. However, since the transvestites have moved on elsewhere it is a shadow of its former self and no different from any other outdoor eating area with a small night marker.

Botanic Gardens
http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

Harbour and river
http://www.fairwind.com.sg/
http://www.watertours.com.sg/

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Friday, August 17, 2007

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ABOUT SINGAPORE