At the southern tip of the Malaysian peninsula in Southeast Asia lies a little city-country named Singapore. It packs a small size but a big punch, especially when it comes to food, culture, eye-popping cityscapes over the water, and stiff fines for simple acts - as in, forget chewing gum while you’re here. It’s illegal.
Smack in between Malaysia and Indonesia, Singapore reflects influences of both but also strongly and proudly displays its Chinese heritage. As of 2009, 74.2% residents of Singapore were of Chinese descent (13.4% of Malay and 9.2% of Indian descent). Chinese New Year is a fun time to visit Singapore. Although many of the shops and businesses are closed or have erratic hours over the holiday, it is a great time to get to see interesting Chinese traditions such as the beautiful and entrancing lion dances.
A great many other cultures and ethnicities make their home in Singapore. Arabs, Burmese, French, Japanese, Scandinavians, and Tibetans are just a small sampling of the many other ethnic and cultural diversity that is represented in Singapore.
The island is blanketed with nature in the form of parks and nature reserves - 50% of Singapore is comprised of such greenery. On the flip side, the view of Singapore’s skyscrapers is well-known as well, and really does provide some beautiful man-made scenery, especially when viewed across the water at night from near the famous Merlion statue.
In addition to the nature and cultural aspects of the country’s ethnic diversity, the food is one of the greatest parts about a visit to Singapore. Chicken rice is one of the country’s greatest and most favorite specialties, and you can find it everywhere from tiny stalls to luxury hotel restaurants. Chili crab and Sambal Stingray are some other favorites and Singapore specialties.
And of course, once your belly is full, for many the thing to do in Singapore is to engage in what seems like the number one national pastime: Shopping.