Arabella Travel and Tours
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DESTINATION
1. Culture Vultures
The culture of Singapore is a melting pot of mainly Chinese, Malay, Indian, and British cultures, and is a reflection of its immigrant history.
Singapore was a part of British Malaya for many centuries. It was ruled by the Sultanate of Johor. In 1819, the British came to the Island and set up a port and colony. During British rule, the port of Singapore flourished and attracted many migrants. Singapore became part of the Malaysian Federation in 1962 for two years, and in 1965 it became an independent nation and a republic, which it remains today.
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2. Shopoholics
Shopping is a typical Singaporean addiction and once relocated, expatriates from all over the world soon join in happily visiting the thousands of shops in Singapore's over 250 shopping malls.
However, the best kept secrets are the many trade fairs, markets and bazaars run over the year by Singaporean and expatriate traders. Many expatriates have set up small businesses in Singapore to cater for the very individual (national) needs of their fellow expats in the lion city. Products are either imported from their home countries or skillfully handcrafted and range from food and wine over products for babies and kids to fashion for men and women.
3. Holidays
The major public holidays reflect the mentioned racial diversity, including Chinese New Year,
Buddhist Vesak Day, Muslim Eid ul-Fitr (known locally by its Malay name Hari Raya Puasa), and Hindu Diwali (known locally by Tamil name Deepavali).
Christians constitute a large and rapidly growing minority, and Christmas Day, Good Friday, and New Year's Day are also public holidays.
On August 9, Singapore celebrates the anniversary of its independence with a series of events, including the National Day Parade which is the main ceremony.
The National Day Parade, 2005 was held at the Padang in the city centre.
