Beguiling Singapore is a modern city-state embracing economic progress against the backdrop of age-old tradition. The customs that underpin community life are created out of a cultural mix that includes predominantly Chinese, Indian and Malay ethnic groups.
Singapore is an island off the southern tip of Malaysia, linked to it by a causeway. It evolved from a sleepy fishing village in the early 1900s to become one of Asias economic leaders. Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles landed on Singapores northern bank in 1819 and felt that its location made it ideal as a trading station. From here Singapores landscape was transformed by British colonial rule, Japanese occupation, Communist insurrection and finally, independence. Since becoming a republic in 1965 the island has experienced increased prosperity and exponential economic growth. Shimmering skyscrapers tower above the slick financial districts and elegant colonial buildings preserve a lingering old-world charm.
Singapores full calendar of events showcases a spectrum of cultural celebrations and shopping activities. The early summer months bustle in anticipation of the Singapore Sale - a time when tourists can cash in on the competitive prices of electronic equipment, jewellery and other merchandise. The business activity thrives amidst the celebration of Chinese, Hindu and Muslim festivals that punctuate the year with their colourful representations. These include the Chinese New Year, Ramadan, Hari Raya Puasa, Vesak Day, the Dragon Boat Festival, Festival of the Hungry Ghosts and Thaipusam.
The core of downtown Singapore is formed by the Colonial District embellished by cathedrals and cricket lawns. The notable sites of the area include the Empress Place Building and the luxurious Raffles Hotel. Although most of old Singapore has been demolished to make way for the modern city, many major landmarks within the Colonial district have been preserved. The surrounding ethnic enclaves of Little India, Chinatown and the Arab Quarters also provide glimpses into the traditions that have sustained their respective communities through the centuries.
Located along Pasir Panjang Road, Haw Par Villa was
previously known as Tiger Balm Gardens and subsequently renamed
after its original owners. The Aw brothers, Boon Haw and Boon Par
(who made their fortune from the well-known Tiger Balm ointment)
opened the park in 1937. It is inspired by Chinese legend and
mythology as represented by the display of grotesque and gaudy
statues, the coup de grâce of which are depicted in The Ten Courts
of Hell.
日帰り旅行: Yes 住所: 262 Pasir Panjang Road 電話番号: 6872 2780 Eメール: orientmgt@pacific.net.sg 交通: To get there take by MRT to the Buona Vista stop (W7);
by bus SBS No.10, 30 or 188 from the World Trade Centre, No. 143
from Orchard Road or No. 51 from Chinatown 営業時間: Daily 9am to 7pm 入場料: Free
Lunar New Year is the most important festival in the
Chinese calendar and is a time to exchange well wishes and gifts of
good fortune. The streets of Chinatown become lit with red
lanterns, twinkling lights and elaborate decorations, fireworks
colour the sky and busy street bazaar stalls are laden with Chinese
delicacies and symbols of prosperity and good luck. Part of the
festivities is the Chingay Parade, the largest and grandest street
procession in the country, which is a multi-cultural and
cosmopolitan parade featuring some of the finest performing groups
from around the world. This colourful event presents lavishly
decorated floats, stilt-walkers, lion dancers, fire jugglers, and
music performances. Another annual New Year extravaganza is the
River Hong Bao, which is a cultural event including a range of
performances from top national artists, as well as art and craft
stalls and floats; spectacular fireworks displays take place on the
opening and closing nights.
会場: Chinatown (Parade in Orchard Road, River HongBao in
Esplanade Park) 日程: 14 February 2010 ウェブサイト: www.visitsingapore.com
Kampong Gelam is said to have taken its name from the
Gelam tribe of sea gypsies who lived in the original Malay village
southwest of the Rochor River. Sir Stamford Raffles allotted the
area as an ethnic enclave to the Muslim population and it became
the focal point for Arab trade and traditional Malay culture.
Baghdad, Muscat Street and Haji Lane resonate with tradition as
cane, straw, rattan and pandan leaf goods spill out onto the
streets. The spectrum of fabrics flowing onto the pavements of Arab
Street comprise chiffon, silk, cotton georgette and include the
batiks of Indonesia and Malaysia. Located between Kandahar and
Aliwal streets is the Istana Kampong Gelam. It was built as the
royal palace of Sultan Ali Iskandar Shah, the son of Sultan Hussein
who negotiated the handover of Singapore to Britain. The government
recently took possession of the building with plans to transform it
into a Malay heritage museum. Another significant building in the
area is the Sultan Mosque (open daily 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm).
The glistening necks of the domes are decorated with the bases of
thousands of glass bottles.
日帰り旅行: No 交通: The Arab Quarter is a 10-minute walk from Bencoolen
Street. Take bus 7 from Orchard Road to Victoria Street, if
commuting by MRT, stop at Bugis
For a month each year Taoists believe the gates of
Hell are opened to allow the spirits of the dead to roam the earth.
To appease these ghosts, outdoor entertainment and lavish feasts
are offered to satisfy the restless spirits and to ward off bad
fortune in their lives. Celebratory dinners are held, and shows and
concerts such as traditional puppetry and Chinese opera take place
on every street corner. In addition, candles and joss sticks are
lit in front of homes and small altars are set up where money,
incense and paper goods in the shape of furniture and other
everyday objects are burnt as an offering for the ghosts to use in
the afterlife. For more information email stb_sog@stb.gov.sg or
contact the Singapore Tourism Board on +65 736 6622.
会場: Chinatown 日程: 1-31 August 2009
The Raffles Hotel is a grand Victorian edifice rising
from the pavements of the colonial district. Its elegant charm has
enticed writers and entertainers such as Somerset Maugham, Rudyard
Kipling, Joseph Conrad and Charlie Chaplin. Singapore Slings have
become the hallmark of the Long Bar. Here ceiling fans whirr above
the heads of expatriates and tourists as they sip smart cocktails
in superb comfort. The Tiffin Room is best known for its afternoon
teas and sumptuous Saturday night buffets. Gin and tonics alongside
the odd game of snooker can be enjoyed at the Bar & Billiard.
Other distractions include an upper-level museum containing
vignettes and photographs on the lives of Charlie Chaplin,
Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Noel Coward, as well as a
Victorian-style playhouse and numerous specialty shops and
restaurants.
日帰り旅行: No 住所: 1 Beach Road 電話番号: 6337 1886 Eメール: singapore-raffles@raffles.com ウェブサイト: www.raffleshotel.com 交通: The hotel is located on Beach Road and can be reached by
MRT from City Hall Station
The first Indian settlers arrived with Sir Stamford
Raffles in the early 19th century, bringing with them colourful
silks, aromatic spices, incense and other accoutrements of Indian
culture. They worked on the roads and helped build the
infrastructure of the city, settling within the ethnic enclave that
has become known as Little India. The area is delineated by the
north-south Serangoon Road, which runs parallel to Race Course
Road. Its eastern end stretches to Jalan Besar. Temples,
fortune-tellers, busy restaurants, stirring curry spices, jasmine
garlands and the exotic hues of silk saris fill the vibrant streets
to create a colourful ensemble. Little India is at its best during
the Hindu Festival of Lights when the area is festooned with
decorative lighting displays.
日帰り旅行: No ウェブサイト: www.littleindia.com.sg 交通: Little India is a 15-minute walk from the Colonial
District, Bencoolen Street or Beach Road. From Orchard Road, bus 65
or 111 to Serangoon Road. By MRT travel to Dhoby Ghaut, and from
there on foot or Bus 65 or 111
It was here, during WW II, that Allied POW soldiers
were subjected to harsh treatment at the hands of their Japanese
captors. Changi Prison is still in use as a correctional facility
and it is the place of execution for convicted drug offenders. Half
a mile (1km) from the old site, next to the prison, is the new
Changi Chapel and Museum. The display of photographs, letters and
drawings in the museum are a moving tribute to the legacy of the
Japanese occupation. During this period that spanned three and a
half years more than 50,000 civilians and soldiers were captured
and imprisoned. Visitors have access to a variety of videos and
literature relating to the war years.
日帰り旅行: Yes 住所: 1000 Upper Changi Road North 電話番号: 6214 2451 Eメール: changi_museum@pacific.net.sg ウェブサイト: www.changimuseum.com 交通: SBS bus 2 from Tanah Merah MRT Station or SBS bus 29
from Tampines MRT Station 営業時間: Daily 9.30am to 5pm (final admission
4.30pm) 入場料: Free
On the fringe of the Arts Belt and close to several
art museums, the 2nd red dot design museum was established in
Singapore in November 2005. It is the host of the red dot design
awards, where products and brands communicate their design
distinction. The museum intrigues, inspires and entices visitors
with interactive installations and remarkable exhibitions. It is
the heart of design and creative activities including conferences,
exhibitions and parties. The museum is the venue for the annual red
dot design award celebrations, the most significant event in the
design calendar. The red dot design museum supports MAAD, a market
for original creative works in fashion, art, craft and
design.
日帰り旅行: No 住所: 28 Maxwell Road 電話番号: +65 6327 8027 Eメール: museum@red-dot.sg ウェブサイト: www.red-dot.org 交通: The nearest MRT station is 0.15km away. Take the East
West Line (Green) and stop at "Tanjong Pagar" (EW15). 営業時間: Monday, Tuesday and Friday 11am to 6pm (closed on
Wednesday and Thursday); Saturday and Sunday 11am to
8pm. 入場料: Adults: SGD 8.00, Children (under 12): SGD 4.00. Free
admission during MAAD.
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