Singapore is located in South East Asia, at the southern tip of Malaysia. Singapore is a vibrant city with many cultures, races and religions intertwined in harmony in this small Island. Singapore gained independence in the year of 1965 and has since than grown into a modernized country. Despite Singapore to be known as a business haven, there is in fact, a lot to see and do here.

English is the official language in Singapore. The English that Singaporean use has somehow blended with slang and phrases derived from their local languages, most popularly known as Singlish. It does get confusing trying to understand what they are trying to say at times, but fret not, most of them are understandable. And most often than not, Singaporeans tend to speak good English when talking to foreigners. Well, at least the educated ones that is.

Singaporeans are basically friendly people, but most are inclined to mind their own business unless approached. But like all countries, there are always a few bad apples among them. If you should encounter these sorts of apples, don't let them tarnish the image of the good ones.

There are many places of interest to visit in Singapore. The national museum of Singapore holds permanent and special exhibitions. Permanent exhibitions relates to the history of Singapore mostly, from the colonization of the British, the Japanese occupation and the many historical events that took place till now. Special exhibitions, exchange of exhibitions with other countries, are common nowadays to attract visitors to the museum.

And if you are into wildlife and nature, than the Singapore Zoo is the place that you have to visit. It's one of the best animal enclosures in the world where you will find dozens and dozens of animals from all over the world. The Singapore Zoo has taken great pains to match the natural habitats of these animals, from the type of trees to the very type of sand. And unlike some Zoo in other countries, the animals look lively and healthy. The Singapore Zoo also offers Night Safari, where you can watch the animals in their habitat at night. Another version of the Singapore Zoo is the Jurong Bird Park. You get to see birds of most species flying in the open instead of cages, though they are a few that are kept in enclosures. There is also the crocodile farm that caters only to crocodiles. Plan your journey, as all these are located in different parts of Singapore.

There are also small Islands around Singapore that you can visit. For a flashback on how things used to be in the golden years of Singapore, there is Pulau Ubin. The area has not been developed as much and is the next closest thing to the village life Singapore once was. And for thrills and spills, there is the Island of Sentosa. In this island, you can find lots of things to do from visiting the big guns that was used in World war, the bunkers, the golf courses, underwater world and many more.

And how could I leave out shopping and food. Shop till you drop along Singapore shopping haven in Orchard road. Huge shopping centers lined up the street to thirst anyone's thirst for shopping. Food is also in abundance in Singapore, and why not with one of the main hobbies of Singaporeans is to eat. Choose from a wide variety of fast food, local dishes and western food. The local dish is off course a must to feast on.

This is just some of the things that you can do and it all summarized to the minimal of details. Do check with your travel agencies if you planned to visit Singapore. A well knowledgeable plan is always best for holidays. Especially in Singapore, where you might get lost in the bustling fast paced lifestyle.

Learn more about this author, Mohammed Shidiek.
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