Singapore
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| Bukit Timah Nature Reserve |
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 Arab Street
Arabs were among the first to arrive in Singapore to trade, bringing with them the Islamic religion and converting many indigenous Malay to their belief. Today the old section of the city around Arab Street provides an intriguing glimpse into the Muslim way of life. The Sultan Mosque dominates the area, a fantastic building with its impressive gold dome and vast prayer hall. Chinatown Here amidst narrow streets of picturesque shophouses and restaurants brimming with life, the temple idol carvers, herbalists, calligraphers, traders and trishaw drivers pursue a way of life that has changed little for generations. Incense stream from the old temples, the elderly spread their wares out on the pavement for sale and sea cucumbers, regarded as a delicacy, dry in the sun. Much of Chinatown has recently been renovated, but the old traditions endure. Little India Little India, centred around Serangoon Road , embodies the vibrant and colourful culture of the Indian community in Singapore. Women in graceful saris and turbaned Sikhs go about their daily business in the Zhujiao Centre, where a bewildering selection of food is on sale. Small shops abound, selling bolts of glittering silks, temple garlands, gold jewellery and spices that are ground in front of you. The Hindu religion plays an important part in the life of Little India |
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When Sir Stamford Raffles claimed Singapore for the British East India company in 1819, it was nothing but a swampy, thickly jungled island populated by a handful of fishermen and sea gypsies.
