The Republic of Singapore is a city-state in Southeast Asia, situated on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, south of the Malaysian state of Johor and north of the Indonesian Riau Islands. The name Singapore was derived from the Malay word singa (lion). Singapore was originally a small Malay settlement until 1819, when the British started a trading post that developed into an important commercial and military imperial base. #singapore #asia #malaysian #lion #settlement

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Orchids will be there to greet you at Singapore Airport, and if that whets your appetite then, as soon as you can, head for the National Orchid Garden in the Botanical Gardens on Cluny Road. Including hybrids, there are hundreds of different orchids on show in the garden. If you go early you can have breakfast in one of the park restaurants. #ochirds #airport #singapore #asia #nationalorchidgarden #botanical #garden

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If you go early to our second attraction, you may find yourself going round the Asian Civilisations Museum in Empress Square in the city centre on your own. Presenting the history and culture of the trade between China and the Indian Ocean countries with interactive screens and displays, the museum is air-conditioned and well stocked with artefacts and pieces from other Asian states, including textiles and musical instruments. #asian #civilisation #museum #singapore #history #culture

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In common with many of the world’s capital cities, Singapore has a giant wheel, the “Singapore Flyer”, which claims to be the tallest of the lot at 165 metres (541 feet). From the top you can see all over the city of Singapore and into Malaysia. #singapore #flyer #giant #wheel #view #malaysia #asia

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In contrast to most cities in Asia, you won’t see any food stalls on the street in Singapore. When the government swept them away the gap was filled by an excellent Singaporean institution: food courts, known as “hawker food centres”. These food outlets are owned by the government, and are frequently in air conditioned shopping malls or other commercial buildings, but many of them are open-air – in fact you are never far from one in the city. #hawker #food #centers #singapore #asia #government #openair

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They sell cheap, reliable food and are ideal for the tourist on a budget or visitor wanting to experience local cuisine safely. Two of the best are Maxwell Road Hawker Center on the edge of Chinatown, and Old Airport Road Hawker Center, where you can get excellent sea food at half the price of city centre restaurants. #hawker #food #centers #tourist #cuisine #chinatown

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