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Festivals & Culture |
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| Thaipusam - an Indian Festival in Singapore - an Extraordinary Display of Religious Devotion and Sacrifice | Kuda Kepang - the Javanese horse dance - has long been a feature of Malay cultural performances. This series of 14 mini-videos include spiritual possession and trance that is typical of this dance with pre-Islamic roots. Performed by Tedja Timur group in Singapore. | Nine Emperor Gods - The Gods & Their Magical Wild Rocking Chairs | Tanki - Gods & Mediums - The Ancient Gods, Rituals and Spirit-Mediumship of Folk Taoism in Modern Singapore | |
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My Top 10 in Singapore |  |
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| Lizards of Sungei Buloh - The Malayan Water Monitor of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, one of the world's most important site for migratory birds | Khatib Bongsu - Singapore's Threatened Paradise - Mangrove Swamp |
Digest of Articles Snacker's Paradise: Devouring Singapore's Endless Supper Asian Civilization Museums: Ancient Lands Rush to the New |
Kathakali - An Exotic & Colourful Indian Dance Art |
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| It has almost become a cliché to say Singapore is boring and sterile. During our rush to prosperity, we have torn down many parts of our picturesque old quarters and implemented policies that gave us a bad name among libertarians and foreign journalists. Our standard and cost of living have rose in line with our rising incomes, and made us seemed expensive to our neighbours – although significantly cheaper than countries in Europe and elsewhere of equivalent income levels. |
| Do you know that Singapore's Bukit Timah Nature Reserve has more tree varieties than all of United States & Canada combined? |
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But it is wrong to describe Singapore as boring. As one who have lived in Europe and travelled to over
one hundred countries, I find Singapore a very
unique and exciting place, not just what one can do and see here, but also the accessibility to surrounding places within three hours road/sea travelling time. Here are some reasons why I find Singapore exciting: - Singapore is a melting pot of cultures that have retained our traditions in a modern environment. Traditional festivals and cultures are very much alive despite the IT savvy culture and modern appearance. On average, there is one festival or event every week or two. - Despite popular belief, there are a number of historical districts and architectural unique and well-conserved areas within Singapore. - For a small island of close to 700 sq km, Singapore has quite a few well-preserved nature spots and reserves, including primary rain forest and mangrove swamps. One of the most important rest/feeding stations in the world for migratory birds is the Sungei Buloh reserve here. Ubin Island to the NE is a great nature gem too. - Singapore is a tropical island paradise with great beaches at Sentosa and East Coast, plus the southern islands of St John, Kusu and Sisters Islands. - Singapore is a city of arts, culture and museum. The Esplanade has turned Singapore into a premier city in Asia for arts and theatre performance. The Asian Civilization Museum does not have the treasures of either the Louvre or British Museum, but with its extensive collection and informative displays, provides a much better introduction into the history and exotic cultures of Asia. - Singapore is the heaven of eating! There are more than 20,000 eating-places in a small country with 4 million people. One eating-place for every 200 people! Numerous international cuisines as well as a lively, fiery and varied local cuisine too. - Singapore remains a major shopping hub, although that edge has eroded over the years. - Singapore is the heart of Southeast Asia. Three hours by air get you anywhere to the capitals of the region. Three hours by road or sea get you to the historic Malaysian city of Melaka, the serene and beautiful countryside of Johor Malaysia, and the wonderful beaches of the Indonesian islands of Batam, Bintan and Sumatra. I will not attempt to create a guide of Singapore here. What I have done and intend to do more in the future is to document selected sights, customs and festivals of Singapore through a mixture of articles and photos. I will also maintain a digest of articles on selected topics here. There are a few links here but I do not intend to create an extensive database of links because they tend to expire with time. Hope all these would be useful! |
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Links Hostels
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| Buy these books! |
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| Lonely Planet: Singapore | DK Eyewitness Travel Guides: Singapore (Eyewitness Travel Guides) | Lonely Planet: Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei |
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Tan Wee Cheng 2004 |
Tan Wee Cheng's 
Tan Wee Cheng, Singapore 
weecheng.com
Singapore: