It is hard to imagine that less than 200 years ago Singapore was uninhabited with no resources. Malay legend states that Singapore received its name of “Lion City” because a visiting Sumatran prince saw a fearsome creature there – later identified as a lion. In Sanskrit “singa” means lion and “pura” means city.

Today, because of a lifetime ambition by Sir Thomas Raffles to create a successful business centre in the area, Singapore grew from being a Malay island to a metropolis traced to the beginning of the global economy. Singapore became the heart of South East Asia as a trading post, grown from jungle.

There is mutual ethnic/religious tolerance here. Malay, Indian, Chinese, Japanese and British all live alongside each other making this a truly cosmopolitan city. Each nationality has its own place in the prosperity of Singapore.  Food halls have a selection of delicious dishes representing each culture and all at realistic prices. Choose Indian, Thai, Indonesian, Malaysian, Japanese or if you fancy something a little less spicy you can order a pizza.

Apart from being a large business centre, Singapore is a beautiful city to visit as a tourist. The temperature all the year round is approximately 32°c with occasional warm showers.  These weather conditions have produced lush greenery with tropical flowers and tuneful birdsong is echoed everywhere, being produced by some of the original inhabitants.

Most areas of the island can be reached by using the immaculately clean and reliable Metro system which is very cheap and easy to use.

Places of interest include the beautifully decorated shopping malls such as Suntec City which was once in the Guinness Book of Records as having the largest fountain in the world, Singapore Zoo with its tropical layout accommodating white tigers, monkeys, elephants, crocodiles, snakes and other animals all well catered for in clean and spacious areas.

Nearby is the Night Safari which was the world’s first night zoo.

Wetland reserves, bird parks, an island reached by a heart fluttering, swinging cable car taking you to an imaginatively created aquarium with sharks and parks containing colourful fountains dancing to music.

Everywhere, beautiful orchid gardens reflect the sunny colours of Singapore…

In all, a flourishing island state to explore which satisfies any holiday requirement. Adventure, sightseeing, shopping, lovely weather, and more shopping. You will return home having revitalized your senses and relaxed your body.  To go to Singapore from Costa Blanca, flights can be arranged from Alicante to Barcelona, and then direct to Singapore.  Hotels have variable prices and your local travel agent can arrange your booking.  Have an enjoyable trip.