anzeige CountryProfiler Visit Turning 50: Singapore Celebrates its Success

Since gaining independence in 1965, the tiny Southeast Asian state has transformed itself from a small port city into a global trade hub and a financial powerhouse.

ingapore has gone into Island Nation nickname “Little Red Dot”, a He co-founded the People’s Action party-mode as 2015 marks Singapore lies at the south- reference to its size on the map. Party, which has ruled the country Shalf a century of inde- ernmost tip of continental Since the 1970s, Singapore ever since it gained independ- pendence. The island nation Asia, one degree north of the has also been widely known ence and is widely credited with has unveiled a festival of events equator, and is separated from as the Garden City, owing to turning Singapore into one of surrounding its Golden Jubilee, the Malaysian Peninsular its extensive greening policy the world’s richest countries. reflecting on the country’s by the Straits of to the covering the whole island. journey that has seen it rise north and from Indonesia’s Committed to Multiculturalism from a post-colonial backwater Riau Islands by the Singapore The Birth of a Nation Modern day Singapore is also to one of the most respected Strait to the south. Home to Before 1960, Singapore was the creation of its people. The and admired countries in the a population of 5.54 million, little more than a Southeast population of Singapore is diverse, world. Unique is probably Singapore’s territory consists Asian trading post for the the result of considerable past the word that best captures of the diamond-shaped main British Empire with no natural immigration. While the country Singapore, and the astonish- island – referred to as Singapore resources. After a brief merger experienced racial riots and unrest ing diversity of the country Island – and more than 60 with in 1963, Singapore in the 1960s, Singapore today is truly is second to none. Fast- smaller islets. Singapore has a became an independent nation deeply committed to multicul- paced city streets and office total land area of 714.3 square on August 9, 1965. Lee Kuan Yew, turalism. Chinese predominate, complexes are located within kilometres, about six times the Singapore’s first Prime Minister making up some three-fourths of minutes of serene gardens and size of Disneyworld, which has who died in March 2015, is seen the total. Malays are the next largest colourful ethnic quarters. given it its most prominent as the nation’s founding father. ethnic group, and Indians the third. CountryProfiler anzeige

Singapore at a Glance Size: 714 square kilometres Population: 5.54 million Time Zone: SGT, UTC+8hours, NO DST is observed. Currency: (SGD), S$1 = 100 cents Languages: Tamil, Mandarin Chinese, English and Malay Country Code: +65 Climate/Temperature: Tropical climate, with an average temperature of 31C Prime Minister: Lee Hsien Long GDP growth (2014): 2.9%

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Because of this ethnic diversity, island and to export to global no fewer than four official lan- markets. In addition, Singapore guages are recognised: English, developed sophisticated and Mandarin Chinese, Malay and powerful service industries in Tamil. English remains the finance, medicine and educa- countdown party on December the future. The country’s leaders main medium for administra- tion. Tourism has also become 31 at Marina Bay. The Jubilee are aware that many aspects tion, commerce and industry, increasingly important, and weekend in August saw tens of need improvement and that the and it is the primary language Singapore’s excellent air- thousands of spectators gather global competition for talent of instruction in schools. transport facilities have been for the National Day parade and and investment has intensified. augmented by massive invest- fireworks display. In November The most immediate challenge Economic Achievements ments in hotels and attractions. the new National Gallery opened facing the Republic will be raising A key pillar of Singapore’s its doors, while a futuristic ex- productivity in order to grow an transformation was to invite the Golden Jubilee hibition showcasing the future already-advanced economy. Over world to Singapore. The country 2015 marks Singapore’s Golden of life in Singapore, taking place a longer time frame of 25 years, invested heavily in transport Jubilee and the entire year has until March 2016, marks one population challenges will come infrastructure, creating an been dedicated to honouring of the last event highlights. to the fore because of the coun- environment conducive to trade and celebrating the country’s try’s low birth rates. However, if and investment. Incentives were achievements, with a host To the Next 50 Singapore’s past successes are provided to attract multina- of events and activities. The Despite all its achievements, anything to go by, the prospects are tionals to manufacture on the celebrations started with a big Singapore must now look to good for an even brighter future. anzeige CountryProfiler

Discover the Singapore Story

Shedding off its image as a stopover location and celebrating its 50th anniversary of independence, Singapore is rising as the must-visit destination in the Asia-Pacific region. Singapore Tourism Board

bridge between the neighbours, Indonesia, China, style venues such as Dempsey brands and trendiest fashion East and the West for Malaysia, India as well as Hill and Botanic Gardens, houses. Other exciting plans in Acenturies, Singapore Australia, account for more showcase the abundance of the past included the develop- embraces tradition and moder- than 50% of tourist arrivals. greenery throughout the city. ment of the , nity. Colourful ethnic quarters However, Lonely Planet, CNN Singapore has also made great the rejuvenation of amongst efficient business and the New York Times have strides in attracting tourism Island as a tropical island resort centres and serene gardens named Singapore as one of with the remodelling of Orchard including theme parks, casinos, set against sleek skyscrap- the top destinations to visit in Road into one of the best hotels, golf courses and beaches, ers, Singapore is a fascinating 2015, setting the scene for the shopping streets in the world, as well as the development of destination for both leisure city-state to widen its share hosting the most exclusive iconic Integrated Resorts. and business travellers. of European and US visitors. Often called the Little Red Dot, the island of Singapore is small The Green City – just 49 kilometres by 25 kilo- Investment in greenery, urban metres – and sits at the southern parks and nature reserves has tip of the , the created an environment that southernmost point of conti- are proud to call nental Asia. Championed by the home. Today the city offers a Singapore Tourism Board (STB), broad selection of lush ‘green’ the city-state has witnessed tourism attractions, such as the a remarkable transforma- Tree Top Walk in the MacRitchie tion of its tourism landscape, Reservoir, while visitor arrivals have and the recently opened River almost doubled since 2004. Safari, Asia’s first and only Today, Singapore’s delights river-themed wildlife park. draw more than 15 million Hotels such as the Marina Bay tourists annually, reinforcing Sands, the W Singapore and its status as a vibrant global the ParkRoyal on Pickering all city that is a magnet for capital, incorporate ‘green’ elements in business and talent. Its Asian their design, and along with life- CountryProfiler anzeige

Chinatown - Singapore Tourism Board

Culture & Heritage Exciting Events One of the remarkable aspects of There is also an exciting cal- Singapore is the truly cosmopol- endar of events that includes itan nature of the population, the Singapore Formula 1 Grand a natural result of the country’s Prix and the BNP Paribas WTA geographical position and com- Finals Singapore in addition mercial success. Visitors can to a variety of cultural festi- easily experience Singapore’s vals throughout the year. rich and unique multicultural From end of November 2015 tapestry by exploring ethnic pre- onwards visitors also have the The Tree Top Walk - Singapore Tourism Board cincts such as Chinatown, Little unique chance to discover the India and Kampong Glam, in Jubilee Walk, which is essential- addition to sampling a diversity ly an 8km-long trail connecting of cuisines, within a single trip. the past, present and future In particular, Singapore’s elements of the Singapore story. dining scene has witnessed a It takes participants to 25 his- boom in recent years, featuring torical and modern Singapore first-rate restaurants helmed icons, including the Padang, by both overseas Michelin- where the people of Singapore starred chefs and local talents. gathered to mark the end of the A variety of mid- to high-end Japanese Occupation in 1945, dining options nicely com- as well as one of Singapore’s plement food stalls at local more recent additions, the hawker centres, making , the longest pe- Singapore’s dining scene a destrian bridge in Singapore, Little India - Singapore Tourism Board vibrant and diverse one. overlooking the Marina Bay.

Gardens Overview - Gardens by the Bay anzeige CountryProfiler

Conference & Incentive Travel Cruising out of Singapore Thanks in no small part to its Another growth segment is attractions and first-class hotels, the cruise industry. Passenger Singapore is also gaining popu- numbers are expected to grow larity as a destination for meet- between 5% and 8% annu- ings, conferences and incentives. ally over the next three to four Last year, the country played years. In 2016, Singapore will host to more than 100 differ- be welcoming 10 maiden calls, ent business events, while 2015 including Royal Caribbean saw the introduction of events International’s newest and such as the World Confederation most innovative ship, the of Physical Therapy Congress, Quantum of the Seas which inter , can carry over 4,000 passen- Children Baby Maternity Expo, gers. In addition, TUI Cruises Interpol World and GasTech. chose to homeport out of Singapore for four months Sentosa - Singapore Tourism Board from November 2015 to March 2016 for the first time ever.

An Emerging Art Location In addition, Singapore’s growing host of exhibitions, galleries and fairs offer many opportunities for the art com- munity to discover Southeast Chinatown - Singapore Tourism Board

can find sweet little souvenirs off the beaten tourist tracks in Chinatown and Co. Only Singapore is the new in-district Jalan Besar is better hidden. The cosmopolitan heart of the young hipster scene beats in this quarter. Here, the secret stars of the art scene come together – ready to conquer the art world coloUrful! of Singapore. Until then, they offer their The Lion City‘s art scene is as diverse as its people. individual works at The Artists Village or the At Ease Gallery. Slightly more reserved, but equally colourful is Katong. Like a fruity bowl of raspberry, apricot and pistachio ice cream – with or without whipped cream – the pastel-coloured shophouses of the Peranakan, a Sino-Malay mixed culture, snuggle up against each other. Each house shines in a different colour: pink, close beside baby-blue, with white and turquoise ornaments, plus a dab of red – a beautiful sight for the eyes and absolutely worth a picture! If you have had your fill of colour- ful houses, but still feel hungry, then head to Tiong Bahru. Instead of art on canvas there is art in coffee. Baristas call the crea- tive design of the milk foam surface of hot espresso drinks “Latte Art”. Enjoy a piece Colourful decoration - Singapore Tourism Board of rainbow cake – of course in red, orange, yellow, green, blue or purple with your hot ike many different cultures, and mythical creatures. With colourful beverage – and you have two of the hottest colours also collide, amalgam- artworks on the walls of the buildings, the food trends on the table in front of you. Late and create amazing new things residents of the small alley in the Muslim in Singapore. Whether pastel-colored quarter Kampong Glam breathed new life houses, multicoloured food creations or into the once sleepy street. Today, Haji Lane colourful street art on walls: boredom is one of the city state’s trendiest streets. has no chance in Singapore. This is where the hipster scene meets in the All colours of the rainbow cascade down showrooms of young fashion labels, in the the walls of the little houses in Haji Lane, chic cafes and small art galleries. Going for a To find out more about Singapore, merge with each other and form futuristic short stroll is certainly worth the effort; you visit www.yoursingapore.com CountryProfiler anzeige

Kampong Glam Arab Street - Singapore Tourism Board

Asia’s evolving art scene. One of venue outside of Europe in diverse and unique places the key event highlights is the Singapore in May 2015, or head in Asia, and there are few Singapore Art Week. Returning to the National Gallery Singapore places in the world that offer for its fourth edition in January which just opened its doors in a similar array of attractions. 2016, the Singapore Art Week November 2015. It is the first Singapore means big-city is a celebration of the visual in the world dedicated life and connecting with arts. Art fans can also visit the to Southeast Asian modern art. nature, history and culture Pinacothèque de Paris, the as well as entertainment for largest private art museum in Unique Singapore all ages and tastes, plus the Paris, which opened its first Singapore is one of the most very best of Asian cuisine.

Singapur ist bunt!

Die Kunstszene der Löwenstadt zeigt sich so vielfältig wie ihre Menschen selbst.

ie die vielen verschiedenen Versteck auszubrechen und die WKulturen, prallen in Singapur Kunstwelt Singapurs zu erobern. Bis auch die Farben aufeinander, es soweit ist, bieten sie ihre indivi- vermischen sich und bringen duellen Werke in der At Ease Gallery Erstaunliches hervor. Egal, ob oder im The Artists Village an. Etwas pastellfarbene Wohnhäuser, bunte gediegener, aber gleichermaßen Food-Kreationen oder farbenfrohe farbenfroh geht es in Katong zu. Wie Street Art an Gemäuern: Langeweile ein herrlicher Fruchteisbecher aus kommt in Singapur nicht auf. Himbeere, Aprikose und Pistazie – Alle Farben des Regenbogens mit oder ohne Sahne – schmiegen ergießen sich über die Hauswände sich die pastellfarbenen Shophouses der Haji Lane, fügen sich zusammen der Peranakan, einer chinesisch- und formen futuristisch anmutende malaiischen Mischkultur Singapurs, Kreaturen und mystische Fabelwesen. aneinander. Jedes erstrahlt in einer Die Bewohner des kleinen Gässchens anderen Farbe: Rosa neben him- im muslimischen Viertel Kampong melblau, mit weißen und türkisfar- Glam haben der einst so verschlafenen benen Verzierungen, dazu ein Tupfer Straße mit bunten Kunstwerken rot - ein wunderschöner Anblick an den Hauswänden neues Leben und unbedingt ein Foto wert. Wer eingehaucht. Heute zählt sie zu den sich an den Farben der Häuser trendigsten Straßen im Stadtstaat. Hier sattgesehen hat, und trotzdem trifft sich die Szene in den Showrooms noch Hunger verspürt, fährt weiter junger Mode-Labels, in den schicken in Richtung Tiong Bahru. Statt Cafés und kleinen Kunstgalerien. Ein Kunst auf Leinwand gibt es hier Bummel lohnt sich allemal, denn hier Kunst im Kaffee. Latte Art nennen gibt es süße kleine Souvenirs abseits Baristas die kreative Gestaltung von Chinatown und Co. Nur das neue der Milchschaumoberfläche von In-Viertel Jalan Besar liegt noch Espresso-Heißgetränken. Dazu ein versteckter. In diesem ungeschliffenen Stück Rainbow Cake – natürlich Juwel schlägt das Herz der jungen in Rot, Orange, Gelb, Grün, Blau Hippster-Szene. Hier versammeln oder Lila – und schon stehen zwei sich auch die heimlichen Stars der der angesagtesten Food-Trends

Haji Lane, Kampong Glam - Singapore Tourism Board Kunstszene – bereit, aus ihrem vor einem auf dem Tisch. anzeige

A First-Class Airport Singapore’s world-famous Airport is taking the lead in rethinking and refining the airport experience.

Changi’s Upcoming Developments Never one to rest on its laurels, Singapore has big plans to expand the airport further, including the construction Jewel - Forest Valley of a fifth mega terminal.

ingapore is often mentioned as Skytrax World’s Best Airport Terminal 4 Sin reports about the biggest for three consecutive years. • A full suite of self-service and the best, and its airport check-in options for fast is no exception. Investment Airport Attractions and seamless travel. in modern airport technology At Changi, passengers can rest • A new walk-through retail facilitates smoother boarding and recharge. The airport hosts concept dedicated to retail and hassle-free bag drop, with many napping areas, while and dining in the departure/ immigration area. Changi being one of the most those preferring to relax in • A 200m Central Galleria that customer focused and con- nature will be spoilt for choice. provides visual connectivity nected in the world. Maintaining Singapore’s reputa- across the Check-in Hall, tion as the “garden city,” the Transit Lounge and Arrival While airports are usually just airport houses five thematic Baggage Claim Hall. a stop-point on the way to gardens. Passengers can get up Target date of completion: 2017 somewhere else, Changi Airport close with beautiful butter- has been constantly reinvent- flies at the Butterfly Garden; Jewel Changi Airport ing itself as a destination in stroll through the open-air • Unique leisure attractions its own right, complete with rooftop Cactus and Sunflower The Social Tree including a lush indoor garden indoor gardens, a rooftop swim- Gardens; relax at the Enchanted with a central waterfall of ming pool and on-site movie Garden or watch the koi fish is the Raffles Long Bar, a col- about 40m in height. theatres. The airport’s future swim at the Orchid Garden. laboration with Singapore’s • A wide range of retail plans will cement its reputation famous Raffles Hotel, which and dining offerings. as a top travel hub, which in a A Shopper’s Paradise serves the original Singapore • Facilities dedicated to fly-cruise few years’ time will boast the With over 350 retail & services Sling, a gin-based cocktail. and fly-coach passengers. world’s tallest indoor waterfall. outlets and 160 food & bever- Target date of completion: 2018 age outlets, Changi has long Changi offers non-stop The World’s Best been one of Singapore’s best entertainment. Not only can Changi East Development including Terminal 5 Bagging more than 500 ac- places for shopping and dining. passengers enjoy the latest • New mega terminal and colades, Changi has come a Recently, luxury retailer DFS movie screenings at Changi’s one of the world’s largest, long way since its humble Group unveiled a spectacular free movie theatres, but also Terminal 5 will be linked to beginnings in 1981, when new wines and spirits flag- preserve their Changi memo- Changi’s existing terminals. Terminal 1 first opened. In a ship duplex store – the first ries by visiting The Social Tree, • The implementation of a short span of seven years since of its kind in the world – at the largest interactive installa- 3-runway system to handle Changi’s opening, Terminal Changi’s Terminal 3. At 11,400 tion at Changi, where they can larger passenger aircraft, 1 received its first recogni- square feet across two floors, take photos using the kiosks, together with 40km of new tion as the world’s best airport the store is DFS Group’s largest upload them to form part of taxiways that will connect from Business Traveller (UK) single retail space for wines, the display as well as sharing Runway 3 to the current airfield. in 1988. More recently, Changi spirits and tobacco. Amongst photos and videos on their Target date of completion: has been voted by air travellers the store’s innovative features social networking profiles. mid 2020s CountryProfiler anzeige

airport serves 12 cities including complex named “Jewel” which hidden gems such as Makassar, will sprout in a space between Lombok and Jogjakarta. From the existing terminals, featuring Changi, passengers can also retail, leisure and entertainments enjoy unparalleled access to offerings in addition to a hotel. other fast-rising travel des- Encased in a glass and steel dome, tinations in Vietnam, the one of “Jewel’s” key attractions Philippines and Cambodia. will be the Forest Valley, a huge Changi is also a prime choice five-storey garden filled with for travellers heading to the thousands of trees, plants, ferns Southwest Pacific, with 10 and shrubs. The centerpiece of the airlines operating more than 230 complex will be the Rain Vortex, weekly one-way flights to eight a breathtaking 40-metre high Australian cities and to two indoor waterfall set to become destinations in New Zealand. the world’s tallest of its kind. Beating Transit Times air hub in Asia, providing When the complex opens in 2018, Transiting passengers with more passengers seamless connec- At the Forefront of Growth Changi will look a very different than 5.5 hours transit time can tions to some 300 cities in In charting the airport’s future, place: it will not only be a gateway benefit from a complimentary about 70 countries worldwide. Changi continues to set new for flights but a destination allow- sightseeing tour of the city- Just last year, 54.1 million standards for aviation excel- ing travellers to really get a flavour state. The two-hour tour offers passengers travelled through lence with creative solutions of what Singapore is all about. a brief insight into Singapore’s the airport’s terminals, and signature projects that will multicultural society and a roughly 10 times the size redefine air travel for genera- To find out more about chance to see the city’s must- of Singapore’s population tions to come. Among the future Singapore Changi Airport, visit locations. The Heritage and a record number in the developments is a mixed-use visit changiairport.com Tour runs seven times during airport’s 34 year-old history. the day, while the night-tour City Lights is offered twice daily. Changi is a key gateway Lufthansa flies a daily A380 service Discover the new Premium Economy to Southeast Asia, with between Frankfurt and Singapore. The on the Frankfurt-Singapore Unparalleled Connectivity direct flights to all nine of service arrives into and departs from service. Enjoy more comfort, The 5th busiest international Singapore’s ASEAN neigh- Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2. more service, and more extras. airportCAG2955 today, Lufthansa Changi Inflight is a major Mag.pdf bours. 1 In 30/09/2015 Indonesia, the 21:10

CAG2955 Lufthansa Inflight Mag NCL CC Size: 185(W)x110(H)mm-ISO39L JWT CC326557 GP1B 30.09.2015 175# 1 15-062 anzeige CountryProfiler Singapore TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Getting to Singapore Where to stay Singapore’s world-famous Depending on your type of trip, there Changi Airport is one of the is a wide range of accommodation busiest and best connected in available. Singapore is home to an the world, offering connections array of luxury hotels as well as to some 300 cities in about 70 affordable hostels. Notably the Raffles 1 countries worldwide. Most 2 Hotel, Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Shrangri- visitors coming into Singapore La Hotel and The Forest by Wangz do not require a visa for entry are amongst the most renowned. and may be given social visit Although luxury hotels in Singapore passes. If you are unsure if a visa can be expensive, they are guaranteed is required, you can check with to provide a memorable stay. Most the Immigration & Checkpoints midrange hotels are of average Authority (www.ica.gov.sg) or quality but are ideally located. Hostels with your local consular office. can be as cheap as $20 per night.

When to go Getting around Classed as tropical and It is fairly easy to explore Singapore without distinct seasons, on its extensive public transport Singapore’s climate is hot system. The fastest way to get and humid. Although at times around the island is on the MRT 3 erratic, the weather is mostly 4 (mass rapid transit) train system, dry with the wettest months while the comprehensive bus being December and January. network is both convenient and Temperatures average around economical. Meanwhile, taking a 31ºC during the day and can taxi is a comfortable way to get to go as low as 23ºC at night. more out of the way destinations.