Singapore is an island on the very south of Malaysia, initially part of Malaysia. Malaysia has been very important in old time for the trade between east Asia and Europe. When the monsoon came, the water on the east became wild, so that the trade ships had to stop over in Malaysia for several months, just at the border of the monsoon affected area. Malaysia attracted many traders. Great harbours wer built. And many people immigrated. Especially from China, India and Europe. A long lasting battle started between the trading countries. Today you find that the island Singapore is an autonomous country, built with lots of support of British, but mostly inhabited by people with Chinese and Indian roots.

The country Singapore has one city, the capital, which is also called Singapore. There is no long history behind the country, since the Malaysian nfamilies who initially owned the land no longer live there. As a result you find a very multi-cultural, wealty, modern city with European standards. In the south a giant leisure park on its own island called Sentosa, connected to the main land Singapore by a gondola. And in the north a giant night zoo, where you get in close touch with the animals from all over the world.

The city is great fun, and it is easy to travel there. But I consider it more as a great place for a stop over while travelling through Asia, than as a main destination of a holiday. But I'd rather go to India or China to meet these people, than flying around the globe to just meet them in another European-style city.

We stayed for 3 nights. Our hotel was located in the Indian area of the city. We became very fast friends with the owner of the hotel, an elderly Indian woman. She got that special glow in her eyes, remembering her honeymoon long time ago in Switzerland, after I told her that I am Swiss. The people in that area were so friendly and helpful. And I have tasted the best Indian food ever. Not even in India they could have done it better ;-) .

In short: Singapore was exciting with all its parks and entertainment facilities. We enjoyed the safari in the night zoo, and the walk trough Sentosa. But after 4 days it was time to go on.