Singapore
The gay scene in Singapore is alive and vibrant. Men to men sex is still illegal in Singapore (lesbian sex is ok). There are many gay owned and managed guesthouses, bars, pubs, spas, saunas and tour companies. Same sex marriages are not permitted. Overseas same sex marriages are not recognized. In practice gay people are not prosecuted and gay venues are permitted to operate freely without too much interference. Coming out to one’s own family or work colleagues as being gay is still a difficult thing for many Asian gay men.
CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO DISCOVER GAY SINGAPORE
Singapore Travel Tips
An Introduction
The Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, 137 kilometres (85 mi) north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia’s Riau Islands by the Singapore Strait to its south. The country is highly urbanised with very little primary rainforest remaining, although more land is being created for development through land reclamation.
The Gay Scene
The gay scene in Singapore is alive and vibrant. Men to men sex is still illegal in Singapore (lesbian sex is ok). There are many gay owned and managed guesthouses, bars, pubs, spas, saunas and tour companies. Same sex marriages are not permitted. Overseas same sex marriages are not recognized. In practice gay people are not prosecuted and gay venues are permitted to operate freely without too much interference. Coming out to one’s own family or work colleagues as being gay is still a difficult thing for many Asian gay men,
Climate
Like most of Southeast Asia, Singapore is generally hot and humid. It’s warm and humid year round, with the temperature almost never dropping below 20?C (68?F), even at night, and usually climbing to 30?C (86?F) during the day. Recent times, it even reached till 35?C. Humidity is high, mounting over a 75% mark.
Shopping
Most shops in the tourist areas are open from about 9:00 am until 10:00 pm, 7 days a week. The City/State has many fabulous and high end shopping centers and malls.
Banking
There are banks located throughout Singapore, most operate from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, and some on Saturdays. Banks offer the usual banking services – cash advances on credits cards (most accept Visa card,) international currency exchange, telegraphic transfers, cash travelers checks and ATMs with international access. Most banks are open from 8:00 to 16:00, Monday through Friday. Some are open Saturday mornings until 11:30. ATMs are available 24 hours.
Immigration
Most visitors from Western and Asian countries do not need to get a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Traveling To Singapore
Most travelers enter into Singapore via airplane, boat, bus, train or car. Changi International Airport hosts over 70 airlines.
Getting About
Transport within Singapore is mainly land-based, there are buses and taxi’s to use apart from hiring a car and driver. Many parts of Singapore are accessible by road, including islands such as Sentosa and Jurong Island. The other major form of transportation within Singapore is rail: the Mass Rapid Transit which runs the length and width of Singapore, and the Light Rail Transit which runs within a few neighbourhoods. The main island of Singapore is connected to the other islands by ferryboat services. Singapore also has many links to the rest of the world. There are two bridges which link Singapore to Malaysia — the Causeway, and the Second Link.
Electrical Appliances
Singapore basically used the British 3 prong type C and E electrical plugs with a voltage of 230 V at 50 Hz.
Tipping
Most restaurants add a 10 per cent service charge but an additional 5 to 10 per cent may be given, where deserved. When a service charge is not automatic,10 per cent is acceptable. Small tips may also be given to taxi drivers, bellboys, doormen and washroom attendants.
Singapore Tourist Attractions
Sentosa Island Undoubtedly the top Singapore attraction, especially for people on a family vacation. Sentosa is Singapore’s premier island attraction, with always something to do for everyone. Set on the southern tip of Singapore, it is lined with the finest sandy beaches. So, if you’re looking for some outdoor fun and relaxation, head down to Sentosa Island and have the time of your life!
Night Safari is a popular tourist attraction, earning itself the reputation of being the world’s very first nocturnal zoo. Nestled in 40 hectares of lush forestry, the landscaped gardens are home to 130 different animal species, adding up to a total population of over 1000.
Universal Studios Guests at Universal Studios Singapore will get to experience seven distinct zones in the park: Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, Lost World, Far Far Away, and Madagascar. All total the park boasts 24 rides and attractions, 18 of which are unique to Universal Studios Singapore. Visitors will also enjoy a plethora of dining options and gift shops to satisfy even the most discerning tastes.
Singapore Zoo Another one of the top Singapore attractions for people on family vacation and wild life lovers. With the new addition of Rain Forest Kidzworld and Boat Ride to the park in 2008, it’s now a real kid’s paradise. Be sure to arrive early for a full day of fun and excitement that awaits you!
Singapore River Learn about the history of Singapore River while strolling along the river bank. You will discover a number of well preserved Colonial Buildings which were built during the colonial era. The river is so long that it has been divided into 5 quays: Raffles Quay, Collyer Quay, Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay. With an array of never-ending shops, alfresco restaurants and night bars ?C it is also the perfect place for a relaxing getaway!
Singapore Integrated Resorts The Singapore Integrated Resorts are the two prime casino resorts in Singapore, Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa. Exciting theme park attractions, classy shopping, fine dining, luxurious hotels, and not forgetting the 24-hour casino arcade – they have it all!
Singapore Botanic Gardens Just a short distance from Orchard Road, the Singapore Botanic Gardens and National Orchid Garden are two must-visit Singapore attractions for nature lovers. It is not only one of Singapore’s top attractions, but also one of the world’s great venues for botanical study. Visitors usually come here to take a stroll along the nature walks, admire the Tropical Rainforest, have picnics, or simply enjoy the serenity.
Kampong Glam Heading through the streets of Kampong Glam, you’ll find in abundance the handicrafts, textiles and boutiques that are distinctive of the Malay culture in Singapore. And aside from shopping, don’t miss out on the delicious Malay Food served at the many eateries and restaurants around here.
China Town Chinatown is a culture-fanatic’s haven. Fine Asian antiques, statuettes, house ware, exotic souvenirs and Chinese Food can all be found here. Walk through rows of old Shop houses amidst the hearts of the Chinatown district, and see a side of Singapore’s Chinese heritage you will never see anywhere else in the world.
Clark Quay unlike other Singapore nightspots like Zouk Singapore and St James Power Station, is not just about partying the night away. Emphasis here is placed on livin’ it up in style, class and sophistication. With the many posh restaurant establishments, you can be assured of a gastronomical feast! There’s Indian, Chinese, Italian, Spanish and so many other types of cuisine to choose from.
Jurong Bird Park is a top-notch Singapore attraction, home to a collection of 8,000 birds from 600 species. There’s a multitude of exotic and endangered Southeast Asian breeds, along with Pelicans, Penguins, Flamingoes, Toucans, and a whole lot more.
Singapore History
Singapore’s early history centred on several struggles for power in the region. During the 14th century, the kingdoms of Siam (now Thailand) and the Java-based Majapahit empire jostled for control over the Malay Peninsula, including Singapore. One account in the Sejarah Melayu (Malay Annals) cited Singapore as having been lost in a Majapahit attack. Later, a prince of Palembang, Parameswara (also known as Iskandar Shah), killed the local chief and made himself the new ruler. His reign was short-lived though; soon after, he was driven out (it is unclear if it was by the Siamese or the Javanese forces of the Majapahit empire). Parameswara then fled north to Muar in the Malay Peninsula, and later founded the Malacca Sultanate. Singapore was to become an important part of the Sultanate, important enough to be the fief of the admirals (laksamanas), including the famous Hang Tuah.
By the early 19th century, Singapore had come under the rule of the Sultan of Johor, who was based in the Riau-Lingga archipelago. One of the Sultan’s senior ministers, the Temenggong, was put in charge of the administration of Johor and Singapore. Following that, Singapore faced a major historical transformation. In early 1819, the British East India Company founded modern Singapore through an agreement with Sultan Hussein Shah and the Temenggong. Singapore’s population at that time consisted of around 1,000 indigenous people. These comprised mainly Malays and Orang Laut (sea nomads) who clustered around the Singapore River, Kallang River, Telok Blangah and along the Johor Straits. There were also some Chinese traders and gambier planters.
The history of modern Singapore began with the British colonisation of what had become an up-and-coming trading post along the Malacca Straits.The British needed a port of call in this region to refit, revitalise and protect their merchant fleet, as well as to prevent any advance by the Dutch in the East Indies. Hence they chose to establish trading posts in Penang (1786) and Singapore (1819), and captured Malacca from the Dutch (1795). Singapore as a British trading post
Founding of Modern SingaporeIn late 1818, Lord Hastings, the Governor-General of India, gave tacit approval to Sir Stamford Raffles, the Lieutenant-Governor of Bencoolen, to establish Singapore as a trading post. On 29 January 1819, Raffles landed on the shores of Singapore. The next day, he concluded a preliminary treaty with Temenggong Abdul Rahman to set up a trading post in Singapore. The formal treaty was then signed on 6 February 1819 with Sultan Hussein of Johor and the Temenggong, the de jure and de facto rulers of Singapore respectively. Singapore proved to be a prized settlement. By 1820, it was earning revenue, and three years later, its trade surpassed that of Penang’s. In 1824, Singapore’s status as a British possession was formalised by two new treaties. The first was the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of March 1824, by which the Dutch withdrew all objections to the British occupation of Singapore. The second treaty was made with Sultan Hussein and Temenggong Abdul Rahman in August of the same year. The two rulers handed the island over to the British in return for more cash payments and pensions. In 1826, Singapore, Malacca, and Penang were grouped to form the Straits Settlements, under the administration of British India. By 1832, Singapore had become the centre of government for the Straits Settlements. And on 1 April 1867, the Straits Settlements became a Crown Colony under the jurisdiction of the Colonial Office in London. Singapore became a major port of call for ships plying between Europe and East Asia in 1869. With the development of rubber planting, especially after the 1870s, it also became the main sorting and export centre of the world for rubber. Singapore’s trade expanded eightfold between 1873 and 1913, and its prosperity attracted immigrants from areas around the region. By 1860, the population had grown to 80,792; this comprised the Chinese, who accounted for 61.9% of the total population, the Malays, 13.5%, the Indians, 16.05%, and other races (including the Europeans), 8.5%.
The decades of peace and prosperity that colonial Singapore had built ended when bombs rained down on the island in the wee hours of 8 December 1941. It was World War II, and the Japanese were in the thick of invading Asia. Despite a brave struggle against the larger Japanese forces, the city fell on 15 February 1942. Singapore was renamed Syonan (Japanese for “Light of the South”) and remained under Japanese occupation for three and a half years.When World War II ended in August 1945, British forces returned a month later to govern Singapore under the British Military Administration. However, in March 1946, the British Military Administration ceased and the Straits Settlement was dissolved. Following that, Singapore became a Crown Colony on 1 April. Penang and Malacca became part of the Malayan Union, and later the Federation of Malaya in 1948. On 27 May 1961, the Malayan Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, proposed a merger to foster closer political and economic co-operation between the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak, North Borneo and Brunei. The main terms of the merger, agreed on by Tunku Abdul Rahman and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, were to have central-government responsibility for defence, foreign affairs and internal security, but local autonomy in education and labour. A referendum on the terms of the merger, held in Singapore on 1 September 1962, showed the people’s overwhelming support for it.Following that, Malaysia was formed on 16 September 1963 and comprised the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak and North Borneo (now Sabah). Brunei however, opted out. Indonesia and the Philippines opposed the merger; President Sukarno of Indonesia further reflected his opposition towards the merger by working actively against it during the three years of Indonesian confrontation.
The formation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963 led to a short-lived merger between Singapore, Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federation of Malaya. What followed was nearly two years of political strife between Singapore and the federal government. On 9 August 1965, Singapore separated from the rest of Malaysia and became a sovereign, democratic and independent nation, led by the leader of the ruling People’s Action Party and Singapore’s first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew. Independent Singapore was admitted to the United Nations on 21 September 1965, and became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations on 15 October 1965. On 22 December 1965, it became a republic, with Yusof bin Ishak as Singapore’s first President. Over the years, Singapore has grown and prospered from its strategic location and the favourable world economy. A sense of national identity forged among its diverse populations of immigrants has also given the country a common vision – to build a nation.
