80L Professional Expert Internal Frame Sturdy Backpack with Rain Cover - Blue, Other

50L Waterproof Mountaineering Backpack
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There are myriad reasons for you to visit Singapore! Although it is the smallest country in Southeast Asia, Singapore is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The combination of dream-like, exotic landscapes, imposing ancient temples and worship sites grant the island a mysterious, almost unreal feature, immersing travellers into a deep state of relaxation, appeasement and contemplation towards the wonders of nature.

As soon as you arrive in Singapore, you will be overwhelmed by the magnificent sites and ancient architectonic structures, emerging from a landscape that seems to be untouched by man. The multitude of parks, botanical gardens and the beauty of the beaches found in Singapore render the diamond-shaped island a marvellous destination for tourists from all over the world.

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Contrasting with the exotic landscapes, vast parks, ultra-modern architecture, and ancient architectonic remains, imposing sky-scrapers, wide boulevards and modern monuments suggest the advanced civilization characteristic to Singapore, defying the struggled history of the country afflicted by many political conflicts in the past. With a population of around 4.5 million people, Singapore has a pronounced syncretic character, bringing together people of different ethnical groups and various religious beliefs.

Due to the multitude of Singapore attractions, the best thing to do is to seek the help of a local guide. Singapore guides can take you to the most interesting sites and local attractions, helping you discover the beauty of the island. Considering the fact that the majority of people in Singapore are fluent English speakers, the language barrier shouldn’t be an impediment in interacting with the locals. If you decide to seek the help of a Singapore guide, you will be taken to a wide variety of ancient temples, monuments, parks, botanical gardens and even ports, sites of great importance to Singapore.

Singapore Thien Hock Keng Temple

One of the most important Singapore attractions is the temple Thian Hock Keng, referred to as the Temple of Heavenly Bliss. Thian Hock Keng is an ancient Chinese worship site, initially built in tribute to Ma Po Cho, the patron goddess of sailors, also known as the Mother of the Heavenly Sages. The temple was reconstructed in the 19th century by Tan Tock Seng and Tan Kim Seng, highly respected personalities in the history of Singapore.

The entrance inside the temple is guarded by the statues of two imposing lions, symbols of strength and fertility in Asian culture. At the temple gates, ìdoor godsî provide further protection against evil spirits, purifying temple visitors from malignant energies. In front of the altar is the statue of Ma Po Cho, flanked by statues of the Protector of Life and the God of War.

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Singapore is a country with a very interesting culture, built on the scaffolds of a multitude of different ancient traditions and beliefs. If you decide to visit Singapore, you will be amazed by the intriguing contrast between ancient and modern, old and new, tradition and libertinism. A trip to Singapore is undoubtedly a remarkable and unforgettable experience for tourists from all over the world!

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When I visited Singapore, I was there during the Chinese New Year celebrations. That was amazing! If you want an incredibly rich experience, time your trip with the Chinese New Year.

I also had the fortune of meeting two Chicago University Professors specializing in Burmese History. They invited me to join them in a walk through a cemetery. At first I thought it was weird. But, I was amazed at the cultural diversity and vast stories of people buried there. Given that this country has been owned by so many other countries and visited by millions upon millions of travelers, you can imagine the history this small island holds.

One of the most notable headstones I saw was for a sea captain from Portland, Maine! Since I grew in Maine, I found this tugging a bit at my heart strings. There were very comical epitaphs as well, expressions of relatives gladly putting their “loved ones” to rest once and for all. I highly recommend a cemetery walk.

Singapore MRT subway

Singapore felt like one of the safest cities I’ve ever visited. If you want to buy expensive item for very cheap, it’s the place to do it (e.g. Rolex watches, etc.) I was surprised that they had Indian style toilets (just a hole in the ground) in public facilities. This was also the first time I received massage business cards under my door each night!

You will never find a cleaner and quieter subway any where in the world. When I entered into the subway, I could hear a pin drop. I felt like I was walking into a Nordstrom’s, marble tiled floors, clear glass panels, and brass railings. There was a sign with a very long list of “no’s” such as no gum chewing, no eating, no drinking, etc. I was pretty amazed.

Regarding Singapore Airlines, it has been the very best airline I’ve ever flown in my life. It was pure luxury. I had 8 seats to stretch out on during my 18 hour flight from Los Angeles. The flight attendants were all incredibly gorgeous and very well stacked (I’d be surprised if they were natural). They were so courteous and very attentive. They brought me moist hot towels throughout my flight, beverages and meals of course. They get an A+ rating from me. No complaints.

Singapore Airlines crew

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