| Perched on the tip of the Malay Peninsula, | | | | India, as the name suggests, is full of flavour |
| Singapore's small size belies the huge number and | | | | from the sub continent, offering an array of |
| variety of bazaars, markets and malls which | | | | silverware, saris and delicious Indian cuisine. And if |
| make it a shopper's paradise. Located at one of | | | | you're hungry for more excitement, head to |
| the major intersections of the world, Singapore's | | | | Orchard Road - a premier shopping belt housing |
| strategic position has allowed it to grow into a | | | | some of the largest and most popular shopping |
| major centre for trade, communication and | | | | centres such as Centrepoint. This is truly a |
| tourism - and has earned it the nickname | | | | shopper's paradise, offering everything from |
| "gateway to Asia". | | | | casual clothing and electronics to Oriental rugs, fine |
| Singapore's success as a shopping haven can be | | | | arts, Asian antiques and books. |
| partly attributed to its long history as a major | | | | But aside from year-round attractions and |
| port. During the 14th century, Singapore was part | | | | shopping splendours, Singapore boasts a number |
| of the Sumatran Empire, and as a natural meeting | | | | of seasonal attractions. The Dragon Boat Festival |
| point of major sea routes, the port saw many | | | | for example - the commemoration of a Chinese |
| traders from China, Arabia, India and Europe. | | | | patriot who protested against government |
| After a brief period of control by the Portuguese | | | | corruption - is celebrated each summer with boat |
| and subsequently the Dutch, the British saw the | | | | races across Marina Bay. Autumn sees events like |
| potential of Singapore as a strategic base for their | | | | the Chinese Festival of the Hungry Ghosts and |
| expanding empire. They claimed it as a British | | | | the Hari Raya Puasa, while winter invites the |
| Crown colony and established a centre of free | | | | Chinese New Year celebration - so no matter |
| trade, which attracted even more merchants | | | | what time of year you visit, you'll be able to |
| from all over the world and led to a huge growth | | | | experience Singapore's unique offerings. |
| in population and economy. | | | | As a major tourist hub and popular stop over |
| With its long history in trading, it's no surprise that | | | | destination, there are plenty of frequent flights to |
| Singapore has grown into the exotic shopping | | | | Singapore direct from London. And you'll have a |
| mecca it is today. The city can be divided into | | | | massive choice for accommodation, ranging from |
| several main shopping areas, each offering a | | | | youth hostels to luxurious hotels - so you're sure |
| different experience. In Chinatown, merchants | | | | to find something to suit your budget. With so |
| display wares such as fine silk, gold jewellery, | | | | many attractions and shopping opportunities to |
| exotic snakeskin medicines and pungent spices. | | | | choose from, it's impossible to see everything; but |
| For some Arabian flare, try the bazaar style | | | | Singapore's safe streets and long opening hours |
| shopping area that houses Singapore's Muslim | | | | mean that you can cram a lot in. And with some |
| community; here you'll find traders renowned for | | | | shopping areas opening 24 hours a day, you really |
| textiles, baskets and woven leaf goods. Little | | | | can shop until you drop! |