The Asian Experience
Singapore

Singapore, linked by a kilometre-long causeway to the southern tip of Malaysia, provides Western standards alongside traditional Chinese, Malay and Indian enclaves. The down town areas of Singapore are dense with towering skyscrapers and shopping malls, yet the island retains an abundance of nature reserves and lush, tropical greenery. In 1819, Singapore was purchased from the then ruler, the Sultan of Johor by an Englishman named Sir Stamford Raffles. With its immigrating Chinese entrepreneurs from Malaysia and Indian and Chinese labourers, it grew as a crucial crossroad for trade and shipping. Now the small island republic of only 633 square kilometres, boasts the world’s busiest port and an airport served by over 50 of the world’s major airlines. Singapore is also the clearing house for the region’s wealth, dealing in tin, rubber, coconut, oil, rice, timber, jute, spices and coffee.

Despite the modernisation of this city, visitors prepared to peer beneath the state’s surface will discover a profusion of age-old buildings, values and traditions

Famous Landmarks
Merlion - A mythical beast said to be half lion, half fish, the Merlion has become the symbol of Singapore. A statue stands guard at the mouth of the Singapore River spouting water from its mouth and is a popular subject for photographers.
Raffles Hotel - Established in 1886, it is one of the last great 19th century hotels. Famous writers like Somerset Maugham, Rudyard Kipling and Joseph Conrad stayed here. The complex also includes a Museum where artefacts of various types are displayed.

Malaysia

Malaysia boasts of a rich cultural heritage, with traditional architecture and crafts, environmental splendour, a shopper’s paradise and a gastronomic haven all rolled into one. The population is a contrast of racial and cultural roots, with a predominance of Malays, Chinese and Indians.

Malaysia, along with Singapore and Brunei has only existed in its present form since 1963, when the federation of thirteen states became known as Malaysia. From the early 16th century onwards, parts of Malaysia, Malacca in particular, had been colonised by the Portuguese, Dutch and British in turn.

Malaysia can today be divided into six major regions; Kuala Lumpur, the central region comprising the states of Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Malacca, the northern region of Penang, Perlis, Perak and Kedah, the east coast states of Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang, the southern state of Johor, and finally the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Each region has unique characteristics and each of Malaysia’s ethnic groups adds a distinct heritage to this society.

Thailand

Thailand stretches 1860 km north to south, giving it one of the most diverse climates in South East Asia. From high mountains in the beautiful northern area around Chiang Mai come river tributaries, which flow, into central Thailand and drain into the Gulf of Siam via the Chao Phraya Delta near Bangkok. The diverse flora and fauna include an incredible variety of fruit trees, bamboo, tropical hardwoods and Thailand’s national floral symbol; the orchid. Tigers, leopards and elephants are to be found in many of the 32 wildlife sanctuaries and 66 national parks.

Thailand is described by travellers as “the most exotic country in Asia”. Its distinct culture, rich and varied heritage and scenic beauty bring this all together in a kaleidoscope of wonders. From the golden spires and soaring roofs of Bangkok’s temples to the awe-inspiring ruins of ancient cities, the marvellous sights give definition to a kingdom with an independent history stretching back more than 700 years.

The heart of Thailand centres on the delta of the Chao Phraya River and its fertile plains make a contribution to the national rice production. Across the north runs a succession of jungle-covered mountains, which form part of the Himalayan foothills. Bordering Thailand in a clockwise direction from the north are Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia and Myanmar (Burma).