Singapore: The Island of endless possibilities

For those who think Singapore is just a utopian land with no scope for excitement or fervour, think again! Once a person sets foot on these lands, there so much to look forward to that one will be stumped by the combination of Indian, Chinese, Malay and western cultures, along with so many unique sights and sounds that form the essence of this fantastic destination.

The most interesting aspect of Singapore is the cleaning and discipline, present in every single citizen of the country; the trains run on time and are free of graffiti, there are no traffic jams, and pollution seems to be non-existent here. Quite obviously, this also has an impact on the travellers, and they too, behave in a likewise fashion. Moving on, the next big highlight is the food, for which one does not need to visit only the up-market joints. Even a meal at a street-side hawker, sipping Tiger beer as a heady accompaniment, is a very refreshing experience. The flavours are fantastic, and the prices are extremely affordable. Also, coming to other attractions, shopping is another big draw at Singapore, with many considering it Southeast Asia’s best experience. There are also many swanky hotels where one can get lavish accommodation options, with Raffles topping the list as the most exclusive of the lot.

There are also plenty of outdoor activities to indulge in, like walking, cycling and water sports, thanks again to the fact that the local population is so active! The arts scene is also brimming with excitement (something that is not noticeable in many parts of the world) as the government is now fervently promoting the cultural side of the country. And lastly, in case one wants to break free from the city life, the centre of the island has many rejuvenating reservoirs and strips of forest where one can get as close to nature as possible.

One of the highlights of Singapore is the Asian Civilizations Museum, which is set inside the Empress Place Building, built in 1865 in the honour of Queen Victoria. One must visit this museum even if he/she is on a one-day trip; it’s that spectacular! One can get a reprieve from the humidity, and escape into a time space continuum of sorts where ten thematic galleries give one an insight into the traditional aspects of the pan-Asian culture, with rare artefacts from China, India, other parts of Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka and as far as Turkey. The Islamic religion is also explored quite distinctly.

Every Sunday evening in Singapore is like a nostalgic trip for Indians, as the little India region becomes a bit more Bollywood oriented than usual. Other than that, there are wall-to-wall shops, smell of spices and exotic perfumes, and basically the raw Indian things like chapattis being cooked on roadside, etc. that complete the experience.

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Singapore: The Island of dreams

One might have formed an image of Singapore as a dull and drab island that is only focussed on technological advancement. However, there is a bubbling pot-pourri of Indian, Chinese, Western and Malay cultures that is an absolutely stunning experience, if not anything more! This might be really hard to believe considering the fact that the trains are free of graffiti, there are virtually no traffic jams and the culture is absolutely inherent in every single person. The most lucrative prospect of Singapore is without a doubt its food, with even the hawkers dishing up sumptuous meals at the blink of an eyelid, which is also pretty affordable and having a universal taste that suits everybody's palate. There are also some really elegant and upmarket hotels, if one wants to tread that road as well, with Raffles topping the list.

The next addiction is shopping, since Singapore is a shopaholic's dream come true, as well as worst nightmare in some ways, as he/she shall be spoilt for choice. However, even for those who want to go out and break into a sweat (quite literally!), there are plenty of outdoor activities like water sports, cycling and walking, that one can indulge in. the government has also extensively promoting the contemporary arts scene. Also, if one wants to relax in peace away from the hustle and bustle of the urban life, the centre of the island features reservoirs and lush green forests where one can feel as close to nature as possible.

Asian Civilisations Museum: The museum is housed inside the Empress Place building (constructed in 1865) and named in honour of Queen Victoria, and is a must visit while one is on a visit to Singapore. There is an immediate escape from the moderate heat and sweat inducing humidity to enter a world where time literally stands still. There are ten thematic galleries which give an insight into the pan-Asian culture's traditions and many other facets. There are also many interesting and intriguing artefacts from Southeast Asia, China, India, Sri Lanka and Turkey. Knowing in detail the influence of Islam on the country is the highlight for a majority of the visitors, not to mention the stunning display of krisses (daggers).

Singapore Zoo: The zoo is located on a peninsula that leads to the Upper Seletar Reservoir, and is a magnificent setting for both, the animals as well as the humans! The sprawling area of 28 hectares houses many exotic species in an open concept, i.e., no cages.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve: This reserve is an even larger specimen of preserving wildlife, covering a mammoth 164 hectares of undeveloped primary rainforest adjoining Singapore’s highest peak – the Bukit Timah (163.63m). The reserve was established in 1883, and has never been logged.

Visiting Singapore and experiencing its many exciting 'features' certainly calls for the same to be shared with friends and family, and if one wants to talk his heart out without worrying about the bill, Matrix international SIM cards are the way to go.

Going Abroad- Don't Forget to Get an International Roaming SIM

In this global communication era where people usually travel from one place to another, remaining connected is the main necessity of each one of us. Millions of people from around the world travel each year for various purposes such as business, leisure, recreationalor educational. If you are planning to move overseas for any of these purposes, you need to stay in touch with your family and friends. Calling is certainly one of the most comfortable mediums of being in touch with each other. If you use your home mobile phone abroad, you will end up spending a fortune as international roaming charges are very expensive. So if you are going abroad, don't forget to get an international roaming SIM card which is also known as global roaming SIM card.

Earlier, people making a trip abroad were never able to make international calls so easily. Hefty amount associated with international calls always avoided the people to make calls to their near and dear ones. If they were making any international call, the duration of the call was always kept in mind to get rid of excessive expenses. Now the time has changed. You can make use of global roaming SIM cards to make calls at reasonable rates to your loved ones. These cards have proved to be the most appreciated way of communication and that too at affordable rates. There are number of offers provided by different service providers on these global SIM cards so that you can have fun while making international calls.

International roaming cards are the cost effective media for the people moving in a foreign country. It is definitely one of the best means of efficient communication universally. Global SIM cards are dynamic and compelling means of communication. It serves according to your need. If you are travelling to more than one country, you can avoid excessive roaming charges with International roaming SIM cards. You get the opportunity to stay in touch whilst you travel without spending a fortune in roaming charges. An international roaming SIM card is inexpensive as compared to other options available for international calling. This card will not cost you much upfront and, once you have one, you will save up to 60% on your mobile bill. I am pretty confident that you would love to keep your money in your own pocket.

By using a global roaming SIM card, you can keep track of your expenditure. Most International SIM cards are prepaid so you know exactly how much money you are spending. If you take an international SIM card, you won't get a nasty global roaming phone bill when you get home. Moreover, an international SIM card makes it easy and convenient to keep in touch with those back home. It is not always easy to get a calling card or access to a landline whilst you are travelling abroad. A global roaming SIM card is undoubtedly an economical and trouble-free way to stay connected with your friends, family and colleagues.

Singapore: Get your dose of excitement in the Orient

Singapore is on of the most exciting global destinations in every sense of the word. Following is a quick round up of all that the tiny island has to offer with its phenomenon attitude of walking tall.

Asian Civilisations Museum: There are numerous exhibits here that serve as souvenirs of the ancient and regal Asian civilisations, making this museum one of the very few establishments to accurately capture the essence of Asian culture, even though the National Heritage Board has a beeline of museums. As soon as one enters, there is a series of image projections on the walls, floor, and a slatted curtain paves the way for the entrance to the galleries. Among these, the Hindu Buddhist gallery is the epoch of the whole experience, with a set of gloriously lit displays including an 18th-century Burmese Buddha head and a large bronze drum. There are also many other exhibits of textiles, porcelain, costumes, lacquerware and huge traditional procession statues.

Little India: Located at the southern end of Serangoon Rd, this area is a modest and colourful amalgamation of wall-to-wall shops, with typical Bollywood music filling the air along with pungent aromas of different kinds. The main market is the Zhujiao Centre, but there are also many interesting spice shops in the vicinity. The best temples here are Sri Srinivasa Perumal, Sri Veeramakaliamman, and the 'Temple of 1000 Lights'.

Singapore Zoo: Easily among the best zoos in the world, if not THE best, the Singapore zoo is constantly in the upgradation mode, and it is this characteristic that constantly keeps it in the A-list of zoos. Coming to the animals, there are Bengal white tigers, the endangered white rhinos, polar bears, orang-utans and baboons. The establishment is set over a huge and picturesque expanse of 28 hectares adjoining the Upper Seletar Reservoir. One of the highlights is the baboon enclosure, a large sandy area that features cliffs, a waterfall and a stream that looks like the Ethiopian hinterland. Other primate areas house the gibbons, the capuchins and the orang-utans. The Fragile Forest is another tourist favourite. It is a netted dome that has lemurs hopping about the path, flying foxes jumping overhead, and countless butterflies flying across one's face. A truly remarkable experience indeed!

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve: This 164 hectare reserve is the only primary forest region in Singapore, and has a multitude of nature walks, jungle trek trails as well as mountain bike trails. The reserve also has more plant species than the whole of North America, and 160 species of animals. The Bukit Tumah, the highest point of the island, is also situated here, with the paved road being the easiest excursion in the whole reserve. Not only the weekends, but even the weekdays are quite packed here, and the North View, South View and Fern Valley paths are recommended for some exciting exploration.

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