Singapore
World’s busiest container port for the years 1990, 1991, 1998, 2005 and 2006 and the World's busiest transshipment port Singapore is one of the major economic centers of Asia, as well as the world. The city which was a mere shipping village before the European settlement has transpired into a bustling economic center and tourist hotspot thanks to its water resources and the world renowned port.
The island-state of Singapore has little land resources but the water resources and the port has put it in the spot of one of the most beautiful and attractive tourist places on earth. To be very true, it is the port that has played and been playing a pivotal role to boost the economy of the country.
Although the port was in existence long before the European settlement, it was originally an unorganized harbor used to trade goods from in and around the local trading nations like Malacca, Java and India. Over the period, its importance gradually declined due to various reasons including the ascendance of Malacca Sultanate. From 1819, Singapore port again began to attract European and Asian traders thanks to British initiative. The trade volume rose exponentially during the 19th century, by then it was one of the major port and centers of the region.
But since Singapore's independence in 1965, the port has developed in to a value-added manufacturing based export-oriented economy. 1990 marks an important year for the port of Singapore, when it overtook the Yokohama port to become the busiest port as far as shipping tonnage is concerned.
The port of Singapore has been featured as one of the "World's Busiest Port" in National Geographic Channel’s one of the episodes of the MegaStructures program.
Although the port is one of the main attractions of the city, there are several attractions in Singapore apart from it. Some of them are:
- Beaches at Sentosa island- brilliant beaches and tranquility make up Sentosa Island. One of the must visit areas of Singapore.
- Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, Botanical Gardens and the Jurong Bird Park- probably the best zoo in and animal park in eastern hemisphere Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park can easily compete with San Diego animal park.
- Religious shrines- Singapore is a melting pot of culture. Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam all live side by side in peace. Do not miss the religious sites like Burmese Buddhist shrine in Balestier, Hindu temple of Sri Mariamman in Chinatown and Islamic Masjid Sultan in Arab Street.
- And of course, who can forget shopping, when you are in Singapore? Visit Orchard road, be sure to check out Takashimaya Shopping Centre, The Heeren, Wisma Atria, Paragon and Plaza Singapura.