Virtual Tour of Singapore

Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Singapore

A Few Words About Singapore

Take a quick virtual tour of Singapore. Often called “post-modern,” this city-state, energetic and cosmopolitan, proudly offers the highest quality of life. And this is true for everyone, whether they are residents or just came to visit.

Among many other aspects of life, Singapore is clean and well-organized. In addition, with no street crime,  it boasts a lack of unemployment and poverty. And if you talk to Singaporeans, you will find out that they cannot even imagine living anywhere else.

Singapore People

This miracle of Asia was built by immigrants from various corners of the world, and is called a nation of cultures. This city-state is a unique universe of tolerance and inclusiveness. However, it is not a melting pot but rather a mosaic of cultures.  As a result, this remarkable nation offers everyone an opportunity to build a peaceful and prosperous life.  So, among its citizens, you will find the Chinese, Malays, Indians, and Europeans. They Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jewish, or secular.

English is the main official language followed by Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. Religions include Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Taoism, and Hinduism. As of this writing, the population of Singapore is 5.8 million, of which approximately 74% are Chinese, 13% Malay, 9% Indians, and 4% other.vir

Singapore Location

Singapore is located at the end of the Malayan Peninsula between Malaysia and Indonesia. The Singapore Strait separates Singapore from Indonesia. The Straits of Johor are the boarder between Singapore and Malaysia. The state of Singapore consists of the main island and smaller surrounding islands. The mainland of Singapore measures 31mi from east to west and 27mi from north to south.

tual tour of Singapore

All images © Alex Shaland. All rights reserved.
Text © Irene Shaland. All rights reserved.

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Beautiful Manor Russum – Your Best Hotel in Calvi, Corsica

Marina in Calvi, Corsica

Calvi is considered one of the most beautiful and fashionable seaside resorts in Corsica. It is located on the northwestern coast of the island, some 165 kilometers from the Corsican capital Ajaccio. Founded by the Romans in the first century CE, the city was ruled by the Genovese maritime republic from 1278, until it was given away to France in the 18thcentury.

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The Best Hotel in Malta: Ursulino Valletta

The Great Harbor of Malta

The Malta archipelago, a tiny spot in the middle of the Mediterranean with  400,000 inhabitants occupying an area of 316 square kilometers, remains unknown to most US travelers. And this is a pity, because if you do visit this island (or rather all three of them:  Malta, Gozo, and Comino) you will be forever inspired and spiritually enriched by the magical beauty of these gems that remain still-hidden for many.

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Clive Cortis and his Malta Private Guide Company

Irene Shaland and Clive Cortis

My husband Alex and I have been globe-trotting for over four decades, visiting close to 70 countries, feeling at home in most of them. When in Europe, we very seldom hire private guides, but we did so in Malta. As an art and travel writer, focusing on history and Jewish history, I had an extensive “must see” plan or rather a research “curriculum” I intended to follow in that tiny country, which is arguably one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.

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Exploring Thailand

Exploring Thailand away from the tourist crowds

Bangkok

Thai Theater

To all theater lovers, I always recommend not to be missed  “real” performance when in Bangkok, and by real I mean those that are shown to non-tourists, outside of buses brining crowds for a mediocre dinner and Thai Dance-“light.” And for that, one should head to the National Theater http://www.finearts.go.th/  (very close to the National Museum) and see, preferably, the Siam Niramit performance, perhaps the most elaborate and “largest stage show in the world.” It is definitely one of the most amazing and intriguing. But any traditional Thai dance shows would do, though I always prefer Khon dancers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OWBs48qUuA.

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Where to Stay on Kangaroo Island, Australia: the Sea Dragon Lodge is an Excellent Choice

Koala looking at visitors

Since childhood, I always wanted to live among the animals of Australia – even if for a few days only. And this was how the Kangaroo Island, a small dot in the Indian Ocean, materialized first in my imagination, and then – in our itinerary for the Spring 2016 trip. Overlooked by most popular guidebooks, this third largest Australian island (after Tasmania and Melville) remains the largest secret of that country for many globe trotters. There are precious few corners left in our 21st century urbanized world where Australian animals could be observed in the wild, and Kangaroo Island is exactly that place.

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