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Planet In1: Destination Asia - Singapore
Singapore is comprised of one main island and over 60 surrounding islets, located in South-eastern Asia between Malaysia and Indonesia. The main island is linked to Malaysia by two causeway bridges. The climate is hot and humid with two monsoon seasons from December to March and from June to September.

Singapore was founded as a British trading colony by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819. It joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963 but separated two years later and became independent. It has become one of the world's most prosperous countries and its port one of the world's busiest.

Despite her relatively small size, Singapore houses a fair amount of tropical rainforest, landscaped gardens and a wide selection of flora and fauna. Popular nature attractions are Jurong Bird Park and the Singapore Zoological Gardens.

Singapore is the venue for internationally acclaimed festivals such as WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance), and the Singapore Arts and Jazz Festivals. The Singapore Symphony Orchestra plays classical music regularly and for a really romantic outing try "Ballet Under the Stars" at Fort Canning Green. Witness Singapore's national art collection as well as the largest public collection of 20th century Southeast Asian art at the Singapore Art Museum.

This is a shopper's paradise with the latest designer fashions as well as traditional ethnic goods. Orchard Road is Singapore's renowned shopping street. The best ethnic bargains can be found at the weekend flea market at Clarke Quay. For antiques look no further than Holland Village and Tanglin Shopping Centre. Chinatown is the place for herbal medicines and traditional handicraft and the Funan Centre is perfect for the latest computer products. Buy orchids and have them freshly packed and shipped at Mandai Agrotech Park. You can buy sari material or freshly ground spices in Little India.

As a city of great diversity with Chinese, Malays, Indians and Eurasians, eating out is a delight for the senses. From the smallest of restaurants to the Equinox at the top of The Stamford, the world's tallest hotel, the quality and choice of food is second to none. No visit to Singapore would be complete without a visit to Raffles Hotel for some Earl Grey tea or a world famous Singapore Sling, first concocted at the Long Bar, Raffles Hotel.

Sentosa Island, just offshore of the main island, is Singapore's most visited attraction with museums, aquariums, beaches (with imported sand), sporting facilities, walks, rides and food centers.