Raffles Hotel, Singapore

Taken with Canon powershot A75, dated Dec 2005


Opened in 1887, although at that time Raffles Hotel was in a sombre-looking colonial bungalow known as the Beach House, but over the years the hotel has evolved into one of the world's famous grand hotels. It was named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore.

The hotel houses a tropical garden courtyard, museum and Victorian-style theatre. It situated close to the city center, guests can take leisurely walks to the main shopping street and many great restaurants.

Merlion Park, Singapore

Taken with Canon powershot A75, dated Dec 2005


Merlion Park is a popular tourist attraction which is near Esplanade Bridge, adjacent to One Fullerton. The Merlion is regarded as the national symbol of Singapore and is the nation's very own tourism mascot. Standing 8.6 metres tall and 70 tones in weight, this white sculpture with lion head and a fish body resting on crest of waves, is regally placed within the Merlion Park overlooks the harbour.

The lion head represents Singapore's original name, Singapura meaning "Lion City" in Sanskrit, whereas the fish tail is remembrance of the ancient city of Temasek meaning "Sea Town" in Javanese, and represents Singapore's humble beginnings as a fishing village.

There is also a second statue, built of cement fondue which is smaller in size. It weighs 3 tones and is 2 metres high located behind the original Merlion.

Esplanade Theatre on the Bay, Singapore

Taken with Canon powershot A75, dated Dec 2005


Located on prime waterfront land on the shores of Marina Bay near the mouth of the Singapore River, Esplanade Theatre on the Bay is purpose-built to be the performance arts venue. This complex with its distinctive dome-shaped roofs comprises a 1,600-seat concert hall, a 2,000-seat theatre and several recital rooms, theatre and rehearsal studios, as well as outdoor performing spaces.

The Esplande Theatres on the Bay also houses a mall, cosmopolitan food outlets and the library@esplanade (Singapore's first arts library with literature and audio-visual materials covering music, dance, film and theatre. Locals casually refer to the Esplanade as "The Durian" (a spiky and pungent tropical fruit), because of its "spiky" domes.