SINGAPORE is a city state, located almost on the line of Ecuador, and consists of a main island (with an area of 682 km2) and 63 islets around it. Are separated from the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia by the Straits of Johore. The present city was founded by the British colonial administrator Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles in 1819. Quickly turned into an important commercial center, the population of Singapore grew under British rule. Was a colony until 1963, along with Malaysia, North Borneo and Sarawak formed the so-called Federation of Malaysia. Finally, in 1965, Singapore separated from Malaysia and became a sovereign and integrated into the Commonwealth. Today Singapore is the second country in the world in population density after Monaco. 76% of its population is ethnic Chinese, 15% Malay and 6% Indian.

In just 150 years, Singapore has become a dynamic center of commerce and industry, thereby overcoming the scarcity of natural resources to become one of the economic giants of Asia. Moreover, its strategic location, excellent facilities (the airport is a major hubs Asia), fascinating cultural contrasts and tourist attractions contribute to its success as a destination.

Getting around Singapore is easy because it has an enviable public transport, especially in what refers to the subway, known here MRT (Mass Rapid Transit.)

Chinatown is, although in recent decades the neighborhood has been transformed by the speculation, one of the most interesting areas of the city for its distinctive Chinese cultural elements and the concentration of Chinese population throughout history. Much of the urbanized area was demolished and again, and though the faithful reconstruction carried out helped save some areas, much speculation has raised the prices of renovated buildings that traditional businesses have no choice but to leave here. This place is taken luxury shops and restaurants.

Chinese New Year in Chinatown
But well worth strolling through the streets and admire the beautiful storefronts painted colors or the frenetic commercial activity, and is a good place to eat in any restaurants. To better understand the history of Chinatown is nothing better than to visit the museum Chinatown Heritage Centre. The temple Thian Hock Keng (158 Telok Ayer St) is the oldest Hokkien temple in Singapore, 1821, and has a beautiful facade, very colorful and elaborate. The temple Sri Mariamman (244 South Bridge Rd), meanwhile, is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore important and worthwhile to look at its striking gopuram, A spectacular concentration of statues carved over the entrance. Finally, the mosque Jamae (18 South Bridge Rd) was built in 1830 by Tamil Muslims following an Indian style.

Chinatown is especially colorful and lively during the celebration of Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, The most important holiday in Singapore, in late January or early February, but the celebrations last over a month. We were fortunate in Singapore to coincide with the beginning of this festival, living on-site the multitude of parades, fireworks, streets decorated with many lights and, above all, a festival atmosphere with streets crowded with people strolling, shopping or eating in family restaurants and terraces. Highly Recommended.