Singapore is a major financial center in asia. The skyline is dominated by office towers. The highest skyscraper, is the 280 m high Republic Plaza Tower. More and more skyscrapers are under construction, it is just a matter of time when a new tower will take the record.
Singapore Chinatown is a buzzing district, near Pagoda Street. Here you will find all kinds of China knickknacks, souvenirs, dry fruits and Chinese restaurants. For Chinese New Year, all the streets are decorated with colorful lanterns.
There is a spectacular 300 m long Observation Deck on top of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. From the 200 m high Skypark, you will have the best view over Singapore. The Observation Deck is one of the top attractions of Singapore.
The water-spouting "Merlion" is a mythical creature of mermaid and lion, created in 1964 as a symbol of Singapore. (Singha lion, Pura town). The 8 m high figure is surrounded by hundreds of visitors who meet at "Marina Bay" to admire the lights in the harbor.
The temple of the South Indian rain goddess "Mari", is the oldest Hindu temple of Singapore. It was founded in 1827 and extended in the following years. The six-storey portal building (Gopura) with many colorful gods, was not erected in 1925. The goddess "Mari" heals all illnesses connected with heat. In honor of "Mari" the faithful of the "Thimithi Festival" are walking over glowing coals.
The Daoist Temple of Heavenly Luck "Tian Fu Gong" (Thian Hock Keng) was built in 1839 in South China style. In addition to Daoist saints, the Buddhist "Guan Yin", "Fuzi" (Confucius) and the Guardian of the Southern Seas "Ma" are also venerated at the temple.
The "Sultan Mosque" was inaugurated in 1928 and surpasses the Islamic quarter of Singapore with its golden dome. The mosque can also be visited by non-Muslims, but the prayer hall can not be entered. Shoes are pulled out at the entrance.
The most famous shopping street in Singapore is one of the top sights of the young city. On Orchard Road you will find the large shopping centers and elegant luxury shops. Those who do not belong to the "High Society" can decimate their travel budget in a stylish way.
The large Buddhist temple in the style of a Chinese wooden pagoda was opened in 2007. The temple houses a tooth relic of Buddha, which was found in a ruined stupa in Burma. Gold is the dominant colour of the interior. Even if the building is almost new, it is worth visiting the temple and the museum.
The Hindu "Kali temple" is devoted to the Black Goddess of Destruction, but it also stands for strength, time and creativity. "Little India" attracted mainly simple workers, from Bengal and South India. In Kalkata, the capital of Bengal, Kali is revered as a patron saint. On the "Gopuram" (tower) there are countless figures of Hindu gods, like Ganesha with the elephant head and "Hanuman" the Monkey God. The temple can be visited, but you should first take off your shoes.
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