The Singapore Slings

Quickly, what is the first thing that comes into your head when you hear the word ‘Singapore’? Sling? Rugby Sevens? No spitting? The trouble with countries you have not visited yet is that it’s hard to get past years and years of accumulated clichés. Just as France is not full with cyclists in stripy tops with garlic round their necks carrying baguettes under their arms, not everybody in Singapore heads for cocktails at Raffles (well, not all the time). The sea has always played a key part in Singapore’s history, largely because it occupies an excellent natural spot on major sea routes on the edge of the Malay Peninsula. During the Middle Ages it was called Temasek or ‘Sea Town’ as well as Singa Pura (‘Lion City’). Its strategic importance was not lost on the empire building British during the 18th century in their continuing battles against the empire building Dutch and consequently Sir Stamford Raffles (yes, it was named after him) turned Singapore into a world famous trading city. More recently, it became a famous theatre of war during World War II when it was taken by the Japanese forces and held by them from 1942 until 1945. Today, there are plenty of locations around the country where you can findout more about these often dark times.

One of the most interesting is Changi Chapel and Museum which include artifacts, photographs and drawings from the time of the occupation which meant imprisonment for over 50,000 soldiers and civilians. Visitors can stay for a service on Sundays at 9am.

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