Singapore II 
cctv.com 02-16-2006 15:32
Hello, welcome to Travelogue and welcome back to Uniquely Singapore. Singapore is really an eye-opener where east meets west at every street corner, tropical rainforests just 20 minutes away from skyscrapers. I鈥檓 sure all types of travelers will find what they are looking for here in Singapore.
The Singapore River tells a tale like no other location in Singapore. You can literally visualize the past, present and future of Singapore by taking a leisurely Singapore River cruise in a bumboat.
Once a small fishing village situated mid-way along the China-India trade route, Singapore鈥檚 fortunes rose and fell, until the year of 1819.
When introducing the history of Singapore, nine out ten Singaporeans would mention one name to you 鈥 Sir Stamford Raffles. A lot of places such as schools, hospitals are named after him. As a matter of fact, the huge area across the river is called Raffles Place.
Sir Stamford Raffles declared Singapore a free trading port, and changed her destiny forever. The city went from backwater to bustling almost immediately.
Most colonial landmarks of the city can be found at The Civic District, one of the most cosmopolitan areas in Singapore today as it was more than a century ago.
Here, visitors can appreciate a cluster of architectural legacies such as the Parliament House, Victoria Theatre, Supreme Court, City Hall and the Civilian War monument.
St Andrew鈥檚 Cathedral is a magnificent example of Early English Gothic architecture. This oldest Anglican house of worship in Singapore was rebuilt between 1856 and 1861 after the original was twice struck by lightning.
Want to know what Singapore was like 50 years ago, come to Ubin Island.
The 10-minute boat ride from the Changi Point jetty costs only SGD 2 one way; and the bumboats will leave whenever there are 12 passengers.
Situated just off the northeastern corner of mainland Singapore, this 1020-hectare island provides an escapade from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Every year, hundreds of thousands visitors are drawn to Pulau Ubin by its idyllic setting and rustic charm.
