DIVERSITY CITY
by DAO
Singapore is a shinning example of many different people coming together in a peaceful and well run country. Most residents are ethnic Chinese, but there are so many workers from around the globe that are not counted. A few facts:
Ethnic groups:
Chinese 76.8%, Malay 13.9%, Indian 7.9%, other 1.4% (year 2000)
Religions:
Buddhist 42.5%, Muslim 14.9%, Taoist 8.5%, Hindu 4%, Catholic 4.8%, other Christian 9.8%, other 0.7%, none 14.8%
Languages (officially English):
Mandarin 35%, English 23%, Malay 14.1%, Hokkien 11.4%, Cantonese 5.7%, Teochew 4.9%, Tamil 3.2%, other Chinese dialects 1.8%, other 0.9%
Communications by phones
by imstress
Payphone services
Public payphones are operated by credit card or stored-value phonecards. They can be used to make both local and international calls. Public payphones can be found in most shopping complexes and subway stations. Local calls are charged at 10 cents per 3 minutes.
Stored-value phonecards are available in denominations of Singapore dollars 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 at post offices and convenience stores.
To make an international call, you have to dial the access code followed by the country code, area code & telephone number. Different telephone companies use different access codes. Dial 001 or 013 for SingTel, 002 or 021 for M1 and 008 or 018 for Starhub.
International Calling Cards from Singtel and M1 in denominations of Singapore dollars 10, 20, 50 and 100 are available at post offices, ATM's, the airport, 7-Eleven convenience stores and other retail outlets.
It's Ramadhan in Singapore! (Arab Street)
by beetlebummer
Ramadhan is a month celebrated by the Muslims all around the world by fasting from sunrise to sunset everyday for a month. Singapore also celebrate this month as Muslims form a majority population here. Bazaar Ramadhan will be seen springing up all over Singapore, selling mostly food and delicacies. Some delicacies are only available during this month especially the Kathirah drink and the porridge provided by the mosques (slurp!). Mosques prepare all kinds of porridges during Ramadhan. The initial reason was to provide for the less fortunate and the musafirs (travellers). But anyone can get a packet or two...just join the queue at mostly any mosques. Any race and any religion. No discrimination. Arab Street is one of the places that has these Ramadhan bazaars. The streets around these area will be decorated with lights. So if you happen to be in Singapore during this beautiful month, go ahead and drop by Geylang and Arab Street and visit the bazaars and feel the atmosphere.
Chinese New Year (CNY)
by imstress
Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later.
The Chinese calendar is based on a combination of lunar and solar movements. The lunar cycle is about 29.5 days. In order to "catch up" with the solar calendar the Chinese insert an extra month once every few years (seven years out of a 19-yearcycle). This is the same as adding an extra day on leap year.
This is why, according to the solar calendar, the Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year.
New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are celebrated as a family affair, a time of reunion and thanksgiving.
Have a Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year!
Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Camping/Fishing In Singapore
by imran8852
In Singapore Camping Is Quite Popular Among The Locals. And If You Visit Parks In Singapore, You'll Most Probably Notice Locals Setting Up Camp To Spend A Day Or Two At The Beach While Enjoying Activities Like BBQ,Swimming,Cycling,Beach Volleyball And Others.
Sign in with Facebook
Cruisin' by the lazy river
Singapore Skyscrapers
Me at Singapore flyer
Amar in Singapore Flyer, City Skyline in Bckgrnd
