Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia - a taste of South East Asia.

2013 Nov 25 - Dec 22

Alan had some business in Penang for a week and we decided that it would open up a space to explore some of South East Asia if we were to base ourselves in the region for a month. Singapore was the logical choice in terms of access to the region, access without the need for a visa, and availability of accommodation. So we flew to Singapore and made it our base. Alan had lived in Singapore from 1968 to 1969 and although he had visited many times since then these trips had always been on business, with little chance to explore his memories so this was an opportunity for him to regain familiarity with old haunts, and for both of us to relax and wander around together. 

Singapore has changed either a great deal or very little, depending upon whether one looks for change or not. Although the streets, buildings, airport, and so on have changed to the point that much of the islands as it was in the late sixties is unrecognizable, the people and their approach have not changed at all. It is still a place in which people of all cultures, religions, languages, and backgrounds live together in tolerance and cooperation.

Our time in the region was restricted to Singapore and Malaysia, however we found far more to do than we had time for; in Singapore alone we found that we needed to return for much longer, contrary to many opinions that in Singapore there’s nothing to do.

This post will look at a few aspects rather than being a chronology of our time.

1)     Singapore communities: it’s fascinating that Singapore, although in a sense a melting pot, has areas which retain their distinctive cultural environment. Chinatown has Chinese temples, markets, food stalls, stores, and a clear Chinese identity. Little India and its environs have Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh temples, markets, food stalls, and a South Asian identity, principally linked with South India. The Arab area of the city, centred around Arab Street has it’s mosques, food stalls, and stores with an Arab influence.

2)     A focus on nature: Singapore’s Botanical Gardens are an outstanding treasure of flora of the region and indeed elsewhere. The Jurong Bird Park offers an amazing opportunity to see birdlife in a space far larger than anything previously available (although many other places in the world have followed this lead in building similar parks). Singapore Zoo, even for those who are uncomfortable with enclosing animals, offers an excellent opportunity to see a huge range of wildlife, in conditions which are probably as good as can be provided in a zoological setting, with day and night “safaris” as well as the “river safari”. The Singapore Aquarium is excellent as well.

3)     Penang’s Georgetown: the old town remains a treasure, to be explored on foot, enjoying street food and colonial architecture, as well as temples, including the “Reclining Buddha” and Burmese temples

4)     Kuala Lumpur: although “KL” has its modern architecture and technology capability, Merdeka Square, the Central Market, and Then Hou Temple, retain evidence of the “old KL”.

5)     Melaka: with its history including Arab, South Asian, Dutch, and British influences Melaka is a distinctive town with much to enjoy, whether simply walking in Jonker Street, visiting the Chen Hoog Teng temple (& many others), stopping at the old port, or climbing the hill for a view over the town.

6)     Music: we enjoyed an amazing opportunity to appreciate music during our time in the region. Including concerts by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra with Lang Lang, the Singapore Chinese Orchestra at Tanjong Pagar, the Malaysia Young Philharmonic Orchestra at the Petronas Twin Towers, the Little Giant Chamber Orchestra from Taiwan and a performance from Macau, as well as a Masterclass, at the Ding Yi Festival in Singapore.

7)     Netball (netball?): this sport, familiar from schooldays held its Nations Cup matches in Singapore while we were there. We attended the Singapore vs PNG match (a home win) at Toa Payoh Sports Centre.

8)     Museums: too many to list, however some are indeed listed below

a.     Chinese Heritage Museum in Singapore’s Chinatown,

b.     Singapore Art Museum

c.     Singapore Asian Civilisations Museum (outstanding!)

d.     Penang Museum

e.     Cheong Fat Tze Mansion in Penang

f.      Georgetown Peranakan Museum

g.     Kuala Lumpur Muslim Arts Museum (also outstanding)

h.     Singapore National Museum

So, with only a month between Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia we ran out of time to see more than an introduction to these two countries. We were able to return to both later, and hope to do so again. 

Abrazos 

Alan & Marce

Photos may be used for non-commercial purposes with credit to alanymarce@gmail.com