Singapore OFW 101

What Are The Top Best Food To Eat in Singapore?

2015-06-20T08:52:00.000-07:00

Noticed that food here in Singapore is a celebrity in its own right. During my six months stay here, I have realized I have learned to love the food. So to share with you, here's my list of top best food to eat here in Singapore which you can find in any hawker around. Though some of them I haven't tried but heard that it is good as heaven.

Chicken Rice

Initially, I found this dish as overrated as the Merlion. But as I stay longer, I have loved it just like the locals and foreigners alike. If you ask around which is the most famous Singapore food, chances are, people will reply with either chilli crab or chicken rice.

Chilli Crab

As mentioned, Chilli Crab is probably the most famous Singapore food. It is the face of Singapore Cuisine, the must-try food for tourists. You cannot visit Singapore without having Chili Crab. There are many Chinese seafood restaurants in Singapore serving this popular dish but I read in one of the blogs that the Chili Crab in No Signboard at Geylang is the best.

Fresh meaty crabs in a spicy-sweet chili sauce with deep-fried mantou – this is one of the most satisfying experiences in life.

Kaya Toast

Kaya is a coconut jam made from coconut milk, eggs which are flavoured by pandan leaf and sweetened with sugar. It is easily one of the best jam spread ever created.

Spread the kaya on the toast with a generous slab of butter – this is a very delicious thing for breakfast, tea, or supper. All you need is kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs and a cup of coffee.

Tropical Fruits

There are plenty of tropical fruits to eat in Singapore, so it is a good idea to head to the markets if you are not from the region. Some of the must-try fruits are: rambutans, mangosteen, longan, lychee, durian, and mango.

Even though I hate durian, I think it’s a pretty cool experience to visit Geylang and sit by the roadside to try the king of fruits.

Fish Head Curry

Fish Head Curry is a dish created by Singapore’s Malayalee. Cooked in a hot and spicy Indian curry, the large fish head is usually eaten with white rice or bread. Try the one from Muthu’s Curry at Race Course road.

Have not try this though.

Laksa

Laksa has a rich coconut-based curry soup with rice noodles alongside ingredients like cockles, shrimp, tau pok and fish cake.

The first time I had a bowl of laksa (many years ago) was a total revelation. It was like taking a plane for the first time; the first sip of champagne, or having the first ever taste of foie gras. It was something very special.

Without a doubt, Laksa is one of the Singapore’s must-eats but then I will need to try this out yet.

Zi Char

Zi Char (also known as Zhi Char/Cze Char/Tze Char) is a Chinese stall (in a coffee shop) that serves a variety of ala carte dishes at affordable prices. Different ‘restaurants’ have their own unique signature dishes, but a typical zi char place will usually has the following: meat items – pork ribs, har cheong gai ($8 – $20); vegetables – sambal kangkong, kailan ($6 – $12), side dishes – beancurd, noodles, rice ($4 – $20) ; and seafood – prawn, fish, crabs ($15 upwards).

There are many good zi char places in Singapore, but I’d recommend Holland Village XO Fish Head Bee Hoon (for har cheong gai), Keng Eng Kee Seafood and for a slightly more upmarket option, Ming Kee Live Seafood.

Peranakan Cuisine

Peranakan Cuisine, also known as Nyonya food, is the result of blending Chinese ingredients and wok cooking techniques with spices used by the Malay/Indonesian community. There are plenty of Peranakan restaurants in Singapore serving fantastic nyonya food, you can check out the fairly new Candlenut Kitchen by Malcolm lee – one of the up and coming chefs in Singapore; and Ivin’s – a popular and no frills place for families to have dinner.

Dim Sum

Hong Kong might be the land of dim sum, but I feel that some restaurants in Singapore serve very good dim sum too. I’m sure everyone knows by now: my favourite dim sum restaurants in Singapore are Royal China at Raffles Hotel, Yanting Restaurant at St Regis, and Taste Paradise at Ion Orchard. I should go to these places one day.

Char Kway Teow

The stir-fried noodle is artery clogging, but it is very, very tasty! For me, the best char kway teow in Singapore will be the one from Zion Road. You MUST EAT it is always I heard they say.

Cereal Prawn

Recommended by my best friend and tried myself. And I was never disappointed. My love for prawn dishes has just grew a leap higher.

Prawns fried, flavored and sprinkled with cereal is the by far the most expensive and delicious food that I have tried. But boy, it will never let you down.

Hookien Mee

When I went home in the Philippines last March, this is the only thing I missed eating and smelling. The unique flavor brought by the combination of different spices like togue, squid, prawn and other seasoning is simply delectable.

2012-07-07T20:34:00.002-07:00

It has arrived.

Finally.

Just like waiting for the newly born or a landing airplane, the anticipation for Singapore OFW 101 concept is here to provide guidance and procedures for Filipinos who just started working or are planning to work here in Singapore.

Compilation of bits and pieces of tips and advises from Filipinos similarly working or are permanent residents here - which may in one or another keep you informed and help you survive the early and dragging days of being an overseas foreign worker.

Being an OFW myself, going about and living the new culture, environment and people - a far cry from our homeland, with less hassle could be a great relief that could at least ease the agony of being physically alone.

Singapore OFW 101 - it has arrived.

I Am Now Here in Changi Airport Singapore, What Is Next (Ano Na)?

2012-07-07T20:14:00.002-07:00

IM HERE IN SINGAPORE, ANO NA?

1. Sa Budget Terminal Bumaba ang eroplano ko? What’s next?

Maliit lang ang budget terminal and you can find your way out. Sa labas, may free shuttle bus na pumupunta sa Terminal 2. This is where you will need to take the MRT train on your way to the city.

2. Sa Terminal 1 Bumaba ang eroplano ko? What’s next?

Find the sign that says “to Terminal 2 via Skytrain”.. sasakay po kayo ng maliit na tren (Skytrain) to go to Terminal 2 where you will need to take the MRT train on your way to the city.

NOTE: Either of the two, mayroon pong mga taxi na available but a costly price.

If you have no SG dollars yet, mayroon pong mga Forex establishment sa Terminal 1. Kung malaki po ang dala nyong pera, magpapalit lang kayo ng maliit na value, kahit mga 100 SGD lang muna pambayad sa taxi or sa EZ-link card.

3. Ano po yung EZ-Link? nakakain ba ito?

Ang EZ-link po ay isang electronic prepaid card at pwedeng mag-load ng additional value (called "top-up") either sa MRT stations, Bus Interchange (Bus Stations/Terminal sa Pinas) or 7-Eleven.

Ito po ay pwedeng gamitin sa pagsakay sa MRT, sa BUS at pwede ding pambayad sa inyong meal sa McDo (yes, im not kidding) at taxi.

Nabibili po ito sa mga MRT station for $15 value.

For more information, eto po yung link: http://www.ezlink.com.sg/

4. Magkano pala usual nyo na pamsahe araw araw?Saan ba mas makakatipid all the way bus or bus-mrt?

Ang pamasahe sa bus ay 0.90 cents (no EZ link card) at 60 cents pag may EZ link card for the first 4 or 5 bus stops.

Ang pamasahe sa MRT ay ranging from 90 cents to 2.00 dollars

Mas matipid sa BUS, but as you know, matagal magbyahe sa bus at for newcomers, medyo nakakalito pa ang pagsakay sakay ng bus dito.

I suggest just to use the MRT at kaunti lang naman ang diprensya ng pamasahe.As you gain experience, masasanay rin kayo sa bus at don na lang nyo gawin ang luxury of looking around.

Please check these LINKS for more information about BUS and MRT guides:

BUS GUIDE (Fares and BUS)_buses.html

MRT GUIDE (Fares and MAP)_trains.html

5. Umaandar ba ang "celphone ko dyan? Nokia model xxx ang celfone ko

Yes, aandar ang iyong "celphone" dito, (or called handphone dito sa S'pore) kahit na Nokia 5110 pa ang iyong hawak.

6. Saan ako mag stay sa Singapore? Anything you can recommend?

This is also one of the hardest and expensive to find if you don’t have any relatives here . Kahit nga po may relatives, may sari sarili po kasi silang room sa isang bahay at may mga housemates na iba. Minsan, nakakahiya na magpatira ng kaibigan o kamag anak sa bahay dahil may ibang tao at sumisikip ang bahay (nakikigamit ng CR, TV, Computer, etc).

Before you go here in Singapore, please make sure na may tutuluyan po kayong bahay and make sure na yung friend or relative nyo ay pumapayag sa inyo at sa mga kasambahay nila.

For those who were unfortunate to have a relative or friend. You can either look for posted ads sa classified section ng pinoysg where mga ibang pinoys ay pinaparent ang kanilang vacant room or shared room.

Hotels are horrendously expensive, unless ipinanganak po kayo na may gintong kutsara, but you can try those backpackers hostels which cost you from $16 - $25 per night. These are some of the websites I know, but I have not personally tried them. May mga narinig akong nagpunta dito at dyaan nagstay pero ok naman daw.

7. May mga carinderia ba dyan? Magkano ang per meal?

Ang mga carinderia dito ay tinatawag na "hawker". you can find them at almost every corner.

Ordinary meal cost anywhere from $1.50 to $4.50 depende sa location ng hawker. Drinks cost from $1.20 to $1.60 per can.

8. Ano po ang mga common terms na dapat kong malaman?

Ito po ang mga common terms na dapat nyo gamitin or karaniwan nyong madidinig dito..

a) "Handphone" (abbreviated HP) - imbes na "Celfone" ang tawag.

b) "Top-up" - ang tawag kapag maglo load ka ng prepaid card

c) "Auntie" or "Uncle" ang tawag sa mga matatanda.

d) "Can" or "Cannot" ang karaniwang expression pag "pwede" or "hindi pwede"

e) "Going back" - kapag uuwi na

f) "Specs or Spectacles" - eye glasses

g) "Car Park" - parking lot

h) "Hawker" o "Kopitiam" ang mga tawag sa kainan o carinderia dito.

9. Anong Lugar po maganda bumili ng mga electronic items

Sim Lim near Bugis MRT station (although don't buy on those lower floors) or better yet, Funan Square near CitiHall MRT station.

Flying To Singapore - What Do I Need To Know?

2012-07-07T19:58:00.001-07:00

So, the time has come. No turning back. It is either you are flying now to Singapore as one of the lucky ones who will roam around and see the tourist spots for yourself or among many others who want to try their luck and bad luck as well in finding their nestling ground in this one small beautiful and economically sustaining country.

So you check on these list first and see if you are missing on something. Can?

AIRLINES

Aside from Philippine Airlines and Singapore Airlines, for Filipinos here are the most common budget airlines flying out to Singapore from Philippines. Which one is the cheapest is something you cannot tell as price changes from time to time so you might just want to look out for their promos which can go as to something unimaginable. As in. And the best time to book your flight - Wednesday! That's the day when the cheapest (regular or promo) fare price is available online.

TigerAirways http://www.tigerairways.com

(* leaves at Clark, lands at Budget Terminal*)

Jetstarasia.com http://www.jetstarasia.com

(* Leaves at NAIA Terminal 1, lands at Changi Terminal 1)

Cebu Pacific http://www.cebupacific.com

(*leaves at NAIA Terminal 1, lands at Budget terminal)

Shall I bring dollars or Peso? Which is Better?

Singapore’s currency is Singaporean Dollar (SGD). I use 1SGD = 30pesos for easy conversion, but refer to the local paper or online conversion for the exact amount.

You can bring either US dollar, SGD dollar or Philippine Peso (and even other currency) but please take note of these tricky rules:

1)There is an existing law (anti-money laundering) that you cannot bring more than 10,000 units for any currency. Simply put do not bring 10,000 pesos per person or 10, 000 dollarsor any 10,000 in other currency.

To avoid confusion, let us just take Philippine Peso as an example:

A) Convert all 30,000 pesos to US dollars or straight to Singapore dollars.

B) Convert the first 20,000 pesos to either US dollars or Singapore dollars AND

leave the 10,000 pesos to carry with you.

Just to be sure, bring enough money that will substantially support your stay in Singapore. More often than not the Singapore IO will ask you how much you have in your wallet especially when you are obviously a first time traveller in Singapore.

2)The Peso (Php) is still the best currency to bring when you go here and convert to SGD.. Mas mataas po ng kaunti ang palitan nya dito sa SG kumpara sa bibili ka ng USD or SGD sa pinas.

Yun po ay kung malaki-laki ang dala nyong pera, pero kung maliit lang naman, at hassle pa sa inyo ang magpapalit, then its ok.

If you actually do a comparison, you’ll get to lose anywhere from a 1 dollar (30 pesos) to 20 dollars (600 pesos).

3)Converting your Peso to US Dollar and the eventually converting to Singapore dollar when you reach here is discouraged. Remember that you lose something (even small amount) when you convert a currency twice.

How much do I need to bring when I want to go to SG?

There are a lot of considerations to answer this question. And the best way to do it is thru illustration. Let us just say that you will pay for all and that you do not have any one here where you can stay for the rest of the 30-day social visit pass. And you will be taking a bus in going around the country. For food let us just assume that you will be trying out their best dishes which can only be found on the streets - hawkers.

Transient Accomodation	Normally @ S$15.00/day	450.00
Food Trip	Hawkers @ S$3.50/meal (Ave)	315.00
Transportation	Bus	100.00
Buffer		135.00
Total		1,000.00

Looking at the figures, S$1000 might work but not sufficient enough for you as a traveller or a job seeker. Just do the math.

Where do I exchange my money in Singapore?

The Changi Aiport has lots of ForEx stores if you need quick cash, to eat and to buy a EZ-link card.

I’M HERE IN SINGAPORE, SO WHAT NOW?

How To Travel Around Singapore?

2012-05-18T07:52:00.000-07:00

Like any other country, Singapore has its own transportation system so greatly implemented you would not have second thoughts taking the public transport. It is safe and organized.

TRANSPORTATION

A.MRT/ LRT MAP

The ever- efficient transport system. Print this map at i-post sa pader. This would be your clue when you want to find an address, whether malapit sa MRT station. Please note the Circle Line will be operational on year 2010.

LINK HERE:_trains/routemap/routemap.pdf

B.STREET MAP OF SINGAPORE

LINK HERE: http://www.streetdirectory.com

No offence meant but Singapore is a small country you can travel around its entirety in just one day. If you were given an address and want to find out where it is, your first clue is the MRT station. 2nd clue to find is to use the street directory website.

This site has a very detailed street illustration and hot-to-get-there instructions either by taking bus or walking from the nearest MRT station.

C) BUS

UPDATE

WARNING: ang linya po ng trapik dito sa Singapore ay kabaligtaran sa pinas dahil nasa right-side ang manibela. Before po kayo tumawid sa kalye, please take a look first on your RIGHT SIDE. or better yet, masanay po tayo na tumingin pn both sides bago i apak ang paa sa kalye. may mga nadidisgrasya sa ganito..

Ang mga BUS po dito ay may numero at humihinto lang sa designated bus stop. Please wag po kayong papara sa tabi tabi. Ang ruta po ng mga bus na ito ay makikita sa BUS stop kung saan kayo mag aabang.

Mahirap para sa mga newcomer ang mag bus at paniguradong maliligaw kayo lalo na’t hindi pa masyadong kabisado ang lugar sa Singapore, but as time goes, you will get to learn kung anong bus number ang dumadaan sa Orchard road.

Translation: Vehicles in Singapore are right hand drive - all of them. So expect that if you came from a country which vehicles are left hand drive, the traffic flow will be the opposite. Certainly if you area first timer, always always take at the right side first to see if anything is coming. Buses here are numbered and specific to every location and bus stop. From the country I came from, you can wave at a bus to stop in front you and get on it. So convenient - the same reason why traffic jam is all over Metro Manila.

D) TAXI:

You can flag a taxi anywhere as long as you are on the right place. Be aware that this could be costly especially if you plan to go somewhere very distant from you place of stay. Fare is just fair and drivers can change you even up to the $10.

Flag down rate : $2.50 at every 210 meters ay $0.10 cents,, 25 secs waiting time ay additional $0.10

Additional charges for CBD surcharge, late night surcharge and if you call the city cab hotline

GOVERNMENT SITES

MOM (MINISTRY OF MANPOWER)

Website link: http://www.mom.gov.sglocated near CLARK QUAY MRT station. (also near CHINATOWN mrt station)

This website is very useful if you want information about the different employment passes - how to apply, how to check the status of the application and your rights as an employee.

You can also check from here the available passes for your dependants if you are already working here.

ICA (Immigration Checkpoints Authority)

website link:http://www.ica.gov.sglocated near LAVENDER MRT station

Source: Singapore Resources

Things You Need To Know Before Coming Over To Singapore To Look For A Job

2012-04-13T05:12:00.001-07:00

Is visa required to go to Singapore?

There is no need to apply for a "VISA" habang nasa pinas pa (you do not need to go to an embassy to apply for a VISA) because Singapore is a member of ASEAN country. Unlike if you are intending to go to US or UK for example.

But there is what we called "social visit visa" granted by the immigration and stamped in your passport at the airport.

So there is no visa required, how long can I stay in Singapore?

Immigration grants either 14-day or 30-day social visit “VISA” which depends on the following factors:

Your reason of stay (tourist, visiting a friend, medical, training)
If you have an invitation letter which complements why you are here.
“Show money” to spend here.

According to what I have read, they can even grant lesser days like 3 days. Unfortunately, there are even some questionable characters who are not granted at all. So the travel is like an airport to airport thing for them. Good I was just put on hold at the airport when I came here. My "show money" according to them was not enough for a tourist.

Job hunting - How long can it take to find a job?

One of the most frequently asked and difficult to answer question. Finding a job here is a combination of self exerted effort and luck - really. No one can define how long does one can find a job but your edge over the other candidates counts. Again there are a lot of factors:

Attitude - I was once worked in the middle east and walk in applicants are entertained there. But not in Singapore. Walk in applicants are strictly for locals or Malaysians and or PRs (Permanent Residents). So what does attitude play in this case? Applicant should be really patient, determined and open-minded when looking your niche here.

Work Experience + Certificates - as the saying goes, the more the merrier. This one needs no further explanation. Like I said it is about your edge over the others

Field of expertise - According to the MOM website, the following are the industries with in demand skills.

Manufacturing
Construction
Healthcare
Finance
Information Communication and Digital Media
Tourism and Retail

source MOM

Know how to sell yourself - Be pleasantly confident and learn the tactics of stressing your potential benefits to the company you are applying to. Don't panic and express yourself clearly.

Is there a chance for fresh graduate in finding a job in Singapore?

Like mentioned, most of the companies would prefer Singaporean or Malay and people with experience on their respected field being applied for. So as a tourist and inexperienced, think of your edge over them? I think you know the answer. Filipinos are hard-working and fast learner in our humble opinion. The other race think the same for their own kind. So before coming over, enrich yourself because the likelihood of being employed and unsuccessful in finding a job here is only a hairline apart.

The different passes - what are they and do I need them before hitting the boarding gate going to SG?

Not needed yet.

You will be given the Employment Pass once you submitted personally the In-Principle Letter to MOM together with your passport and medical check up result and certification from a registered Singapore Medical Doctor.

S-Pass(also called Q2 pass) , E-Pass (also called "EP" or Q1 pass) are types of employment permit issued by MOM dependent on your experience, salary and qualifications.

Message From Singapore OFW 101

2012-04-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

Our apologies to our readers as the articles are still being pooled and compiled for your easy reference.

We hope we will be done and over with it soon.

Thanks for stopping by.

Finally Made Up Your Mind

2012-04-06T20:30:00.000-07:00

All things aside, you made up your mind to work outside the Philippines. You finally decided to embrace the painful truth that not every body is destined to have a bright future in our country - that we have to look for it else where. You are now ready to be called "OFW", "Overseas Foreign Worker" and the most dramatic of them all "Ang Bagong Bayani".

Before this blog tackles about the ins and out of working in Singapore, let's check the list below of how ready you are - really.

From the house -

To say your goodbyes and few instructions without wanting to unpack your luggage again.
To set your foot outside that door without throwing a second look at the precious faces standing on the door
To admit that you are leaving because you hate the place you and your family is currently living.

At the airport -

To say your goodbyes and few instructions without wanting to load your luggage again in the taxi or jeepney that brought you in the airport
To set your foot on the passenger entrance without throwing a second look at the precious faces who fetch you to the airport
To admit that you are leaving because you have to.

Outside Philippines

To eat without the people you used to eat with.
To sleep without the people you used to sleep with.
To go around the place without the people you used to go around with.
To be satisfied kissing the people you used to kiss in front of a webcam.
To be contented hugging the people you used to hug in front of a webcam.

The list may be a bit personal as they were mine. I had them before deciding to to work here in Singapore. So I thought they could help you assess your readiness. Because Singapore may be a little near to Pinas and if you have enough resources, you can always go back if homesickness strikes you in the middle of your sleep.

Working abroad and leaving the ones dear to us is a very tough decision. Yes, you can look back and you will have your second thoughts but you have to be emotionally ready. Why? The more stable you are with your decision, the more stable the people or the life or the financial condition of the ones you left behind will be. Your emotional readiness will help them cope with this drastic change in their lives.

What To Do With Your Money

2012-04-02T03:45:00.001-07:00

Congratulations! You landed a job and soon you will have your earnings one after the other.

So what comes into your mind first when receiving your first pay cheque? Or the 2nd one? Or the 3rd one?

Go hit the malls - find and buy the most in and latest gadget in town, or that branded shirt you've been dreaming about, or that fashion statement bag...

If you intend to work here in SG and plurge to inviting shopping mall sale every now and then, that's fine.

If you come here in SG to work for the ones left in Pinas or to save for that dream house for your family, then it's another story.

You will find yourself working here in SG longer than you planned if you let youself in with the temptations - which is like, every where?!

As an OFW myself, I still yet to learn how to manage financially. And what will be more fulfilling that while I am doing that, I am also imparting lessons and tips how to do it based on the articles most applicable to us.

Money Matters - Remittance Rates and Etc.

2012-04-01T05:46:00.001-07:00

Updates on sending money to the Philippines the most profitable, efficient and easy way will posted under this category. Hope you all find yourself useful tips and continue enjoying sending money to our loved ones.

Food

2012-04-01T05:44:00.001-07:00

If you are one of fortunate Pinoys and is here in Singapore for pleasure or even business trip, then you should not only be looking for the tourists spots.

Go for some food tripping - you can got the malls or fining restaurant but to the best way to explore the diversity of food in Singapore is to hit the street.

Singapore is well loved for its range of ethnic food available. Must visit cafes and restaurants, affordable and surprisingly superb tasting food, secret food haven and food Singapore is most famous for will all be revealed here - soon.

Think this part I will enjoy the most.

Going Back to Pinas

2012-04-01T05:41:00.003-07:00

What to expect in here:

Documents to secure before hitting the airport
Procedure to secure the those documents
To do list
To bring list
At marami pang iba

First Timer in Singapore

2012-04-01T05:41:00.001-07:00

So you are going to Singapore - as a tourist or an OFW na, here you can find:

Documents to secure/bring before hitting NAIA
Procedure to secure those documents
What to bring
What not to bring
Where to stay
At laksa laksang information kung pano magsimula ng buhay or pamamasyal dito

Weather and Languages

2012-04-01T05:24:00.005-07:00

For my fellow Pinoy, there's nothing much adjustment on weather. Almost the same as Pinas so in any case you will be coming over - for pleasure or to work, just bring jacket, scarf or shawl to make you warm in the airport or plane. Do not over dressed like there are some who come here in ala Matrix or fur coat. Lol.

Local language is in Chinese - I didn't bother to research if Mandarin or Cantonese, basta Chinese but everybody at least almost, can speak English probably because of the British colony.

Food and Transportation

2012-04-01T05:24:00.002-07:00

So far, I didn't get alienated with the food. Almost all are the same with Pinoy dishes. This blog will share some food trip in details for your information, guidance and drooling also.

Cars are right hand drive. Be watchful when crossing the street as you need to look at your right side first unlike in Pinas where we look at the left side. There is a bus ticket called EZ link which you can use to their public transportation like bus, mrt and even taxi. It is reloadable in bus interchanges (stations), mrt stations and even 7-Eleven. High tech!

Brief History

2012-04-01T05:23:00.001-07:00

From Wikipedia

The earliest known settlement on Singapore was in the second century AD. It was an outpost of the Sumatran Srivijaya empire, named Temasek ("sea town"). Between the 16th and early 19th centuries, it was part of the Sultanate of Johor. In 1613, Portuguese raiders burnt down the settlement and the island sank into obscurity for the next two centuries.[13]

In 1819, Thomas Stamford Raffles, founder of Singapore, arrived and signed a treaty withSultan Hussein Shah on behalf of the British East India Company to develop the southern part of Singapore as a British trading post. In 1824, the entire island became a British possession under a further treaty whereby the Sultan and the Temenggong transferred it to the British East India Company. In 1826, it became part of the British Straits Settlements, becoming its capital in 1836.[14] Before Raffles arrived, there were around 1,000 people living in Singapore, mostly Malays and a few dozen Chinese.[15] By 1869, due to migration from Malaya and other parts of Asia, Singapore's population had reached 100,000. Many Chinese and Indian immigrants came to Singapore to work in the rubber plantations and tin mines, and their descendents later formed the bulk of Singapore's population.[16]

During World War II, the Imperial Japanese Army invaded Malaya culminating in the Battle of Singapore. The British were defeated, and surrendered on 15 February 1942. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill called this "the worst disaster and largest capitulation in British history".[17] The Sook Ching massacre of ethnic Chinese after the fall of Singapore claimed between 5,000 and 25,000 lives.[18] The Japanese occupied Singapore until the British repossessed it in September 1945 after the Japanese surrender.[19]

Singapore's first general election in 1955 was won by the pro-independence David Marshall, leader of the Labour Front. Demanding complete self-rule he led a delegation to London but was turned down by the British. He resigned when he returned and was replaced by Lim Yew Hock, whose policies convinced Britain to grant Singapore full internal self-government for all matters except defence and foreign affairs.[20]

During the May 1959 elections, the People's Action Party won a landslide victory. Singapore had become an internally self-governing state within the Commonwealth, with Lee Kuan Yew as the first Prime Minister.[21] Governor Sir William Allmond Codrington Goodeserved as the first Yang di-Pertuan Negara, and was succeeded by Yusof bin Ishak who in 1965 became the first President of Singapore.[22] During the 1950s, Singapore started to face a Communist threat which lasted till the early 1970s. The Communists, mostly supported by the Chinese-speaking group, with strong ties to the trade unions and Chinese schools, carried out an armed struggle against the state, resulting in the Malayan Emergency and later, the Communist Insurgency War. The 1954 National Service Riots, Chinese middle schools riots and Hock Lee bus riots in Singapore were all linked to the Communists [23]

On 31 August 1963, Singapore declared independence from Britain and joined with Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak to form the newFederation of Malaysia as the result of the 1962 Merger Referendum. Singaporean leaders joined Malaysia for various reasons. Firstly, as a small country, they did not believe that the British would find it viable for Singapore to become independent by itself. Secondly, they also did not believe that Singapore could survive on its own, due to scarcity of land, water, markets and natural resources. And lastly, the Singapore government wanted the help of the Malaysian government to flush out the Communists. The two years that Singapore spent as part of Malaysia were filled with strife and bitter disagreements. The Malaysians insisted on a pro-Malay society, where Malays were given special Bumiputera rights, which still exists to this day. The Malaysians were also suspicious about Singapore's majority of ethnic Chinese and worried that Singapore's economic clout would shift the centre of power from Kuala Lumpurto Singapore. There were also linguistic and religious issues. The Singaporeans, on the other hand, wanted an equal and meritocratic society, where all citizens were given equal rights. As part of Malaysia, Singapore's economic and social development came to a halt as the Malaysian parliament blocked many bills. Race riots broke out in Singapore in 1964. After much heated ideological conflicts between the two governments, in 1965, the Malaysian parliament voted 126 to 0 to expel Singapore from Malaysia.[3][24][25]

Singapore gained independence as the Republic of Singapore (remaining within the Commonwealth) on 9 August 1965[3] with Yusof bin Ishak as president and Lee Kuan Yew as prime minister. Every one who was present in Singapore on the date of independence was offered Singapore citizenship. In 1967, it helped found the Association of Southeast Asian Nations [26] and in 1970 it joined the Non-aligned movement. In 1990, Goh Chok Tongsucceeded Lee as prime minister. During his tenure the country faced the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, the 2003 SARS outbreak and terrorist threats posed by Jemaah Islamiyah. In 2004, Lee Hsien Loong, the eldest son of Lee Kuan Yew, became the country's third prime minister.[27]

Transportation

2012-03-31T07:47:00.003-07:00

Simple guide, tips and advices going to and from one place to another. Para hindi ka maligaw katulad ko.

Accomodation

2012-03-31T07:47:00.001-07:00

For most part, I think accommodation will be the one with most posts. This category will help us all find the most convenient and quality accommodation for ourselves and our family. Only the best sites and forums will be visited for the compilation of these information. Links will also be provided for more details.