Gay Singapore

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It is not hard to sing the praises of Singapore.  A clean, safe, and diverse city, Singapore offers an array of culinary, shopping, and cultural experiences.  Don’t let the impressive skyline, the ubiquity of English, and western façade of the city give you the wrong impression—Singapore is a beautiful blend of several unique eastern cultures.  Currently the population is 78% Chinese, 14% Malay, 7% Indian, and the remaining 1% a mixture of Eurasian, Arab, and expatriate populations.  In reflection of this great diversity, the four official languages of Singapore are Malay, Mandarin, English, and Tamil.  The island city boasts of a safe and efficient transit system that will take you to any destination you may have in mind. 

For the cultural tour, spend an afternoon exploring each of Chinatown, Little India, and Arab Street.  Chinatown abounds with temples, mosques and shrines, fun shopping opportunities, and a number of tantalizing restaurants.  Visit Little India for its fascinating temples and stay to try some of the incredible food you will smell from the street.  On Arab Street you will find the impressive Sultan Mosque (a must-see) as well as a variety of delicious food venues and attractive shops. And for a real taste of the cultural diversity of Singapore, coordinate your travels with one of the following holidays: the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts, where you can see Chinese Opera performed publicly (August/September); the Lunar or Chinese New Year (February); and the fascinating Indian ritual of penance, Thaipusam (also in February).

If shopping, a Singaporean national pastime, is on your agenda, remember that prices are negotiable except in department stores and indicated shops.  In each of the indicated ethnic areas you will find a variety of exciting shopping opportunities, while the shopping malls of Orchard Road offer the big names in fashion and accessories.

Singapore is known for its food, which is unique due to the combinations that come about from the mixture of Chinese, Malay, and Indian cooking. Nyonya food is the name for the combination of Chinese and Malay cooking—the results are rich and flavorful.  Hawker centers offer a great opportunity to try food from a number of stalls at a low price.  You may have to learn use chopsticks on the spot!

When you have had your fill of consumption, take a look around.  Singapore offers a interesting mix of western and eastern architecture; highlights include the Parliament House, Raffles Hotel, St. Andrews Cathedral, Sri Mariamman Temple, Nagore Durgha Shrine, the Sultan Mosque, and Chettiar Temple.  The Central Business District also has a number of post-modern buildings that may interest the architecture connoisseur. 

While Singapore offers an exciting and burgeoning gay scene, travelers should remember that homosexual activity remains illegal there, as does oral sex.  Travelers are warned to be careful when cruising due to police harassment and the possibility of arrest (conducted primarily through entrapment by undercover police officers), though reports say that the situation is improving. IndigNation, the first gay rights festival, was held in Singapore in 2005.  And, despite legislated homophobia, several openly gay individuals have been awarded civil service positions—another hopeful indication of change.  So, although Singapore presents a booming gay hotspot, be a wary, prudent international traveler.

A number of gay friendly venues are found in Chinatown and on New Bugis Street, the former red light district which was plowed over and rebuilt in the 90s.  Both gay bars and gay-friendly accommodations can be found in these areas.  In addition, many dance discos, clubs, and karaoke bars throughout the city are now hosting “gay nights” and “ladies nights”. 

Singapore is not all stores, sidewalks, and high rises.  Within the city you will find two expansive national parks—the Botanic Gardens and Fort Canning—which offer respite from the bustle of the city.  One of the prides of Singapore, the Singapore National Zoo, offers a variety an unrivaled zoological experience (including some of the most intimidating snakes you will ever lay eyes on) and an exciting night safari.  When it is time to get out of the city consider the following: visit Bukit Timah (“Hill of Tin”) nature reserve and hike to the summit or take a ferry or charter a boat to one of the island park reserves such as Pulau Ubin.  Also available not far from the city center are natural reservoirs and bird sanctuaries.

While it is not advisable to swim off the shores of Singapore, several of the small islands off the coast of the “Lion City” offer great swimming, snorkeling, and coral reef diving opportunities.  Ferries are available for transport to several of the islands, while the more remote ones require a chartered boat. 

See you in Singapore!

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