Jun 14, 2005 04:25 PM
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(Updated Jun 14, 2005 04:25 PM)
It is the concluding part of our three country conducted tour taken during Feb-March this year. Some of my experiences have been fascinating apart from first hand knowledge of the country, people, glimpses of their cultures and life styles. It also revealed how these countries have organized their infrastructures and tourist spots and sites to attract tourists from all parts of the world. Tourism is one of their main earning source and it is operated professionally.
We in India, particularly Tourism Ministry and all related agencies ought to learn our lessons on how to attract international tourists, …not only by showcasing our great monuments, temples/mosques/gurdwaras/chuches/stoopas of Buddha etc, historical relics and palaces of Maharajas and various beaches, great mountains, wild life sanctuaries, but also providing requisite infrastructures like airports, roads, transporation system, hotels, shopping arcades/malls, restaurants and most important part being entertainment facilities….cultural shows, classical and country musical soirees, ethnic clothing, wide varieties of food, water sports, theme parks etc…perhaps casinos (under specific control of authorized body) properly organised ….so that all overseas tourists find the alternative destinations in India to have a reason for changing their itineraries! Our advantage is comparatively low cost, our English speaking educated unemployed young people (in plenty) and cultures for various colour and hue in all our states.
Our journey to Singapore was on day 9th by road from Kuala Lumpur. On the way we saw countryside in Malaysia …quite expansive and less populated. Excellent highways and hence we had smooth and comfortable travel all the way in ac coaches under blistering sun. Only incident on half the way was the break down of our second coach……which made us halt in a restaurant for nearly two hours when the relief coach reached the spot. Unlike our own highway restaurants, it was well organised and neat and clean, where we had our lunch.
Finally we reached the border to cross over to Singapore late afternoon. We had to get down for immigration and carry all our luggage physically as they do not have any trolley (bit of surprise!) for that purpose. Fortunately, we were the major group of 70 odd people and hence could clear our immigrations within 45 mins and then another half an hour to put the luggage back in both the coaches. While we approached the Immigration Center from Malaysian side, we noticed an indicator as Singapura showing the way towards Singapore.
SINGAPORE
Our tourist guide informed us that Singapore is an island off Malaysia and was earlier was a part of it. It is constituted of several islands in a cluster. We drove down over the bridge to the other side in ten minutes……so close it is to the main land attached to Malaysia.
As the name implies, it is the land of lion …Singa Pura ; the story goes that a courageous prince against all warnings visited this land then ruled by a great lion, who is might and ferocious. On their encounter, both realized their strength and greatness and became friends. But, the symbol of this country is in MERLION….famous statue on the waterfront in Singapore, which has the head of a lion and the trunk of a fish…..somewhat similar to mermaid concept!
We stayed in hotel Furama on the waterfront next few days before our departure to India. Entire city is well planned and maintained in spic and span condition. Skyline, while traveling on elegant city roads, boast of high rise building and towers with shopping malls everywhere. Roads are wide with smooth flow of traffic. No random cross over is permissible and if caught, one will be fined then and there. Different types and sizes of residential building blocks we could see in different localities to cater to housing requirements of all strata of the population. Interesting population of the city is about 2.5 million as told by the guide. We were also told that the Government not only constructs most of residential buildings, but also maintain them regularly through their allocated funds to keep the city so neat and clean. The cost of such residential premises are economical compared to their per capita income and hence affordable as per individual choice and life style. The Government though bears the maintenance cost of their housing complexes for the public initially, but recovers that from owner on installment or otherwise. Truly, the Government acts as a benevolent State encouraging its citizen to improve their quality of life, unlike what we experience in our country. Perhaps, for such benevolent actions are possible for a Government that functions effectively without corruption and also for far less a population, where any good system can be put into place.
We had a city tour with a glimpse of Supreme Court (one of last colonial buildings that witnessed the surrender of Japanese during World War II and declaration of Independence of Singapore in 1965) visit to Merlion Park, at Esplanade-Theatre on the bay, spiky dome shaped Durian, Chinatown.
Next day we visited famous Sentosa Island ……a well know and great resort with lot to see and enjoy…a great tourist spot! We took cable car to reach this island and went to famous Underwater World, which spell bounds young and old with all marine animals and species. It is one of Asia’s most popular oceanariums (a very large acquirium) . We took a trip on monorail to go around all stations to see and enjoy beautiful sites all around. In the evening, we witnessed fabulous Magical Fountain …also known as Musical Fountain, great audio-visual creation of virtual fantasy with a story. It is devised and developed by the best in that profession and the Government spends millions to earn billions through continuously flowing large tourist traffic.
The after, we spent a while a famous Jurong Bird Park and saw some bird shows. Though the sun was scorching still the environment was enjoyable. We also had a ride on well managed MRT system, which is very well maintained fast ride. Stations are neat with glass doors so those who plan to commit suicide may refrain. Finally, we had one whole afternoon for shopping after the lunch in Indian restaurant opposite to famous Mustafah Centre. Most of us did visit several Shopping centers and mall and spent time till dinner time. I liked New World City close to our hotel, elegant and less crowded to pick up few articles of our choice. Singapore dollar is about 27 Indian rupees and hence all items appear to be quite costly. Electronic products like digital camera, handy cam of most popular brands are genuine and price wise competitive.
Next morning after the breakfast at the hotel, we started for our return journey to our Mumbai. Changi airport in Singapore is famous for its comfort and several unique facilities. We took our flight from there to Bangkok on enroute, whence after spending few hours through duty free shops we left for Mumbai.
Entire trip was an enriching experience of seeing countries, places, people, land marks et all, which help us ascertain where we stand now in respect of our other Asian countries under global perspective.
