Singapore's port area, one of the world's largest, covers 93 km2 (36 mi2). The Port of Singapore Authority operates six gateways (Jurong port, Container Terminal, Keppel, Telok Ayer, Sembawang, and Pasir Panjang wharves) that provide facilities for vessels ranging from oceangoing liners to lighters. The Keppel wharves, which lie protected between the islands of Brani and Sentosa, are deepwater and contain major docks and warehouses. Keppel is Southeast Asia's major transshipment point for exports of oil, rubber, plywood, lumber, and spices. The port's main imports include machinery, textiles, and rice. The Malayan rail system from Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur terminates at Singapore.

In addition to its port activities, Singapore has tin-smelting works, pineapple canneries, rubber factories, oil refineries, and sawmills. The east lagoon is the regional centre for container transshipments. Jurong is a large industrial estate and port west of the city. Singapore's thriving banking, insurance, and brokerage firms and its excellent transport, communications, and storage facilities have helped make it the chief trading and financial centre of Southeast Asia. The city-state's post-World War II economic activities have been so successful that Singapore is now virtually a developed country.

Singapore's notable buildings include the Victoria Theatre and Memorial Hall, the Raffles Hotel, the High Court, the City Hall, the House of Jade, the Sri Mariamman Temple, and the Singapore Polytechnic. The government maintains a national museum, library, and theatre and the Van Kleef Aquarium. The international airport at Changi (opened in 1981) was developed on reclaimed land to the northeast. The Singapore Botanic Gardens are to the northwest. The National University of Singapore was founded in 1980 by the merger of the University of Singapore and Nanyang University. The Nanyang Technological Institute was established in the former Nanyang University in 1981. Tiger Balm Gardens is a collection of statuary depicting Chinese myths and legends. Other attractions include the Jurong Bird Park (opened 1971), some 50 acres (20 hectares) in area, perhaps the largest of its kind in the world. Sentosa Island in Singapore Harbour has been developed as a major recreational area; it is connected by cable car with Mount Faber and is also accessible by ferry, providing visitors with beaches, a golf course, and an amusement park. Pop. (1985 est.) central city, 157,000; (1992 est.) metropolitan area, 2,792,000.

ATTRACTIONS

Singapore Zoological Gardens
In its lush jungle setting, Singapore's renowned 'open' zoo is a haven for both animals and visitors. More than 2,000 creatures are housed in landscaped enclosures, with rock walls and streams replacing cages.

Special attractions include Children's World, where kids can interact with animals and enjoy excellent playgrounds, the six island Primate Kingdom, the sealion and penguin gallery, the air-conditioned polar bear exhibit and a miniature railway.

Feeding shows take place throughout the day; favourites include the primates, reptiles, elephants and sealions. Among the zoo's many endangered species is the world's largest colony of orang utans, with whom you can enjoy breakfast or afternoon tea if you book in advance through your hotel. Allow a whole day to enjoy the zoo's attractions.

Mandai Orchid Gardens
The blooms here at Singapore's largest commercial orchid garden provide a colourful display all year round. The garden is conveniently located right next to the zoo, and a whole hillside is covered in orchids. Allow one hour.

Singapore Botanic Gardens
Spread over 52 hectares close to the centre of the city, the Botanic Gardens combine both primary jungle and manicured gardens which together hold thousands of species of plant life, including many rare specimens. Malaysia's rubber industry had its origins in the Botanic Gardens in the late 19th century when colonial botanist Henry Ridley propagated rubber plants from London's Kew Gardens. A lake adds to the serenity of the gardens, and is home to water fowl, ducks and kingfishers. Outdoor concerts are popular here. Check newspapers for details. Allow two hours.

Fort Canning Park
Fort Canning Park is a park rich in history - a sacred site where early Malay kings settled and the spot Sir Stamford Raffles chose to build his own bungalow, Singapore's first Government House. Fort Canning Centre, which dominates the park, is now a venue for the arts.

Merlion and Merlion Park
The tourism symbol of Singapore, the Merlion is a mythical beast, said to be half lion, half fish. The eight-metre high Merlion statue stands guard at the mouth of the Singapore River.

Parliarnent House and the Elephant Statue
Once a stately colonial mansion which was built in 1827, Singapore's oldest government building is today the home of the Republic's Parliament.

A bronze elephant stands in front of the building, a gift from King Chulalongkorn of Siam in 1871. Allow one hour.

Supreme Court and City Hall
The last classical building to be completed in Singapore, the Supreme Court opened in 1939 as the first stage of a grand design to replace Parliament House, the Victoria Theatre and the Singapore Cricket Club. However, World War II intervened and the plan was fortunately, shelved. Neighbouring City Hall was the scene of the Japanese surrender to Lord Louis Mountbatten in 1945. Visitors are allowed.

Kranji War Memorial
The beautifully landscaped grounds of the Kranji War Memorial are dedicated to the Allied troops who died in the battle for Singapore during World War II. The memorial's walls are inscribed with the names of those who died, and a register is available for inspection from the custodian. Allow half an hour.

National Museum
The National Museum, originally opened in 1887, is an architectural gem with each of its two levels reflecting a different order of Greek classical architecture. Of particular note are the three-dimensional reconstructions of historical scenes and events tracing Singapore's development from a sleepy fishing village to the present day metropolis. Another exhibit shows the world of a wealthy Straits Chinese family at the turn of the century, complete with elaborate Peranakan furnishings and finery. The Children's Discovery Gallery is another compelling attraction, with interactive exhibits designed to explain Singapore's cultural heritage, visual and per forming arts.

Changi Prison Chapel and Museum
The Changi Prison Chapel, with its thatched roof and outdoor pews, is a replica of the original built by Allied prisoners of war in World War II. The Museum, which also features a souvenir shop, records the daily life of the prisoners through a display of photographs, paintings and sketches. It also features a pair of rail spikes from the infamous Burma railroad which claimed the lives of thousands. It is a tribute to the men who lived and died in captivity during those dark years. Allow two to three hours.

Empress Place Museum
Regarded as one of the finest neo-classical buildings in Singapore, Empress Place dates back to 1854, when it served as a court house. Today the building houses a world-class museum and exhibition centre, featuring cultural and archaeological treasures from China and other ancient civilisation- many of them being shown outside their country of origin for the first time. Allow two to three hours.

Churches
Singapore's churches and cathedrals were built well before the turn of the century and many are still used today as places of worship. Visitors are reminded to observe proper etiquette, particularly when a service is being held. Armenian Church Singapore's oldest church, the Armenian Church in Hill Street, was completed in 1835 to a design by colonial architect George Coleman. Regarded as Coleman's masterpiece, the church is dedicated to St Gregory the Illuminator. It is designated as a national monument.

Cathedral of the Good Shepherd
Completed in 1846, the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd in Queen Street was designed by Dennis McSwiney, formerly a clerk to George Coleman. Its tower and spire were added a year later by Charles Dyce.

St Andrew's Cathedral
Built between 1856 and 1861, St Andrew's Cathedral was erected on the site of an earlier church which was twice struck by lightning. Designed by Colonel Ronald MacPherson and built by Indian convict labour, its glossy white exterior results from the use of Madras Chunam, a mixture of shell lime, egg white and sugar.

Sultan Mosque
With its massive golden dome and huge prayer hall, the Sultan Mosque is one of Singapore's most imposing religious buildings and a focal point for Muslim Singapore. The original mosque on this site m North Bridge Road was built with the help of a $3,000 grant from Sir Stamford Raffles. The present mosque, designed by Denis Santry, was completed in 1928.