Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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THE MOST FASCINATING TEMPLES,
CHURCHES & MOSQUES
• Thian H ock K eng (S ingapore):
O ne
of Singapore's oldest Chinese temples, it
is a fascinating testimony to Chinese
Buddhism as it combines with tradi-
tional Confucian beliefs and natural
Taoist principles. E qually fascinating is
the modern world that carries on just
outside the old temple
religious symbols and ar chitectural
influences. To me, it represents not just
the S ingaporean ability to absorb so
many different ideas, but also a Muslim
appreciation and openness toward many
cultures. See p. 136.
• J alan Tokong, M elaka (M alaysia):
This street, in the historical heart of the
city, suppor ts a M alay mosque, a Chi-
nese temple, and a Hindu temple exist-
ing peacefully side by side—the perfect
example of ho w the many for eign reli-
gions that came to S outheast Asia
shaped its communities and learned to
coexist in harmony. See p. 238.
's doors. S ee
p. 132.
• Armenian Chur ch (S ingapore):
Although not the biggest Christian
house of worship in the city, it is one of
the most charming in its ar chitectural
simplicity, tr opical practicality , and
spiritual tranquillity. See p. 115.
• Hajjah Fatimah Mosque (Singapore):
I love this mosque for its eclectic mix of
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7
THE MOST INTERESTING MUSEUMS
• National Museum of Singapore. (Sin-
gapore):
This historic museum recently
underwent a S$132.6 million ($88.8
million/£59.7 million) r enovation and
is now expanded to more than twice its
original siz e, featuring state-of-the-ar t
multimedia exhibits. They've done a
fantastic job. See p. 121.
• Asian C ivilisations M useum (S inga-
pore):
This extr emely w ell-presented
museum documents the ev olutionary
and cultural histor y of the r egion's
major ethnic gr oups. A v ery informa-
tive afternoon. See p. 115.
• P enang M useum and Ar t G allery
(Penang, Malaysia):
A slick display of
Penang's colonial histor y and multicul-
tural heritage, this place is chock-full of
fascinating tidbits about the people,
places, and events of this curious island.
Plus, it doesn't hurt that the air-condi-
tioning works very well! See p. 249.
• State Museums of Melaka (Malaysia):
This small city has more museums than
any other city in the country, with some
unusual displays such as kites and
Malaysian literature. See p. 237.
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THE BEST LUXURY RESORTS & HOTELS
• Raffles H otel (S ingapore):
For old-
world opulence, Raffles is second to
none. It's pure fantasy of the days when
tigers still lurked around the perimeters.
See p. 72.
• Shangri-La H otel (S ingapore):
What
sets this hotel apar t fr om other city
properties is its sprawling gr ounds.
Shang is a meticulously landscaped
tropical oasis, with lush gar den vie ws
