Sunday, February 9, 2014

Sentosa III - Getting to Sentosa, Faber Hill and Faber Point

On the way from Henderson Waves, climbing Mount Faber to arrive at Faber point, the pathway was not very good. It was not a problem here and in the morning. But I actually got down from the Hill on the other side under similar conditions, but in the dark. And, note, there are no lamps. That was quite an adventure! :)

 

This is the building on the top of Mount Faber. With bronze (?) murals all around, introducing Singapore and history of Singapore.



Temasek




Fourteenth century Singapore - Singapore in the fourteenth century was a prosperous trading settlement. This is based mainly on archeological evidence as well as on accounts of Chinese travelers in the period.




 



Colonial Period - In 1819 Sir Stamford Raffles and William Farquhar with the Temenggong and Tengku Long (Sultan Hussein) signed a treaty to set up a trading post of the English East India Company on Singapore island.








Early 1800's development - Singapore became a regional entreport and attracted large numbers of traders from the Malay archipelago, China, India, and the Middle East.









 Late 1800s - Early 1900's - Due to trading activities, a large number of immigrants came and began to settle in Singapore, Chinese and Indian immigrants provided a cheap labour force called "coolies" and Singapore gradually developed into a multi-racial society.






Japanese Occupation (1942-1945) - British colonial rule was disrupted by the outbreak of the Pacific War and Japanese army invasion of Singapore in February 1942 which led to the British surrender. After Singapore suffered years of hardship, the Japanese officially surrendered to the British in September 1945.







Independence - The struggle for independence resulted in self-government in 1959. The political leadership later had to cope with a range of pressing social economic issues and problems after separation from Malaysia.







Singapore Today: A global city and a harmonious multi-cultural society - Today Singapore is a multi-racial society with four major races, Chinese, Malays, Indians, and Eurasians, as well as other minority groups living together peacefully.





 Transportation Development - Since the 1970's Singapore has developed one of the most Sophisticated transportation systems of the world. Changi airport is one of the best airports in the world and the shipping industry classifies Singapore as the world's busiest port. On land the road system is supplemented with mass transport such as the MRT and bus systems.






Telecommunications - Singapore is one of Asia's leaders in telecommunications. These include satellite communications such as the Sentosa Satellite Earth Station as well as state-of-the-art fiber optic telephone systems, handphones, pagers, and cable television.







Development of the Arts - Singapore has some of Asia's top universities, theatres and museums. The Singapore Symphonic Orchestra, as well as the new Singapore Arts Centre are among the region's finest.




 



Commerce and Industry - Technological advances in commerce and industry have brought Singapore to the forefront of Southeast Asia. Banking, business centre, and tourism create a stimulating and attractive environment for international business and leisure.
 




Architecture: Old and New - Historic buildings in Singapore are being preserved to maintain a sense of the Asian heritage while futuristic designs by international architects flourish within the Central Business District.








Modern Day Lifestyle -  Singapore has become a modern centre for cultural, entertainment and retail activities which cater to the arts, shopping, tourism, and cultural events for residents and visitors alike.







The Garden City - Greenery has become part of the Singapore life as abundant tropical foliage envelopes streets, homes and buildings. Singapore is cloaked in greenery, both manicured and natural.







Map of Singapore Today - Singapore has emerged in just the last 25 years into a fashionable thriving metropolis. This map indicates Singapore regions, transportation lines and focal interest points.








And before you think I have come up with these descriptions :) No. They were provided right next to the murals. In four languages, of course.




And now that I have shown you in so much detail what is in the building. Here is what is on the very top of Mount Faber, on the top of the building: Faber Point (sorry, you cannot see much in this picture.)


The view from Mount Faber. Keppel Bay Condos (I think)


 
 
 
 
 

The local version of Merlion. About 2.5m high.

 

 And a few arrows, like on a compass card, to give directions. Sentosa to the south :), Bangkok to the north, northeast. Jakarta to the east...

 
 

And finally a peek of Sentosa Island with the Cable Car.