Singapore has developed over the years, into a city of varying cultures, and has developed because of the influence of those cultures and of the people who have moved to the island in search of a better way of life. From those working in business to Singapore private bank and commerce, to the tourism industry, the city has flourished and become not only a great place to live, but a great vacation destination as well. From the Fort Siloso historical site that was constructed by the British in the late 1800’s, to the mountain top armory on Mt. Imbiah, the years of war are illustrated, and the heritage of the island becomes more understood and appreciated. Located here is the exhibit, Images of Singapore, where life sized animatronic figures detail the stories and the history.

For a great view of the entire island, and some of the smaller islands surrounding, a trip to the top of the Merlion is in order. The Merlion is a giant statue that sits at the mouth of the Singapore River. Just as in the Statue of Liberty in New York, one can climb to the top to the observation decks and capture glimpses of the islands, and some of the most stunning views. For a 360 view, one must have the energy to climb all the way to the crown, at the highest point on the monument.

There are other observation decks along the way as well. And for those that have no fear of heights, the view from the highest viewing tower is the one from the island of Sentosa. The Sky Tower will take up to seventy two people up to the top in a cabin air conditioned, and very comfortable and very informative. Each tour to the top, takes only seven minutes, and once there, the guide on every tour will commentate and give historical facts about the various interest points around the country and the other islands. As well as the information, the view of the ocean and the lush green landscape of the rain forest.

When it comes to four-star hotels, Goa is a bright spot in the world for hospitality in accommodation.  Our hotels offer a unique combination of old-world comforts and new-world technologies, and the guests are treated to a luxurious blend of both.  There are immensely beautiful details that suggest a real world-class excellence in design, making for an experience that will refresh the body and spirit.  In recent years, Goa has been a splendid destination for world-travelers looking for a perfect spot where urban life is vibrant and the natural splendors are evident.  It has also been considered an excellent destination for counter-cultural travelers, and has a reputation for being very welcoming to other cultures and other ideas.

The history of Goa beyond the recent past is a fascinating and complex one, as evidenced by Richard Zimler’s novel, Guardians of the Dawn, which takes a close look at Goa in the times of the Inquisition.  This event has had a deep impact on Goa, and is not necessarily included in many official histories.  By most accounts, however, the Inquisition in Goa lasted from 1560-1812, with a brief pause during 1774-1778.  The Inquisition coincided with the time of Portuguese colonization of the place, and during this time, the official priests recommended that the Inquisition come to Goa because of what they considered to be barbaric religious practices.

Most of the records were destroyed after 1812, leaving much room for debate and discussion, but the records that remain show that there were at least over a hundred deaths, and some 16,000 trials.  Other evidence suggests that thousands suffered execution in Goa’s Inquisition.  There are accounts by numerous historians, as well as comments by writers like Voltaire, who were avid in condemning the actions that were done in the name of conversion here.  Hindus as well as Jews suffered here, along with Muslims and people who were believed to be relapsed Christians, making it one of the most barbaric and cruel events in the history of the Inquisition.  To know  these events is important in cultural and historical understanding, and it also suggests that the current climate in Goa, which is very open to travelers, come after a long and difficult price.