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Island Experiences

The diversity of Singapore exists due to the mix of internationals living on the main island, and due to the mix of the geographical components as well.  For surrounding the main island, there are more than fifty smaller islands off the mainland coast.  Some the islands are known as having the most elegant resorts, providing the luxury travel Singapore has become well known for providing.  Others are known for their camp sites and bike trails, or even theme parks.  Every island has a distinctive personality that is all their own.  And just as each of the islands are diverse, the entertainment provided and the food that is served is just as varied and diverse.  Singaporeans are known for their love of it all, food, travel and entertainment.  Life is lived to the fullest on the islands and is a welcome idea for those coming for a visit from such work-oriented and driven countries such as the United States.

Kusu Island is home for, and sacred, for many Taoists and Muslims.  The legend of Kusu states that a giant turtle surfaced to rescue to sailors whose ship had sunk.  Many Chinese and Malaysian festivals celebrate this story.  Nonya food is served on giant tables, a delicious blend of the ethnicity of each of the saved sailors, Malaysian and Chinese.  Generations have handed down the secret recipes.  The dishes require careful and time-consuming preparation, as the exact blend of spices and herbs are of the up most importance.  The result is most often a tangy blend of the vegetables and fruits and the seafood.  And to counter-act the tartness, the desserts are often extremely sweet, made with ingredients such as sugar, sweet potatoes, and coconut milk.

The island of Pulau Ubin sits off of the North East coast, and has been popular among those who like to spend their vacation time out of doors.  There has been ongoing development of trails for hiking and mountain biking throughout nature parks, with camp sites and cabins.  The environment is being preserved, providing such sites as swamps of Mangrove trees, and rubber and coconut plantations.  Many dishes prepared on this island include ingredients from the sea.  This is the favorite of many tourists and Singaporeans alike.  Lobster dishes, chili crabs and even deep fried squid is among the most enjoyed.  The seafood is abundant on this island, as well as throughout most of Singapore.  The flavors are unique as they are so intertwined with the cultures that create them.

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1. Music of Singapore
2. Phuket is More Than A Beautiful Island
3. Foong Lin in Bethesda
4. Indian Spice in Folklore and Myth
5. Hong Kong’s Victoria Peak

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