PACIFIC BASIN ECONOMIC COUNCIL
MAIN PAGE | EVENTS & PROGRAMS | 2000 | MIDTERM | SPOUSE PROGRAM

Spouse Program Friday, November 10, 2000 Hotel Pick-up: 2:00 p.m. Hotel Arrival: 6:00 p.m. See the city's colonial heritage in all its splendor with a drive past Parliament House and the imposing Supreme Court and City Hall that overlooks the Padang, the venue for many state occasions. Then proceed to fascinating Chinatown where temples and traditional shop houses retain the Chinese characteristics enclave. Next, capture a bird's eye view of the world's busiest port from Mt. Faber. From a height of 105 meters above sea level, you can see the oil refineries on the offshore islands reflecting Singapore's position as one of the world's largest petroleum refining center. A stop will be made at a Jewelry Wholesale Factory for a demonstration on jewelry handcrafting where purchase is optional. The next stop is the National Orchid Garden located in the Botanic Gardens where the first rubber trees were planted in this part of the world. Finally, we drive pass Little India to experience the new trading community and be overwhelmed by the charms of this part of old Singapore. Saturday, November 11, 2000 Option 1: Flavors of New Asia - Singapore Hotel Pick-up: 9:00 a.m. Hotel Arrival: 1:00 p.m. The Dutch were the first to monopolize it and prospered greatly. Then the British got into the act and Singapore became the focus on the fight for command of one of the most exotic trading routes in the world, the Spice Route. Pepper cloves cinnamon saffron filed the bowels of ships and brought with it a steady stream of immigrants from India, China, the Middle East and the Malay Archioelago. Walk through the Spice Garden, the original site of the first Botanic Gardens. Then visit the Peranakan House Exhibit at the National Museum and see what kept the womenfolk out of the public eye just decades ago and contrast this with a scene at the Geylang Serai Wet Market, where Malay housewives jostle to ensure that only freshest food are aid out at the dinner table. Visit Chinatown and sample a Chinese herbal mix drink. Be enlightened on the ancient Chinese secret of keeping healthy. At a stop in Little India, sample some local snacks and tea. Option 2: City Tour Hotel Pick-up: 2:00 p.m. Hotel Arrival: 6:00 p.m. Come on the trail and discover the history, culture, and lifestyle of multi-racial Singapore. Stroll along the colorful streets of Little India and be dazzled by the hive of activity that permeates every book and cranny of the area. Then breeze along a beautiful walk along the Singapore River where much trading activity to transform an obscure fishing village to a world-class seaport and modern metropolis look place. Look out for the quaint waterfront shophouses skillfully restored and rejuvenated and sitting in the shadow of the majestic towering buildings of the Financial District Chinatown, a place where many of our immigrant forefathers set up home. Patronize the varied and unique shops and visit the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, the magnificent Sri Mariamman Temple. Swing by the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the green lung of our city center, and experience the calm and serenity of this 52 hectares garden. Located within the grounds of the park is the National Orchid Garden, where you can marvel at the wide variety and colors of orchids on display. At a jewelry factory you can engage in one of Singaporeans favorite pass time - shopping, or simply admire the fine designs of Singapore jewelers.