SE Asian fun facts

The entire country of Singapore is only 276 square miles which is 2/3 the size of New York City.

In Singapore you must purchase a vehicle medallion for $60,000 before you can buy a car. The medallion is valid for 10 years and stays with the car. If you sell a car after five years you must buy another medallion to buy a new car. At the end if 10 years the car is confiscated and shipped out of Singapore.

Indonesia consists of over 20,000 islands of which 8,000 are inhabited.

Kretek are cigarettes made with a blend of tobacco, cloves and other flavors. The word “kretek” itself is a term for the crackling sound of burning cloves. The Indonesian government subsidizes cigarettes that are a blend of cloves and tobacco to limit imports. The majority of smokers buy the locally made cigarettes which have an unusual smell. Smoking is allowed in bars and restaurants.

Almost everyone in Indonesia is a millionaire. The currency is the rupia. The value is 12,000 : $1USD. $84.00 USD is worth over rp 1,000,000.

I had lunch with two Muslim Indonesian paint salesman. They do not eat pork, snake, dog or any wild animals. They also advised they cannot have a dog, snake or a pig for a pet.

On the ceiling in every hotel room in Indonesia is an arrow pointing the direction to Mecca so the faithful can pray each day. The first prayer of the day blasts out over loud speakers all around Jakarta beginning at dawn which is 4:30 AM. Muslim’s pray five times each day.