The Old Port area of Singapore is where some of the English first settled on the Malaysian peninsula. From this rather well protected cove trade ships left to all parts of Asia. This area was an ideal reststop on the way back and forth from China to India. Sailors could pick up new stocks of food and water as well as spend some of their hard earned cash. Singapore's long understanding and need of trade has made this city/state an important and stable country among its frequently changing and more reactionary neighbors.