Despite a lack of natural resources, Singapore has capitalised on the energy and skills of its inhabitants to make it a tourist mecca. Singapore will keep you coming back for more. The first impression you get of the city is of man’s achievement. The beautiful airport, Changi, one of the best in the world, The world’s biggest man made fountain at Suntec City, the Night Safari, world’s first night zoo, the world’s highest man made waterfall at Jurong Bird Park, The Science centre, Snow city, the cultivation of plants at the Botanical Gardens. All a marvel which can amaze and astonish you beyond words. While there is lots to do and see in Singapore, we will go through the popular sights and must visits.
Bukit Timah Natural Reserve
Singapore’s only surviving rain forest patch, also boasts of being the highest point in Singapore at 163m. Generally the paved trail is taken to the summit, but a drive along the North view, South view and Fern valley is much more exciting.
Carlsberg Sky Tower
This is a newer tourist attraction and is a slow ride up the 131m column. It is the tallest free standing observatory tower in Asia. It has an air-conditioned viewing cabin with a capacity of 72 people and gives you a birds eye view of Singapore.
Jurong Bird Park and Reptile Park
Both are situated opposite each other. The bird park has one of the largest bird collections in the world. It also boasts of of having the largest man made falls on earth, The Waterfall Aviary. The Jurong Reptile Park houses crocodiles, giant tortoises, komodo dragons and pythons. Children get a thrill feeding the crocs. Both parks have shows which are really worth watching.
Night Safari and Singapore Zoo
The Night Safari is the worlds first dedicated night zoo. It is also one of the most popular destinations in Singapore. Home to over 1,000 animals and 120 species, of which 29% are threatened. There are many cultural programmes held regularly too.
Set in a rainforest environment, Singapore Zoo's world famous "Open Concept” offers the opportunity to experience and be inspired by the wonders of nature. Home to over 2,500 specimens from 315 species, 16% of which are threatened, the Zoo has attained a strong reputation internationally for its conservation initiatives and breeding programmes.
Singapore Botanical Gardens
The Gardens epitomise the tropical islands luxuriant parks. The Gardens are a combination of primary forest and specialty gardens. Displayed are a wide variety of rare specimens of flowers and plants. The Orchid enclosure has 20,000 Orchid plants on display.
Universal Studios
The theme park is located within the Resorts World, Sentosa on Sentosa Island. The park has opened to public only recently. There are 24 attractions, 30 restaurants and food carts and 20 unique retail stores and carts situated all over the park.
Little India, China Town and Malay Village
These are wonderfully colourful areas of shops, aromas, temples, quaint streets, and soaked in culture. Completely a part of Singapore validating harmonious living. If you want good and bargain shopping, these are the places to visit.
Little India on Serangoon Road, has a dominant Tamil influence. Mustafa Centre, Serangoon Plaza, the Central Sikh Gurdwara are a must visit apart from several Hindu temples and mosques. Right across is China Town.
Chinatown is full of contrasts and fascinating details. The historic buildings have been lovingly conserved and century-old beliefs are still practiced, and true to the Singapore spirit, fashionable new ideas have taken root. 
If you are interested in getting an insight into the unique cultural tradition of the Malays there is no better place for you to visit than the Malay Village in Singapore. You will be able to see in front of your eyes a typical Malay Village or a Kampung as it looked like in the 1950's or 1960's. There are a large number of shops in the Malay Village which showcase various items that reveal the richness of Malay Arts and Crafts like batik painting and kite making.
Mount Faber
At 116m, not the highest point, but stands proud anyway. You can see the splendour of Singapore from all sides at the summit. There is a spectacular cable car ride from the harbour.
Raffles Hotel
Whatever is worth seeing or building in Singapore, old or new, The Raffles Hotel will always be its most famous landmark. Named after the founder of Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles, was opened in 1887. It was supposed to be demolished in 1987, but finally millions of dollars were spent towards its restoration and was declared a national monument by the government.
Raffles Marina
The Marina is a surreal world out in Singapore’s far west. Think of that nautical lifestyle, of marine leisure sports, and you automatically think of Raffles Marina, with its superlative facilities and supremely professional managers. Raffles Marina is a first class, full service boating haven with the trappings of a prestigious country club and all pleasures of a quality resort. Beer at the Discovery Pub or dinner at the Marina Bistro, the bowling alley, billiards rooms, whatever you choose to do, its a great place to visit.
The Clarke Quay, Boat Quay and Robertson Quay
Earlier a place thronging with godowns or warehouses, now bustles with nightlife, pubs and restaurants. These are the most hip and happening places at night in Singapore. A trip to Singapore would be incomplete without a visit to these places.
Sentosa Island
A very popular resort. When the British returned the island to the government in 1967, it was developed into a resort. The cable car ride from Mt. Faber gets you to Sentosa Island. There is enough to keep you there for the entire day. People can also stay overnight if they so wish. The Laser show, Underwater world and Dolphin Lagoon are worth a visit.
Singapore Flyer
This is the world’s largest observatory wheel, beating the London Eye. A 30 minute ride, it is one of the key developments of Marina Bay.
Singapore Science Centre
The name is most likely to put kids and adults off, but you cannot help but loving the place once inside. There are many interactive exhibits. Couple this with Snow City and Omni Theatre, for Imax screening, and you’ve got a days worth of fun.
Apart from the above, there are many temples, mosques, churches, reserves and galleries one can visit. The most efficient way to relish the flavours of mixed cultures is on foot, specially around Little India, China Town and Kampong Glam. Singapore has abundant areas of natural beauty but its name of Garden City isn’t without help from humans. Rest your weary feet at the Aramsa Garden Spa. For History and Art lovers, there is a wide selection of museums, exhibitions and architectural heritage. National Museum of Singapore, Singapore Art Museum, Peranakan Museum, Asian Civilizations Museum and the newer MINT Museum of Toys. Anytime of the year is a good time to go to Singapore for a vacation. Since its home to so many communities, there is something happening or a festival going on throughout the year in the small city state.
No comments:
Post a Comment