|
|
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Get exclusive travel deals, trip reviews, and unique adventure travel ideas monthly.
|
|
Raffles HotelCity/Region: Singapore
The Raffles Hotel is a grand Victorian edifice rising from the pavements of the colonial district. Its elegant charm has enticed writers and entertainers such as Somerset Maugham, Rudyard Kipling, Joseph Conrad and Charlie Chaplin. Singapore Slings have become the hallmark of the Long Bar. Here ceiling fans whirr above the heads of expatriates and tourists as they sip smart cocktails in superb comfort. The Tiffin Room is best known for its afternoon teas and sumptuous Saturday night buffets.
Gin and tonics alongside the odd game of snooker can be enjoyed at the Bar & Billiard. Other distractions include an upper-level museum containing vignettes and photographs on the lives of Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Noel Coward, as well as a Victorian-style playhouse and numerous specialty shops and restaurants.
Address: 1 Beach Road
Phone Number: 6337 1886
Email Address: singapore-raffles@raffles.com
Website: www.raffleshotel.com
Transport: The hotel is located on Beach Road and can be reached by MRT from City Hall Station
ChinatownCity/Region: Singapore
Chinatown is set against the backdrop of Singapore's modern infrastructure and the prosperous financial district. It is a crowded and colorful network of streets and alleyways contained by Upper Pickering Street, Cantonment Road, New Bridge and South Bridge Road. The area is a receptacle of traditional Chinese customs that were carried by the communities in Chinese Junks from the provinces of Guangdong and Fujian to Singapore in the early 19th century. Temples, terraces, markets and shops still provide a glimpse of the old ways but much of its original character has been lost in the redevelopment of the past 30 years. Yixing Xuan's Teahouse provides a fascinating insight into the ancient, ritualistic art of tea-making while a visit to the Thian Hock Keng Temple leaves one in awe of Chinese traditions of worship and symbolism. The streets of the district offer traditional healing practices. Here snake skins are blended with herbs and spices to produce powerful potions for various ailments. Brightly colored exotic fruit interject the marketplace with lively displays of Rambutan, Durian and Mangosteen. The streets are a delight for bargain hunters looking to buy kimonos, jewelry, t-shirts, pottery and traditional crafts. Tanjong Pagar is the area best known for its traditional crafts such as painted masks, paper umbrellas, clogs and kites. Electronic goods, luggage, textiles and other more conventional products can be found in Chinatown's modern section located at the intersection of Cross, New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Street.
Transport: To reach China Town by MRT, the nearest station is Outram Park (EW16) or Chinatown (NE4)
Little IndiaCity/Region: Singapore
The first Indian settlers arrived with Sir Stamford Raffles in the early 19th century, bringing with them colorful silks, aromatic spices, incense and other accoutrements of Indian culture. They worked on the roads and helped build the infrastructure of the city, settling within the ethnic enclave that has become known as Little India. The area is delineated by the north-south Serangoon Road, which runs parallel to Race Course Road. Its eastern end stretches to Jalan Besar. Temples, fortune-tellers, busy restaurants, stirring curry spices, jasmine garlands and the exotic hues of silk saris fill the vibrant streets to create a colorful ensemble. Little India is at its best during the Hindu Festival of Lights when the area is festooned with decorative lighting displays.
Website: www.littleindia.com.sg
Transport: Little India is a 15-minute walk from the Colonial District, Bencoolen Street or Beach Road. From Orchard Road, bus 65 or 111 to Serangoon Road. By MRT travel to Dhoby Ghaut, and from there on foot or Bus 65 or 111
Kampong Gelam and Arab StreetCity/Region: Singapore
Kampong Gelam is said to have taken its name from the Gelam tribe of sea gypsies who lived in the original Malay village southwest of the Rochor River. Sir Stamford Raffles allotted the area as an ethnic enclave to the Muslim population and it became the focal point for Arab trade and traditional Malay culture. Baghdad, Muscat Street and Haji Lane resonate with tradition as cane, straw, rattan and pandan leaf goods spill out onto the streets. The spectrum of fabrics flowing onto the pavements of Arab Street comprise chiffon, silk, cotton georgette and include the batiks of Indonesia and Malaysia. Located between Kandahar and Aliwal streets is the Istana Kampong Gelam. It was built as the royal palace of Sultan Ali Iskandar Shah, the son of Sultan Hussein who negotiated the handover of Singapore to Britain. The government recently took possession of the building with plans to transform it into a Malay heritage museum. Another significant building in the area is the Sultan Mosque (open daily 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm). The glistening necks of the domes are decorated with the bases of thousands of glass bottles.
Transport: The Arab Quarter is a 10-minute walk from Bencoolen Street. Take bus 7 from Orchard Road to Victoria Street, if commuting by MRT, stop at Bugis
Singapore Zoological GardensCity/Region: Singapore
The Singapore Zoo has been thoughtfully created to simulate the natural habitats of its resident animals. Eight zones recreate the geographic regions of the animals indigenous to it and include the South East Asian rainforest, African savannah, Nepalese river valley, Burmese jungle and South American pampas. These vistas can also be explored after daytime during the famous Night Safari, billed as the first of its kind. The zoo can be explored along its meandering walking trails or from the comfort of a tram that winds its way along a circular route. It is home to more than 2,000 animals representing over 240 species, the highlights of which include the Komodo dragons, polar bears and primate kingdom. Animal shows are held daily, and children can enjoy camel rides or share food with an orang-utan in the zoo's Children's World section. A Guide to the Zoo is available on arrival with details of feeding times and other activities. It includes a map and suggested itineraries incorporating the major shows and attractions.
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road
Phone Number: 6269 3411
Email Address: info@zoo.com.sg
Website: www.zoo.com.sg
Transport: Bus 171 from the city to Mandai Road and transfer to 927 at the first bus stop. Or take MRT to Ang Mo Kio to connect with bus 138
Hours: The zoo is open daily from 8.30am to 6pm
Admission: S$15 (adults), S$7.50 (children). Zoo and Night Safari: S$30 (adults), S$15 (children)
Jurong BirdparkCity/Region: Singapore
The park is contained within a 20-hectare (49-acre) stretch of land in the Jurong Lake area. It is one of the world's most extensive bird collections and the largest in South East Asia. Eight thousand birds comprising 600 different species inhabit the park and range from Antarctic penguins to New Zealand kiwis. Walking trails cut through the tropical landscape. Incredible sights to look out for include the Waterfall Aviary, which at 98ft (30m) it is the world's highest manmade waterfall. The Penguin Parade has a large pool set against a landscape of rocks, cliffs, nesting alcoves and burrows; it has a viewing gallery where visitors can see penguins 'flying' underwater through a 98ft (30m) wide window. The South East Asian Bird Aviary is a breathtaking spectacle that includes the experience of a simulated thunderstorm. Other bird shows feature flamingos, macaws, hornbills and cockatoos. The park also includes facilities for young children to enjoy including the new Splash 'n Slide Station.
Phone Number: 6265 0022
Email Address: info@birdpark.com.sg
Website: www.birdpark.com.sg
Transport: Take the MRT to Boon Lay Station and take SBS bus 194 or 251
Hours: Daily 9am to 6pm
Admission: S$16 for adults, S$8 for children. Concessions and packages available
Singapore Art MuseumCity/Region: Singapore
The beautifully restored building (formerly St Joseph's School for boys) rests serenely on Bras Basah Road. The museum has 14 galleries that showcase the national art collection and plays host to a range of special exhibitions and outreach programs. More than 7,000 permanent artworks represent the largest collection of 20th century Southeast Asian art. Tours are available in English, Japanese and Mandarin.
Address: 71 Bras Basah Road
Phone Number: 6332 3222
Website: www.singart.com
Transport: Take the MRT to Dhoby Ghaut (N1) or City Hall Station (C2). SBS bus 7, 14, 16, 36, 97, 131 or 162
Hours: Monday to Sunday 10am to 7pm. Extended hours on Friday until 9pm
Admission: Regular shows: S$3 (adults), concessions S$1.50. Blockbuster shows: S$5 (adults), concessions S$2.50. Free entry after 6pm on Fridays
Singapore Botanical GardensCity/Region: Singapore
The Botanical Gardens sweep across an area of 52 hectares (128 acres) constituted by primary forest and specialty gardens in close proximity to the city center. The National Orchid Garden is the world's largest orchid garden featuring more than 20,000 varieties set amongst water features and an exotic bromeliad collection from South and Central America. The park also contains many rare plant specimens in addition to the specialty gardens decorated with frangipanis, roses, ferns and desert plants. Outdoor concerts in the gardens can be enjoyed on the Symphony Lake or French cuisine can be savoured at the Au Jardin restaurant.
Address: 1 Cluny Road
Phone Number: 6471 7361
Website: www.sbg.org.sg
Transport: SBS bus 7, 105, 123 and 174 or SMRT 75, 77 and 106 from Holland Road; SBS bus 66, 151, 153 and 154, or SMRT 67 and 171 from Bukit Timah Road
Hours: Daily 5am to 12pm; Orchard Garden: 8.30am to 7pm
Admission: Free, but there is a S$5 charge for the Orchid Garden
Bukit Timah Nature ReserveCity/Region: Singapore
Singapore and Rio de Janeiro are the world's only two cities to contain primary rainforest within their boundaries. Bukit Timah is located seven miles (12km) from Singapore's center. It is a 164-hectare (405-acre) reserve preserving a variety of tree and animal species including flying lemurs, long-tailed macaque monkeys and anteaters. Designated walking and cycle trails undulate through the dense jungle and its highest point is marked by Bukit Timah at 538ft (164m).
Phone Number: 6468 5736
Website: www.nparks.gov.sg
Transport: SBS bus 170, or TIBs 67, 75, 171, 173, 184, 852 and 961
Hours: Daily 8.30am to 6.30pm
Admission: Free
Chinese and Japanese GardensCity/Region: Singapore
Chinese and Japanese landscape designs are embodied in these neighboring gardens. The Imperial Sung Dynasty style is clipped to perfection within the13-hectare (33-acre) Chinese Garden. It boasts the world's largest Suzhou-style Bonsai garden outside of China, containing over 1,000 plants. The symmetry and simplicity of Zen aesthetics is the motif of the Japanese Gardens with its peaceful rock gardens and summerhouses.
Address: 1 Chinese Garden Road
Phone Number: 6261 3632
Email Address: sligarden@pacific.net.sg
Transport: Take the MRT to the Chinese Garden stop
Hours: Daily 6am to 11pm
Admission: Free, but there is a S$5 charge for the Bonsai Garden
Sentosa IslandCity/Region: Singapore
The theme-park island is a popular weekend spot and one of the most visited attractions in Singapore. A day's excursion could turn into an overnight stay in any one of the hotels or camping sites. The island is enveloped by a high-speed monorail and linked to downtown Singapore by a 1,640ft (500m) causeway and cable car system. Entertainment ranges from soaking up the sun on the imported-sand beaches to visiting a variety of entertainment areas. From a moving walkway one can experience the sea life of The Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon. The Images of Singapore Exhibition explores Singapore's history in life-size dioramas. On the furthest western point of the island lies Fort Siloso from which Singapore guarded its territory against invading Japanese forces. Other attractions include the Merlion, the Musical Fountain and the Sentosa Luge. A distinctive landmark is the Carlsberg Sky Tower, Asia's tallest free-standing observation tower, which affords the best views of Singapore as well as breathtaking vistas across Sentosa and the Southern Islands, and even Malaysia and Indonesia on clear days.
Phone Number: 1800 736 8672
Website: www.sentosa.com.sg
Transport: The orange Sentosa bus leaves from the HarbourFront Bus interchange
Admission: S$2. Additional fees are charged for individual attractions
Changi MuseumCity/Region: Singapore
It was here, during WW II, that Allied POW soldiers were subjected to harsh treatment at the hands of their Japanese captors. Changi Prison is still in use as a correctional facility and it is the place of execution for convicted drug offenders. Half a mile (1km) from the old site, next to the prison, is the new Changi Chapel and Museum. The display of photographs, letters and drawings in the museum are a moving tribute to the legacy of the Japanese occupation. During this period that spanned three and a half years more than 50,000 civilians and soldiers were captured and imprisoned. Visitors have access to a variety of videos and literature relating to the war years.
Address: 1000 Upper Changi Road North
Phone Number: 6214 2451
Email Address: changi_museum@pacific.net.sg
Website: www.changimuseum.com
Transport: SBS bus 2 from Tanah Merah MRT Station or SBS bus 29 from Tampines MRT Station
Hours: Daily 9.30am to 5pm (final admission 4.30pm)
Admission: Free
Pulau UbinCity/Region: Singapore
The island of Ubin provides a peaceful interlude to the city's bustle and can be reached by boat from Changi Point. The boat docks at Ubin village, a Malay settlement where houses perch quietly on stilts above the beach sand and mangrove. Beyond this point one can explore the island by mountain bike and enjoy its pristine beaches fringed with coconut palms, its variety of seafood restaurants and restful Buddhist temples scattered here and there.
Transport: To get there, bumboats transport passengers from Changi Point for about S$2 one way throughout the day
Haw Par VillaCity/Region: Singapore
Located along Pasir Panjang Road, Haw Par Villa was previously known as Tiger Balm Gardens and subsequently renamed after its original owners. The Aw brothers, Boon Haw and Boon Par (who made their fortune from the well-known Tiger Balm ointment) opened the park in 1937. It is inspired by Chinese legend and mythology as represented by the display of grotesque and gaudy statues, the coup de grâce of which are depicted in The Ten Courts of Hell.
Address: 262 Pasir Panjang Road
Phone Number: 6872 2780
Email Address: orientmgt@pacific.net.sg
Transport: To get there take by MRT to the Buona Vista stop (W7); by bus SBS No.10, 30 or 188 from the World Trade Center, No. 143 from Orchard Road or No. 51 from Chinatown
Hours: Daily 9am to 7pm
Admission: Free
Next Page »
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
Related Singapore Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
