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| Arab
Street/Kampong Glam |
Embroidered materials,
semi-precious stones, basketware, accessories for a pilgrimage,
natural oils and perfumes abound in this area, which got its name
from the Glam trees that once grew here. Medical oil was extracted
from the tree and its bark used by the Buginese and Malays to caulk
their boats.
A visit to the Sultan Mosque, the most prominent mosque in the city,
is a must. Built in 1928, the mosque is one of the best examples
of Muslim architecture on the island. It was built with the contributions
of many in the Muslim community, which included the rim of glass
bottle bases which can now be seen at the edge of the dome. If you
are felling hungry, enjoy murtabak - Singapore's version of pizza
- at one of the restaurants facing the mosque, along North Bridge
Road.
For a more varied meal, try nasi padang - rice with an assortment
of dishes like rendang (spicy mutton or beef), sayor lodeh (an assortment
of vegetables cooked in a light coconut gravy) or ikan bakar (barbequed
fish served with a dark soya sauce gravy, diced onions and green
chilli) - at Kandahar Street, a stone's throw from the Sultan Mosque
or at Jalan Pisang for this local treat. It will be a meal you'll
not forget.
Best time to visit : 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
Monday to Saturday. Shops chose on Sunday. On Friday at mid-day,
some shops and restaurants close as Muslims worship at the nearby
mosque
Nearest MRT station : Bugis (EW12) |
| Chinatown |
No visit to Singapore
would be complete without a visit to Chinatown - the original site
where Chinese immigrants lived, worked and played.
Chinatown is where you can visit a wet market and see house-wives
haggling for the best fresh produce available or experience a Chinese
tea appreciation session with an opera performance. Shop for Chinese
antiquities or buy Tiger Balm (medicated ointment) and marvel at
the array of Chinese herbs on sale. Visit the famous Chinese temples
there or experience a prayer session in progress at the Sri Mariamman
Temple, right in the heart of Chinatown.
Best time to visit : 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
(daily)
Nearest MRT station : Outram Park (EW16) |
| Little
India |
Senses come alive
in this "colourful" ethnic area, originally marshland
and grazing fields for cattle. The road names attest to the history
of the area.
A walk through Little India Arcade and then along Campbell Lane
will make you feel you are in India. Watch the intricate weaving
of jasmine garlands using banana tree fibre, pick up a packet of
curry powder or spices, let a parakeet bird tell your fortune or
settle down for an Indian vegetarian snack at a modern fast food
Indian restaurant - Komalas. For the more adventurous, eat a South
Indian rice meal with your fingers off a banana leaf at Apolo Banana
Leaf Restaurant or Muthu's Curry Restaurant along Race Course Road.
Best time to visit : 10:00 am to 7:00 pm on weekdays
The area becomes very crowded on weekends from late afternoon, when
foreign workers congregate to shop, dine or catch up with friends
Getting there : From Orchard Road, take SBS bus 64, 65, or
111 to Serangoon Road |
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| Bukit
Timah Nature Reserve |
Singapore is one
of only two cities in the world to have a significant area of primary
rainforest within its boundaries - the other being Rio de Janeiro.
This 164-hectare reserve, only 12 kilometres from the city centre,
contains more species of trees than the entire North American continent.
At the heart of the reserve lies Singapore's highest point - Bukit
Timah Hill, at 164 metres above sea level. Well-marked paths meander
through the jungle, and on the way, walkers can spot exotic birds,
butterflies, monkeys, squirrels and flying lemurs as well as unique
plantlife like the insect-eating pitcher plant. The reserve is an
ideal place for hikers.
Best time to visit : From 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily
Admission : Free
Getting there : Take the MRT to Newton Station (NS21), then
take TIBS bus 171 |
| Jurong
Bird Park |
Visit the largest
bird park in all of Southeast Asia. Not-to-be-missed attractions
in the park include the Waterfall Aviary with the world's highest
man-made waterfall towering 30 metres; the interesting Penquin Parade,
where penguins live and play in an environment similar to that of
the South Pole; the South-east Asian Bird Aviary where a thunderstorm
is simulated everyday at noon; and the highly entertaining Fuji
World of Hawks show & JFP All Stars Birdshow. Take flight only
after having refreshments at the new "Lodge on Flamingo Lake".
Opening times : 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily
Admission :
SGD 12 adults, SGD 5 children (under 12 years), SGD 8.40 seniors
SGD 36 family package (admission and panorail) for up to 2 adults
and 3 children
SGD 54 family package (admission and panorail) for up to 4 adults
and 3 children
Getting there : Take the MRT to Boon Lay Station (EW27),
then take SBS bus 194 or 251.
Panorail : Time: 9am - 5:30pm, SGD 3 adults, SGD 2 Children
(under 12 years)
Show Times :
Fuji World of Hawks - 10:00 am
All Star Bird Show - 11:00 am, 3:00 pm (daily)
King of the Skies Show - 4:00 pm
The Wonderful World of Birds (audio-visual show) - 12 noon, 1:00
pm, 2:00 pm (daily) |
| Night
Safari |
This is the world's
premier night zoo. The twilight holds many surprises ... and more
so at the Night Safari, where you can look a rhinocerous in the
eye or hear the howls of a pack of striped hyenas. There are over
1,200 animals of over 110 exotic species to watch out for. The animals
are in 8 zones that recreate various geographic regions like the
Southeast Asian rainforest, African savanna, Nepalese river valley,
South American pampas and Burmese jungle.
Strike out on your own along the walking trail or relax in a tram
ride - whichever you choose, the Night Safari is a wild adventure
not to be missed.
Winner of the Tourism Awards 1997, 1999 and 2000 - Leisure Attraction
of the Year.
Opening times : 7:30 pm to midnight (daily)
Last ticket sale : 11:00 pm
Admission : SGD 15.45 adults, SGD 10.30 children (3 - 12
years)
Tram Rides : SGD 5 adults, SGD 2 children (3 - 12 years)
Creatures of the Night Show : 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm (daily)
Getting there : Take the MRT to Choa Chu Kang Station (NS4),
then board TIBS bus 927 to the zoo. Or take the MRT to Ang Mo Kio
Station (NS16), then board SBS bus 138 |
| Singapore
Botanic Gardens |
Take a leisurely
stroll through the oldest public park in Singapore and the birthplace
of the rubber industry in the region! Walk through a section of
the primary forest and listen to the rhythmic sounds of crickets
all around you. Or if orchids fascinate you, visit the spectacular
National Orchid Garden and be amazed by the varieties and colours
of orchids on display.
Opening times : 5:00 am - 12:00 midnight
(daily), National Orchid Garden: 8:30 am - 7:00 pm (daily)
Admission :
Botanic Gardens : Free
National Orchid Garden : SGD 2 adults, SGD 1 children and seniors
Getting there : From the Orchard MRT Station (NS22) along
Orchard Boulevard, take SBS bus 7, 105, 106, 123 or 174 |
| Singapore
Zoological Gardens |
The scenic "open"
zoo features many interesting animal exhibits in what is acclaimed
as "one of the most beautiful zoos in the world". Among
the many highlights of the zoo are the world's largest group of
Orang Utans from Borneo and Sumatra and the Fragile Forest - an
exciting and educational display of ecosystems and rainforest culture.
Come face to face with a Polar Bear or Pigmy Hippos in their special
glass-fronted enclosures or enjoy breakfast or high tea with an
Orang Utan in one of the most beautiful zoos in the world. Kids
will go wild at Children's World and whatever happens, don't miss
the popular animal shows at the zoo's amphitheatre.
Winner of the Tourism Awards 1998 - Leisure Attraction of the Year.
Opening times : 8:30 am - 6:00 pm (daily)
Last ticket sale : 5:00 pm
Admission : SGD 12 adults, SGD 5 children (3 - 12 years)
Tram rides : SGD 2.50 adults, SGD 1.50 children
Pony rides : SGD 3 adults, SGD 2 children
Elephant rides : SGD 3 adults, SGD 2 children
Breakfast with orang utan : SGD 15.45 adults, SGD 11.33 children
(except first 3 days of Chinese New Year)
Tea with orang utan : SGD 13 adults, SGD 10.30 children (except
Sundays, Public Holidays and first 3 days of Chinese New Year)
Getting there : Take the MRT to Choa Chu Kang Station (NS4),
then board TIBS bus 927 which takes you all the way to the zoo.
Or take the MRT to Ang Mo Kio Station (NS16), then board SBS bus
138
Show Times :
- Elephant Show (At Elephant Ride Area) - 11:30 am (weekdays), 11:30
am & 4:00 pm (weekends & public holidays)
- Animal Friends (At Animal Land of Children's World) - 12:30 pm
(Mon to Sat), 12:30 pm & 4:00 pm (Sun & public holidays)
- Sealion (At Sealion Enclosure) - 2:30 pm (weekdays), 2:30 pm,
5:00 pm (weekends & public holidays)
- Spirit of the Rainforests (At Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre) -
10:30 am (weekdays), 10:30 am & 1:30 pm (weekends & public
holidays)
- Tales & Scales (At Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre) - 3:30 pm
(daily) |
| Sungei
Buloh Nature Park |
The Sungei Buloh
Nature Park is Singapore's first and only protected wetland nature
park. It is home to over 500 species of tropical flora and fauna.
The 87 hectares of conserved wetland habitat is a "refuelling
point" for birds on the East Asian Flyway. Carefully constructed
hides and boardwalks provide a close-up view of the flora and fauna
in the Park.
Opening times : 7:30 am - 7:00 pm (Mon -
Fri), 7:00 am - 7:00 pm (Sat, Sun and public holidays)
Admission: SGD 1 adults, SGD 0.50 children
Getting there : Take TIBS bus 925 from either Woodlands MRT
Station (NS9) or Kranji MRT Station (NS7) |
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| Asian
Civilisations Museum |
This museum showcases
the important sociopolitical-economic developments throughout Chinese
history, and houses the best of Chinese furniture, ceramics, jade
and works of art.
Opening times : 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (Tue to
Sun, closed on Mon), 9:00 am - 9:00 pm (Fri)
Admission :
SGD 3 adults, SGD 1.50 children (6 - 16 years) and seniors
SGD 8 Family ticket (max 5 members)
Prices may change when there are special exhibitions
Free admission on late nights every Friday 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Guided Tours : 11:00 am, 2:00 pm (daily) for English
language tours with an additional tour at 3:30 pm on Sat. and Sun.
10:30 am (weekdays) for Japanese language tours. 2:30 pm (Sat. only)
for Mandarin language tours
Getting there : From City Hall MRT Station (NS25/EW13),
walk towards Stamford Road and turn into Armenian Street at the
MPH bookshop. The museum is diagonally across from MPH |
| Singapore
Art Museum |
The Singapore
Art Museum at Bras Basah Road, just across from the Singapore History
Museum, is housed in a beautifully restored school building (the
former St. Joseph's Institution). The museum has 13 galleries showcasing
an impressive collection of contemporary local and other Southeast
Asian art pieces. One of the main attractions of the museum is the
E-mage Gallery which features interactive programmes involving 20th
century Southeast Asian art on large high definition visual monitors.
Opening times : 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (Tue -
Sun, closed on Mon), 9:00 am - 9:00 pm (Fri)
Admission : SGD 3 adults, SGD 1.50 children (6 - 16 years)
and seniors
SGD 8 Family ticket (max 5 members)
Prices may change where there are special exhibitions
Free admission on late nights every Friday 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Guided Tours : Tours in English at 11:00 am and 2:00
pm daily with an additional tour at 3:00 pm on Sat and Sun. Tours
in Japanese at 10:30 am daily |
| Singapore
History Museum |
Housed in an elegant
and historic National Museum Building that dates back to 1887, the
Singapore History Museum explores the rich heritage of the people
of Singapore. From our ethnic and religious diversity, to the struggle
for nationhood.
On display are exhibitions such as Bukit Larangan: History of Fort
Canning and Rumah Baba: Life in a Peranakan House highlight trends
and developments that have characterised and shaped life in Singapore
since the 14th century.
Visitors can also enjoy "The Singapore Story - Overcoming the
Odds: A 3D Experience", the only high definition 3D show in
town that presents the history of Singapore through animation, virtual
sets and historical footages. There are 6 hourly shows from Tue
- Sun, 10:30 am - 3:30 pm. There is an additional show on Fridays
at 5:30 pm.
Opening times : 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (Tue -
Sun, closed on Mon), 9:00 am - 9:00 pm (Fri)
Admissions : SGD 3 adults, SGD 1.50 children and seniors
for museum entry
SGD 4 adults, SGD 2 children and seniors for museum entry and 3D
show
SGD 2 adults, SGD 1 children and seniors for 3D show only
SGD 8 Family ticket (max 5 members)
Prices may change where there are special exhibitions
Free admission on late nights every Friday 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Guided Tours : 11:00 am and 2:00 pm daily for English language
tours with an additional tour at 3:00 pm on Sat and Sun. 10:30 am
(Tue to Fri) for Japanese language tours. Special night interactive
tour, Tales of the Night, at 7:00 pm and 7:30 pm every Friday night.
Getting there : Take the MRT to Dhoby Ghaut (NS24) and walk
along Stamford Road |
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| Pulau
Ubin |
Pulau Ubin is
an island off the northeastern coast of Singapore, shaped like a
boomerang and covered by low hills. This offshore island is being
developed into a nature park complete with trails, shelters, camping
sites, chalets and other basic amenities.
To enjoy the natural vegetation and the laidback kampong atmosphere,
you should try leisure walking or cycling. Bicycles can be rented
at the village. The trails have been upgraded to facilitate trekking
and basic amenities like toilets and shelters are available for
the convenience of visitors.
Much of its natural environment will be preserved in the development
programme and visitors can still experience the rustic village atmosphere
encompassing granite quarries, coconut and rubber plantations, mangrove
swamps, fish and prawn farms, and traditional fishing "kelongs".
Enjoy a sumptuous meal at a seafood restaurant, and cap off your
stay with a visit to the colourful Thai and magnificent Ma Chor
temples by the seashore.
Getting there : Take the MRT to Tanah Merah
Station (EW4), then take SBS bus 2 or 29 to Changi Village bus interchange,
followed by a 10-minute boat ride from the Changi Point jetty. Cost
of the boat ride is SGD 2 and the service operates from 6:00 am
to 11:00 pm.
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| Sentosa
Island |
A contrast to
the frenetic city atmosphere of Singapore, Sentosa Island also known
as the isle of peace and tranquility, has something for everyone
from families to honeymooners, and from history buffs to nature
lovers.
You will be spoilt for choice, but try not to miss Images of Singapore
- a series of dioramas depicting life in early Singapore, the surrender
of the Japanese at the close of World War II and local festivals
and customs.
Underwater World, one of Asia's largest oceanariums, is where
you can experience close encounters with sharks, mantarays, moray
eels and other marine creatures. Fort Siloso is where history comes
alive. The complex shows bunkers, cannons and underground passages
actually used in the defence of Singapore during World War II.
For an astounding view of Singapore's skyline and neighboring islands,
head for the Merlion Tower. Not to be missed is the Musical Fountain,
a night attraction featuring an extravaganza of lights and water
ballet set to popular world tunes.
If time permits, go on a nature trail or have a splashing good time
at Fantasy Island, a water theme park featuring over 30 slides,
or relax at the Central Beach over-looking the harbor. Stay on and
watch the sun setting whilst sipping your favorite cocktail or beer
at the Sunset Bay.
Opening times : Most attractions on the
island open at 9:00 am and close between 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Admission : Island admission is SGD 6 adult, SGD 4 child
(includes admission to Sentosa, one-way bus ride out of the island
and all internal transportation)
Getting there :
Cable Car :
The Singapore Cable Car opens from 8:30am - 9pm (daily)
Normal cabin : SGD 7.50 (1 station); SGD 8.50 (4 stations) adult,
SGD 3.90 child
Glass cabin : SGD 15 adult, SGD 12 child
Prices are inclusive of GST but do not include admission to Sentosa
Orchard Service E : SGD 7 Adult, SGD 5 Child (3 to 12 years)
inclusive of admission to Sentosa, two-way bus ride from Orchard
Road to Sentosa and all internal transportation
Sentosa Bus Services A and C : SGD 7 Adult, SGD 5 Child (3
to 12 years) inclusive of admission to Sentosa, two-way bus transfer
from World Trade Centre bus terminal (for service A) and Tiong Bahru
MRT Station (W3) (for service C), and all internal transportation
Night Drive-in : Drive to Sentosa from 5pm (for a limited
period) to midnight. Admission after 5pm is SGD 12 for a maximum
of 5 persons (adult or child) in one passenger car |
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| Raffles
Hotel |
Restored to its
1920's grandeur, this grand old dame is world renowned for its charm
and elegance. One of the first 20 bungalow houses to be built along
Beach Road, this hotel which is Singapore's oldest, played host
to famous celebrities and writers such as Somerset Maugham and Joseph
Conrad. Experience the history of the hotel free-of-charge at the
Raffles Museum - which displays the hotel's memorabilia since it
first started.
Try the Tiffin Curry buffet lunch or dinner at the Tiffin Room,
enjoy a generous buffet spread at the Bar & Billiard Room or
spoil yourself with a 5-course meal at the Raffles Grill Room. Alternatively,
sip on a refreshing Singapore Sling at the Long Bar - home to this
cocktail drink since 1915.
Tip : Make a reservation if you intend to dine at the Raffles.
The Raffles Museum opens from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Getting there : Take the MRT to City Hall
Station (NS25/EW13) and walk towards Beach Road |
| Singapore
Discovery Centre |
Be taken through
Singapore's history and technological endeavors, while having fun
with interactive attractions. Highlights are the virtual reality
games and iWERKS theatre which boasts a 5-storey high giant screen
with 3-D capability. There is a shooting gallery and a 6-DOF (Degree
of Freedom) motion simulator as well as many interesting interactive
games.
Opening times : 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (Tue
to Sun), Last admission is at 6:00 pm
Admission : SGD 9 adults, SGD 5 children (3 - 12 years old,
SGD 6 seniors (above 60 years old). Extra charges apply for certain
features of the Discovery Centre
Getting there : Take the MRT to Boon Lay station (EW27) and
transfer to SBS bus number 192 or 193 |
| Singapore
River |
The Singapore
River was the lifeline of Singapore where our first immigrants eked
out a meagre living and saw Singapore transform from an obscure
little fishing village to a great seaport. Soak in the tranquil
ambience of the riverside when visiting the Merlion Park located
at the river mouth or at the Landing Site of Raffles located behind
Parliament House. Visit the oldest mosque on the island - the Omar
Kampong Melaka Mosque or the interesting Taoist Tan Si Chong Su
Temple. Then when its cooler in the evening, enjoy a beer or a sumptuous
meal at one of the many restaurants at Boat Quay (the first section
of the river) or at Clarke Quay a little further down. Enjoy browsing
at the shops located within the restored warehouses or at the stalls
located in the streets of Clarke Quay.
Best time to visit : In the morning for riverside attractions
and in the evening for a meal or visit to Boat Quay and Clarke Quay |
| Singapore
Science Centre |
This themed attraction
is not only for science enthusiasts but for everyone. With one of
the most technological advanced theatres in the world, the Omniplanetarium
offers both Omnimax movies and Planetarium shows. The thrilling
Omnimax films cover a wide range of topics ranging from geography
and meteorology to aeronautics and astronomy, while the virtual
voyages with the simulator keeps your adrenaline flowing with its
life-like scenarios.
Opening times : Science Centre (10:00 am
to 6:00 pm); Omni-Theatre (10:00 am to 8:00 pm). Closed on Mon except
public holidays
Admission : SGD 3 adult, SGD 1.50 children (age 3 to 12 years)
Omnimax Movies : SGD 10 adult, SGD 5 children (age 3 to 12
years)
Virtual Rides : SGD 6 adult, SGD 4 children (age 3 to 12
years)
Getting there : Take the MRT to Jurong East
Station (EW24/NS1) then take SBS bus 335 or 66 |
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