Singapore has been described as a playground for the rich, and it's
true that the small city-state does have a certain sheen of wealth. But
Singapore offers more than just high-end shopping malls, luxury hotels,
and fine dining (though it's worth indulging in those a bit if you can).
There is also a vibrant history and diverse ethnic quarters to
discover, along with the many family-friendly attractions and lovely
public spaces that make visiting this slightly futuristic city
worthwhile.
Singapore has an excellent public transportation system that makes getting around convenient and easy. Once you've gotten a sense of the metro map, you'll have no problem zipping from one part of town to the next. English is spoken everywhere and signs are in English as well. In fact, Singapore is one of the easiest and most comfortable countries to navigate in Southeast Asia. And as long as you're not comparing prices to nearby Thailand or Vietnam, you're in for a lovely stay.
Singapore has an excellent public transportation system that makes getting around convenient and easy. Once you've gotten a sense of the metro map, you'll have no problem zipping from one part of town to the next. English is spoken everywhere and signs are in English as well. In fact, Singapore is one of the easiest and most comfortable countries to navigate in Southeast Asia. And as long as you're not comparing prices to nearby Thailand or Vietnam, you're in for a lovely stay.
1 Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands
2 Singapore Flyer
Singapore Flyer
If the observation deck at the Marina Bay Sands doesn't quite do it
for you, try taking in high tea while looking out over the city from the
Singapore Flyer, the world's largest giant observation wheel. Choose
from several different packages that allow you to be served and pampered
while enjoying a view that encompasses not only the Singapore skyline,
but reaches to the Spice Islands of Indonesia
and Malaysia's Straits of Johor. There are several different ticket
packages to choose from, and each includes access to the multimedia
Journey of Dreams exhibit that delves into Singapore's history and the
creation of the Singapore Flyer. Flights last 30 minutes each and run
from early morning until late at night, so you can choose which view of
the city you want to enjoy: the beginning of another bustling day or
when Singapore is aglow after dark.
3 Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay
Once you've glimpsed this beautifully designed green space (from the
top of the Marina Bay Sands, perhaps) you won't be able to stay away.
Wander through the Bay East Garden, perfect for enjoying the vibrant plant life and escaping the city bustle for a moment. You won't want to miss Supertree Grove,
where you'll find a cluster of the iconic, futuristic structures
designed to perform environmentally sustainable functions. Then, head to
the Cloud Forest Dome to see the world's tallest indoor
waterfall and learn a bit about biodiversity. Check the website for
final ticket sale and tour times
4 Botanic Gardens
If you've ever visited China,
Singapore's Chinatown neighborhood will bring you right back there.
From the small mom-and-pop stores and authentic Chinese food to the
bright red lanterns, there's an excitement and hustle in this district.
You can visit the Chinese Heritage Centre and see the impressive and beautiful Sri Mariamman Hindu temple. Another temple worth seeing is the Buddha Tooth Relic
temple. If you're up early enough (think 4 am), you can hear the
morning drum ceremony. Or you can just check out the closing ceremony in
the evening after viewing the relic.
As military strongholds go, Fort Canning has had a long and varied
life. Built in 1859, the fort was an essential site for Singapore's
defense. Now in peacetime, the original building is home to modern
performing arts troupes, and the park regularly sees picnics, concerts,
theater performances, and festivals. Other attractions at the park
include relics from Singapore's early history, from as far back as the
14th century, and Sir Stamford Raffles' personal bungalow. Guests can
also see a replica of the spice market Raffles established in 1822, as
well as the ASEAN sculptures that were erected in the 1980s.
4 Botanic Gardens
Botanic Gardens
Not to be confused with the Gardens on the Bay, the botanic gardens
are also worth a visit. Singapore received its first UNESCO World
Heritage nomination for the botanic gardens, and with good reason. The
city can sometimes feel like a concrete jungle, albeit a clean and
comfortable one, but the botanic gardens preserve pieces of Singapore's
wilder heritage. Indeed, you can visit the gardens' heritage trees via
walking trail, which are conserved as part of an effort to protect the
city's mature tree species. Make sure to visit the impressive National Orchid Garden. Other attractions include an eco-garden, eco-lake, bonsai garden, sculptures, and several other gardens and unique sites.
5 Chinatown
Chinatown
Heritage markers have been installed throughout the neighborhood in
English, Japanese, and simplified Chinese so visitors can better
understand the significance of the area. But this neighborhood is not
just a testament to the influence of the Chinese throughout Singapore's
past. This is a progressive neighborhood (with free Wi-Fi for all) and
it's home to the trendy Ann Siang Hill area, where the quaint bistros and upscale boutiques could be at home in any Western city.
6 Little India and Arab Street
Little India and Arab Street
One of the most exciting aspects of Singapore is the diversity of its
neighborhoods. Yes, the country is a savvy shoppers' paradise, but
you'll also find rich traditions, delicious foods and local character in
its older quarters. Nowhere is this truer than in Little India and Arab
Street (also known as the Arab Quarter). The Indian community has a
rich history in Singapore, and this enclave dates back more than 200
years. Singapore's name actually derives from the Sanskrit words for
Lion City, according to Little India's official website. Today, the
neighborhood is a thriving, colorful place where traditional holidays
are celebrated, and visitors can observe worship and activity at the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple or purchase saris while mingling with local vendors.
In the Arab Quarter, you'll want to visit the historic Sultan Mosque, originally built in 1825. Non-Muslims are not permitted in the prayer hall, though you can appreciate the distinctive golden domes and craftsmanship of the exterior structure. Haji and Bali lanes are especially good spots to shop for something a little more unique than a designer handbag, and you'll also find yourself surrounded by music and food, as there are countless restaurants
In the Arab Quarter, you'll want to visit the historic Sultan Mosque, originally built in 1825. Non-Muslims are not permitted in the prayer hall, though you can appreciate the distinctive golden domes and craftsmanship of the exterior structure. Haji and Bali lanes are especially good spots to shop for something a little more unique than a designer handbag, and you'll also find yourself surrounded by music and food, as there are countless restaurants
7 Raffles Hotel
Raffles Hotel
This colonial building is one of the world's last grand 19th century
hotels, and was once visited by literary luminaries such as Rudyard
Kipling and Joseph Conrad, as well as movie star Charlie Chaplin. Built
in 1887, the Raffles Hotel has served as a Singapore landmark for well
over a century and continues to live up to its tony reputation with
excellent food and service. The classical architecture and tropical
gardens provide a refined setting, and represent another facet of
Singapore's varied and rich history.
The Raffles Hotel is located in Singapore's Colonial District, also home to several other historic sites. Among them is the Raffles Landing Site, where Sir Stamford Raffles is said to have stepped ashore in 1819. The story has it that he saw the small fishing village but recognized its potential as a port, so he purchased the land from the Sultan of Johor and invited Chinese and Indian immigrants to move there. And so the seeds of Singapore's multi-ethnic identity were sown.
The Raffles Hotel is located in Singapore's Colonial District, also home to several other historic sites. Among them is the Raffles Landing Site, where Sir Stamford Raffles is said to have stepped ashore in 1819. The story has it that he saw the small fishing village but recognized its potential as a port, so he purchased the land from the Sultan of Johor and invited Chinese and Indian immigrants to move there. And so the seeds of Singapore's multi-ethnic identity were sown.
8 Changi Chapel and Museum
Changi Chapel and Museum
Singapore was not spared the horrors of WWII, and the Changi Chapel
and Museum tells the story of those who suffered under Japanese
occupation. The museum displays the letters, photographs, drawings, and
personal effects that are now testaments to the imprisonment for more
than 50,000 civilians and soldiers in Changi Prison. The Changi Chapel,
found in the open-air courtyard of the museum, is a replica of one of
the many chapels that were built during WWII. It stands as a monument
for those who would not fold under Japanese rule. A must-see in the
museum is a series of murals painstakingly recreated from originals
painted by Bombardier Stanley Warren. Guests can participate in a guided
tour or opt for an audio tour that features accounts of Changi
prisoners' wartime experiences.
9 Singapore Zoo
Singapore Zoo
Billing itself as the world's best rainforest zoo, the Singapore Zoo
is a pretty impressive place. The facility is clean and inviting, and
the animals appear well treated with plenty of lush vegetation and
habitat space. The orangutans are particularly impressive, and visitors
can watch as babies and adults alike swing high above their platforms
and snack on bananas. There is also a large chimpanzee family, zebras,
meerkats, a komodo dragon, mole rats, white tigers, kangaroos, and many
other creatures.
Guests can observe feedings for some of the animals. Allow at least three hours to make your way around the zoo. If the zoo doesn't satisfy your need for getting close to wildlife, there's also the Night Safari, River Safari (including a giant panda forest), and the Jurong Bird Park. Park hopper passes are available if you plan to visit more than one of the wildlife parks
Guests can observe feedings for some of the animals. Allow at least three hours to make your way around the zoo. If the zoo doesn't satisfy your need for getting close to wildlife, there's also the Night Safari, River Safari (including a giant panda forest), and the Jurong Bird Park. Park hopper passes are available if you plan to visit more than one of the wildlife parks
10 Fort Canning Park
Fort Canning Park
11 Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island
Singapore isn't exactly known as a beach destination, but if you're
really craving some fun in the sun, Sentosa Island is the place to find
it. Siloso Beach is a good spot for getting in beach time, and
visitors can play volleyball on free courts or go kayaking and
skim-boarding. There are several other beach attractions as well, plus
an Underwater World aquarium where you can swim with dolphins. A must-see on Sentosa Island is the Merlion,
Singapore's famous statue that has the head of a lion and the body of a
fish. You can take an escalator to the top of the statue, and enjoy
panoramic views of the surrounding area. Fort Siloso, the
country's only preserved fort, is also located on Sentosa Island.
Adventurous types will want to check out The Flying Trapeze and the
SeaBreeze Water-Sports @ Wave House, where you can try your hand at
flying strapped to a water-propelled jet pack.
Source By: http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/singapore-sin.htm
Source By: http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/singapore-sin.htm
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