Places of Interest in Singapore
Shopping
Shopping is a national pastime. The central shopping belt of Orchard Road provides endless hours of shopping with its shopping malls, speciality stores, designer boutiques and bargain corners. Stores are open all week long, operating from around 10am to 9pm. Alternatively, a trip into the suburban heartlands of Singapore may net you a bargain or two too. Neighbourhood malls are a common sight nowadays and they offer a comprehensive range of goods at bargain prices. Look out for the Great Singapore Sale that usually takes place in mid-year.
Singapore Zoological Gardens
Fancy having a meal with an orang utan? A trip to Singapore is not complete without a day spent on the lush grounds of the Singapore Zoological Gardens. Located away from the hustle and bustle of Singapore’s concrete jungle, the ‘open zoo’ concept boasts of an impressive collection of animals. The night safari is also a novel way of exploring the nocturnal animal world.
Check out www.zoo.com.sg for more details.
Singapore Botanical Gardens
Founded in 1859, the lush, green landscape of the SBG is a veritable garden. The wide array of botanical and horticultural attractions is spread over 52 hectares. It is also best remembered by Singaporeans as a favourite haunt for dating couples.
Check out www.sbg.org.sg for more details.
Chinatown
Chinatown is the heart of soul of Chinese culture in Singapore. Expect to find ethnic wares decked out in their glory along narrow lanes (five-foot way) of shophouses, restaurants, Chinese opera houses and medical halls. Learn more about the lives of Chinese immigrants at the Chinatown Heritage Centre located on Pagoda Street.
Little India
Singapore’s Indian heartland, located on both sides of Serangoon Road, is a vibrant mixture of sounds, scents and colours. Spend hours exploring the Hindu temples and stores selling everything from Indian saris, jewellery to exotic spices. The Little India Cultural Centre also offers you insightful glimpses into the Indian culture. Foodies can expect to enjoy a wide selection of authentic spicy Indian cuisine too.
Check out www.littleindia.com.sg for more details.
Geylang Serai
Situated in Geylang Serai is the cultural centre of Singapore’s Malay community, the Malay Village. This is the definitive stop for travellers seeking to explore facets of the Malay culture, traditional arts and crafts and cuisine. Other attractions include the Muslim Showcase, Hall of Fame and Geylang Serai Corner, all offering insight into the lives of Malays in Singapore. Catch the daily cultural shows at the Seafood Restaurant and Restoran Temenggung.
Sentosa Island
Sentosa, the country’s premier tourist attraction, was formally a military base of the British colonial masters – the artillery guns are now part of the attraction at Fort Siloso. The island retreat also plays host to museums, aquariums, beaches, sporting facilities, nature treks and food centres. The Underwater World attraction is highly recommended! Sentosa is the only site in Singapore that offers seaside accommodations.
Check out www.sentosa.com.sg for more details.
Jurong Birdpark
This is the place to visit if you are crazy about the feathered species. The Waterfall Aviary is the world’s largest walk-in aviary with a 30-metre tall man-made waterfall, and is home to some 1,500 free-flying birds. Enjoy a meal at the Flamingo Park, which boasts of 1,001 flamingos! Or catch the shows featuring parrots, penguins and pelicans.
Check out www.birdpark.com.sg for more details.
Boat Quay / Clarke Quay
Back in the old days, coolies sweated and toiled with sacks of rice and spices along the banks of the Singapore River. Today, the statue of Sir Stamford Raffles (founder of Singapore) watches over the impressive skyscrapers of the country’s financial district. Take a bumboat ride along the river and take in the colourful sights of the food and entertainment hub. Or dine alfresco-style in one of the many restaurants lining the riverbanks. The Satay Club at Clarke Quay is a favourite tourist’s stop.
Arab Street
Armenian Church
Asian Civilisations Museum
Battle Box
Boat Quay
Botanic Gardens
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum
Bugis Street
Cenotaph
Chinatown Heritage
Clarke Quay
Esplanade – Theatres On The Bay
Istana Park
Kampong Galam
Lim Bo Seng Memorial
Little India
Marina Barrage
Marina Bay Sands
Merlion Park
National Archives
Parliament House
Peranakan Museum
Raffles Landing Site
Resorts World Sentosa
Sentosa Island
Singapore Art Museum
Singapore City Gallery
Singapore Flyer
Singapore Philatelic Museum
Sky Tower
Sri Mariamman Temple
St Andrew’s Cathedral
Sultan Mosque
Tanjong Pagar
The Arts House
The Jewel Box
Thian Hock Keng Temple
Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall
War Memorial Park
