Singapore ably brings together the past and the future. It harmoniously blends different cultures, cuisine, art and architecture and leaves a mark on everyone who visits.
Malay legend recalls a Sumatran prince who encountered a lion on Temasek. Considering it to be a good omen, he founded Singapura or the Lion City. It doesn’t matter that it was highly unlikely he saw a lion in this region, what counts is that he set up a profitable trading post for the Sumatran empire. Singapore may have remained a forgotten city had it not been for Sir Raffles. It was his enthusiasm and the lure of a tariff fee port that made people pour in. Today a swanky city, Singapore holds together Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures with a quiet skill and offers a scintillating experience to visitors who throng its shores.
Singapore is packed with ways to entertain anyone who is looking for something to do. Fly, flap, flutter, float…with over 9,000 feathered friends from 600 species at the Jurong Bird Park, one of Asia Pacific’s most impressive parks. The Penguin Exhibit and the Bird Show are simply spectacular.
The Singapore Zoo promises enough fun and variety to keep you entertained with Orang-utans, chimpanzees, lions, Komodo Dragons, polar bears – these are just a few of the many animals that make up the zoo’s collection. This open – concept zoo with 2000 animals of 240 species allows visitors to see the animals in their natural habitat.
The Night Safari, which brings a true-to-life jungle to the heart of a city is the world’s first wildlife park built specifically for night viewing. This premier night zoo houses over 900 animals of 135 exotic species in eight zones recreated to simulate various geographic zones. Experience the thrill of exploring a tropical jungle at night by tram or by foot.
The Sentosa Island has a kaleidoscope of activities with its amazing Underwater World, Dolphin Lagoon, Images of Singapore, The Merlion, the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom Museum, Sijori WonderGolf, the Carlsberg Sky Tower and the magical ‘Songs of the Sea Show’. You could simply skip the theme park attractions and head straight for Sentosa’s beaches (Palawan, Siloso and Tanjong) built with imported white sand, where a wide range of water sports are available.
You could try the Singapore Duck tours, the first and only amphibious attraction in Asia. Ride the authentic Vietnam War craft that glides as well on land as on sea, with entertaining Ducktainers on board. This wacky show on wheels is truly an entertaining and novel experience.
Explore the National Orchid Garden in Singapore’s Botanic Gardens, which has the largest collection of orchids in the world. You can also canoe around the island – there are a number of operators hiring out canoes at Changi point, East Coast and Sentosa Island.
And then there is the shopping … agreed by all – Singapore is one of the best shopping destinations. From Orchard Road which offers a world class shopping experience to Chinatown which gives you everything traditional and authentic Singaporean. To top this great experience is the food – flavours from all over the world … you want it, you have it.