Singapore is the little dynamo in Southeast Asia, brimming with unbridled energy. Rich in contrast and colour, this city embodies the finest of East and West…
A holiday in Singapore is like no other. A single day's trail takes a visitor from the past to the future, from exotic ethnic enclaves to efficient futuristic business centres, from serene gardens to sleek skyscrapers.
What better way to start your day than a hearty breakfast amidst lush vegetation with Singapore's very own orang utans. You can meet these friends from the ape family and partake in this uniquely enjoyable activity at the Singapore Zoological Gardens. The gardens are also home to the Oriental small-clawed otter and the python, besides, over 3,200 mammals, birds, reptiles and fishes.
Then, take a spiritual bend in the road as you enter a traditional Chinese temple, a Muslim mosque, a Hindu temple and a Christian church—all in the same neighbourhood.
After those moments of introspection, it’s time to indulge in the city’s most popular activity—shopping! Stroll down Orchard Road, getting to know the latest fashion trends and picking up something for yourself or your family.
If adventure is more your thing, drift on a traditional bumboat, only to step off it to get catapulted 60 metres into the air on a reverse bungy ride! More laughter and fun is in store if you board an amphibious "duck" to explore the city, in the company of wacky guides.
After a day of excitement, it’s time to retreat into the peaceful sanctuary of a spa. When recharged, enjoy a customary Chinese tea ceremony before you step into a world-class venue to catch a Broadway musical.
With its friendly and welcoming people, state-of-the-art infrastructure and something new happening everyday, Singapore offers visitors a unique holiday.
Other attractions
Wala Wala: Wala Wala is just the place to head out to when you want some laidback fun. You wouldn’t be out of place here even if you turned up in just bermudas and flip-flops. Music from a live band takes centre-stage every night, and one can expect raucous and spontaneous sing-along songs comprising top favourites as well as pop classics. The crowd ranges from varsity students to yuppies, who’ll tell you the grub is as much of a draw as the music. Sample Wala Wala’s great-tasting pizzas and savoury chicken wings.
31, Lorong Mambong, Holland Village (Tel No: (65) 6462-4288; Opens: Mon-Fri: 4 pm-1 am; Sat: 3 pm-2 am; Sun: 3 pm-1 am).
On the ghoulish trail: Tired of eating, shopping and clubbing? Then, consider a whole new form of excitement—ghost hunting! Sign up for the ghoulish trail with the Asia Paranormal Investigators (www.api.sg).
Crabs and other delicacies: The Sin Huat Seafood Restaurant and its signature Crab Bee Hoon have legions of fans who don’t mind waiting in queue for the fine fare. The relatively modest pairing of large, meaty Sri Lankan crabs and bee hoon is elevated to gastronomic heights here; each platter comprises a huge crab filled with bright-hued roe and firm and juicy flesh, swimming in a thick pool of flavoursome broth and transparent noodles.
659-661 Geylang Lorong 35 (at the corner of Geylang Road); Tel: (65) 6744 9755; opens: 6.30pm – 12.30am.
Room with a view: Housed in a three-storeyed revamped conservation shophouse in the heart of Chinatown, the New Majestic Hotel is the embodiment of heritage chic. Its clever blend of history and modernity, in terms of décor, furnishings and amenities, promises a fascinating stay for tourists and locals, alike. Not surprisingly, it's the brainchild of Loh Lik Peng, who's also behind the hip hotel 1929. Sexy, naughty, adventurous – whatever be your mood – there's a room with your name on it! Step into the split-level loft rooms and you'll find twin vintage bathtubs, right in the middle of the room. The Mirror Suite, like its name suggests, is decked out with mirrors, so you can sneak a peek at yourself (and your mate) from every angle!
31-37 Bukit Pasoh Road (Tel: (65) 6511 4700).
Put your feet up: Practically a necessity among Singaporeans, thanks to their hectic lifestyles, foot reflexology is a natural health method practiced by the ancient Chinese, where the reflex zones (nerve endings) in the feet are massaged to normalise the function of the body's internal organs.
Bring home Singapore: What better way to take home a slice of Singapore than “buying” local properties, Monopoly style? The Uniquely Singapore Special Edition Monopoly set features Singapore landmarks and locations for sale, as well as new tokens in the form of Singapore icons like the Kucinta Cat and the trishaw. It is available at all major department stores, Toys ‘R’ Us, selected bookstores and toy specialty stores.
Bargains by night: Mustafa, the 24-hours-open shopping centre stocks everything, from Indian chutney and diamonds to plasma TVs and cars. That’s not all, customers claim that prices are cheaper than elsewhere, so if looking for a late-night bargain, you know where to head to.
145, Syed Alwi Road.
Getting around: Travelling around Singapore is a cinch! An efficient public transportation network of taxis, buses and the modern Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system ensures that getting from point A to point B is hassle-free and extremely affordable.
Did you know: Merlion, the symbol of Singapore to the rest of the world, was first designed as an emblem for the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board (STPB) in 1964. The lion head with a fish body resting on a crest of waves quickly became Singapore’s icon to the rest of the world. Designed by Fraser Brunner, a member of the souvenir committee and a curator of the Van Kleef Aquarium, the lion head represents the lion spotted by Prince Sang Nila Utama when he re-discovered Singapura in 11 AD, as recorded in the "Malay Annals".
The fish tail of the Merlion symbolises the ancient city of Temasek (meaning “sea” in Javanese) by which Singapore was known before the Prince named it “Singapura” (meaning “lion” (singa) “city” (pura) in Sanskrit), and represents Singapore’s humble beginnings as a fishing village. Measuring 8.6 metres high and weighing 70 tonnes, the Merlion statue was built from cement fondue by the late Singapore craftsman, Lim Nang Seng. A second and smaller Merlion statue, measuring two metres high and weighing three tonnes, was also built by Lim. The body was made of cement fondue, the skin from porcelain plates, and the eyes from small red teacups.
