Singapore Zoo
The Singapore Zoo (Former Singapore Zoological Gardens) is acclaimed as one of the world's most spectacular zoos. The use of natural barriers like streams, rock walls and vegetation to separate animals from visitors enhances the "open" zoo concept. Spreading over 28 hectares, it is home to over 3,600 mammals, birds and reptiles, including rare and endangered species. The Zoo's orang utan breeding programme has created a large community of these gentle, endangered species.The breeding programme has also witnessed the first tropical birth of a polar bear. Other endangered species like the Malayan tiger, the white rhino, proboscis monkey, komodo dragon and the sealion have also found a haven in the zoo. A highlight is the Fragile Forest - an exciting and educational display of ecosystems and rainforest culture.
The Hamadryas Baboons - The Great Rift Valley : Ethiopia showcases the ecosystem typical of the savanna climatic zone in Ethiopia. The area is landscaped to include a multitude of habitats for a wide range of animals, rock formations and tribal villages. The exhibit is home to the rock hyrax, the banded mongoose, the black backed jackal and 50 hamadryas baboons.
A regular tram service that covers the entire Zoo offers an excellent overview of the attractions. The commentary provides useful information. However, to fully appreciate the zoo, the tram introduction should be complemented by a walking tour.
Guests can also enjoy breakfast with some of the animals from the zoo such as the Oriental small-clawed otter, the reticulated python and the highly-endangered Orang Utan in close proximity. Termed as Wild Breakfast, this dining-in-the-wild experience promises to be a hit. Make a date with our friends at the zoo over breakfast at 9am. This is priced at SGD 15.80 (adults) and SGD 11.60 (children 3 ~ 12 years old)
Winner of the Tourism Awards 2001, 1998, 1993, 1992, 1991- Leisure Attraction of the Year.
Open: 8.30am - 6pm (daily)
Last ticket sale: 5.30pm
Admission: SGD 20.0 adults, SGD 13.0 children (3 - 12 years) (Note: All price includes 7% GST)
Tram rides (unlimited rides for both weekdays & weekends): SGD 5 adults, SGD 3 children
Boat rides: SGD 6 adults & SGD 3.5 children
Zoo-per Saver: In this package visitors to the Singapore Zoo can enjoy admission into the Singapore Zoo, Tram ride (unlimited) and Boat ride (unlimited) for SGD 27 for an adult and SGD 17 for a child.
Parking charges: Car/saloon S$3.90, Lorry/Van S$4.90
Museums Of Singapore
With colonial history, and ethnic heritage Singapore has a history of its own which are depicted across many of its museums in the island state.
The National Museum of Singapore is the oldest museum in Singapore. Its history dates back to 1849 when it was started as a section of a library at Singapore Institution. After several relocations, the Museum was relocated to its permanent site at Stamford Road at the Museum Planning Area in 1887. The Museum is one of the four national museums in the country. The museum used to house a vast collection of zoological items, but was transferred to the National University of Singapore (NUS) and other museums in the Commonwealth. It currently has eleven precious artifacts, namely the Singapore Stone, the Gold Ornaments of the Sacred Hill from East Java, Dagguerreotype of Singapore Town which was one of the earliest photographs of Singapore, the will of Munshi Abdullah, the portrait of Frank Athelstane Swettenham, the hearse of Tan Jiak Kim, a Peranakan coffin cover, the mace of the City of Singapore commemorating King George VI's raising of the island's status to a city in 1951, the Xin Sai Le puppet stage, William Farquhar's drawings of flora and fauna and the portrait of Shenton Thomas, who was the former governor of Singapore. Rocks from the nearby Fort Canning Hill were used to create two sculptures commissioned from Cultural Medallion-winner Han Sai Por.
The exhibits in the first wing of the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM I) are housed in a restored neo-classical building dating back to 1910. The focus of the first wing of the museum is on Chinese civilisation and culture.
On display is also the museum's highly acclaimed permanent exhibition, the Peranakan Legacy, which showcases the rich material heritage of the Peranakans from the Straits Settlements and the Indonesian Archipelago. Among the highlights will be a display of the museum's renowned batik, embroidery and beadwork collections and a chance to view exquisite silver and porcelain pieces.
The next wing of the Museum (ACM II), located at the Empress Place Building, has just re-opened in February 2003 after some renovation. Spread over three levels, a series of thematic galleries will give an insight into the cultural heritage of India, China, Southeast Asia and the Islamic World. State-of-the-art display and interactive technologies with educational elements will be carefully integrated into the galleries, along with a centre specially dedicated to younger visitors. A special exhibition gallery will also be provided, to house blockbuster exhibitions. These exhibits will be enhanced by exciting fringe events that will bring ancient traditions, practices and art forms to life.
Open: 1pm - 7pm (Mon), 9am - 7pm (Tue - Thur, Sat & Sun), 9am - 9pm (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 6pm to 9pm.
Guided Tours: 11am, 2pm (Tue to Fri) for English language tours with an additional tour at 3:30pm on Sat. and Sun.
10.30am (Tue to Fri) for Japanese language tours.
The Singapore Art Museum houses the national art collection of Singapore, possesses an impressive collection of 7750 pieces of Singaporean and Southeast Asian Modern and Contemporary Art, and currently nurtures an expanding collection of New Asian and International Contemporary Art. It is one of the first art museums with international standard museum facilities and programmes in Southeast Asia and joins a league of new generation museums around the world with well-executed exhibitions and meaningful community outreach programmes. The museum is located alongside Singapore’s major performing arts and visual arts institutions: such as the Nanyang Academy of Fine Art, LaSalle College of the Arts, the Stamford Arts Centre, the Selegie Arts Centre, Singapore Calligraphy Centre, YMS Arts Centre, Dance Ensemble Singapore, Sculpture Square and Action Theatre as well as the School of the Arts.
Singapore heritage buildings are influenced by Chinese, Malay and European architectures. Most of the heritage buildings are located around the Singapore National Parliament. The building housing the Supreme Court and the city hall are one of the most beautiful architectures in Singapore. The buildings have colonial legacy with Victorian style architecture. The old as well as new Parliament buildings narrate Singapore’s journey from colonial age to the modern age.
The most famous hotels in Singapore, The Raffles Hotel is housed one of the most beautiful Victorian style buildings in Singapore which has a charm and grandeur of its own. The Esplanade theatre across the Marina Bay resembles Singapore’s national fruit, the Durian. The tall skyscrapers in the Raffles Place remind us of lower Manhattan in New York. Apart from buildings, there are many landmarks of tourist interests. Few of them are the World War II memorial at City Hall MRT, the statue of Sir Stanford Raffles at Boat Quay etc.
This is Singapore's largest commercial orchid garden. It's worth a visit for the colourful displays and the method and manner of cultivation. The 4-hectare Gardens features a whole hillside covered with flowering orchids in the open sunshine, including Singapore's national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim. There is also a landscaped Water Garden at the valley with many plants of botanical interest. Located conveniently next to the Zoo and Night Safari, visitors will also find orchid flowers and choice gift items at the Gift Shop to take home. The "Orchid Gift Box Service" will deliver orchids to any address in the world.
Open: 8.30am - 5.30pm (daily)
Admission: SGD 3 adults, SGD 1 children (under 12 years)
Approximate Touring Time: 1 hour
Location: Mandai Lake Road Singapore 729825
Tel: (65) 6269 1036 Fax: (65) 6366 1918
Getting There: Take the MRT to Ang Mo Kio Station (NS16), then board SBS bus 138. Alternatively, take TIBS bus 927 from Choa Chu Kang (NS4) MRT Station.
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.
Open: 8.30am - 6.30pm (daily)
Admission: Free
Approximate Touring Time: 3 hours
Location: 177 Hindhede Drive Singapore 589333
Tel: (65) 6468 5736
Getting There: Take the MRT to Newton Station (NS21), then take TIBS bus 171.
Built in 1975 and designed by Prof. Yuen-chen Yu, a well-known architect from Taiwan, the Chinese Garden's concept is based on Chinese gardening art. The main characteristic is the integration of splendid architectural features with the natural environment. The Chinese Garden is modelled along the northern Chinese imperial style of architecture and landscaping.
Bonsai Garden - Opened in June 1992, the Suzhou-style Bonsai Garden cost an estimated SGD 3.8 million to build. This 5,800 sq metres garden with Suzhou-style buildings (incorporating a main hall of 50 sq metres) and landscape houses a collection of some 1,000 bonsais imported mostly from China. This world-class Bonsai Garden has since taken on a new look. Newly revitalised, after spending an estimate of another SGD 500,000 - the Bonsai Garden is a wonder that must be seen to be believed. A Bonsai Training Centre will also be launched where resident Bonsai experts from Shanghai and Suzhou (China)will teach on how to prune and care for Bonsais and how to appreciate the beauty of this unique artistry.
Admission: Admission charges to Bonsai Garden SGD 5 adults, SGD 3 children (3 - 12 years), SGD 3 senior citizens (55 years and above)
Approximate Touring Time: 1 hour
Location: 1 Chinese Garden Singapore 619795
Tel: (65) 6261 3632 Fax: (65) 6261 1390
Getting There: The gardens are a 5-minute walk from the Chinese Garden MRT Station (EW25).
The Gardens epitomises the tropical island's luxuriant parks. Spread over 52 hectares and close to the centre of the city, the Gardens is a combination of untouched primary forest and specialty gardens displaying frangipanis, roses, ferns and desert plants, to name a few. There are numerous plant species here, including many rare specimens, reflect the Gardens' richness and diversity of plant life.
The present orchid enclosure has 20,000 orchid plants on display. The National Orchid Garden promises sprawling orchid displays, water features, and an exotic bromeliad collection from Central and South America. Other attractions for visitors' enjoyment include Palm Valley, Eco-Lake and outdoor concerts on Symphony Lake.
Shop for exquisitely beautiful gift items at the RISIS Store located at the entrance of National Orchid Garden. Its merchandise ranges from ornate sets of orchid brooches to unique name cardholders with designs inspired by the Peranakan culture, which is a fusion of Chinese, Malay, and European influences. Definitely a great place for those who are looking for special mementos.
If you are looking for a fine dining experience by the greens, head on down to Au Jardin, an exclusive little French restaurant serving one of the best French cuisine in town. For more information, call Tel: 6466 8812. If fine dining is not your cup of tea, drop by any of the cafes ideally located in the Gardens.
Open: 5am - 12 midnight (daily)
National Orchid Garden: 8.30am - 7pm (daily)
RISIS Store: 8.45am - 5.45pm (daily)
Admission:
Botanic Gardens: Free
National Orchid Garden: SGD 2 adults, SGD 1 children and seniors
Approximate Touring Time: 2 hours
Location: Cluny Road Singapore 259569
Tel: (65) 6471 7361 Fax: (65) 6475 4295
Getting There: From the Orchard MRT Station (NS22) along Orchard Boulevard, take SBS bus 7, 105, 106, 123 or 174.
Sungei Buloh Nature Park
The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve 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.
Open: 7.30am - 7pm (Mon - Fri), 7am - 7pm (Sat, Sun and public holidays)
Admission: SGD 1 adults, SGD 0.50 children
Approximate Touring Time: 2 - 5 hours
Location: 301 Neo Tiew Crescent Singapore 718925
Tel: (65) 6794 1401
Fax: (65) 6793 7271
Getting There: Take TIBS bus 925 from either Woodlands MRT Station (NS9) or Kranji MRT Station (NS7). This bus stops at the Park entrance on Sundays and Public Holidays. On weekdays and Saturdays, alight at the Kranji Reservoir Carpark for a 20-minute walk to the Park.
OTHER PARKS
Fort Canning Park
Established in 1859 as an arms store, barracks and hospital, Fort Canning is now a park overlooking Orchard Road. It contains memorials of Singapore's early history dating back to the 14th century and Sir Stamford Raffles' personal bungalow. Look out also for the Spice Garden, a small replica of the original 19-hectare tract Raffles established in 1822 as the first experimental and botanical garden in Singapore. Fort Canning is also a popular venue for the arts, including sculpture exhibitions, plays and open-air ballet.
Open: Daily
Admission: Free
Approximate Touring Time: 1 hour
Location: 51 Canning Rise Singapore 179872
Tel: (65) 6333 0510 Fax: (65) 6333 0590
Getting There: Take the MRT to Dhoby Ghaut Station (NS24) and walk towards Fort Canning Road.
East Coast Park
East Coast Park, located off the East Coast Parkway, is a favourite play area for Singaporeans, either at the beach or on its landscaped vistas and terrains where cycling is much enjoyed. Hire a bicycle or pair of rollerblades or just laze on the sandy beach. Eat at the many fine seafood restaurants or amuse yourself at the various leisure attractions. These include a bowling alley, golf driving range, tennis and squash complexes, watersports centre, swimming lagoon and the East Coast Sailing Centre.
Open: Daily
Admission: Free
Getting There: Take a taxi from Orchard Road, or take SBS bus 16 and alight at Marine Terrace. Then use the underpass to cross the ECP expressway.
MacRitchie, Peirce, Lower Seletar and Seletar Reservoirs
These reservoirs are surrounded by broad swamps, jungle and greenery, which run through the central northern parts of Singapore. The reservoirs are popular for family outings and picnics. They are a quiet contrast to the bustle of the city and provide a variety of recreational facilities like paddle boating and golf at Upper Seletar or sport fishing at Lower Seletar. MacRitchie Reservoir has a 12-hectare park with a jogging track, exercise area, playground, tea kiosk and fountain. On most Sundays, local school bands or orchestras play at MacRitchie (check local dailies for time of performances).
Open: Daily
Admission: Free
Location:
MacRitchie: off Lornie Road
Upper Seletar: off Mandai Road
Lower Peirce: off Upper Thomson Road
Lower Seletar: off Yishun Avenue 1
Getting There:
MacRitchie: Take SBS bus 132 or TIBS bus 167 from Orchard Road.
Lower Peirce: Take TIBS bus 167 from Orchard Road.
Upper Seletar: Take the MRT to Ang Mo Kio Station (NS16) then board SBS bus 138.
Lower Seletar: Take the MRT to Yishun Station (NS13) then take TIBS bus 171.
Marina City Park
Marina City Park offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and the sea. The acres of open space are suitable for kite flying and there are some unusual works of art amidst its rolling greenery. These works include sculptures of Confucius and seven other Chinese legendary heroes and a 13-metre high brass and stainless expression of Singapore's aspirations called "Spirit of Youth and Sculpture Fountain". Drop by at the park for a picnic or savour a sumptuons steamboat buffet dinner at one of the many food outlets.
Open: Daily
Admission: Free
Location: Near Marina Bay
Getting There: Take the MRT to Marina Bay Station (NS27). From the station, it's a short walk, or take SBS bus 400.
Mount Faber
Mount Faber offers landscaped gardens and vantage points at its peak provide panoramic views of the harbour, Sentosa island and the other Southern islands. Chill out at the Altivo bar as you enjoy the spectacular views of the city at night. You can also board a cable car to Sentosa from here.
Open: Daily
Admission: Free
Approximate Touring Time: 1.5 hours
Location: off Telok Blangah Road
Getting There: Take a taxi or the cable car from the World Trade Centre.
Singapore is not just one island, but a main island with over 50 surrounding islets. Some of Singapore's smaller islands offer a quiet respite from the big city with their laid-back ambience, idyllic beaches and inviting waters.
Sentosa - Singapore's resort island getaway is a must-see for all visitors. Just minutes away from the bustle of the city, this island of tranquillity welcomes you with beautiful sandy beaches, rustic nature trails, Asia's most exciting oceanarium & Dolphin Lagoon, historical sites, museums and great entertainment!
Pulau Ubin is a window into Singapore 30 years ago - thatched huts, backyard orchards, dirt tracks and interesting wildlife. St. John's Island, a former penal colony which has been transformed into a tranquil resort with abundant watersport activities and holiday bungalows, makes an ideal getaway.
Kusu or "Turtle" Island is best known for its legend of how a giant turtle turned itself into an island in order to save two shipwrecked sailors, a Malay and a Chinese. Lazarus and Sisters Islands are some of the other easily accessible tropical paradises known for snorkelling and diving. Simply catch a ferry from the Singapore Cruise Centre at the World Trade Centre or hire your own boat from Jardine Steps, Clifford Pier or the Changi Jetty.
Kusu and St John's Islands
On Kusu Island, there is a Malay shrine and a Chinese temple with an interesting legend woven around them. A giant sea turtle is believed to have saved two shipwrecked sailors - a Malay and a Chinese from drowning. As an act of thanks, the two men built a Chinese temple, Malay shrine and a huge turtle sculpture on the island. Taoists make annual pilgrimages to the Tua Pekong Temple during the ninth lunar month, while Muslims visit Kramat Kusu, a Malay shrine.
Stunning views of the mainland can be seen from Kusu's beaches and its hilltop. The warm waters of the lagoon are ideal for swimming.
Getting There: Take a ferry from Sentosa Ferry Terminal. Departure times: 10 am and 1.30 pm (Mon to Sat), and at 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm (Sun and public holidays).
Return ticket SGD 9.00 (adults), SGD 6.00 (child 3 to 12 years).
Duration of the boat ride is about 30 mins. For enquiries on ferry service, call the Hotline at 1800-SENTOSA (6736 8672).
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".
Located at the eastern tip of Pulau Ubin is a natural beach called Chek Jawa, on which marine life such as the horseshoe crab and sand dollar, a disc-shaped member of the star-fish family, live. It also houses sea-grass meadows that habour carpet and peacock anemones, as well as coral rubble that is home to sponges of various hues. Visits to Chek Jawa are on a first-come-first-served basis and only when there are low tides. To book, call the National Parks Board at Tel: (65) 6542 4108.
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 6am to 11pm.
Lazarus & Sisters Island
These tiny southern islands offer quiet respite from the big city with their laid-back ambience, sandy beaches and inviting waters. Swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving are recommended.
The waters off Lazarus and Sisters Islands are good for scuba diving although the currents are quite strong. They are recommended only for experienced divers.
Getting There: Water taxis are available for hire at approximately SGD 50 per hour from Clifford Pier and Jardine Steps (World Trade Centre).
Merlion and Merlion Park
The Merlion was designed as an emblem for the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in 1964. The designer was Mr Fraser Brunner, a member of the souvenir committee and a curator of the Van Kleef Aquarium.
The Merlion has a lion head and a fish body resting on a crest of waves. The lion head symbolises the legend of the rediscovery of Singapura, as recorded in the "Malay Annals". In ancient times, Singapore was known as Temasek, a Javanese word for sea. In the 11th century A.D, Prince Sang Nila Utama of the Sri Vijaya Empire rediscovered the island. When the Prince first landed on Singapore's shores, he sighted a mystical beast which he later learnt was a lion. The Prince then decided to name the island "Singapura" which in Sanskrit means Lion (Singa) City (Pura). The fish tail of the Merlion symbolises the ancient city of Temasek and represents Singapore's humble beginnings as a fishing village.
The Merlion statue, measuring 8.6 metres high and weighing 70 tonnes, was built by the late Singapore craftsman, Mr Lim Nang Seng. It is made of cement fondue. A smaller Merlion statue, measuring two metres high and weighing three tonnes was also built by Mr Lim. The body is made of cement fondue, the skin from porcelain plates and eyes from small red teacups.
Its First home
The Merlion and the Cub were originally located by the Esplanade Bridge, just 120 metres from their present location. Also called the Merlion Park, the area soon became a popular tourist attraction and took its place among the famous landmarks of great cities of the world. Mr Lee Kuan Yew, the then Prime Minister of Singapore, officiated the installation ceremony of the Merlion on 15 September 1972. A bronze plaque commemorated the auspicious occasion with the inscription, "The Merlion has been erected as a symbol to welcome all visitors to Singapore".
Today, the Merlion attracts more than one million visitors a year who make the trip to the Merlion Park to photograph this world famous icon.
Parliarnent House and the Elephant Statue
Designed and built by George Coleman as a colonial mansion in 1827, this is Singapore's oldest government building. It was the former home of Singapore's democratically-elected Parliament. Visitors to the stately building are greeted by a bronze elephant statue, a gift from King Chulalongkorn of Siam in 1871.
Singapore's Parliament has shifted to new premises at 1 Parliament Place, just a short walk away.
Location: Empress Place
Getting There: Take the MRT to Raffles Place Station (EW14/NS26) and walk across Cavenagh Bridge.
Statues of Sir Stamford Raffles
The statue of Singapore's founder, Sir Stamford Raffles, cast in dark bronze by Thomas Woolner stands in front of Victoria Theatre. Its replica, made of pure white polymarble stands at North Boat Quay, at an area colloquially known as Raffles Landing Site, as this is the spot where Raffles is believed to have first stepped ashore.
Location: North Boat Quay
Getting There: Take the MRT to Raffles Place MRT Station (EW14/NS26) and walk across Cavenagh Bridge.
Supreme Court and City Hall
Built in 1939, this stately building with its Corinthian columns, spacious interiors which feature murals by Italian artist, Cavalieri Rodolfo Nolli, and classic design, make the Supreme Court building one of the finest buildings ever built during the British Rule of Singapore.
Beside the Supreme Court is City Hall, Which was built in 1929 and was the site of the Japanese surrender to Lord Mountbatten in 1945 during World War II.
Visitors are welcome to attend all open court hearings unless otherwise ordered and to tour the premises. However, visitors are requested to be appropriately attired (no shorts, singlets or slippers). Photographic and video equipment are not allowed on the premises and other electronic equipment such as handphones and pagers must be turned off or switched to silent mode.
There are permanent exhibits on the history of the Courts on the ground floor of the Supreme Court Building, a multi-media gallery with corporate video screenings as well as interactive electronic information kiosks. Don't forget to pick up a copy of the "Guide to Supreme Court, Singapore".
Open: 8.30am - 5pm (Mon-Fri), 8.30am - 1pm (Sat)
Admission: Free
Location: St Andrew's Road
Getting There: Take the MRT to City Hall Station (EW13/NS25) and walk along St Andrew's Road towards the Padang.
Kranji War Memorial
Kranji War Memorial honours the men from Britain, Australia, Canada, Sri Lanka, India, Malaya, the Netherlands and New Zealand who gave their lives for freedom in World War II.
Marked graves of 4,000 servicemen who died during the Japanese Occupation stand in neat rows on manicured lawns. Another 24,000 names of soldiers and airforce men who died but whose bodies were never recovered are inscribed on 12 columns.
Kranji War Cemetery began as a hospital burial ground during the Japanese Occupation and became a military cemetery after the war. Bodies of servicemen buried in other parts of Singapore were exhumed and reburied here. The area is also the burial ground of Singapore's first two presidents.
Open: 7am - 6pm (daily)
Location: 9 Woodlands Road
Getting There: Take SBS bus 170 from Rochor Road or take the MRT to Kranji Station (NS7) and it is a 5-minute walk away.
Civilian War Memorial
Also known as the "chopsticks", this structure was built to honour the civilians killed during the Japanese Occupation. The four white pillars measure 10 metres in height and symbolise the Chinese, Eurasians, Indians and Malays who died in the war. A memorial service is held at this site on 15 February every year to commemorate the Anniversary of the Fall of Singapore to the Japanese in 1942.
Location: Memorial Park, Beach Road
Getting There: A short walk from City Hall MRT Station (EW13/NS25).
Arab Street
Arabs were among the first to arrive in Singapore to trade, bringing with them the Islamic religion and converting many indigenous Malays to their belief. Today the old section of the city around Arab Street provides an intriguing glimpse into the Muslim way of life.
The Sultan Mosque dominates the area, a fantastic building with its impressive gold dome and vast prayer hall. Arab Street itself is a riot of colourful textiles from all over Asia at very low prices. Also on sale, overflowing from the shop houses onto the pavement, are saris and batik, basketry, leather goods, cane and rattan, jewellery and hand-beaten brass, perfumes and a host of other treasures. Allow two hours.
Getting there: Take the MRT to Bugis (E1) and walk. Chinatown Here amidst narrow streets of picturesque shophouses and restaurants brimming with life, the temple idol carvers, herbalists, calligraphers, traders and trishaw drivers pursue a way of life that has changed little for generations. Incense stream from the old temples, the elderly spread their wares out on the pavement for sale and sea cucumbers, regarded as a delicacy, dry in the sun.
Much of Chinatown has recently been renovated, but the old traditions endure. A walk around the streets of Tanjong Pagar reveals local craftsmen at work making clogs, kites and traditional seals for stamping documents. During Chinese New Year, the whole of Chinatown is lit up and buzzes with activity as stalls sell a variety of festive goods. Allow two hours.
Getting there: Take the MRT to Outram Station (W2).
Little India, centred around Serangoon Road, embodies the vibrant and colourful culture of the Indian community in Singapore. Women in graceful saris and turbaned Sikhs go about their daily business in the Zhujiao Centre, where a bewildering selection of food is on sale. Small shops abound, selling bolts of glittering silks, temple garlands, gold jewellery and spices that are ground in front of you. The Hindu religion plays an important part in the life of Little India, and the Sri Veerama Kaliaman and Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temples in the area are well worth visiting. Allow two hours to browse.
Getting there: Take SBS buses 64, 65, 106 or 111 from Orchard Road.
Here amidst narrow streets of picturesque shophouses and restaurants brimming with life, the temple idol carvers, herbalists, calligraphers, traders and trishaw drivers pursue a way of life that has changed little for generations. Incense stream from the old temples, the elderly spread their wares out on the pavement for sale and sea cucumbers, regarded as a delicacy, dry in the sun. Much of Chinatown has recently been renovated, but the old traditions endure. A walk around the streets of Tanjong Pagar reveals local craftsmen at work making clogs, kites and traditional seals for stamping documents.
During Chinese New Year, the whole of Chinatown is lit up and buzzes with activity as stalls sell a variety of festive goods. Allow two hours.
Getting there: Take the MRT to Outram Station.
