A single day's trail will take you from the past to the future, from exotic ethnic enclave to efficient business centre, from serene gardens to sleek skyscrapers. Start your day with a hearty breakfast amidst lush vegetation with Singapore's very own orang utans. Then take a step back in time as you enter a traditional Chinese temple, Muslim mosque, Hindu temple and Christian church - all in the same neighbourhood.
Singapore is unique, a truly dynamic city rich in contrast and colour where you ll find a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture. A bridge between the East and the West for centuries, Singapore, located in the heart of fascinating Southeast Asia, continues to embrace tradition and modernity today. Brimming with unbridled energy and bursting with exciting events, the city offers countless unique, memorable experiences waiting to be discovered.
Recommended highlights
The following experiences are possible from Singapore City. Talk to our expert travel consultants about how to make your holiday extra special:
Singapore City - A Cultural Extravaganza
A culture-packed day in Singapore should begin with a drive around the Civic District past the Padang, the Cricket Club and the historic Parliament House, Supreme Court and City Hall, with a brief stop at the Merlion Park for great views of Marina Bay. You should visit the Thain Hock Keng Temple, (one of the oldest Buddhist-Taoist temples on the island) and proceed to the National Orchid Garden, located within the Singapore Botanic Gardens, which boasts a sprawling display of 60,000 orchid plants. Be sure to end your tour at Little India, where you'll be enthralled with the scent of joss sticks, jasmine and spices.
Take In Singapore's Most Popular Haunts By Night
Enjoy dinning by the Singapore River at Boat Quay, Singapore's favourite sunset haunt. After dinner you should take in the beautiful sight of the central business district via Benjamin Sheares Bridge. Continue to Bugis Street, for a stroll at the `pasar malam' (night market) where you may chance upon some eccentric bargains. Your last stop for the evening must encompass Raffles Hotel for a taste of Singapore's very own concoction, the `Singapore Sling'.
Singapore Night Safari by Moonlight
The world's first Night Safari, (set in 40 hectares of secondary jungle adjoining the Singapore Zoo), unfolds the mystery and drama of the tropical jungle after dusk. See the nocturnal animals, from fierce predators to timid forest dwellers in the comfort of a tram that takes you through the East and West Loop passing by a large reservoir and weaving through selected habitats designed specifically to replicate the natural environment from the Himalayan Foothills to the South East Asian rain forest and Indian subcontinent.
Talk to the Birds at Jurong Bird Park and Waterfall Avery
Set in 20 hectares of lush greenery, Jurong Bird Park has over 8,000 exotic birds of more than 600 species. Even as you enter, the talkative and brilliantly coloured macaws are constantly chattering and fussing. Take a ride on the Panorail for a panoramic view of the park and into a tropical world of jungle mists at the Waterfall Aviary. Make the most of the 1,500 birds from over 60 species that fly freely around you in this unique tropical rainforest environment.
See the Unique Landscape Design of Singapore Zoo
The Singapore Zoo is spread over 28 hectares and is a haven to over 3,600 mammals, birds and reptiles including some rare and endangered species. The zoo integrates natural barriers like streams, rock walls and vegetation to separate animals from visitors creating an ``open Zoo'' effect. You will get to experience this new concept highlighted by beautiful landscaping from the comfort of your tram. Interesting attractions include the Fragile Forest, a rainforest themed exhibit home to free-ranging animals like tree kangaroos, lemurs, mouse deer, fruit bats and butterflies.
Sentosa Island By Cable Car with Underwater World Excursion
This island of peace and tranquillity is just minutes away by a scenic cable car ride from Mount Faber. On the island you must visit Images Of Singapore, where you'll experience the colourful culture and vibrant heritage of Singapore, re-told through life-size figures, animatronics and special effects. The beauty of the world beneath the seas will overwhelm you at Underwater World. The 80-metre transparent acrylic tunnel allows you to view over 2,500 sea creatures in close proximity.
Witness the Superior Sunset At Sentosa
Take a cable car ride from Mount Faber, where the beautiful Sentosa Island awaits you a short distance away. Why not visit Dolphin lagoon, where you can watch pink dolphins perform their natural antics such as spy-hop, tail flapping and vocalisations. Make sure you head to the Musical Fountain at sunset, where you'll be enthralled by this state-of-the-art dramatic display of lasers and computer graphics, water jets and fiery flames.
Tour Imperial Cheng Ho Harbour and Surrounding Islands
If you're interested in nautical history, you must spend some time at Singapore's Imperial Harbour. See the M.V. Cheng Ho, which is an exact replica of a famous Imperial Ming vessel, the Da Fu. Why not sail out of the harbour and tour the resort island of Sentosa, passing the magnificent skyline of Singapore's Financial District. Head out and turn south to the idyllic Southern Islands - Kusu, St. John and the Sisters.
Night Out In Chinatown with Trishaw Ride
Discover the rich historical beginnings of Chinatown at the Chinatown Heritage Centre. Housed in 3 restored shop houses, the centre takes you back to a different time in the history and immerses you in the life of the early Chinese immigrants. Today's Chinatown is just as exuberant, so make the most of the hustle and bustle of the Night Market. You should wander along the narrow lanes and test your bargaining skills, then hop into a trishaw for a ride through Chinatown to Clarke Quay and board a bumboat, for a cruise along the Singapore River.
