Top 10 Reasons to visit Singapore / Things you might not know about visiting singapore

Attractions

Gardens by the Bay

Spanning 101 hectares, Gardens by the Bay is comprised of three waterfront gardens – Bay

South, Bay East and Bay Central. Newly opened, Gardens by the Bay is a showcase of

horticulture and garden artistry, capturing the essence of Singapore as the premier tropical

“City in a Garden”. Be sure to catch the OCBC Light and Sound Show, occurring nightly

from 2nd July 2012 at 7:45pm. This show is a nightly display of magical lights and music

amid the 16 storey, solar energy harvesting SuperTrees. Other features are the Cloud Forest,

a mountain environment set in a cool-moist conservatory, the Flower Dome where spring

never ends in a cool-dry conservatory, Dragonfly & Kingfisher Lakes and the Heritage

Gardens. www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/home.html

River Safari

Embark on a journey of discovery at River Safari and meet over 5,000 aquatic and terrestrial

animals representing 300 species. At River Safari, you can explore eight river habitats from

the mighty Mississippi to the majestic Yangtze, and meet river giants and megafishes such as

the giant river otter, giant salamander and the critically endangered Mekong giant catfish.

Stroll through freshwater galleries and enter walk-through exhibits to learn about the

fascinating wildlife in river habitats. www.riversafari.com.sg

iFly Singapore

Thrill seekers, this is your chance to experience the adrenaline rush of sky diving - without

the whole jumping out of a plane at 14,000 feet! Take the plunge in the world’s largest

indoor vertical wind tunnel – at over 5 metres in diameter and a flying height for 5 storeys,

you’ll have plenty of room to flip and spin to your heart’s content! If acrobatics aren’t your

thing, just relax and take in the stunning of views of the South China Sea and Siloso Beach

through the 6 metre acrylic glass wall while suspended in the wind tunnel. Travelling with

the family? Not a problem! People aged 7 to 106 can experience iFly, and really, who hasn’t

dreamed of flying? www.iflysingapore.com/main.html

USS

if you’re looking for thrills and spills, you can’t go wrong with Universal Studios

Singapore® (USS), which is now more fun than ever with its expanded list of activities and

attractions. Southeast Asia’s first movie theme park, USS has seven exciting zones, each with

unique rides and live shows. Experience glitz and glamour in the Hollywood zone, get behind

the scenes of film production in the New York zone, or go on the thrilling Battlestar

Galactica duelling roller coaster in the Sci-Fi City zone—there’ll never be a dull moment

here. That’s not counting events such as Halloween Horror Nights which are growing in scale

every year, and new performances such as Sesame Street stage shows, with attractions more

excitement to come in 2013.

Sentosa

At Sentosa, there are endless activities to indulge your every interest. Our biggest attraction,

Imbiah Lookout offers something for everyone; thrill seekers can take a ride on Skyline Luge

Sentosa, nature lovers can explore the walking trails and wonders of Butterfly Park & Insect

Kingdom or learn about flora and fauna on a guided tour of Sentosa Nature Discovery.. The

sporty side of you can enjoy a game of beach volleyball on Siloso Beach, ride the barreling

waves at Wave House Sentosa and at night fall, be awed by Songs of the Sea, a multi-sensory

extravaganza. For a beachside cocktail experience with a twist, head down to Singapore's

premier sun-kissed playground - Tanjong Beach Club. A stunning combination of restaurant,

bar and beach getaway often regarded as Singapore’s best stretch of sand.

FOOD

Singapore is a foodie’s paradise offering diverse dining options and gastronomic journey of

local street food at hawker centres to gourmet cuisine served up from world-class restaurants.

Hawker markets

Experience the ultimate unique Singaporean foodie outing and different food culture under

one roof at food centres that offers an eclectic choice of local delights. The experience of

communal sharing not only allows for a truly local and authentic experience but also an

opportunity to meet and learn about different cultures.

Makansutra Gluttons Bay

Situated on glorious Marina Bay, this open-air food centre is a must for the spectacular

views, retro-inspired food carts and the delicious food. Makansutra celebrates the original

Singapore supper culture in its purest form with all the noise, smells and cheerfulness. If you

find making decisions overwhelming, why not try the Makansutra Gluttons Bay Sampler?

Try up to ten of the best dishes of the moment served on a banana leaf. Fried carrot cake,

chilli crab, char kway teow and soup kambing feature frequently, however dishes change

with seasons and availability, so you can be sure you’ll get the best!

www.makansutra.com/eateries_mgb.html

Maxwell Road Food Centre

Located in the heart of Chinatown, Maxwell Road Hawker Centre has over 100 stalls,

providing one of the biggest varieties of local food in Singapore. Try the famous Tian Tian

Chicken Rice, the traditional congee with pork and century egg from Zhen Zhen Porridge

stall and the popular char kway teow from the Marina South Delicious Food stall.

www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/browse/dining/restaurants/maxwell-

roadhawker-centre.html

Heritage Food Trail

Here, food lovers and heritage seekers can feast in the splendour of historical appeal. Set

against the backdrop of the iconic Singapore Flyer, this dining attraction brings back the

nostalgic feel and charm of Singapore in the 1960s complete with the antics and roads signs

commonly found throughout areas that were popular with hawkers back in the day. Feast on

famous local fare such as Ice Balls, Pork Noodles, Bak Kut Teh and Satay.

www.singaporeflyer.com/food-trail/

Trendy Eats

Wild Rocket

Coined ‘Mod Sin’, Wild Rocket is a perennial crowd favourite for an exquisite dining

experience. Opened by Singaporean chef-owner Willin Low, the menu is inspired by

flavours he grew up with as a child, resulting in what are essentially Western dishes with a

local twist. Wild Rocket is located at the Hangout@Mount Emily and boasts a tranquil

atmosphere. The menus change every four months, ensuring that food is fresh and

appropriate to the seasons. Be sure to try the Pesto Laksa for the most amazing blend of

these two distinct flavours! www.wildrocket.com.sg

2am Dessert Bar

This is the ultimate destination for dessert connoisseurs. Located in the chic Holland Village,

2am Dessert Bar is famous for its sumptuous modern desserts and carefully selected wine list.

We’ve heard that their smoked white chocolate with hibiscus jelly and cinnamon beads is to

dies for. And the name is far from misleading – this delightfully wicked haunt is open until

2am Monday to Saturday. www.2amdessertbar.com

White Rabbit

Located in a beautifully restored chapel, The White Rabbit serves classic European comfort

food and age-old cocktails. Despite the excellence of The White Rabbit’s fare, it maintains a

relaxed feel, forgoing the stuffiness found in many fine dining establishments.

www.thewhiterabbit.com.sg

Rooftop bars

When dusk falls, it’s time to don your best outfit and hit the party strip. While the nightclubs

and bars are aplenty, there are an exceptional few with an ambience and view to die for. To

enjoy the best views of the city after hours, head to one of the many rooftop bars such as

1-Altitude or Ku De Ta. Just imagine being 50 storeys above sipping champagne or grooving

to smooth rhythms.

CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS

Chinatown

Visit Chinatown and get lost amongst its vibrant markets, take in the brightly coloured shop

houses and discover local ingredients at the underground wet market. The precinct is as old

as Singapore itself and has seen its fair share of history throughout the years. Be sure to stop

by the Chinatown Heritage Centre whilst in the area - an authentic depiction of how the early

Chinese immigrants lived, worked and played when they first arrived in Singapore to really

understand this significant local culture. Apart from its past, the precinct is also home to

some of the country’s most discerning fashion boutiques and concept stores. Here, visitors

can enjoy a mix of heritage, shopping, sample from a good variety of food options and

experience firsthand the multiculturalism that the country embraces. Stop by the Chinatown

Visitor Centre for organised walking tours through the district. The Centre also holds

exhibitions on the precincts history and heritage, and is must for those who like to receive a

little education while on holiday. www.chinatownheritagecentre.sg

Little India

As its name suggests, Little India is Singapore’s foremost Indian enclave. A cacophony of

car horns, bicycle bells and vibrant chatter of its residents, Little India is one of the most

vibrant and culturally authentic districts of Singapore. Its charm lies in the fact that many of

olden-day trades can still be found by its roadsides, alleys and back lanes. Fortune-tellers and

their parrots, flower vendors selling garlands of jasmine, kachang puteh (roasted nuts) sellers

on pushcarts and street-side newspaper vendors are just some of the interesting sights to be

found.

Kampong Glam

Discover the Malay-Arab cultural precinct of Kampong Glam explore the gazetted

conservation area. Once the historic seat of Malay royalty in Singapore, Kampong Glam is a

golden ethnic enclave is worth exploring for its depth in architecture, exotic ornaments, hip

finds and palatable pleasures. The old Royal Palace, the Sultan Mosque, and the Tombs of

the Malayan Princes: they all carry an air of royalty snatched away too quickly. Uncover a

curious blend of Malay folk traditions and Islam in the legends of the mysterious keris

(dagger), exotic perfumes, jamu remedies to every conceivable ailment and the story of the

faith that is so often misunderstood. This area of Singapore has developed with the times and

is now frequented by a growing number of visitors for its trendy cafes, indie designer

boutiques, bike shops, quaint bakeries and drinking holes.

Katong/Joo Chiat district – for a true Peranakan experience

Located in the east of Singapore, the Katong/Joo Chiat district is loved for its laidback vibe,

beautifully restored shop houses, fabulous food and pays homage to the fascinating

background of the early Peranakans, whose opulent costumes, embroidery, beadwork,

jewellery and furniture are a significant part of their culture. Today, you’ll find beautiful

Peranakan fashion and decorative items at Rumah Bebe, which comes replete with intricate

woodcarvings and furnishing in the beautifully restored house.

http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/browse/see-and-do/culture-and-

heritage/cultural-precincts/joo-chiat-katong.html

The name Peranakan describes both a rich culture and a unique ethnic group, arising from the

meeting of Chinese and Malay peoples. The Peranakan Museum is a gallery exhibition

which houses the world’s largest and best overview of Peranakan life over three floors.

Explore documents and artefacts, Peranakan wedding rituals and accessories or learn about

religion, public life and food.

SHOPPING

Haji Lane

An edgy and spirited non-descript back lane, Haji Lane is sure to excite shoppers with a taste

for independent fashion boutiques and quirky small shops selling everything from up and

coming designers fashion to scrumptious cupcakes. With more than 20 shops for you to

browse and explore, it is a favourite haunt for local art students and young creative types.

www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/browse/see-and-do/hip-hangouts/haji-lane.html

Bugis market

In the 1950s, Bugis Street was renowned internationally for its flamboyantly dressed

transvestites and wide selection of cheap goods and hawker food, hence earning its night

market or “Pasar Malam” namesake. Today, Bugis Street has become a unique retail

shopping location. After undergoing a major facelift, the cobblestone area now houses almost

600 shops, and is the largest street shopping location in Singapore, filled with everything

from fashionable clothing and accessories, to beauty services like manicure parlours and hair

salons. www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/browse/shopping/shop-by-

category/curios-and-knick-knacks/bugis-street.html

Pulau Ubin

A reminder of old Singapore, the boomerang- shaped island is covered in trees (the remnants

of rubber plantations) and dotted with beaches and old Malay houses that are full of

character. It contains the country’s last kampongs where villagers still count on wells for

water and generators for electricity. The best way to explore is by bike, which cost $3–$8 to

rent. Less tiring (but less fun) is a taxi van – they’re unmetered, so negotiate the fare

beforehand. There are three cycling trails (on paved and dirt roads), which lead past old fruit

and rubber plantations, mangrove swamps, water-filled quarry pits and old wooden houses.

Be sure to stop by Chek Jawa one of Singapore’s richest ecosystems where six major habitats

meet and mix. Another popular attraction is Cookery Magic, located in a 100 year old

Kampong house on Pulau Ubin. Check out their Signature Cooking Class and learn to make

Nasi Kerabu using jungle herbs harvested from the surrounding garden. www.nparks.gov.sg

iFly Singapore

Thrill seekers, this is your chance to experience the adrenaline rush of sky diving - without

the whole jumping out of a plane at 14,000 feet! Take the plunge in the world’s largest

indoor vertical wind tunnel – at over 5 metres in diameter and a flying height for 5 storeys,

you’ll have plenty of room to flip and spin to your heart’s content! If acrobatics aren’t your

thing, just relax and take in the stunning of views of the South China Sea and Siloso Beach

through the 6 metre acrylic glass wall while suspended in the wind tunnel. Travelling with

the family? Not a problem! People aged 7 to 106 can experience iFly, and really, who hasn’t

dreamed of flying? www.iflysingapore.com/main.html

Walking tours

While Singapore is easy to explore on your own, learn more a lot more about the city with

guided walking tours that takes you to off the beaten path. It offers a more in-depth

experience as you immerse in local culture through historical sites to food and deepen your

discovery about Singapore and meet new people. The folks at the Original Singapore Walks

or BetelBox Hostel shows a different side of Singapore from its food to culture to outdoor

activities that shows the real heart of the city. www.journeys.com.sg / www.betelbox.com

Kranji Countryside

See the lesser known side of Singapore, with a variety of different farms available for

exploration. Learn about their farming practices, with farms for eggs, milk and fruits, and

others that breed fish, dogs, goats and other animals. This agricultural entertainment hub also

offers new and varied educational and recreational offerings in urban Singapore, with farms

and dairies such as Bollywood Veggies, Hay Dairies and Fire Flies Health Farm. You can

also explore Kranji's rich heritage through the Kranji Heritage Trail marks important

historical and agricultural sites in the Kranji, Lim Chu Kang and Choa Chu Kang area.

http://www.kranjicountryside.com

Dempsey Hill

Once the British Army Barracks, Dempsey Hill is now home to a number of trendy

restaurants and wine bars. Delightfully relaxing, sit back and enjoy the green views from

Ryan Cliff’s Tippling Club, where an avant-garde venue marries modern European cuisine

with progressive cocktail craft. Alternatively, try PS Cafe and enjoy

the laidback vibe and innovative menu. For classic European comfort food and age-old

cocktails, head to White Rabbit, a relaxed restaurant located in a beautifully restored chapel.

www.dempseyhill.com

Tiong Bahru

Built in the 1930s, Tiong Bahru is the one of the oldest housing estates in Singapore. It is still

charmingly dotted with an array of shophouses and low-rise four-storey flats serving as a

stark reminder of the rustic charm that once existed here. Modern day Tiong Bahru, is a

charming and up and coming neighbourhood that has become a very trendy locale for cafes,

galleries and quirky shops.

Tiong Bahru is also extremely well known for its local fare most of which are available at the

Tiong Bahru Market. Tiong Bahru Market has acquired such a reputation that Singaporeans

come from all over the island to eat here particularly for famous for its wanton mee and nasi

lemak.

www.timeoutsingapore.com/restaurants/hawker-centre/tiong-bahru-market