Preet Tamber discovers Singapore's rich ethnic, cultural and historical heritage through the sights and sounds of bustling ethnic enclaves and the civic district
BY PREET TAMBER | APR 15, 2007
WHY GO?
At the cross roads of South Asia, Singapore has traditionally been treated as a stopover destination. Its glamorous shopping arcade, lively restaurants and cultural treasures make a rewarding city to explore in its own right.
Best time to go
Singapore?s weather is hot and humid with little variation throughout the year. The average temperature during the day is around 31 dropping to 24 degrees Celsius at night.
Flight time
The flight time from the UK to Singapore is 13-14 hours with direct flights by Singapore Airlines, British Airways and Qantas.
STAY?
Singapore has its different districts, if you prefer the hustle and bustle of the city then get yourself booked in a hotel in the central part of Singapore. If you are looking for a more relaxed chilled out holiday Sentosa Island is perfect and has easy access to central areas.
SHOP?
Orchard Road is one of the world?s greatest shopping boulevards, the Oxford Street of Singapore, with several Malls and designer stores you?ll be spoilt for choice; this truly is a ladies paradise.
China Town and Little India
The different cultures of Singapore are visible in the special districts. China town is a must if you want to witness Chinese lanterns, trishaw and the aroma of Chinese food. China Town includes market stalls selling perfect gifts to bring home and many drink stalls to cool you off after a long day shopping.
As you take a pleasurable walk down Serangoon Road, Little India can?t be missed, with the exotic aromas of curry and spices, beautiful flower garlands and the array of colours from different silk shops.
Did you know?
In the mid 19th century many Indians worked as labourers in and around Serangoon Road. Today the area remains overwhelmed by the influence of India.
FOOD?
From food streets in Chinatown and local hawker centres to chic cafes and elegant restaurants, you can indulge in international cuisine or national signature dishes like Hainanese chicken rice and chilli crab.
EXPLORE?
A tram ride through the Night Safari
No visit is complete to Singapore without a trip to Singapore?s Night Safari, a zoo that allows you to see nocturnal animals in the largest attraction of its kind in the world. The tram ride takes visitors on a 45-minute journey covering 3.2km, where you can view the natural surroundings of a rainforest. You may see rhino, elephants, giraffes, tigers and lions amongst many other animal of the rainforest.
Cable car to Sentosa Island
A 12-minute cable car journey from Mount Faber across the harbour to Sentosa Island offers a birds eye view of Singapore. Look out for monkeys in the trees and keep that camera ready for some fantastic shots.
Bumboat-ride on Singapore River
A rather serene way to take in the sites and experience the city?s modernisation is by taking a traditional Chinese bumboat along a section of the river to Marina bay. Once used to collect supplies from cargo ships, the boats sail past the glass skyscrapers, grand buildings and colourful warehouses which now home the buzzing entertainment capital Clarke and Robertson Quays.
DHL Balloon
Drift up to the top of Singapore?s skyline in the world?s largest helium balloon. The French designed balloon rises to the height of 150m. With the tallest building 90m this is the best way to see as much as possible without moving a single muscle.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Sentosa
A multi million-dollar pleasure resort offering a wide range of activities and attractions. These include the Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon, Images of Singapore, The Merlion, the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom Museum and the Carlsberg Sky Tower. Lovely gardens, beautiful beaches and a vast array of restaurants and eating places all contribute to the island?s popularity with tourists and locals alike. Many prefer to skip the theme park attractions and head straight for Sentosa?s beaches (Palawan, Siloso and Tanjong) where wide ranges of water sports are available.
National Orchid Garden
Explore the National Orchid Garden in Singapore's Botanic Gardens, which has the largest collection of orchids in the world. The Botanic Gardens have over 52 hectares of landscaped parkland and primary jungle
Jurong Bird Park
On the Jurong Hill is home to South-East Asia birds. There is also the world?s largest walk-in aviary, a nocturnal house and several fantastic bird shows.
Raffles Hotel
Prop up the bar at the Raffles Hotel, one of the most famous hotels in the world. A visit to Raffles would be incomplete without Singapore?s signature cocktails Singapore Sling.
Mosques, Cathedrals & Temples
Buddhist and Hindu temples, mosques and Anglican and Catholic cathedrals are all likely to be encountered during a comparatively brief walk around some of the central areas of Singapore. St Andrew?s Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, the Al-Abrar Mosque, the vast and florid Kong Meng Sang Phor Kark See Temple Complex, the Chettiar Hindu Temple and the Sri Mariamman Temple are only a few of these.
