Things to See & Do in Singapore

Singapore’s A – Z guide for fun, frivolity and festivities during 2007

Considered the arts capital of South East Asia, Singapore is home to a number of art galleries and art walks which travellers can enjoy at their own pace for free. Take to the streets and admire sculptures by famed artists including Roy Liechtenstein, Salvador Dali and Henry Moore.

Singapore is a city full of life and with over 400 event days a year, visitors are sure to be in town when a festival is taking place. In August observe the sounds and sights of the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts, or book your trip in February to cheer on the annual Chingay parade.

Orchard Road
Orchard Road, Singapore's first glass-covered air-conditioned shopping street, is shopping heaven.  Sidewalk kiosks, boutiques, specialty shops, cafes and restaurants line the street.  All housed in well-linked shopping malls, shoppers can choose from the best in fashion, beauty, jewellery, antiques, electronics and even homeware.  Amongst several huge malls is CK Tang's, Singapore's most famous department store.

Bugis Village Night Markets
Head to Bugis Village Night Markets to try out your bargaining skills. With everything from fashion and jewellery to leather goods and souvenirs, the Night Markets is a destination not to be missed by lovers of retail therapy.

Chinatown
The cultural centre of Singapore, Chinatown is a maze of streets and alleyways, crowded with shops and street vendors day and night.  Here you'll find traditional Chinese herbs and medicines, exotic foods, handicrafts and fortune-tellers.  Visit the Chinatown Night Markets for unique gifts to bring home and sample authentic Chinese favourites at Chinatown Food Street.  Chinatown is a short walk from Outram Park MRT Station.

Chinatown Night Markets
The bustling night-time street market, a familiar and integral part of Chinatown’s street scene in the past, has made a comeback! With over 200 stalls now open for business, and operating daily from 5pm till late, the night markets are set to bring back the vibrant Chinatown of yesteryear.

The market stalls line Pagoda, Trengganu and Sago streets and offer local residents and visitors a wide and interesting selection of retail items to choose from. Contemporary items such as bags and bracelets sit side-by-side traditional wares such as Feng Shui or geomancy-related products, Chinese calligraphy, artwork and handicraft, as well as customary Chinese wedding items including traditional “dragon and phoenix” candles.

Nightly performances will also add to the lively atmosphere at the Night Markets. Visitors to Chinatown can look forward to two shows every night from 8.30pm to 10.30pm. These shows, ranging from cultural dance performances to plays and concerts, are free of charge, and will be staged at Pagoda Street, Chinatown Food Street and Kreta Ayer Square.  In the coming weeks, visitors and local residents can expect to be entertained by lion and dragon dances, stilt-walkers, wushu martial arts performances, Chinese operas, Indian and Malay dances and acrobatic and Chinese orchestra performances.

Little India
Hunt for a gift with a difference in the endless sari shops, Indian goldsmiths, spice stores and ayuverdic wellness shops along Serangoon Road. Singapore’s first 24-hour department store - Mustafa - is located in Little India and showcases a plethora of products under one roof.

Arab Street
Arab Street offers shoppers a relaxed shopping experience with its charming shophouses selling authentic products from the Malay culture including luxurious fabrics, health tonics, traditional costumes and intricate jewellery.

Sentosa Island - a recreational playground
A short cable car or ferry ride takes you to Sentosa Island, known for its palm-fringed beaches complete with imported white sand.  There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy including pedal cars, aqua-bikes, swimming and canoeing.

Underwater World:  Sentosa Island's biggest attraction is Underwater World, a tropical oceanarium where visitors can get a close look at over 2500 marine creatures from 250 species, including bamboo sharks, moray eels, stingrays, sea dragons turtles and the playful marine mammals of Dolphin Lagoon.

Enjoy the show at Dolphin Lagoon (included in the Underwater World ticket) as trainers bring the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins through a series of interactive, feeding and training sessions.  There might even be the chance to wade next to them, supervised by the trainers.

Butterfly Park/Insect Museum:  This museum houses nearly 2500 butterflies and 3000 species of insects.  Light up your day with a visit to the Insect Kingdom where you’ll be dazzled by the luminance of 5000 fireflies.

Volcano Land: This multi-sensory theme attraction takes you for a ride into the ancient Maya civilization and Mount Prospero, the world’s most active volcano.  A “descent simulator” takes you right into the heart of the crater to experience an earth-shattering volcanic eruption.  There are also outdoor performances and live entertainment at the stone ruins of the lost Mayan city.

Other excellent family attractions are the 37-metre tall statue of the mythical Merlion, and the incredible Musical Fountain – an extravaganza of lights, sound, water and video projection.

Botanic Gardens
Singapore is also known as the Garden City and boasts a fantastic array of beautiful parks and gardens which can be enjoyed for next to nothing.  Entrance to the stunning Botanic Gardens is free and while there, pop into the National Orchid Gardens for just S$2. Here you can enjoy the sights and scents of over 2700 orchids and hybrids, or for an equally enchanting and affordable experience, visit the Chinese and Japanese Gardens.

Singapore Zoo
Have a Wild Breakfast at the world famous Singapore Zoological Gardens and mingle with furry friends.  Tour one of the best zoos in the world and don't miss the popular animal shows.  Attractions include the Elephants of Asia, Hamadryas Baboons - The Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia and Fragile Forest.

Jurong Bird Park
This is one of the world’s largest bird parks, home to 8000 birds of some 600 species. Take the air-conditioned Panorail through the Park or stroll along the footpaths and admire these beautiful creatures at your own pace. From 9am to 11am daily you can enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast in the company of parrots, pelicans and other friendly feathered critters.

TOP TEN things to do

1. Breakfast with the birds at Jurong Bird Park.
2. Take the kids shopping at the Chinatown Night Market.
3. Get an adrenaline rush at the Escape Theme Park.
4. Cycle around the island of Pulau Ubin.
5. The Night Safari at the Singapore Zoo will get you up close and personal with the animal such as buffalo, leopards and rhinoceros.
6. Chinatown Heritage Centre – be swept away by the colour and the charm.
7. Visit the Singapore History Museum.
8. Catch the cable car to Sentosa island and visit Underwater World.
9. Learn and have fun at the same time at Singapore Science Centre.
10. Share breakfast with spider monkeys and gibbons during Wild Breakfast – Singapore Zoological Gardens.

Events
The Singaporean calendar is packed with lavish festivals and events from colourful parades to tantalising celebrations of it's wonderful cuisine.

Chinese New Year – Chinese New Year is celebrated for 15 days during late January/early February.  There are a multitude of special events held in this period and each night Chinatown is spectacularly lit-up.  The Chingay Parade or Parade of Dreams marks the beginning of the celebrations with a massive, carnival-like street party.

Singapore Arts Festival – Recognised as one of Asia’s premiere arts events, the festival will be taking place in 2005 between May 26 and June 22. The festival showcases dance, drama and music from around the world, from ballet to street shows to educational workshops within the Festival Village and in venues throughout the city.

Moon Cake Festival – Held in late September, this festival commemorates the 14th-century revolution led by Yuan Zhang who smuggled notes inside moon cakes and used lighted lanterns as a signal to launch the revolt.  A Moon Cake Fair features hundreds of colourful stalls lining the streets of Chinatown, selling an amazing variety of moon cakes, Chinese lanterns, decorations and another delicacies.  Children parade down the streets with their brightly lit lanterns in the Children’s Lantern Procession. The Chinese Garden becomes a fairyland of lights and colours for the Lantern Festival, and there is also a range of cultural shows and performances including lion and dragon dancing, Chinese instrumentalists and craftsmen.

Great Singapore Sale – An island-wide shopping extravaganza not to be missed!  Catch the fantastic discounts and gifts at all major shopping malls during June and July.

Singapore Food Festival – Enjoy a selection of local and international cuisine during this month long food extravaganza in July.  This food odyssey has delights for all taste buds.

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Singapore’s A – Z guide for fun, frivolity and festivities during 2007

The New Year started off with a bang in the Lion City and the action is set to continue right throughout 2007. Whether you are planning to stay for seven hours or seven days, use the following A-Z guide to help you discover the very best Singapore has to offer.

Asian Civilisations Museum - (1 Empress Place) an art lover’s paradise and where visitors can view over 1,300 priceless artefacts from throughout South East Asia. After touring the superbly appointed display halls of this heritage building, stop for an evening cocktail at nearby Indochine Bar and watch the world sail by along Singapore River.

Bird Singing – for a truly unique Singaporean experience head to Ang Mo Kio (Blk 159 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4) on a Sunday and witness hundreds of singing merboks (zebra doves) in their beautifully crafted cages. This is a serious pastime in Singapore and hundreds of dollars change hands in the quest to discover and own a champion songbird.

Chinatown – dating back to 1821, discover the delights of this crowded and colourful area with its network of streets and alleyways. Learn how the early Chinese migrants lived, worked and played at the Chinatown Heritage Centre (48 Pagoda Street).

Durian – locals say this unusual ‘must-try’ regional fruit ‘smells like hell but tastes like heaven’ – be the judge and try it for yourself!

East Coast Seafood Centre – dine with the locals and indulge in Singapore’s unofficial national dish, Chilli Crab. Hard shell crabs are smothered in a zesty, chilli-spiked gravy and are often served with Mantou (Chinese buns) for mopping up every last bit of the delicious sauce.

Festivals and events– no matter what the time of the year, Singapore is always celebrating. Perennial favourites include the Great Singapore Sale (May – July), the Singapore Food Festival (July), Christmas in the Tropics (November – January), or for a cultural feast enjoy the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts (August/ September), or Deepavali (October/ November) celebrated by the Hindu community. For a complete listing of all festivals and events log onto www.visitsingapore.com

Gardens– Singapore is home to many beautiful gardens including the Botanic Gardens, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and the Spice Gardens at Fort Canning Park to name a few. The island city is now also home to a number of glorious garden spas where visitors can choose from a menu of natural treatments, all to be enjoyed in a luxurious outdoor setting.  Experience it for yourself at the recently opened Aramsa Garden Spa (Bishan Park II, 1382 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1).

Henna Painting – discover the techniques and traditions behind this customary Indian body art by selecting a traditional motif or designing your own at Selvi’s Creation at Tekka Mall (2 Serangoon Road).

Islands – Did you know that Singapore is made up of 63 islands, with some just ripe for exploration? Head to Pulau Ubin and discover the rustic charms of an island which seems lost in time, or lap up some luxury at a 5-star resort spa on Bintan Island.

Jurong Birdpark – among the world’s largest bird park and home to over 9,000 birds from some 600 species. With its stunning surrounds and delightful bird shows, this park is a firm favourite of children and adults alike (2 Jurong Hill).

Kampong Glam –originally a fishing village, this district is now the heart of Singapore’s Malay community. Visit Arab Street to peruse the colourful market stalls and fossick for bargains. Also don’t miss the beautiful Sultan Mosque (3 Mascat Street), famous for its impressive golden dome.

Little India – as the focal point for Singapore’s Indian community, Little India’s spice scented streets beckon all. Breakfast on Roti Prata before shopping for silverware, gold, silk saris, and saffron. Discover what the future holds by having your fortune read the traditional way – by a parrot!

Merlion – as Singapore’s national tourism icon, this half-fish, half-lion statue symbolises Singapore’s humble beginnings as a fishing village and its name Singapura (Lion City), given by Prince Sang Nila Utama. Now located at the head of the river at Merlion Park, it is visited by over 1 million people each year

Night Safari – the world’s first Night Safari offers a unique and seldom-seen peek into the jungle in the midnight hours. The park is home to over 900 animals spanning 130 exotic species including cape giraffes, hyenas and the rare one-horned rhino.

Orchard Road – spend a day browsing through the hundreds of specialty stores and designer boutiques that flank this world famous shopping boulevard. Selling everything from fashion to electronics, visitors can head to Tangs Department Store and engage the services of a personal shopper if the choices are too overwhelming.

Peranakan – Singapore’s indigenous Peranakan culture is a blend of Chinese and Malay with influences from the Dutch and English. With its very own unique architecture, dress, furniture and cuisine, Peranakan culture can best be experienced in the district of Katong including Rumah Bebe’s 1929 traditional Shophouse (113 East Coast Road).

Quays – Clarke, Boat and Robertson. Each with its own distinct personality, these waterside venues leave visitors spoilt for choice. Dine alfresco along the shores of Singapore River at Boat Quay, bar hop at the newly revamped Clarke Quay, or dance the night away at the ever popular Robertson Quay.
 

Raffles Hotel – a charming old dame and birthplace of the famous Singapore Sling, Raffles Hotel is one of the world’s finest and boasts suites named after past guests including Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham and Noel Coward (1 Beach Road). 2007 will see the hotel celebrate its 120th anniversary.

Sentosa – a favourite with families, this popular island is peppered with child friendly attractions including UnderWater World, Dolphin Lagoon, Carlsberg Tower, Images of Singapore, Butterfly Kingdom and the Luge.

Thian Hock Keng Temple – built in 1821 by Chinese seamen to give thanks for a safe passage to Singapore, this beautiful temple is Singapore’s oldest and is guarded by two very fierce-looking door gods (158 Telok Ayer Street)

Upper Changi Road – reinforcing the strong ties between Australia and Singapore, Changi Chapel & Museum (1000 Upper Changi Road) commemorates the many allied PoWs who were imprisoned in Singapore during WWII following the Japanese invasion.

VivoCity – Singapore’s largest shopping and lifestyle destination offering a diverse mix of up to 300 retail, entertainment and dining outlets, set over 1 million square feet of floor space. This mecca for shop-a-holics is located next to St James Power Station, Singapore’s hottest nightspot featuring nine clubs in one location –all accessible via one cover charge!

Walking Tours – the best way to discover Singapore is on a guided Original Singapore Walk (www.singaporewalks.com). Hosted daily, rain or shine, walkers mix with the locals and learn about the colourful history of areas including Little India, Chinatown, Kampong Glam and the Colonial District.

Xi Yan – (38A Craig Road) putting the X in eXclusive, this unassuming restaurant with no street sign has a two month waiting list. Heralded for its delicious food and stunning presentation, the house speciality is a fixed price 13 course Yin Yang degustation menu.

Yixing Xuan Teahouse – In this traditional Chinese tea house, Mr Vincent Low conducts classes on the ancient art of tea making. You are guaranteed never to look at a tea bag the same way again!  For further details log onto www.yixingxuan-teahouse.com

Zoo – the award-winning, 28 hectare open plan Singapore Zoo is home to over 3,200 animals. For a truly memorial experience enjoy a Wild Breakfast or Afternoon Tea with park favourites including the shy gibbon, witty bear cat, agile spider monkey or cheeky orang-u-tan.

Further Information

Singapore Tourism Board
tel:  (02) 9290 2888 (Sydney)
       (08) 9226 5666 (Perth)
website: www.visitsingapore.com

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