Singapore is a lively and interesting city, with enough attractions to keep visitors entertained for several days.
Singapore Zoo and The Night Safari
Singapore's zoo is one of Southeast Asia's premier animal facilities. It contains nearly 3,000 animals and all are housed in thoroughly modern, spacious enclosures that recreate their natural habitats. Many creatues are only separated from the public by moats or ditches rather than barriers. Smaller animals even roam at will throughout the park. You might be thankful that the zoo's rare Komodo dragons aren't afforded this freedom. These lizards can grow up to three metres in length and have been known to attack and eat humans - but this doesn't diminish visitors' enthusiasm for the magnificent creatures.
The night safari is located directly next door to the zoo. It opens from 19h30 every night, allowing visitors the unique opportunity to view the nocturnal behaviour of animals through the use of special, unobtrusive lighting. You board a tram at the entrance to the park which then takes you through eight different geographical zones, from the Himalayan foothills to the steamy South American rainforest. Along the way you can see such fabulous animals as the Malayan tiger, the pig-like tusked babirusa and the impressively massive gaur bull.
Visit the zoo in the late afternoon when it is cool (and the animals more active) and then hit the night safari. Zoo open: 08h30-18h00. Admission: SGD14, adults; SGD7, children. Night safari open: 19h30-24h00 (last admisison 23h00). Admission: SGD18, adults; SGD9, children. Tel: +65 6269-3411.
Sentosa Island
Until 1967 Sentosa - meaning "peace and tranquillity" - was a British military fortress. In the 1970s the government set about developing the island as a leisure resort for the citizens of the increasingly congested city. The result is a landscaped recreational environment where you can enjoy great entertainment facilities. Get there by taking the ferry (SGD2) or catching the cablecar (SGD8.90), enjoying the spectacular views along the way. (Both leave from the World Trade Centre.) *The cablecar is closed until further notice.
The best of the attractions is the splendid Underwater World - a tropical oceanarium with a submerged transparent tunnel alllowing visitors to view over 250 species of marine life in remarkable proximity. Feeding time is 11h00 and 16h30 daily. It's connected to the equally excellent Dolphin Lagoon, with its pink dolphins that perform regularly for the crowds. Open: daily 10h30-18h00. Admission: SGD19.50, adults; SGD12.50, children.
Other highlights on the island include Fort Siloso, a genuine 19th-century military fort. You can trace its history through displays of ordnance and artefacts. Open: daily 10h00-18h00. Admission: SGD8, adults; SGD5, children.
Elsewhere on Sentosa you can find restaurants, bars, golf courses, cinemas and any of a range of other entertainments to suit all ages. It's not surprising then that the island has become the weekend playground for most people in the city.
The Botanic Garden
Singapore has had botanic gardens since the days of Raffles, the gentleman governor having established the first one in 1822 just after he arrived in the colony. The present gardens date from a few decades later, being started in the 1850s. It is an idyllic place that Singaporeans use to escape the bustling city.
The gardens are divided into several parts with the most notable being the National Orchid Garden where visitors can walk the landscaped paths admiring the rare and beautiful flowers. There is also a Rose Garden, which as you might expect the Victorian British colonials wasted no time in establishing, making this particular corner of the far East forever England. Symphony Lake in the middle of the gardens is used as the backdrop for concerts and musical revues in the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage. The Singapore Symphony Orchestra plays free concerts ("Classics in the Park") here in season.
Admission to the gardens is free but a fee of SGD5 is payable for entry into the National Orchid Garden.
Chinatown
One of Singapore's heritage districts, Chinatown has a special place in the country's history. Chinese traders were incredibly important to the economy in the early days of the colony and the old traditions and crafts endure in this colourful corner of modern Singapore. You can almost imagine the place as it was in the early part of the 19th century and the quarter is still made up of Peranakan buildings housing teashops, herbal emporiums, authentic dim-sum restaurants, eclectic markets (head for the hawker centre for a browse) and an increasing number of rather trendy bars and cafés.
Chinatown is demarcated by the Singapore River and the business district, but really exists as a world apart from the pace of the modern city. If you want to learn a little bit more about the history of the place then seek out the Chinatown Heritage Centre on Pagoda Street. This small but well thought out attraction occupies three traditional buildings and is filled with displays relating to the experience of the Chinese immigrants who came to Singapore in their thousands. In rooms decked out in period style you can see what it was like to live like a "Coolie", the Chinese dockhands and ship workers who formed the cornerstone of Singapore's workforce. Open: 09h00-20h00. English language tours are available on the hour. Admission: SGD8.80, adults; SGD5.30, children. Tel: +65 6325-2878
Islands In The Sun
Apart from the main island, Singapore includes some 60 islets, some of which are ideal for a day of sun, sand and snorkelling.
The best for swimming are St John's and Sisters Islands, which offer a sense of seclusion not possible to find on the main island. Palau Ubin and Kusu Island are larger and have more cultural appeal, with temples and nature reserves on offer. These are also the best places to see the traditional stilted fishermen's huts known as kelongs. Palau Ubin is particularly famous for its mangrove swamps, a rare piece of genuine wildlife in Singapore's immediate environs. The most enjoyable way to get here is via bumboat from Changi. Otherwise all islands can be accessed via ferries departing from the World Trade Centre.
Little India
North of the colonial centre, just off Serangoon Road, you will find the heart of Singapore's Indian community. The air is rich with the aroma of curries and spices and the vibrant, exotic market area is always interesting.
Notable temples in the area include the Hindu Srinivasa Perumal and the illuminating Buddhist Temple of a Thousand Lights.
This area has numerous coffee shops and back alleys, which are home to some infamous brothels so watch where you wander.
