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Singapore Maps & Attractions Guide
Singapore maps & Attractions - Things to do
in Singapore
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Singapore
Attractions - Things to do
1. Raffles Hotel
1 Beach Road
www.raffleshotel.com |
What is it? The Raffles Hotel is a grand Victorian
edifice rising from the pavements of the colonial district. Its
elegant charm has enticed writers and entertainers such as Somerset
Maugham, Rudyard Kipling, Joseph Conrad and Charlie Chaplin.
Singapore Slings have become the hallmark of the Long
Bar. Here ceiling fans whirr above the heads of
expatriates and tourists as they sip smart cocktails in superb
comfort. The Tiffin Room is best known for its
afternoon teas and sumptuous Saturday night buffets. Gin and tonics
alongside the odd game of snooker can be enjoyed at the
Bar & Billiard. Other distractions
include an upper-level museum containing vignettes and photographs
on the lives of Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton
and Noel Coward, as well as a Victorian-style playhouse and
numerous specialty shops and restaurants.
Hours of Operation:
Phone:6337 1886 |
2. Chinatown
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What is it? Chinatown is set against the backdrop of
Singapore's modern infrastructure and the prosperous financial
district. It is a crowded and colourful network of streets and
alleyways contained by Upper Pickering Street, Cantonment Road, New
Bridge and South Bridge Road. The area is a receptacle of
traditional Chinese customs that were carried by the communities in
Chinese Junks from the provinces of Guangdong and Fujian to
Singapore in the early 19th century. Temples, terraces, markets and
shops still provide a glimpse of the old ways but much of its
original character has been lost in the redevelopment of the past
30 years. Yixing Xuan's Teahouse provides a fascinating insight
into the ancient, ritualistic art of tea-making while a visit to
the Thian Hock Keng Temple leaves one in awe of Chinese traditions
of worship and symbolism. The streets of the district offer
traditional healing practices. Here snake skins are blended with
herbs and spices to produce powerful potions for various ailments.
Brightly coloured exotic fruit interject the marketplace with
lively displays of Rambutan, Durian and Mangosteen. The streets are
a delight for bargain hunters looking to buy kimonos, jewellery,
t-shirts, pottery and traditional crafts. Tanjong Pagar is the area
best known for its traditional crafts such as painted masks, paper
umbrellas, clogs and kites. Electronic goods, luggage, textiles and
other more conventional products can be found in Chinatown's modern
section located at the intersection of Cross, New Bridge Road and
Eu Tong Street.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
3. Little India
www.littleindia.com.sg |
What is it? The first Indian settlers arrived with Sir
Stamford Raffles in the early 19th century, bringing with them
colourful silks, aromatic spices, incense and other accoutrements
of Indian culture. They worked on the roads and helped build the
infrastructure of the city, settling within the ethnic enclave that
has become known as Little India. The area is delineated by the
north-south Serangoon Road, which runs parallel to Race Course
Road. Its eastern end stretches to Jalan Besar. Temples,
fortune-tellers, busy restaurants, stirring curry spices, jasmine
garlands and the exotic hues of silk saris fill the vibrant streets
to create a colourful ensemble. Little India is at its best during
the Hindu Festival of Lights when the area is festooned with
decorative lighting displays.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
4. Kampong Gelam and Arab Street
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What is it? Kampong Gelam is said to have taken its name
from the Gelam tribe of sea gypsies who lived in the original Malay
village southwest of the Rochor River. Sir Stamford Raffles
allotted the area as an ethnic enclave to the Muslim population and
it became the focal point for Arab trade and traditional Malay
culture. Baghdad, Muscat Street and Haji Lane resonate with
tradition as cane, straw, rattan and pandan leaf goods spill out
onto the streets. The spectrum of fabrics flowing onto the
pavements of Arab Street comprise chiffon, silk, cotton georgette
and include the batiks of Indonesia and Malaysia. Located between
Kandahar and Aliwal streets is the Istana Kampong Gelam. It was
built as the royal palace of Sultan Ali Iskandar Shah, the son of
Sultan Hussein who negotiated the handover of Singapore to Britain.
The government recently took possession of the building with plans
to transform it into a Malay heritage museum. Another significant
building in the area is the Sultan Mosque (open daily 9am to 1pm
and 2pm to 4pm). The glistening necks of the domes are decorated
with the bases of thousands of glass
bottles.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
5. Singapore Zoological Gardens
80 Mandai Lake Road
www.zoo.com.sg |
What is it? The Singapore Zoo has been thoughtfully
created to simulate the natural habitats of its resident animals.
Eight zones recreate the geographic regions of the animals
indigenous to it and include the South East Asian rainforest,
African savannah, Nepalese river valley, Burmese jungle and South
American pampas. These vistas can also be explored after daytime
during the famous Night Safari, billed as the first of its kind.
The zoo can be explored along its meandering walking trails or from
the comfort of a tram that winds its way along a circular route. It
is home to more than 2,000 animals representing over 240 species,
the highlights of which include the Komodo dragons, polar bears and
primate kingdom. Animal shows are held daily, and children can
enjoy camel rides or share food with an orang-utan in the zoo's
Children's World section. A Guide to the Zoo is available on
arrival with details of feeding times and other activities. It
includes a map and suggested itineraries incorporating the major
shows and attractions.
Hours of Operation: The zoo is open daily from 8.30am to
6pm
Phone:6269 3411 |
6. Jurong Birdpark
www.birdpark.com.sg |
What is it? The park is contained within a 20-hectare
(49-acre) stretch of land in the Jurong Lake area. It is one of the
world's most extensive bird collections and the largest in South
East Asia. Eight thousand birds comprising 600 different species
inhabit the park and range from Antarctic penguins to New Zealand
kiwis. Walking trails cut through the tropical landscape.
Incredible sights to look out for include the Waterfall Aviary,
which at 98ft (30m) it is the world's highest manmade waterfall.
The Penguin Parade has a large pool set against a landscape of
rocks, cliffs, nesting alcoves and burrows; it has a viewing
gallery where visitors can see penguins 'flying' underwater through
a 98ft (30m) wide window. The South East Asian Bird Aviary is a
breathtaking spectacle that includes the experience of a simulated
thunderstorm. Other bird shows feature flamingos, macaws, hornbills
and cockatoos. The park also includes facilities for young children
to enjoy including the new Splash 'n Slide
Station.
Hours of Operation: Daily 9am to 6pm
Phone:6265 0022 |
7. Singapore Art Museum
71 Bras Basah Road
www.singart.com |
What is it? The beautifully restored building (formerly
St Joseph's School for boys) rests serenely on Bras Basah Road. The
museum has 14 galleries that showcase the national art collection
and plays host to a range of special exhibitions and outreach
programmes. More than 7,000 permanent artworks represent the
largest collection of 20th century Southeast Asian art. Tours are
available in English, Japanese and
Mandarin.
Hours of Operation: Monday to Sunday 10am to 7pm. Extended hours on
Friday until 9pm
Phone:6332 3222 |
8. Singapore Botanical Gardens
1 Cluny Road
www.sbg.org.sg |
What is it? The Botanical Gardens sweep across an area of
52 hectares (128 acres) constituted by primary forest and specialty
gardens in close proximity to the city centre. The National Orchid
Garden is the world's largest orchid garden featuring more than
20,000 varieties set amongst water features and an exotic bromeliad
collection from South and Central America. The park also contains
many rare plant specimens in addition to the specialty gardens
decorated with frangipanis, roses, ferns and desert plants. Outdoor
concerts in the gardens can be enjoyed on the Symphony Lake or
French cuisine can be savoured at the Au Jardin
restaurant.
Hours of Operation: Daily 5am to 12pm; Orchard Garden: 8.30am to
7pm
Phone:6471 7361 |
9. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
www.nparks.gov.sg |
What is it? Singapore and Rio de Janeiro are the world's
only two cities to contain primary rainforest within their
boundaries. Bukit Timah is located seven miles (12km) from
Singapore's centre. It is a 164-hectare (405-acre) reserve
preserving a variety of tree and animal species including flying
lemurs, long-tailed macaque monkeys and anteaters. Designated
walking and cycle trails undulate through the dense jungle and its
highest point is marked by Bukit Timah at 538ft
(164m).
Hours of Operation: Daily 8.30am to 6.30pm
Phone:6468 5736 |
10. Chinese and Japanese Gardens
1 Chinese Garden Road
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What is it? Chinese and Japanese landscape designs are
embodied in these neighbouring gardens. The Imperial Sung Dynasty
style is clipped to perfection within the13-hectare (33-acre)
Chinese Garden. It boasts the world's largest Suzhou-style Bonsai
garden outside of China, containing over 1,000 plants. The symmetry
and simplicity of Zen aesthetics is the motif of the Japanese
Gardens with its peaceful rock gardens and
summerhouses.
Hours of Operation: Daily 6am to 11pm
Phone:6261 3632 |
11. Sentosa Island
www.sentosa.com.sg |
What is it? The theme-park island is a popular weekend
spot and one of the most visited attractions in Singapore. A day's
excursion could turn into an overnight stay in any one of the
hotels or camping sites. The island is enveloped by a high-speed
monorail and linked to downtown Singapore by a 1,640ft (500m)
causeway and cable car system. Entertainment ranges from soaking up
the sun on the imported-sand beaches to visiting a variety of
entertainment areas. From a moving walkway one can experience the
sea life of The Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon. The Images of
Singapore Exhibition explores Singapore's history in life-size
dioramas. On the furthest western point of the island lies Fort
Siloso from which Singapore guarded its territory against invading
Japanese forces. Other attractions include Volcano Land, the Asian
Village and the water rides of Fantasy Island. A distinctive
landmark is the Carlsberg Sky Tower, Asia's tallest free-standing
observation tower, which affords the best views of Singapore as
well as breathtaking vistas across Sentosa and the Southern
Islands, and even Malaysia and Indonesia on clear
days.
Hours of Operation:
Phone:1800 736 8672 |
12. Changi Museum
1000 Upper Changi Road North
www.changimuseum.com |
What is it? It was here, during WW II, that Allied POW
soldiers were subjected to harsh treatment at the hands of their
Japanese captors. Changi Prison is still in use as a correctional
facility and it is the place of execution for convicted drug
offenders. Half a mile (1km) from the old site, next to the prison,
is the new Changi Chapel and Museum. The display of photographs,
letters and drawings in the museum are a moving tribute to the
legacy of the Japanese occupation. During this period that spanned
three and a half years more than 50,000 civilians and soldiers were
captured and imprisoned. Visitors have access to a variety of
videos and literature relating to the war
years.
Hours of Operation: Daily 9.30am to 5pm (final admission
4.30pm)
Phone:6214 2451 |
13. Pulau Ubin
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What is it? The island of Ubin provides a peaceful
interlude to the city's bustle and can be reached by boat from
Changi Point. The boat docks at Ubin village, a Malay settlement
where houses perch quietly on stilts above the beach sand and
mangrove. Beyond this point one can explore the island by mountain
bike and enjoy its pristine beaches fringed with coconut palms, its
variety of seafood restaurants and restful Buddhist temples
scattered here and there.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
14. Haw Par Villa
262 Pasir Panjang Road
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What is it? Located along Pasir Panjang Road, Haw Par
Villa was previously known as Tiger Balm Gardens and subsequently
renamed after its original owners. The Aw brothers, Boon Haw and
Boon Par (who made their fortune from the well-known Tiger Balm
ointment) opened the park in 1937. It is inspired by Chinese legend
and mythology as represented by the display of grotesque and gaudy
statues, the coup de grāce of which are depicted in The Ten Courts
of Hell.
Hours of Operation: Daily 9am to 7pm
Phone:6872 2780 |
Singapore Holidays guide
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Transport -Because of government-induced deterrents
towards drivers to combat traffic congestion and air pollution,
hiring a car is very expensive, but getting around Singapore is
easy without one due to efficient, modern and inexpensive public
transport.
More information at the |
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