« SINGAPORE • Discover Singapore
Discover magical Singapore
According to legend, Srivijayan prince Sang Nila Utama landed on the island in the 13th century and, catching sight of a strange creature that he thought was a lion, decided to found a new city he called Singapura, Sanskrit for Lion City. More historical records indicate that the island was settled at least two centuries earlier and was known as Temasek, Javanese for Sea Town.
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» Kampong Glam
One of the more famous neighborhoods in Singapore, Kampong Glam is a preserved town once home to the Malay and Muslim elite that inhabited it prior to British colonization in the early 19th century. Although the town was comprised of a multitude of ethnic groups over the last few hundred years, much of this pristine town has been restored to its former beauty, with strips of colorful shop houses now home to modern businesses. Among some of its other key features includes the Sultan Mosque …
» Katong District
Katong District is one of the more noticeable neighborhoods in Singapore, lined with 19th century villas and mansions belonging to some of the richest folks in the country. With many of its inhabitants coming from the Far East, the town is also known for its restaurants and cafes, which offer Peranakan cuisine as well as spicy local foods. A taste of old Singapore, the history of Katong features the stories of businessmen from England, Portugal, China and France, who all made their wealth there …
» Kranji War Memorial
The Kranji War Memorial, located in northern Singapore, is an impressive structure built in 1946 immediately following the Second World War to commemorate the soldiers from the allied and regional countries who fought and died protecting Malaysia and Singapore from the invading Japanese forces. Made up of a cemetery of nearly 5,000 servicemen and a separate memorial bearing the names of more than 24,000 others, the war memorial is divided in three segments …
» Little India
For sub-continental color, cuisine, atmosphere and bustle, head to Singapore's Little India, one of the island's most vibrant and authentic precincts. Shops, restaurants and colorful Hindu temples line the streets of Little India, and the best thing to do here is to just take a walk and drink it all in. The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is dedicated to the bloodthirsty god Kali, Sri Srnivasa Perumal is dedicated to the more peaceful Vishnu, the Taoist Leong San See Temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy …
» Marina Bay
Situated near Central Area to the east of the Downtown Core, Marina Bay is the result of a huge project that has completely transformed Singapore and its skyline. In practical terms, Marina Bay is a freshwater reservoir that reduces Singapore's dependence on water supplies from Malaysia. For visitors to Singapore, Marina Bay is a major attraction - a place to stroll along its 3.5-kilometer Waterfront Promenade, get involved in some of the attractions and events taking place …
» Marina Bay Sands
There's a lot you can do with $8 billion, and the Marina Bay Sands may have just done them all. Touted as the world's most expensive casino this 2,561 room integrated resort lavishly offers nearly anything that a visitor could ever need on their stay in Singapore. In addition to the 500 tables and 1,600 slots which comprise the atrium casino, the Marina Bay Sands has also opted to include an ice-skating rink, two entertainment theatres, the 300-store Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands shopping mall …
» Masjid Sultan Mosque
The oldest mosque in Singapore, the Masjid Sultan, is located in the Malay-Muslim quarter of town. The sheen of the two distinguished golden domes that top it, as well as its colorful yet tasteful façade, has made it one of the premiere destinations for visitors of any faith. Standing on a site totaling 44,228 square feet (4,109 square meters), the massive interior two-stories high can hold about 5,000 faithful Muslims, with separate conference rooms and auditoriums to seat many more …
» Merlion Park
Merlion Park is not as much a park as it is a standing symbol for all of Singapore. Spread out over 2,500 square meters, or about 27,000 square feet, the park is perhaps most famously known for its centerpiece, a 2 meter tall, or seven foot, Merlion cub fountain at the center. Because of the great city view from the park, which extends out to the Marina Day Sands , the waterfront park has become a busy destination around clock, with access open 24 hours a day. The park is centrally located on One Fullerton …
» Mount Faber
Mount Faber Park, one of the oldest green spaces in Singapore, is also one of the best places to go for views over the city and Singapore Harbour. More of a large hill than a mountain, the slopes of Mount Faber are covered in lush rainforest, and if you want to get to the top, you have two options. Budget travelers looking for something free to do can hike to the peak. The path is paved the entire way up and shaded for most of the way, but bring plenty of water, as Singapore can get hot and humid …
» Old Supreme Court Building
Though it is no longer the residence of Singapore's judiciary arm of government, the old Supreme Court Building is an important structure as the last building in Singapore to be constructed using classical architecture. Located on St. Andrew's Road, the building housed Singapore's highest court for more than 60 years until 2005 when the Supreme Court moved into a more modern building. The structure is a spacious structure with an impressive interior featuring murals painted by Italian artists …
» Orchard Road
Orchard Road means one thing: shopping! Relentlessly lined with flashy shopping malls and upmarket hotels, Singapore's premier shopping street is cheerfully lined with plenty of shady trees, seating and flower boxes. You'll find luxury flagship stores from Dior to Armani, huge shopping malls like Ngee Ann City, department stores, cinemas and entertainment complexes. Head to the basement food halls dotted along Orchard Road for a cheap and filling lunch, and come back at night to while the evening away at a nightclub …
» Padang
Located on the left bank of the Singapore River, the Padang (Malay for field or open ground) represents the very essence of colonial Singapore. It was selected by the founder of modern Singapore, Sir Raffles, as a recreation area when he laid out the plans for the city and is surrounded by some striking colonial architecture. A long stretch of flat green land, the Padang was the hub of colonial life, used primarily for sporting events and recreational activities. In 1834, the Europeans began hosting a New Year Regatta at the Padang …
» Peranakan Museum
Built within an old Chinese School, the Peranakan Museum explores the culture, traditions, artwork and history of the Peranakan communities. Travelers can explore three floors of interactive exhibits that link Singapore's modern culture to its Chinese, Indian, Malay, Indonesian and European roots. Some of the museum is geared towards the younger set, making it ideal for visitors with small children. Travelers agree the reasonable fee and interesting galleries - like the traditional houses and wedding dresses …
» Pulau Ubin (Ubin Island)
Pulau Ubin is a small island located to the north east of Singapore and is one of the last undeveloped areas of the country. Legend says that the island was formed when three animals - an elephant, frog and pig - challenged each other to a race; the losers would be turned to stone. As none of the animals could finish the race, the elephant and pig were turned to stone and became Pulau Ubin and the frog became Pulau Sekadu (Frog Island). Whether the legend is true or not is up for debate …
» Raffles Hotel
Named after the founder of Singapore, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, Raffles Hotel is a must place to visit. With its tropical garden courtyard and elegant galleried architecture, the terracotta-roofed white hotel has been a byword for colonial elegance since 1887. Dress up to enjoy the high tea or order a Singapore Sling in the Long Bar, just like many famous people have over the last century …
» Raffles Landing Site
The Raffles Landing site in the Boat Quay area of downtown Singapore is the apparent location of the landing place for Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819 when he signed a treaty that established modern day Singapore. Marked by a white marble statue about 20 feet, or about 6 meters tall, the statue depiction of the father of Singapore is dwarfed by the surrounding office towers that now exist in the area, but nonetheless tells a historic tale of the founding of the country …
» River Safari
Singapore's River Safari, the world's first river-themed wildlife park, recently introduced the first visitors to its 5,000 animal inhabitants during a soft opening in April 2013. The 30-acre (12-hectare) park presents the world of freshwater aquatic animals to guests with a series of walkthrough exhibits inspired by eight iconic rivers, the Mississippi, Nile, Amazon, Congo, Ganges, Mekong and Yangtze. Of the animals on display, representing some 300 species, the Giant River Otter and the Giant Salamander …
» Robertson Quay
Robertson Quay is one of the country's three wharfs along the famed river offering a diverse mix of internationally renowned restaurants, wine bars and art galleries, covering more than 50 hectares, or about 120 acres, of the Singapore River. The Quay is a popular destination for expatriates to come relax or take a leisurely walk, as this high-end and fairly quiet part of town also happens to feature a number of boutique shops and cafes offering gourmet cakes and pastries …
