Singapore and its many charms
Sandip Hor tours the island city and enjoys its many offerings
Singapore is a favoured destination for people from around the world – particularly because of its reputation as a clean, hygienic, safe and environmentally-friendly land. The island city’s key touristy areas include Marina Bay, Orchard Road, Sentosa Island and Little India.
Only one-tenth the size of Sri Lanka, Singapore is tiny – but it has plenty of attractions and experiences to rejuvenate the mind and body. Whether it’s colonial history, architecture, art and culture, shopping or a food adventure, the city is well stocked with things to do.
WHERE TO STAY Singapore offers accommodation choices that range from Raffles Hotel and The Fullerton Bay Hotel to clean serviced apartments and youth hostels.
Selection generally depends on the desired location, facilities, budget and any special offerings such as a complimentary breakfast or late checkout. For instance, Village Hotel Albert Court’s ‘Discovery Package’ offers attractive currency vouchers that can be used at nearby retail and food outlets.
WHAT TO DO While shopping and eating are extremely popular activities, there are many other things to do as well. These include visiting the National Museum of Singapore and Asian Civilisations Museum; discovering colonial history at Fort Canning Hill; posing for a selfie with the Singapore Merlion; and walking along Orchard Road, which is lined with shopping malls.
There are other activities too such as watching ‘Spectra,’ which is the light and water show at Marina Bay; exploring the lush and beautiful Gardens by the Bay; and going on a night safari in an open-air zoo that houses over 2,500 nocturnal creatures.
WHERE TO GO For an intense multiethnic engagement, visit Chinatown and be enchanted by historic temples and the heritage of Singapore. Then move on to Little India where you can experience the buzzing history and lifestyle of the city’s Indian community.
If time permits, pay a visit to Sentosa Island where locals and visitors go to have fun. Not to be missed is a ride on the SkyHelix, a history lesson at Fort Siloso, more selfies at Madame Tussauds Museum and a relaxing lunch at the Trapizza beachfront restaurant. The most scenic way to arrive there from the mainland is by cable car from the HarbourFront MRT station.
