Singapore Tourism
“The Quintessential Cosmopolitan”
Best described as a microcosm of modern Asia, Singapore is a melting pot of culture and history, and an extravaganza of culinary delights. Officially known as the Republic of Singapore, it is both a city and a country located in Southeast Asia. One of Asia’s most visited destinations, Singapore is best described as an amalgam of a fast-paced life and an off-the-back-street inheritance.
Singapore is the quintessential cosmopolitan, having the highest religious diversity in any country. Spread 42 km (26 miles) east to west and 23 km (14 miles) north to south, today it boasts of the world’s busiest port. Singapore has climbed to be one of Asia’s hit-list destinations with its efficient and widespread transport system – whizzing in this country is just a matter of minutes!
The national pastime of Singaporeans is eating, followed closely by shopping. This ‘City in a Garden’ is a blend of cultures, combining different ideas, cuisines, new architectures going well with the gleaming hint of the old school. The incredible shopping malls, classy boutiques, departmental stores on Orchard Road, the exotic elements of Chinatown and Little India and the world-class nightlife span across the spotless land of Singapore.
Diverse Destinations
Explore a myriad of our mind-boggling locations
Gardens by the Bay
Nestled in Central Singapore, Gardens by the Bay is the botanic gardens of the future, the land of next-gen Supertrees groves, high-tech space-domes and outlandish sculptures. Home to almost 4,00,000 plants, Gardens by the Bay is famous for the awe-inspiring contemporary architecture and the hypnotic Garden Rhapsody, the light and sound show.
The vast and colourful super park conservatories is spread across 250 acres of reclaimed land along the waterfront. Its famous Supertree structures, which are futuristic botanical giants connected by a commanding Skyway, offer a mesmerizing view as one traverse the skywalk over the gardens. The over-sized seashell-shaped greenhouse of Gardens by the Bay, called the Flower Dome, is the largest glass greenhouse in the world recreating chilly mountain climates.
Sentosa Island
A tiny resort-island off the southern coast of Singapore, Sentosa Island is home to themed attractions, sun-washed beaches, lush rainforests, amazing spas and some popular resort hotels.
Packed with attractions, Sentosa Island is speckled with panoramic gardens including a butterfly garden, amusement parks, a breathtaking aquarium (Underwater World), beach clubs with lively music, an ethnic village and the highlight of the island, a vast Merlion Statue.
Singapore’s only preserved fort, Fort Siloso, is also located on Sentosa Island. Siloso Beach is for those seeking solace at the beach with volleyball. The place can be easily approached by hired cars, bus, cable car or even Sentosa Express that costs SGD 4.
Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin is a 10.2 square kilometre island lying northeast of Singapore. Translating to Granite Island in Malay, it is one of the last two kampongs of Singapore – a place where one can truly enjoy and experience Singapore for what it used to be. The main attraction is the Chek Jawa Wetlands.
Whether it is the adventurous mountain biking or cycling around the pristine island, with lush green forests and wide rolling meadows, Pulau Ubin is an ideal relaxation spot. Flanked by the mini Puaka Hill with the chirping of birds reverberating in the background, it is also popular for hiking and bird watching. Visitors to this island also go kayaking among the mangroves and camp amidst the peaceful settings to watch the sparkling night stars.
Lazarus Island
One of Singapore’s best-kept secrets, the Lazarus Island is nestled south of mainland Singapore. Also known as Pulau Sakijang Pelepah, Lazarus Island is connected to the nearby St Johns Island by a concrete walkway. With its breathtakingly beautiful surroundings, the beach is a perfect sandy affair and an ideal spot to soak in the rays and have a picnic.
The eastern beach of Lazarus Island is not a rocky one and is good for swimming. Cat-lovers rejoice, as the island is home to several stray cats and a famous one-eyed cat nicknamed the pirate cat. Feel free to get some cat food to feed these little ones. Those wanting a retreat from the bustle of the city or a break from their monotonous life would have a great time at the island, exploring and relaxing.
Haw Par Villa
Formerly known as the Tiger Balm Garden, Haw Par Villa is an Asian culture theme park and Singapore’s largest outdoor art gallery, located along the Pasir Panjang Road. Claimed to be the last of its kind in the world, this repository of Asian folklore and myths is famous for depicting the “Ten Courts of Hell” from Chinese folklore.
Apart from the main attraction, Haw Par Villa is home to over 1000 statues and 150 giant dioramas showcasing scenes from Chinese mythology, illustrations and legends of Confucianism. The iconic red brick road, ascending through a majestic entrance archway, weaves through Chinese classics such as the Eight Immortals and Journey to the West. Statues of leopards, dragons and gigantic gorillas lurk in the corners, while the Guardians of the Underworld greets ones on entering the Ten Courts of Hell. Those interested in uncovering the underlying legends and stories of Haw Par Villa should opt for the tours provided by the garden.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
The Singapore Botanic Gardens, located at Orchard Road, is the only tropical garden to feature as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 82-hectare green space boasts of more than 10,000 species of flowering plants and trees. The prime attractions are the National Orchid Garden, and Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden – the world’s first garden dedicated exclusively to children.
Singapore Botanic Gardens also features the Learning Forest interactive rainforest exhibit, many museums, herbariums, attractive statues, gurgling fountains, a Botany Centre, and many more family-friendly locations. A stunning lake attracts tropical birds and turtles, while butterflies and other insects frequent the sweet-smelling blooms. The Singapore Botanic Gardens is also the venue of performances, recitals, and educational programs at Palm Valley.
