Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Singapore Botanic Gardens epitomises the tropical island's luxuriant parks. Spread over 52 hectares and close to the centre of the city, the Gardens showcases many outstanding plant collections. Some highlights include the National Orchid Garden, the Ginger Garden, and the Evolution Garden. The numerous plant species here, including many rare specimens, reflect the Singapore Botanic Gardens' richness and diversity of plant life.

Love orchids? The National Orchid Garden has one of Asia’s most reputable collection of tropical orchids from near and far, displayed in attractive landscapes on gently undulating terrain. Amongst its noteworthy features is a bromeliad collection from the Americas, a Misthouse filled with Phalaenopsis and Cattleyas, and a Heritage Garden containing hybrids named after heads of state and other famous personalities. Visitors will also delight in a state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled Coolhouse which mimics the cool environment of tropical highlands, and filled with species found only in the higher elevations of Southeast Asia.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is Singapore's first and only protected wetland reserve. Home to over 500 species of tropical flora and fauna, the 130-hectare conserved wetland habitat is also a "refuelling point" for birds on the East Asian Australasian Flyway. Carefully constructed hides and boardwalks provide a close-up view of the flora and fauna in the reserve for nature lovers.

Singapore Zoological Gardens & Night Safari

The Singapore Zoological Gardens, an open-concept zoo which is home to more than 2,000 creatures, has attracted international acclaim because of its clever use of rock walls and streams as natural barriers. You can also enjoy a Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife-Zoo's award-winning breakfast programme with a new ensemble of animal, script and ambience.

Next to the Zoo is the Night Safari, the world’s first night wildlife park set in 40 hectares of dense secondary forest. You will be able to see more than 1,000 nocturnal animals from over 100 species in their natural habitat. As you walk along the well-lit trails, do not be alarmed if a friendly deer walks up to you. The nocturnal activities of animals such as the Cape buffalo, African bongo, blue sheep, striped hyena and the golden jackal will be revealed as you watch them prowling, hunting, feeding and interacting with oneanother.

Jurong BirdPark

Visit the largest open-concept bird park in the Asia Pacific and one of the best in the world.

Not-to-be missed attractions in the park include the interesting Penguin Parade, where penguins live and play in an environment similar to that of the South Pole; the South-east Asian Bird Aviary where a thunderstorm is simulated everyday at noon; and the highly entertaining Fuji World of Hawks show & JBP All Stars Birdshow. Take flight only after having refreshments at "Lodge on Flamingo Lake".

Sentosa Island

Another popular attraction is Sentosa Island, for more fun under the sun. Whether it’s learning about Singapore’s World War II history at Fort Siloso or about Singapore’s various festivals at the Images of Singapore exhibits, you should spend at least one full day exploring the island.

A truly exhilarating experience also awaits you at the Underwater World, where glass panels are the only barriers which separates you from baby sharks, manta rays and other marine life. If you have time to linger a little longer, visit the pink dolphins at the lagoon, go on a nature trail, relax at the Central Beach over-looking the harbour, or you can stay on and watch the sun set while sipping your favourite cocktail or beer at Sunset Bay. Spa enthusiasts will not be neglected either. They can choose to immerse in the region's first mud pools at Spa Botanica, Sentosa Resort & Spa. Or check out treatments at the Aspara - Phytomer Spa at Rasa Sentosa Resort Singapore.

Chinatown

No visit to Singapore would be complete without a visit to Chinatown – the original site where Chinese immigrants lived. Chinatown is where you can visit a wet market and see housewives haggling for the best fresh produce available or experience a Chinese tea appreciation session with an opera performance.

Shop for Chinese antiquities or buy Tiger Balm (medicated ointment) and marvel at the array of Chinese herbs on sale. Visit the famous Chinese temples there or experience a prayer session in progress at the Sri Mariamman Temple, right in the heart of Chinatown.

The bustling street market, an integral part of Chinatown’s street scene in the past, has made a comeback since June 2004. The new Chinatown Night Market has over 200 street stalls selling a wide and interesting selection of retail items, ranging from handicraft to fashion apparel, electronic goods, jewellery, trinkets, modern home accessories and food items, just to name a few. There are also nightly cultural/concert performances which add to the lively atmosphere at the Night Market.

Little India

Your senses will come alive in this “colourful” ethnic area, which used to be just marshland and grazing fields for cattle. A walk through Little India Arcade and then along Campbell Lane will make you feel you are in India. Watch the intricate weaving of jasmine garlands using banana tree fibre, pick up a packet of curry powder or spices, let a parakeet bird tell your fortune or settle down for an Indian vegetarian snack at Komalas - a modern fast food Indian restaurant. For the more adventurous, eat a South Indian rice meal with your fingers off a banana leaf at Apollo Banana Leaf Restaurant or Muthu’s Curry Restaurant along Race Course Road.

Arab Street / Kampong Glam

Embroidered materials, semi-precious stones, basketware, accessories for a pilgrimage, natural oils and perfumes are abound in Arab Street / Kampong Glam, which got its name from the Glam trees that once grew there. Medicinal oil was extracted from the tree and its bark used by the Buginese and Malays to caulk their boats. A visit to the Sultan Mosque, the most prominent mosque in the city, is a must.

Katong

Katong is well-known as a food haven among the locals. A Peranakan enclave, it is a district that is rich in Peranakan and Eurasian heritage and architecture. Many of the older Peranakan homes, now standing back from the sea, were once seaside villas. Wander along East Coast Road for a choice of delectable local fare, which includes the famous laksa dish, tasty local seafood and Peranakan cuisine.

Gourmet Paradise

Indeed Singapore is a gourmet paradise. Being a multi-racial society, Singapore offers a wide array of choices for a delightful gastronomical experience. Speaking of good food, they include Chinese cuisine which served in eight regional styles, the Indian food which ranges from the mild and subtle North Indian to the fiery South Indian styles, Malay delicacies with their spicy varieties of Indonesian food, Singapore's homegrown Nonya cooking – a combination of Chinese and Malay styles, plus Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese and Thai food – they can all be had in Singapore!

As for western cuisine, you will find places serving English, French, American, German, Swiss, Spanish, Mexican, Italian and even Russian food. Do not miss Singapore's famous Chili Crab, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Fried Kway Teow (flat noodles fried with black soya sauce) and Nasi Padang (rice with various Malay dishes). Of course, if you want to know where the best food is, just follow your nose. Do not be afraid to explore and go where the average Singaporean goes, especially dining at the local food centres. Good food in Singapore need not be expensive!

Bargains Galore

Singapore is one place where you can literally "shop till you drop!" Really, the bargain prices you get, the variety and quality of merchandise will leave you spoilt for choice. No one who has been to Singapore will forget the Orchard Road shopping experience.

The department stores, shopping malls and exclusive boutiques offer a range of products of international quality. Most malls are interlinked, so you can shop in air-conditioned comfort and not be bothered by tropical showers. If you are adventurous, hop onto an MRT train that takes you to the heartlands, where suburban malls offer equally good quality products at even better prices.

Arts City

Singapore is also a City for the Arts. We have a burgeoning arts scene and there are drama, music and dance performances all year round at various locations, culminating in the Singapore Arts Festival in June. World-class acts like WOMAD (World of Music, Art and Dance) have kept its audiences on their toes while the Comedy Festival sent everyone home in stitches. The high quality of these international performances means that tickets are taken up very fast and furiously, so do remember to make advance bookings.

Golfing in Singapore

With perfect weather nearly all year round, Singapore is the ideal destination for golfers all over the world to tee off. International events such as the Caltex Singapore Masters, are held here. With the superb golfing facilities and an extensive selection of clubs - some of which have signature courses of their own - you will be spoiled for choice on our beautiful fairways. You need not worry about your handicap either, as most courses have multiple tee off positions. You can play golf at almost anytime of the day - and night! - as some courses are open for play in the evenings. This means you can enjoy the courses at a wide variety of clubs, regardless of your skill level.

You can also easily access regional golf courses in neighbouring destinations like Bintan, Batam and Johor. For instance, two signature championship courses in Indonesia, designed by Jack Nicklaus and Ian Baker-Finch, are a short 45-minute ferry ride from Singapore.

There are some things to keep in mind when golfing in Singapore. Most of our golf clubs and courses have a dress code that requires a collared T-shirt with trousers or short pants. Proper golf shoes should also be worn. However, be aware that some clubs may not allow spiked shoes on the course. If you need a caddie or a golf buggy, they can be hired at reasonable rates from most clubs. For your own convenience, try to confirm a tee off time before going to the club as a competition or routine maintenance may be in progress. Most clubs are well-equipped with lockers, showers, changing rooms, as well as dining and entertainment outlets.

Cruises

For a holiday with a touch of luxury, try cruises. Singapore is the cruise hub in the Asia-Pacific. Choose from a diverse selection of cruise operators, both local and international, offering luxury cruises of discovery to nearby tropical destinations such as Malaysian resort islands of Tioman, Penang and Langkawi. Head off to nearby Indonesian islands of Batam and Bintan lie on idyllic beaches and dine on delicious seafood. Exotic destinations like Phuket and Malacca are also just a short sail away.

Harbour & River cruises

Cruises around the Southern islands of Kusu, St. John’s, Sisters and Lazarus are offered by a number of tour operators. These cruises include meals like lunch, high tea and romantic dinners for lovebirds.

Singapore Tours

Ducktours & HiPPOtours

Ride along with Singapore Ducktours as they bring you on the Singapore Heritage Tour around the Civic and Marina District before plunging into the Singapore River onboard an amphibious craft. The LARC (Light Amphibious Resupply Craft) was first used as a military vehicle during WWII for the transportation of cargo. Today, the half-boat, half-truck vehicle is restored for visitors to experience the unique journey from land to sea as they take in the many sights around the area. While the 'duck' tours have been around in the US, UK and Australia, Singapore is the first in Asia to have this. Hop onto 'duck' and expect 60 minutes of wacky fun and waddling entertainment as you learn offbeat facts about a Singapore from the entertainer-cum-tour-guide.

HiPPOtours is a double-decker open-top bus introduced in June 2004. It is a free and easy, hop-on and off, topless tour that allows you to explore at your own pace and indulge in the things that you love. It is a unique way of city sightseeing and you can choose either Sunny HiPPO-Day City Sightseeing or Moonlight HiPPO – Night City Sightseeing.

Feng Shui Tour

The Original Singapore Walks