Singapore

Singapore

At first glance, Singapore appears to be an almost utopian city, and with good reason. The streets are kept meticulously clean, there is virtually no crime, and the public transport is never late. Immaculate skyscrapers overlook the manicured waterfront, traffic jams are almost non-existent and the people themselves are stylish and polite. But don’t let this sterile exterior fool you Singapore is a cultural melting pot brimming with character and youthful vigour that dazzles the senses.

The island-nation of Singapore is well known for its engaging contradictions. A destination rooted in the traditions of the East yet complimented by the progressiveness of the West. With rich heritage drawn from the confluence of its mosaic of cultures, the city offers visitors an experience that is uniquely Singaporean. From bargain hunting at the newest shopping mall to dining along the Singapore River, or visiting ethnic enclaves of Little India Chinatown Kampong Glam and Katong, Singapore offers an abundance of varied lifestyle, entertainment and cultural experiences for you to choose from.

Singapore’s centre of commerce is the Orchard Road, where wall-to-wall malls are bustle with fashions picking up the latest trends. Just down the road Chinatown's mammoth Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Hindu shrines make for a tranquil getaway amidst the chaos. Nowhere is the city’s curious mixture of traditional, colonial and modern more evident than at the mouth of the Singapore River, where the spectacularly futuristic Esplanade theatre sits next to the neo-Palladian majesty of the Asian Civilizations Museum, which houses a treasure trove of Vietnamese and Islamic cultural artefacts. For a break from the urban confines, the island’s picturesque centre contains babbling brooks and verdant tracts of forest populated by droves of monkeys.

From the hustle and bustle of the lively harbour, to the colourful shopping districts, Singapore really is a well-oiled city with a character all of its own.

Singapore City Tour and Singapore Flyer
Get to know Singapore on a morning or afternoon half-day tour. Take in the city's highlights in one short tour which encompasses Singapore's vibrant Chinatown, colonial landmarks, Little India and the iconic Merlion.

There is an option to combine the Singapore City Tour with a spectacular 30-minute flight aboard the Singapore Flyer. Towering 165 metres above Singapore, the Singapore Flyer is the world's largest observation wheel and provides more than a view, it captures Singapore's magnificent skyline along with glimpses of neighbouring Indonesia and Malaysia.

Escape to the Island
Expand your Singapore experience with an afternoon visit to Sentosa Island, Singapore's tranquil island resort. A scenic cable car ride transports tourists to see pink dolphins at play in the Dolphin Lagoon, visit the Underwater World oceanarium, see the Images of Singapore story and enjoy the multi-sensory sound and light water show, Songs of the Sea.

Museums and Galleries
Singapore boasts a vast array of museums that document the country’s rich history. Artefacts that chart the city’s humble beginnings can be found in the Asian Civilisation Museum, while the Images of Singapore museum documents the fascinating development of the island nation up to the present day.

The city also has a thriving contemporary arts scene, which can be sampled at some of the local galleries and expos scattered throughout the town.

Ancient Temples
There are a number of significant religious sites located around Singapore that are well worth a visit. One particular site worth a mention is the magnificent Thian Hock Keng Temple one of the oldest and grandest Chinese temples, originally built as a shrine to protect sailors from harm.