Singapore is a
paradisiacal island loved by everyone who visits it. For those who haven’t seen
it personally wish to visit there for its magnificent attractions. After all,
how often do you see the rags to riches story come true for a country? An
island country marred by invasions and tortures rose to become the world’s favourite
travel destination all by the hard work of its people and their warmth,
Singapore is every bit worth your travel bucket list.
While on your next trip
to Singapore, here are the 11 best things to do you must experience.
1. Take
a tour of Tiong Bahru
The most happening
hoods of Singapore, the Tiong Bahru is lined with row after
row arts and decorative shop-houses. It is a residential estate crowded with
some of Singapore’s best food and lifestyle establishments. You can also visit
the heritage-rich places to know more about the cultural side of this island
city. Filled with restaurants, bars and shop houses rest assured you are spoilt
for choices here. Don’t forget to try chwee kueh (rice cakes steamed to
perfection with preserved radish toppings) and lor mee (braised noodles), the
specialities of Singapore.
2. A
Visit to the Marina Bay
No trip to Singapore is
complete without visiting the majestic Marina Bay area. With the rise of
Singapore to a cosmopolitan city-state, the Marina Bay has seen changes of
gigantic proportions. The Marina Bay Sands- a $5.5 billion complex is the focal
point of the bay with almost a world-record holding structure and grandeur.
With amazing options such as the Science Museum, Casino, dining options,
shopping and nightlife choices; there’s no way you should miss out on spending an
enjoyable evening at the Marina Bay.
3. Universal
Studios Singapore
A one-of-a-kind theme
park in the South-East Asia, Universal
Studios Singapore, has more than 20 attractions in themed zones
like the Hollywood, Ancient Egypt, Madagascar, New York, Far Far Away, and the
Lost World. There are two water themed rides and five thrilling roller coaster rides
to give your heart and adventurous pace. The glamourous world of movies,
enchanting rides and slides, and the straight from the movie tale characters
are there to offer you a time of your life. It is nothing you would have
imagined and every bit perfect for the complete entertainment of your family.
4. Singapore
Night Safari
Take a trip to
experience the journey of world’s best nocturnal animals at one-of-its-kind, The
Singapore Night Safari. This nocturnal animal kingdom is not only a tourist haven
but also a research and conservation centre in Asia. With more than 1000
animals and 59 exhibits, there’s plenty to keep everyone excitingly awake
during the night tour. The nocturnal animals include one-horned rhinos, gazelles,
Himalayan vultures, wilder beasts, jackals, hyenas, elephants and many more. The
trip also includes a special Creatures of the Night show for your entertainment.
With animals sourced from various parts of the world such as Asia, Europe,
Africa, and America, this place is considered to be the most family friendly
destinations in Asia.
5. Relax
in Sentosa
Sentosa is an island
dedicated to extreme fun and entertainment for people across all ages. Sentosa
has Universal Studios Singapore, SEA Aquarium, and Adventure Cove Park. If you
want to feel adrenaline rush, enjoy The Flying Trapeze, iFly Singapore, and
Mega Adventure. Don’t forget to enjoy the sandy shoreline of Palawan Beach at
the southernmost tip of Continental Asia.
6. Gardens
By the Bay
This huge futuristic
park in the bay area of Singapore is colourful and majestic. Take a stroll in
the impressive skywalk offered by the famous tree structures to experience what
natural may mean in the future. The sea-shell shaped green houses recreate the
atmospheric condition of chilly mountain climate which allows a number of
exotic species to grow and blossom. This place is the perfect mix of mother
nature and the modern life of metropolis. The crowd favourite, Cloud Forest is
114-feet-tall and features a mini mountain and the world’s tallest indoor
waterfall.
7. Visit
the beautiful Birds at Jurong Bird Park
A haven for bird
watchers spread over 49 acres, Jurong bird park is at the highest point in the
Jurong Hill. It includes an African waterfall with the largest Aviary that
includes over 600 free flying birds of more than 50 species. There is a corner
named as Dinosaur Descendants that includes all the flightless species of birds
such as ostriches, Emus, cassowaries, and rheas. The Wings of Asia section has
over 200 species of Southeast Asian birds that you can view and enjoy. At noon
each day, a thunderstorm is simulated and is followed by a light drizzle to
give the birds a natural environment. The ambient is made similar to rainforest
and a special nectar mix is available for the visitors to offer to the lories.
The Penguin Coast section is a house to penguin species such as Humboldt,
macaroni, rockhopper and king penguins. You can also see cape shelducks and
gulls.
8. Go
on a Shopping Spree at China Town
An iconic landmark of
Singapore Chinatown is famous for shopping, and a feel of little China in
Singapore. A perfect place for low-priced souvenirs, Chinatown is ideal for
foodies too. With countless food hawkers and restaurants to choose from you are
spoilt for choices in the Chinese cuisine. If you want to learn more about the
history of Chinatown, visit the China Town Heritage Centre at the Pagoda
Street. It will take you through the memory lane of how immigrants who migrated
to China lived a hard life and were the main people who founded Singapore.
Other famous attractions included the Thian Hock Keng Temple, Buddha Tooth
Relic Temple, and Maxwell Road Food Centre.
9. Singapore
Flyer
The Singapore Flyer is
the one of the largest observation wheel in the world. It beats the London
Flyer by over 100 feet and moves at a speed of 0.21 m per second. With a 360
degree panoramic view, the scenery from the top looks stunningly different
during night and day. You can view the amazing Raffles Place, Empress Place, Padang, Marina
Bay and the Singapore River from this observation deck.
10. Visit
Little India
If you want a little
piece of India during your visit to Singapore, go to the Little India. The
authentic Indian cuisine served in the hole-in-the-wall restaurants gives you
an idea of rich Indian food and culture. You can also visit temples, the
bountiful Indian food markets and take part in the festivities that is a common
routine throughout the year.
11. Go to the Singapore Botanical Gardens
Initially, an unused
plantation, the Singapore Botanical Garden is spread over an area of 60 acres
and is the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. This garden played a
significant role in developing agriculture in Singapore and the surrounding
region. With more than 150 years of rich history, this garden is a part of the
success story of Singapore. Scholarly Botanists and casual visitors can be seen
in this garden throughout the year. As beautiful as it looks, the National
Orchid Garden is famous for the wide variety of species and spectacular colors to
help you relax your senses.
Conclusion
There can be an unending
list of the best things to do in Singapore. There are backpackers living in the
country since so many years and still don’t feel like leaving the place as they
are still exploring it. Singapore is a place that grows on you and is
definitely a worth visit for every traveller.
(Contributed by Neha Singh)
