Friday, May 9, 2008

Visitors to Singapore are spoilt for choice - by world-class shows, dance parties, arts performances and much more

Singapore's entertainment landscape has changed dramatically in recent times. Visitors to the islands today are spoilt for choice with the variety of fantastic entertainment options, from world-class shows and performances to dusk-till-dawn dance parties and brand new nightspots.Notably, a number of large-scale nightlife developments have launched over the past two years. The rejuvenated Clarke Quay along the burgeoning Singapore River precinct is shaping up as Singapore's 24-hour entertainment hub.

The Cannery is home to the renowned Ministry of Sound, as well as other international names in entertainment, including Kandi Bar by Hed Kandi, FashionBar by Fashion TV and Barfly by Buddha Bar. Clarke Quay also recently saw the opening of brand new nightspots including The Arena and Lunar, which add to its already vibrant bar and club scene that features popular offerings such as Attica, The Pump Room and Cuba Libre.

The Southern Waterfront precinct witnessed two significant additions to the party scene early this year. The much-anticipated mega complex St James Power Station offers 70,000 square feet of party space and nine clubs under one roof, each with a different concept. Over on Sentosa Island, Café Del Mar opened on Siloso Beach in January, bringing one of the Ibiza's party scene's finest names to Singapore.

Those in search of a cosy niche experience will find that there are some highly popular boutique clubs and bars emerging all around Singapore, such as Butter Factory, Archipelago Bar, Timbre and Eski Bar. More chill-out options can be found at Tanglin Village – a brand new lifestyle cluster at Dempsey Hill that offers many intimate wine bars.

Zouk, indisputably a modern Singapore icon, continues to reign as one of the most influential dance clubs in the world, attracting the most acclaimed DJs to its turntables each week. Its signature dance music festival, ZoukOut, marked its seventh year in 2007 by welcoming 23,000 party-goers – of whom 8,200 were tourists.

Beyond nightspots, Singapore boasts a year-round calendar of events and performances of all kinds, including world famous musicals and concerts by internationally acclaimed stars – in 2008 the Police, Santana and Harry Connick Jnr will all be making their mark in Singapore.

To get a real feel for the city, take a cruise down the Singapore River in a traditional bumboat and marvel at the contrast between the historic colonial buildings, modern skyscrapers, old godowns and shophouses. Or for something a little bit different and a whole lot of fun, take a combined city and harbour tour with a converted warcraft via DUCKtours – a boat on monstrous wheels which takes you around Singapore's landmarks by land and sea.For another taste of non-stop action, head to the unmissable experience that is the island of Sentosa – from adventure rides to historical exhibits, shopping and entertainment to stunning beaches, whatever you are looking for, you're bound to find it here.

One of Singapore's most well-loved visitor experiences happens after dark – the famous Night Safari at Singapore Zoo. During a nocturnal visit, you see a very different world to the daytime one. You set out – on foot or by tram – through the different themed zones, each of which simulates a particular area, such as the African savannah or South American pampas. With more than 900 creatures for company, this is an exciting adventure you'll remember forever.

The much anticipated Singapore Flyer became both the world's highest observation wheel and Singapore's most visible attraction when it opened in March 2008. At 165 metres (541 feet) above ground – the height of a 42-storey building – it offers its passengers a breathtaking unobstructed view, stretching for 45km (28 miles) around, out over the China Sea and into the neighbouring countries of Malaysia and Indonesia. The Flyer also offers an array of facilities, including a central atrium with a recreated Asian rainforest, an outdoor amphitheatre and an al fresco dining promenade running along the seafront. It is also easily accessible by train, bus, car and even boat.

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