*** For Singapore pictures and itineraries, visit www.traveljournal.com.ph.
When many people in the western world hear of Singapore, it's often the Singapore Sling cocktail that comes in mind. Most people don't really know where the country is and would probably never consider it as a travel destination. For any trip to southeast Asia, especially on longer excursions to multiple countries, Singapore is worth a stop as it provides a nice change compared to the usual crowded, polluted and chaotic large cities of Hong Kong or Bangkok. Singapore is an island, country and city all rolled into one.
Compared to other destinations in southeast Asia, Singapore is ultra clean thanks to its somewhat restrictive government. There are heavy fines for littering, spitting in the streets and jaywalking. It's even illegal to bring in chewing gum into the country. Drug offences can result in death penalties so travelers definitely should not take the risk by bringing any illegal narcotics into Singapore. But the result of all the tough laws is a place in the region that is quite low in crime rates. It is one of the safest destinations for female travelers where equality is encouraged.
With its gleaming high rise buildings, Singapore is one of the most modern cities in Asia due to its economic success. It also makes great efforts to make itself presentable and beautiful. On the trip from the international airport to the city center, it can be noticed that the bridges passing over the main highway are covered with orchards and flowers. This is something that one doesn't see often anywhere else in the world. The city center itself is well designed with the Singapore river running through it. River cruises are available to take in the local sights from the water. There are numerous outdoor cafes, restaurants and shops along side the river which makes for a pleasant stroll. Because of the hot temperatures here since Singapore is pretty well on the equator line, the city can feel like a giant sauna. So extended walks are suggested in the early mornings, late afternoons or evenings when things get a bit more comfortable rather than in the midday hear.
Singapore with its mixed population including Chinese (77%), Malay (14%) and Indian (7%) is a case study in multiculturalism. Everyone here lives and works together in harmony. Only in Singapore can one see a Buddhist temple, a Hindu temple and an Islamic mosque all in close proximity to each other. The country has four official languages being English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. One of the great advantages of such a multiracial scene is that there are different ethnic neighborhoods to check out including Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street. All have their own distinct flavors in little shops, markets and cuisine. In addition to restaurants, there are outdoor food vendors which serve very low priced meals so one can dine well at any budget level.
For horticulture enthusiasts, Singapore is a gold mine where there are world class gardens including the Singapore Botanic Gardens as well as the Chinese and Japanese Gardens. For nature lovers, there are some interesting attractions including the Jurong Bird Park, Jurong Reptile Park, Singapore Crocidilarium, Singapore Zoological Gardens and the very unique Night Safari which is open only during evenings. Sentosa is a small resort island south of the city with a scenic cable car, an aquarium and some nice beaches.
In addition to the modern skyline and the contrasting ethnic temples, there is still some wonderful colonial architecture including the famous Raffles Hotel where the Singapore Sling was originally invented. If one wishes to stay indoors during the hot midday sun, there are several museums including the National Museum to take in. Singapore has some Asian theme parks such as Tang Dynasty City which is a recreation of life during 7th century China and Haw ParVilla Tiger Balm Gardens which has colorful statues depicting Chinese mythology. High end boutique shopping for fashion and electronics will be concentrated on or near Orchard Street.
It is a good idea to take a quick organized city tour to get an overview of what Singapore has to offer. Then tourists can easily take advantage of the very efficient bus and subway system known as Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) to go pretty well anywhere on the island for selected sights of interest. A nice thing about Singapore is that it is pretty compact and easy to get around. It won't take long to see all the sights and attractions one would be interested in so even a few days is all that would be required. Singapore would be the much needed change of pace within a longer hectic southeast Asian tour.
Articles Source - Free Articles
About the Author
Clint Leung is owner of Free Spirit Gallery (http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca) , an online gallery specializing in Inuit Eskimo and Northwest Native American art including carvings, sculpture and prints. Free Spirit Gallery has numerous information resource articles with photos of authentic Inuit and Native Indian art as well as free eCards.
Showing posts with label Things to Do. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Things to Do. Show all posts
Monday, August 27, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Things To Do In Singapore
Things To Do In Singapore
by: Ong Hui Woo
The best way to explore Singapore is to do what the locals do. That’s right, do things that are ‘non-touristy’. I have compiled a list of places and things to do in Singapore that are mostly free, other than a bottle of drink and transport fares. Hope you will find them useful and have fun!
1. Grab your 20 mega pixel camera and head down to Chinatown .... ok, ok, 2 million pixel is just as good. Take some pictures of the old shops and their almost 90 degrees staircases. If you like taking pictures of elderly people, there are many sitting around the wet market doing nothing.
2. Go to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve for mountain biking or walk around and smell the green. Bring a bottle of water and shades.
3. Take a ferry (cost only $2) to Pulau Ubin and explore the island. You can also rent a bike or worn out motocycle. Try taking a taxi if you can find one, they can climb rough terrains better than jeeps. Explore some of the Malay kampungs and prawn farms.
4. Visit the Changi Prison. It's free entrance for both tourist and inmates. Drop by the museum and chapel for some WW2 history and photos.
5. Visit the Siang Lim Si temple at Toa Payoh. Watch people get blessed. For the non-believers, you can count the number of deities inside ... it should occupy you for one hour.
6. Go to the East Coast Park for a swim and followed by satay-bee hoon at the hawker centre.
7. Take a train to Changi Airport. Buy two cups of coffee, find a comfortable pillar in the departure hall viewing gallery, watch planes take off and ask yourself why you are not on the plane heading for a vacation.
8. Take a map and walk through MacRitchie Reservoir.
9. Go Sim Lim Square and check out the latest laptops and hardware.
10. Go jogging from Kallang River to Benjamin Sheares Bridge.
11. Take a train from the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. You can go over to Malaysia and back within a day.
12. Try water skiing at Pungol.
13. Make your own kite and fly them at the Marine South open field. After that, you can have a delicious steamboat dinner at the many steamboat restaurant nearby.
14. Go to the Flea Market at Sungei Road. Some people called it the Thieves Market because most of the things sold there are not bought by the merchants.
15. Go cycling at the Sembawang Park. Quiet and nice even on the weekends. Cycle to the end and you can see some of the big ships refuelling.
16. Bring your own pit and barbeque along the Upper Pierce Reservoir. But if you feel oily, don't jump into the reservoir, you may end up in Point no. 4.
17. Visit the Tekka Market at Serangoon Road for a variety of fruits and vegetables. There is a stall selling one of the best Bryani Chicken Rice I have ever tasted.
18. Go fishing at Pasir Ris Park.
19. Visit the Kinokuniya Bookstore.If your are dizzy after browing the library size bookstore, sit down for a cup of tea at the cafe inside the bookstore. If you feel like a bookworm that day, then head for the Borders bookstore for a second helping.
20. Visit the Sungei Buloh Nature Park. Bring binoculars and do bird watching. After that, you can buy some hydroponic vegetables home at the nearby farms.
copyright : http://www.platimumbooks.com
by: Ong Hui Woo
The best way to explore Singapore is to do what the locals do. That’s right, do things that are ‘non-touristy’. I have compiled a list of places and things to do in Singapore that are mostly free, other than a bottle of drink and transport fares. Hope you will find them useful and have fun!
1. Grab your 20 mega pixel camera and head down to Chinatown .... ok, ok, 2 million pixel is just as good. Take some pictures of the old shops and their almost 90 degrees staircases. If you like taking pictures of elderly people, there are many sitting around the wet market doing nothing.
2. Go to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve for mountain biking or walk around and smell the green. Bring a bottle of water and shades.
3. Take a ferry (cost only $2) to Pulau Ubin and explore the island. You can also rent a bike or worn out motocycle. Try taking a taxi if you can find one, they can climb rough terrains better than jeeps. Explore some of the Malay kampungs and prawn farms.
4. Visit the Changi Prison. It's free entrance for both tourist and inmates. Drop by the museum and chapel for some WW2 history and photos.
5. Visit the Siang Lim Si temple at Toa Payoh. Watch people get blessed. For the non-believers, you can count the number of deities inside ... it should occupy you for one hour.
6. Go to the East Coast Park for a swim and followed by satay-bee hoon at the hawker centre.
7. Take a train to Changi Airport. Buy two cups of coffee, find a comfortable pillar in the departure hall viewing gallery, watch planes take off and ask yourself why you are not on the plane heading for a vacation.
8. Take a map and walk through MacRitchie Reservoir.
9. Go Sim Lim Square and check out the latest laptops and hardware.
10. Go jogging from Kallang River to Benjamin Sheares Bridge.
11. Take a train from the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. You can go over to Malaysia and back within a day.
12. Try water skiing at Pungol.
13. Make your own kite and fly them at the Marine South open field. After that, you can have a delicious steamboat dinner at the many steamboat restaurant nearby.
14. Go to the Flea Market at Sungei Road. Some people called it the Thieves Market because most of the things sold there are not bought by the merchants.
15. Go cycling at the Sembawang Park. Quiet and nice even on the weekends. Cycle to the end and you can see some of the big ships refuelling.
16. Bring your own pit and barbeque along the Upper Pierce Reservoir. But if you feel oily, don't jump into the reservoir, you may end up in Point no. 4.
17. Visit the Tekka Market at Serangoon Road for a variety of fruits and vegetables. There is a stall selling one of the best Bryani Chicken Rice I have ever tasted.
18. Go fishing at Pasir Ris Park.
19. Visit the Kinokuniya Bookstore.If your are dizzy after browing the library size bookstore, sit down for a cup of tea at the cafe inside the bookstore. If you feel like a bookworm that day, then head for the Borders bookstore for a second helping.
20. Visit the Sungei Buloh Nature Park. Bring binoculars and do bird watching. After that, you can buy some hydroponic vegetables home at the nearby farms.
copyright : http://www.platimumbooks.com
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