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SINGAPORE > PLACES TO VISIT
COLONIAL SINGAPORE
Places of interest include: Empress Place Building, built in 1865, this imposing
Victorian structure, houses a museum, art and antique galleries and a chic restaurant.
The Padang, where flannelled cricketers once caught, bowled and batted in the
searing heat; Raffles Hotel, restored to its 1920's grandeur, this grand old hotel
played host to famous celebrities and writers such as Somerset Maugham and Joseph
Conrad, it is a Singaporean institution of oriental luxury where you can enjoy
a buffet lunch or dinner in the Tiffin Room or sip Singapore Gin Slings at the
Long Bar…home to this cocktail drink since 1915! There are also numerous
imposing churches in Singapore such as St Andrew's Cathedral and the Cathedral
of the Good Shepherd.
CHINATOWN
Chinatown is the cultural heart of Singapore and still provides a vibrant and
colorful glimpse into the past with its numerous temples, decorated terraces
and accumulation of merchants, shops and activity. This is where you can visit
a wet market, or shop for Chinese antiquities and herbs. Unfortunately much
of Chinatown has been torn down and redeveloped over the last 30 years, restoration
by the Urban Redevelopment Authority has saved some parts but the restored buildings
are now desirable properties commanding high rents, and traditional businesses
- such as shops selling incense to temple worshippers, letter writers and chop
(stamp) makers - are moving out and a new upmarket Chinatown of fashionable
restaurants and expensive shops is taking its place. However, it is still a
fascinating place to explore, especially in the early-morning hours when there
is more activity. The Thian Hock Keng Temple in Chinatown is well worth a visit.
ARAB STREET
This is the Muslim center of Singapore, it is a traditional textile district,
full of silks, batiks and ethnic products such as rosaries, flower essences,
hajj caps, songkok hats, basket ware and rattan handicrafts. The grand Sultan
Mosque is the biggest and liveliest mosque in Singapore, but the tiny Malabar
Muslim Jama-ath Mosque is the most beautiful. There's fine Indian Muslim food
along nearby North Bridge Road and the food stalls on Bussorah Street are especially
atmospheric at dusk during Ramadan.
LITTLE INDIA
If you walk through this area, pulsating with pungent aromas and Hindi film
music, you will feel like you are in India. Centered around the southern end
of Serangoon Road, this is the place to come to watch the intricate weaving
of jasmine garlands using banana tree fiber, have your fortune told, eat great
vegetarian food and watch street side cooks fry chapattis. The Zhujiao Centre
is the main market, but there are also interesting spice shops nearby. The best
temples are Veerama Kali Ammam, Sri Srinivasa Perumal and the glitzy Temple
of 1000 Lights.
ORCHARD ROAD
This is the part of Singapore that is dominated by high class hotels, shopping
centers, trendy nightspots, chic restaurants, cocktail bars and lounges. A tree
lined boulevard serviced by three MRT stations, air-conditioned underpasses
and covered walkways, shopping complexes and department stores. Orchard Rd also
possesses some sights of cultural interest that don't involve spending money.
JURONG
Jurong Town is a huge industrial and housing area and is home to the Haw Par
Villa (an incredibly tacky Chinese mythological theme park), the beautifully
landscaped Jurong Bird Park, Chinese & Japanese Gardens and the hands-on
Singapore Science Center. Jurong Bird park is the largest bird park in all of
Southeast Asia with attractions that include a waterfall aviary and a Penguin
Parade. SENTOSA ISLAND: Sentosa Island is Singapore's most visited attraction,
especially at weekends. It offers numerous sites and activities including museums,
aquariums, beaches (with imported sand), sporting facilities, walks, rides and
food centers. The island also has a camping ground, hostel and luxury hotels.
CHANGI VILLAGE
If you want to escape from the busy central district of Singapore, Changi Village,
on the east coast, is worth a visit. It has a village atmosphere and a beach
that is almost deserted during the weekdays. Next to the main gate of the infamous
Changi Prison is a replica of the chapel used by interned Allied prisoners of
world war II with poignant memorabilia and notes pinned to the walls.
PULAU UBIN
The rural setting of this northern island is far removed from the cosmopolitan
bustle of central Singapore. Visitors can opt to rent bicycles to explore the
island, go bird watching, have a village meal at the village seafood restaurant,
or explore its fish farms, holy temples, coconut palms and deserted beaches.
SOUTHERN ISLANDS
Sisters' Islands are good for swimming and, with their nearby coral reefs, are
a popular diving spot. Other islands worth checking out are Lazarus Island (Pulau
Sakijang Pelepah), Pulau Buran Darat, Terumba Retan Laut and Pulau Renggit.
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