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Tourist
Attractions
Ethnic
Districts
Arab Street/Kampong
Glam
Embroidered materials, semi-precious stones, basketware,
accessories for a pilgrimage, natural oils and perfumes
abound in this area, which got its name from the Glam trees
that once grew here. Medical oil was extracted from the
tree and its bark used by the Buginese and Malays to caulk
their boats.
A visit to the Sultan Mosque, the most prominent mosque
in the city, is a must. Built in 1928, the mosque is one
of the best examples of Muslim architecture on the island.
It was built with the contributions of many in the Muslim
community, which included the rim of glass bottle bases
which can now be seen at the edge of the dome. If you are
felling hungry, enjoy murtabak - Singapore's version of
pizza - at one of the restaurants facing the mosque, along
North Bridge Road.
For a more varied meal, try nasi padang - rice with an assortment
of dishes like rendang (spicy mutton or beef), sayor lodeh
(an assortment of vegetables cooked in a light coconut gravy)
or ikan bakar (barbequed fish served with a dark soya sauce
gravy, diced onions and green chilli) - at Kandahar Street,
a stone's throw from the Sultan Mosque or at Jalan Pisang
for this local treat. It will be a meal you'll not forget.
Best time to visit : 10:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Saturday.
Shops chose on Sunday. On Friday at mid-day, some shops
and restaurants close as Muslims worship at the nearby mosque
Nearest MRT station : Bugis (EW12)
Chinatown
No visit to Singapore would be complete without a visit
to Chinatown - the original site where Chinese immigrants
lived, worked and played.
Chinatown is where you can visit a wet market and see house-wives
haggling for the best fresh produce available or experience
a Chinese tea appreciation session with an opera performance.
Shop for Chinese antiquities or buy Tiger Balm (medicated
ointment) and marvel at the array of Chinese herbs on sale.
Visit the famous Chinese temples there or experience a prayer
session in progress at the Sri Mariamman Temple, right in
the heart of Chinatown.
Best time to visit : 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (daily)
Nearest MRT station : Outram Park (EW16)
Little
India
Senses come alive in this "colourful" ethnic area,
originally marshland and grazing fields for cattle. The
road names attest to the history of the area.
A walk through Little India Arcade and then along Campbell
Lane will make you feel you are in India. Watch the intricate
weaving of jasmine garlands using banana tree fibre, pick
up a packet of curry powder or spices, let a parakeet bird
tell your fortune or settle down for an Indian vegetarian
snack at a modern fast food Indian restaurant - Komalas.
For the more adventurous, eat a South Indian rice meal with
your fingers off a banana leaf at Apolo Banana Leaf Restaurant
or Muthu's Curry Restaurant along Race Course Road.
Best time to visit : 10:00 am to 7:00 pm on weekdays
The area becomes very crowded on weekends from late afternoon,
when foreign workers congregate to shop, dine or catch up
with friends
Getting there : From Orchard Road, take SBS bus 64, 65,
or 111 to Serangoon Road
Flora
& Fauna
Bukit Timah
Nature Reserve
Singapore is one of only two cities in the world to have
a significant area of primary rainforest within its boundaries
- the other being Rio de Janeiro. This 164-hectare reserve,
only 12 kilometres from the city centre, contains more species
of trees than the entire North American continent. At the
heart of the reserve lies Singapore's highest point - Bukit
Timah Hill, at 164 metres above sea level. Well-marked paths
meander through the jungle, and on the way, walkers can
spot exotic birds, butterflies, monkeys, squirrels and flying
lemurs as well as unique plantlife like the insect-eating
pitcher plant. The reserve is an ideal place for hikers.
Best time to visit : From 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily
Admission : Free
Getting there : Take the MRT to Newton Station (NS21), then
take TIBS bus 171
Jurong Bird Park
Visit the largest bird park in all of Southeast Asia. Not-to-be-missed
attractions in the park include the Waterfall Aviary with
the world's highest man-made waterfall towering 30 metres;
the interesting Penquin Parade, where penguins live and
play in an environment similar to that of the South Pole;
the South-east Asian Bird Aviary where a thunderstorm is
simulated everyday at noon; and the highly entertaining
Fuji World of Hawks show & JFP All Stars Birdshow. Take
flight only after having refreshments at the new "Lodge
on Flamingo Lake".
Opening times : 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily
Admission :
SGD 12 adults, SGD 5 children (under 12 years), SGD 8.40
seniors
SGD 36 family package (admission and panorail) for up to
2 adults and 3 children
SGD 54 family package (admission and panorail) for up to
4 adults and 3 children
Getting there : Take the MRT to Boon Lay Station (EW27),
then take SBS bus 194 or 251.
Panorail : Time: 9am - 5:30pm, SGD 3 adults, SGD 2 Children
(under 12 years)
Show Times :
Fuji World of Hawks - 10:00 am
All Star Bird Show - 11:00 am, 3:00 pm (daily)
King of the Skies Show - 4:00 pm
The Wonderful World of Birds (audio-visual show) - 12 noon,
1:00 pm, 2:00 pm (daily)
Night Safari
This is the world's premier night zoo. The twilight holds
many surprises ... and more so at the Night Safari, where
you can look a rhinocerous in the eye or hear the howls
of a pack of striped hyenas. There are over 1,200 animals
of over 110 exotic species to watch out for. The animals
are in 8 zones that recreate various geographic regions
like the Southeast Asian rainforest, African savanna, Nepalese
river valley, South American pampas and Burmese jungle.
Strike out on your own along the walking trail or relax
in a tram ride - whichever you choose, the Night Safari
is a wild adventure not to be missed.
Winner of the Tourism Awards 1997, 1999 and 2000 - Leisure
Attraction of the Year.
Opening times : 7:30 pm to midnight (daily)
Last ticket sale : 11:00 pm
Admission : SGD 15.45 adults, SGD 10.30 children (3 - 12
years)
Tram Rides : SGD 5 adults, SGD 2 children (3 - 12 years)
Creatures of the Night Show : 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm (daily)
Getting there : Take the MRT to Choa Chu Kang Station (NS4),
then board TIBS bus 927 to the zoo. Or take the MRT to Ang
Mo Kio Station (NS16), then board SBS bus 138
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Take a leisurely stroll through the oldest public park in
Singapore and the birthplace of the rubber industry in the
region! Walk through a section of the primary forest and
listen to the rhythmic sounds of crickets all around you.
Or if orchids fascinate you, visit the spectacular National
Orchid Garden and be amazed by the varieties and colours
of orchids on display.
Opening times : 5:00 am - 12:00 midnight (daily), National
Orchid Garden: 8:30 am - 7:00 pm (daily)
Admission :
Botanic Gardens : Free
National Orchid Garden : SGD 2 adults, SGD 1 children and
seniors
Getting there : From the Orchard MRT Station (NS22) along
Orchard Boulevard, take SBS bus 7, 105, 106, 123 or 174
Singapore Zoological Gardens
The scenic "open" zoo features many interesting
animal exhibits in what is acclaimed as "one of the
most beautiful zoos in the world". Among the many highlights
of the zoo are the world's largest group of Orang Utans
from Borneo and Sumatra and the Fragile Forest - an exciting
and educational display of ecosystems and rainforest culture.
Come face to face with a Polar Bear or Pigmy Hippos in their
special glass-fronted enclosures or enjoy breakfast or high
tea with an Orang Utan in one of the most beautiful zoos
in the world. Kids will go wild at Children's World and
whatever happens, don't miss the popular animal shows at
the zoo's amphitheatre.
Winner of the Tourism Awards 1998 - Leisure Attraction of
the Year.
Opening times : 8:30 am - 6:00 pm (daily)
Last ticket sale : 5:00 pm
Admission : SGD 12 adults, SGD 5 children (3 - 12 years)
Tram rides : SGD 2.50 adults, SGD 1.50 children
Pony rides : SGD 3 adults, SGD 2 children
Elephant rides : SGD 3 adults, SGD 2 children
Breakfast with orang utan : SGD 15.45 adults, SGD 11.33
children (except first 3 days of Chinese New Year)
Tea with orang utan : SGD 13 adults, SGD 10.30 children
(except Sundays, Public Holidays and first 3 days of Chinese
New Year)
Getting there : Take the MRT to Choa Chu Kang Station (NS4),
then board TIBS bus 927 which takes you all the way to the
zoo. Or take the MRT to Ang Mo Kio Station (NS16), then
board SBS bus 138
Show Times :
- Elephant Show (At Elephant Ride Area) - 11:30 am (weekdays),
11:30 am & 4:00 pm (weekends & public holidays)
- Animal Friends (At Animal Land of Children's World) -
12:30 pm (Mon to Sat), 12:30 pm & 4:00 pm (Sun &
public holidays)
- Sealion (At Sealion Enclosure) - 2:30 pm (weekdays), 2:30
pm, 5:00 pm (weekends & public holidays)
- Spirit of the Rainforests (At Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre)
- 10:30 am (weekdays), 10:30 am & 1:30 pm (weekends
& public holidays)
- Tales & Scales (At Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre) -
3:30 pm (daily)
Sungei Buloh Nature Park
The Sungei Buloh Nature Park is Singapore's first and only
protected wetland nature park. It is home to over 500 species
of tropical flora and fauna. The 87 hectares of conserved
wetland habitat is a "refuelling point" for birds
on the East Asian Flyway. Carefully constructed hides and
boardwalks provide a close-up view of the flora and fauna
in the Park.
Opening times : 7:30 am - 7:00 pm (Mon - Fri), 7:00 am -
7:00 pm (Sat, Sun and public holidays)
Admission: SGD 1 adults, SGD 0.50 children
Getting there : Take TIBS bus 925 from either Woodlands
MRT Station (NS9) or Kranji MRT Station (NS7)
Museums
Asian Civilisations Museum
This museum showcases the important sociopolitical-economic
developments throughout Chinese history, and houses the
best of Chinese furniture, ceramics, jade and works of art.
Opening times : 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (Tue to Sun, closed on
Mon), 9:00 am - 9:00 pm (Fri)
Admission :
SGD 3 adults, SGD 1.50 children (6 - 16 years) and seniors
SGD 8 Family ticket (max 5 members)
Prices may change when there are special exhibitions
Free admission on late nights every Friday 6:00 pm to 9:00
pm
Guided Tours : 11:00 am, 2:00 pm (daily) for English language
tours with an additional tour at 3:30 pm on Sat. and Sun.
10:30 am (weekdays) for Japanese language tours. 2:30 pm
(Sat. only) for Mandarin language tours
Getting there : From City Hall MRT Station (NS25/EW13),
walk towards Stamford Road and turn into Armenian Street
at the MPH bookshop. The museum is diagonally across from
MPH
Singapore Art Museum
The Singapore Art Museum at Bras Basah Road, just across
from the Singapore History Museum, is housed in a beautifully
restored school building (the former St. Joseph's Institution).
The museum has 13 galleries showcasing an impressive collection
of contemporary local and other Southeast Asian art pieces.
One of the main attractions of the museum is the E-mage
Gallery which features interactive programmes involving
20th century Southeast Asian art on large high definition
visual monitors.
Opening times : 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (Tue - Sun, closed on
Mon), 9:00 am - 9:00 pm (Fri)
Admission : SGD 3 adults, SGD 1.50 children (6 - 16 years)
and seniors
SGD 8 Family ticket (max 5 members)
Prices may change where there are special exhibitions
Free admission on late nights every Friday 6:00 pm to 9:00
pm
Guided Tours : Tours in English at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm
daily with an additional tour at 3:00 pm on Sat and Sun.
Tours in Japanese at 10:30 am daily
Singapore
History Museum
Housed in an elegant and historic National Museum Building
that dates back to 1887, the Singapore History Museum explores
the rich heritage of the people of Singapore. From our ethnic
and religious diversity, to the struggle for nationhood.
On display are exhibitions such as Bukit Larangan: History
of Fort Canning and Rumah Baba: Life in a Peranakan House
highlight trends and developments that have characterised
and shaped life in Singapore since the 14th century.
Visitors can also enjoy "The Singapore Story - Overcoming
the Odds: A 3D Experience", the only high definition
3D show in town that presents the history of Singapore through
animation, virtual sets and historical footages. There are
6 hourly shows from Tue - Sun, 10:30 am - 3:30 pm. There
is an additional show on Fridays at 5:30 pm.
Opening times : 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (Tue - Sun, closed on
Mon), 9:00 am - 9:00 pm (Fri)
Admissions : SGD 3 adults, SGD 1.50 children and seniors
for museum entry
SGD 4 adults, SGD 2 children and seniors for museum entry
and 3D show
SGD 2 adults, SGD 1 children and seniors for 3D show only
SGD 8 Family ticket (max 5 members)
Prices may change where there are special exhibitions
Free admission on late nights every Friday 6:00 pm to 9:00
pm
Guided Tours : 11:00 am and 2:00 pm daily for English language
tours with an additional tour at 3:00 pm on Sat and Sun.
10:30 am (Tue to Fri) for Japanese language tours. Special
night interactive tour, Tales of the Night, at 7:00 pm and
7:30 pm every Friday night.
Getting there : Take the MRT to Dhoby Ghaut (NS24) and walk
along Stamford Road
Isles
of Singapore
Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin is an island off the northeastern coast of Singapore,
shaped like a boomerang and covered by low hills. This offshore
island is being developed into a nature park complete with
trails, shelters, camping sites, chalets and other basic
amenities.
To enjoy the natural vegetation and the laidback kampong
atmosphere, you should try leisure walking or cycling. Bicycles
can be rented at the village. The trails have been upgraded
to facilitate trekking and basic amenities like toilets
and shelters are available for the convenience of visitors.
Much of its natural environment will be preserved in the
development programme and visitors can still experience
the rustic village atmosphere encompassing granite quarries,
coconut and rubber plantations, mangrove swamps, fish and
prawn farms, and traditional fishing "kelongs".
Enjoy a sumptuous meal at a seafood restaurant, and cap
off your stay with a visit to the colourful Thai and magnificent
Ma Chor temples by the seashore.
Getting there : Take the MRT to Tanah Merah Station (EW4),
then take SBS bus 2 or 29 to Changi Village bus interchange,
followed by a 10-minute boat ride from the Changi Point
jetty. Cost of the boat ride is SGD 2 and the service operates
from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Sentosa Island
A contrast to the frenetic city atmosphere of Singapore,
Sentosa Island also known as the isle of peace and tranquility,
has something for everyone from families to honeymooners,
and from history buffs to nature lovers.
You will be spoilt for choice, but try not to miss Images
of Singapore - a series of dioramas depicting life in early
Singapore, the surrender of the Japanese at the close of
World War II and local festivals and customs.
Underwater World, one of Asia's largest oceanariums, is
where you can experience close encounters with sharks, mantarays,
moray eels and other marine creatures. Fort Siloso is where
history comes alive. The complex shows bunkers, cannons
and underground passages actually used in the defence of
Singapore during World War II.
For an astounding view of Singapore's skyline and neighboring
islands, head for the Merlion Tower. Not to be missed is
the Musical Fountain, a night attraction featuring an extravaganza
of lights and water ballet set to popular world tunes.
If time permits, go on a nature trail or have a splashing
good time at Fantasy Island, a water theme park featuring
over 30 slides, or relax at the Central Beach over-looking
the harbor. Stay on and watch the sun setting whilst sipping
your favorite cocktail or beer at the Sunset Bay.
Opening times : Most attractions on the island open at 9:00
am and close between 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Admission : Island admission is SGD 6 adult, SGD 4 child
(includes admission to Sentosa, one-way bus ride out of
the island and all internal transportation)
Getting there :
Cable Car :
The Singapore Cable Car opens from 8:30am - 9pm (daily)
Normal cabin : SGD 7.50 (1 station); SGD 8.50 (4 stations)
adult, SGD 3.90 child
Glass cabin : SGD 15 adult, SGD 12 child
Prices are inclusive of GST but do not include admission
to Sentosa
Orchard Service E : SGD 7 Adult, SGD 5 Child (3 to 12 years)
inclusive of admission to Sentosa, two-way bus ride from
Orchard Road to Sentosa and all internal transportation
Sentosa Bus Services A and C : SGD 7 Adult, SGD 5 Child
(3 to 12 years) inclusive of admission to Sentosa, two-way
bus transfer from World Trade Centre bus terminal (for service
A) and Tiong Bahru MRT Station (W3) (for service C), and
all internal transportation
Night Drive-in : Drive to Sentosa from 5pm (for a limited
period) to midnight. Admission after 5pm is SGD 12 for a
maximum of 5 persons (adult or child) in one passenger car
Other
Attractions
Raffles Hotel
Restored to its 1920's grandeur, this grand old dame is
world renowned for its charm and elegance. One of the first
20 bungalow houses to be built along Beach Road, this hotel
which is Singapore's oldest, played host to famous celebrities
and writers such as Somerset Maugham and Joseph Conrad.
Experience the history of the hotel free-of-charge at the
Raffles Museum - which displays the hotel's memorabilia
since it first started.
Try the Tiffin Curry buffet lunch or dinner at the Tiffin
Room, enjoy a generous buffet spread at the Bar & Billiard
Room or spoil yourself with a 5-course meal at the Raffles
Grill Room. Alternatively, sip on a refreshing Singapore
Sling at the Long Bar - home to this cocktail drink since
1915.
Tip : Make a reservation if you intend to dine at the Raffles.
The Raffles Museum opens from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Getting there : Take the MRT to City Hall Station (NS25/EW13)
and walk towards Beach Road
Singapore Discovery Centre
Be taken through Singapore's history and technological endeavors,
while having fun with interactive attractions. Highlights
are the virtual reality games and iWERKS theatre which boasts
a 5-storey high giant screen with 3-D capability. There
is a shooting gallery and a 6-DOF (Degree of Freedom) motion
simulator as well as many interesting interactive games.
Opening times : 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (Tue to Sun), Last admission
is at 6:00 pm
Admission : SGD 9 adults, SGD 5 children (3 - 12 years old,
SGD 6 seniors (above 60 years old). Extra charges apply
for certain features of the Discovery Centre
Getting there : Take the MRT to Boon Lay station (EW27)
and transfer to SBS bus number 192 or 193
Singapore
River
The Singapore River was the lifeline of Singapore where
our first immigrants eked out a meagre living and saw Singapore
transform from an obscure little fishing village to a great
seaport. Soak in the tranquil ambience of the riverside
when visiting the Merlion Park located at the river mouth
or at the Landing Site of Raffles located behind Parliament
House. Visit the oldest mosque on the island - the Omar
Kampong Melaka Mosque or the interesting Taoist Tan Si Chong
Su Temple. Then when its cooler in the evening, enjoy a
beer or a sumptuous meal at one of the many restaurants
at Boat Quay (the first section of the river) or at Clarke
Quay a little further down. Enjoy browsing at the shops
located within the restored warehouses or at the stalls
located in the streets of Clarke Quay.
Best time to visit : In the morning for riverside attractions
and in the evening for a meal or visit to Boat Quay and
Clarke Quay
Singapore Science Centre
This themed attraction is not only for science enthusiasts
but for everyone. With one of the most technological advanced
theatres in the world, the Omniplanetarium offers both Omnimax
movies and Planetarium shows. The thrilling Omnimax films
cover a wide range of topics ranging from geography and
meteorology to aeronautics and astronomy, while the virtual
voyages with the simulator keeps your adrenaline flowing
with its life-like scenarios.
Opening times : Science Centre (10:00 am to 6:00 pm); Omni-Theatre
(10:00 am to 8:00 pm). Closed on Mon except public holidays
Admission : SGD 3 adult, SGD 1.50 children (age 3 to 12
years)
Omnimax Movies : SGD 10 adult, SGD 5 children (age 3 to
12 years)
Virtual Rides : SGD 6 adult, SGD 4 children (age 3 to 12
years)
Getting there : Take the MRT to Jurong East Station (EW24/NS1)
then take SBS bus 335 or 66
World
War II
The Battle Box
This former bomb-proof World War II bunker is the place
where Lt-Gen Percival made his decision to surrender to
the invading Japanese troops on 15 February 1942. The bunker
is now a re-created exhibition site, featuring robotic wax
figures and virtual-reality viewing of actual footage of
events leading to the surrender of Singapore.
Opening times : 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (Tue - Sun and public
holidays). Last entry is at 5:00 pm.
Admission : SGD 8 adults, SGD 5 children (under 12 years)
Getting there : Take the MRT to Dhoby Ghaut Station (NS24)
and walk uphill past Park Mall and towards Fort Canning
Road
Changi Prison Chapel and Museum
The new home of the Changi Prison Chapel and Museum is four
times larger than the original one. The Chapel is a replica
of a World War II chapel which was once located within the
area. The museum will display many exhibits, consisting
of photographs, objects, sketches and letters to family
members, contributed by ex-POWs. A new addition to the museum
is a series of wall paintings done by British prisoner-of-war
Stanley Warren.
Opening times : 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (daily unless otherwise
advised)
Admission : Free
Visitors wishing to view the Changi Murals at nearby Changi
Camp have to write in to the Public Affairs Department,
MINDEF at fax: (65) 764 6119 for approval
Getting there : Take SBS bus 2 from Tanah Merah MRT station
(EW4). Alight at the bus stop right in front of Changi Chapel
and Museum (after Changi Women's Prison/Drug Rehabilitation
Centre)
Fort Siloso on Sentosa
The fort is Singapore's only preserved fort which allows
the visitor to re-live the Fort's history from the fort's
humble beginnings to her role in the fierce battle for Singapore
in 1942. The upgraded fortress provides a total sensory
adventure of life as a recruit, complete with "booming"
coastal guns, an Assault Course, war games, tunnels and
soldiers. Battery Sgt Major (BSM) Cooper will be your surprising
guide.
Opening times : 9:00 am to 7:00 pm daily
Admission : SGD 3 adults, SGD 2 children (under 12 years)
Normal admission rates to Sentosa would apply
Kranji War Memorial
The tranquil and beautifully landscaped grounds of Kranji
War Memorial are a fitting tribute to the courage of the
Allied troops who died in the defence and fall of Singapore
during World War II. The names of those who died are inscribed
on the walls and a register is available from the custodian
for viewing. Kranji is also where past Presidents of Singapore
are buried.
Opening times : 7:00 am - 6:00 pm (daily)
Getting there : Take SBS bus 170 from Rochor Road or take
the MRT to Kranji Station (NS7) and it is a 5-minute walk
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