Singapore

Singapore- A step towards new journey 

New and first journey of life with my husband. I exactly don't remember about, how I traveled in Singapore, as I was literally carefree and without any research about Singapore. It was like a fairy dream travel for me.

It was in May, 2016 when I first traveled to Singapore. I applied for the Singapore Visa a month before directly from the visa office in New Delhi while applying for the Malaysian visa. We boarded the flight from New Delhi T3 airport for Singapore. It was a 4-5 hr flight journey. Reached Singapore Changi Airport on 1st May in the evening and got a cab to reach our Hotel. We stayed at Hotel Ramada. Nice, comfortable hotel with great service. Somehow with travel and cold in flight, I got unwell the night we landed. By next day evening, I was good to explore.

I found  Singapore is one of the cleanest and most orderly cities in the world, so much so that even the trees lining the main roads are planted at precise intervals. It is also one of the safest cities. Singapore has an excellent public transportation system that makes getting around convenient and easy. Once you've gotten a sense of the metro map, you'll have no problem zipping from one part of town to the next. English is spoken everywhere, and signs are in English as well. In fact, Singapore is one of the easiest and most comfortable countries to navigate in Southeast Asia. 

There are restaurants, cafes, food courts, and hawker centres full of food stalls everywhere—many of which are open 24 hours a day.

Singapore is a place where one can find the best of both worlds, where the past one’s prime meets the state of the art. This destination is a must visit gem of South-East-Asia and it doesn’t matter whether you are on a budget trip, honeymooning or on a family holiday. 

Singapore has been described as a playground for the rich. Singapore is ahead of one’s time. With the brilliantly lit lights that sway around at night highlighting its modern architectures. Singapore is known for its fast-paced growth. Apart from all the electro modern world, Singapore also has some natural trails in the midst of modernity. From local binge plazas to fulgent temples to lush gardens, to inexpensive shopping markets, there is hardly anything that you can’t find in this country. So now, check mark the world’s only island city-state.

Marina Bay Sands

I really loved the area near around Marina Bay, it has undergone a transformation of epic proportions. The elegant opulence of the Marina Bay Sands exemplifies Singapore's style and status as a major international city in Southeast Asia. Once a quiet body of water at the entrance of the Singapore River, this area now stands as a spectacular example of how this miniscule country has come to be one of the world’s most luxurious travel destinations. 

You can't miss the three monstrous towers of Marina Bay Sands which stand at the Marina Bay waterfront. The opulent Marina Bay Sands resort complex includes a high-end luxury hotel, a mall with a canal running through it, the ArtScience Museum, theatres, casino, ice skating rink and the Marina Bay Sands Skypark. Only hotel guests are allowed to use the infinity pool, but anyone can visit the observation deck. From the Skypark, you can see the innovative double helix bridge, the port, the Gardens by the Bay, and the impressive skyline. While up there on top of the city, they also have a restaurant to grab snack / coffee at the rooftop and also have the souvenir stand. 

Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore

How To reach- Bus: 97, 97e, 106 and 133.

Official site: http://www.marinabaysands.com

Marina Bay Sands Skypark

To enjoy the incredible views of the city, we went up to the 57th floor at the remarkable Marina Bay Sands Skypark. The interiors and architecture of the hotel is simply stunning and I just loved the cool breeze, sunset view from here along with the view of the city which was exceptionally different. 

Skypark Timing: 9:30 am - 11 pm

Skypark ticket price: 23 SGD

Gardens By the Bay 

Gardens by the Bay is a huge, colourful, futuristic park in the bay area of Singapore; and has been crowned World Building of the year at the world Architecture Festival 2012.
The garden's main attractions are its different species of tropical plants, multiple conservatories, and the giant tree-like structures called Supertrees, where you'll find a cluster of the iconic, futuristic structures designed to perform environmentally sustainable functions and conservation. Visitors can stroll along an elevated impressive skywalk over the gardens between the Supertrees. This place receives a lot of admiration, and it is comeliest at night. The gardens are sumptuous in appearance and exhibits dazzling views of the nature kissed surround. 

The Gardens by the Bay complex is divided into three bays – central, east and south. Thankfully, it contains a promenade where you can stop for a coffee or dine when the tour gets tiresome. Gardens by the Bay a tourist hot-spot for all the good reason. It gives an impression of being in an imaginative place with all sorts of attractions to visit such as Flower Dome and Cloud Forest which gives an eye-popping sight. 

Wander through the Bay East Garden, perfect for enjoying the vibrant plant life. Then, head to the Cloud Forest Dome. 

Flower Dome – Step into the Flower Dome and stand in awe of nature. Spectacular and innovative, it is the largest glass greenhouse. Be amazed by changing display of flowers and plants from the Mediterranean and semi-arid regions. The climate inside the Flower Dome is a replica of the cool dry Mediterranean climate with temperature ranging around 23-25°C. Flowers from various parts of the world like South Africa, Central Chile, California, South West Australia and Mediterranean basin, are grown in the Flower Dome. At night, the Flower Dome is bathed in glittering lights; night time is perhaps the best time to enjoy the freshness and the greenery of the dome.

Cloud Forest Dome- Enter the Cloud Forest, a mysterious world veiled in mist. Take in breath-taking mountain views surrounded by diverse vegetation and hidden floral gems. Be amazed as you encounter the world's tallest indoor waterfall at 35 meters and descend through the surreal mist-filled Cloud Walk and Treetop Walk. Indoor temperature range: 23°C to 25°C. 

Timing - 9.00am - 9.00pm daily 

Ticket prices: Adult: $28/ 12; Senior Citizen - $8; Child (3-12 years): $15

Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore

Official site: http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en.html

Somehow after visiting Cloud Dome, I got ear pain, guess because of the chilling temperature inside the dome and the mist. It took me 2days to recover from that ear pain.

Merlion Park

We went during the afternoon time while walking by the area. Merlion Park is an ideal spot for photos, whether you are taking a selfie in front of the iconic creature or capturing the magnificent views from the park as it looks out over the bay. 

Singapore's Merlion is just what it sounds like - the figure of a mythical creature that has the head of a lion and the body and tail of a fish. The Merlion represents the city's humble start as a fishing village combined with its traditional Malay name Singapura - "lion city." The structure, which was relocated to Merlion Park in 2002, where it can overlook Marina Bay, weighs 70 tonnes and stands at 8.6 meters tall, spouting water from its mouth in a fountain. 

Singapore Flyer

A 165-meter-high Singapore Flyer is the world's largest observation wheel, and travels at 0.21m per second (it is some 30 metres taller than the famous London Eye!). Enjoy 360 degree panoramic views of the city while on a ride on the Singapore Flyer, as you spot iconic and historical landmarks along the Singapore River, city sights as the Raffles Place, Marina Bay, Empress Place and the Padang; F1 track, Gardens by the Bay  . Spice Islands of Indonesia and Malaysia's Straits of Johor. The iconic views stretch to parts of provided you’re taking the ride on a clear day. There are 28 glass capsules in the flyer that are air conditioned. Flights last 30 minutes each. It stands at the Marina Promenade, which is part of the reclaimed land in Singapore, A one-of-a-kind experience and built over a three-story terminal building.

With breath-taking panorama views that are so radically different during the day and at night, it’s hard to choose the best time to take a ride. This ride can brush your knowledge and thus, it is the best attractions for kids.

Choose from several different packages that allow you to be served and pampered while enjoying a view. Each package includes access to the Journey of Dreams exhibit, before you board the flyer, go on the Journey of Dreams and be awed by an engaging multimedia showcase that helps you understand the history of Singapore and the stories behind the Singapore Flyer. Can indulge in a romantic four-course sky dining experience that comes with a personal butler.

Bus: - 56, 75, 75, 97, 171, 195, and 960

Singapore Flyer Price: - 30 SGD

Best time to visit Singapore Flyer: - 11 am - 6 pm

Address: - 30 Raffles Ave, Singapore

Official site: - www.singaporeflyer.com

Botanic Gardens

Singapore received its first UNESCO World Heritage nomination for the botanic gardens. The city can sometimes feel like a concrete jungle, albeit a clean and comfortable one, but the botanic gardens preserve pieces of Singapore's wilder heritage, this garden treasures rare and endemic species of exotic flora. The charm and luscious greens of this place will make you feel refreshed. It also has a number of lakes packed with ducks and swans. Indeed, a walking trail leads to the gardens' heritage trees, which are conserved as part of an effort to protect the city's mature tree species.  It is a perfect place to soak in the beauty of Mother Nature and relax amidst the soothing ambience, listening to the music created by birds, wind, trees and swans.

One can find the star attraction and Singapore’s national flower – Orchid. Also, it’s a good option for nature lovers to visit the impressive National Orchid Garden- Enter the world of orchids where you can feast your eyes on over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids. National Orchid Garden is home to a ginger garden, and a cactus garden as well. Other things to do include visiting the eco-garden, eco-lake, bonsai garden, sculptures, and several other gardens and unique sites.

Address: 1 Cluny Road, Singapore

Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo has an open concept, displaying the animals in naturalistic environments. Animals are kept in large enclosures that are surrounded by moats and other relatively non-invasive barriers, thereby separating visitors and animals by moats and low shrubs to create the maximum viewing experience. Only the dangerous animals are kept in glass enclosures. The facility is clean and inviting, and the animals appear well treated, with plenty of lush vegetation and habitat space.  There are animal shows during the day, and visitors can ride the tram that goes around the zoo. One can observe feedings for some of the animals. Allow at least three hours to make your way around the zoo. Our Singapore Zoo tour is pending for our next trip. ;)

The zoo is home to over 300 animal species, 15% of which are classified as threatened that include Giraffes, meerkats, Zebras, komodo dragon, mole rats, kangaroos, Koalas, White Tigers, large chimpanzee family, and many other creatures. 

The zoo has been divided in different zones depending on the animal’s habitat. 

Frozen Tundra- you can find species such as polar bears and racoon dogs, 

Fragile Forest- you will find a rich rainforest filled with insects and beetles as well as flying foxes to name a few. 

Primate Kingdom- you can see Java Langurs, Lion-tailed Macaques etc.  

Other attractive things to do are Splash Safari Show, Orangutan Exhibit and Jungle Breakfast (can book hassle free tour including transportation, explore and optional upgrade to enjoy breakfast).

There's also the Night Safari, River Safari (including a giant panda forest). Park hopper passes are available if you plan to visit more than one of the wildlife parks.

Timing- 8:30 am - 6:00 pm

Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore

Official site: www.wrs.com.sg/en/singapore-zoo

Jurong Bird Park

The Jurong Bird Park is Asia’s largest bird park with over 400 species of birds which sum up to a total of about 5000 birds adding colour and life to the area. The park occupies about 20.2 hectares of land with walkways to explore the glory of the chirpy birds. Visitors can use the monorail to go around the park and view the many displays. There are also special bird exhibits and daily live shows at the park. It also features a 30-metre-high waterfall, a penguin coast, a Pelican Cove and more. 

Timing:- 8:30 am - 06:00 pm. Bus Route: 249

Adults: SGD 28 ; SGD18

Night Safari Singapore

The Night Safari is the world's first nocturnal zoo and puts a new twist on the traditional zoo and has over 1,000 nocturnal animals on display. It is an open-air zoo and only opens at night. There are also performances with the zoo animals. Private tours, buggy rides, and educational sessions are available, as well as once in a lifetime experiences, like an Asian elephant feeding session.

The park's habitats are divided into four sections, each with its own trail that lets you observe these elusive creatures as they go about their "day."

• §  The Leopard Trail has, as expected, leopards, as well as lions, flying foxes, civets, and porcupines among other animals.

• §  The Fishing Cat Trail tours the habitat of animals native to Singapore, including the fish-loving felines, pangolin, binturong, and other species both common and endangered.

• §  East Lodge Trail features Malayan tigers and spotted hyenas,

• §  Wallaby Trail introduces visitors to the marsupials of Australia.

Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore

Punggol Waterway Park

Punggol Waterway Park is kids’ friendly and family destination in Singapore. This park consists of four themed areas allowing people to have a leisure time around the promenade. The themes that this park offers are Nature Cove, which allow the visitors to relax and sightsee the scenic view of the Waterway. Green Gallery is filled with lush flora and fauna in the park. Recreation Zone is a great place to be with family with activities like sand and water play to make your day fun. There is also a fitness corner in this zone that suits everyone. Heritage Zone is yet another stop where you can walk along the old Punggol Kampong which is the last surviving village in Singapore.

Sentosa Island

Sentosa is a purpose built island off the southern tip of Singapore which was built with leisure and relaxation in mind. A collection of beaches, theme parks, golf, shopping, dining and more are all available on this strip that can be reached by road or cable car. 

Sentosa's old name, Pulau Blakang Mati, meant Island of the Dead Behind. Since the 1980s, Sentosa Island has developed rapidly into a tourist area with many man-made attractions. Here are the top attractions on Sentosa:

•  Underwater World/ S.E.A. aquarium-  is home to more than 100,000 marine species, wherein you can swim with dolphins and also dive into the Shark Seas Habitat and swim with numerous species of sea predators like sting rays and manta rays. 
• Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum
• Universal Studios
• Wings of Time

• Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom
  

• Resorts World Sentosa
  

Siloso Beach is a good spot for getting in some beach time, and visitors can play volleyball on free courts or go kayaking and skim boarding. A must-see on Sentosa Island is the Merlion, Singapore's famous statue that has the head of a lion and the body of a fish. You can take an escalator to the top of the statue and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. Fort Siloso, the country's only preserved fort, is also located on Sentosa Island. Adventurous types will want to check out The Flying Trapeze and the Sea Breeze Water-Sports @ Wave House. Check out Trick Eye Museum, as fun it can be for kids, adults too enjoy this very place.

Sentosa is accessible by public buses, cable cars, taxis, and trains.

Universal Studio

Looking for fun filled day out, completely loaded with entertainment, excitement and enthusiasm? Universal Studios in Singapore officially opened in 2011is the first amusement park of its kind to open in Southeast Asia and is part of Resorts World Sentosa. There are seven theme zones, each with its own attractions and many rides that range from kiddie-friendly to daredevil. The park has more than 20 attractions in themed zones including the New York City, Hollywood, Ancient Egypt zone. Fiction-themed areas include Madagascar Shrek's Far Far Away, the Lost World of Dinosaurs, and Sci-Fi City where a pair of Battlestar Galactica-themed adrenaline-pumping roller coasters dominate.  Regarding the rides, two are water themed and five are thrilling roller coasters of which two of are currently the world's tallest ‘dueling’ roller coasters.  One can also visit the ‘Walk of Fame’ and create a striking pose with Hollywood personalities.

Universal Studios also has numerous restaurants, cafes and shopping areas to gallop the delicious food, movies, live shows throughout the day and night, and other entertainment at the theme park.  

Clarke Quay

Clarke Quay is a nightlife destination in Singapore. So, after a long day of shopping on Orchard Road, visitors can happily head to Clarke Quay for an evening of waterfront dining and entertainment. This delightful riverside development is packed full of bustling bars and restaurants, food joints, boutique shops and pumping nightclubs and prepare to get dazed with all the neon lights. Clarke Quay’s location takes full advantage of the picturesque body of water that emerges from the city’s main river, with eateries set around the water’s edge.

River taxis and cruises also depart from here, giving tourists the chance to admire some of the city's historic bridges and view landmarks like the Merlion from the water. Head under the, jelly-like roof and you’ll find some great shopping options as well as a plentiful supply of bars, making this a real bar-hoppers’ heaven. Clarke Quay also has something for the adventure buffs, bungee jumping at ‘G-Max Reverse Bungy’ will thug your heart as you soar 60 feet into the air at a speed of 200 km/hour.

Nearby attractions include the Asian Civilisation Museum; the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery located in Singapore's oldest fire station; and the Hong San See Temple, a picturesque century-old Buddhist place of worship.

Changi Museum

Changi Museum is one of the popular museums in Singapore, it’s about the story of those who suffered under Japanese occupation during the WWII. It narrates through its letters, photographs, and drawings display. Basically, the museum is separated into five zones including a gift shop and a chapel in the middle, and each zone has a series of murals painstakingly recreated from originals painted by Bombardier Stanley Warren. Travellers can also get an audio guided tour around the Changi Museum. Other can visit museums are Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall and National Museum of Singapore.

Changi Beach

This place has a beach park which is one of the oldest coastal parks in Singapore. A calming ambient 28-hectare beach, Changi Beach has approximately 3.3 km Long Park that nestles between Changi Point and Changi Ferry Road. You can have leisure activities to partake like a stroll along the beach, there is a place for family picnics and you can as well contemplate as the sun sets, it also hosts a great place for barbecue parties and overnight camping. Visit Changi Village for different food options.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple And Museum

This is a 5 story temple that has treasured the left canine tooth of the Buddha that was recovered from his funeral pyre in Kushinagar, India. Founded in 2002, the impressive Buddhist temple makes for a knowledgeable visit. There are lovely images and paintings to see in here. If you happen to visit on a day of religious ceremony, the chanting of the monks will add to the peace you’d experience here.

Timings-  9 am- 6 pm. Bus-: 61, 166 and 197 to 288 S Bridge Rd.

China Town

Chinatown is great for shopping, I will tell it as the cheapest souvenirs location in town. There are countless restaurants and hawker food vendors. From the small mom-and-pop stores, there's mostly excitement and hustle in this district. It’s best for its authentic Chinese food, bright red lanterns and vibrant shops around every corner selling souvenirs and traditional Chinese products. We had great dimsum from one of the moving van hawker and bought few souvenirs and dress after bit of bargain.

You shouldn’t miss upon the other nearby attractions like the most colourful Chinese temple Built in 1820,Thian Hock Keng Temple, the oldest Chinese temple in Singapore, then Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, then see the impressive and beautiful Sri Mariamman Hindu temple. If you're up early enough (think 4am), you can hear the morning drum ceremony, even can attend the closing ceremony in the evening after viewing the relic (that we missed as we went during weekday late evening, somehow to my surprise that day it was all vacant, hardly few visitors).

Learn more about its history from the Chinatown Heritage Centre on Pagoda Street. Heritage markers have been installed throughout the neighbourhood in English, Japanese, and simplified Chinese, so visitors can better understand the significance of the area. This is a progressive neighbourhood (with free Wi-Fi for all), and it's home to the trendy Ann Siang Hill area, where the quaint bistros and upscale boutiques could be at home.

Little India

The Arab Street and Little India are popular tourism places. You will feel unlatched from the modern city to a paradise like place fitted with small shops, cosy cafes and historical Mosques. The Arab Street to be specific has age-old structures, shopping stalls, and authentic Arabian cuisine. The Little India, on the other hand, was actually an Indian community in Singapore during the colonial times. Little India as well has a number of exquisite shopping options; eateries offering Indian cuisine; and temples like Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, which is the most famous Hindu temple to see here.

Vivo City

Vivo City is the largest shopping mall in HarbourFront, a waterfront district in southern Singapore. It is a shoppers' paradise with hundreds of shops, restaurants and entertainment centres.

Orchard Road

In this world-class city, Orchard Road is a great place to start a shopping spree as it has 22 malls and six department stores. One of the most iconic streets in Singapore, Orchard Road is the epicentre of fashion shopping. Flanked on both sides by local and international high-end stores like (Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Giorgio Armani and Dior), tiny boutiques, offices, spas, beauty salons, hotels, entertainment spots, restaurants, and cafes. Plus, there is always some kind of fair or activity taking place in the malls.
You will find this place heavily packed with latest fashion and multiple stores. There are also four movie theatres, you can relax and watch a movie in an IMAX, the place also includes a KTV karaoke. There are plenty of eateries in the neighbourhood serving international cuisines.

Esplanade Theatre

Nicknamed "The Durian" because of its resemblance to the smelly fruit, the Esplanade is a performing arts centre with all kinds of events and happenings. It contains theatres, a library, and various art galleries.

Pulau Ubin(Granite Island)

For a look at what life in Singapore was like before it was all glamor and skyscrapers, visit the small island of Pulau Ubin, where fewer than 100 people still live in the same simple way as they did in the 1960s. Today, it is a peaceful, rustic place where tourists can enjoy unspoiled forests and diverse wildlife. This small island located in the north east of Singapore is one of the two remaining kampongs, the first being Kampong Buangkok. This island may not be the place to be for beach seekers but it has a thing or two for everyone.

Pulau Ubin has lush greenery and abundant wildlife creating the best place for travel photographers and nature lovers. The place has many trails; one such Sensory Trail has tags of unique flora along the 1.5 kilometers stretch. Pekan Quarry and Butterfly Hill will give an insight to appreciate nature more. For adventure explorer, Pulau Ubin has Chek Jawa wetlands- which contain a coral reef teeming with sea life and boardwalk. A walk along the 1.1-kilometre boardwalk allows the onlookers to see marine wildlife. Whereas the Jejawi Tower allows having a panoramic view of the island and it’s a perfect place for bird watchers. You can cycle along the Ubin’s biking trails that vary from moderate to difficult tracks. A visit to German girl shrine is also worthy and Kayak through the mangroves will give you an unimaginable experience. The island is easily reached by boat, a ten-minute ride that departs from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. Grab a bumboat from the Changi Ferry Terminal (SG$3.oo/US$2 per person – boats leave when there are 12 people) for the short ride over to Pulau Ubin. Once there, rent a bike from the small town to the right of the jetty and venture into the island.

Where to Stay in Singapore for Sightseeing:

Singapore is relatively easy to explore and has a metro system that makes getting around simple. Most of the hotels listed below are in the city center or near the popular Orchard Road, a great area for shopping and sightseeing. 

Luxury hotels are Raffles Hotel, Marina Bay Sands, Grand Hyatt and Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza. Other good ones are Holiday inn Orchard city, Wanderlust, Lloyd’s Inn, Victoria Hotel, Champion Hotel. You can search and choose any hotels as per your budget and preference.

Tips and Tours: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Singapore

Ø  Seeing the sights. For first time visitors, the Singapore Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is a great way to see the sights and get familiar with the layout of the city. Tickets are valid for 24 or 48 hours and the open-top double decker buses, with multilingual audio commentary, operate on a number of routes.

Ø  Singapore by night. For a truly unique perspective on the city, try the Singapore Night Sightseeing Tour. This semi-independent tour offers a chance to see the city lights, do some shopping along Bugis Street, explore the Gardens by the Bay, and dine by the Singapore Flyer. Included in the tour are hotel pickup and drop, dinner, and entry to the Gardens.