Raffles Hotel
The Raffles Hotel is a grand Victorian edifice rising from the pavements of the colonial district. Its elegant charm has enticed writers and entertainers such as Somerset Maugham, Rudyard Kipling, Joseph Conrad and Charlie Chaplin. Singapore Slings have become the hallmark of the Long Bar. Here ceiling fans whirr above the heads of expatriates and tourists as they sip smart cocktails in superb comfort. The Tiffin Room is best known for its afternoon teas and sumptuous Saturday night buffets. Gin and tonics alongside the odd game of snooker can be enjoyed at the Bar & Billiard. Other distractions include an upper-level museum containing vignettes and photographs on the lives of Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Noel Coward, as well as a Victorian-style playhouse and numerous specialty shops and restaurants.
Address: 1 Beach Road; Telephone: 6337 1886; E-mail:
singapore-raffles@raffles.com; Website:
www.raffleshotel.com; Transport: The hotel is located on Beach Road and can be reached by MRT from City Hall Station
Chinatown
Chinatown is set against the backdrop of Singapore's modern infrastructure and the prosperous financial district. It is a crowded and colourful network of streets and alleyways contained by Upper Pickering Street, Cantonment Road, New Bridge and South Bridge Road. The area is a receptacle of traditional Chinese customs that were carried by the communities in Chinese Junks from the provinces of Guangdong and Fujian to Singapore in the early 19th century. Temples, terraces, markets and shops still provide a glimpse of the old ways but much of its original character has been lost in the redevelopment of the past 30 years. Yixing Xuan's Teahouse provides a fascinating insight into the ancient, ritualistic art of tea-making while a visit to the Thian Hock Keng Temple leaves one in awe of Chinese traditions of worship and symbolism. The streets of the district offer traditional healing practices. Here snake skins are blended with herbs and spices to produce powerful potions for various ailments. Brightly coloured exotic fruit interject the marketplace with lively displays of Rambutan, Durian and Mangosteen. The streets are a delight for bargain hunters looking to buy kimonos, jewellery, t-shirts, pottery and traditional crafts. Tanjong Pagar is the area best known for its traditional crafts such as painted masks, paper umbrellas, clogs and kites. Electronic goods, luggage, textiles and other more conventional products can be found in Chinatown's modern section located at the intersection of Cross, New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Street.
Transport: To reach China Town by MRT, the nearest station is Outram Park (EW16) or Chinatown (NE4)
Little India
The first Indian settlers arrived with Sir Stamford Raffles in the early 19th century, bringing with them colourful silks, aromatic spices, incense and other accoutrements of Indian culture. They worked on the roads and helped build the infrastructure of the city, settling within the ethnic enclave that has become known as Little India. The area is delineated by the north-south Serangoon Road, which runs parallel to Race Course Road. Its eastern end stretches to Jalan Besar. Temples, fortune-tellers, busy restaurants, stirring curry spices, jasmine garlands and the exotic hues of silk saris fill the vibrant streets to create a colourful ensemble. Little India is at its best during the Hindu Festival of Lights when the area is festooned with decorative lighting displays.
Website:
www.littleindia.com.sg; Transport: Little India is a 15-minute walk from the Colonial District, Bencoolen Street or Beach Road. From Orchard Road, bus 65 or 111 to Serangoon Road. By MRT travel to Dhoby Ghaut, and from there on foot or Bus 65 or 111
Kampong Gelam and Arab Street
Kampong Gelam is said to have taken its name from the Gelam tribe of sea gypsies who lived in the original Malay village southwest of the Rochor River. Sir Stamford Raffles allotted the area as an ethnic enclave to the Muslim population and it became the focal point for Arab trade and traditional Malay culture. Baghdad, Muscat Street and Haji Lane resonate with tradition as cane, straw, rattan and pandan leaf goods spill out onto the streets. The spectrum of fabrics flowing onto the pavements of Arab Street comprise chiffon, silk, cotton georgette and include the batiks of Indonesia and Malaysia. Located between Kandahar and Aliwal streets is the Istana Kampong Gelam. It was built as the royal palace of Sultan Ali Iskandar Shah, the son of Sultan Hussein who negotiated the handover of Singapore to Britain. The government recently took possession of the building with plans to transform it into a Malay heritage museum. Another significant building in the area is the Sultan Mosque (open daily 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm). The glistening necks of the domes are decorated with the bases of thousands of glass bottles.
Transport: The Arab Quarter is a 10-minute walk from Bencoolen Street. Take bus 7 from Orchard Road to Victoria Street, if commuting by MRT, stop at Bugis
Singapore Zoological Gardens
The Singapore Zoo has been thoughtfully created to simulate the natural habitats of its resident animals. Eight zones recreate the geographic regions of the animals indigenous to it and include the South East Asian rainforest, African savannah, Nepalese river valley, Burmese jungle and South American pampas. These vistas can also be explored after daytime during the famous Night Safari, billed as the first of its kind. The zoo can be explored along its meandering walking trails or from the comfort of a tram that winds its way along a circular route. It is home to more than 2,000 animals representing over 240 species, the highlights of which include the Komodo dragons, polar bears and primate kingdom. Animal shows are held daily, and children can enjoy camel rides or share food with an orang-utan in the zoo's Children's World section. A Guide to the Zoo is available on arrival with details of feeding times and other activities. It includes a map and suggested itineraries incorporating the major shows and attractions.
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road; Telephone: 6269 3411; E-mail:
info@zoo.com.sg; Website:
www.zoo.com.sg; Transport: Bus 171 from the city to Mandai Road and transfer to 927 at the first bus stop. Or take MRT to Ang Mo Kio to connect with bus 138; Opening time: The zoo is open daily from 8.30am to 6pm; Admission: S$15 (adults), S$7.50 (children). Zoo and Night Safari: S$30 (adults), S$15 (children)
Jurong Birdpark
The park is contained within a 20-hectare (49-acre) stretch of land in the Jurong Lake area. It is one of the world’s most extensive bird collections and the largest in South East Asia. Eight thousand birds comprising 600 different species inhabit the park and range from Antarctic penguins to New Zealand kiwis. Walking trails cut through the tropical landscape. Incredible sights to look out for include the Waterfall Aviary, which at 98ft (30m) it is the world’s highest manmade waterfall. The Penguin Parade has a large pool set against a landscape of rocks, cliffs, nesting alcoves and burrows; it has a viewing gallery where visitors can see penguins 'flying' underwater through a 98ft (30m) wide window. The South East Asian Bird Aviary is a breathtaking spectacle that includes the experience of a simulated thunderstorm. Other bird shows feature flamingos, macaws, hornbills and cockatoos. The park also includes facilities for young children to enjoy including the new Splash 'n Slide Station.
Telephone: 6265 0022; E-mail:
info@birdpark.com.sg; Website:
www.birdpark.com.sg; Transport: Take the MRT to Boon Lay Station and take SBS bus 194 or 251; Opening time: Daily 9am to 6pm; Admission: S$16 for adults, S$8 for children. Concessions and packages available
Singapore Art Museum
The beautifully restored building (formerly St Joseph's School for boys) rests serenely on Bras Basah Road. The museum has 14 galleries that showcase the national art collection and plays host to a range of special exhibitions and outreach programmes. More than 7,000 permanent artworks represent the largest collection of 20th century Southeast Asian art. Tours are available in English, Japanese and Mandarin.
Address: 71 Bras Basah Road; Telephone: 6332 3222; Website:
www.singart.com; Transport: Take the MRT to Dhoby Ghaut (N1) or City Hall Station (C2). SBS bus 7, 14, 16, 36, 97, 131 or 162; Opening time: Monday to Sunday 10am to 7pm. Extended hours on Friday until 9pm ; Admission: Regular shows: S$3 (adults), concessions S$1.50. Blockbuster shows: S$5 (adults), concessions S$2.50. Free entry after 6pm on Fridays
Singapore Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens sweep across an area of 52 hectares (128 acres) constituted by primary forest and specialty gardens in close proximity to the city centre. The National Orchid Garden is the world's largest orchid garden featuring more than 20,000 varieties set amongst water features and an exotic bromeliad collection from South and Central America. The park also contains many rare plant specimens in addition to the specialty gardens decorated with frangipanis, roses, ferns and desert plants. Outdoor concerts in the gardens can be enjoyed on the Symphony Lake or French cuisine can be savoured at the Au Jardin restaurant.
Address: 1 Cluny Road; Telephone: 6471 7361; Website:
www.sbg.org.sg; Transport: SBS bus 7, 105, 123 and 174 or SMRT 75, 77 and 106 from Holland Road; SBS bus 66, 151, 153 and 154, or SMRT 67 and 171 from Bukit Timah Road; Opening time: Daily 5am to 12pm; Orchard Garden: 8.30am to 7pm; Admission: Free, but there is a S$5 charge for the Orchid Garden
Chinese and Japanese Gardens
Chinese and Japanese landscape designs are embodied in these neighbouring gardens. The Imperial Sung Dynasty style is clipped to perfection within the13-hectare (33-acre) Chinese Garden. It boasts the world’s largest Suzhou-style Bonsai garden outside of China, containing over 1,000 plants. The symmetry and simplicity of Zen aesthetics is the motif of the Japanese Gardens with its peaceful rock gardens and summerhouses.
Address: 1 Chinese Garden Road; Telephone: 6261 3632; E-mail:
sligarden@pacific.net.sg; Transport: Take the MRT to the Chinese Garden stop; Opening time: Daily 6am to 11pm; Admission: Free, but there is a S$5 charge for the Bonsai Garden