Animal, Birds & Aquatic Life

Jurong Bird Park 

Southeast Asia's largest bird park, Jurong Bird Park is home to over 8,000 birds of 600 species from all over the world. Highlights include the world's largest collection of Southeast Asian Hornbills and South American Toucans, and the world's second largest penguin exhibit. Daily shows include Breakfast with the Birds (9am-llam), Birds of Prey, Penguin Feeding Time and the Jurong Bird Park All Stars Bird show. 

Opening hours: 9am to 6pm (Mon-Fri), 8am to 6pm (Sat, Sun and public holidays). 
Panorail: 9.00am to 5.30 pm. 
Location: 2 Jurong Hill, Tel: 6265 0022. 

Jurong Crocodile Paradise 

Located adjacent to the Jurong Bird Park, Jurong Crocodile Paradise includes over 2,500 crocodiles in a landscaped setting, with underwater viewing areas and a breeding enclosure. Attractions include crocodile shows at 10.45am, 11.45am, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. 

Opening hours: 9am to 6pm daily. 
Location: 241 Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim, Tel: 6261 8866. 

The Singapore Crocodilarium 

Over 1,000 crocodiles can be viewed at close range. Additional attractions include a reptile product shop. Feeding time is 11am on Tuesdays. 

Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily. 
Location: 730 East Coast Parkway, Tel: 6447 3722. 

Singapore Zoological Gardens / Website : www.zoo.com.sg

In its lush jungle setting, Singapore's renowned 'open' zoo is a haven for both animals and visitors. More than 2,000 creatures are housed in landscaped enclosures, with rock walls and streams replacing cages.

Special attractions include Children's World, where kids can interact with animals and enjoy excellent playgrounds, the six island Primate Kingdom, the sea lion and penguin gallery, the air-conditioned polar bear exhibit and a miniature railway.

Feeding shows take place throughout the day; favorites include the primates, reptiles, elephants and sea lions. Among the zoo's many endangered species is the world's largest colony of

orangutans, with whom you can enjoy breakfast or afternoon tea if you book in advance through your hotel. Allow a whole day to enjoy the zoo's attractions.

Opening hours: 8.30am to 6pm daily. 
Location: Mandai Lake Road, Tel: 6269 3411. 

The Night Safari 

The dark holds many surprises and more so at the Night Safari, where you can look a one horned rhinoceros in the eye or hear the howls of a pack of striped hyenas.

There are 1,200 animals of over 100 exotic species to watch out for. 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.

Opening hours: 7.30pm to midnight daily. 
Location: Mandai Lake Road, Tel: 6269 3411. 
 

Arts, Cultural & Museums

Singapore History Museum 

The Singapore History Museum, originally opened in 1887, is an architectural gem with each of its two levels reflecting a different order of Greek classical architecture. Of particular note are the three-dimensional reconstructions of historical scenes and events tracing Singapore's development from a sleepy fishing village to the present day metropolis. Another exhibit shows the world of a wealthy Straits Chinese family at the turn of the century, complete with elaborate Peranakan furnishings and finery. The Children's Discovery Gallery is another compelling attraction, with interactive exhibits designed to explain Singapore's cultural heritage, visual and per forming arts. In addition to the Singapore History Museum, Singapore offers a number of museums with specific themes. 20 dioramas trace the history of Singapore from a fishing village to a modern nation state. You can also see artifacts recently recovered from the troop ship sunk by the Japanese during the Second World War, "Empress of Asia".

Opening hours: 9.30am to 6.00pm (Tuesday to Sunday).
Friday: 9.30am to 9.00pm, no admission charges after 6.00pm

Changi Prison Chapel and Museum 

The Changi Prison Chapel, with its thatched roof and outdoor pews, is a replica of the original built by Allied prisoners of war in World War II. The Museum, which also features a souvenir shop, records the daily life of the prisoners through a display of photographs, paintings and sketches. It also features a pair of rail spikes from the infamous Burma railroad which claimed the lives of thousands. It is a tribute to the men who lived and died in captivity during those dark years. 

Opening hours: 9.30am to 4.30pm daily (closed on Sunday and Public Holidays).
Location: 20 km Upper Changi Road North, Tel: 67437885, 6543 0893 

Asian Civilizations Museum at Empress Place 

Regarded as one of the finest neo-classical buildings in Singapore, Empress Place dates back to 1854, when it served as a court house. Today the building houses a world-class museum and exhibition centre, featuring cultural and archaeological treasures from China and other ancient civilization - many of them being shown outside their country of origin for the first time. Allow two to three hours.

Opening hours: 9am to 5.30pm (closed on Mondays).
Location: 1 Empress Place, Empress Place Building, Tel: 6336 7633.

Chinaman Scholar's Gallery 

This is a faithful recreation of the home of a Chinese scholar of the 1920s and 1930s, complete with kitchen, bedroom, dining and living areas. The Gallery houses furniture, porcelain, musical instruments and photographs from the period. 

Opening hours: 9am to 4pm (closed on Sunday and Public Holidays). 
Location: 14BTrengganu Street, Tel: 6222 9554. 

Mint Coin Gallery 

The Singapore Mint's exhibition gallery displays a collection of coins, medals and medallions from all over the world. Visitors can also mint their own souvenir coin at the gallery's coin press. 

Opening hours: 9.00am to 4.00pm (Monday to Friday). Admission: Free
Location: 249 Jalan Boon Lay, Tel: 6261 4749. 

Peranakan Place Museum 

This small museum illustrates the rich lifestyle of the Peranakans, descendants of early Chinese settlers who married native Malays during the 15th and 16th centuries. They are perhaps best-known for their unusual Nonya cuisine but the Peranakans' architecture, fine furniture, intricate beaded embroidery and colorful porcelain are equally fascinating. 

Opening hours: 10.30am to 3.30pm (Monday to Friday).
Location: 180 Orchard Road, Peranakan Place, Tel: 6732 6966. 

Singapore Air Force Museum 

This museum traces the development of the Royal Singapore Air Force from its early days as the Malayan Volunteer Air Force in 1939 to the present day. From colonial cap badges to the Bloodhound missile, the museum boasts a vast array of artifacts, including early planes such as the Hunter Hawker, the SF 260 Marchetti and the A4-C Skyhawk. 

Opening hours: 10am to 4.30pm (except Mondays and Public Holidays). Admission: Free 
Location: Blk 78 Cranwell Road, Off Loyang Avenue, Tel: 6540 1537. 

Selangor Pewter Museum 

This museum, the first of its kind in the world, is in the Jurong Industrial Estate. About 800 pieces of pewter are on display, some of them tools used over 100 years ago. Pewterware can also be bought here. 

Opening: hours: 9am to 5.30pm daily. Admission: Free 
Location: 32 Pandan Road, Tel: 6265 7711. 

Famous Districts in Singapore

 Changi Village 

Off the beaten track, Changi Village shows a more relaxed side of Singapore. The local beach has clean sand that attracts fishermen and bathers alike-especially at weekends the village it self, there are plenty of bargains to be had-T-shirts, electronics, carpets, Indian cotton clothing, shoes, batik dresses, kimonos and all types of table linen. When hunger strikes, head for the food centre or try one of the restaurants along the main street. Relax in the shade of an umbrella, order up some fresh seafood and watch the world go by. 

Chinatown 

Chinatown Here amidst narrow streets of picturesque shop-houses and restaurants brimming with life, the temple idol carvers, herbalists, calligraphers, traders and trishaw drivers pursue a way of life that has changed little for generations. Incense stream from the old temples, the elderly spread their wares out on the pavement for sale and sea cucumbers, regarded as a delicacy, dry in the sun.

Much of Chinatown has recently been renovated, but the old traditions endure. A walk around the streets of Tanjong Pagar reveals local craftsmen at work making clogs, kites and traditional seals for stamping documents. During Chinese New Year, the whole of Chinatown is lit up and buzzes with activity as stalls sell a variety of festive goods. 

Geylang & Katong 

Geylang, traditionally the home of Singapore's Malay, Arab and Indonesian communities, is alive with market stalls and bustling crowds, particularly during Muslim festivals. Spices and rattan from Indonesia, gems from Burma, cotton and gold from India and perfumes from Arabia, this is the place for the adventurous shopper who enjoys old shop-houses as a backdrop to bargain hunting.

The Malay influence is strong throughout Geylang and this is reflected in both the shops and the food centers where nasi padang,a dish served with rice, vegetables and meat, is a particular favorite. Wander through the numerous lanes off Geylang Road for some delightful scenarios of local life and stroll down Joo Chiat Road for a glimpse of traditional Chinese businesses such as joss stick and candle makers. Also, drop by at Malay Village. Its shops display a potpourri of Malay traditional items like handicrafts, fabrics, prayer rugs, furniture and antiques. 

Neighbouring Katong is a quiet residential area formerly colonized by wealthy Straits Chinese families or the Peranakans. Many of Katong's new apartment blocks have spectacular sea views, while the older Peranakan homes, once seaside villas, now stand back from the sea. Parkway Parade is the place to find shopping bargains, but Katong is best known for its wonderful eating houses specializing m Peranakan cuisine and bakeries selling delicious curry puffs. For Chinese seafood, the shop-houses along East Coast Road offer a really tasty treat. 

Holland Village 

This small area of Singapore still has the feel of a village about it, with its own wet market and shop-houses selling everything from straw brooms to valuable antiques. Holland Village is a microcosm of Singaporean life, a curious mix between old and new old coffee shops and hawker stalls jostle for space with ritzy new wine bars and restaurants. The Holland Road Shopping Centre is alive with busy shops, including some selling Asian arts, crafts and antiques. Electronics and factory outlet clothing are other good buys. Weekends are especially busy, when much of Singapore seems to gather at Holland Village to shop, chat and have a meal. 

Housing Estates 

Woodlands, Yishun, Toa Payoh and Tampines Many visitors to Singapore like nothing more than to get off the beaten path to discover how the locals live and enjoy life.

Woodlands, on the Singapore side of the Causeway leading to Malaysia, has a strong Malay influence. The busy Woodlands Shopping Centre is one of the best places to buy fabric. Many of the colorful fabrics on display are used to make the shimmering traditional dress favored by Muslim women. 

Yishun is a satellite suburb in Singapore's north - the last stop on the MRT. Step straight off the MRT into the six-level Northpoint Centre, a modern shopping mall complete with all the big brand names to be found along Orchard Road. Right next to Northpoint is a high quality, eight-cinema multiplex. And on the other side is a row of shop-houses selling food and bargain goods.

Toa Payoh visitors will find its central shopping area reminiscent of Singapore's older shop-houses. Here you can pick up garments at ridiculously low prices T-shirts and shorts at $10 for three items or children's clothes for as little as $2. Toa Payoh town centre includes cinemas, hawker centres, coffee shops and a library. With the relocation of HDB Hub in Toa Payoh, alot more shops and restaurants can be found there. 

Tampines, an HDB estate in the north-east of Singapore, has the distinction of having won the coveted United Nations World Habitat Award for Excellence in Housing Design. With new schools, shops, markets, beautiful playgrounds, two golf courses, a swimming pool, a badminton hall and a stadium, it has all the facilities its residents could want. A Japanese department store, supermarkets and food chains have already been attracted to Tampines. 

Little India 

Little India, centered around Serangoon Road, embodies the vibrant and colorful culture of the Indian community in Singapore. Women in graceful saris and turbaned Sikhs go about their daily business in the Zhujiao Centre, where a bewildering selection of food is on sale. Small shops abound, selling bolts of glittering silks, temple garlands, gold jewelry and spices that are ground in front of you. The Hindu religion plays an important part in the life of Little India, and the Sri Veerama Kaliaman and Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temples in the area are well worth visiting. 

Gardens & Parks

 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 81-hectare reserve, only 12 kilometers from the city centre, contains more species of plants than the entire North American continent. At the heart of the reserve lies Singapore's highest point, Bukit Timah Hill at 162.5 meters above sea level. Well marked paths lead through the jungle. Along the way, walkers can enjoy exotic birds, butterflies, inquisitive monkeys, squirrels, flying lemurs and other wildlife.

The nature reserve is open daily. Allow two hours. Admission: Free
Location: 177 Hindhede Drive, Tel: 1-800-468 5736. 

Chinese and Japanese Gardens 

These pleasant gardens, situated side by side, reflect very different landscaping styles. The Chinese Garden, with its curved bridges, pagodas, courtyards and fountains, sweeps down to a river edged with weeping willows.

Fort Canning Park 

Fort Canning Park is a park rich in history. A sacred site where early Malay kings settled and the spot Sir Stamford Raffles chose to build his own bungalow as well as Singapore's first Government House. Fort Canning Centre, which dominates the park, is now a venue for the arts. 

East Coast Park 

East Coast Park, located off the East Coast Parkway, is a favorite play area for Singaporeans, either at the beach or in the parklands where bicycle riding is much enjoyed. Hire a bike or go windsurfing, eat at one of the many fine seafood restaurants or enjoy yourself at the various leisure attractions. These include everything from a bowling alley to a golf driving range.

Mandai Orchid Gardens 

The blooms here at Singapore's largest commercial orchid garden provide a colorful display all year round. The garden is conveniently located right next to the zoo, and a whole hillside is covered in orchids. 

Opening hours: 8.30am to 5.30pm daily. 
Location: Mandai Lake Road, Tel: 6269 1036 

Marina South City Park 

Marina South City Park is a park that blends art with nature while affording fine views of the sea. A giant sundial and disc sculptures which revolve in the breeze are the artistic attractions of the park. The park's open spaces and breezy environment also make it a popular haunt for kite-flying enthusiasts.

Mount Faber 

Mount Faber offers a panoramic view of the harbor and neighboring Sentosa Island, as well as a large measure of tranquility. It is also a place to catch the cable car to Sentosa. 

The only mode of public transport is either by taxi or take the cable car from World Trade Centre.

National Orchid Garden

Located in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the National Orchid Garden is the largest orchid display in the world and features over 60,000 orchid plants. It also houses the famed "VIP Orchids" named after visiting Heads of State. 

Opening hours: 5am to 12 midnight daily. Admission: Free 
Location: Cluny Road,. Tel: 1-800 479 7100. 

Reservoir Parks

MacRitchie, Peirce, Lower Seletar and Seletar Reservoirs are surrounded by a broad swathe of jungle and greenery which runs through the central northern part of Singapore. The cool reservoir parks of MacRitchie and Seletar are popular strolling and picnic spots for Singaporeans and their families.

Singapore Botanic Gardens 

Spread over 52 hectares close to the centre of the city, the Botanic Gardens combine both primary jungle and manicured gardens which together hold thousands of species of plant life, including many rare specimens. Malaysia's rubber industry had its origins in the Botanic Gardens in the late 19th century when colonial botanist Henry Ridley propagated rubber plants from London's Kew Gardens. A lake adds to the serenity of the gardens, and is home to water fowl, ducks and kingfishers. 

Opening hours: 5am to 12 midnight daily. Admission: Free 
Location: Cluny Road, Tel: 1-800 479 7100. 

Sungei Buloh Nature Park 

Singapore's first designated wetland nature reserve is a major stop-over point for birds migrating along the East Asian Flyway. Carefully constructed hides throughout the 87 hectares provide excellent observation points for visitors. 

Opening hours: 7.30am to 7pm on weekdays; 7am to 7pm on weekends and public holidays 
Location: Neo Tiew Crescent. Tel: 6669 0377. 

The Japanese Garden 

Japanese Garden emphasizes simplicity, with stone lanterns, shrubs, hillocks and a tea-house creating a soothing atmosphere. 

Opening hours: 9am to 6pm daily. 
Location: 1 Chinese Garden Road, Tel: 6264 3455.