Map of Singapore

  The city of Singapore is the capital of the Singapore island nation. The country is situated at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula and claims to be the smallest nation of the Southeast Asia. The archipelagic nation consisting of 63 islands is spread over an area of 272 square miles.

Total population of the island nation is estimated to be around 4.68 million comprising of 3.7 million Singaporean citizens. Singapore has made immense strides in terms of economic, educational and industrial growth in a comparatively short span of time. The island nation is the 17th richest in terms of GDP per capita with more than 10% of the GDP being contributed by the nation's flourishing transportation industry alone.

INTRODUCTION

The Merlion

       The Merlion was designed as an emblem for the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in 1964. The designer was Mr Fraser Brunner, a member of the souvenir committee and a curator of the Van Kleef Aquarium.

The Merlion has a lion head and a fish body resting on a crest of waves. The lion head symbolises the legend of the rediscovery of Singapura, as recorded in the "Malay Annals". In ancient times, Singapore was known as Temasek, a Javanese word for sea. In the 11th century A.D, Prince Sang Nila Utama of the Sri Vijaya Empire rediscovered the island. When the Prince first landed on Singapore's shores, he sighted a mystical beast which he later learnt was a lion. The Prince then decided to name the island "Singapura" which in Sanskrit means Lion (Singa) City (Pura). The fish tail of the Merlion symbolises the ancient city of Temasek and represents Singapore's humble beginnings as a fishing village.

Cultural Arts and Entertainments

   Planning a trip to Singapore? There have a diverse mix of annual events ranging from local and international visual and performing arts events to delight one and all - so live up your Singapore experience with the Arts!

Esplanade Theatre

Not only can you catch local adaptations of well loved classics such as George Orwell's Animal Farm, and Marc Camelotti's Boeing Boeing, you can also watch plays by local writers such as the hugely successful Emily of Emerald hill, a play full of Peranakan flavour, and Chang & Eng - The Musical.

Often enough, one can also catch Broadway hits in Singapore, produced and played by Singaporean theatre companies. The Singapore Repertory Theatre for instance, has staged several award winning plays from West End such as HONK! and Art. Proof, a multiple award winning play on Broadway, was staged here by Action Theatre. It just shows you don't have to be in Broadway to catch world class hits!

There are not just English-language theatres in Singapore, but also Chinese language theatre groups such as Toy Factory Theatre Ensemble which produces international classics in Mandarin, as well as Malay and Tamil language theatre groups. Catch a play whilst you are in Singapore!

Film

Film fanatics - watch out for Singapore's biggest film event of the year - the Singapore International Film Festival. Held in April every year, the SIFF showcases more than 300 features, documentaries, animation films and shorts from around the world. Now into its 16th year, the SIFF is one of Asia's premiere film festivals. Certainly not to be missed if you are in Singapore!

Apart from SIFF, the Singapore's film calendar is also packed with many other film events. Be fascinated by the wide selection of foreign film festivals we have in Singapore, such as French Film Festival, British Film Festival, Australian Film Festival and Chinese Film Festival, just to name but a few.

Buy your popcorn and swing by the Singapore Shorts Film Festival, the first festival in Singapore dedicated to this exciting genre of shorts. This is held at The Substation, Singapore's only alternative multi-disciplinary arts space.

In June, look out for Starlight Cinema, Asia's largest outdoor cinema festival. Held at the Fort Canning Green, this is one event film lovers must not miss!

Music

    

  From the black tie musician who plays Chopin, gamelan groups who play the music of our region, and the international pop stars who make their appearances on this sunny island, Singapore has everything for the music lover.

Classical music fans can catch Singapore Symphony Orchestra in its weekly concerts at Esplanade. For a taste of Chinese music, check out the Singapore Chinese Orchestra's fortnightly series at the Singapore Conference Hall. Singapore also has a proliferation of other ethnic musical groups who stage performances at local theatres.

Opera fan? The Singapore Lyric Opera delights audiences with western classics like Carmen from time to time. For a taste of traditional Asian opera, check out concerts staged by local operatic associations, such as Chinese Opera Institute, and Chinese Theatre Circle. One can find a variety of operas ranging from Cantonese, Beijing, Hokkien, Malay Bangwasan to Indian Malayalam in Singapore. In fact, there is even an Singapore International Cantonese Opera Festival every September and October.

Apart from classical music, Singapore also has a thriving pop industry. Stars such as Diana Krall, Cliff Richard, Red Hot Chillie Peppers, and Jackie Cheung, have all performed in Singapore; and there are more to come.

Dance

Be treated to a variety of dances in Singapore!

From classical ballet to modern dance to ethnic offerings, Singapore has it all.

Ballet lovers can be treated to productions by Singapore Dance Theatre (SDT) - Singapore's foremost ballet-based company. SDT puts up a diverse range of works from classics such as The Nutcracker to pieces by reowned contemporary choreographers like Jiri Kylian. SDT also organizes the hugely popular series - Ballet Under The Stars (BUTS) - an outdoor ballet performance where audience can bring their picnic baskets and watch dancers pirouette under the stars.

For the dance lover who prefers cutting edge dances, watch out for performances by EcNad, The Arts Fission Company, and Odyssey Dance Theatre. These companies constantly surprise audiences with their unusual and creative presentation of dance pieces.

Spa in Singapore

     Day spas are designed to provide a beautifying, relaxing, or pampering experience with individual treatments that last for as little as an hour or multiple treatments that may take up to a whole day. Day Spas provide a convenient mini-escape where people can enjoy total body and face care in one day. Day spas provide a range of spa treatments such as body wraps, body exfoliation and aromatherapy.

Destination Spas are best for those seeking relaxation in a natural atmosphere, offering guests a unique experience of indoor and/or outdoor spa services and activities. Guests are totally immersed in an experience totally differentiated from day spas, which consists of health assessment, exercise, healthy eating and lifestyle seminars. At a destination spa, one is placed in a nurturing, supportive environment to explore the potential of one's mind, body and spirit and create a blueprint for one's future well-being.

Botanica Spa

Spa Botanica, the first garden destination spa in Singapore, is home to Asia’s first mud pools, float pools with cascading waterfall and meditation labyrinths. Voted sixth in Readers’ Spa Awards 2008 Top Ten Day Spas – Overseas by Conde Nast Traveller UK and winner of the Best Spa Experience and Best Tourism Host – Spa awards by Singapore Tourism Board in 2008, the spa is a rejuvenating haven for the senses.

St.Gregory Spa

    St.Gregory Spa embracing four unique pillars of therapy, fitness, aesthetics and active-ageing, St. Gregory offers an integrated lifestyle choice with spa services and traditional Chinese therapies. Perfect for the jetsetter, choose from a series of signature St. Gregory rituals or step back in time and discover traditional rituals and healing therapies. St. Gregory is the proud winner of the “Best Luxury Hotel Spa” awarded by World Luxury Spa Awards 2011

Damai Spa

Damai Spa creating a modern spa experience inspired by the Singaporean lifestyle, Damai Spa brings together the cultural healing philosophies, massage techniques, and traditions of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European cultures as practiced in Singapore, in peaceful harmony.

Food in Singapore

    Singapore food is a tasty tale about a country's unique cultural tapestry, and the way individual strands have woven into others, and changed hue in the process. Food preparations that came to Singapore from India, China and other countries in the region may still bear the original names - but they are indelibly transformed by being 'Singaporeanised'.

To Singapore's cultural tapestry, add the country's compactness, and a great transport system which makes getting around it so convenient. Finally, add Singapore's uncommonly strict public hygiene and food preparation rules, which make eating out - anywhere on the island - a risk-free proposition.

Local Desserts

Singapore's desserts are even more colourful - literally - than its main courses. They're hot or cold, sticky or clear, wobbly or firm, healthy or sinful.

Tea & Coffee

Singapore's coffee and tea (known as kopi and teh respectively) stalls have come a long way. In the early days, they'd serve the basic combinations of tea with milk and sugar, tea with sugar only (teh-O), tea with milk and no sugar (teh kosong), tea with evaporated milk (teh si) and so on.

Peranakan Cuisine

Toward the end of the 19th century / early 20th, there were Chinese traders who settled in Malacca, Penang and later, in Singapore. Because there was a shortage of Chinese women, many of these men married Malay women, and this led to the creation of a community cal led the Straits Chinese (Peranakan) where the men are known as 'Babas' and the womenfolk, 'Nonyas'.

Festive Foods & Flavours

Singapore's unique cultural tapestry means that this is the place for cultural festivals, all year round. And because all these festivals are native to Singapore, there is increasingly a tendency for everyone to celebrate (in some manner or form) every festival!

Shopping at Singapore

     Shopping is one of the greatest pleasures in Singapore. Part of the fun is the excellent buys and great variety of shops all over the island. Delight in a bargain at a little neighbourhood shop, pick up a quaint item or two as you stroll through colourful ethnic quarters, discover favourite buys of the droves who flock to our modern malls or be enthralled by the splendour of whole shopping "cities" selling everything under the sun.

Many top hotels also have an attached shopping arcade with fine boutiques specialising in designer fashion, accessories, jewellery and watches. Designer brands from the fashion runways of the world can be affordable - if you know where to look. Find them at the growing number of discount shops around the city. The magic is affordable in Singapore.

HarbourFront Centre

 

Strategically located in the heart of the 24 ha HarbourFront Precinct and surrounded by many newly developed residential areas, office buildings and a stone throw away from one of Singapore’s most popular tourist destination, HarbourFront Centre offers a wide array of unique retail mix especially Fashion, Beauty, Food and Beverages to cater for the overwhelming streams of endless crowds.

They can also find one-of-a-kind fashion pieces at Cotton Amour #02-88/89. Featuring elaborate stitching and embroidery, every piece of clothing is unique. Starting with 100 per cent cotton textiles, the clothes then take on ethnic twist with hand-stitched, stunning hand-painted patterns with an ethnic Asian twist.

Also pop by LALU #01-51/52 (their first and flagship outlet) to look for trendy clothes and accessories. Inspired by the rustic mood of the 80s, LALU aspire to reinstate its nostalgia memoirs through its interior décor presentation and wide offerings of fashion collections, fashion accessories and interior enhancement accents.

Also not forgetting renowned brands for children fashion; Mothercare flagship store #03- 07 and the French label, Chateau De Sable #01-74 and many more.

To top off your shopping experience, tourists can enjoy great discounts at participating outlets in the HarbourFront Centre Tourist programme. All you need is to redeem the Tourist Welcome Card at our Customer Service Counter Level 1 and receive a free drink at the same time! You can redeem a special gift with a min. spend of $60 and above at participating outlets.

Clifford Centre and The Arcade

24 Raffles Place and 11 Collyer Quay

Nearest MRT station: Raffles Place (EW14/NS26)

After browsing through the maze of speciality and souvenir shops, shoppers can linger on the pedestrian mall and have their shoes repaired or shined by roadside cobblers. Or they can watch the outdoor entertainment provided at various times of the year whilst enjoying a cuppa at one of the numerous sidewalk cafes.

 Causeway Point

1. Woodlands Square
Tel: (65) 6894 2237
Nearest MRT station: Woodlands (NS9)
Causeway Point Shopping Centre is located in the heart of Woodlands Regional Centre, next to the Woodlands MRT station. This large mall has about 250 shops and food outlets, including anchor tenants like Cathay Cineplex, Cold Storage, Horizon Food Mall, Metro and Courts.

Changi Chapel and Museum

    The Changi Museum was relocated to its new home on 15 February 2001. It replaces the former Changi Prison Chapel and Museum (built in 1988) that had to make way for the expansion of the Changi Prison.

In honouring the spirit and commitment of those who rose from the depths of adversity, the Museum inspires future generations to come and deepen their appreciation of the heroic and inspirational stories that took place in Changi. The Changi Museum is dedicated to all those who lived and died in Singapore, in particular the Changi area, during the dark years of World War II.

Through documentation of significant events of the Japanese Occupation, the Museum functions as an important educational institution and resource centre. As for the Prisoners-of-War (POWs) and their families, it is a site that allows closure of the many emotional scars of the war years.

The Changi Chapel, housed within the open-air courtyard of the new museum, is a representative replica of the many chapels that were built during World War II. Today, it stands as a monument for those who would not buckle under Japanese rule, and who kept their faith and dignity in the face of seemingly hopeless odds.

Letters, photographs, drawings and personal effects in the museum tell a horrific story of over three years of war and imprisonment for more than 50,000 civilians and soldiers in Changi. From the fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942 till the Japanese surrender in September 1945, life was a daily struggle against humiliation, loss of freedom, hunger and disease. Yet it was here, where conditions were at their worst, that we hear of stories that were heroic, touching, and most of all, inspirational. The highlight within is a series of magnificent wall paintings called The Changi Murals, painstakingly recreated from the originals painted by Bombardier Stanley Warren. Visitors are also able to view screenings of videos such as 'Changi Through The Eyes of Haxworth' and 'Elizabeth Choy'. Tucked in a quiet corner of the museum is 'The Changi University', a research area that houses a collection of rare books and literature depicting life during the war years.

Next to the museum is 'The Bark Cafe', an open-air restaurant where one can relax, unwind and enjoy fine dining with family and friends. The restaurant offers a range of food based on cosmopolitan cuisine; ala carte menus and a good range of beverages are available.

There are Sunday services conducted by various church groups at the Changi Chapel every Sunday at 9.30am and 5.30pm. Visitors are welcome to join these services.

Open: 9.30am to 4.30pm (daily unless otherwise advised)

Admission: Free.

Approximate Touring Time: 1 hour

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).

East Coast Park

    The East Coast Park is a beach park located on the southeastern coast of Singapore. It was opened in the 1970s, when the government completed reclaiming land off the coast at Katong which extends from Changi to Tanjong Rhu. It also serves various key neighborhood communities such as Tanjong Rhu, Marine Parade, Bedok and Tampines.

The 185 hectare East Coast Park is the largest park in Singapore, and is built entirely on reclaimed land with a man-made beach, where swimming is possible. The beach is protected by breakwaters, with no other natural features. The park is easily accessible by East Coast Park Service Road with numerous exits along the East Coast Parkway. The place has ample parking space with many carparks near the park. The park is also accessible via public transport in the form of bus services, available on East Coast Park Service Road. Underpasses link the park to the nearby Marine Parade housing estate.

The park is a popular place for families and friends to relax and enjoy themselves. The park has barbecue pits, entertainment facilities, chalets, food and beverage, and amenities for sports activities. A cycling and inline skating track runs along the perimeter of the park, which measures over 15 km long.

Open: Daily

Admission: Free

Getting There: Take a taxi from Orchard Road, or take SBS bus 16 and alight at Marine Terrace. Then use the underpass to cross the ECP expressway.

Sentosa Island

     A former fishing village turned British military base, Sentosa was transformed into an idyllic island resort in 1972 for the enjoyment and recreation of everyone. To describe Sentosa as merely one thing or another would do no justice to the multiple facets of this island jewel half a kilometre south of Singapore. Afterall, it is the variety and versatility that make Sentosa (meaning peace and tranquillity) different and special for millions of visitors from all around the world. And unlike any other vacation destination, you are right on the fringe of the city's buzz, which is just minutes away by cable car, ferry or via a 710-metre road link.

Once you step afoot the island, you can find your own slice of paradise among the many exciting attractions - history and culture come alive, entertainment by day and night, lush green surroundings to explore, manicured gardens, dancing fountains and two challenging international 18-hole golf courses with scenic undulating views.

Today, Sentosa is a 390-hectare recreational haven boasting a kaleidoscopic range of attractions and activities which cater to a wide audience.

Best Beaches in Singapore right on Sentosa

Beach lovers can enjoy exciting games and sea sports along the 3.2-km long sandy beaches stretching across Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong. You can indulge in a host of leisure activities such as cycling, in-line skating, canoeing, horse riding or simply unwind at the beach pubs. On weekends, the beach pubs will spring into action as beach volleyball fans flock to Siloso Beach for their favourite game. In recent years, Sentosa had also gained international fame for holding some of Singapore's most exciting themed events like the Sentosa Sandsation (an international sandsculpting event), Black Moon Foam Parties, Zouk Out Dance Festival and Sentosa's yearly Countdown Parties right here!

Nature

  Nature beckons everywhere on Sentosa, do look out for our friendly peacocks, monkeys and squirrels along the way. Take a walk at the Nature Walk/Dragon Trail which meanders through a secondary rainforest and discover the many species of trees, plants, birds and insects found along this dragon-themed trail for that added dosage of legend and myth. Stop by the vantage point on the summit of Mount Imbiah for a scenic view of the neighbouring islands.

Staying on the island

With accommodation options ranging from five-star resort hotels (The Sentosa Resort & Spa, Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort and Treasure Resort) to affordable chalets (Sentosa Holiday Chalets and NTUC Sentosa Beach Resort) & budget campsites, Sentosa offers restful sleep to prepare you for your next exciting day. Moreover, a wide selection of food & beverage facilities is readily available on the island while Sentosa's monorail, buses and trams provide easy islandwide access.

Open: Daily

Admission: Island admission is SGD 2 per person

Contact: Sentosa Development Corporation, 33 Allanbrooke Road, Sentosa Singapore 099981.

Tel: (65) 6275 0388 or 1800-7368672 (toll-free in Singapore only)

Fax: (65) 6275 0161

Getting There:

Cable Car:

The Singapore Cable Car opens from 8:30am - 9pm (daily)

Sentosa Bus Services: SGD 3 per person inclusive of admission to Sentosa, two-way bus transfer from HarbourFront Centre Bus Terminal and all internal transportation.

Statues of Sir Stamford Raffles

While visiting the Victoria Concert Hall, one is sure to see the statue of Sir Stamford Raffles, the founding father of Singapore, nearby. A second replica statue stands guard at the Raffles' Landing Site.

Sir Stamford Raffles had been working for the East India Company, establishing and settling British colonies in Bencoolen and Java. Because of his knowledge of the area, he was appointed the task of finding a port from which the British could establish their presence in the Riau area.

Initial research had pointed him towards Singapore, and upon inspection he found that Singapura (as it was called before its founding) indeed met all his requirements and he soon established a free port there that was under the British rule. His arrival awakened Singapore's economy, and very quickly turned Singapore into one of the busiest ports in the world.

To commemorate his works in setting up the British colony, British sculptor-poet Thomas Woolner was instructed to create a statue of Raffles. This statue was cast in bronze and unveiled in 1887, Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee Year. It first sat on the Padang, and soon became a vantage point for spectators to climb onto to get a better look at the matches being played there.

In 1919, the statue was moved to its present site in front of the Victoria Concert Hall. It was later placed in the Museum after the Japanese surrendered, but was eventually returned to its original position in 1946.

In 1972, a polymarble statue, made from plaster casts of the original figure, was unveiled and placed at the supposed landing site of Sir Stamford Raffles. This place is located on the North Boat Quay, where his back is facing the Singapore River and the Central Business District of Singapore, providing tourists with an excellent photo opportunity, whether day or night. This statue stands on a plinth, in his now famous pose of crossed arms and looking off into the distance with an aura of command about him.

Location: North Boat Quay

Getting There: Take the MRT to Raffles Place MRT Station (EW14/NS26) and walk across Cavenagh Bridge.