Singapore

Situated in Southeastern Asia, Singapore is not only the smallest nation of the region but also one of the smallest countries in the world. With only 710 km², Singapore might be small area wise, but sure is a country to reckon with. You must have heard a lot about Singapore as the state of strict rules, of spanking clean streets, glittering buildings and ever smiling people; and every bit of it is true. It is hard to believe that Singapore, which once started as a fishing state, has become such a wonderful place today.

The most startling fact is that the number of tourists who visit Singapore every year is almost double the population of the country. Quiet obviously, this appears mind boggling. However, once you tour Singapore, this once mind boggling fact will seem obvious. The best way to explore this charming city is by taking a cruise through the beautiful Singapore River. Admire the glitzy skyline that puts to shame most cities of bigger, more developed countries. Singapore is a melting pot of different cultures and various ethnicities. You will find here people belonging to Indian origin, Chinese origin alongside the native people.

Irony sometimes is very beautiful. Singapore is the destination of many firsts and many largest. It is home to the tallest hotel in the world, Asia's largest bird park, world's highest man-made waterfall, world's first night safari, world's largest fountain and world's largest tropical oceanarium, but the country is among the smallest.. Does anyone need more reasons to visit Singapore?

Though there are 63 islands, Singapore City is the only city in the country. Sentosa Island and Pulau Ubin are two of the largest islands of Singapore.

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Fast Facts

Location – Southeast Asia
Capital – Singapore City
Population – 4,839,400
Language – Chinese, Malay, Tamil, English
Religion- Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, Hindu

Calling Code - +65
Time Zone – UTC +8

Climate – Tropical rainforest climate
Currency – Singapore dollar
Best time visit – February To April

 

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Highlights

Chettiar Hindu Temple / The Sri Thandayuthapani Temple

This is the most important Hindu Temple in Singapore. There is a huge community of Hindus residing in the city; thus the temple sees a huge devotee following throughout the year. However, it is the festival of Thaipusam that attracts most number of pilgrims. It is really amazing to see a Hindu festival been organized with such fervor in a foreign land. Built in the year 1984, Chettiar Hindu Temple is dedicated to Lord Subramaniam. There is procession on the day of Thaipusam Festival which starts from Srinavasa Perumal Temple and ends at this temple. One can see ardent devotees with their body pierced with spiked steel structures called kavadi.

Armenian Church

This is the oldest Christian church in Singapore which was completed in the year 1836. Often addressed to by its Chinese name seng poh sin chu au, the church was not as grand when it was first constructed. The tower and the spire that are its most attractive parts were added later on. Armenian Church that stands today, is build on the lines of St Gregory's Church, the main church in Northern Armenia, and is a perfect example of British Neo-Classical style architecture. The shimmering white church sees huge number of devotees only during major occasions like Christmas and Easter.

Carlsberg Sky Tower – Sentosa Island

If you wish to get the most splendid views of Singapore skyline, head to the top of Carlsberg Sky tower which is the highest observation tower in Singapore. Rising to a height of 131 m, Carlsberg can even give you sights of Indonesia's skyline as well, but you will have to look for clearer days for that. To take tourists to the top of the tower, there is a large glass cabin that slowly ascends to the acme point of the tower. The tower revolves slowly to give occupants a 360⁰ view of the city. The cabin hold up to 72 people at a time.

Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island is the most famous attraction in entire Singapore. It is an island resort situated on the southern side of mainland Singapore. Connected to the mainland by a causeway bridge, Sentosa Island resort has a two kilometer long shaded beach, 2 breathtaking golf courses and 2 ultra luxurious 5 star hotel to keep the tourists engaged. Sentosa, which in Malay language means peace and tranquility, covers a total area of nearly 5 km ² 70% of which is secondary rain forest. For tourist entertainment there are many theme parks, gardens and theaters. The most attractive is the Universal Studio theme park.

Underwater World

A must visit attraction of Singapore, Underwater world is an oceanarium that houses more than 2500 marine animals brought from different parts of the world. Situated on the offshores of Sentosa Island, the park was opened in the year 1991 and since then has been a craze amongst people of all age groups. For sighting the marine residents of the park, there is a thick glass tunnel with a travelator that covers the entire 83 m length of the tunnel. The animals that you can see here are sharks, eels, turtles, stingrays and lots of performing dolphins. You can also indulge in many adventure activities as well here like diving with the sharks and marine discovery.

 

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Things To Do

Time With Amusement Rides

Singapore has some of the most exquisite theme parks with the most thrilling rides, the likes that you will see in Disneylands around the world. You will have to keep aside as many days as the parks visited or even more. Less than a day in a Singapore theme park is surely missing out on something wonderful. Let your hair down and feel the wind flow through them. Universal Studios in Sentosa Island Resort is the most popular amongst all. Also visit Escape Theme Park.

Eat Your Heart Out

Enjoy the delectable local cuisine in one of the many world class eateries lining the streets. Taste the most succulent and unique seafoods and the best wines. Visit the Fisherman's village by the beach for a mouthwatering dinner. Leave some space in your stomach as the deserts are only coming. Local deserts like cold cheng, bubor cha cha, and ice kacang will virtually make you beg on your knees for little more of it. You will find restaurants suiting all levels of budgets.

Get a Taste of Singapore Nightlife

24 hour Bars, clubs, Karaoke, Live Music, you name it and Singapore has it. With all the lights and activity, it is hard to tell days and nights apart in Singapore. Head straight to Mohammad Sultan Road if you wish to catch the liveliest action in the city. The clubs are open all through the week but most have a slight time difference on weekends.

Beach Day Out

Singapore has some really beautiful beaches on the southern side of the country. Like all well maintained beaches, beaches of Singapore too have splendid facilities for water sports. Indulge in activities like scuba diving, wind surfing, sailing and water scooter. Beaches being not too crowded, are also a wonderful place to just lay down and relax.

Singapore Zoo Night Safari

No matter what, if you are in Singapore, then you just cannot let the opportunity of Night Safari go by. Singapore Zoo was the first in the world to introduce the concept of Night Safari. It was thrown open to people in the year 1994. Covering an area of nearly 40 hectares by the side to Singapore Zoo, Night safari currently houses 1040 animals of 120 species. The animals are shown by lighting the area with lights resembling moonlights. The brightness of the lights are slightly higher than full moonlight but are kept in under a level so as to not disturb the nocturnal animals. The safari is conducted on specified paths that are separated from the animal shelters by natural barrier. The natural surroundings that are created lets the animals roam around freely. There are many cultural shows too that are organized like tribal dance, animal shows and fire eating demonstration.