Singapore has traded in its rough-and-ready opium dens and pearl luggers for towers of concrete and glass, and its steamy rickshaw image for cool efficiency and spotless streets, but you can still recapture the colonial era with a Singapore Sling under the languorous ceiling fans at Raffles Hotel.
At first glance, Singapore appears shockingly modern and anonymous, but this is an undeniably Asian city where Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions from feng shui to ancestor worship create part of the everyday landscape - colourful contrasts that bring the city to life.
Go anytime. Climate is not a major consideration, as Singapore gets fairly steady annual rainfall. Instead, coordinate your visit with one of the various festivals and events: Thaipusam is a spectacular Hindu festival, occurring around February. If shopping and eating are major concerns, April brings the Singapore Food Festival and the Great Singapore Sale is held in June.
Singapore is in fact not just one island but a main island with over 60 surrounding islets. The main island has a total land area of about 640 square km.Some Of these islets have a lot of attractions in store for the tourist apart from breathtaking scenic views.Of these islets the islet of Sentosa is worth a trip.
Sentosa:
Sentosa is Singapore’s favourite island off the Straits of Singapore
Palau Ubin:
A bumboat journey from the main island takes you to Pulau Ubin, an island full of fun, where the lifestyle hasn’t change much in the last 30 years. Visitors still can see kelongs, duck and prawn farms. You can go mountain biking or camp at Pulau Ubin. Pulau Ubin has a natural haven of flora and fauna in its mangrove and forest areas. Ma Chor temples can also be found on the island.
Kusu Island:
Take a ferry from the World Trade Centre.It was believed that Kusu Island was transformed by a giant turtle to save shipwrecked sailors. Religious groups make annual pilgrimages to Kusu Island.
Sisters Island:
Take a water taxi from Jardine Steps or Clifford Pier.Perfect for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. Sisters Island is an ideal place for picnics.
St. John’s Island:
On Sundays and public holidays, return ferries from St. John’s Island depart at 9.30am, 11.05am, 12.35pm, 2.25pm, 4.20pm and 6.05pm. From Monday to Saturday, ferry services depart from the island at 11.15am and 2.45pm.St. John’s Island is popular for weekend getaways and camping trips. Colonial bungalows are also available for rent.
Entertainment & Nights
When the sun goes down Singaporeans come out to play, filling the discos, clubs, pubs, restaurants, and theatres. From classical symphonies to Chinese operas, Jazz to Jazz to ballet, rock to Hollywoods latest hits, Singapore offers unlimited entertainment. Singapores night life gets livelier every month as new bars, discos and karaoke lounges open their doors. Night life, Singapore style, is a entertaining, exciting and safe.
