Museums of Singapore

If you’re looking for some history, art or culture while on holiday, don’t look past Singapore. The scores of museums provide a glimpse into Singapore’s past while galleries dedicated to modern art reflect the society today. Singapore is also becoming an increasingly popular spot for travelling exhibitions so don’t be surprised to see some Dali or Warhol while you’re here.  

National Museum of Singapore

The National Museum of Singapore is the country’s oldest museum. Having been at its current location since 1887, its history can actually be traced to 1849 when Sir Stamford Raffles proposed the idea of a museum to preserve local culture. The National Museum is still the place to go for Singapore History, Examples include the first ever photograph of Singapore taken in 1844. Also on display is the last remaining piece of the Singapore Stone. Found at the mouth of the Singapore River in 1819, this sandstone slab contained 50 or 52 lines of script. The language has never been properly identified and the age of the stone never agreed on. It is said to be from between the 10^th and 14^th century. 

Singapore Art Museum

The Singapore Art Museum, or SAM, is Singapore’s home of contemporary art. Its permanent collection is made up of 7,750 pieces from Singapore and Southeast Asia. The collection features paintings, sculptures and installations. SAM also plays host to travelling exhibitions including works by Yayoi Kusama and Yasumasa Morimura from Tokyo’s Museum of Contemporary Art and video art by Bill Viola and Jean-Luc Godard from Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. Located around the corner, at approximately 88 steps away, is 8C SAM. Built to accompany the original SAM, this museum concentrates more on community-based interaction with contemporary arts. 

Asian Civilisations Museum

Housed in the stunning Empress Place Building, which parts of can be dated back to 1864; the Asian Civilisations Museum is one of the pioneering museums in the region to specialise in pan-Asian cultures and civilisations. The museum specialises in the material history of China, Southeast Asia, South Asia and West Asia, from which the diverse ethnic groups of Singapore trace their ancestry. The museum also stages a large number of temporary exhibitions with collections loaned from all over Asia including India, China and Japan.

Peranakan Museum

Peranakan is the name given to the descendants of the Chinese that immigrated to Malaysia and Singapore in the 15the and 16^th century. This unique culture used to be showcased as part of the Asian Civilisations Museum until it was decided a dedicated museum was needed to house this important part of Singapore’s heritage. The museum will take you through all aspects of Peranakan culture, including highlights on Peranakan communities in Singapore, Malacca and Penang. 

ArtScience Museum

Worth a visit for the architecture alone, the lotus-shaped building at Marina Bay is now a regular postcard image. The museum showcases design as well as art across its three levels. However, the museum is more known for its visiting exhibitions. Exhibitions have included works by Dali, Van Gogh and Warhol plus exhibits featuring artifacts from the Titanic, costumes and props from the Harry Potter films and currently showing (until the 14^th of April) an exhibition about Lego.

The Maritime Experiential Museum and Images of Singapore

The two museums on the island of Sentosa each offer a unique experience. The Maritime Experiential Museum was built to house The Jewel of Muscat and the 60,000 artefacts salvaged from the Belitung Shipwreck. Images of Singapore tells the Singapore story using multi-media displays, multi-screen theatre presentations and life-size tableaus depicting major events in Singapore's history.

MINT Museum of Toys

Not really a museum to take the kids to, as all the toys are mostly vintage and stuck behind glass, one of the highlights of “Moment of Imagination and Nostalgia with Toys” Museum is the restaurant and rooftop bar. The walls of both are covered with vintage advertisements creating a whimsical atmosphere which works especially well with the city views from the rooftop bar. 

Singapore also played a major part in World War 2. If you’re keen to experience the history in a more tactile manner you should visit Fort Siloso on Sentosa Island. Used by the British during World War 2, it’s now a museum. Less known is The Battle Box. Buried beneath Fort Canning in central Singapore this historic command centre was thought lost to time until a journalist rediscovered it in 1988. It has since been converted into a tourist attraction and museum. Being right near the Singapore River and Clarke Quay this is a close, convenient and extraordinary way to experience some local history.

As a country built upon so many cultures, Singapore has many museums and heritage centres to celebrate the cultural diversity. One definitely worth visiting is Fuk Tak Chi Temple. Built in 1824 this is Singapore’s oldest temple. Now doubling as a museum, its exhibits document the lives of early Chinese migrants.

Most museums are easy to get to via MRT. If you’re visiting the Asian Civilisations Museum then you should consider taking the River Explorer. Arrive by boat at the same spot Sir Stamford Raffles landed on the 29^th of January 1819. This little historical recreation is a great way to accompany a day of history and culture.

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Singapore’s Shopping Wonderland

You will hear a lot when researching a visit to Singapore that there’s more to do than just shop. That is of course true but Singapore earned its reputation as a shopper’s paradise for a reason. Not just a city of malls, Singapore offers a vast variety of shopping experiences both traditional and modern.

If anywhere gave birth to the idea that Singapore was just a city of malls then it was probably Orchard Road. Mall after mall line the street, mostly connected by underground walkway, meaning you can visit most malls on Orchard Road without being exposed to the elements. This of course is one of the main reasons malls are so popular here, apart from Singaporeans love of shopping. For people that think mall shopping is sterile, one day of shopping in the Singaporean heat and you’ll soon realise why they work so well here. And with so many malls, developers have strived to make them exciting places to be. You’ll find amazing food from high-end gourmet to cheap food court style local flavours and shops ranging from Louis Vuitton and Gucci to Top Shop and Zara. Each mall has its own distinct vibe so check out as many as you can if on a shopping trip or simply looking for something to eat on Orchard Road. If time is limited then your top priorities should be Tangs; established in 1932, this department store was the one that started it all. Ion; this ultra-modern mall is the newest addition to Orchard Road. Ngee Ann City; known to locals as “Taka” because of the Takashimaya department store housed within. If entering from outside (as opposed to any of the underground walkways the join Taka below street level) you’ll be immediately struck by the grandiose forecourt. This area has become a popular meet-up and/or hangout spot. Paragon; across the road from Taka, come here for the very high-end fashion and stay for the Din Tai Fung restaurant on the bottom floor. If you haven’t tried xiaolongbao (dumplings filled with soup) then this should be your first top. Din Tai Fung is open in many countries now but keeping up with the Singaporean passion for food, there’s something extra nice about them here. Getting to Orchard Road is really easy. Just take the MRT to Orchard and you will arrive underneath Ion, which is pretty much the middle of Orchard Road. Or jump in a cab and give them the name of a mall, as they’re the easiest places to be dropped off.

If you want to try something different then the Bugis area is a good starting point. The train will drop you at a mall called Bugis Junction but if you cross the street you will find Bugis Street. Bugis Street has one of the most amazing and wicked histories of anywhere in Singapore. After its redevelopment the government decided it needed some reminders of the past. Now it is home to a busy bazaar with over 600 stalls selling anything you can think of. It’s still a hidden treasure with not many tourists braving the heat to check it out. So if you want to experience some shopping the old fashioned way then it’s a must. If you keep walking after you make it through you’ll soon come across Sim Lim Square. If you’ve never been to Asia, this is what you’ve been picturing a mall here to look like. Floors and floors of electronics including but not limited to: Computers and peripherals, cameras, surveillance cameras, mobile phones, video games and consoles and spare parts, lots and lots of spare parts. Sim Lim is also the place to go for repairs. Dropped your camera or phone while taking a tourist snap? Take it to Sim Lim to get it fixed. Sim Lim is not for everyone. The amount of people and the technological overload of the senses can turn people off. Also, although not encouraged, some vendors may try and charge you a highly inflated price and you’ll have to bargain. Be wary that sometimes the price might not be inflated and trying to bargain will cause offence. If this doesn’t sound like your thing then jump in a cab and head to Funan DigitaLife Mall. Although you might not be able to scrape as big of a bargain here, the atmosphere is significantly more relaxed. You should be able to find most things here that you would find at Sim Lim. Apart from maybe spare computer parts. Also with less aggressive competition the price might be a bit higher. If you like a peaceful shopping experience then it’s Funan. If you like a challenge, then it’s definitely Sim Lim Square.

In the opposite direction of Bugis Street, only a few blocks from Bugis MRT station lays Kampong Glam. Known as the “Arab Quarter”, the centrepiece of the area is the Sultan Mosque. Around here you will find Middle Eastern goods like carpets and perfumes. But venture just off Arab Street to the adjacent Haji Lane to find an abundance of stores where street wear, high-end and artistic fashion abounds, sometimes even in the same shop. With smaller and independent fashion labels being sourced from all over the world, Haji Lane is perfect for people trying for their own look and not necessarily wanting to get caught up too much in trends. Haji Lane is also home to stores selling elegant-but-cool homewares, just in case you don’t have a restricted luggage allowance.

 If the heat of bazaar and boutique shopping sends you running back to the air-conditioned malls, make sure you try and visit VivoCity; Singapore’s largest mall and the gateway to the island of Sentosa. And you also have visit The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands; with a museum, ice skating rink, indoor canal, theatre and casino, The Shoppes has plenty to lure along any non-shoppers you may be travelling with.

For a truly unique experience, shopping or otherwise, you can’t leave Singapore without visiting the Mustafa Centre in Little India. This 24-hour mall is truly an onslaught on the senses. Crowds are something you will get used to in Singapore, especially around Orchard on a Saturday night, but Little India is something else, and sometimes it feels like everyone is there to shop at Mustafa. If you can brave the crowds then you will definitely find a bargain amongst the more than 150,000 types of merchandise.

Whatever you’re looking for, you will find it in Singapore. With shops suited for every budget, department stores or boutiques, malls or markets, Singapore has something to suit any shopping style. And don’t forget to get your tax back at the airport when you leave.   

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Sentosa Adventure

Singapore’s Sentosa Island is the southernmost point of Continental Asia. Connected to the main island by a causeway, you can also get there via a monorail called the Sentosa Express or the Singapore Cable Car. If you decide to walk along the causeway, be aware that there’s still a charge. It is the cheapest option however, costing $1.00 while the monorail cost $3 and the Cable Car costs $29 for adults and $18 for children. The Cable Car is the most expensive but also the most spectacular. For the most convenient option, choose the monorail.

Sentosa means “peace and tranquillity” in Malay. A name that can be well applied to the white sandy beaches that line the south-west coast, but the island is also host to a lot adventures that will get your heart racing.

The first stop in the monorail line is Resorts World Sentosa. Opened in 2010 it includes a casino, a theme park, an aquarium, a museum, shops and restaurants. A visit to Universal Studios is essential for anyone visiting Singapore. An ultra-modern theme park, it features state of the art rides like the Transformers ride, which is a cross between a 3D movie and roller-coaster and the Mummy ride, which is a roller-coaster that has entire sections of complete darkness. There are also plenty of rides for younger kids and of course those that can’t stomach a high speed roller-coaster. Also worth witnessing at Resorts World is the largest oceanarium in the world, containing 45 million litres of water, 100,000 marine animals across 800 species and the world’s largest viewing panel. At 36-metre wide and 8.3-metre tall, it is intended to give visitors the feeling of being on the ocean floor. Marine Life Park is home to the only giant oceanic manta ray in captivity. It also showcases 24 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, scalloped hammerhead sharks, the Japanese spider crab, and relatively uncommonly-exhibited species such as the guitarfish and the chambered nautilus. Connected to the oceanarium is Adventure Cove Waterpark, featuring the region’s first hydro-magnetic water-coaster. While you’re there make sure you try and have a meal at L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon. With a total of 28 Michelin Stars, Joël Robuchon has more than any other chef in the world.

The second stop is Imbiah Monorail Station. Here you will find a large collection of Sentosa attractions. Learn to fly in the iFly, an indoor wind tunnel that can reach speeds of over 200km/h, although it will only be going about 80km/h when you use it. With an hour training required before entering the tunnel, this is serious business and not like a normal hop-on-hop-off ride. That being said, anyone can do it, young and old, just pay attention to your instructor or be prepaid to fall straight into the safety net. Around the corner from the iFlyer is the Sentosa Luge. Like a mix between a toboggan and a go-kart, control your speed and steering while gravity pulls you down one of the two routes built onto the hill. Next to Sentosa Luge is the Tiger Sky Tower, Singapore’s highest observation tower. Just board the air-conditioned viewing platform on the ground level and the entire thing will ascend 91 metres while slowly revolving, giving 360° views of Sentosa, the southern part of Singapore and on a clear day parts of Indonesia and Malaysia. And of course while you’re in this part of Sentosa you have to pay a visit to the Merlion statue. Standing at a spectacular 37 metres tall, this dwarves all other Merlion statues and even has viewing platforms in its mouth and on its head. For something a bit more educational check out Images of Singapore. A museum dedicated to Singaporean history. For even more history, venture north to find Fort Siloso. This is the actual fort that was manned by the British during World War II. It was because they were so preoccupied with the expectation of a sea attack that Japanese troops were able to invade from the north and occupy Singapore for three years.

The last stop on the line is Beach Monorail Station. From here you can transfer to the blue beach trams to get to Siloso Beach or the green trams to get to Palawan Beach and Tanjong Beach. Siloso Beach is the one to go to for activities such as beach volleyball, canoeing, mountain biking and rollerblading. It’s also the location of Songs of the Sea, an hour-long music, fire, water and laser spectacular that is performed every night. You can also make up for the lack of waves by riding the artificial surf at the Wave House. The next beach along is Palawan Beach. Stop here for one of the numerous bars that sit practically on the sand. The last beach is Tanjong Beach. The smallest and most secluded of the three, this is the perfect place to chill out and maybe try the amazing food at the Tanjong Beach Club.

All these attractions are only a fraction of what’s on offer on the west side of Sentosa. Make sure you plan ahead as you may need tickets and bookings for some places. There are also plenty of hotels on Sentosa which offer perfect access to all the island’s treasures. The east side of Sentosa is mainly made up of private housing, a marina and a massive golf course. With wide quiet roads, don’t be afraid to explore this part of the island, the best way being by bicycle. With so much to do on Sentosa, you need more than a day to see everything. Luckily the transport system makes it easily accessible from anywhere in Singapore.

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Singapore River Explorer Boat Tours

The River Explorer is the latest addition to Singapore’s bustling waterways. Launched on January 1 2013, the River Explorer travels further up river than any tour boats or water taxis have been permitted to in the past.

The importance of the Singapore River in terms of the development of the country cannot be understated. Its necessity during Singapore’s pre-history as a fishing village is obvious, but once Sir Stamford Raffles sailed up it in 1819 it became the epicentre of trade and industry in Singapore. It was from this time, and this river, that Singapore became one of the most important trading posts in South East Asia and started the transformation into what stands today. The Singapore River stayed as a working river for well over 100 years; this led to its environmental decline so in the 1970s a massive clean-up plan was proposed. The enormous task was completed ten years later, and the river started its new life, evolving into the tourist attraction it is today. Since the building of the Marina Barrage in 2008, the Singapore River no longer flows into the sea, as the barrage has dammed the entrance to Marina Bay thus creating a new freshwater reservoir. So the importance of the Singapore River continues, with its waters supplying drinking water to the more than 5 million people that live in Singapore.

The Singapore River is approximately 3 kilometres long, from its source at Kim Seng Bridge to its mouth next to the Esplanade Theatre at Marina Bay. For the first time, you’ll be able to take a boat all the way from mouth to source and back again.

So what’s the best way to experience it all? The first option and a must for anyone visiting Singapore is the Boat Tour. At only $18 for adults and $9 for children and with boats leaving every half an hour between 9AM and 10.30PM, the tour is convenient as well as informative. For 40 minutes you will have a guided tour giving you a history of the river and the historic buildings that stand along the shore. Tours are primarily given in English but Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Bahasa Indonesia, Thai and Vietnamese are also available when booking in advance.

The second opinion is the Bubble Jet. More of a water bus than a water taxi, during peak hour periods there will be a pick-up every 10 minutes from one of the 13 embarkation points. Getting on the Bubble Jet at the Marina Barrage will take you to some of the following destinations: The Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay financial centre, Fullerton Bay Hotel, Merlion Park, Central Business District, Raffles Landing, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, Asian Civilisations Museum, The Arts House at the Old Parliament, Esplanade Park, Supreme Court, Funan Digital Mall, Swissotel Merchant Court, Chinatown, Fort Canning, Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay, Gallery Hotel, Studio M Hotel, Park Hotel Clarke Quay, Clarke Quay, Zouk, Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium Hotel, Furama Riverfront Hotel, Copthorne King's Hotel and the end of the line, Great World City. All these locations are a very short distance from each embarkation point and as you can see by the amount of hotels located on the list, it’s perfect for visitors to check out the local sites or simply just to get from A to B. The final stop is the mall and cinema Great World City. This is also the source of the Singapore River. Although it looks like it keeps going, this is actually Alexander Canal, which extends westward from the original source of the Singapore River.

Go for the history and the sites or to simply visit the any number of bars, clubs and restaurants that line the banks, exploring the Singapore River is essential for any visitor to the country.

The River Explorer 

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Mosaic Music Festival

The Mosaic Music Festival is an annual festival in Singapore that takes place in and around the Esplanade Theatre for ten days. Started in 2005, Mosaic began as a jazz and world music festival but has since grown to feature a wide variety of music styles. The festival is a celebration of music as art and as such is less likely to feature chart-topping pop stars. The entire Esplanade complex takes part in the festival. Not only utilising the venues within, like the concert hall and the theatre but also the surrounding area. As the Esplanade is right next to Marina Bay, it is the perfect setting for these free outdoor shows. The free shows are an important part of Mosaic. With a feeling that music should be for everyone, an outdoor stage right on the waterfront will be showcasing music that’s perfect for music lovers and passers-by alike.

Some of the 2013 Mosaic Music Festival performers include:

Acid House Kings: Bonding over a shared love of Elvis Priestly and The Smiths, Sweden’s Acid House Kings bring their unique brand of indie-pop to the Esplanade Theatre Studio.

Grimes: Hailing from Canada, the fiercely independent Grimes has grown in popularity at an astronomical pace. A true testament to DIY record making and the power of the Internet, see what all the fuss is about when Grimes brings her keyboard to the Esplanade Theatre Studio.

Wouter Hamel: Holland’s own pop sensation Wouter Hamel brings his amazing voice to Mosaic in 2013. Hamel shot to fame after winning the Dutch Jazz Vocal Competition in 2005. Since then he has released three critically acclaimed albums and has toured all over Europe. Catch him in the Esplanade Recital Studio.

mouse on the keys: Containing members from a well-known Japanese post-rock band, Tokyo’s mouse on the keys emerged playing a fusion of post-rock and jazz. Since then they have further evolved to incorporate many diverse styles of music, boiling them down to create something compelling and unique. Their highly visual live show takes place in the Esplanade Recital Studio.

Jose Stone: The 26 year old soul singer is probably the most recognised name on the Mosaic line-up. The organisers may have thrown a curveball in terms of booking a famous chart-topper, but a mere pop star, Jose Stone is not. Her incredible soulful voice has been wowing audiences since her debut album The Soul Sessions in 2003. Ten years later, she comes to Singapore to bring a lot of soul to the Esplanade Concert Hall.

Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra: After meeting in a record shop and becoming friends based around the love of a Gaz Mayall cassette, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra was born. Now in their 25^th year, the band doesn’t just play straight up ska, despite the name. Instead they incorporate all their musical passions including surf rock, punk and jazz. With nine members, this is a musical spectacle not to be missed. Playing the Esplanade Concert Hall – as they’re unlikely to fit anywhere else!

Grizzly Bear:  Although releasing their debut album in 2004, it wasn’t until the release of their second album Yellow House in 2006 that the world stood up and listened. And listen they did. Released on Warp Records, a label most famous for its forward-thinking and experimental electronic music, Yellow House took the music world by storm. Loved by critics and adored by fans, Grizzly Bear quickly became one of the most respected and sought after bands in the indie scene. Now touring album number four, Grizzly Bear perform at Mosaic in the Esplanade Concert Hall.

That is just a small snippet of the artists that are performing at this year’s festival.  At ten days, there really is something for every music lover.

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Step Into The Past On Pulau Ubin

If you’re doing more than a short stay in Singapore and feel like getting out of the city, then there's no better place to do it than Pulau Ubin. As Singapore is officially a “city-state” you’d be forgiven for thinking that there was none of the real wilderness found in bigger Asian countries. In fact Singapore is more than just a city-state. Made up of 63 islands, it hides many treasures waiting to be found by the adventurous traveller. One such treasure is Pulau Ubin.

Offering a perfect glimpse into the past, Pulau Ubin is Malay for “Granite Island”, named for the granite quarries that were first dug when the British settled Singapore. Now Pulau Ubin is home to some of the last traditional villages, known as kampongs, in Singapore. With the diesel powered electricity generators and all the water coming from wells, you will feel like you’ve gone in back in time. Plus it delivers an amazing contrast to the modernity of Singapore City.

To get to Pulau Ubin from the mainland, you need to catch a train to Pasir Ris and then catch a bus to the jetty at Changi Village. From there you need to catch a bumboat to the island. The bumboats sit 12 people and the owners will wait for that many people until they leave. The boat fare is $2.50. On a weekend the boats will fill up in no time. You might have to wait a little longer on a weekday, however. The crossing itself takes about 10 minutes.

Once on Pulau Ubin the three main activities are walking, bike riding and kayaking. The main walking area is in the wetlands known as Chek Jawa on the south-eastern tip of Pulau Ubin. The area is unique as several ecosystems can be found in one area including sandy beach, rocky beach, seagrass lagoon, coral rubble, mangroves and coastal forest. Walkways have been carefully constructed so walkers can pass through the area without disturbing the natural flora and fauna.

Another way to see the coast and get up close to the mangrove forests is by kayaking. You can explore the vast system of waterways and see animals you might not see further inland from the biking or walking track. Lots of seabirds fish here and it’s sometimes possible to see a troop of monkey climbing through the trees or trying to catch mudskippers down by the water. The standard kayak trip takes you through the mangrove lined rivers and lagoons on the south and east side of the island for a few hours. Or for the more adventurous, you can travel to the north side of the island and kayak all the way back through, using the creeks, streams and rivers that criss-cross the island. Make you set aside an entire day for this as this relatively small island feels a lot bigger when you have to kayak your way across it.

The most popular activity on Pulau Ubin is biking. As soon as you arrive on the island and start heading toward the main square, you will see shop after shop renting bikes. The price for rental is based on the condition of the bike. In these circumstances it’s always best not to skimp too much as you don’t want to get stuck on the other side of the island with a broken down bike.  Biking around Pulau Ubin shows off the island’s history and provides some spectacular views. You will see the traditional villages and farms where the same way of life has remained unchanged for decades. You will also see what remains of the old granite quarries. Now mostly filled with water, they look like spectacular lagoons, but avoid swimming in them as they can be quite treacherous for swimmers, hence the large fine that’s now imposed on anyone that decides to take a dip. It’s not just sight-seeing that biking provides. For the more avid mountain biker, a dedicated mountain bike park was built in 2008. The 45 hectare park contains 10 kilometres of dedicated mountain bike tracks. It is also the first mountain bike park in Singapore where the tacks meet the international standard for mountain bike competition. Even so, the park was constructed with casual riders in mind, so don’t be afraid to explore the area even if you’re an amateur.

As any activity on Pulau Ubin is essentially a day trip, there are a few places to eat on the island. Sitting outside by the main square while eating seafood is an enormous pleasure and so far removed from eating in the hustle and bustle of the mainland.

Whatever you do make you sure you’re back at the main jetty before 7pm when the last bumboat leaves. And remember they only leave when there are twelve people so if you’re the last one there at 7pm you will have to pay the equivalent of twelve fares.  

If you want to see what Singapore was like in the past, Pulau Ubin is pretty much the only place to experience it first-hand. But be quick. With land running out on the mainland and developers with dollar signs in their eyes, it might not be long before the island is developed and modernised, and the old way of life is lost forever.

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Singapore Zoo, River Safari and Night Safari

Located roughly 20 kilometres from Singapore’s city centre lies the Singapore Zoo. A world renowned zoological park, it houses 315 different species. All the animals are kept in naturalistic “open exhibits”. Instead of bars and cages, barriers are hidden or a moat is used instead. This makes it easier for each enclosure to be landscaped in a style that’s close to the animal’s natural habitat. It also gives the visitors an excellent view. Singapore Zoo houses the largest captive colony of orang-utans in the world. Other animals living here include white tigers, African lions, gorillas, cheetahs, saltwater crocodiles, giraffes, jaguars, leopards, elephants, white rhinos and many, many more.  

You should start early when you visit the zoo, as there are three major attractions next to each other. The second on your list should be the River Safari. Opened in November 2012, the brand new River Safari is home to 5000 animals. Built as a series of river boat rides, you will visit famous rivers from around the world including the Nile, the Yangtze, the Mississippi and the Amazon. Animals you will see along the way include anacondas, electric eels, Mekong freshwater stingrays, manatees and the critically endangered Mekong giant catfish. If you’re not content with a gentle ride on the river, you just need to try some white water rafting. Unlike normal theme park rapids rides, this one will take you through the enclosure of the majestic Malayan Tiger. The River Safari also contains a 1,400 sq. metre structure called The Frozen Tundra which is home to two polar bears. The enclosure is completely climate controlled and its temperature matches that of the Artic. Undoubtedly though, the main attraction at the River Safari is the giant pandas. Kai Kai and Jia Jia also live a climate controlled enclosure; this one designed to rotate through the four seasons, mimicking the weather from the panda’s original home in China. The River Safari has also grown an 8000 sq. metre plantation of bamboo specifically to feed the two pandas.

Your last stop of the day is the Night Safari. Built in in the early 1990s, the Night Safari is the world’s first nocturnal zoo. Whereas most zoos reverse the day-night cycle in order for the animals to be awake during the day while the zoo is open, the Night Safari is designed so visitors can see nocturnal animals, outside in their natural habitat. You can see the animals from the walkways provided but the best way is to take the tram. This will take you deep into the enclosures with some animals coming so close you could reach out and touch them. With all the fencing and boundaries being so well hidden, it really does feel like you’re in the wild.

Singapore zoo is world renowned, the Night Safari is the first of its kind and still one of the only night safaris in world. It’s also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Singapore. Still new, the River Safari is gaining worldwide recognition for its innovation and dedication to conservation. All three attractions are a must see for any visitor to Singapore. 

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One Night in Singapore

Although not necessarily known for its nightlife, Singapore is quickly becoming a sought-after destination for travellers looking to party in Asia. We decided it was time to put it the test.

Starting early for a pre-dinner beer at Ji Biru, a bar specializing in Japanese craft beer, we’re soon distracted by the yaki tori, which is a specialty at Ji Biru. We quickly understand why. All the beers at Ji Biru are from microbreweries in Japan and with a large selection including chocolate beer and coffee beer, there's something for every beer lover. Non-beer drinkers should definitely try the apple cider or the Umeshu, a Japanese plum wine that’s best enjoyed with a lot of ice.

After doing our best not to fill up on yaki tori we head to Little India. This time though it’s not for Indian food. We’re heading to a bar / restaurant / nightclub / record store called Broadcast HQ. Owned by two brothers from Australia, the menu is inspired by the main religion in Australia; barbeque. It would be silly in that situation not to order a steak, but the ribs look mighty tempting also. After the meal we head upstairs to relax on the couches to some music and enjoy a few after dinner cocktails.

By now it’s approaching 11 so we start making our way towards Clarke Quay. Once there we just stroll around the epic complex known as The Canary. It’s packed with restaurants, bars and clubs and is heaving with people. If you are in doubt about the vibrancy of Singapore’s nightlife, just come here on a Saturday night. After rightly deciding not to have a go in the “reverse bungee” contraption, a little cage that shoots you into the air via bungee rope, we head east along the river to Home Club.

We've decided not to go to one of Singapore’s well known super-clubs like the award winning Zouk or the spectacular Avalon, which sits on top of (not next to) Marina Bay. Instead we've opted for Home Club. Located close to Clarke Quay MRT station and between the two bridges of New Bridge Rd and North Bridge Rd, Home Club has long been revered for its independence in an increasingly commercialized scene. Dedicated to playing indie rock on Friday nights and then a rotating mixture of drum n bass, techno and dubstep on Saturday; Home Club has something for everyone who’s not into the R&B and Top 40 style dance music at other clubs. Its location right next to the Singapore River makes for a perfect place to relax and take a breather between dancing sessions. 

As the early hours of the morning approaches, we decide to finish the night how we started it by partaking in that greatest of Singaporean past times; eating.

We head around the corner to an all-night hawker centre and feast on some local flavours while reflecting on our night out. Travelling from location to location cheaply and easily, plus the sheer amount of people we've seen all night firmly puts to rest any notion that Singapore is a bland destination aimed purely at business travellers and shoppers. Whatever your taste, there’s something out there for every night owl. Be it food, bars or music, there’s always something happening at night in Singapore. 

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Singapore’s Islands of Food

It’s no secret that the most famous thing about Singapore is the food. But what many people don’t expect is the sheer diversity of it all. This is a reflection of Singapore itself. With four official languages and a whole host of dialects being spoken every day, Singapore is the ultimate mix of cultures. In fact they have a name for it; rojak. Meaning ‘mixture’ in Malay, rojak is also a very popular dish. Using the name of a type of food to describe the culture? How very Singaporean. Rojak is a fruit and vegetable salad and a must try food if you want to feel truly local.

Traditional Singaporean food begins at breakfast with a kopi and some kaya toast. Kaya is a local jam consisting of coconut, eggs and sugar. It is spread between two slices of white bread along with an almost alarmingly large chunk of butter. The toast is then dipped into a stirred mixture of soft boiled eggs, dark soya sauce and ground white pepper. There is simply no better way to start your day in Singapore.

When eating in Singapore it’s always important to think ahead. With more food than time, you should conserve and not fill up too much, especially at lunch. That’s why you should definitely go for some satay. Skewered beef or chicken cooked over a wood or charcoal fire for that extra smoky taste, dipped into satay sauce that’s not too spicy to exclude sensitive palates. It makes for a perfect summers day dish. Also good for lunch is Roti Prata. Roti prata, simply meaning ‘flat bread’ was originally just a flour based pancake cooked on a grill and then dipped into curry. It’s evolved over time to be a dish all of its own, with fillings such as onion, cheese and mushroom being added. A bowl of curry sauce will still be provided for your dipping pleasure. Those with bigger stomachs at lunchtime might want to have some laksa. Famous all over the world, this is actually a traditional Peranakan dish, so eating it in Singapore is eating it direct from the source.

Dinner in Singapore is when it’s time to really show off the famous local dishes. If you’re not on a diet make sure you try some char kway teow; flat rice noodle fried with lard. Another famous dish is Hainanese chicken rice. Known simply as chicken rice, Singapore’s second most famous dish is boiled chicken served with rice that’s been fried in chicken fat and then boiled in chicken broth. This mouth-watering dish has to be tasted to be believed. Although considered a national dish, chicken rice probably isn’t the most famous dish overseas. That honour has to go to Chilli Crab. Although chicken rice is the national dish, its origins are actually from China and has such become a local dish in many surrounding countries. Chilli crab however, is strictly Singaporean.  Chilli crab was invented in 1950 by drenching mud crabs in bottled tomato sauce and bottled chilli sauce. It wasn’t until the 1960s that it started to evolve, with eggs, vinegar, sambal, lemon juice and tomato paste being added. These new ingredients made the sauce thicker in texture and richer in taste. It’s this evolved style that Singaporeans and visitors to the country enjoy today. And despite the name, chilli crab isn’t actually that spicy, making it easier for those foreign taste buds that might not be able to handle too much spice. Once the crab has been devoured, make sure you soak up all the excess sauce with the fried bread rolls that are traditionally served with the chilli crab.

Where to find all this amazing food? The entire island is covered in places to eat. In fact if you name a dish to a local, chances are they’ll name a place on the island that serves the very best version of it. Of course, every local you ask will have their own idea of where the best place is. Although not a place associated with good food in the West, food courts in Singapore are not a bunch of stalls serving stale food from a bain-marie, all the food is cooked to order and they are a great place sample local food in an air-conditioned environment. The more traditional food court is the hawker centre. As hawker centres are outside you’ll have to do without the air-con but there’s no better place than a traditional hawker centre to sample the local fare. Satay, laksa, char kway teow can all be found in food courts and hawker centres all over Singapore. Chilli crab is more of a restaurant dish. It is on the menu of any restaurant selling local food or Singapore-style Chinese food but there are also restaurants where chilli crab is the speciality. You can always ask a local, but be prepared for the chance that the suggested restaurant could be on the other side of the island. There are also many districts with distinct flavours of their own. Head to Kampong Glam for the many Egyptian and Turkish restaurants than run along and around Arab St. Other districts to try are Chinatown and Little India. The food available there speaks for itself.

All these dishes only scrape the surface of what is available in Singapore. As you discover more of the island you will uncover an amazing amount of tantalising food.  

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One Day at Marina Bay

No trip to Singapore is complete without a visit to Marina Bay. As the entrance to the Singapore River, it was once an all-important trade route for fishermen and traders who were the life-blood of the island. Now it’s one of Singapore’s premier tourist attractions.

Instead of taking the train to Marina Bay MRT station, get off at Raffles Place and head east towards the Fullerton Bay Hotel. From here you should head north along the water towards the Merlion.

The Merlion is the mascot and national symbol of Singapore. Its fish body represents Singapore’s origin as a fishing village and the lion head represents Singapore’s original name, Singapura, meaning Lion City. The Merlion statue sits near the mouth of the Singapore River. At 8.6 metres tall and with a jet of water rushing out of his mouth, the Merlion is a must see to make any visit to Singapore complete.

From there you can catch a bumboat straight across the bay towards Marina Bay Sands. Opened in 2010, the $8 billion Marina Bay Sands is the most expensive stand-alone hotel casino ever built. Your first stop at this epic complex should be the ArtScience museum. Shaped like a lotus flower, this unique building does not fail to impress. With an always changing roster of international exhibitions, the ArtScience museum is just as impressive on the inside.

From there it’s into the mall. Officially called The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, this mega-mall really lives up to its name. At almost 93,000 square metres, it truly is a shopper’s paradise. If you’re one of the many people that doesn’t like shopping but once again have found yourself dragged to a shopping centre, perhaps you could take a gondola ride on the canal that runs through the mall. Or maybe sit and have a coffee beside the indoor waterfall, made up of collected rainwater. Plus there’s always the ice skating rink to keep you busy. Of course if something a bit more grown up is to your liking, then just pop into the casino. As the world’s largest atrium casino, with 500 tables and 1,600 slot machines, it will be very easy to match any shopper in terms of time and money spent.

With shopping bags filled and chips cashed, it’s time to make a trip up to the SkyPark, 191 metres above ground. Make sure you bring swimwear as the SkyPark hosts the world’s longest infinity pool. Swimming to the edge and peering over to take in the view of the city from almost 200 metres high, while floating in 376,500 gallons of water is a genuinely breath-taking experience. After your swim you can have a meal in one of the world class restaurants that sit in the SkyPark. After dinner make sure you take a stroll through the hundreds of trees that make this rooftop paradise a true park. Your walk should take you to the north end of the park where the platform overhangs by 67 metres, giving unmatched views of Singapore.

It’s not over yet. To end the day why don’t you catch a show in one of the two 1,680-seat theatres located in the mall down below? And if you really want to keep the night going afterwards, party the rest of the night away at the “floating nightclub” on Marina Bay.

From national icons and traditional water transport all the way to the future of shopping and leisure, a day at Marina Bay is a must for anyone visiting Singapore. 

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Blown Away by Gardens by the Bay

Try not to get distracted when you go through the ticket stalls at Bayfront MRT station. In front of you will be the shopping mall located beneath the world famous Marina Bay Sands. One of the newest and most spectacular malls in Singapore, it has an ice rink, a floating Louis Vuitton store and even a canal running through the middle – complete with gondolas. But all that will have to wait, for Gardens by the Bay waits just ahead. After taking the underground walkway, you will emerge just near Dragonfly Bridge.

It’s hard to put into words what you will experience while standing on Dragonfly Bridge. In one direction is Marina Bay Sands, towing above you, almost imposing, definitely impressive. To one side of the bridge is the Singapore Flyer, the world’s largest Ferris wheel. But the most awe-inspiring site is in front of you. Knows as the Supertrees, these enormous plant covered structures, some as high as 50m, tower over the surrounding area looking like something from a science fiction film. These Supertrees do more than just look amazing. Some hold solar panels on the roof helping power the site, while others actually act as exhaust chimneys for the conservatories. Looking past the Supertrees are the conservatories themselves. Two massive white and glass dome structures, you might have seen them while driving from the airport on your arrival to Singapore. Now it’s time to see what’s inside.

After crossing the Dragonfly Bridge you will enter some of the many themed gardens on offer, including the Indian Garden, the Chinese Garden and Malay Garden. These gardens show of the diversity of local and near-local flora.

By now you will have reached the domes. After purchasing tickets head into the Flower Dome. You will need a few minutes to adjust your senses once in the Flower Dome. If you’ve been inside large conservatories before you know they’re usually hot and humid, but you’re in Singapore and there’s enough of that outside. The temperature and humidity inside the Flower Dome is as close to perfect as you could get, and with over 300,000 kinds of plants you may end up staying longer than planned. Although named the Flower Dome, its overall design is that of a desert. Ancient trees sit alongside strange cacti as different deserts from around the world are represented. Follow the path down to the very bottom of the dome to see the central flower display that gives the dome its name. Here you will find people relaxing, children playing and many, many photos being taken. It’s very tempting to sit here and soak up the atmosphere for hours but something a little more blood-tingling is waiting at the Supertrees.

Instead of going straight from one dome to the next, it’s time for a closer look at those Supertrees. You would have noticed as you walked towards the Flower Dome a high walkway between the two largest Supertrees. That is the OCBC Skyway, and if you’re afraid of heights, it might be time to go and have a coffee. Accessed by an elevator in one of the Supertrees, the 128m long walkway is not only exhilarating but also gives the best view of the entire Gardens. While you’re up there you should also try and get a close-up look at some of the 160,000 plants that grow on the Supertrees.

Before we move on to the last dome we should think about timing and the specific order we’ve chosen to see the attractions. The best time to visit Gardens by the Bay is mid-afternoon. The reason for this will become clear in a moment. The first stop is the Flower Dome so you can cool down after the walk from the MRT station. Next up is the Skywalk as it closes the before the domes, but the real reason for this timing is to experience the second dome, the whimsically but perfectly named Cloud Forest, at dusk.

Entering the Cloud Forest is truly a breathtaking experience. After being hit by a wave of cool air at the entrance, you walk further in to discover you are at the bottom of a 30m high waterfall. Rising up in the middle of the dome is a spectacular mountain, covered in greenery and with walkways weaving in and out of it. Make your way through the spray of the waterfall to the other side of the mountain where you can catch an elevator to the top. From the top you can slowly make your way back down using the almost-clear bottomed walkways, again, definitely not for someone who is afraid of heights. If this is timed correctly, you will make your way down as the sun sets and the world outside becomes a city of light. Through the dome windows you will be able to see the Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands and the Supertrees, all lit up in a dazzling array of colours. Once you’ve completed the walkway you’ll find yourself deep inside the mountain. Here you will discover educational films and resources about the dangers of global warming and what humans can do to slow it down. You will also find a display that shows how the self-sustainability of the Gardens works. These displays really help to show that the Gardens and more than just a tourist attraction, they are also an example of pro-active conservation.

On your way out of the Gardens it’s time for one last stroll through Supertree Grove. Walking through them at night when they are all lit up is a mesmerizing experience. Even more so when you remember all the power is coming from the solar panels in the tress themselves. It’s the perfect way to end an amazing afternoon.

One of the more spectacular destinations in Singapore, Gardens by the Bay simply cannot be missed.

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Shopping and Tax Advantages for Tourists in Singapore

Singapore is famous for its amazing range of shopping options, but did you know tourists can claim back the 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) once you leave the country? Most large retailers and chain stores in Singapore participate in the Tourist Refund Scheme; just look for a blue sign saying either "Tax Free Shopping" or "Premier Tax Free". As the minimum spend is $100, you should always confirm with the retailer that they are participating in the scheme, just to be on the safe side.

Not all goods and services purchased are eligible for a GST refund. Goods partly or wholly consumed in Singapore, items purchased for business or commercial use, goods exported by freight, accommodation, car rental, entertainment and tour charges are all ineligible for a GST refund.

The first step to getting your GST refund is to claim the Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS) ticket or a paper refund form from the cashier during your purchase. Make sure you have your passport with you as you will need this as proof of eligibility.

Make sure you keep the ticket or form safe as you will need them at the time of departure.
When arriving at Changi Airport for your departure, make sure you claim your refund before you check in for your flight as you may need to present the items you purchased to the customs officer. If you have an eTRS ticket you can claim your refund at the eTRS self-service kiosk. Keep in mind that even with the self-service option, you still might need to show your goods and the original receipt / invoice. This can be done at the Customs Inspection Counter. If you have a paper refund form, you can just head straight to the Customs Inspection Counter to have your claim approved. Once you receive your customs stamp you can check your luggage in along with the purchased goods.

Customs Inspection Counters and eTRS kiosks are available in all terminals of Changi Airport.

Once you have your customs stamp and have checked in your luggage, proceed through immigration and head to either the Global Blue Refund or Premier Tax Free counter. The one specific to your needs can be found in the documents you received from either the kiosk or the Customs Inspection Counter. Keep in mind that for credit card refunds, the credit card receiving the refund must be the same card that was used for the original purchase. Make sure you are familiar with all the differences between the two systems. In some cases a retailer may operate a refund scheme of their own. In this case please use the airport postbox to mail in the endorsed refund form. In these cases you may have to pay a small handling fee.

The retail experience in Singapore is something every dedicated shopper must experience at least once in their life, especially during the annual Great Singapore Sale. Tips like this can help you save money and make your time in Singapore more pleasurable.

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