Universal Studios Singapore

Although we briefly covered Universal Studios Singapore (or USS as it’s known to the locals), the attraction is one of the most popular destinations in Singapore and as such should be given a closer look.

Officially opening its doors on the 28^th of May 2011, USS changed the face of Singapore. For a year people travelling to Sentosa Island could see a mysterious large castle on the horizon, now they had the chance to explore it first-hand.

The best way to get to USS is via the Sentosa Monorail. Literally around the corner from the station, the first sign that you have reached your destination will be the famous Universal Globe. Seeing a larger than life version of the iconic globe you’ve been seeing at the start of movies your entire life will fill you with excitement and have you running to the gates. No matter how old you are, you’ll feel like a kid in a candy shop while at USS. Of course you can make the metaphor a reality by popping into the massive Hershey’s store next to the globe. It’s probably a better idea to leave that until the end of the day though, for what’s in store might be best done on a not-so-full stomach.

Walking through the gates you’ll come across Hollywood. Modelled after the Hollywood Boulevard circa 1970, you’ll walk past shops and restaurants reminiscent of a long lost time. Expect lots of art deco and palm trees.

Getting to the intersection you’ll see an American-style 1950s diner in front of you, New York City to your right and to your left a life-size cargo ship. The entire theme park is built around a lake and the proper way around is anti-clockwise, so head right onto the streets of New York. Replicating the classic New York we all know from the movies, this is the place for food and live shows. As you’re in New York make sure you try the pizza.

After the New York Public Library you’ll follow the path to the left and go from the past straight into the future. This is Sci-Fi City. Opposite the shop selling personal helper robots is one of the newest rides in the park: Transformers: The Ride. This ride could very much be the future of theme park rides. Part roller coaster, part 3D movie, this thrilling adventure puts you in the driver’s seat for a robot battle through a city. With giant wrap around HD screens and the fact the vehicle you’re in is actually moving will create an unprecedented level of immersion. Although at one point you will feel like you’re falling from a building, the lack of actual dips and speed found on a traditional roller coaster means that this ride is appropriate for most people. Definitely appropriate for everyone is the Accelerator, which is a teacup ride with a sci-fi makeover. Next to that however, is something not for everyone. The main attraction of the park, the world’s tallest duelling roller coaster, Battlestar Galactica: Human vs. Cylon. This epic roller coaster based on the television show Battlestar Galactica is split into two sections, one representing the humans and one their robot enemies, the Cylons.  Both launch at the same time creating a “race”. With high speed loops and corkscrews, this is a thrilling roller coaster that will leave you breathless.

After Sci-Fi City jump far back in time to Ancient Egypt. This zone is inspired by the second wave of Egyptomania that took place during the early 20^th century. For the young kids there’s the Treasure Hunters ride. Sit back in your in your vintage Jeep and be driven around a classic Egyptian archaeological dig site. For something a bit faster head into the giant pyramid for Revenge of the Mummy. Based on the Mummy movies, this is an indoor roller coaster that takes place almost entirely in the dark. This really creates a unique sensory experience. After the first stage of the ride, with smoke, flames so close you can feel the heat and reverse sections that will make you scream, the car spirals down and down in complete darkness. Occasionally there will be a flash of light to give you a very quick glimpse of your surroundings, which is just a deep dark carven. This darkness makes the photos you can buy at the end especially funny as the lack of light makes you forget anyone is watching.

The next zone on your journey is The Lost World. Based on the classic Jurassic Park movies, the centrepiece of The Lost World is the rapids ride. Starting out as gentle ride through Jurassic Park, you’ll pass through different dinosaur enclosures before a flood breaks out. You’ll find you and your boat hurtling through buildings, up an elevator shaft to waiting raptors before plummeting back down with a mighty splash. It might be a good idea to leave you valuables in a locker for this one. Afterwards you can dry out on the Canopy Flyer. This four-seat ride takes you slowly above the tree-tops of The Lost World giving you a great view of the entire Universal Studios. More fun for the young ones here thanks to the Dino-Soarin’ ride. The same spinning ride you see at every theme park and fun fair, this one is different in that you can manually control the height at which your vehicle, in this case a pterodactyl, flies. Take the long path to your right just after The Lost World and you will find Waterworld. An action packed stage show that is common to most theme parks, except this one is set on a floating stage and uses the water as a main set piece. Expect stunts, splashes and jaw-dropping pyrotechnics.

After The Lost World, walk across the bridge to Far Far and Away. You’ll actually feel like you’ve walked straight into the world of the Shrek movies, with the main street lined with shops straight from the movies. The main thing you’ll notice however is the 40 metre (131ft) castle. Venture inside to find the 4D cinema. Playing is an original short Shrek film which not only displays in 3D but also treats you to sprays of water, moving seats and other physical effects that will make you feel like you’re in the movie. Far Far and Away is also home to a more child-friendly roller coaster. Enchanted Airways is based on an airport complete with ticket booths and departure and arrival information with all locations from Shrek getting mentioned. The roller coaster train itself is designed to look like Dragon who will fly you around without filling you with as much fear as the Battlestar Galactica roller coaster.

The final zone is based on the Madagascar films. The two rides here are relaxing and child-friendly to fit with the theme of the movie, one a simple carousel with characters from the movie and a boat ride which takes place inside the hull of a full sized cargo ship. State of the art animatronics, projections and high-tech sound make this a great and relaxing way to end a long day of rides and adrenalin.

Eating at USS is an adventure of its own.  Besides Sci-Fi City which only has an ice-cream store, every other zone has somewhere to eat, each based on the theme of the zone. From Middle Eastern inspired food in Ancient Egypt to New York favourites in the New York zone. Just time it right as the zero-g inversions of the Battlestar Galactica roller coaster do not mix with food!

Universal Studios Singapore is open every day; expect long queues on weekends and public holidays. If going on these days it’s a good idea to buy your tickets online. If you’re visiting during the week then just show up any time and get your tickets before you go in. All rides are included in the ticket price and crowds are always quite low during the week so you can go on your favourite rides a few times with minimal waiting time.

Built for the young and the young at heart, Universal Studios is a must-stop destination for anyone visiting Singapore. 

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Nightclubs in Singapore

The nightclub scene has exploded in Singapore over the last 20 years. From Zouk opening its doors in 1991 to the floating palace of Avalon opening in 2011, Singapore has become a clubbers paradise. With so many clubs out there, we’ve chosen to focus on four of the most popular. For full listing of going-ons in Singapore make sure you pick up a free copy of Juice or Ziggy. Both magazines are found in various shops around Singapore.

Avalon

The newest venue on the Singapore nightclub scene, Avalon was built as part of the famous Marina Bay Sands complex.  Founded by the same team behind Avalon in Los Angeles, Singapore’s Avalon brings world-class state of the art clubbing to south-east Asia. Housed in the floating South Crystal Pavilion, the nightclub impresses before you’ve even crossed the threshold. Once inside you’ll be confronted with 17,000 square feet of clubbing heaven. Set over two floors with interior design by New York firm Roman and Williams, party in ultimate style to world renowned artists and DJs. With a constant rotation of international artists performing at Avalon, there’s a good chance you’ll catch one of your favourites while in Singapore. Also make sure you try their original energy-cocktail ‘POP!’ Cover charge varies depending on who’s performing so make sure you double check before heading out. For nights with local DJs only, don’t expect to pay less than $25 for entry.

Zouk

One of the oldest clubs in Singapore, Zouk’s popularity has only grown and grown in the 21 years since it was established. Constantly appearing in the top ten of DJ Magazine’s list of best clubs in the world, Zouk is the place to choose if your time in Singapore is limited. Zouk is part of a nightlife complex that includes the hip hop orientated Phuture, the less-mainstream Velvet Underground and the chilled Zouk Wine Bar. Zouk is also responsible for the most international artists performing in Singapore, with 153 bookings in 2012 alone. This is also due to the side-events they put on outside of the nightclub. If you’re in Singapore in December you may have a chance to experience ZoukOut. One of the biggest electronic music festivals in south-east Asia, ZoukOut takes place on the picturesque island of Sentosa. With a massive line-up consisting of the world’s top DJs and electronic music producers, it has become the highlight of the year for Singaporean clubbers. As Wednesday night in Singapore is ‘ladies night’, make sure you check out TGIW at Zouk. Happening every Wednesday it’s the perfect place for people on holiday as you don’t have to work the next day! Entry is $25, but being on a Wednesday, entry for ladies is free. Entry costs for other nights at Zouk and its neighbouring clubs depends on who’s playing. Make sure you check the price when deciding who to go and see.

Zirca

Located in Singapore’s party district, Clarke Quay, Zirca is relatively new face on the Singapore club scene, but it has very much made its mark. If you’re looking for more of a party than just dancing to music, Zirca is the place for you. Expect champagne to be flowing as performers take to the stage to entertain the 2,000 excited revellers. Another club that regularly hosts international artists, Zirca is also famous for its Wednesday night party Lollipop, another popular free night for ladies. If you’re feeling brave you can check out one of Zirca’s many costume parties. Be aware that people put a lot of effort in so don’t phone it in or you’ll definitely stand out, and not in the way you’re supposed to. Prices at Zirca are steep but if you’re into a spectacle beyond the normal clubbing experience then it’s well worth the price of admission. 

Home Club

Billed as Singapore’s home of the underground, Home Club is a back-to-basics clubbing experience focusing on music over everything else. The place to regularly hear music styles not often represented in the bigger clubs like techno, dubstep and drum n bass, Home Club also hosts indie nights for those that like to dance to something other than electronic music. It’s also a popular venue for local bands, with the club often doubling as a live music venue earlier in the night. Furthering the venue’s diversity, Home Club hosts regular comedy nights.  Although often hosting international artists, usually Home Club is home to young upcoming Singaporean DJs, which keeps door prices down, making it a popular club for many young Singaporeans. Its location next to the Singapore River, outside tables and great service also make it a great hangout spot. Cover charge at Home Club is always decent, even for international artists, so if you’re into music and don’t care about the bells and whistles of the nearby superclubs, then Home Club is the perfect place for you.   

As mentioned this is only the tip of the iceberg. Whether you like pop, house, trance, techno, drum n bass, dubstep, hip hop or R&B, there’s a DJ in a club somewhere waiting for you. Keep an eye on local listings before you arrive as you might get a chance to see a popular international DJ, if not the local DJs are well equipped to fuel your night of dancefloor hijinks.

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10 Cheap Things To Do In Singapore

Via: The Huffington Post


10 Cheap Things To Do In Singapore


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Bars in Singapore

The nightlife scene in Singapore is constantly evolving. Every time you look up there seems to be a new bar, club or restaurant. To help you make a decision on where to go for a drink, we’ve made a few suggestions. The list doesn’t go into much detail at what is served at each bar; instead it focuses on the venue, atmosphere and what makes it a better option than just a regular old pub.

Tanjong Beach Club

Situated on Tanjong Beach away from the crowds of Siloso Beach and Palawan Beach, Tanjong Beach Club is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy day exploring Sentosa Island. Make sure you get a good spot by the pool take in the view of the ocean. This is particularly special at night as the dark horizon is dotted with the hundreds of lights that cover all the ships anchored a few kilometres off shore. Tanjong Beach Club is also known for its amazing food. With the chef having worked at Momofuku Ma Peche and Oceana in New York City, this is also a great place for dinner.  

Ji Biru

Specializing in Japanese craft beer, Ji Biru sits in the “outdoor” area of the mall 313 Somerset. Decked out with wooden tables and benches it feels very Japanese. Its location means you get the outdoor vibe but with a massive fan on the roof keeping the Singaporean heat at bay. This makes it a perfect place for an afternoon drink after or during a shopping spree on Orchard Rd. Ji Biru is also known for its yakitori so much sure you grab some as a snack while you’re there.

Ku De Ta

Situated 55 stories high in the SkyPark on top of Marina Bay Sands, Ku De Ta provides one of the most spectacular views of Singapore. With a restaurant inside and a bar outside, you can enjoy your drink while taking in the view of Marina Bay with the Singapore CBD skyline in the background. Look to your right to get a rare top-down view of the Singapore Flyer. As it’s the world’s highest Ferris wheel, there are not many opportunities to see it from this angle.

1-Altitude 

If you want to get even higher then go across the water to the CBD to have a drink in the world’s highest al fresco bar. On level 63 of One Raffles Place sits 1-Altitude. At 282 metres (925ft) high and with 360 degree views this might be the most spectacular bar in Singapore. And hence there is a cover charge of up to $30. This does include a drink and with the view of Marina Bay Sands and pretty much most of Singapore it’s definitely worth the price of admission at least once. 

Loof

This rooftop bar is a very popular spot on Friday and Saturday nights. The wood decking and greenery makes it feel like being on the terrace of a really nice house. The view provides a glimpse of the top of Marina Bay Sands so you’ll be able to see the nightly laser show. They’ve also provided some coin operated binoculars so you can get a closer look.

Divine

Parkview Square will be a building you’ll come very familiar with during your stay in Singapore. This landmark is known around town as the ‘Gotham City building’ due to its striking Art Deco architecture, making it look like something from Batman’s home town. The amazing design isn’t just on the outside. Next to the impressive lobby is Divine. This opulent wine bar is a must for wine lovers and architecture fans alike. The centrepiece is a 12 metre (39ft) high, gold wine chiller. It’s so tall that if you order something from one of the upper shelves, a wine fairy flies up and gets the bottle. You read that correctly. A woman dressed as a fairy and attached to a rope and pulley system floats straight up to get your wine. You just hope she’s getting paid well for that. And with the cheapest bottle of wine costing $95, you know she probably is.

Mr Punch

Mr Punch is a rooftop bar located at the MINT Museum of Toys. The walls of the bar are covered in vintage advertisements and signs creating a unique atmosphere that make for a good change from some of the more overly glamorous bars in Singapore. Located close to other museums, Mr Punch is perfect for a cool refreshment after a day of history and culture.

Broadcast HQ

Located in a large old shophouse in Little India and run by two Australians, Broadcast HQ feels like a bar you’d find in Sydney or Melbourne. Situated above the restaurant which specializes in barbequed meat, the bar is dark, with mismatched couches, exposed brick and hip hop playing on the stereo. The bar food is top notch and the cocktails are “preservative free”. There is also a record store downstairs which can be dangerous for the wallet after a few drinks.

Helipad

Although not used for an actual helipad during the day or anything, this round rooftop bar certainly does resemble one, especially with the big glowing H shape in the middle, which of course is actually a giant couch. Once the helipad novelty wears of the bar provides an awesome view of the Singapore River and Clarke Quay, one of the busiest bar and restaurant districts in Singapore.   

Clarke Quay

If you want to try a few placers but don’t want to travel around too much, then Clarke Quay is the place to go. With five blocks of old warehouses converted into a network of bars, clubs and restaurants, you’ll be spoilt for choice no matter what you feel like doing. There’s an Irish pub, a Scottish pub, a Middle Eastern bar where you can smoke a shisha, bars with live music, a massive wine bar and Hooters(!) Go on a Friday or Saturday night and be prepared for large crowds. But with the layout and Singapore’s love of organization it never feels overwhelming. To avoid the weekend traffic you should get there by water taxi. You’ll be dropped off right in the thick of it so you can get your night started as soon as you decide where to start. With so much choice that might actually be quite hard, but with everything so close to each other you should try as many places as possible.  

There are plenty of regular bars and pubs in Singapore where you can go and just enjoy a drink. But if you want a memorable venue, interesting beer choice and/or great food, make sure you try one or more of the places listed above.  

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Chinese New Year

Being in Singapore for Chinese New Year is like being in Europe or North America during Christmas. Chinese New Year is the most important time of year for the Chinese community, and with over 70% of Singaporeans being Chinese the celebrations run through the entire island.

Although Chinese New Year falls on the 10^th of February this year (it’s a different date each year), the festivities began long before that. As it’s the year of the Snake, Chinatown has installed a massive sculpture of a snake using yellow sky lanterns that slithers along four metres above South Bridge Rd. Around the corner is another snake, this one 128 metres long and made of 5000 red cube lanterns. Explore the various street of Chinatown and you can browse over 500 street-stalls set up in celebration of the New Year. These will be selling traditional Chinese New Year treats like sweets and cookies. Chinatown will be the epicentre of the celebrations on the 9^th of February. Make sure you go to New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street between 9.30pm and 12.30am for live performances and a countdown celebration.

One of the major events during Chinese New Year is the Chingay Parade held on the 22 & 23^rd of February. This street parade was first held in 1973 and has since grown into the most popular street parade of the year. Due to its overwhelming popularity it is now held at the F1 Pit Building. A closed off piece of road normally used to the Formula 1 race in September. The current location offers seating so more people can view the spectacle.

Also popular is River Hongbao. This nine day festival takes place from the 8^th of February to the 16^th of February on the floating platform on Marina Bay and will feature 1,200 lanterns and 45 food stalls selling classic Singaporean dishes like char kway teow, chicken rice, oyster omelette and delicacies from the Guangdong province in China like soup dumplings and grilled quail eggs.  

Around the corner at the Esplanade from the 15^th of February until the 24th is Huayi - Chinese Festival of the Arts. Showcasing Chinese art, music, dance and theatre, the festival is great way to get a better understanding of Chinese culture.

If you’re looking for a quick introduction to everything Chinese New Year, then the Singapore Flyer will be celebrating by turning one of Singapore’s most popular tourist sites into a lesson on everything Chinese New Year. Learn about what makes Chinese New Year such a special time, and then take a ride in the world’s tallest Ferris wheel.  

These are just some of the things going on during the Chinese New Year period. But no matter where you are in Singapore you won’t be able to stop yourself being swept along by the festivities. Note that Monday the 11^th of February and Tuesday the 12^th of February are national public holidays. This won’t affect tourist spots and major restaurants. But be aware that some supermarkets might be closed as well as most of the smaller Chinese-run businesses. Whatever you do just revel in the festivities and have a great Chinese New Year. Gong Xi Fa Cai!

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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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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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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. 

Visitors.sg