Whisper
as you meander around the
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
Singapore is one of only two cities in the world to
have a significant area of primary rainforest within
its boundaries - the other being Rio de Janeiro.
This 81-hectare reserve is only 12 km from the city
centre. At the heart of the reserve lies Singapore's
highest point - Bukit Timah Hill at 162.5 m above
sea level. Well-marked paths lead through the
jungle. Along the way, walkers can enjoy exotic
birds, butterflies, inquisitive monkeys, squirrels,
flying lemurs and other wildlife. The nature reserve
is open daily. Allow two hours to see everything in
comfort. Admission: Free and it is located at 177 Hindhede Drive, Singapore. Telephone: 1-800-4685736
for more information.
Go
Canoeing. You can hire a canoe from various private operators
located at Changi Point, East Coast Park, and
Sentosa Island. Operating hours are generally from
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. Single-seaters cost
between S$6 to S$10 and double-seaters cost between
S$8 and S$12. For more information contact the
Singapore Canoe Federation at 32 River Valley Close,
18-32, Singapore telephone: 65+7324358
Visit
Chijmes
Formerly the site of the Convent of the Holy
Infant Jesus (hence the acronym, pronounced chimes),
Chijmes is a unique blend of historical architecture
and modern restoration. The Gothic Chapel, erected
in 1890, is a showcase of plasterwork, delicate wall
frescoes and stained glass. The Caldwell House has a
sunken forecourt, waterfalls and fountains. The
complex is now home to art galleries, bout0iques and
a lavish selection of restaurants, wine bars and
cafes-one of Singapore's entertainment hot spots.
Tours are conducted Monday-Friday 11 am and 3 pm,
Saturday at 11 am. Free. Victoria Street. Phone 65+3326274.
Wander
around the
Empress Palace Museum Regarded as one of the finest neo-classical buildings in
Singapore, Empress Place dates back to 1854, when it
served as a court house. Today the building houses a
world-class museum and exhibition centre, featuring
cultural and archaeological treasures from China and
other ancient
civilizations - many of them being shown
outside their country of origin for the first time.
It can be found at 1 Empress Place, Singapore City.
Telephone 65+3367633 Allow a half day to
enjoy the attractions of the museum. Guided tours in
English and Japanese for small groups of 10-12 are
available. Opening hours: 9am to 5.30pm (closed on
Mondays). Admission: S$2 adults, S$ 1 children (6-
16 years)
Sail
on a
Harbour cruise.
Pick up a boat at the World Trade Center. From
Clifford Pier, you can buy tickets for a cruise
around the Southern Islands on an ornate Chinese
junk, a replica of an imperial Ming Dynasty boat.
This cruise also includes high tea, and a stop at
the island of Kusu.
Stop
by
Little India
which is an area full of stores, restaurants and antique
dealers specializing in Indian goods. Women in graceful saris and turbaned
Sikhs go about their daily business in the Zhujiao
Centre, where a bewildering selection of food is on
sale. Small shops abound, selling bolts of
glittering silks, temple garlands, gold jewellery
and spices that are ground in front of you. The
Hindu religion plays an important part in the life
of Little India, and the Sri Veerama Kaliaman and
Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temples in the area are well
worth visiting. Allow two hours to browse. The STPB
(Singapore Tourist Promotion Board) has a guidebook
for the area. Located on Serangoon Road, Singapore
City.
Go
on
The Night Safari
(located at the Singapore
Zoological Gardens)
Here you can look a one-horned
rhinoceros in the eye or hear the howls of a pack of
striped hyenas. There are 1,200 animals of over 100
exotic species to watch out for. Strike out on your
own along the walking trail or relax in a tram ride
- whichever you choose, the Night Safari is a wild
adventure not to be missed. Opening hours: 7.30pm to
midnight daily. Admission: $15.45 adults, $10.30
children under 12. Tram Ride: $3 adults, $2
children. Located on Mandai Lake Road, Singapore,
telephone 65+2693411
Go
Sailing
This is an exciting, yet at the same time,
relaxing pastime. What better way to meander
along Singapore's coastline or drift across
to off shore islands at sunset. This is one sport
the whole family can enjoy, no matter what their
ages, from the toddling toddler to tottering
granny, all can join in. Some boats have fun
activities like 'boom-netting' where one is dragged
through the surf in a huge net...great
fun...remember to take your glasses off though as
they may get whisked off your face! For more information,
contact the Singapore Yacht Club on: 65+2650931
or
the Changi Sailing club telephone: 65+5452876
Go
to the
Sungei Buloh Nature Park
is
Singapore's first designated wetland nature reserve
and is a major stop-over point for birds migrating
along the East Asian Flyway. Carefully constructed
hides throughout the 87 hectares provide excellent
observation points for visitors. Allow 3 hours.
Opening hours: 7.30am to 7pm on weekdays; 7am to 7pm
on weekends and public holidays. Admission: S$1
adults, S$0.50 for children, students and senior
citizens. It is located on Neo Tiew Crescent and you
can telephone them on: 65+6690377 for
more information.
Visit
Sentosa Island.
This
former military base, is now devoted to
entertaining its guests. Within the island are
museums, gardens, a butterfly park, swimming
lagoons, golf courses, a large roller skating rink
and more. Ferries run from the World Trade Centre in
Singapore City daily 7:30am - 10pm or go by Cable
car leaving from Mount Faber and the World Trade
Centre (WTC) offering a ride which offers a
panoramic view of the Singapore harbour. Sentosa can
also be reached overland by the Causeway-bridge.
For
more information on things to do in Singapore, check
out our Sightseeing
pages, our
Activities and Sports pages and our
Activities for
Children pages. Please note that the above
opening times and costs are subject to change and
are therefore meant to be used as a guide only.
REMEMBER
to dial Singapore's area code, 65
after the International code if dialing from outside
Singapore.
|