What to See In Singapore
The offerings are great and varied in Singapore.
Tip- Take into account the heat and humidity when planning your day.It can sap your energy.
My top list
Singapore River Cruise
I like to start a visit to any new place with a way to get orientated and maybe get over jet lag.
Its great to sit back & relax as you ride on an old-fashioned bumboat, the style of boat used to convey cargo to warehouses years ago. A video introduces historical landmarks and tells the tale of Singapore’s colourful past. TIP -The bumboat also provides the best place to photograph the city’s Merlion fountain and unique Marina Bay buildings.
Cost: $22 for adults(60 minute cruise); $17 for adults (40 minute cruise).
Opening hours: 9am to 10.30pm daily. Boats leave at 15 minute intervals.
Leaving from Raffles Landing Site, Fullerton Hotel, Boat Quay
Web site: http://www.rivercruise.com.sg/
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Singapore Zoo
I've always thought 'seen one zoo with caged animals, seen them all'
I must admit I couldn't be more wrong. Singapore zoo is in my top 3 three zoos of the world. (qualifying that; I haven't been to them all)
Our highlights were the White Tigers, Elephants & the Orangutans - looking up and seeing mothers and babies swinging from vine to vine just overhead was wonderful.
For early risers looking for a unique experience, you can enjoy breakfast with the orangutans, which runs from 9.00am – 10.30am daily.
TIP- you will need to book in advance on their web site
We bought the ticket that included the tram ride and caught the first tram we saw to go in the loop around the park so we could choose what we wanted to see or give a miss (Australian exhibits don't do much for us Australians)
As you enter they give you a map so you can check the animal feeding times and shows.
With any zoo there is a lot of walking up and down slight hills on paved roads but you can catch the tram from one point to another.There are plenty of seats and many of the viewing galleries of the exhibits have seats so you can sit and watch the animals comfortably. We sat and ate a picnic while watching the elephants
If you want to buy food there are a few restaurants in the zoo that offer various types of cuisine at reasonable prices
Tip - You can pick up a wheelchair free-of-charge for special needs guests at park entrance.
Tip - Prepare for rain The weather in a tropical climate can be unpredictable.
Tip - Wear insect repellent
The toilets at Singapore zoo have won numerous awards, including Singapore's prestigious Happy Toilet award and the Ministry of the Environment's cleanest toilet competition. The toilets are open to the elements and surrounded by plant life: male visitors can use the urinals while taking in the jungle beyond and both bathrooms feature sinks built into huge boulders alongside artificial waterfalls for a truly tropical feel
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Zoo Admission: $28 for adults. Basic ticket does not include tram.its about $5 extra for unlimited rides. The senior citizen prices are for Singapore Seniors, showing Singaporean ID
Web site: www.zoo.com.sg
We went by MRT & bus and found it easy to navigate and an interesting ride through residential neighbourhoods. Everything is well signposted.
MRT & Bus
The easiest way to get there via public transport is to take the MRT on the North-South (Red) line and transit to connecting public bus services. Catch these connecting public buses that will take you right to the park.
Nearest MRT stations Connecting buses
Choa Chu Kang (NS4) 927
Ang Mo Kio (NS16) 138
Marsiling (NS8) 926 (operates on Sundays and Public Holidays only)
Woodlands (NS9) 926 (operates on Sundays and Public Holidays only)
If you want to combine the other animal parks the cheapest way is the Hopper Tickets
I haven't been to the others so I cant give any comment on the parks
3-in-1 Park Hopper
Singapore Zoo- Night Safari- Jurong Bird Park $88.00
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Singapore Flyer
Like the London eye this gives a great view from this revolving observation wheel that circles 165 metres into the sky and provides a bird’s eye view of Singapore.
Enjoy views of the harbour, Singapore River, Marina Bay Sands and much more.
Great at night to show colourful Singapore skyline. During a clear day you might get a view all the way to Malaysia and the islands of Indonesia.
Admission: S$33.00 for adults; and $24 for seniors.It doesnt say the senior citizen prices are Only for Singapore Seniors
Opening hours: 8.30am to 10.30pm daily
Address 30 Raffles Avenue
Web site: www.singaporeflyer.com
Getting there by MRT
Its a five-minute walk to Singapore Flyer from The Promenade Station (Circle Line, CC4). Take Exit A and look out for blue pedestrian signs to Singapore Flyer.
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Merlion Park
No trip to Singapore is complete with out the standard tourist photo at the Merlion
The Merlion is a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. It’s used as the mascot of Singapore.
Located on the front of Marina Bay just off the Fullerton Bridge, the Merlion is a popular spot for tourists and worth a stop for the photo opportunity.
Maybe you took a photo from your bumboat cruise?
As you walk towards the Merlion Park, you can see the spectacular sight; the Marina Bay Sands with its three towers and surfboard shaped top;
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Marina Bay Sands
SANDS SKYPARK OBSERVATION DECK
Tower 3, 57th floor: The SkyPark’s public observation deck is a wonderful place to look at the spectacular scenery.
Just to see the famous infinity pool, only accessible to the hotel’s guests, is amazing~
An alternative to the public observation deck is to go to Ku De Ta, a bar and restaurant located in the same building. Simply go to the Ku De Ta desk in the lobby and obtain a visitor card. Once on the 57th floor, you may enjoy the view in a more leisurely fashion, sipping a beverage of your choice. Cocktails are priced at roughly $20 each and sodas $10.
If you go at 7.45pm you can see the illumination of the Supertree Grove followed at 8pm by the Wonder Full - Light and Water Spectacular at Marina Bay Sands itself. The shows can be seen from the top or from the Merlion Park but the best spot is certainly the Event Plaza at the Waterfront Promenade just in front of the whirlpool installation, 'the Rain Oculus'
Wonder Full - Light and Water Spectacular is a free 13-minute story told through visual effects of light and laser effects set to a beautiful orchestral soundtrack.
Sunday - Thursday: 8pm & 9.30pm
Friday & Saturday: 8pm, 9.30pm & 11 pm
SANDS SKYPARK OBSERVATION DECK
Prices:
S$23 for adults
S$20 for senior citizens (aged 65 years and above)
Entrance: Hotel Tower 3 exterior (Porte Cochere area)
The Observation Deck may be closed due for private events or commercial commitments. Call ahead to check its open
The Observation Deck holds a limited number of people at any one time. So there may be a wait.
Marina Bay Sands is linked directly to:
Bayfront MRT station (CE2, Exit B, C, D, E) along the Circle Line Extension.
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Gardens by the Bay
One of the latest billion-dollar developments in Singapore, the Gardens by the Bay is located behind Marina Bay Sands and occupies over 250 acres of reclaimed land. This award-winning horticultural attraction houses over 250,000 rare plants.
It was our Singapore highlight. We took our time and walked all around the magnificent gardens. We had a drink at the top of the tree and went to the outside bar. The views were incredible. We watched the sun go down and the metal trees transform as they lit up. The light show and corresponding music was beautiful.
There is a Hop on Shuttle Service to easily get around the Bay South Gardens at only $2 for 2 rides.
Access to the Outdoor Gardens in Bay South is free.
Cooled Conservatories & OCBC Skyway 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Daily
Two Conservatories $28 No senior discount
OCBC Skyway $5
Website: http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg
MRT
Via the Circle Line or Downtown Line:
Alight at Bayfront MRT Station (CE1/DT16)
Take Exit B and follow the underground linkway
Exit and cross the Dragonfly Bridge or Meadow Bridge into Gardens by the Bay
Via the East-West Line:
Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT Station (EW15)
Take Exit C and head towards the bus stop 03223 located at International Plaza, Anson Road
Hop onto bus service 400 and alight at bus stop 03371 along Marina Gardens Drive
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Singapore Sling
Raffles Singapore Long Bar is the birthplace of the Singapore Sling.
To go into the Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel is delightful with its straw fans and colonial architecture.
If its on your list to have a Singapore Sling where it was invented. then you are in the right place, but be warned a Singapore Sling is about $27Singapore and though the sling itself was tasty we couldn't taste any alcohol. You get free shelled peanuts and shelling your peanuts and throwing your broken shells all over the floor is a tradition. The Long Bar is a classic tourist stop and is worth experiencing at least once.
TIP If you have a nut allergy avoid this place
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For the gardener or flower lover Singapore Botanic Gardens
Just five minutes away from Orchard Road (Singapore’s main shopping street),is Singapore Botanic Gardens
In Singapore Botanic Garden can find more than 10,000 types of plants, numerous heritage trees, a tract of rainforest and the earliest ornamental designed lake in Singapore. Its a wonderful way Spend the morning, especially the Orchid collection
with world's largest orchid garden with more than 20,000 species of plants and orchids. I would advise the visit early in the morning, before the heat of the day. If you get there early enough you will see locals praticising Tai Chi or their morning walk.
Toilets within the park at botanic gardens visitor centre and botanic centre. As well as drinks being available we loved the food in the cafe for lunch.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Opening hours: 5 am to 12 midnight daily
Admission Fee: Free
National Orchid Garden
Opening hours: 8.30 am to 7 pm daily (last ticket sales at 6pm)
Admission Fee: Adults $5.00
Students $1.00
Senior Citizens (60 years and Above) $1.00
Singapore Botanic Garden App (Available on iTunes only)
With 74 hectares (183 acres) of ground to cover, you won’t want to miss out on any of the marvels within the Gardens. SBG
Navigator is the app to help you to enjoy this Gardens at your own leisure pace. DIY walks and Maps
The Botanic Gardens MRT Station (Circle Line) is closest to the Bukit Timah Gate.
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Sentosa
Sentosa was our biggest surprise.
We stayed on this quiet idyllic island 10 years ago. While it was only 15 minutes from the center of downtown Singapore it felt a world away. Swimming on nice netted beaches, monkeys scampering over our roof all night, sitting in amongst the palm trees.
Now the whole island feels like a giant theme park area. There are so many rides and attractions, and pay-to-sit-on-the-beach areas. Cable cars, zip lining, luge, skirmish, wave world, underwater world and Universal studios.
Gone are the peaceful surroundings.
While Sentosa island is one of Singapore's top tourist destinations we didn't stay too long.
We came over by train as we couldn't justify the price of the cable car.
Getting to Sentosa
MRT
Take the North-East Line or Circle Line and alight at the HarbourFront Station.
From there,go to the 3rd level of VivoCity shopping mall and get on the Sentosa Express
Sentosa Express
The Sentosa Express, located on the 3rd level of VivoCity, the station will provide easy access to and from the HarbourFront MRT Station.
Ticket
S$4 per entry to Sentosa
The Sentosa Express is free to ride within the Island, at the different stations and returning from Sentosa to ViVo City.
Singapore Cable Car
The Singapore Cable Car is more an attraction than a means of transport so it is a little pricey but you do get great views and an aerial overview of the Island.
To get the Singapore Cable Car start at Harbourfront MRT and take Exit B (Harbourfront Centre). Follow directional signs leading to Singapore Cable Car station at Harbourfront Tower II. Or Alternative get the cable car from Mount Faber Station at Faber Peak Singapore.
Operating hours 8.45am - 10pm daily
Ticketing
Adult: S$29
