See and Do

Singapore is often thought of as a gateway to other countries rather than as a destination itself. And yet, packed within its diminutive frame, the Lion City has a surprisingly diverse range of activities and attractions. The various tourist information centres around the city will keep you updated on what's going on, and where in the city.

Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari

Singapore's zoo is one of Southeast Asia's premier animal facilities. It contains nearly 3,000 animals and all are housed in thoroughly modern, spacious enclosures that recreate their natural habitats. Many creatures are only separated from the public by moats or ditches rather than barriers. Smaller animals even roam at will throughout the park. You might be thankful that the zoo's rare Komodo dragons aren't afforded this freedom. These lizards can grow up to three metres in length and have been known to attack and eat humans - but this doesn't diminish visitors' enthusiasm for the magnificent creatures.

The night safari is located directly next door to the zoo. It opens from 19h30 every night, allowing visitors the unique opportunity to view the nocturnal behaviour of animals through the use of special, unobtrusive lighting. You board a tram at the entrance to the park which then takes you through eight different geographical zones, from the Himalayan foothills to the steamy South American rainforest. Along the way you can see such fabulous animals as the Malayan tiger, the pig-like tusked babirusa and the impressively massive gaur bull.

Visit the zoo in the late afternoon when it is cool (and the animals more active) and then hit the night safari. Zoo open: 08h30-18h00. Admission: SGD15 adults; SGD7.50, children. Night safari open: 18h00-00h00 (last admisison 23h00). Admission: SGD20, adults; SGD10, children. Tel: +65 6269-3411.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Home to the last of Singapore's tropical forest, this small reserve offers respite from the urban sprawl. Established in 1883 it has enjoyed almost unique protection, as the rest of Singapore's forest has been stripped for timber.

Tall trees, vines and ferns, and the noisy macaque monkeys give you a glimpse of what this part of the world must have been like before they invented the skyscraper. In spite of its lack of space, the reserve contains more plant species than the whole of North America.

The Visitor Centre is a good place to start: it gives some basic information on what to look out for in the park and how to spot the most common trees and animals. There are excellent tracks through the forest - 12km in total - and some biking trails. The park also gives the opportunity to conquer Singapore's highest point - 163 metres above sea level.

Jurong Crocodile and Bird Parks

The Bird Park is worth a visit. It is home to an estimated 5,000 tropical and exotic birds all housed in excellent enclosures designed to mimic their natural environments. No expense has been spared on landscaping with the most spectacular attraction undoubtedly the "Waterfall Aviary" with a 30m-high manmade waterfall. Beautifully plumed birds soar in the spray, in complete freedom. The park's "Panorail" allows you to glide through the tree canopy where you can see birds roosting or on the wing. The latest attraction in the park is the "Riverine", a recreation of a freshwater river and home to waterfowl such as the Diving Duck. The glass tank it is housed in allows you to see both above and below the water's surface. Make sure to check the feeding times in each enclosure to get maximum enjoyment from the park. Bird Park admission: SGD16, adults; SGD8, children. The Panorail costs SGD4.

Sentosa Island

Until 1967 Sentosa - meaning "peace and tranquillity" - was a British military fortress. In the 1970s the government set about developing the island as a leisure resort for the citizens of the increasingly congested city. The result is a landscaped recreational environment where you can enjoy great entertainment facilities. Get there by taking the orange Sentosa bus which plies to and from the harbour bus interchange. Buses run from 07h00-23h00 (Sun-Thur); 07h00-12h30 (Fri & Sat) and cost SGD1. Alternatively, take the cablecar enjoying the spectacular views along the way. Cable cars depart from the habour tower 2 between 08h30-23h00 and cost SGD10.90, adults; SGD5.50, children.

The best of the attractions is the splendid Underwater World - a tropical oceanarium with a submerged transparent tunnel alllowing visitors to view over 250 species of marine life in remarkable proximity. Feeding time is 11h00 and 16h30 daily. It's connected to the equally excellent Dolphin Lagoon, with its pink dolphins that perform regularly for the crowds. Open: daily 09h00-21h00. Admission: SGD19.50, adults; SGD12.50, children. (includes Dolphin Lagoon).

Other highlights on the island include Fort Siloso, a genuine 19th-century military fort. You can trace its history through displays of ordnance and artefacts. Open: daily 10h00-18h00. Admission: SGD8, adults; SGD5, children.

Elsewhere on Sentosa you can find restaurants, bars, golf courses, cinemas and any of a range of other entertainment to suit all ages. It's not surprising then that the island has become the weekend playground for most people in the city.

Changi Village

Situated on the eastern tip of the island, Changi Village has a pleasant beach and a quiet, laid back atmosphere quite different from the frenetic pace of the city. The seafood restaurants are particularly good. You can also catch bumboats (basically small motorised water taxis) from here to the nearby islands such as Ubin where the pace of life really is how it was decades ago, with traditional stilted houses.

Although Changi itself no longer has the traditional buildings, there is an air of a more local life here. The main tourist attraction besides the atmosphere is located at the nearby Changi Prison. In the 1980s inmates built a chapel that accurately recreates the one used by the prisoners incarcerated here during World War Two and the Japanese Occupation. Changi was actually the site of some terrible atrocities and the museum here portrays the experiences of the prisoners through pictures and artefacts. Mass is still held in the chapel on Sundays, visitors are welcome to attend but don't intrude on the service.

The best time to visit Changi is during the week when the locals are beavering away in the city - at weekends the village can get very crowded.

The Botanic Gardens

Botanic Gardens

Singapore has had botanic gardens since the days of Raffles, the gentleman governor having established the first one in 1822 just after he arrived in the colony. The present gardens date from a few decades later, being started in the 1850s. It is an idyllic place that Singaporeans use to escape the bustling city.

The gardens are divided into several parts with the most notable being the National Orchid Garden where visitors can walk the landscaped paths admiring the rare and beautiful flowers. There is also a Rose Garden, which as you might expect the Victorian British colonials wasted no time in establishing, making this particular corner of the far East forever England. Symphony Lake in the middle of the gardens is used as the backdrop for concerts and musical revues in the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage. The Singapore Symphony Orchestra plays free concerts ("Classics in the Park") here in season.

Admission to the gardens is free but a fee of SGD5 is payable for entry into the National Orchid Garden.

Islands in the Sun

Apart from the main island, Singapore includes some 60 islets, some of which are ideal for a day of sun, sand and snorkelling.

The best for swimming are St John's and Sisters Islands, which offer a sense of seclusion not possible to find on the main island. Palau Ubin and Kusu Island are larger and have more cultural appeal, with temples and nature reserves on offer. These are also the best places to see the traditional stilted fishermen's huts known as kelongs. Palau Ubin is particularly famous for its mangrove swamps, a rare piece of genuine wildlife in Singapore's immediate environs. The most enjoyable way to get here is via bumboat from Changi. Otherwise all islands can be accessed via ferries departing from the World Trade Centre.

Chinatown

Old traditions and crafts endure in this colourful and lively corner of modern Singapore.

The quarter is made up of Peranakan buildings housing teashops, herbal emporiums, authentic dim-sum restaurants, eclectic markets and trendy bars and cafés. A new feature is Food Street along Smith Street where street hawkers offer local favourites.

Chinatown is demarcated by the Singapore River and the business district, but really exists as a world apart from the pace of the modern city. Chinese immigrants founded the area in the 19th century and much of the original atmosphere still remains.

Little India

North of the colonial centre, just off Serangoon Road, you will find the heart of Singapore's Indian community. The air is rich with the aroma of curries and spices and the vibrant, exotic market area is always interesting.

Notable temples in the area include the Hindu Srinivasa Perumal and the illuminating Buddhist Temple of a Thousand Lights.

This area has numerous coffee shops and back alleys, which are home to some infamous brothels so watch where you wander.

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