| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| Singapore. |
Top Singapore Attractions
The first time you visit Singapore, or any new destination,
the question asked isn’t usually what attractions should be
scene but what attraction to see first, what to expect, how to get
there, and how much time is needed. We’ve provided tips, advice,
and other information about the top tourist attractions in Singapore
to help with your itinerary planning.
|
|
|
Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay, once the center of commerce during the late 19th century,
is now a quaint spot filled with charming shop houses and restaurants.
The best time to visit this area is in the evening, when the Singapore
River reflects the kaleidoscope of colors that are emitted from
restaurant lights situated on either side of the river's banks.
It's the perfect outdoor spot (partially sheltered by umbrellas)
to sit and relax, while sipping Shiraz on your own from a nearby
wine bar or munching on oven-baked pizza with friends. Getting here
can be a lot of fun: simply hop on a river taxi from “Raffles
Place,” one of the public train stations. Or, for budget conscious
travelers, walk five minutes from the Clarke Quay train stop. Restaurants
vary in cost and cuisine, but most have menus posted outside the
door so it's easy to compare prices without looking awkward. Bridges
at both ends of the quay make it easy to crossover to the other
side and fully explore the area.
A complete breakdown of the latest activities and highlights of
restaurants can be found on the website.
|
The Arts House
|
| Address
|
No 1 Old Parliament Lane |
|
| Hours
|
Mon-Fri: 10am-8pm; Sat: 11am-8pm; Sun: Closed (except for
events, when the box office opens 1.5 hours before show time) |
|
| Phone
|
(+65)-6332-6900 |
|
| Website
|
www.theartshouse.com.sg |
|
|
|
The Arts House is a must for arts and culture buffs. Originally built in 1827
as a private residence for merchant John Maxwell, it later became
Singapore's first Court House, the Old Court House, the Assembly
House and then the Parliament House. After some touch-ups, The Arts
House reopened in March 2004 as Singapore's newest arts and heritage
venue (and remains the country's oldest surviving government building).
What's most interesting is that each area of the building is named
after different parts of a house and has different kinds of activities
and themes. The front corridor, for instance, houses works by the
finest photographers and painters in Singapore, while the inner
corridor of the ground floor retains the jail-bars from the building's
Court House days but has been transformed into a film gallery with
historic movie posters lining the walls.
|
Sentosa Island
|
| Hours
|
Guest Services Hours of Operation: Mon-Sun:
9am-6:30pm |
|
| Phone
|
1800-SENTOSA (736-8672) |
|
| Website
|
www.sentosa.com.sg |
|
|
|
Sentosa Island offers a little excitement for everyone, though
each attraction usually costs a few Singaporean dollars. Kids, especially,
will love the Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom Museum. It features
a walk-in aviary with over 2,500 fluttering butterflies, while those
less averse to bugs can enjoy a thorough display with over 4,000
mounted insects. Older historian buffs might want to check out the
Maritime Museum or old Fort Siloso, which offers a glimpse into
the military life that stretches back to the late 1800s. The Lost
Civilisation and & Ruined City is a portal to a tribal village
that’s decorated with stone deities and exotic remnants of
the past. It’s also one of the few areas you can explore for
free, if you’re worried about ballooning your budget any further.
There are other fantastic events and activities that shouldn’t
be looked over, including the Magical Sentosa light and laser show,
the tropically scenic yet challenging Sentosa Golf Club, Sentosa
Orchid Gardens and Underwater World.
The island is easily accessible through the public bus system and
only costs S$2 a person for entrance onto the island. Although the
bus is more affordable, most tourists prefer to take the S$15 roundtrip
glass cable car ride, which offers a breathtaking view of Singapore
and the harbor. There are also ferries available to and from the
island. In addition to the island’s current bus system (the
light rail Sentosa Express will begin operating at the end of 2006,
replacing the outdated monorail that ran from 1982 until March 2005),
you can also find pushbikes available for rent by the hour, if you
want the freedom to explore the island at your own pace.
For a complete list of events, activities, gardens, museums, restaurants
and hotels visit the website.
|
Singapore Travel Guides
 Frommer's Singapore
Lonely Planet Singapore
Let's Go Singapore
Fodors Singapore
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
