Certainly the model of an ‘Ideal
City’, Singapore is friendly without being ‘in your face’. It also has strong
economics, great shopping, solid infrastructure, lots of green space, unique
multiculturalism, good food and more. There is loads of public art and an
incredible tube system. And the city is cheap and reliable
“Public art, clean streets and
fun places.. You return home enriched, as you get to explore an ‘experiential
touch-do-and-engage vacation’ instead of mere ‘checklist holiday’ ”
Day: 1
9Am: HAWKER CENTER
A visit to the Hawker Centre is
perhaps the best way to start your Singapore tour as there can be no better way
to sample authentic local favorites without forking out too much moolah. Most
of the hawker centre is open air and yet offer shelters, letting you enjoy your
food even if it’s raining (which is certainly not an uncommon thing in
Singapore)! Go to Maxwell, just nest to China Town , Recommendations go to all
out for huge tumblers of refreshing and sweet sugar care juice and chai tow
kway (Fried Carrot Cake) in both black and white versions. Also try some congee,
paper roast chicken. Duck noodle soup, the famed kaya toast with half boiled egg… astonishingly decadent truly nowhere else in the world can
one find such an electric array of food! And I must admit the cleanliness of
the place is a big plus.
10Am: CHINA TOWN
Interestingly this cultural hub
of the Chinese community, alongside being a historical district, is known as ‘ox
cart water’ owing to the fact that ox-drawn carts were used to transport water
in the past in this area. The architecture here is very Victorian with red rooftops
to be seen everywhere. The food street has around 100 hawker stands, selling
seafood in particular. It is also a great place to buy inexpensive souvenirs
for fashion goods to electronic gear. Not t be missed are the three restored
shop houses showcasing the rich heritage and serving as a repository for
memories, sights and sounds. Needless to add, this China town is also the cleanest
in the world.
“Don’t forget to try the famed
kaya toast with half boiled egg”
11:30 Am: WALK ALONG ORCHARD ROAD
Considered the hub of Singapore’s
retail and entertainment scene, this popular road attracts both locals and
tourists alike owing to it being a shopper’s paradise. Interestingly this name
was based on the numerous orchards that could be found in this area before the
20th century. But a time came when plague infested the land and
killed all the trees. And now, it’s like being at the 5th Avenue of
the New York among hundreds of high-end shops that populate the area. Needless
to add, like true Indians, you can shop till you drop out here. Have your lunch
at any of the restaurants around that catches your fancy – they’re all good.
6PM: SINGAPORE FLYER
Nothing quite beats the romance
of a sky-high drink amid an unbeatable aerial view of Singapore’s Marina Bay
including the new Marina Bay floating Platform, which is used for Singapore’s
National Day parades and even the island city’s central business district. As the capsule gradually climbs towards the
apex, one can see the lights which make the city skyline glitter. The 360
degree view of the city throughout the experience is thrilling.
7:30PM: CLARKE QUAY
Walking along the river you will
come across the statue of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles who is known to have
converted Singapore from a tiny fishing village into a major British trading port.
A little ahead you can spot three leaning towers on the other side of a bridge.
This is the G-Max reverse bungee right at the entrance of Clark Quay, unique to
Singapore, and is unlike the conventional one. In this case, you are strapped
up in an open-air capsule, thrown up and then spun around. Of course you scream.
Post this thrilling experience you can check out the various bars and
restaurants (former warehouses), and treat yourselves to a Singapore Sling (a
cocktail) and some seafood dinner.
Day 2
8:00AM: BEHIND THE SCENES
Jurong Bird Park is the world’s
largest aviary. After a look at the whole park, you can scoot off literally (on
battery operated scooters), for some behind the scene feeding frenzy. It is an
unforgettable tour which provides an opportunity to get up close to long legged
flamingo beauties, taller than life ostriches, three toed cassowaries,
white-tailed Nicobar pigeons and lace like crested crowned pigeons among many
others. It was also interesting to discover how the avian team incubates eggs
and cares for chicks.
2:00PM: BOTANIC GARDENS AND LUNCH
Whether you want to smell the
flowers, learn about medicinal plants or just enjoy the open space, the Botanic
Gardens deserve a place on you Singapore to do list. The National Orchid Garden
(One of the biggest attractions, with a small entrance fee) within is home to
more than 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids. The other themed gardens are completely
free and just as enjoyable. Highlights include fragrant frangipani, fruit
trees, the ginger garden with a walk through waterfall, and a swatch of virgin
rain forest with trees reaching heights over 40 meters. For your lunch break
check out Halia, which whisks you away from the hustle and bustle of Singapore,
transporting you into a charming world of flora and fauna, fine wines and above
all, one of the most delectable multi- dimensional palate experience.
6:00PM: FAMED MERLION
Take a boat ride from the Clarke
Quay and sail a along into the open water in front of the Merlion fountain and
just along the esplanade, across the Singapore River and you arrive a Merlion
Park, The Merlion is a mythical creature said to have been dreamt up by the
founding father of Singapore. Legend has it that a Sumatran prince, the son of
Alexander the great, discovered an island when out sailing the oceans. Upon landing
on the island the prince was confronted by a ferocious lion. By showing respect
to lion he survived to see another day. The lion, combined with the Marine
nature of the island, inspired the Merlion – a creature with the head of a lion
and the body of a fish.
10:30 PM: NIGHT SAFARI
End your day with a tram ride
through the zoo, after dark, when all the night animals are out and in their
natural environments. The Singapore Zoo is huge and they really do let the
animals roam wild, some of them come right up to the tram! You would come
across rhinoceros, giraffe, elephant, ox, lions and all manner of local beasts
and animals including an Asian tiger. But the best part is the flying squirrel.
You may actually find one flying over you.. an unforgettable experience.
This article written by Rupali
Dean, behalf of Spice Route Mag and posted by MakeYouTravel.com, which provides
the International Holiday Package and Domestic Holiday Package.
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