Jurong
BirdPark: Jurong BirdPark is a 20.2 hectare open-concept
park. It is the largest in the Asia Pacific and one of
the finest bird parks in the world. Its collection of more
than 9,000 birds from 600 species is among the largest
in the world. The Park specialises in birds from Southeast
Asia and the more exotic and colourful tropical birds.
The Park boasts of the world’s largest
walk-in aviary with the tallest man-made waterfall where
visitors can enjoy a close-up view of free-flying birds
from Africa and South America in a tropical setting. Another
walk-in aviary, the Southeast Asian Birds Aviary, showcases
the region’s exotic and endangered species of birds.
Bird shows, staged at the amphitheatre and the Falconry
Arena, are entertaining and educational and have thrilled
our visitors from all over the world.
The BirdPark’s exhibits and aviaries
are specially designed to closely resemble the natural
habitats of the feathered species. Lakes and paddocks are
built for display of waterbirds and other large flightless
birds such as ostriches, rheas, emus and cassowaries. Besides
the bird exhibits, there are also open spaces landscaped
with exotic flowering plants such as heliconias and anthuriums
to enhance the beauty of the BirdPark.
Night
Safari: The Singapore Night Safari is described
as "the
world's first and only night-time safari park",
and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in
Singapore. It was officially opened on 26 May 1994 and
the entire area is 40 hectares. It is divided into eight
geographical zones, which can be explored either on foot
via three walking trails, or by tram. The walking trails
there are named the Fishing Cat, Forest Giants & Leopard
Trail. An interesting highlight is the Bat Mangrove
Walk at Leopard Trail. The number of animals that can
be observed
at this safari park are 120, of which 72% are endangered
species. 900,000 tourists per year visit the Park.
The drama and mystery of the tropical jungle comes
alive after dusk. Creatures from South America, and
various other parts of Asia, including India, greet
visitors from their own naturalistic enclosures, which
simulate that of their own homeland. Among them are
the giraffes towering over the gorgeous reservoir,
the rare clouded leopards, endangered greater Asian
rhinoceros and of course the "fishing cats".
Its state-of-the-art animal enclosures use natural
barriers rather than bars of cages to divide the animals
from their human visitors.
Sentosa Fort Siloso: Singapore's
only preserved fort, Fort Siloso, comes alive with exhibits
tracing its development from the 19th century to the
Battle for Singapore in 1942. Explore the Barrack room,
Laundry, Cookhouse and Tailoring shop to get a personalized
experience of what life was like for the soldiers at
the fort.
Take cover as a 'live' firing drill is simulated complete
with sound and special effects, train at the assault
course, test your skills at the interactive games area.
Apart from providing an educational experience, the Fort
also makes an enchanting venue for theme parties with
its breathtaking view of the harbour.
Singapore
Zoological Gardens: Singapore Zoological Gardens
operates two zoological parks in Singapore - Singapore
Zoo and Night Safari. The two parks occupy 1 km² of
land on the margins of a reservoir within Singapore's heavily
forested central catchment area. The zoo was built at a
cost of S$9m and opened on 27 June 1973.
From the beginning, Singapore Zoo followed
the modern trend of displaying animals in naturalistic,
'open' exhibits (i.e. with hidden barriers).
Merlion
Park: This park is home to the 8m high figure
of a Merlion (a mythical beast that is half-lion, half-fish)
is the symbol of Singapore. Located on the Singapore River
at Haw Par Villa, Singapore City it is a well-known landmark.
The eight-metre high Merlion statue stands guard at the
mouth of the Singapore River. Opening hours: 7am to 10pm
daily (the Merlion spouts water from 10am to 10pm). Admission
is free and it is located on Fullerton Road (near the mouth
of Singapore River).
Chettiar's
Hindu Temple (Sri Thandayuthapani temple): This
Southern Indian temple at 15 Tank Road was rebuilt completely
in the early 1980s on a site that had been occupied by
earlier temples since the 1850s. Its courtyard and numerous
shrines are covered by a roof engraved with 48 glass panels
angled in such a manner as to catch the rising and setting
sun. This temple traditionally sees the culmination of
Thaipusam as well as the Navarathiri Festival.
The
Haw Par Villa of Singapore: The Haw Par Villa
of Singapore, or Tiger Balm Gardens, is one of the most
underrated attraction in Singapore. Built in 1937, The
Haw Par Villa is home to hundreds of statues and figurines
of the characters in Chinese mythology and legends. Non-Chinese
will find this place tremendously interesting, although
some might find some of the scenes hard to swallow, especially
the Crime and Punishment section of the Villa. Admission
is free.
Sri
Mariamman Temple: This magnificent temple at 244
South Bridge Road is Singapore's oldest Hindu temple. There
was a wood and attap temple on the site by 1827 and the
original brick bones of the present building were built
around 1843. Since then, there have been many additions,
with a profusion of deities being carved all over its walls,
its doors bedecked with bells and frescoes added to the
ceilings. The fire-walking festival, Thimithi, is celebrated
here.
Sultan
Mosque: With its massive golden dome and huge
prayer hall, the Sultan Mosque is one of Singapore's most
imposing religious buildings and a focal point for Muslim
Singapore. The original mosque on this site m North Bridge
Road was built with the help of a $3,000 grant from Sir
Stamford Raffles. The present mosque, designed by Denis
Santry, was completed in 1928.
White Water
Sports: White
water sports are rapidly becoming part of the sporting
scene in Singapore,
although there are no raging rivers on the island itself,
the nearest, and most accessible is at Sungei Selangor,
which runs off Fraser Hill, 1 hr from Kuala Lumpur
in Malaysia. This river offers both simple sections
for
beginners and Grade 5+ waters downstream. Tracks Outdoors
regularly run courses and whitewater rafting trips
down this river.
Sailing:
Sailing is an exciting, yet at the same time, relaxing
pastime. What better way than to meander along Singapore's
coast line or you can drift across to off shore islands
at sunset. This is one sport the whole family can enjoy,
no matter what their ages are, from the toddling toddler
to tottering granny, all can join in.
Fort
Canning Park:
Fort Canning Park is a park rich in history - a sacred
site where early Malay kings settled and the spot Sir
Stamford Raffles chose to build his own bungalow, Singapore's
first Government House. Fort Canning Centre, which dominates
the park, is now a venue for the arts. Located in the
City Centre, the park is a short walk from Dhoby Ghaut
MRT (N1) station.
Statues
of Sir Stamford Raffles: Statues of Sir Stamford Raffles The
founder of modern Singapore has two statues to his
memory. The original bronze cast by Thomas Woolner
in 1887 stands outside the Victoria Theatre, while
a replica stands on North Boat Quay, behind Parliament
House - at the site where Raffles is thought to have
landed on January 29, 1819.
Armenian Church: The
oldest church in Singapore is the Armenian Church of St Gregory
the Illuminator. Built in 1835, it was designed by George Coleman
and is considered his masterpiece. Its imposing white portico
is supported by colonnades, flanked on both sides by elevated
balustrades and crowned with a tall spire.It
is designated as a national monument.
Botanic
Gardens: Botanic Gardens These world-famous tropical
gardens are definitely worth a visit, here you can enjoy
lush greenery and a beautiful orchid garden in the heart
of the city. You’ll find it at the intersection of
Holland Road and Napier Street. Singapore City.
