FIVE-DAY ITINERARY ON SINGAPRE
(Courtesy of the Singapore Tourism Board)
Welcome to Singapore, a truly magical city where East meets West, where
the past stands alongside the future and where you can choose your own
adventure.
Each experience is unlike any other: You'll be in awe as you enjoy eye-opening
safari at night, pick up the hottest bargains in air-conditioned shopping malls
and party away at world-famous nightclubs.
With endless dining and entertainment options, the fun never stops. Chinese operas unfold on street corners, animals invite you to breakfast, cable cars traverse the ocean and rainforests are right at home in the heart of the city.
DAY 1
Your first Singapore morning could see you marveling at a tropical sunrise followed by a leisure breakfast on the sandy beaches of Sentosa Island. After breakfast, enjoy all that this exciting island has to offer. Take your pick from cycling and rollerblading or get in touch with nature and pay a visit to the Underwater World, Dolphin Lagoon or the Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom. Then embark on an unhurried monorail ride around the island before returning to the mainland via cable car.
One back, it's time to stop for a relaxing lunch
at the historic CHIJMES, where you can take your pick from any of the
restaurants and pubs in this restored 19th century convent. After that, embark
on the In Harmony with Feng Shui tour and learn all about the ancient Chinese
practice of harnessing the powers of nature to promote wealth and health. Scale
one of the tallest buildings in Singapore and find out how feng shui played a
part in shaping its design. As you marvel at the world's largest fountain at
Suntec City, listen to the tales of people who discovered success after their
faithful visits to the fountain.
For a night of excitement and adventure, visit the Night Safari. Keep your eyes
peeled for elusive nocturnal creatures as you journey slowly through their
natural habitats aboard a tram. Wander off and explore the well-lit trails on
foot for a closer encounter before wrapping up the evening with an exotic meal
at one of the jungle-themed restaurants.
DAY 2
Share a hearty breakfast of kaya (egg and coconut jam) on toast before
taking in the cultural treats of Chinatown and Little India. Take your pick of
ethnic souvenirs and local handicrafts including saris, batik, art and
handmade jewellery, as you discover the colours of the mystical East.
Feeling hungry? Indulge in a piquant curry cooked with famous Eastern spices served on a banana leaf. Walk off the hearty lunch with a shopping expedition along the famed Orchard Road, the mecca of shoppers seeking international brands, electrical devices and designer fashion.
As the sun sets, take in a tantalizing dinner at the lavish One Fullerton before dancing the night away at the world-famous Zouk and Centro 360 nightclubs or at one of the many pubs and discos along the lively Mohamed Sultan Road.
DAY 3
Fancy something wild for breakfast? You are invited to come and dine in the company of some of nature's most amazing creatures at the Singapore Zoological Gardens. This widely-acclaimed, modern open zoo will leave you mesmerized, as you get up close with amazing animals from all corners of the globe. Following your stroll of this hugely popular zoo, you can trace the footsteps of early British settlers at the lush Singapore Botanic Gardens.
For lunch, treat yourself to a perfectly balanced meal at the famed Imperial Herbal Restaurant, where you'll savor dishes that soothe the mind as well as satisfy the body. After lunch, hitch a wild ride on the amphibious half-boat, half-truck craft from Singapore DuckTours and journey through the Civic District before splashing into the Singapore River. Get acquainted with all the stately architecture, monuments and sculptures, and you'll soon discover why Singapore is home to a lively and diverse arts scene that attracts artists from all walks of life.
As dusk approaches, visit Clarke Quay for a night of riverside entertainment. Jump onto a quaint bumboat as it meanders its way along the enchanting Singapore River, taking in popular sights such as the Asian Civilisations Museum at Empress Place, the Merlion and the newly-built Esplanade--Theatres on the Bay. Once back on land, sample local favorites at the renowned Satay Club before soaking up the atmosphere at one of the many trendy riverside pubs or watering holes.
DAY 4
Start the morning with a tasty breakfast of roti-pratai (a South Indian crispy , crusty pancake served with curry gravy) before discovering life in old Singapore decades past with the Heartlands of Singapore tour. The hustle and bustle of the city will give way to the quiet atmosphere of Malay Village on the eastern part of Singapore, where you get glimpses of kampung (Malay village) lifestyle in the 1950s and 60s. Afterwards, you'll be taken to the Changi Chapel and Museum, with its replica of a typical World War II chapel before journeying through a typical modern housing estate.
In the afternoon, it's time to join our feathered friends at the Jurong BirdPark--home to over 8,000 birds. Make sure you catch the colourful Parrot Paradise, the breathtaking simulated thunderstorm and the live bird shows.
Come nightfall, make your way to the newest performing arts venue, Esplanade--Theatres on the Bay, for an evening of world-class performances. Afterwards, dine in the company of stars at one of the harbour-front alfresco cafes.
DAY 5
Prepare your mind, body and spirit for the day ahead with a relaxing foot reflexology session before making your way to Eu Yan Sang, one of the island's oldest medicine halls, to sample some traditional Chinese medicine.
Enjoy a traditional lunch at the quaint Lau Pa Sat, one of Singapore's most colourful hawker centres, before exploring the historic Peranakan Place and Emerald Hill where traditional shophouses built in true Peranakan (of mixed Chinese and Malay ancestry) style still stand.
In the evening, immerse yourself in the colonial splendour of the opulent Raffles Hotel as you relax with the famous Singapore Sling under the evening sky. The numerous restaurants at the hotel each have their own amazing legends and are the perfect place to reward well-earned appetites.
As you will discover, your adventures in Singapore will leave you with a renewed vigour, not to mention, a few tales to tell. So come and experience all that this island paradise has to offer as you live it up in Singapore.