Singapore Travel

Cultural melting pot and dazzling example of the region's economic successes, wealthy Singapore assails the senses of the first time visitor.

The former British trading post and colony has carved a unique niche for itself in its two short centuries of existence, nowadays offering a vivid combination of ultra-modern skyscrapers, remnants of tropical rainforest and colourful ethnic urban areas, each with a character very much of their own.

One of the most noticeable features of this tiny but bustling city-state is its cleanliness - indeed, it is sometimes criticised for its many seemingly petty regulations, such as the banning of chewing gum - but crime is virtually unknown, and it is one of the world's safest places to visit.

Despite its rather sanitised reputation, though, Singapore is anything but dull. The visitor is spoilt for choice, for things to see and do, and in terms of vibrant nightlife, its rich cultural mix, and a whole planet's worth of culinary experiences. Singapore is a veritable feast for the senses, a heady mixture of the familiar and the exotic.

It suits all budgets, too, presenting a happy collision of opposites - grand and expensive at the famed Raffles Hotel, but low-key and cheap (but good) in the food markets of Bugis Junction and Clarke Quay.

Singapore City Tour with optional Singapore Flyer.

Get to know Singapore on a morning or afternoon half-day tour. You'll see all the city's highlights in one short tour perfect if your time is limited. Highlights include Singapore's vibrant Chinatown, colonial landmarks, Little India and the iconic, Merlion. You also have the option of combining your city tour with a 30-minute flight aboard the Singapore Flyer.

Your orientation tour of Singapore begins with a drive around the Civic District past the Padang, Cricket Club, Parliament House, Supreme Court and City Hall. You'll have great views of Marina Bay when you stop for photos at Merlion Park and the Merlion, Singapore's mythological creature that is part lion, part fish.

The tour continues with a visit to the Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist-Taoist temples on Singapore island, then takes you into Chinatown to a local handicraft centre. Next stop is the National Orchid Garden, within the Singapore Botanic Gardens, which boasts a colorful display of 60,000 orchid plants, with 400 species and more than 2,000 hybrids represented. The final stop at Singapore's Little India will entrance you with the heady scent of joss sticks, jasmine and spices.

There is an option to combine the Singapore City Tour with a spectacular 30-minute flight aboard the Singapore Flyer. Towering 165 meters above Singapore, the Singapore Flyer is the world's largest observation wheel and provides more than a view, it captures Singapore's magnificent skyline along with glimpses of neighbouring Indonesia and Malaysia. Please note, if taking the Singapore Flyer option your tour does not include hotel drop off, your tour ends at the completion of your Singapore Flyer experience.

Important Information:

The 'Singapore Garden Festival' will be held between 15 - 22 July, 2010

During the 'Singapore Garden Festival', the 'Afternoon' City Tour stop at 'National Orchid Garden' will be replaced by the 'Singapore Orchid Show' at the Suntec Convention Centre. 

Source: www.worldtravelguide.net; www.wikitravel.org