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beaches. Other than the Singapore Dollar, the US and Australian Dollars, Yen and British Pound are also accepted in most major shopping centres and big department stores.
As well as being a bustling metropolis, Singapore is also one of the cleanest and safest cities of its size in the world. Just make sure you heed the local laws. Visitors should always be on their best behaviour as seemingly minor offences such as spitting, jaywalking or eating on the subway can carry fines.
While Singapore may have a westernized facade with its modern skyscrapers and bustling business district, lurking below is a city of beauty and history. With
its diverse multicultural population, Singapore is home to Little India, Chinatown and an Arab Quarter. At
the centre lies the Colonial District, a remnant of the not too distant past, when Singapore was a British colony. The
mix of cultures is evident everywhere, even in the unofficial spoken language
of “Singlish,” which combines English, Chinese grammar, Malay expressions and Hokkien slang.
In Chinatown you will be fascinated by Thian Hock Keng, a temple built without the use of nails.
While traditional Chinese businesses like medicinal halls, tea merchants and vendors selling antique wares continue to thrive, the historic district has also welcomed boutique spas and quirky new home decor stores.
Singapore is also home to a number of nature reserves where you can escape in the dense tropical foliage. You can begin your tour of the island with a visit to the Carlsberg Sky Tower for panoramic views across Singapore, Sentosa and the Southern Islands.
You can get up close and personal with the fauna at MacRitchie Reservoir. The HSBC Tree Top Walk, a freestanding suspension bridge, connects the two highest points of MacRitchie and offers an excellent vantage point for the diverse community of plants and animals that live in the forest canopy.
While in Singapore take time out to visit the Asian Civilisations Museum. After exiting Raffles Place head over Singapore’s oldest bridge, the 142-year-old Cavanagh Bridge to the museum. It is the first in
weekenders SINGAPORE
Jurong Bird Park
T:+65 6265 0022. 2 Jurong Hill, Jurong.
Home to 5,000 feathered friends across 400 bird species, Jurong Bird Park houses one of the largest collection of birds in the world. Must see attractions include the Bird Discovery Centre, African Waterfall Aviary, Lory Loft Aviary and the award winning African Wetlands. Open 8.30am - 6pm. www.birdpark.com.sg
STAY
RCI AFFILIATED RESORTS IN SINGAPORE INCLUDE:
Ramada Singapore at Zhongshan Park
3 nights from $630 hotel room
4 nights from $840 hotel room
The Ramada Singapore at Zhongshan Park hotel is just a 5 minute drive from the Novena MRT station and a 15 minute drive to Orchard Road, Marina Bay and the Central Business District. The hotel restaurant offers authentic Chinese cuisine along with international and western menus. Other facilities include a swimming pool, a gym and business center. The hotel also adjoins a two level retail
mall consisting of eateries, shops and a supermarket.
For additional resort listings visit RCI.com
Gardens by the Bay
Southeast Asia to present a broad but integrated perspective of pan Asian cultures and civilisations.
Trace the cultural roots of Singapore’s diverse population through the museum’s interactive displays. Virtual hosts greet you at each of the themed exhibits and there
is a steady rotation of special exhibitions. Exhibit highlights include a ninth century Buddha and a Chinese snuff box. Outside the museum is Raffles’ Landing Site, the location where Singapore’s founding father, Sir Stamford Raffles, first set foot
in 1819
EAT
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Flutes Restaurant & Bar
@ Singapore National Museum
T: +65 6338 8770. 93 Stamford Road.
Serving modern European cuisine this elegant, colonial restaurant provides excellent food, service and fine wines. www.flutes.com.sg
Keyaki Restaurant, Pan Pacific Singapore
T: +65 6826 8240. 7 Raffles Blvd.
Renowned for the use of its fresh, seasonal imports from Japan, Keyaki provides authentically prepared Japanese cuisine. Signature dishes include sashimi, teppanyaki and sukiyaki. Situated on level 4 of the hotel the restaurant is surrounded by a beautifully sculpted Japanese garden and koi pond. Open for lunch 11:30am - 2:30pm, dinner 6:30pm to 10:30pm daily. www.panpacific.com
E X P L O R E
Asian Civilisations Museum
T: +65 6332 2982. 1 Empress Place.
RELAX
The Asian Civilisations Museum aims to promote a better appreciation of the rich cultures that make up Singapore’s multiethnic society. Focusing on the material cultures of the different groups originating from China, Southeast
Asia, South Asia and West Asia. Colourful and interactive exhibits are suitable for seven year olds to grandparents. Open 10am - 7.00pm. www.acm.org.sg
Sungei Buloh Wetlands
T: +65 6794 1401. 301 Neo Tiew Crescent.
The 87 hectare wetlands are a “must do” if you have a good half day to spare. You will be able to see some of the world’s rarest mangroves and wetland wildlife indigenous to this part
of the world. The mangrove boardwalks offer walks from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Open 7:30am - 7pm. www.sbwr.org
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Singapore Botanic Gardens
T: +65 6471 7361. 1 Cluny Road.
Ranked No.1 in Singapore’s must see attractions; these sprawling gardens provide great respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here you’ll find the National Orchid Garden, featuring the world’s largest orchid display with over 60,000 plants and orchids. There’s also the Jacob Ballas Garden where children can play, discover and learn about the intricacies of plant life. Open daily 5am - 12 midnight. www.sbg.org.sg
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