Where else can you experience the best of both hemispheres where east and west meet, but in a place like Singapore? With so much to see and do, it can be daunting to prepare an itinerary. So we decided to sample five very different attractions instead. When you’re done with Sentosa Island’s beaches, have downed your Singpore Sling at Raffles’ famous Long Bar, dined at Clarke Quay and grabbed a selfie by the Merlion, then here are some suggestions you might not have thought about.
Tour its temples
Singapore has a gentle, graceful culture underpinning the urban bling. There are breathtaking places of worship including settler’s churches, mosques, synagogues and temples. St Andrew’s Cathedral is as traditional as you get with all the bells and whistles. For a taste of something different, why not pay a visit to Singapore’s oldest Temple of Heavenly Happiness? Thian Hock Keng is dedicated to a sea goddess. The building began in 1821 to serve the fishing community. Today it is richly embellished and a national monument of Singapore.
Sample some delicious street food
Let’s grab a bite at a hawker food centre. This is a great way to experience the Singapore fusion of Malaysian, Indian, Indonesian, English and Portuguese traditions. If the locals prefer to dine at hawker centres, food courts and coffee shops they just have to be good. Hawker centres have the added advantage of featuring dozens of independent stalls, each with their own speciality dishes. Window shop with an open mind here, because this island city has as many food dialects as it has regions, religions and cultures. The competition is intense and the food is really, really good.
Get some exercise
It’s easy to forget that there’s plenty of green space beyond Singapore’s glittering skyscrapers. For a touch of exercise let’s hire a bicycle or a pair rollerblades and follow one of the networks connecting the major parks on Singapore’s island. Why not try the northern explorer route that takes us into the northernmost regions of Woodlands, Yishun and Sembawang? A one hour, not too strenuous bicycle ride takes us through a variety of terrains where we might be lucky and spot rare butterflies.
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Shop – beyond Orchard Road
So how about some serious shopping therapy? Orchard Road is synonymous with fashion and electronics of course. But the island city is far more than big, American-style stores. The urban spaces have morphed into a series of niche shopping precincts. If tech is calling, then the Funan Mall has over 180 brands on offer, and you have a good chance of finding what you are looking perhaps at a bargain price.
Magical Marina Bay
Let’s end our day on this magical island on a high note. There’s a particular place we would like to share with you and that’s the waterfront at Marina Bay. Here you can stroll safely at night while you decide where to take your evening meal. Discover the true essence of this magnificent city as you stroll under the watchful eye of towering, adventurous architecture. There are mild mist sprays and breeze shelters for hot, humid nights. The lights come on amidst a stunning light and sound show. Singapore welcomes everybody. Discover the true essence of the east here.
Tempted to discover Singapore for yourself? Give Mundana a call today and let them find you a great deal.
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