Explore Singapore

A place where East meets west and modernity blends in with Asian heritage, Singapore is a bustling cosmopolitan city that offers an eclectic mix of culture and experiences. A shopper’s paradise, you have huge malls here catering to various budgets, right from Mustafa, one of the largest malls in SE Asia which is open 24 hours to the expensive ones on the Orchard Road. But Singapore is not just about shopping. It has many other attractions up its sleeves. Sentosa Island, a short cable ride away, has some interesting things to explore. Here kids and adults both are bound to enjoy the Underwater World aquarium, the cable car ride to Sentosa and the dancing fountain. Singapore’s famed Jurong Bird Park has over 380 species of birds while the night safari at the zoo lets you experience a night in the jungle right in the centre of the city. Universal Studio whih has opened a few years ago, has rides and thrills that beckons you to let loose the child in you and enjoy uninhibited. Singapore Flyer gives you awesome panoramic view of the city. So what are you waiting for? Come have an experience of your lifetime!

Best Time to Visit 
Singapore’s pretty much a year-round destination. There are no dramatic variations in temperature. It is typically tropical - hot and humid twelve months of the year. There is a slight increase in the rainfall between November and January, but there are generous spurts of sunshine too. If you’re a food buff or love shopping, then the best time to visit would be around July as that's when the Great Singapore Sale and the Singapore Food Festival are held.

Holidays@Leisure recommends..... “must see” places in Singapore City.

Get your fix of greens with a walk down the path at the Botanic Gardens. For all those early risers who don’t know what to do until Singapore wakes up, it opens as early as 5 a.m. Take in the National Orchid Garden’s many coloured collection of 1000 orchids and 2000 hybrids. End your walk with a traditional breakfast at the food court there. The best way to start your day!

Head towards the Ritz Carlton hotel for a dose of Art. A massive three-ton Frank Stella installation at the entrance welcomes you. A pair of Dale Chihuly crystal glass sculptures anchors both wings of the building. It is one of Southeast Asia's finest collections of modern and contemporary art.

Tour the unheralded Chinatown Heritage Centre. Showcasing an authentic slice of Singapore’s Chinese immigrant’s history, entire sets of bedrooms, kitchens and street scenes from the late-19th century and early-20th century have been faithfully recreated. 

Sit on the Singapore Flyer for some stunning views of Singapore. Standing at a stunning 165 metres, it is the height of a 42-storey building. As the wheel turns, you get views of landmarks such as the Singapore River, Raffles Place, Marina Bay, Empress Place and the Padang.

Marina Barrage. Indulge in some water sports or just have a picnic on the rooftop garden at Marina Barrage. It is a freshwater reservoir in the heart of the city and is very environment friendly.

Go shopping for fashion at Haji Lane. This tiny lane, hidden away in the heart of the Muslim quarter, is a fashionista's paradise. Here mini-boutiques mix with Middle Eastern shisha cafes and design houses. Shop for some monochromatic accessories or go nosing around for one-of-its kind dress or look around for some kitsch appeal. You will find it all here.

Go shopping for electronics. Tokyo may have the latest in electronic gadgets, but Singapore has the widest range. Every imaginable electronic gadget is up for grabs at Funan Digitalife Mall and Sim Lim Square. While the rates are dirt cheap, you can get it even more cheaper at Sim Lim Square when you bargain and haggle.

Go on a night safari. The Singapore Night safari is the world’s first wildlife park for nocturnal animals. You can get up close and personal with over 1000 animals on a walking safari over 3 different trails or you can take the tram and check out their habits.

Universal Studio. Do not miss a trip to the Universal Studio, Singapore’s latest theme park. Full of thrills and rides, it’s fun for kids and adults alike.

Eat like the locals at a hawker centre. There are endless dining options in Singapore, but the hawker centre is the ultimate local eating experience. The hawker centre in Singapore is traditionally an open-air food complex. In fact, some of the most popular local dishes like Chicken Rice, Char Kway Teow, and Fishball Noodles are found at the hawker centres. 

Visit to Sentosa Island is not to be missed. While here, be sure to visit the Underwater World, an aquarium that has over 100 species of fishes. Stay back for the special dancing fountain and laser show, this island’s highlight.