Singapore Holidays – Tours & Travel Adventure Guide
PureTravel Says
“Singapore gained its independence from Malaysia in 1965 and is actually a small island just 580km2 and is a modern, bustling, super-clean city. Singapore is situated below the Malaysian state of Johor and to the north of Indonesia, it is the smallest country in South East Asia. Singapore comprises of 63 islands of which Pulau Ubin, Pulau Tikong, Jurong Island and Sentosa are of the largest. At a staggering height of 545 feet, stands its highest natural point. This view along with the transformation of the untamed jungles into beautifully spread out urban landscapes, is definitely a sight to visit. Singapore also retains 23% of its original natural reserves and forests. The Bukit Timah Natural Reserve is also a must visit attraction to encounter a close relationship with nature.”
-----------------------------------------------------------
Singapore Holiday Highlights
Singapore City – In downtown Singapore is the Colonial District where you will find The Padang, Esplanade with theatres on the Bay and the world famous Raffles Hotel where the Singapore Sling cocktail was invented. You will find the Singapore Art Museum and Fort Canning Park as well as the districts of Chinatown, Little India and The Arab Quarter each with their own distinct architecture, food and markets. Whilst in Little India why not stop for the local delicacy of fish head curry, which is delicious.
Northern Singapore still has rainforest and mangrove swamp and whilst in this area you can visit the rainforest of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, the Singapore Zoological Gardens and the legendary Night Safari. Also visit the Lian Shan Shuang Lin Temple and Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Temple and Mandai Orchid Gardens.
Eastern Singapore has seen huge land reclamation but the traditional districts of Geylang and Katong still exist with a strong Malay identity. Here you will find Changi Airport, Changi Village, Changi Museum and the pretty island of Pulau Ubin and the tourist-lead island of Sentosa.
Other must see activities whilst in Singapore include a visit to the Thian Hock Keng Temple, the Chinatown Heritage Centre and explore the nightlife of Boat Quay and Clarke Quay with their numerous bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
Singapore Botanical Gardens - For nature lovers this is the perfect holiday hotspot. Covered with over 3,000 species of exotic orchids, spread over 63 hectares, it hosts within itself the national orchid garden. The Chinese and Japanese gardens in Jurong are also well known for their architectural splendor and garden lake. The Sentosa Island has a Butterfly Park and Insect kingdom, replete with rare varieties of these small creatures which make it a big hit.
Changi Village - If you want to indulge yourself in some water activities, the Changi Village is the ideal spot. The sunny beach and the cool water make it a great place for relaxing.
Swimming - Singapore has some beautiful water zones around the Sentosa Island, perfect for a refreshing swim in the early hours of dawn with the light drizzle making the experience even more relaxing. Singapore has bodies of water still preserved in areas like the East Coast Park, in Sentosa and a few other islands.
Water Sports - The colorful boats in Singapore offer you a welcome break, away from hectic lives. With these boats, you can also take part in some fierce dragon boat races. This experience is bound to leave the holiday goers both wet and thrilled.
Walking - Traveling through Singapore on foot can be an enriching experience. It is not too difficult either, because most of the attractive hotspots lie within the small city district. Activities include a walk through fascinating ethnic areas on Arab Street, which has a number of quaint little markets or the Armenian Church in the colonial district and soak in the beauty of its architecture.
The colonial district is also the site of the Asian Civilization museum, a marveled attraction for history lovers. Chinatown is the abode of the Buddha tooth relic Temple and Museum, while Changi memorial and chapel is a must see for those seeking spiritual solace. Bukit Chandu on Peppys Road has an attractive museum and a monument for sightseers.
Festivals - Try to catch a colorful festival of the Singaporean calendar, like the Thaipusam, that takes place annually around February. This is a Hindu Festival, with devotees of Lord Subramaniam undergoing amazing body piercing acts. The Chinese New Year; around January or February is celebrated with much pomp through dragon dances, spectacular fireworks and majestic parades. A dragon boat festival is also celebrated in May or June.
-----------------------------------------------------------
When to Go
Lying close to the equator, this island nation has almost a steady annual rainfall and a lack of drastic temperature variations. Temperatures are high all through the year.
Singapore is often included on many cruise schedules and many cruises actually depart and return to the port at Singapore at Harbourfront FT. The most popular ports of call are Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Penang, Langkawi, Redang and Tioman in Malaysia. In Thailand the cruise often call at Bangkok, Ko Samui, Krabi and Phuket as well as Malaysian Borneo, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and Sihanoukville in Cambodia. The longer cruises may sail to Hong Kong and China.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Top Tips
- Food lovers should come in April to join in consuming gastronomical delicacies at the Singapore Food festival
- Singapore is visited by the cruise ships and you can combine a trip to Singapore with visits to Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.
- For shoppers the best time is in June when the Great Singapore sale takes place.
- Carry an umbrella or a raincoat, in case of a shower.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Classic Itineraries
- Night Safari package.
- A tour to the Sentosa Islands.
- Walking around the city.
- Visit to Changi Village.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Southeast Asia Travel Resources
Vietnam adventure travel guide
Cambodia adventure travel guide
