Asia-Singapore2

Singapore 2

Hugh, Madison, and Alex's Singapore page

Flight details -
 * Melbourne** from $695* return

The best time to go to Singapore is the end of May until July or December till February. It's fun to go during Christmas because they have a lot of lights especially on Orchard road. Leaving Dec. 19th- Dec.29th. I have a tour for 7 nights and 6 days. Day 1. I will arrive in Singapore and go to my hotel. Later we will do some afternoon sightseeing including some famous monuments and pass through a local park. 2. We will eat breakfast then leave for Jurong Bird Park and then the botanical gardens. Both places are very popular. 3.After breakfast we will leave for Sentosa island. There we will see the

After that we should go to the singapore zoo and then go shopping at the suntec mall

Places we could include in our trip

The Lion City, at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, is the cleanest, most orderly city anywhere, as well it might be. A fine has to be given if anyone, including tourists, caught flicking a cigarette butt, discarding a wad of chewing gum or throwing its wrapper on a street.

Tourists are reminded that penalties are stiff for drug possession. Tourism is the city-state's third biggest industry, after manufacturing and banking, attracting some seven million visitors a year. This makes Singapore a member of an elite group of countries that attract more visitors than its own population.

Shopping ranks as one of the major attractions. Products from around the world are available -- from Asian handicrafts to the latest cameras and electronic gear from Japan. The variety is endless but few bargains can be found for budget-conscious shoppers who find that most products are less expensive in North America.


 * Chinatown**

Among the narrow streets of picturesque shophouses and restaurants brimming with life, the temple idol carvers, herbalists, calligraphers, traders and trishaw drivers pursue a way of life that has changed little for generations. Incense stream from the old temples, the elderly spread their wares out on the pavement for sale and sea cucumbers, regarded as a delicacy, dry in the sun. Much of Chinatown has recently been renovated, but the old traditions endure. During Chinese New Year, the whole of Chinatown is lit up and buzzes with activity as stalls sell a variety of festive goods.

On Serangoon Road is located, Little India. Embodies the vibrant and colourful culture of the Indian community in Singapore. Indian women and men in there traditional attire can be seen doing there daily business in the Zhujiao Centre, where a bewildering selection of food is on sale. Small shops abound, selling bolts of glittering silks, temple garlands, gold jewellery and spices that are ground in front of you.
 * Little India**

The Hindu religion plays an important part in the life of Little India, and the Sri Veerama Kaliaman and Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temples in the area are well worth visiting.


 * Arab Street**

Arabs were among the first to arrive in Singapore to trade, bringing with them the Islamic religion and converting many indigenous Malay to their belief. Today the old section of the city around Arab Street provides an intriguing glimpse into the Muslim way of life. The Sultan Mosque dominates the area, a fantastic building with its impressive gold dome and vast prayer hall.

Arab Street itself is a riot of colourful textiles from all over Asia at very low prices. Also on sale, overflowing from the shop houses onto the pavement, are saris and batik, basketry, leather goods, cane and rattan, jewellery and hand-beaten brass, perfumes and a host of other treasures.

The Supreme Court was built in 1939. This refined building shelters Corinthians columns painted by the Italian artist Cavaliere Rodolfo Nolli. It is in the neighboring City Hall that Lord Louis Mountbatten signed the capitulation of the Japanese in 1945.
 * Supreme Court and City Hall**


 * Parliament House and the Elephant Statue **

Once a stately colonial mansion which was built in 1827. Singapore’s oldest government building is today the home of the Republic’s Parliament. A bronze elephant stands in front of the building a gift from King Chulalongkorn of Siam in 1871.


 * Raffles Hotel**

One of the most famous hotels in the world, this Grand Old Lady of the East is fully restored to her former glory after an extensive $160 million restoration. Down the years, royalty, film stars, world leaders and famous authors have stayed at Raffles — one of the last great 19th century hotels.

The refurbished complex includes a Shopping Arcade with 70 shops, a museum showing Raffles memorabilia and a theatre featuring a multimedia show on the hotel’s distinguished past.


 * National Museum**

Originally opened in 1887, The National Museum, is an architectural gem with each of its two levels reflecting a different order of Greek classical architecture. Of particular note are the Museum’s 20 dioramas, three-dimensional reconstructions of historical scenes and events tracing Singapore’s development from a sleepy fishing village to the present day metropolis. Another exhibit shows the world of a wealthy Straits Chinese family at the turn of the century, complete with elaborate Peranakan furnishings and finery. The Children’s Discovery Gallery is another compelling attraction, With interactive exhibits designed to explain Singapore’s cultural heritage, visual and performing arts.
 * Orchard Road**

Orchard Road is the commercial main street of the city. Modern Singapore is truly a Western creation. During centuries, theisland was populated by fishermen and pirates. In 1819, sir Stamford Raffles (1781-1826), a person in charge of the Brittanic Company of the Eastern Indies persuaded the sovereign of the Malayan State of Johore to concede to Great Britain the use of the island and of his port to make a trading post of it. It became then a significant center of export of wood and rubber and its population increased considerably with the arrival in mass of Chinese merchants and workmen.