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By Anna Maria New Straits Times 5 June, 2004
The most noticeable thing about Singapore before you touch down at Changi Airport is its concrete jungle. The masses of skyscrapers serve as a testament to its success — once a fishing village, it has now been transformed into one of Asia’s most prominent cosmopolitan cities.
Thanks to its thriving port, which has greatly stimulated trade activity, Singapore today has earned a reputation as a world-class shopping haven.
With malls mushrooming in almost every corner of the island, it is easy for one to be distracted by the cosmopolitan bliss, thus forgetting to spend time looking for the more soulful side of the Lion City.
Because of this stereotype, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is currently going all out to promote the island’s other tourist attractions.
Make a mental note to visit Little India — the focal point of Singapore’s Indian community. From the large Tekka Centre to small provision shops, Little India is packed with interesting things to discover.
Its spice-scented streets beckon you to a treasure trove of silver and brassware, ethnic jewellery, jasmine garlands and silk saris.
The ethnic district preserves its rich Indian heritage amidst the rapid development taking place all around.
One of the area’s most popular landmarks is the Mustafa Centre — a 24-hour department store that sells every conceivable item at very low prices.
A rough Malaysian equivalent would be Mydin, the famous "pay less" store, except that Mustafa is much bigger and even sells branded goods. It is the ideal venue for those who need to do last-minute shopping.
Holidaying in Singapore would not be complete without stopping at Sentosa Island, a former fishing village, which became a British military base that was transformed into an island resort in 1972.
Situated half a kilometre south of Singapore, it offers a wide variety of attractions including two challenging international 18-hole golf courses with scenic undulating views. Sentosa is accessible via cable car or a 710-metre road link.
Among other interesting places are the butterfly park, insect kingdom and the "Images of Singapore" wax museum, which features life-size wax figures. Accompanied by special effects, it retells Singapore’s past from as far back as the 14th century.
Sentosa is also home to the Underwater World Oceanarium, the Dolphin Lagoon and the simulation theatre Cinemania.
Another place to take the family would be the Singapore National Zoo.
Covering 28 hectares, the park is home to 3,600 animals representing 410 species of mammals, birds and reptiles.
For something more adventurous try the Singapore Night Safari, situated only 50 metres away from the national zoo.
Set in 40 hectares of dense forest, it houses over 1,200 nocturnal creatures, ranging from fearsome cats to slimy reptiles. The animals are kept in natural enclosures similar to their habitats.
History and culture enthusiasts can satisfy their taste for the past at the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM), housed in a restored neo-classical building dating back to 1910.
It showcases a huge collection of antiques — accessories, tools, weapons, utensils and costumes — that represent the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans and their links to Southeast Asia and the world.
Some of its prized exhibits are one of the world largest Chinese Dehua porcelain displays; a collection of some of Southeast Asia’s finest jewellery and textiles, and court garments from the Johor Riau-Lingga Sultanate of the 19th century.
The ACM is the first museum in Singapore to present its historical collection with the use of modern technology. With creative multimedia techniques used in its presentation, visitors are taken on an intriguing journey of 5,000 years of Asian civilisation.
Singapore is an ideal weekend getaway for the whole family, no matter what your taste. A four-day, three-night stay for a family of four would cost less than RM2,000, according to the STB. A large portion of this goes towards accommodation and food, as admission fees to activities outlined above start from as low as 50 cents. Admission for children is usually free. |
