Singapore is known by many as the “Lion City” and
is in the shape of a diamond. It was founded by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819.
Singapore is also home to the world’s tallest building, the Petronas towers.
Singapore has a nice mix of Chinese, Malaysians, and Indians. There are laws in
Singapore that the average traveler should know about including not littering.
Singapore has some of the harshest laws for these petty acts. If you improperly
discard a cigarette you could earn you fine. Overall Singapore is an exciting
city to explore and has some of the world’s finest architecture.
Sentosa Island
Singapore 0409
Tel: +65 275 0388
Cable-cars and ferries run from the World Trade Centre to this former military
base half a kilometre (one third of a mile) offshore. Attracting over three and
a half million visitors each year, it is Singapore's most popular attraction.
The island has a wide variety of museums, sites and activities including South-East
Asia's largest oceanarium, a nineteenth century British fort complete with bunkers,
tunnels and gun emplacements, a Butterfly Park and an Insectarium. Open: Monday
to Thursday 7:30 am to 11:00 pm; Friday to Sunday until midnight.
Jurong Bird Park
Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim, Singapore 628925
Tel: +65 265 0022
Home to 8000 birds from nearly 600 species, the Jurong Bird Park features a two
hectare (five acre) walk-in aviary and a simulated rainforest thunderstorm, held
at noon each day. Open: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; from 8:00 am Saturdays, Sundays and
holidays.
Haw Par Villa (Tiger Balm Gardens)
West Coast Highway, Singapore 118628
Tel: +65 774 0300
About ten kilometres (six miles) west of the city, the Haw Par Villa was originally
built by the Aw brothers with the profits from their wonder salve, Tiger Balm.
It is a theme park of Chinese mythology with older exhibits of legendary figures
and tableaux, recently renovated and reopened as 'Dragon World' featuring multimedia
displays and flume rollercoaster rides. Open: Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 6:00
pm; Saturday and Sunday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.