Singapore Botanic Gardens have proudly found a place on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage list. The gardens are a paradisaical expanse replete with lush, blooming greens that were founded in 1859 with a mission to cultivate plants of economic potential. Today, with more than 600,000 plant specimens, it is clearly one of the world's largest botanical reserves. The park provides a comprehensive introduction to plants in a variety of settings, from rolling lawns and orchid gardens to tropical droves and a rejuvenating rainforest. The grounds of the botanic gardens also harbor various other attractions including options for dining and garden's specifically designed for children.
Trace the events that have shaped Singapore from the 14th Century right up to the present day at the National Museum of Singapore. Discover the rich heritage of its people, their ancestral roots, ethnic and religious diversity and past struggle for nationhood through dioramas, artifacts and an intriguing 3D show. The 14-century Javanese gold jewelry on display hints at Singapore's glorious past. In addition to exhibits, the museum also screens a variety of movies that are woven into a theme of culture, history and heritage.
Standing guard at the mouth of the Singapore River is the Merlion, a mythical beast that is a cross between a fish and a lion. The fish symbolizes Singapore's close association with the sea while the lion head refers to the legendary sighting of a lion during the discovery of ancient Singapore. Created in 1972 as a tourism icon, the Merlion is especially attractive in the evenings when it is illuminated and spouts water from its mouth. Today, it has moved 120 meters (393 feet) away from its original spot, adjacent to One Fullerton. A stroll through Merlion Park yields great views of Singapore's colonial district.
Occupying a Roman classical building, the Singapore Art Museum features modern and contemporary paintings, sculptures and installations from Southeast Asia. With state-of-the-art galleries, it boasts a permanent collection of nearly 7000 artworks by established and pioneering artists. Visitors can also access digital images of works from public institutions and private collections all over the region. Art aficionados visiting Singapore, simply cannot miss this gallery. Singapore Art Museum also has exhibits for children.
Few new cultures are as distinctive and rich as that of the Peranakan (Straits Chinese). Deeply entrenched in the glory of ancient women and traditional folklore, this resplendent museum hearkens back to the heyday of the rich Peranakan culture. A reproduction of a Peranakan house of the early 20th century, the Peranakan Museum lends stirring insights into the vibrant and resonant nuances of this very culture. Chinese, Malay and, to a lesser extent, European influences are evident in the clothes, architecture and lavish furnishings, highlighting the affluent lifestyle of the Peranakans. Many treasured artifacts, ceramics and collections from the 17th-century Qing dynasty porcelain and intricate beaded embroidery are fine examples of the heritage of this unique culture. Elaborate and insightful, the museum shelters a thematic representation of the lives and times of the Peranakan people across a multitude of galleries.
Awash with scents and sights reminiscent of the subcontinent, this is a microcosm of India where every imaginable Indian product can be found: trinkets, sarees, spices, sweetmeats, nose studs, flower garlands and anything else that an Indian household needs. Traces of Hinduism are found everywhere, from the elaborate temples to wall calendars with pictures of Hindu deities. On Sundays, Indian locals and foreign workers flock to the streets of Little India to eat, chat, shop and worship. Hard though it is to walk through the crowds, this is a unique spectacle you should not miss.
A famous Arab spice trader and philanthropist named Syed Sharif Omar Aljunied was responsible for the building of this mosque in 1820. Its purpose was to serve the religious needs of Malay fishermen, Bugis merchants and Malaccan businessmen. Incidentally, this was the first place of worship in Singapore. However, the building that stands before you today is the third one built on the site. A minaret on the building was only added in 1985.
There are more than 40 Methodist churches in Singapore, but the Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church in Chinatown is certainly the most important. The church was built in 1924 and served as a refuge during World War II, and has been designated a national monument for its important role in Singapore’s history. It also remains a very active church and is the base for the senior pastor and multiple choirs. The church offers services every Sunday in the English, Mandarin, and Hokkien languages, and everyone is welcome.
Set in Orchardgateway shopping mall, Library@Orchard is a great place to visit for book lovers in the area. This library was originally established in the year 1999 and was previously located in Ngee Ann City shopping center. This well-stocked library is home to a fantastic range of books that are suitable for readers of all ages. Spread across two floors, this library is divided into The Loft and The Studio. This library often hosts events like art workshops and library tours.
An architectural landmark in downtown Singapore s flourishing southern district, the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, named after its chief patron, occupies levels 7-13 of the country's flagship public library with a floor area of 14,000 square meters. Its collection stands at over 530,000 items in a multitude of formats, with content foci on Singapore, Southeast Asia, and Asia. Collection highlights include: Social Sciences and Humanities, Science and Technology, Arts, Business, and Rare Materials.
The Evolution Garden is one of the theme gardens within the famous Singapore Botanic Gardens. It tells the amazing story of how plants evolved from simple bacteria growing on rocks to the diverse flowers and trees that we know today. It is also the most educational of the attractions within the Botanic Gardens, with trails following a timeline beginning 300 million years ago. As you explore the garden, you can watch the process of natural evolution, including how plants evolve from lichens to ferns, then petrified trees to modern plants. Information signs explain each step and free guided tours are available as well.
A man-made marvel awaits your arrival at the famous Gardens by the Bay. Aptly called the Cloud Forest, this wonderful attraction has an environment that transports you into a tropical forest. The cool temperature here is controlled using air conditioners and mist is sprayed artificially at regular intervals to create an illusion of being amidst the clouds. The mountain itself towers over 40 meters (131 feet) with an elevator placed inside it for visitors to scale the gigantic structure. A waterfall gushes down the mountain from a height of over 30 meters (98 feet). Visitors standing at the extended observation desks can feel the sprinkles from the waterfall while breathing in the tropical scents of the many ferns that are artificially grown here.