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.
The first step of an ambitious plan to transform Singapore into the 'Garden City' or 'City in the Garden,' the Gardens by the Bay span a staggering 101 hectares (250 acres) of reclaimed land alongside the Marina Reservoir. From its grove of skyscraping Supertrees to the space-age biodomes, these waterfront gardens are anything but ordinary. Complete with its own waterfall, the Cloud Forest replicates a tropical paradise, while the Flower Dome encapsulates quintessentially Mediterranean climes. Even more fascinating is the Sun Pavilion with its collection of cacti and the topiaries of the World of Plants. Mesmerizing works of art are scattered across the three gardens - Bay East, Bay West and Bay Central - while the Heritage Gardens showcase Chinese, Malay and Indian culture through themed natural spaces. A magical world of wonders, Singapore's Gardens by the Bay are an awe-inspiring horticultural showcase of 21st-century design.
Mottled with a tapestry of dense woodlands, rejuvenating rainforests and water features aplenty, Singapore Zoo forges a fascinating, wild revelry where a multitude of animals thrive and flourish with pleasant solidarity. Opened in 1973, Singapore Zoo uses moats and beautifully-landscaped glass-fronted enclosures to house hundreds of thousands of animals. 28 hectares (69.2 acres) of land is divided into more than a dozen regions, featuring hundreds of species, including rare and endangered ones. The world's largest captive orangutan group lies nestled in the verdant recesses of the zoo which attaches great importance to wildlife education and conservation. Two programs, Wild Breakfast and Afternoon Tea, enable visitors to interact with and learn more about several species of animals while having their meal. Photographic opportunities, of course, abound, while other highlights of the zoo include feeding programs, elephant and pony rides, animal shows, tram rides and insightful, open exhibits.
A towering, scarlet canopy of magnificence and might, this grand Buddhist temple inhabits the very heart of Chinatown. Constructed to enshrine the tooth relic of Buddha, this temple is considered to be one of the most sacred places in the whole of the country. The temple is awash in an ornate, resplendent architectural style unique to the Tang dynasty, and is complete with five elaborate floors bearing a library, a traditional tea house and a museum bearing stirring Buddhist art from across Asia. Boasting a tapestry of gilded ornamentation, vibrant sculptures of deities and a glorious altar, the temple is a breathing, heaving canopy representing a profound sense of religious fervor and the finer nuances of a culture which is alive and thriving, even after hundreds of years. With its roots deeply entrenched in the philosophy of Buddhist Mandala, this iconic temple reverberates with the eternal teachings of Buddha.
Be ready to rock the dance floor as Canvas brings in some of the best DJs in town to spin your favorite track. A day-time art gallery comes to life as evening progresses and is the hot spot for the energetic party crowd. The spacious dance floor is well-facilitated with modern amenities like LED lighting, fine acoustics that assure the ultimate nightclub experience. In case you feel thirsty, there is a beverage menu to accompany you for the evening here. All in all, this is a must-go-to place for the party animals in town. Check their website to know about the upcoming DJs events or stand up comic acts hosted here frequently.
What was once a vigilant British army base, has today established itself as a major tourist destination; a scintillating site which is a world in itself. Dotted with paved thoroughfares, luxurious resorts, hotels and excellent dining establishments, this delightful island is offers visitors outdoor revelry combined with a smattering of natural, scenic delights. Fringed by greenery and white sand beaches, this exuberant island is characterized by the presence of many theme parks, activities to cater to every type of visitor and a multitude of soaring high-rises. Sentosa is not just an adventurous wonderland, but also one of the most fascinating getaways in the country. Here, cable cars and the Sentosa Express monorail traverse the island's idyllic landscape, whereas attractions like Fort Siloso, Universal Studios Singapore and a replica of the iconic Merlion statue attest to its ever-booming touristy appeal.
The Eagle's Eye Art Gallery caters to well-heeled professionals, collectors and corporate clients. It not only sells quality paintings, but also provides professional consultancy services to homes, hotels and corporations as well. Sixty percent of the works are by locals, including award-winning artists like Christine Mak and Tay Bak Koi.
Catering to the spiritual needs of soldiers at Tanglin Barracks, this Anglican church was a comfort and solace for many. However, during World War II, it was used as an ammunition dump. When the British troops completed their withdrawal from Singapore in 1971, St. George's began a new phase in her existence, as a civilian church. Owing to the varied nature of the congregation, the church holds two Sunday services which is a traditionally Anglican one, and another that is more contemporary.
A trip to Bishan New Town gives one a good idea of what life in modern Singapore is like. As with most town centers, there is a subway station and a bus depot making accessibility to the rest of the island quick and easy. A mammoth shopping complex such as Junction 8 is a common sight here, as in other newer estates including Tampines and Pasir Ris. Families flock to the complex, in the evenings particularly, for one-stop dining, shopping and entertainment. A distance away are clusters of residential blocks, some with their own shops and food centers.
The ornately designed JOTIC complex houses a tourist information centre manned by knowledgeable and helpful attendants. There are many informational materials about Johor Bahru and the Johor state available free of charge. Under the same roof, you will also find a food court, handicraft and souvenir shops, an Internet cafe, and a TGIF bar and restaurant. Live cultural performances and shopping fairs are held occasionally at the lobby of the complex.
Tucked away on the second floor of Riverside Point above the popular bars and restaurants, the Aseana Art Gallery has a diverse collection of original paintings and sculptures. A number of styles are represented, and there are classic pieces as well as contemporary pop art. Many local Singaporean artists sell their work here; however, work from other Asian countries like Indonesia is also represented. Aseana wants to make art accessible to everyone and, for original pieces, the prices are quite reasonable. The gallery also hosts regular art workshops and lectures.
The whole family can enjoy an afternoon at the theater with one of the kid-friendly plays from the Players Theatre Group. The theater company has been delighting audiences of all ages since 2003 and has grown to be one of Singapore’s leading children’s theaters. Many of the plays are adapted from beloved children’s books like James and the Giant Peach and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. The theater is a registered charity and does outreach work in schools and with disadvantaged children. Though the Players Theatre office is located in eastern Singapore, plays are held at different venues around the city.