Singapore: Enjoy. Explore. Have fun.
Singapore. An island city-state located in Asia. Global financial powerhouse. Little red dot. This tiny nation with just over 5.5 million people certainly is known as many different things, not least of all, a thriving tourism hub. With more than 15 million visitors to Singapore in 2015, this garden city definitely lives up to this billing.
The National Gallery Singapore is the newest and largest visual arts institution housing an unrivalled collection of contemporary Singaporean and Southeast Asian art. The Gallery contains more than 8000 pieces from Singapore’s National Collection, making it an inspirational and unique experience of art. There are many enlightening programmes like, guided tours, talks and lectures that allow the public to achieve great insights into the exhibition.
Must see: The My Masterpiece collection features 12 artworks that were crafted by prominent Singaporean artists. These pieces of art have inspired notable personalities and are certain to enrich the senses.
Singapore is also home to the iconic Gardens by the Bay, a 101 hectare expanse of gorgeous greenery defined by 2 towering structures. These twin behemoths are the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest cooled conservatories. They are the world’s largest columnless greenhouses and were designed with environmental sustainability as well as energy efficiency in mind. In addition, 9 to 16-storey-tall vertical gardens referred to as Supertrees collect rainwater, generate solar power and serve as venting ducts for the park’s conservatories.
Must see: At dusk, a light and sound show known as the Garden Rhapsody begins. This nightly performance amidst the Supertrees is truly a spectacle to behold.
Foodies and history buffs rejoice! The National Heritage Board and the Urban Redevelopment Authority have come together to document the stories as well as memories of Balestier Road. Aptly named The Balestier Heritage Trail, this area used to be a sugar cane plantation and has a rich history that spans almost 180 years. The sole reminder of the Hokkien labourers who worked on the sugar cane plantation is the Goh Chor Tua Pek Kong Temple, that was built in 1847. Today, Balestier is filled with shophouses selling wares like home decorative items as well as bakeries and cafes.
Must visit: Monniker Café at 387 Balestier Road is decorated along the Victorian Steampunk theme. Its refreshing and delicious drink concoctions are flavoured by Jewels Rock Sugar Sticks. Grab some of these tasty candied treats and bring home the Monniker Experience.
Photo by @faithyeodada_ on Instagram
Resorts World Sentosa is an integrated resort experience that is bound to thrill the whole family. Children will love the Universal Studios Singapore theme park which offers a dizzying array of rides and attractions to entertain the young ones for hours on end. Lovers of aquatic life will be enchanted by the Marine Life Park, which includes the S.E.A Aquarium, the Adventure Cove Waterpark and Dolphin Island. A 24 hour casino in the heart of the resort gives punters the opportunity to raise the stakes and beat the odds. If the excitement gets too much, there’s always the option of walking away from it all and treating yourself to a rejuvenating spa experience.
Must see: The light, fire and water display at the Lake of Dreams is sure to fill you with a sense of wonder, definitely an enthralling way to end the evening.
With all these and more in store for tourists in Singapore, it’s about time you gave this wonderful island country a visit. Book the next flight out and prepare to fall in love with this Jewel of the Orient. Enjoy. Explore. Have fun.
