Explore Singapore

Singapore has the distinction of being both a city and an entire country, one of only a few such geographical anomalies in the world. This tropical island is known for its natural beauty and also the many man-made attractions that have been constructed in a successful effort to make Singapore an international commerce and tourism centre. The friendly people who call Singapore home are a true mix of cultures, with a majority being of Chinese, Malay, Thai, Indian, and Filipino descent. With this exotic fusion, it’s no wonder that visitors can find upscale dining, entertainment, shopping, and cultural sites that incorporate all of these traditions and more.

Religious Sites
The diverse population of Singapore has led to a variety of religious affiliations and, hence, a lovely diversity of mosques, churches, and temples. Among the most interesting is the church of St. Gregory the Illuminator, more popularly referred to as the Armenian Church. The work of architect George Coleman, this first permanent Christian church on the island is undoubtedly his best work, with architectural elements like Roman doric columns and beautiful porticos. Consecrated in 1836, the church hasn’t had regular religious services since the 1930s, though it’s still a popular tourist attraction in part due to the rear cemetery, which is the burial site of some famous Armenians. Another lovely Christian contribution is St. Andrew’s Cathedral, an Anglican church, which is named for the patron saint of Sir Stamford Raffles’ beloved Scotland. Actually the second St. Andrew’s, the first suffered lightning damage and was replaced with the current structure in 1860. Of greatest interest is the church’s English Gothic Revival design, a rarity on the island, as well as the plasterwork on the interior, which was created from a material that contains egg whites, sugar, and coconut-steeped water. Also of note is that the original church bell, now housed in the Singapore History Museum, was a gift from the daughter of American Revolutionary War icon Paul Revere.

There are dozens and dozens of mosques in Singapore, including the striking Sultan Mosque on Muscat Street, which is actually the second mosque of that name to be built on the sight (the first, built in 1826, was partially funded by the East India Company). The current model, constructed 100 years after the original, has a distinct Saracen influence, courtesy of the round domes and Mogul cupolas. Other interesting elements include the black bottle ring that forms the base of the dome, carpeting that was donated by a Saudi Arabian prince, and a makam around the back of the building which houses royal graves. Hajjah Fatimah Mosque on Beach Road was named after a local businesswoman. The mosque’s compound is located on the site of Majjah Fatimah’s former home and consists of a prayer hall, ablution area, gardens, and mausoleums. Interestingly, the mosque’s design is an amalgam of influences, including a minaret tower that closely resembles the original spire at St. Andrew’s and a bleeding heart emblem on the tower, which is a traditionally Christian symbol. Visitors will find the burial site of Hajjah Fatimah, her daughter, and son-in-law in a room off the main prayer hall.

The Sri Veerama Kaliamman Temple is a Hindu temple devoted primarily to the worship of Kali, Shiva’s wife. Inside you’ll find an altar for Kali and two for her sons Ganesh and Murugan on either side of hers. The temple is filled with symbols and statues that tell interesting stories—like how Ganesh came to have an elephant head.

Chinese temples also abound in Singapore. Built in 1841, the Thian Hock Keng Temple is among the oldest Chinese temples and was typically the first stop for Chinese sailors to pay respects to the goddess Ma Po Cho in return for a safe journey. Except for the gates and tiles on the façade, the temple was constructed exclusively with materials imported from China. The temple complex contains a pagoda and buildings that once housed a school and community gathering places, and a male and female lion at the doorway usher visitors into the interior, which boasts an assortment of altars, statues, carvings, and ancestral tablets representing souls. Like Thian Hock Keng, Wak Hai Cheng Bio in Chinatown was originally a small Taoist temple for sailors. Today it’s a fairly elaborate space where visitors can take in the exceptional reliefs that are tucked into every available space, telling stories from famous Chinese operas. Even those not of the Taoist tradition are invited to burn joss, which are delicate “wishing papers” that carry your desires to the heavens.

Museums and Cultural Centres
The Asian Civilisations Museum on Empress Street is the shining light of the many local museums. This wondrous space, built a century ago, pays homage to the art and artifacts of many of the cultures that make up Singapore’s population. You can browse visual arts, furniture, porcelain, jade, and more inside a building that housed the government offices around the turn of the 20th century. The other must-visit museum is the National Museum of Singapore, which recently went through a massive refurbishment and expansion. Its thoroughly modern multimedia exhibits let visitors choose the stories they would like to hear—the official version or the stories lived out by the general public. You can even take a tour devoted exclusively to the architecture of this 120-year-old building, which features a mix of Colonial and modern designs.

The Singapore Art Museum (SAM) on Bras Basah Road isn’t large, but its exhibits are simply stunning. It boasts a collection of more than 6,000 pieces—mainly from native and Malay artists—though only a small percentage is on display at any given time. But what a display you’ll find; the integrated exhibits use multiple mediums to highlight certain artistic styles, historical events, or social customs. The SAM is housed in a former Catholic boys’ school and still greets visitors with a cast-iron statue of St. John Baptist de la Salle. Other interesting art galleries and museums include the Art-2 Gallery, dedicated to contemporary works; the Pewter Museum, which showcases antique and modern pieces made from this popular Southeast Asian metal; and the Artfolio Gallery in the Raffles Hotel, exhibiting everything from sculptures to watercolours to ceramics.
 
On Pagoda Street you’ll find a row of warehouses-turned-exhibit spaces that tell the story of the early Colonial period of Chinese immigration. The Chinatown Heritage Centre displays everything from complete living areas decorated in period furniture and décor to shops that illustrate the industries of the day. The Malay Heritage Centre, located in a former royal palace on Sultan Gate, is the first and only complex dedicated to this population. Opened in 2004, it offers a peek at Malay art, history, and culture dating from the earliest settlements through modern life.

Natural Wonders
South America isn’t the only place you’ll find acres of rainforest. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve offers 81 hectacres of primary rainforest that are believed to date back 1 million years. Come visit more than 700 plant species, animals, birds, butterflies, and hike up to the highest point on the island.

If you’re a birder, a visit to Jurong BirdPark will be a highlight of your trip. Filled with 8,000 birds representing more than 600 species, you can get up close to rarely seen endangered birds on this 20-hectacre paradise. Take in the Waterfall Aviary—a huge walk-in aviary—settle in for exciting, often humorous shows, and see the beautiful scenery on foot or by panorail. Another great place to bird watch is the Sungei Buloh Wetlands on the north side of the island. This 87-hectacre space, which is dedicated to wetland habitats and mangrove forests, contains about 150 species of birds at any one time, as well as a large variety of other animals and plants.

A Night Safari at the Singapore Zoo is among the more intriguing activities you’ll experience in Singapore. The open-concept zoo for nocturnal creatures means that visitors rarely detect the animals’ enclosures—an especially realistic experience and, hence, heart-pounding by night. Choose a guided tram or a more leisurely walk by moonlight through habitats designed to replicate the Himalayas, African jungles, and of course Southeast Asia.

Singapore’s tropical climate makes it ideal for plant life, and the SingaporeBotanic Garden is a bloom-filled celebration of all things exotic and beautiful. This Eden-like refuge was created in 1859 and has expanded to include elements like a dazzling rose garden, sundial garden, banana plantation, spice garden, and even sculptures by celebrated artists. Within this enthralling area is the 3-hectactre National Orchid Garden and an English Garden containing hybrids developed at the botanic garden and named after famous visitors—like political giants Margaret Thatcher, Benazir Bhutto, and Vaclav Havel.  

Sensational Sentosa Island
There are about 60 islands surrounding Singapore proper, though the vast majority are essentially no-frills getaway spots for locals. The exception is Sentosa Island, a popular resort destination that offers a wide variety of ways to indulge your leisure desires. Golf lovers will enjoy Sentosa Golf Club, which delivers a championship 18-hole course. For a sun and sand fix, check out Siloso, Palawan,and Tanjongbeaches, with gorgeous sand, picturesque palm trees, and beachfront and water activities. Spa aficionados must make time for a trip to Spa Botanica, set within the magnificent grounds of theSentosa Resort & Spa. This ultra-modern facility offers delights ranging from massages to mud pools to steam baths.

Images of Singapore is an eclectic museum on Sentosa Island that does, indeed, give visitors a fascinating look inside nearly every aspect of Singapore through visuals like photos, wax figures, and film clips. The three museum areas include Pioneers of Singapore; Surrender Chambers, which deal with Pacific activity during World War II and feature a wax museum portraying both the British and Japanese surrenders; and the new Festivals of Singapore, including full-scale dioramas of traditions within the various cultural groups of Singapore.

Singaporean Night Life
Singapore nights often revolve around the thriving club and music scene. Much like its sister club in London, Ministry of Sound in Clarke Quay is a huge club that brings in internationally famous DJs to spin tunes. Three interconnecting discotheques on Jiak Kim Street—Zouk, Phuture, and Velvet Underground—are immensely popular destinations where clubbers can go back and forth between the venues to hear the latest music in cavernous or more intimate atmospheres.

Wine bar Beaujolais on Ann Siang Hill is small on space but big on charm. The endless list of wines by the glass and bottle can be sipped at a couple of tables outside, or head upstairs to the lounge where you can spread out a bit. Que Pasa is another wine bar that, while not huge, provides a terrific ambience where you can take your pick from approximately100 bottles, take in the art-covered walls, and order tapas. If pubs are more your style, check out Muddy Murphy’s Irish Pub at the Orchard Hotel Shopping Arcade or The Dubliner Singapore at Winsland Conservation House for a real Irish experience.

The fine arts world is alive and well in Singapore, and the sophisticated venues attract a who’s who of global artists and musicians. Listen to the Singapore Symphony Orchestra at the Esplanade Theatres on the Bay or catch the Singapore Chinese Orchestra at spots all over town. A variety of theatre companies dot the city, including the Singapore Repertory Theatre, TheNecessary Stage, and ACTION Theatre.