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Thursday, March 13, 2008

In case you are in Singapore for a longer period of time and in case you would want to go on off beat routes and for Nature lovers, following are some of the places:

Singapore Zoological Gardens In its lush jungle setting, Singapore's renowned 'open' zoo is a haven for both animals and visitors. More than 2,000 creatures are housed in landscaped enclosures, with rock walls and streams replacing cages.Special attractions include Children's World, where kids can interact with animals and enjoy excellent playgrounds, the six island Primate Kingdom, the sea lion and penguin gallery, the air-conditioned polar bear exhibit and a miniature railway.Feeding shows take place throughout the day; favorites include the primates, reptiles, elephants and sea lions. Among the zoo's many endangered species is the world's largest colony of orang utans, with whom you can enjoy breakfast or afternoon tea if you book in advance through your hotel. Allow a whole day to enjoy the zoo's attractions.Opening hours: 8.30am to 6pm daily
Animal Show times: 10.30am, 11.30am, 2.30pm and 3.30pm
Location: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826 Tel: 62693411.
Getting there: Take the MRT to Ang Mo Kio (NS16), then SBS bus 138

The Singapore Crocodilarium Over 1,000 crocodiles can be viewed at close range. Additional attractions include a reptile product shop. Feeding time is 11am on Tuesdays. Opening hours: 9am to 5pm dailyLocation: 730 East Coast Parkway, Singapore 439172 Tel: 64473722Getting there: Take the MRT to Paya Lebar (EW8) or Eunos (EW7) and then take a taxi

National Museum of Singapore
The Singapore History Museum, originally opened in 1887, is an architectural gem with each of its two levels reflecting a different order of Greek classical architecture. Of particular note are the three-dimensional reconstructions of historical scenes and events tracing Singapore's development from a sleepy fishing village to the present day metropolis. Another exhibit shows the world of a wealthy Straits Chinese family at the turn of the century, complete with elaborate Peranakan furnishings and finery. The Children's Discovery Gallery is another compelling attraction, with interactive exhibits designed to explain Singapore's cultural heritage, visual and per forming arts. In addition to the Singapore History Museum, Singapore offers a number of museums with specific themes.
Opening hours : 9.30am to 6.00pm (Tuesday to Sunday), Friday : 9.30am to 9.00pm,
Admission : no admission charges after 6.00pm
Location: 93 Stamford Road Singapore 178897

Singapore Air Force Museum
This museum traces the development of the Royal Singapore Air Force from its early days as the Malayan Volunteer Air Force in 1939 to the present day. From colonial cap badges to the Bloodhound missile, the museum boasts a vast array of artifacts, including early planes such as the Hunter Hawker, the SF 260 Marchetti and the A4-C Skyhawk.
Opening hours: 10am to 4.30pm (except Mondays and Public Holidays)
Admission: Free
Location: 400 Airport Road Singapore 534234

The Singapore Mint Coin Gallery
The Singapore Mint's exhibition gallery displays a collection of coins, medals and medallions from all over the world. Visitors can also mint their own souvenir coin at the gallery's coin press. Opening hours: 9.00am to 4.00pm (Monday to Friday).
Admission: Free
Location: 20 Teban Gardens Crescent Singapore 608928
Getting there: Take the MRT to Boon Lay (EW27)

Singapore Philatelic Museum (Stamps Gallery)
Discover the early years of Singapore as you walk through the past events and history that has shaped Singapore. Find out why had the early migrants of Singapore watch out for the yellow and red flag at Fort Canning Hill, or what kind of hardships our ancestor has tormented in the early years of World War II. You can also experience a walk through of thematic galleries that symbolizes different events, cultures, history and achievements Singapore attained.Location: 23B Coleman Street,
Opening Hours: Mondays 1.00pm – 7.00pm Tuesdays – Sundays 9.00am – 7.00pm Tel: 63373888

Chinatown
Chinatown Here amidst narrow streets of picturesque shop houses and restaurants brimming with life, the temple idol carvers, herbalists, calligraphers, traders and trishaw drivers pursue a way of life that has changed little for generations. Incense stream from the old temples, the elderly spread their wares out on the pavement for sale and sea cucumbers, regarded as a delicacy, dry in the sun.Much of Chinatown has recently been renovated, but the old traditions endure. A walk around the streets of Tanjong Pagar reveals local craftsmen at work making clogs, kites and traditional seals for stamping documents. During Chinese New Year, the whole of Chinatown is lit up and buzzes with activity as stalls sell a variety of festive goods.
Getting there: Take the MRT to Outram Station (EW16) or Chinatown (NE4)

Holland Village
This small area of Singapore still has the feel of a village about it, with its own wet market and shop houses selling everything from straw brooms to valuable antiques. Holland Village is a microcosm of Singaporean life, a curious mix between old and new old coffee shops and hawker stalls jostle for space with ritzy new wine bars and restaurants. The Holland Road Shopping Centre is alive with busy shops, including some selling Asian arts, crafts and antiques. Electronics and factory outlet clothing are other good buys. Weekends are especially busy, when much of Singapore seem to gather at Holland Village to shop, chat and have a meal.
Getting there: A 15 mins walk from Buona Vista MRT (EW21)

Toa Payoh
Visitors will find its central shopping area reminiscent of Singapore's older shophouses. Here you can pick up garments at ridiculously low prices T-shirts and shorts at $10 for three items or children's clothes for as little as $2. Toa Payoh town centre includes cinemas, hawker centres, coffee shops and a library. With the relocation of HDB Hub in Toa Payoh, alot more shops and restaurants can be found there.
Getting there: Take the MRT to Toa Payoh (NS19)

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Singapore is one of only two cities in the world to have a significant area of primary rainforest within its boundaries - the other being Rio de Janeiro. This 81-hectare reserve, only 12 kilometres from the city centre, contains more species of plants than the entire North American continent. At the heart of the reserve lies Singapore's highest point - Bukit Timah Hill at 162.5 metres above sea level. Well marked paths lead through the jungle. Along the way, walkers can enjoy exotic birds, butterflies, inquisitive monkeys, squirrels, flying lemurs and other wildlife.The nature reserve is open daily. Allow two hours.
Admission: Free
Location: 177 Hindhede Drive, Singapore 589333 Tel: 1-800-4685736,
Getting there: Take the MRT to Newton (NS21) station, then take SBS bus 171 or TIBS bus 182

Chinese Garden
The Chinese Garden, with its curved bridges, pagodas, courtyards and fountains, sweeps down to a river edged with weeping willows. The place to visit if you are a fan of historic Chinese architecture.

East Coast Park
East Coast Park, located off the East Coast Parkway, is a favourite play area for Singaporeans, either at the beach or in the parklands where bicycle riding is much enjoyed. Hire a bike or go windsurfing, eat at one of the many fine seafood restaurants or enjoy yourself at the various leisure attractions. These include everything from a bowling alley to a golf driving range.

Fort Canning Park
Fort Canning Park is a park rich in history - a sacred site where early Malay kings settled and the spot Sir Stamford Raffles chose to build his own bungalow, Singapore's first Government House. Fort Canning Centre, which dominates the park, is now a venue for the arts.
Getting there: Short walk from Dhoby Ghaut MRT (NS24) station

Japanese Garden
Japanese Garden emphasises simplicity, with stone lanterns, shrubs, hillocks and a tea-house creating a soothing atmosphere. Opening hours: 9am to 6pm daily.
Location: 1 Chinese Garden Road, Singapore 619795 Tel: 2643455
Getting there: Take the MRT to Chinese Garden (EW25)

Mandai Orchid Gardens
The blooms here at Singapore's largest commercial orchid garden provide a colourful display all year round. The garden is conveniently located right next to the zoo, and a whole hillside is covered in orchids.
Opening hours: 8.30am to 5.30pm daily.
Location: Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729825 Tel: 62691036
Getting there: Take the MRT to Ang Mo Kio (NS16) station, then SBS bus 138

Marina South City Park
Marina South City Park, is a park that blends art with nature while affording fine views of the sea. A giant sundial and disc sculptures which revolve in the breeze are the artistic attractions of the park. The park's open spaces and breezy environment and should be covered en route the Hip Hop or along with the visit to Suntec.
Getting there: Take the MRT to Marina Bay (NS27)

National Orchid Garden
Located in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the National Orchid Garden is the largest orchid display in the world and features over 60,000 orchid plants. It also houses the famed "VIP Orchids" named after visiting Heads of State. Must see for the visitors.

Singapore Botanic Gardens
Spread over 52 hectares close to the centre of the city, the Botanic Gardens combine both primary jungle and manicured gardens which together hold thousands of species of plant life, including many rare specimens.
Opening hours: 5am to 12 midnight daily.
Admission: Free
Location: Cluny Road, Singapore 259569. Tel: 1-8004797100
Getting there: Take the MRT to Orchard (NS22), then take SBS bus 7, 105, 106, 123 or 174 from Orchard Boulevard

Sungei Buloh Nature Park
This is Singapore's first designated wetland nature reserve and is a major stop-over point for birds migrating along the East Asian Flyway. Carefully constructed hides throughout the 87 hectares provide excellent observation points for visitors.
Opening hours: 7.30am to 7pm on weekdays; 7am to 7pm on weekends and public holidays
Location: Neo Tiew Crescent. Tel: 66690377
Getting there: Take the MRT to Choa Chu Kang (NS4) station, then take TIBS bus SS7 to Woodlands Interchange. From Woodlands Interchange, take TIBS bus 925

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