WITH its numerous malls, shopping is considered something of a national pastime in Singapore. From hi-tech gadgets, bestselling books to designer wear, the streets of Orchard Road alone offer hours of shopping options for tourists.
But for the more adventurous (or those traveling with mall-phobic husbands), there is definitely more to Singapore than first meets the eye. Here’s a look at what you can do in this cosmopolitan island nation aside from bargain-hunting.
1. Visit Universal Studios. With its soft opening last March 2010, Universal Studios Singapore has already attracted a large number of visitors even though some rides are not yet operational. The park is composed of seven uniquely themed zones (Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, the Lost World, Far Far Away and Madagascar) and 24 attractions. Sadly, the “Battlestar Galactica: Human vs. Cylon” ride (two steel roller coasters where you can choose to sit either in a normal or inverted position) was still closed for ride tests when we visited. Other noteworthy attractions include the “Revenge of the Mummy” (a high-speed enclosed steel roller coaster that pits riders against virtual fireballs, beetles and warrior mummies) and “Lights! Camera! Action!” (a show where guests witness an empty soundstage getting hit by a Category-5 Hurricane with the help of special effects). Price: S$66 for adults and S$48 for children for a one-day weekday pass; S$72 and S$52 on weekends.
2. Try the Luge and Skyride at Sentosa. Part go-cart, part toboggan, the Luge offers a unique outdoor experience for people of all ages. Riders sit aboard a wheeled cart and navigate two possible downhill trails at their own speed. The Skyride, on the other hand, is a steel cable car that transports riders to the top of the trail, providing an amazing view of the city coastline. Luge and Skyride costs S$12/person, with cheaper packages depending on number of rides.
3. Explore the Arab District. With almost half of Singapore’s population coming from foreign countries, it’s no wonder that ethnic enclaves catering to different nationalities have emerged. The cozy Arab district, bounded by Beach and North Bridge roads, contains a row of exotic dining places, where you can dig into hearty and flavorful meals like chicken or mutton masala or Indonesian nasi goreng (fried rice). At the heart of the Arab district is the Sultan Mosque or Masjid Sultan, surrounded by an eclectic mix of street stalls selling souvenirs like embroidered headscarves and Indonesian batik dresses alongside model Vespas and vintage robots.
4. Chill out in Chinatown. The streets of Singapore’s Chinatown offer a refreshingly relaxing spot for you to grab a bite on a lazy afternoon. A number of pubs and eateries serve hawker-style fare in front of the distinctive three-story shophouses on the street with colorful windows. Try getting a traditional foot massage in one of the massage parlors or just enjoy a bottle (or two) of Tiger, Singapore’s national beer. Singapore’s Chinatown is easily accessible by public transport, with an MRT stop conveniently located in the middle of Pagoda Street, as well as several public bus routes nearby. Foot massage costs S$10 for 15 minutes, while beer is about S$5.50.
5. Be one with the birds. For nature trippers, the Jurong Bird Park located in the Boon Lay Planning area of the Jurong district is worth a visit. The world’s largest aviary is a haven for over 4,600 birds representing 380 species, complete with monorail, mini-museums and even a man-made waterfall. In the Lory loft, a 9-story high walk-in flight aviary, guests can get up close and personal with the birds and even feed them with a special nectar mix for a small fee. Entrance fee to Jurong Bird Park costs S$12 for children and S$18 for adults with the panorail ride an extra S$3-S$5.
6. Enjoy life at the top. Marvel at the view of the city atop the Singapore Flyer, the world’s tallest observation wheel. At a height of 165 meters (as high as a 42-story building), visitors get a spectacular view of the Marina Bay waterfront and other major landmarks. A complete rotation of the wheel takes about 37 minutes, so you can time your trip around sunset to get a view of the city both by day and night. Be sure to show your passport at the ticket counter for tourist specials, which can range from discounts on ticket prices to free ice cream at a nearby restaurant. Tickets to SG Flyer cost S$20.65 for children aged 3-12 and S$29.50 for adults.
7. Get lost in the city. The city, particularly the view of Marina Bay Sands, the iconic Merlion and the durian-shaped Esplanade, truly comes alive at night. From the Singapore Flyer, you can easily make your way on foot to the Esplanade, passing by the helix bridge, an architecturally-designed DNA-strand walkway that connects Marina Center with Marina South. At the Esplanade, grab a bite to eat at Makansutra, a hawker center serving a variety of Asian delights – from Singapore’s signature chili crab, Chinese oyster cake and even our very own lechon kawali. Hawker meals average S$3.50-S$5 per dish.
Since you won’t be tied down by numerous shopping bags, you’ll find exploring Singapore a breeze if you use their public transport system. Not only is it cheaper to get around by train and bus rather than cab, but it’s also more efficient. Major train lines are all interconnected, while guide maps at every bus stop provide a list of routes, making it easy for tourists to plan their trip effectively. All you need is an EZ link card and you’re set for a day of adventuring. •
(*Note: S$ refers to Singapore Dollars; exchange rate is roughly 1 SGD = 34 PHP)
