Istana
The official residence of the President of the Republic of Singapore is open to the public five times a year (website: www.istana.gov.sg ). The white neoclassical building from 1869 is set in a wide, open park area with its own golf course.
Lau Pa Sat (Telok Ayer Market)
A visit to Lau Pa Sat (Internet: www.laupasat.biz ) is a real treat for the palate. The Victorian-era steel building is the largest of its kind in all of Southeast Asia. The structure was erected in Scotland and brought to Singapore in 1894 to serve as a market hall. Today it houses numerous restaurants, and live music is often offered in the evenings.
- Andyeducation: Introduction to education system in Singapore, including compulsory schooling and higher education.
Fort Canning Park
Along the Fort Canning Rise is the 3-hectare Fort Canning Park, where you can explore the ruins of an ancient fortress of the Malay rulers and visit a 19th-century Christian cemetery. Other attractions include the Spice Garden, created in 1822, and the ASEAN Sculpture Park.
Baba house
The lovingly restored Baba House gives visitors a glimpse of Perakan culture in the 1920s. The Peranakan ethnic group was formed through cross-cultural marriages between Chinese traders and local women. The museum can only be visited as part of a guided tour, prior registration is required (Internet: www.nus.edu.sg ). Entry is free.
Changi Museum
The Changi Museum (Internet: www.changimuseum.sg ) commemorates the time of the Japanese occupation of Singapore during the Second World War in its exhibition. Among other things, a replica of the camp chapel originally built by prisoners of war can be seen.
Trishaw tour
A special kind of city tour can be experienced in a trishaw. These three-wheel cycle rickshaws are mainly found in Chinatown and on the banks of the Singapore River. It is advisable to negotiate a fixed fare before departure.
Little India
The best way to explore the ethnic district of Little India, which dates back to the early 19th century, is on foot (website: www.littleindia.com.sg ). Serangoon Road is the hub of the neighborhood. Worth seeing are the Srinivasa Perumal Kovil Temple, dedicated to Vishnu, and the Central Sikh Temple, the most important sanctuary of the Sikhs living in Singapore. Colorful processions can be seen here on Indian festivals.
Arab Street
In the Arab quarter around Arab Street, one shop follows the other, here you will find all kinds of batik, silk and wicker. Baghdad Street and Bussorah Street in particular offer excellent shopping opportunities. Trading is definitely welcome here. A visit to the big bazaar is worthwhile. The golden dome of the Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan) is the district’s landmark.
canoe tour
You can explore the islands from the water by canoe. There are numerous rental locations in Changi Village, East Coast and on Sentosa.
Gardens by the Bay
The park, laid out on man-made land, offers something for every taste (Internet: www.gardensbythebay.org.sg ). Seven different garden landscapes are presented in the Flower Dome, the largest glass greenhouse in the world. Families are drawn to the Children’s Garden, where children can have fun in the adventure and water playground. Live concerts are held on an outdoor stage and fantastic views can be enjoyed from the OCBC Skyway.
Financial District
The Financial District is home to many of Singapore’s historic buildings and landmarks. Sights include the Supreme Court, Padang Square, City Hall, St. Andrews Cathedral and the tower of Victoria Memorial Hall. Sir Stamford, founder of the city, is said to have set foot on Singapore for the first time at Sir Stamford Raffles Landing Place in 1819. The War Memorial in Memorial Park commemorates the many civilians who lost their lives during the Japanese occupation.
Bukit Timah Reserve
In the 164 hectare nature reserve you can experience the original vegetation of the island. Numerous well-developed hiking trails invite you to explore the more than 900 plant species and numerous animal species living here. Bikit Timah Hill, Singapore’s highest point at 162.5 m, offers a good view of the city. Children can look forward to an adventure playground with hanging bridges at Hindhedge Nature Park, next to the visitor centre.
Visit temples, mosques and churches
The cultural diversity of Singapore can be seen on a tour of the city center in the numerous Buddhist temples, Islamic mosques, cathedrals and Hindu temples, which contribute to the unique flair of the city. St. Gregory Church, Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, Al-Abrar Mosque, Kong Meng Sang Phor Kark See Temple Complex, Chettiar Hindu Temple are just a few examples.
