World City Guide

Sightseeing

Sightseeing Overview
Despite a lack of natural resources, or perhaps because of it, Singapore has capitalised on the energy, enterprise and skills of its inhabitants to create something approaching a tourist mecca. Although most tourists only stop over for a couple of days in transit, many are beginning to stay longer and Singapore has much to merit a longer visit.

This is a city where the first impression is that of man’s achievements; the efficient and aesthetically pleasing Changi Airport is repeatedly voted the world’s best. But here, world firsts are becoming commonplace, for example Suntec City boasts the biggest man-made fountain; and the Night Safari is the first night zoo.

Heat and humidity not withstanding, the most efficient way to get to know local culture is on foot, especially around Chinatown, Little India and Geylang Serai in the heart of the city. These areas especially illustrate how Singapore’s successful economy is based upon ancient traditions, rituals and beliefs. It is usually this combination that entices people, but for a healthy dose of pure consumerism and entirely modern architecture, Orchard Road is ideal.

But Singapore is not all urban landscape as first appears, and in keeping with its 'Garden City' label, there are many areas of natural beauty, albeit with a little help from humans. The Sungei Buloh Nature Park, Singapore Zoological Gardens, the Night Safari and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve are all hugely popular.

For history lovers and culture vultures, there is also an impressive selection of museums, exhibitions and architectural heritage, like the Asian Civilisations Museum and the Singapore Art Museum.

Tourist Information
Singapore Tourism Board (STB)
Tourism Court, 1 Orchard Spring Lane
Tel: 6736 6622 or 1800 736 2000. Fax: 6736 9423.
E-mail: stb_visitsingapore@stb.gov.sg
Website: www.stb.com.sg or www.visitsingapore.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1730, Sat 0830-1300.

STB Visitor Centres can also be found at the following addresses: Orchard, junction of Cairnhill Rd and Orchard Rd, 0800-2230 daily; Changi, Arrivals Hall Terminals 1 & 2, Changi Airport, 0600-0200; Liang Court, Level 1 Liang Court Shopping Centre, 177 River Valley Road, 1000-2200; Little India, The InnCrowd Backpackers Hostel, 73 Dunlop St, 1000-2200; Suntec City Mall, 1st Floor, 3 Temasek Boulevard; 1000-1800.

Passes
Admission ticket packages are available for Singapore Zoological Gardens, Night Safari and Jurong BirdPark, also with combinations of any two. Tickets are valid for one month from the date of purchase and cost S$30 (S$15 for children) for all three attractions. The Visitor Card (tel: 6734 1129 or 91010379; website: www.thevisitorcard.com) offers up to 40% off admission to many attractions and certain guided tours. A 3-day pass costs S$40, 7-days S$60, 14-days S$80, 1-month S$100; 3-months S$120, 6-months S$150 and 1-year S$200. Passes valid for more than one week include S$10 worth of ez-link credit.