Singapore
Founded in 1819 as a British trading colony, Singapore; a sovereign city-state in Southeast Asia has, since its independence grown to become one of the most prosperous countries in the world.
Singapore today, is a business heaven with its global commerce, finance and transport hub at the forefront of its accomplishments. There is little wonder however that the country is seen as a financial haven, especially as it is the third most competitive country, third largest foreign exchange market, the third largest oil refining and trading centre, the second busiest container port and the third largest financial centre amongst other accomplishments.
Attractions
Marina Bay Sands
If one word could describe the architecture in Singapore, it’ll be “stunning”. The Marina Bay Sands is no exception. The comical beauty worth approximately $5.5 billion, Marina Bay Sands complex, is by no surprise the focal point of the bay and it includes high-end luxury brands, a hotel, a mall with a canal running through it, the Science Museum, Casino, various nightlife and dining options and the Marina Bay Sands Skypark which is sort of a vantage point for taking in the whole city. From this vantage point, you can see the gardens by the Bay, the port and the double helix bridge. Did we mention that the viewing deck and infinity pool are found on a ship that tops the hotel? Yes, ship!!! Grab a snack or coffee at the rooftop restaurant, pick a souvenir from the souvenir stand or even have your picture taken in front of the stunning hotel in all its beauty at night, arrive around 20:00 to catch the hotels spectacular light show just as you’ve probably seen on the postcard. These are just some of the things to enjoy in the opulent Marina Bay Sands.
Garden By The Bay
Crowned World Building of the year at the World Architectural Festival in 2012, Gardens by the Bay is colourful, futuristic park in the bay area of Singapore. One certainty is that once you’ve caught a glimpse of the garden from the top of the Marina Bay Sands, you just can’t stay away; curiosity and anxiety won’t let you. Trust us when we tell you that you would want to wander through the Supertree Grove with its impressive and futuristic structures like the over-sized seashell-shaped greenhouses which are designed to recreate chilly mountain climates. You should also visit the Cloud Forest Dome, which houses the world’s tallest waterfall, indoor waterfall and learn about biodiversity.
Universal Studio
The first amusement park of its kind to open in Southeast Asia, Universal studios offer elaborate activities. With more than 20 attractions in themed zones based on popular movies, including Madagascar, Far Far Away (Shrek), Puss in Boots, Jurassic Park, Transformers, the Lost World, New York, Hollywood, Ancient Egypt, and Universal Studios is filled with a plethora of exciting activities. You can also enjoy thrilling rides on rafts, roller coasters, carousel and flying rides; of which two of the of the roller coasters are currently the world’s tallest ‘duelling’ roller coasters. You can also head into a theatre for live performances and action-filled animations or you can visit one of the amazing restaurants if you need a break.
Other Attraction
Enter and explore the marine realm of S.E.A. Aquarium, home to more than 100,000 marine animals of over 1,000 species, across 50 different habitats, each one as fascinating as the next. It’s a marine life experience you won’t forget.
If you are a history savvy, then you’d know that Singapore wasn’t spared the horrors of WWII and that is what the Changi Chapel and Museum is all about; telling the story of those who suffered under Japanese occupation. Found in the open courtyard of the museum is The Changi Chapel, a replica of the chapels built during WWII. The museum contains drawings, photographs, personal effects, and letters that are testaments to more than 50,000 civilians and soldiers in Changi Prison. You should also definitely see the recreated murals from the originals painted by Bombardier Stanley Warren.
The impressive Singapore Zoo, which is by far the best rainforest zoo in the world
Sentosa Island which is the go-to place for beach lovers in Singapore, it is also home to the Merlion, Singapore’s famous statue with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, and Fort Siloso, the country’s only preserved fort.
The best attractions in Clarke Quay offer visitors a great range of alternative things to see and do, which doesn’t purely revolve around nightlife. Surely, Clarke Quay is famous for its stunning waterside restaurants and exciting collection of bars and clubs, but the area has so much more to offer.
Have you ever been to China? No? Then don’t you worry, Singapore’s Chinatown neighbourhood takes you right there. From the iconic mom and pop stores and authentic Chinese food which can be gotten from countless restaurants and hawker food vendors to the bright red paper lanterns, there is a feel of excitement and hustle and bustle in the district.
Pulau Ubin (Granite Island) which is called “throwback to Singapore in the 1960s” by the National Parks Department is a look at what life used to be like in Singapore before all the glamour and skyscrapers