Joanna James
Sophisticated, easy to navigate and blessed with sunshine, Singapore is a popular destination for leisure seekers. But let us talk about some off the beaten path attractions in the nation.
Kampong Glam boasts of a decidedly edgy air of artistic refinement. The area truly springs into life after dark. You can discreetly watch the colourful characters of Kampong Glam as they carve out their own way of being in this artsy locality. Then there is the Arab Street where you can find high-end boutique shops. Don't forget to look for restaurants to linger over meals and people watch. You'll be able to visit Kampong Glam whenever you fancy if you stay at a hotel near Clarke Quay MRT Singapore. There are plenty of those available such as the Park Hotel Clarke Quay.
Get into your own vintage Vespa and do an Audrey Hepburn like tour of the city. You can spin along the suburbs to explore unknown territories and food shops. They offer 30-minute spins as well as half-day heritage tours.
You can board a ring-shaped floating donut of an evening to watch the sunset. Don't worry about drifting away into the unknown. You'll merely float around the quays. Alternately, you can go on a brunch tour with a book in hand and some cappuccino to sip.
Gardens by the Bay offers much more than laser show. Take your time to explore the Cloud Forest with its misty waterfall and greenery. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the orchids and ferns and gaze at the cityscape from the mysterious heights of the Treetop Walk. Go to the Flower Dome to watch gardens from around the world bloom.
Pulau Ubin is the last remaining village (kampong) of Singapore. You can reach old-world Singapore in Pulau Ubin by taking a bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. Witness the slow-paced life of an older way of life. The area is home to stilted houses and various birdlife.
Ring-shaped, floating donuts are perfect for lazily yet safely bobbing about in between quays to gaze at Singapore's skyline. You can drink café latte and eat hors d'œuvre as you cruise down slowly. Alternately, you can eat brunch on your floating donut.
Join a cooking class to learn the art and science of whipping up Singaporean delicacies. There are lots of options available. Choose wisely. At the end of your class, you'll get to enjoy your own Singaporean chilli crab or succulent Hainanese chicken rice.
Street food in Singapore is absolutely safe to eat. The Government regulates street food vendors. Go to a hawker centre and order the most appetizing dishes you can spot. You can feast on Chinese, Indian and Malay dishes all at once. Embrace the enticing riot of sounds, fragrances and sounds at hawker centres.
The Asian Civilization museum unravels the tale of Singapore and South East Asia with its array of artefacts. They offer free guided tours twice a day. There are over 1300 exhibits all packed into 3 floors worth of space.
The ArtScience museum is a futuristic mélange of various arts, science and technological exhibits. The exhibitions are interactive and inventive. You can go through a virtual reality rainforest and explore fantasy lands. The museum embodies Singapore's very own innovative and out-of-the-box approach to everything.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
