Joanna James
If you look beyond the bustling shopping streets and the high-rise buildings associated with Singapore, you can uncover some fascinating activities and sights of the Lion City that will inspire and delight you. Take time to discover them as you enjoy a Singapore hotel on Beach Road.
Explore the Lion City on the original DUCKtours. This one-hour tour is unusual as it covers the important landmarks, the iconic skyline and the captivating view of Singapore Bay on the amphibious DUCK, enabling you to witness everything from a different perspective. Being close to many of these activities, the likes of PARKROYAL on Beach Road are a sound choice, along with attractive hotel offers.
Also known as Little Guilin, this picturesque park is hidden among the bustling city of Singapore like a green oasis. Its serene lake has rocky formations resembling those in Guilin, China. A scenic walk or a hike here is an enthralling experience.
Situated at One Fullerton in the CBD, Merlion is the iconic symbol of Singapore, resembling the head of a lion and the body of a fish. Looking majestic and spouting water from its mouth Merlion statue is much photographed as many a visitor likes to have an image along with it.
This ex-colonial barracks is now a trendy enclave that entices you to have fun with friends and family. It is home to many galleries with contemporary art and events related to art. With many cafes, bars and live music setups, it provides excitement and fun for a memorable evening.
You can have breakfast at many places in Singapore, however, doing it at a local kopitiam (meaning coffee shop) is unique as that gives you a glimpse of local Singaporean life, and you get to taste kaya toast (toast with sweet kaya spread), soft boiled eggs and black coffee or coffee with cream as you prefer.
Visit the East Coast Park to feel the breeze and take in the pleasing views around you. Offering recreation for all, you can do swimming, walking, cycling, picnicking and use sports facilities, there are food outlets to sate your hunger pangs.
Peranakan culture is a harmonious blend of Malay and Chinese cultures due to intermarriage in the Southeast Asian region. It is a part of Singapore’s rich cultural heritage. Visit Koon Seng Road in Katong an ancient heritage town of Singapore, where you can witness preserved Peranakan shophouses and intriguing street art.
This strikingly coloured house in Little India was built by a Chinese businessman by the same name in 1900 in an industrial zone, which has evolved into Little India at present. Amidst the vibrant shops and restaurants in this popular neighbourhood, this heritage house stands majestically, well preserved and serving as a commercial space. It also offers a picturesque backdrop for photo enthusiasts.
This hidden gem of Singapore is its last traditional village, Kampong Lorong Buangkok in northeastern Singapore. Now privately owned, hence it can only be seen with a guide. The visit is worth it as it is like stepping into the past with simple homes and a small community. With 25 families still living here, they lead uncomplicated lives with a community spirit that bonds them.
A former police station used by the Singapore police force, this large official building, having 927 windows, has been creatively transformed from its sombre façade to an eye-catching one by painting each shutter of the window (made of wood) in the colours of the rainbow. With five floors of windows (apart from the ground floor) that look out to the street, the stunning rainbow façade makes visitors pause, admire and reach out to take a photo.
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.
