Caliope Sage
An eclectic blend of cultures, cuisines and attractions, it is not surprising that Singapore is a top travel destination. Attracting millions of visitors each year, the city has much to delight any traveler.
Established in 1860, Singapore's 74-hectare botanical gardens reflects the city's Colonial past with its Victorian- inspired swan lake, symphony stage and themed gardens. The park's top attraction is the National Orchid Garden, the world's largest exhibit of tropical orchids which continues the legacy of an orchid breeding program that began in 1928 and now houses over 3000 orchid species in three hectares of landscaped gardens. The park also has a Ginger Garden with over 250 ginger varieties and a rainforest that is home to over 300 species of plants.
Situated at the southern tip of the city, Marina Bay is the epicenter of night life in Singapore. It is a one-stop destination that offers the city's best modern entertainment and attractions including the waterfront promenade, the ArtScience Museum and TheFloat@Marina Bay (the world's largest floating stadium), Singapore Flyer observation wheel, the futuristic Gardens by the Bay and the landmark Marina Bay Sands Resort known for its casinos, nightclubs, performance halls and Luxury Accommodation Singapore.
The largest of Singapore's ethnic districts, Chinatown is dedicated to the culture and heritage of Singapore's Chinese population. Visit the Chinatown Heritage Centre to catch a glimpse of the Peranakan community's past and admire the numerous Chinese boutiques, restaurants and Chinese-inspired architecture including the famous Thian Hock Keng Temple. Chinatown is also home to the Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple and the Jamae Mosque.
Known for its naturalistic enclosures, freely roaming animals and interactive attractions, Singapore Zoo is a popular tourist stop. Home to over 2530 animals, the zoo offers many interactive sessions including the Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife where guests can enjoy breakfast in the company of orangutans. Located next to the Zoo is the famous Night Safari which opens at dusk and is the world's first nighttime zoo. Guests can explore the park's eight ecosystems by walking along the park's three walking paths or tour the park by tram.
The city's main shopping street, Orchard Road is a 2.2 km long street lined with over 300 high-end shops, malls, restaurants and hotels. A stay at Somerset Bencoolen Singapore will allow easy access to Orchard Road's world-class retail outlets and gourmet dining venues.
Singapore's slice of India, Little India celebrates Indian culture. Indian shops and malls line the district's main commercial street Serangoon Road on which the famous Mustafa Centre is located. A religious site, Little India is where the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple and Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple are located along with places of worship of Christian, Muslim and Buddhist faiths.
Specialising in Asian cultures and civilizations, the Asian Civilizations Museum is the latest addition to the three national museums in Singapore. It houses historic artifacts and artwork from pan-Asian civilizations paying a fitting tribute to Singapore's ethnic diversity.
Covering an area of 163 hectares and situated around Singapore's highest peak, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve sits on the highest point in Singapore. Home to a rich biodiversity including native wildlife, the rainforest can be explored by walking track.
Spanning a distance of 3km, Singapore's main financial and entertainment districts including Boat Quay, Clark Quay and Robertson Quay lie along the river banks. The River cruise is ideal to take in the river's surroundings including the famous Merlion statue and the statues of the city's founder, Stamford Raffles and the Esplanade Theatre, Singapore's leading performing arts theatre.
One of the earliest ethnic districts, this predominantly Muslim center includes the Kampong Glam Center of Malay Cultural Heritage and Arabian Quarter with its Arab-inspired boutiques and restaurants. Among the district's landmarks is the famous Sultan Mosque with its distinctive golden dome.
Once home to an affluent Peranakan family, Baba House is one of Singapore's best-preserved Peranakan heritage homes. The only remaining Peranakan house with early 20th century exhibits, the museum offers a rare glimpse into Chinese community life of a by-gone era.
