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Dining and Entertainment
Singapore
is also known as the food capital of Asia,so sampling
the local cuisine is an experience in itself rather
than simply a way to keep the energy levels up
for another assault on the shops.
Singapore's food is accessible; you don't have
to search out obscure places, you don't have to
face communication problems and you don't need
a lot of money.
The Singaporean enthusiasm for food is reflected
in the huge number of eating places that are invariably
busy night and day, and in the constant newspaper
and magazine coverage about the best and the latest
places.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Singapore's nightlife is burgeoning, as the young
middle class spends its increasing wealth on entertainment.
Boat Quay is packed nightly until the early hours,
but Orchard Rd and Chinatown also have their fair
share of good bars. Smoking is permitted in bars,
though if food is also served all smoking is restricted
until after meal times.
The live music scene in the bars is less healthy.
It's very limited, with few venues and only a
small roster of bands and performers. For better
bands, you have to go to the clubs and discos,
where a cover charge normally applies.
At such places dress is smart casual, drinks
are expensive and the bands mostly play covers.
Almost every four-star hotel has a Filipino band
playing in the lobby, every five-star hotel has
a jazz band, and even many three-star hotels can
muster up a piano.
Highbrow entertainment such as classical music,
ballet and theatre can also be enjoyed in Singapore,
as can Chinese opera and tourist-oriented cultural
shows. In addition, Singapore regularly hosts
touring international shows.
Shopping
One of Singapore's major attractions
is shopping. The sheer range is impressive, and
prices for many goods are still competitive with
other discount centres. But these days, with tariffs
dropping everywhere around the world,
Singapore is not the bargain centre it once was.
'Duty-free' and 'free port' are somewhat throwaway
terms. Remember that not everything is loaded
down with import duty in your own country and
that Singapore also has some local industries
to protect.
There are still plenty of bargains to be had
on all sorts of goods, but there are also a number
of guidelines to follow if you want to be certain
to get your money's worth.
First of all, don't buy anything unless you really
want it and don't buy anything where the hassle
of getting it back home will cost you more than
the savings you make.
Things to do and See
Singapore Zoo
Visit Singapore's Zoo which is acclaimed as the
finest zoo in Asia and one of the most beautiful
in the world. This zoo houses 1600 animals - many
of which are endangered species. You may choose
to have 'High Tea' while you are there
A
truly wonderful experience awaits you at the Singapore
Zoological Gardens!
Experience the Fragile Forest, a rainforest exhibit,
home to free-ranging animals like kangaroos, mousedeer,
lemurs, flying foxes, sloths, tarantula and 500
butterflies that fly amongst their enchanted human
admirers.
Night Safari
A trip to Singapore would not be complete without
a stop at the world's first Night Safari
The World's First Night Safari**, set in 40 hectares
of secondary jungle adjoining the Singapore Zoo,
will unfold the mystery and drama of the tropical
jungle which comes alive after dusk with stunning
effect.
This tour will unfold the mystery and drama of
the jungle at night with stunning effects. You
will be lead on a tram ride to cover a loop of
the Zoo where you will be able to view animals
in complete safety and comfort. For the adventurous,
walking trails are available!
Imperial Cheng Ho Cruise
After making your way down to historic Clifford
Pier, you will pass the mouth of the Singapore
River, near the spot at which Raffles stepped
ashore to find modern Singapore. Behind us is
the magnificent skyline of tall buildings, before
us the eastern anchorage of the busiest port in
the world.
You will cruise pass a cluster of tropical island
before stepping ashore at Kusu Island, (not available
during the ninth lunar month). Continue cruising
pass other palm - fringed islands, as your guide
gives you a fascinating insight into a part of
Singapore that can only be seen from the sea.
Authentic Chinese Junk Cruise
Find out yourself as you set off on this ancient
wonder - a traditional Chinese junk that was once
the workhouse of the Oriental Sea routes. Drench
your senses with ancient romance from the selection
of two cruises.
Sailing through the world's busiest port at Keppel
Harbor, you will discover that there's more to
Singapore then just the main island. Cruise past
the resort island of Sentosa... Sister's Island...
St. John's Island... Lazarus Island and see for
yourself the legends of these ancient folklore.
Kukup and Orchid Valley
This is a very popular coach tour to Kukup and
will allow you to explore a typical fishing village
built on stilts and planks. The leisurely drive
provides a glimpse of Malaysias diversity
and beauty. Enroute, you will visit Orchid Valley,
a 100 acres of land with 1.5million tropical orchid
plants of more than 80 breeds.
Orchid Valley is located only 28km from
Johor Bahru. Your coach tour will then continue
in Kukup, on arrival, you will be treated to a
seafood lunch. After lunch, your tour includes
a boat ride to visit one of the many offshore
fishing farms. You will also have time to explore
and observe the lifestyle in this fishing village
built partially on stilts.
Attractions in Singapore
Singapore by Night
Singaporean's latest sunset haunt. After dinner
enroute to the World's largest fountain taking
in the beautiful sight of the Central business
district and Singapore's skyline by night via
Benjamin Sheares Bridge.
Continuing to Bugis Street, our guide will take
you for a stroll along the night market or 'pasar
malam' where you may chance upon bargains you
have never imagined. Our last stop for the evening
is at Raffles Hotel for a sample of Singapore's
very own concoction, 'the Singapore Sling' - as
the saying goes, 'If you have not been to Raffles,
you have not been to Singapore'.
Jurong Bird Park and Ming Village
Jurong Bird Park, located on 20 hectares of lush
greenery in Singapores model industrial
estate, is home to over 8,000 birds from more
than 600 species. Take a ride on the air-conditioned
Panorail for a panoramic view of the Park and
into a tropical world of jungle mists at the Waterfall
Aviary. Enjoy the spectacular Penguin Exhibit
with an underwater viewing gallery and do not
miss the All-Star Bird Show, reputed as world-class.
Included is a visit to the Ming Village where
you will discover some of the finest replicas
of priceless originals from the Sung, Yuan, Ming
and Qin dynasties pain stakingly crafted by hand.
Experience for yourselves how the wonders of ancient
China are recreated by molding, handthrowing,
glazing, handpainting and firing.
Sentosa Waterworld
On this coach tour you will get away from the
hustle and bustle of the city to Sentosa - the
resort island of peace and tranquility. Your tour
starts with a cable car ride to the island where
you will visit the Images of Singapore, which
houses the Pioneers of Singapore, Surrender Chamber
and Festivals of Singapore museum.
Next, a monorail ride will take you to the Underwater
World, Asias largest and most innovative
tropical oceanarium which is home to over 2300
marine specimens. A scenic coach ride across the
causeway brings you back to the main land.
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