Singapore Things to Do Tips by allikat

The Cheng Ho at Kusu Island

The Imperial Cheng Ho takes you on a half day cruise from the Harbour, past the mouth of the Singapore River and the Tanjong Pagar container terminal (one of the busiest in the world) before sailing out past some of Singapores smaller islands and on to Kusu Island.

A tiny island, Kusu is said to have been formed by a giant sea turtle which transformed itself into the island to save 2 shipwrecked mariners from a watery end! It is home only to the caretakers of the holy Chinese temple here.

Access is forbidden during the Kusu festival, and photos of the shrines within the temple are naturally not allowed.

The boat, the Cheng Ho, has a large air conditioned restaurant area, and plenty of outdoor deck areas from which to enjoy the water and the views. Although it is a modern boat, it is an exact replica of the Da Fu. a Ming Dynasty imperial vessel. It is predominantly yellow, which is the Chinese Imperial colour, and is heavily decorated with imperial emblems - the Dragon (the sign of the emperor) and the Phoenix (the sign of the empress).

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Phone: +65 65339811
Address: Departs 3 times daily from Clifford Pier
Website: www.watertours.com.sq

Raffles Hotel: Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel

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Updated by allikat

on Oct 12, 2006

Allikat sips her Singapore Sling!

I think probably everyone has heard of the cocktail The Singapore Sling. It was created sometime around 1910 by a Mr. Ngiam Tong Boon at the Long Bar at Raffles, one of the worlds great hotels. So, when in Singapore.....!

Raffles Hotel is quite a plush hotel, but the Long Bar itself is actually quite relaxed with a laid back atmosphere and I suppose what you would call a 'colonial' feel. All the tables have large bowls of monkey nuts for you to nibble on,so consequently the table tops and much of the floor are liberally covered with monkey nut shells!!

As for the cocktail (bright pink in a tall glass - lads, don't be shy!), well this is the recipe as per the Long Bar:

30ml gin
15ml cherry brandy
120ml pineapple juice
15ml lime juice
7.5 ml Cointreau
10ml grenadine
dash of Angostura Bitters
Slice of pineapple and a cherry to garnish

I sat and enjoyed a couple of Singapore Slings in these very relaxed surroundings. A kiwi lady from a small New Zealand farming town, Danniverk, was on her way to spend a year nursing in London came and joined me for a while, and we had a lovely time chatting over our drinks.

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Address: Raffles Hotel, 1 Beach Road, Singapore

Things To Do: Merlion Park

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Updated by allikat

on Oct 14, 2006

The Merlion

This world famous landmark stands near the mouth of the Singapore River, looking out across the harbour. Half lion and half fish, the fish tail represents Singapores origins as a simple fishing village.

The Merlion Park area seemed to be quite hustly-bustly, mainly with people taking photos of the statue and enjoying watching the boats go about their business - the tourist guides claim that over a million people a year take a photo of the Merlion.

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Address: One Fullerton
Directions: From Raffles Place MRT station, take to underpass at the Fullerton Hotel.

Singapore Zoological Gardens & Night Safari: Night Safari.

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Updated by allikat

on Jul 15, 2005

Allikat with a snake at night

safari

Situated next to Singapore Zoo about half an hour from the city, Night Safari is the worlds only nocturnal wildlife park. Covering an area of about 40 hectares, over 130 nocturnal species can be seen going about their nightly business as you sit aboard speacial open trams.

There are several walking trails that you can take to explore the park - the Fishing Cats trail, the Forest giants trail or the Leopard trail. a 'Creatures of the Night' show is performed at different times of the evening, and you can have your photo taken with an exotic creature - maybe a snake or a serval cat - for a donation to a wildlife charity.

Speaking of photographs, take a tripod if you want to take pictures - flash photography is strictly forbidden so as not to disturb the animals, and you don't want to upset a white rhino now, do you?!

It's a really unusual way to watch animals, seeing them in a natural setting at night - a great experience.

There are several food outlets, ranging from a burger bar (BongoBurgers!) to a more formal restaurant, and if you fancy taking a fluffy Malayan Tiger home as a souvenier (a toy one, not the real thing) there is also a gift shop.

Beware of the crowds however - Night Safari is one of Singapores most popular attractions, for tourists and locals alike, so it can be very busy, especially at weekends or at holiday periods.

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Phone: (65) 6-269-3411
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
Website: http://www.zoo.com.sg/

Raffles Hotel: Raffles Hotel and Arcade

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Updated by allikat

on Jul 15, 2005

Raffles Hotel

Raffles Hotel was established back in 1887, and since then has become known as one of the worlds grandest hotels - a century later it was actually deemed a National Monument.

Undeniably very swish, and regularly catering for the rich and famous, it is still the kind of place where you can feel free to wander its beautiful gardens and courtyards, with garden bars, fountains and verandahs.

Raffles Arcade consists of dozens of boutique gift shops selling everything from clothes and fragrances to jewellery and art. Be warned though, prices do not start cheap, so either bring a well-padded credit card, or be content to window shop!!

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Phone: +65 63371886
Address: 1 Beach Road, Singapore
Other Contact: www.raffleshotel.com

Raffles' Landing Site: Historic Raffles Landing Site

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Written by allikat

on Jul 15, 2005

Sir Stamford Raffles

On the banks of the Singapore River, opposite the bars and cafes along Boat Quay is the marble statue of Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore.

The plaque reads:

On this historic site, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles first landed in Singapore on 28th January 1819, and with genius and peception changed the destiny of Singapore from an obscure fishing vilage to a great seaport and modern metropolis"

This is well worth taking a look, as it comemorates an important moment in Singapores history.

Incidentally, this is also the guy who founded London Zoo!

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Address: Boat Quay
Directions: About a 5 mins walk from Raffles Place MRT Station

Things To Do: The Civilian War Memorial

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Updated by allikat

on Oct 12, 2006

Chopsticks