Singapore Things to Do Tips by Mikebb

Bugis Street - For Those who Love Markets

All the guide books tell you to visit Bugis Street and we visited twice. At night it is something to see, colourful lights everywhere, stalls everywhere selling everything you may think of.

Very crowded at night but a real good time and easy to get to as it has a MRT station nearby.

We also visited during day time on our way to Sim Lim Tower, the electronics, camera and computer building with hundreds of retailers. Daytime was good but did not match the evening atmosphere.

Address: Bugis Street

Directions: Take the MRT to Bugis station and then follow the crowds, approx 3 minute walk.

The Merlion - a Mythical Symbol On The Ocean Front

We were walking along Marina Promenade just past the Concert Hall when we first sighted the Merlion on the other side of the harbour at One Fullerton.

The Merlion is a huge structure being a hybrid of a lion and a fish and symbolisesSingapore's origin as a prosperous seaport. From a distance it can be seen spouting water from its mouth.

For those who have time it is well worth visiting for a closer look.

Address: One Fullerton.

Directions: Take the MRT to Raffles Place train station and take exit H.

Bronze Works Boat Quay - Bullock Cart Loading

The number of quality bronzeworks along the Singapore riverbank is an ideal way to remind citizens and tourists of life during the early days of the Straits Settlement. This scene depicts a bullock cart being loaded by coolies.

Directions: Singapore River, Boat Quay, near The Fullerton Hotel.

Walk The Cavenagh Bridge

Crossing the Singapore river this bridge links the Fullerton Hotel district to the Civic District anand will take you directly to the Asian Civilisations Museum.

Directions: Singapore River mouth.

Swimming Singapore River - Bronze Work

I doubt if there are to many places in the western world where kids can do this now. Nice memories, excellent bronze work.

Address: Singapore River, Cavenagh Bridge.

Directions: Outside The Fullerton Hotel, close to the Cavenagh Bridge, Boat Quay. Take MRT to Raffles Place.

The Fullerton Hotel - History

Originally the Fullerton Building, named after Robert Fullerton, the first Governor of the Straits Settlements (1826-1829), was commissioned in 1919, but construction was delayed due to lack of funds. Construction began in 1924 and completed in June 1928 at a cost of $4.1 million.

The building had 5 founding tenants: the General Post Office, The Exchange, Singapore Club, the Marine Department, and the Import and Export Department.

The GPO vacated the building in 1996 and the following year Sino Land Co acquired the building and converted it into a hotel at a cost of Sg $300 million. The hotel was opened on 1st January 2001 and is known as The Fullerton Hotel.

We recently visited the hotel and enjoyed High Tea in the Courtyard.

Directions: Mouth Of The Singapore River.

Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fullerton_Hotel#Fullerton_Building

Ride The Monorail At Jurong Bird Park

Ideal for kids and adults alike especially when you are getting tired. The monorail runs high above the park and gives you a good overview.

When purchasing your park entrance ticket make certain you upgrade to include the monorail.

Address: Jurong Bird Park

Phone: (65) 6265 0022

Website: http://www.birdpark.com.sg

Bronze Statutes Outside Asian Civilisation Museum

Walking along the riverside we came across several detailed bronze works which capture a scene from the past when local traders used an abacus.

Worthwhile to stay a few minutes and admire the bronze work, it really tells a story of the early days in Singapore.

Address: Riverside

Directions: Outside The Asian Civilisations Museum. Take the MRT to Raffles Place and use exit H.

Asian Civilisation Museum

This is a magnificent old building on a commanding prominent position overlooking the Singapore River. We walked past it several times but never went inside as we were heading elsewhere. As we have travelled extensively throughout Asia it was not a high priority for us.

Near to the building are several excellent bronze works which preserve the history of Singapore. It is worth visiting the site to see these bronze works of art.

Address: 1 Empress Place

Directions: Raffles Place MRT Station, take exit H. If your are in Clarke quay just walk riverside seawards, only 10 minutes walk.

Phone: (65) 6332 7798

Website: http://www.acm.org.sg/themuseum/aboutacm.asp

Boat Quay - River, Restaurants & Bars

Once the site of busy commercial activity when this section of the river was used for the receival and despatch of cargo for ships anchored in the harbour. At times there used to be hundreds of ships in the harbour which were serviced by small boats, godowns, which ferried goods back and forth.

With the modernisation of Singapore, the use of modern harbour facilities located elsewhere made the godowns redundant. Eventually this riverside district was cleaned up and now has riverside restaurants and bars riversise.

It is an interesting walk any time of the day and lively at night. We found it to be a nice daytime walk to the Fullerton Hotel and then across the bridge to the museum, or continue along the Esplanade to the Theatre District.

Address: Singapore River

Directions: Next to Clarke Quay travelling seaward along the Singapore River.