Uniquely Singapore

 

 

Unparalleled is the word that best captures Singapore. Thinking that it was just another shopping destination, I was in for a big surprise! Singapore appeared to be a shockingly beautiful city by means of the modern skyscrapers whisked with colourful ethnic enclave. The city is very well defined and everything is prim and proper. Singapore ain’t the most sought after tourist spot in the world for no reason. It gives the tourists a plethora of activities to choose from. Be it the theme parks or offshore islands, from interest-gripping museums to the best of spas, this city is just waiting to be discovered. The blend of cultural flavour of China, Malaysia and India is evident in the form of art, architecture, culture and even the cuisines.

I started my journey with what Singapore is well known for – Sentosa. This tropical island paradise offers both, leisure and recreation activities. Either laze around on the sun-kissed beaches or get your adrenaline rushing on those thrilling rides. Also, the historical exhibits and world-class attractions are grasping. My affinity for water animals took me to the Underwater World. A must visit for every tourist, it is home to more than 2,500 fish of 250 different species. I saw stingrays, starfish, baby sharks and many others which made my visit worthwhile. Interestingly, at the Dolphin Lagoon, you get to interact with the friendly Pink Dolphins. I was lucky enough to receive a peck on my cheek from one of them! One should see everything in Sentosa Island, from the butterfly park to the musical fountains, for no other theme park offers such an assortment.

Singapore is deemed to be a shopper’s paradise. Hence, the next day I headed straight for the Orchard Road, which has more than a dozen shopping malls and flea markets. It offers the latest trends in fashion at the most reasonable prices.

Being an avid animal lover, next on the agenda was the Night Safari, the world’s first wildlife park with a night view which houses more than 900 nocturnal animals. It was a unique experience to see wild animals in their natural habitat. I was overwhelmed to witness some of my favourite animals’ demeanour. Another thing you should see is ‘The Creatures of the Night Show’, one of the world’s most exciting animal shows with a star cast of raccoons, otters, wolves and other creatures of the wild.

Looking back, I feel that Singapore was like a roller-coaster ride, at times giving the thrills of adventure and conversely offering the simplicity of its culture. So if you want a fun-filled escapade, then there is no better place than Singapore. DOSSIER

THE DESTINATION

STEERING THE COURSE

Singapore is well connected from the world’s major metropolitans. You could take connecting flights from Bangkok or Malaysia.

COSY CORNERS

Don’t mind splurging? Go for Raffles Hotel, the rest can settle for Shangri La.

THE ‘SEASON’ED TRAVELLER GOES NOW

Singapore is always hot and humid. Expect showers any time, but during November-December, it pours. The best time to visit is from June to August.

‘SAVOUR’ FAIRE

Nothing like an open-air street stall. Singapore’s food is a delicious totem of the country’s unique cultural mix. Food preparations that came from India, China or elsewhere are indelibly ‘Singaporeanised’.

GET TO WORK

To fully appreciate Singapore, visitors may need a little help getting to some of the island’s talking points. Local tour operators offer an array of general and special interest tours to suit every taste and budget.

WHAT’S THE WORD?

Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English are widely spoken. However, most Singaporeans are bilingual and speak both, their mother tongue and English.

KEEPSAKE COURTESIES

Pretty decorative magnets to beautiful orchids dipped in gold... Besides, unique souvenirs are batiks, local tea, coffee and nonya confections such as ‘kueh bangket’.

Aakriti Bhardwaj