SINGAPORE is a favourite destination for Filipinos. Aside from its iconic spots, shopping lanes and food strips, Singapore is also close to the country – in terms of traveling, that is. With SilkAir flying in and out of Singapore on a daily basis, no one can deny the attraction Singapore has for us, Filipinos.
Recently, through the initiative of the Singapore Tourism Board, I was able to explore and look inside the streets of one of my personal favourite country. This time, as a tourist with a mission. And that is to scout its streets and learn why Asia’s “City in a Garden” is more than just a one hit wonder.
Re-discovering the Old and New
BooksActually at 9 Yong Siak Street, Singapore
Located in Tiong Bahru, BooksActually houses some of the most notable literary collections you won’t find elsewhere. Accordingly, it has the largest collection of Singapore literary publications that covers comprehensive topics perfect for the bookie in you. Not only is this place stacked with books, they also have trinkets, stationery and of course, notebooks to inspire you. At the back end, you’d find antiquated items that will immediately remind you of your childhood. Their patrons range from kids to adults, bookies to explorers. At BooksActually, be ready to hoard!
Tiong Bahru is known to be the hippiest part of Singapore. It exudes a mixture of old and new Singapore thus allowing you to see the country in so many different angles. From one facade after another, nothing say’s home like the streets of Tiong Bahru.
Walking and Learning at the same time
ArtScience Museum at the Marina Bay
This is a haven that most people fail to visit. The ArtScience Museum, located just a stone throw’s away from the MBS mall, showcases a variety of intellectually satisfying exhibits that occassionally changes. So, always be on the look out for what they have in store. This time around, we were fortunate to walk through the Marvel and Wind Walkers exhibit. Was it fun? Of course!
Stepping inside the Marvel Studios: 10 years of Heroes Exhibition felt like I waspart of a movie set. From gigantic statues and movie props to a walk-in theatre with the use of state of the art technology, everything you need to know about Marvel and your favourite heroes are inside. It was a portal to the Marvel Universe – a beautiful portal that will bring out the kid in you. Personally, I felt like a kid inside a candy store. As said, “The first decade’s only the beginning”.
From action-packed to the fascinating, I took a peek at Wind Walkers: Theo Jansen’s StrandBeests. Coming in close contact with one of the most faascinatng things to come out of Theo Jansen’s mind is exceptionally mindblowing. His first Southeast Asian exhibition, it featured 13 of his large-scaled Strandbeests. Inside, you’d be allowed to move them and see how they actually come to life. Described by Jansen as ‘a new form of life’, they truly are beyond mere art and installation. They are a creatures that move from one reality to another.
Marina Bay is located in the Central area of Singapura. Within its perimeter, one can see the Merlion, F1 pit, Fullerton bridge, Esplanade theatre, Helix bridge, Gardens by the Bay and Singapore Flyer to name a few. Also, the iconic Marina Bay Sands, the foremost luxurious architectural building in the country. Foodie Tip: Makansutra is located meters from the Esplanade.
Falling in Love with Dinosaurs
Universal Studios Singapore at Sentosa
The ultimate destination in Singapore is also one that warrants a lot of energy. Indeed, Universal Studios Singapore has everything you need – life size cartoon characters strolling the star studded streets, shows featuring talents from all over the world, delightful snacks available on every nook and corner and yes, the exhilirating rides that will either keep your eyes close or open.
A personal favourite is their Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure that will most definitely get you wet from head to toe. Get comfy inside a big raft and meet dinosaurs as you trek the trail ainto a dark tunnel of possibilities. The best part? The water drop! When visiting, do not chicken out! You’ll never know what to expect when you do.
Sentosa is a resort island in Singapore that has been likened to a theme park island. Frequented by locals and tourists, it has a number of exciting amenities that will surely bring out the kid in you. When in the island, do not fail to visit the Luge.
Brightly Lit Animals
Singapore Zoo: Rainforest Lumina
Always packed, the Singapore Zoo is known for showcasing animals in their natural habitat. With a vast open exhibit area, zoo goers are able to see them easily. Also in the same vicinity as the zoo is the Night Safari, River Safari and Jurong Bird Park. Their newest addition, Rainforest Lumina, is sure to entice you to connect with the animals on a more modern and futuristic way.
A multimedia night walk attraction, the Rainforest Lumina speaks of light, colors and animals having fun in the dark. The first in Southeast Asia, the Rainforest Lumina is perfect for groups or family who wants to spend time under the night sky. And the interactive aactivities will surely have you pumping for the entire walk.
Mandai in Singapore is located on the North and is dedicated as a planning region for the country. Here you will be acwuainted with nature and the animals that live in it. When here, do make time to take a stroll and get to know the animals.
Walk in the Clouds
Gardens by the Bay: Cloud Walk
Gardens by the Bay in Singapore is as iconic as the Merlion. No one leaves the country without visiting these amazing nature park and catching the magnificent light show symphony at night. Spanning more than 100-ha, this used to be a reclaimed land that is now one of the most frequented tourist spots in the country.
Within the vast garden are two conservations – the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. Inside both, you’d be in awe with the many flora and fauna collections available. Do not leave the bay without entering both. And also, never ever leave without taking a walk amongst the clouds. It’ll give you a different perspective of nature.
Marina Gardens is adjacent to the Marina Bay Sands. The luscious ambiance is truly invigorating – a whole new world of greens, colours and nature. When visiting, look into the schedule as they have different shows all year long.
