Singapore Vacations

Feel the City

A whirlwind tour of the city can be accomplished in a few days but take the time to see the areas that are not described in the Singapore vacations brochures. Allow yourself to feel the history that formed this city. Close your eyes and transport back to the days when the British colonists first arrived. Walk in Esplanade Park and see the memorials that were erected for the heroes that helped to form Singapore into what it is today.

As you look at the cathedrals and the buildings in the Colonial Core, you can feel the rich culture of the area. The Singapore River with the old-world bridges such as the Anderson Bridge is a part of the city that you will not want to miss. Make sure you go to see the Merlion and you will stare in amazement at this icon. The head of a lion and the body of a fish represent the original name of Singapore, Singapura which means lion city. This is something you cannot experience without seeing it in person. As you stand and admire this guard of the city, you can feel the excitement of the area stirring expectations of what is to come.

Come along and dine at Boat Quay, where the many cafes and pubs await. You will enjoy the outdoor dining where you can people watch. Although this may not appeal to the younger set, I found it to be quite interesting. Watching the throngs pass and seeing the excitement build as the day came to an end was great.

The Night Life

Further up is Clarke Quay. The area is known for the motto of ‘Alive after Five’ as it comes to life as the sun goes down. The atmosphere is one of the things that I loved the most. Reminiscent of childhood days when the summer would bring carnivals to town, this is an excitement that cannot be described.

The Singapore River Festival is an entertainment event that will make this part of your Singapore vacations one of a kind. The free activities and events, including boat parades, music, aerial performances and dancing as well as rides are something I would not have wanted to miss. Along with the tantalizing array of delicious food that is available, you will enjoy this part of the Singapore night life as much as I did. Don’t be tempted to eat too much though as you still have plenty to see and experience.

When Day Dawns

Even with being up late the night before, Singapore seems to provide the exhilaration I needed to rise early and join the crowds on Orchard Road. If you love to shop this is a definite part of Singapore vacations that you will be primed to join. The abundance of malls and shops in this area of Singapore will give you the chance to pick up some great bargains and a few souvenirs for taking home.

Of course, I had to visit Chinatown, after hearing so much about it. It was just as great as it had been described. After having tea, I got to see what a middle-class home in 1920s China looked like. If you concentrate you can almost hear the family as they gathered for dinner.

Places of worship were another site that added to the pleasure of visiting Chinatown. I especially enjoyed seeing the Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. Once every 12 years, this temple is re-sanctified a week before the Festival of Lights which is part of the Hindu tradition. The architectural styles are one of the most interesting aspects of this site-seeing adventure and the fact that the reconsecration includes walking barefoot over hot coals.

There are many more aspects of Singapore that you will want to see. So when planning to make Singapore vacations a destination, make sure you have enough time. I found a week is not enough time to thoroughly enjoy this area. If you only have a week, make plans to return on your next vacation and take up where you left off.

Map Of Singapore

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