by Gregory Smyth

Singapore is listed at the top when it comes to ‘world’s firsts’. Suntec city is the biggest man made fountain and is located in Singapore. Night safari is the world’s first night zoo and also the world’s highest man made waterfall at Jurong Bird Park is also located in Singapore. China town, little India and Geylang Serai are among those which illustrates the local culture. Singapore’s successful economy is very much attached to its tradition and this can be felt really closer after visiting these spots. Singapore is not all about urban landscape, but natural beauty is also very much prevalent in this city, as it is also known as the ‘Garden city’.

Image Source: Wikipedia - The Fountain of Wealth at Suntec City, Singapore.

Additional, hot spots in Singapore include Singapore zoological gardens, Bukit Timah nature reserve and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. For those who love history and culture there are lots of museums, architectural heritages and exhibitions. Asian civilization museum and the Singapore art museum are among the highlights.

Singapore also boasts a thriving Islamic community, centered around Arab street, which is the Muslim epicenter of the city. Here the sultan mosque is the most attractive due to its unique gold dome and prayer hall. It is also a market for colorful textiles from around Asia with very low and attractive prices.

Yet another marvel is the Asian civilization museum. It was opened in 1997 and here many anthropological and cultural exhibits are there. These exhibits are very much from India, China and south East Asia. Another much attractive one is the Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom Museum. There are thousands of colorful and endangered species of butterflies roaming around as one walks through. A different experience will be the Civilian War Memorial. This is one which is dedicated to the civilians who lost their life during the Japanese occupation during the Second World War. It is also known as the’chopstick’ memorial due to its unusual design. Maritime museum is another of those hot sights. Singapore is always known as a maritime Museum. It is now among the biggest ports in the world. Lots of ship models are there in the museum and it has lots of boat displays of all kinds along with fishing equipments.

Finally, Singapore Zoological gardens is a real attraction while sightseeing in Singapore. It is an open zoo where around 2000 different creatures roam around. There is also a Children’s World where children could interact with the animals. There are sea lions as well as penguin gallery. An air-conditioned polar bear enclosure adds to the charm and beauty. Mount Faber Cable Car Station and Viewing garden is also a must see adventure. Singapore harbor as well as islands can be well viewed by sitting inside this. Sungei Buloh Nature Park is a very famous attraction in Singapore along with is the Mandai orchid garden. Fort canning Park and East Cost park are all hot destinations in there own sense. All of this makes for a great sightseeing experience for any tourist spending time in Singapore.