Singapore Attractions

The Peranakans of Katong--If you'd like to experience local culture that's a bit off the beaten track, come to Katong. This neighborhood came to prominence before World War II, when Peranakans and Eurasians, families of mixed heritage, populated this area outside of the city center along the east coast of the island. Many Peranakans, because of their mixed Chinese and Malay heritage, rose to financial power and were known to build lavish homes (many of which still line the streets of Katong), furnishing them with ornate Chinese inspired interiors, and dress with opulent flair.

A trip to the Asian Civilisations Museum, Armenian Street will give you an excellent history and overview of this unique group, with displays of significant cultural items. Peranakan antique furniture sports detailed wood carvings in classic Chinese design but with unbelievably gaudy mother of pearl inlay everywhere. Their pottery also follows Chinese aesthetics with pretty floral, phoenix, and dragon patterns but in vivid colors more representative of Malay tastes -- bright yellows, pinks and greens.

Singapore Botanic Gardens - In 1822, Singapore's first botanic garden was started at Fort Canning by Sir Stamford Raffles. After it lost funding, the present Botanic Garden came into being in 1859 thanks to the efforts of a horticulture society; it was later turned over to the government for upkeep. More than just a garden, this space occupied an important place in the region's economic development when "Mad" Henry Ridley, one of the garden's directors, imported Brazilian rubber tree seedlings from Great Britain. He devised improved latex-trapping methods and led the campaign to convince reluctant coffee growers to switch plantation crops. The garden also pioneered orchid hybridization, breeding a number of internationally acclaimed varieties.

Singapore Discovery Center - This cool display of the latest military technology has hands-on exhibits that cannot be resisted -- one of 19 interactive information kiosks, for instance, lets you design tanks and ships. Airborne Rangers, a virtual-reality experience, lets you parachute from a plane and manipulate your landing to safety. In the motion simulator, feel your seat move in tandem with the fighter pilot on the screen. The Shooting Gallery is a computer-simulated combat firing range using real but decommissioned M16 rifles. IMAX features roll at the five-story iWERKS Theatre regularly. When you get hungry, there's a fast-food court.

Singapore Activities

Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve: Every year during the winter months, flocks of migrating birds from as far north as Siberia vacation in the warm waters of this unique mangrove swamp park. Easily traversed by wooden walkway, the park will never disappoint for some stunning wildlife shots.

Beaches--Besides the beach at East Coast Park and those on Sentosa Island you can try the smaller beach at Changi Village, called Changi Point. From the shore, you have a panoramic view of Malaysia, Indonesia, and several smaller islands that belong to Singapore. The beach is calm and frequented mostly by locals who set up camps and barbecues to hang out all day. There are kayak rentals along the beach, and in Changi Village you'll find, in addition to a huge hawker center, quite a few international restaurants and pubs to hang out in and have a fresh seafood lunch when you get hungry.