Fun
The old chestnut that “there’s nothing to do in Singapore” has never been further from the truth.
Innovative new recreational spots are everywhere to be found, while the ones we know and love are as popular as ever.
Places
Sentosa is still the go-to place for fun-seekers. While maintaining much of the original idyll, the island has also developed to cater to wider and more sophisticated tastes. Attractions are continuously being added or upgraded, and range from the natural to the high-tech. In 2010, the integrated resort Resorts World at Sentosa will up the ante with its own collection of theme parks, including Universal Studios Singapore.
You are right to think the Garden City has gone greener, going by how much more accessible and beautiful its green spaces have become. The 45 public parks and gardens provide plenty of outdoor choices, from hiking 25m above a forest along the HSBC TreeTop Walk to crossing peak-to-peak via the Southern Ridges, or crab-spotting at the Pasir Ris mangrove swamp. If you get onto the park connector network, you will be able to circumnavigate all the parks in the island!
If that’s not way off the beaten track for you, how about going rural? The Kranji countryside calls itself “Singapore’s secret garden”, where one can explore the little-known local farming industry. There are 10 farms which are open for public visits, and the area includes the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and D’Kranji Farm Resort, which hosts farmstays.
A comprehensive list of nature-filled facilities and activities can be found here.
Thrills
Singapore currently lays claim to the world’s largest observation wheel, the Singapore Flyer. Enjoy a Signature Cocktail Flight 165m off the ground with breathtaking views of Singapore and even Batam across the sea.
If it’s fun with a touch of culture you’re after, join a tea art course at YiXing Xuan tea house to really appreciate the 2,000-year-old tradition. Equipment and gift sets are also available for sale.
If the tea – or the weather -- is too hot for you, just head west to Snow City for a ski run from three storeys high. Yes, in sunny Singapore.
Spills
The new highlight of the international racing circuit is Singapore’s own Formula 1 Singtel Grand Prix’s unique night races. The three-day event includes concerts and celebrities flying in for an unparalleled party atmosphere.
Get your own adrenalin rush at MegaZip Adventure, on the longest and steepest zip wires in Asia and a 14m ParaJump simulated freefall. In addition, a novel way to enjoy the Singapore River is to fly – yes, fly – over it, on the GX-5 Extreme Swing, part of the G-Max Reverse Bungy experience.
Savour a different kind of thrill as a volunteer with the Asia Paranormal Investigators, or just join one of their Spooky Tours to experience Singapore as you never have (or dared to) before.