Singapore: Look beyond Sentosa in Singapore

chillibreeze writer — Kala Ramanathan

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Now you can hand over your holiday to tour operators and let them plan it for you. Or you could sit in one spot and soak in the sun and sea, or ponder over the mystery of formidable mountains. Better still is a way to chance upon those unexpected cosy corners that no tour operator will tell you about. This kind of holiday begins only after you say good-bye to your tour guide.

Movies
In Singapore, the Omnimax movies at the Science Centre offer a true-to-life experience. You no longer are a spectator, but a part of the movie.

Nature and civic life
To get the best of nature and a quick look at Singapore’s civic life, visit either the Bedok or Pandan reservoir. While you catch the first rays of the sun glinting in the still waters, across the road, you can see ergonomically designed apartment systems with green landscapes and covered walkways. If you ever take a walk in the rain, not a drop of water will touch you!

Architecture
For a glimpse of the island-nation’s varied architecture, drop in at the Victoria Concert Hall – Singapore’s prime concert venue. Or you can visit the Chijmes; a gothic-style convent turned into a historic site that houses spacious lawns, exotic restaurants and ethnic shops.

Night Safari
Close to the Singapore Zoo, is the Night Safari. The animals are the same you see in any zoo, but the experience is different. You can get a feel of the jungle with its nocturnal animal sounds. Take a tram ride through different habitats, or walk the trails for a night rendezvous with the cheetah. Graceful giraffes silhouetted in the moonlight stand like statues watching the last tramcar depart. One would almost think they are waiting like polite hosts.

Cuisine
Drop into Marche, a market right inside a restaurant and sample Swiss specialty. It is so real, you might expect a cow to moo across your shoulder any minute. There’s wild mushroom soup, steaming roshti with sour cream (boiled potatoes), banana crepe and even oxtail clear soup for the daring! If you like vegetarian Mediterranean delights, visit Original Sin, tucked away in the heart of Holland Village. In case you happen to go on a river cruise, stroll past the restaurants along the Boat Quay. You can enjoy a leisurely dinner listening to the sound of bumboats and watch the lamps on your table flicker in the warm river breeze. Across the river, the Fullerton Hotel will dazzle you with its bright lights.

Value-for money shopping
The best way to collect souvenirs for home is to opt for the $ 3 for 10 offer at Chinatown. Of course, there’s good old Mustafa to complete your shopping.

Ferry
After you have had your fill of Singapore’s blend of the Oriental and modernity, squeeze in a ferry trip to Pulao Ubin, an island nearby. The little wooden houses, mostly deserted, mewing stray cats, mysterious walking trails and dense woods will bring out the Robinson Crusoe in you!

There’s nothing like going back home with a feeling of having discovered a place inside, out.

Fact file

Weather
Hot and humid with showers of rain in between.

What to wear
Light cottons, walking shoes, hats or caps.

How to travel
Get an ez-link card and travel by MRT or bus. Cabs are safe.

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