A true experience of Singapore’s local cultures would not be complete without a visit to the different ethnic quarters of the island. There is Chinatown for the Chinese, Kampong Glam or Geylang Serai for the Malays, and Little India for the Indians.
In Chinatown, cultural attractions include the Chinatown Heritage Centre, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, the Sri Mariamman Temple, as well as the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum with its distinctive Tang Dynasty-inspired architecture.
In Little India, don’t miss out on picking up knick-knacks, costume jewellery and souvenirs at the Little India Arcade. Head to the 24-hour shopping mall Mustafa Centre to purchase all sorts of everyday items, from clothes, electronics and furniture to watches and jewellery.
Delegates can also go on walking tours to unearth the never-ending stories brought to life by our trained guides, make stops at historically significant sites and have a taste of our local delights. Some interesting tours by The Original Singapore Walks include:
• A Chinatown Walk: Red Clogs Down The Five Foot WayTM
• A Kampong Glam Walk: Sultans of SpiceTM
• A Little India Walk: Dhobis, Saris & A Spot of CurryTM
Singapore may be a cosmopolitan city but there is also a thriving ecosystem of nature and wildlife nestled within our city in a garden. Delegates can easily wander through the many landscaped gardens and parks on the island, with some even offering a scenic view of the city from vantage points.
Spend an afternoon exploring Singapore’s waterfront Gardens by the Bay set in the heart of the downtown city centre. This public garden was awarded the World Building of the Year 2012 at the World Architecture Festival and features two conservatories as well as the towering ‘Supertrees’. Delegates may also seek respite in the lush greenery at the historic Singapore Botanic Gardens, open since 1859 and newly minted as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015.
Animal lovers can get up close with the wildlife at Singapore’s award-winning wild life park – Singapore Zoo, featuring 11 distinctive global wildlife habitats. Next up, embark on a journey of discovery at River Safari and meet over 6,000 aquatic and terrestrial animals. At the park, visitors can explore eight river habitats from the mighty Mississippi to the majestic Yangtze before stopping by to visit the giant pandas at the largest panda exhibit in Southeast Asia.
As dusk falls at the Night Safari, the world’s first park for nocturnal animals comes to life. With over 2,500 resident animals, visitors can embark on one of the four walking trails or hop on a tram ride to explore the seven geographical zones – from the rugged Himalayan Foothills to the swampy banks of Equatorial Africa.
History comes alive at the museums. With interactive exhibits, vivid replications of historical moments, heritage artefacts and photo evidence among others, visitors will be able to find out all there is to know about Singapore’s past. History-buffs are encouraged to start at the National Museum of Singapore, and then explore more about Singapore’s multiple ethnic cultures by visiting the Peranakan Museum. From modern contemporary Southeast Asian art to art that pushes the boundaries of science and technology, the National Gallery and the ArtScience Museum are a must-visit in Singapore.
Rooftop bars, sky-high watering holes and swish drinking spots, the Fullerton and Clarke Quay precincts are replete with after-dark haunts that serve up solid cocktails and tasty bar grub. Popular picks include Lantern at The Fullerton Bay Hotel, which offers unrivalled views of the city, as well as LeVel 33, dubbed the world’s highest urban craft brewery.
Our world-famous shopping belt of Orchard Road hosts countless international brands and is the ultimate shopper’s paradise, providing a variety of retail experiences, from alluring international fashion to lively bazaars.
Contact us for more information.
Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
National University of Singapore
16 Medical Drive, Singapore 117600
Tel: +65 6516 3264
Email: secretariat@apsn2020.org