TRAVEL SPECIAL........ SINGAPORE AND AROUND

SINGAPORE AND AROUND

Get set for FUN WITH FAMILY

    With the festive season approaching, if the idea of an International vacation is crossing your mind, Singapore is definitely worth exploring. Yes, this destination is not just about great theme parks and haunting shopping arcades but is also about exploring exotic cuisines and meeting people from across the world.
    From cultural centers to resort cities—Singapore has a lot to offer. Some of the must visit stops here include the Singapore Zoo, which stresses on natural environments for all its inmates, gives children the opportunity to learn about animals in a fun and stimulating way. Rated as the most beautiful settings in the world, the jaded, lush garden of the Singapore Zoo has a lovely landscaping. Along with the spectacular views of the Seletar Reservoir, it is the most tempting place for children of any age and even adults. Most of the animals here are kept in their natural habitat, making it is easier for the visitors to understand wildlife better. Apart from seeing the animals, the other attractions in this park include the different animal shows and feeding shows; eg., having either breakfast or high tea with an orang utan or feeding a pygmy hippo. It is very exciting for children to hand over some food to the massive hippo or shake hands with the orang utan.
    Your next stop can be the Jurong Bird Park that is home to more than 5,000 birds across 400 species. Its splendid naturalistic settings—from the grasslands of Africa to the rainforests of South America - showcase a mind-boggling array of birds. Australian lories, hornbills, toucans, Asian ducks, penguins, tanagers, cotingas, finches, honeycreepers, hummingbirds, flamingoes, you'll find them all here.
    Another must visit attraction in Singapore is the Resorts World Sentosa Singapore that offers attractions like the exciting Universal Studios Singapore. This park features movie-themed rides and attractions, which are unique to Singa thrill seekers and families will be the first to experience many new rides and shows based on blockbuster hits. Here both the young and the young at heart will be entertained by famous movie characters on an incredible 4-D adventure. Thrill seekers can face warrior mummies on Revenge of the Mummy, a psychological ride in total darkness. her highlights here ncludes Madagascar: A Crate Adventure and Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure. Remember that while you can find a place to actice nearly any sport in Singapore—golfing, surfing, scuba diving, even ice skating and snow skiing—due to the country's small size your options are rather limited and prices are relatively high. For water sports in particular, the busy shipping lanes and sheer population pressure mean that the sea around Singapore is murky, and most locals head up to Tioman (Malaysia) or Bintan (Indonesia) instead. On the upside, there is an abundance of dive shops in Singapore, and they often arrange weekend trips to good dive sites off the East Coast of Malaysia, so they are a good option for accessing some of Malaysia's not-so touristy dive sites.

MUST CARRY
SUN GLASSES: Singapore is usually bright and sunny
UMBRELLA - There is some precipitation throughout the year. However, the rain does not last long (usually)
SHORTS/HALF TROUSERS: Singapore is hot and humid. Although air-conditioning is available in all public transport (except a few public buses) and almost all internal areas, it is advisable to carry some light clothing
MOSQUITO REPELLENT: Day or night, they're lurking. Dengue fever is a particular problem in this part of the world, so stay protected 

AROUND SINGAPORE

Singapore makes a good base for exploring South-East Asia, with nearly all of the region's countries and their main tourist destinations - Bangkok, Phuket, Angkor Wat, Ho Chi Minh City and Bali, just to name a few - under 2 hr away by plane. In addition, Singapore has direct flights to many of the smaller cities in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.
    Also you can plan some quick day-long getaways from Singapore which are not only convenient but also go easy on your pocket.
BATAM: The nearest Indonesian island to Singapore, just a short ferry trip away. Mainly industrial and infamous for its vice trade, but has some resorts
BINTAN: Indonesian island just 55 minutes away by ferry, offering both high-end resorts and the "real Indonesia" experience
JOHOR BAHRU: Malaysian city just across the Causeway. Just 20 minutes by bus 950 from Woodlands Bus Interchange. Not much to look at, but popular for cheap eats and shopping
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's vibrant capital. 35 min by plane, 4-5 hr by bus or overnight by train
MALACCA: Once one of the three Straits Settlements, now a sleepy colonial town. 3-4 hr by bus
TIOMAN: The nearest of Malaysia's East Coast paradise islands, reachable by bus & ferry or plane
For those who can afford more time to travel, here are several destinations popular among Singaporeans: BALI - One of Indonesia's biggest tourist draws with its nice beaches and good food. About 2,5 hr away by plane 

BANGKOK - Thailand's capital and considered a food, shopping and clubbing paradise by many Singaporeans. It is less then 2 hr flight away, or 2 nights by train  

PHUKET - One of the largest islands in Thailand, is another popular destination for Singaporeans. It offers a great weekend getaway and is less than 2 hours flight away. Relatively cheaper than Singapore, it is a great destination to hang around 

IPOH - The capital of the Malaysian state of Perak, it is famous among Singaporeans for its food. 7-8 hr away by coach, or 1 hour by turboprop flight  

LANGKAWI - An island in the Malaysian state of Kedah, just south of the Thai border, famed for endless beaches. Just over an 1 hr by plane

MAYURA MATHUR ET130826