If there is one word that definitely encapsulates the island city state of Singapore, it is “unique.” Singapore is the smallest nation of Southeast Asia and is located off of the southern tip of Malaysia.
Despite its small size, however, you will certainly not find that there is any lack of things to do. Singapore displays its own unique architecture, cuisine, and art, which combine a blend of both Eastern and Western culture.
Here are eight unique things that you can do during your vacation to the diverse land of Singapore:
1. Rejuvenate at Spa Botanica, one of Asia’s biggest outdoor spas:
All of the treatments draw on the healing powers of nature, including the spa’s signature treatments, which are called the Singapore Flower Ritual and Jungle Rain. Over 18,000 square feet are filled with floatation pools, cascading waterfalls, healing mud baths, and a labyrinth designed to
relax the body and mind.
2. Tee off at Jurong Country Club:
This 18-hole golf course is located in Jurong, which is the industrial hub of Singapore. One of the coolest things about the par 72 course is that you can golf here during one of Singapore’s cool, tropical nights. The course boasts a $3 million floodlight system with 720 lights strategically placed throughout the entire course, creating a natural carpet of light.
3. Try your hand at porcelain painting at Ming Village:
The art of porcelain making reached its pinnacle during the Ming and Qing dynasties of ancient China. Now the Ming Village allows visitors to witness how porcelain was made using these age-old techniques from mould-making, to hand throwing, to glazing, hand painting, and firing.
If you prefer to purchase a piece from a craftsman, you can watch an expert at work, then buy one of his or her pieces. If you prefer to try it out for yourself, you can sign up for a pewter-making or porcelain-painting class. (Classes are suitable for adults and children ages 12 and up.)
4. Embark on a crazy adventure at Cinemania, Singapore’s first experimental theater:
Here you’ll have an experience that brings you right into the action of the movie. Cinemania combines a state-of-the-art sight and sound system with a gigantic screen designed for specially produced high-speed film.
Then the carefully orchestrated audiovisual effect is enhanced by computer synchronized motion seats that combine with real wind. This takes 3-D to the next level.
5. Wade next to the pink dolphins at Sentosa:
Yes, I did say “pink dolphins.” At the Dolphin Lagoon at Sentosa you can witness the very rare Pink Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins. If you’re lucky, you may score a peck on the cheek from one, or get to wade with the trainers in the water.
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous you can even take part in the latest program at Dolphin Lagoon where you get to swim with the pink dolphins. Advance bookings are highly recommended as space is limited.
But if you don’t get to swim with the dolphins, there is no need for disappointment.
Formerly a fishing village, then a British military base, Sentosa was turned into an idyllic island resort in 1972. Now the entire area is an absolute tropical paradise filled with wildlife, including peacocks, monkeys, and butterflies.
In recent years Sentosa also gained international fame for holding some of Singapore’s most exciting themed events, like the Sentosa Sandsation (an international sand sculpting event), Black Moon Foam Parties, Zouk Out Dance Festival and annual Countdown Parties.
6. Sip some delicious coffee or tea at the kosher Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf:
This is just one of Singapore’s four kosher restaurants. Here you’ll find a delicious selection of fresh-brewed coffee and tea and sandwiches and deli items, as well as cakes and other goodies. It is a dairy/pareve facility and operates under the supervision of the rabbi of Singapore. There are several Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf locations in Singapore, so make sure you visit the kosher one. It’s located on Bras Basha Road near the shul.
7. Mosey underneath sharks and stingrays at Underwater World:
The oceanarium features a beautiful walk-through tank offering an unusual vantage point for Asia’s underwater creatures. One of the main attractions is the Dugong, or sea cow. Visitors can participate in a series of interactive feeding and training sessions.
Another cool and unique program is the Night Ocean Discovery Program, which begins at 7 pm. This program offers a rare glimpse at nocturnal ocean life, including the Moray Eel, Stonefish, and Leopard Shark.
8. Indulge in a shopping spree on Orchard Road:
You’ll find a lot more than just kitschy souvenirs here. This is the epicenter of the whole shopping scene in Singapore. You can find pretty much anything you could possibly need from designer wear to electronic goods. The whole stretch of Orchard Road is flanked by malls densely packed into just a few blocks.
Some of the biggest shopping centers you’ll find are Tangs, The Forum Shopping Mall, Palais Renaissance, The Shopping Gallery at Hilton, Lucky Plaza, Centrepoint Shopping Centre, Paragon, Orchard Towers and Singapore Plaza.
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