TravelWorld International Magazine Summer 2024

Singapore’s Botanic Garden is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Established in 1859, the orchid
garden is one of highlights of a trip to the Botanic
Gardens. It is home to hundreds of orchids and
can take hours to view. It is one of our favorite
places in Singapore.
My favorite time to see the Supertrees is
at night. I go to the sound and light shows
every time that I am in Singapore. It’s
short, but beautifully done. Time it right
and you can see the Marina Bay Sands
fountain and light show right after.
The Former Ford Factory is the location of the
surrender of the British to the Japanese during
World War II. It tells the story of the war from three
perspectives—Singapore, British and Japanese. It
is an important part of WWII history in Asia.
fter having my fill of Singaporean food, the Singapore Botanic
Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is my next stop. I
especially love the orchid garden with its dozens of varieties
growing in their natural habitat. After that, I’m on to the
Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay. The towering
Supertree Grove is an eco-friendly wonder rising almost
50 meters. I go at night to catch the sound and light show. In the daytime,
the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome are lovely as are the rest of the
gardens. For special exhibits, it is important to book in advance to avoid
the lines.
While in the area, I take in the iconic views of Marina Bay Sands. I have
dinner or drinks at one of the restaurants at the top of MBS (as the locals
call it) and watch the sunset. MBS also sells day passes for the infinity
pool which, at 380 meters, is the highest in the world. In the evening,
I go to the MBS light show. It is possible to see the light shows at the
Supertrees and MBS on the same evening.
As a museum-goer, I can spend hours at the Art Science Museum which
has cutting-edge exhibitions at the intersection of art and science. The
Asian Civilization Museum is my second favorite for its wide range of
Asian history, art, and culture. I especially enjoy the Islamic art and the
Tang shipwreck exhibitions. The National Gallery features Southeast
Asian art and is a good way to explore the artistic culture of the region. I
love street and public art and Singapore has extensive murals.
One of my favorite World War II museums in the world is the Former
Ford Factory, the location of the British surrender to the Japanese during
World War II. The museum shows the history of World War II from
three perspectives – Singaporean, British, and Japanese. Coming from a
Western background, I did not know most of this history and learned a
great deal during my visit.
ingapore, Penang, and Malacca are the best places
to become immersed in Peranakan culture.
As Chinese immigrants they made their way
south in the mid-1900s, many Chinese men
married Malay women and adopted all facets
of the culture except the Muslim religion. This
became known as Peranakan culture. There are
two museums devoted to Peranakan culture in
Singapore. The Intan requires a reservation to enter and
has a wonderful collection of Peranakan clothes, dishes, and
decorations. The Peranakan Museum has a comprehensive
collection of Peranakan artifacts. When I want to eat
Peranakan cuisine, I go to one of Violet Oon’s restaurants or
Charlie’s Peranakan hawker stall in the Golden Mile Food
Center.
One of the most well-known resort areas in Singapore is
Sentosa Island. Here you’ll find lovely beaches, Universal
Studios, Resorts World’s S. E. A. Aquarium, zip lines, luges,
laser shows, and much more. For more World War II history, I
stop by Fort Siloso.
I love to spend an afternoon exploring the ethnic
neighborhoods in Singapore. Little India has Mustafa’s– a great
place for shopping and eating Indian food. Going to Kampong
Glam to see the impressive Sultan Mosque is always a treat,
especially during Ramadan. Chinatown is the place to be for
the Lunar New Year and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. I go
into the temple everything I am in Chinatown. There are many
lovely Chinese and Hindu Temples, mosques, and churches
in Singapore. For evening activities and restaurants, I go to
Clarke Quay. There are tons of trendy restaurants and bars in
the area. Joo Chat is another vibrant neighborhood on the east
side of the island.
Pulau Ubin Island, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, and the
Southern Ridges are places to go for nature walks, especially to
see bird migrations. For water views, a bumboat ride along the
Singapore River is a great way to see Merlion Park and other
city views. For cultural experiences, I go to Esplanade Theaters
on the Bay or the Victoria Theater. For shopping, Orchard
Road is a road of malls with every designer store imaginable.
Getting around Singapore is very easy. The trains and buses
are cheap and efficient. Grab is Singapore’s version of Uber
and is easy to book.
I have been to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple at least a
dozen times. It is a must do in Singapore. Especially at
night. To go inside (highly recommended) you must visit
during the day.
The Lunar New Year is a festive time in Singapore. Chinatown
is bustling, especially the on the eve of the New Year.
Lion Dances are an important part of the festivities. I highly
recommend going to the Chingay Parade to see performers
from all over the region.
In years past, parents would take their children
Haw Par Villa to teach them about filial piety and
other customs. The Ten Gates of Hell scared my
wife on these visits. I recommend going. The new
Hells Museum shows how the afterlife is viewed in
many different cultures.
34
Har Paw Villa and the Hell’s Museum are unique Singaporean
experiences. A bit kitschy, the park has been around since 1937, courtesy
of the Tiger Balm founder Aw Boon Haw. It features the Ten Courts
of Hell and other displays of mythical and cultural stories. The Hells
Museum, a newer addition, explores how religions and cultures relate to
the afterlife.
Since it’s near the equator, Singapore is warm all year round
with a rainy season in the fall and winter. Over my twenty-two
years of visiting, I have yet to run out of new discoveries. I
highly recommend taking the time to savor all that Singapore
has to offer.
Sue and Reggie at the Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay
The Cloud Forest is one of the many attractions at Gardens
By The Bay. Best to book in advance to avoid the lines.
35