The Merlion

The Merlion, the national symbol of Singapore, standing at 37 metres high is a lion head with a fish body resting amidst a wave pool with decorative suspension bridge links is the tallest replica. The late Singapore craftsman, Mr Lim Nang Seng.is credited for making the Singapore Merlion. It is made of cement fondue , its skin from porcelain plates and eyes from small red teacups.
The Merlion statue sits alongside the Merlion Walk, a 120-metre-long colourful mosaic walkway with jumping water jets and a beautiful set of Carillon bells at the end of the walkway. It brings you to the depth of the sea as you walk side-by-side with legendary sea dragons and mythical mermaids.

The Merlion commemorates the ancient name and the legend taken from the "Malay Annals" explaining how Singapore received its present name. The Merlion, with its fish-like body riding the waves of the sea, is symbolic of the ancient city of Temasek. At the same time, its majestic head recalls the legend of the discovery of the Singapore by Prince Nila Utama in the 11th century, when Singapore received its present name.

Once inside the statue, you will be fascinated with the interior, which is themed as a sunken ship, as the tower is laden with treasures and jewels complemented by sounds of waves crashing , howling winds and the cries of the seagulls.

Get a glimpse of the Merlion view where you will be rewarded with a 360° view of Sentosa and Singapore's southern shores. From the Mouth Gallery Viewing Deck on level 9, you can even spot Singapore's impressive skyline.

The Merlion was first designed as an emblem for the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in 1964 . It quickly became Singapore's icon to the rest of the world. It is now settled into its new home here at Merlion Park, located next to One Fullerton, overlooking scenic Marine Bay.
Today the Merlion attracts more than one million visitors a year who make the trip to the Merlion Park. There are five official Merlion statues in Singapore. They can be found at :

a. Two at Merlion Park, adjacent to One Fullerton

b. One at Sentosa Island

c. One at Mount Faber and

d. One at the headquaters of Singapore Tourism Board at Orchard Spring Lane .
The legend of the Merlion is commemorated on Sentosa island. Lovingly recreated in concrete and glass, this massive Merlion follows faithfully the details of the legend, down to the colourful trail, now called the Merlion Walk. Don’t miss this splendid view.

Sentosa

Sentosa , the largest and most famous of all the Southern Islands is Singapore's premier island resort getaway with multi-faceted appeal, teeming with events all year round. The word "Sentosa" means peaceful or rest in the Malay. Singapore's heavily landscaped Sentosa Island has a little something for everyone. It is a unique blend of leisure and recreation. Experience the island life which is a contrast to the bustling pace to the city.

Sentoas is home to many exciting attractions, stunning manmade beach and breath taking view from Sky Tower and exciting ride on the cable car. Take Sentosa Bus from World Trade Centre Bus Terminal or Tiong Bahru MRT. Suggest that you take a Cable Car Ride to have a breath taking view of the city. You can take it From Mt Faber, Harbour Front and Cable Car Plaza on Sentosa.

Sentosa offers a host of attractions for the whole family. So if you want to explore the island properly it is a good idea to check into one of its two luxury resort hotels for a night or two. Once you step afoot the island, be mesmerized by the breathtaking beauty of the lush greenery peppered with exciting attractions that will certainly blow you away! It’s a themed attraction, tropical resort, nature park and heritage centre all rolled into one! Chill out at a spa shrouded in lush greenery.

Beach lovers can enjoy exciting games and sea sports along the 3.2-km long sandy beaches stretching across Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong. You can indulge in a host of leisure activities such as cycling, in-line skating, canoeing, horse riding or simply unwind at the beach pubs.

PALAWAN BEACH
Palawan Beach serves a platter of fun sports and activities for the whole family! Palawan Beach is a great escape for all workaholics. It is a host to two famous local beach bars. Listen to the smooth sounds of French and Latin Jazz at Bora Bora Beach Bar as you sip on their famous Singapore Sling. They serve both local and Western food along with a variety of cocktails. Or if you prefer some fun and chatty company, make your way down to Club Islander, Singapore’s first beach club.

Chill out while staying in touch with the rest of the world through wireless internet access. With amenities easily within reach, it’s no wonder why it is called Singapore’s Happiest Family Beach! Take a stroll with your family to the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia via the suspension bridge or bring the kids to the delightful Animal & Bird Encounters which is sure to entertain.

Tanjong Beach
Tangjong Beach is a relaxing beach for a favourite with guests who treasure its tranquility and solitude. Tanjong Beach has clear water, golden sand, plenty of palm trees to lie under, and little shingled shelters. This stretch of beach gets especially romantic by night, with the twinkling lights of ships docked at the nearby port. Spend quality time with your special someone with a quiet stroll on Singapore’s Most Romantic Beach and bask in the magnificent sunset.

Siloso Beach
Siloso Beach is themed around sports activities like volleyball and canoeing. The stretch of beach also boasts of dining and shopping outlets, and for those who like their day at the beach more vigorous, engage yourself in other outdoor activities such as canoeing, skim boarding, mountain biking or rollerblading.

Get ready for great excitement and action on Siloso Beach as it owns the reputation of hosting a hive of beach activities both during the day and night. The beach is pet friendly; dogs are allowed to swim in the waters. A great place for families and friends to hang out and relax with a bottled beer served in larges chilled buckets.

The Singapore Crocodilarium

The Crocodile Park is a fantastic place to take a look at Over 1,000 crocodiles at close range. This is a 2-hectare theme park where you can see different kinds of crocodiles, as well as anacondas, king cobras and 50 other species of reptiles.

One of the park's most esteemed possession are the golden pythons. They recently managed to hatch a brood of gold pythons eggs and the babies have grown to a hefty size (a diet of chicks from local chicken farms). You can even take pictures with them and feel their cool scales. A great way to look at these reptiles is via the underwater gallery. Watch some of these giants swim gracefully through the blue waters in their aquarium.

The park has tried to simulate the swampy conditions the crocs are used to in the wild and you too can enjoy the scenic view from a safe perch. Plus, you can feed the crocs or watch crocs jump out of the water to get at the piece of chicken offered by the attendents. This location is a lot cooler than the underwater gallery. Don’t forget to have a look at the crocodiles' reptile relative, the iguana at the iguna exhibit. You don't have to have an iguana as a pet to watch at these fascinating creatures, who look so prehistoric.

Crocodile park is also home to some of the tamest koi. Here at the koi pond, you can feed the dozens of koi residing in the pool. Watch some of these gold, pearl and red carps swim right up to the surface of the clear water to await the breadcrumbs from your hand. And you won't have to worry if they nibble at your fingers. The park, of course holds several crocodile shows throughout the day. Several men in an areana, armed with only a stick brave the chilly water and the ferocious crocodiles (some of which are very large) to put up a fantastic show of skill and bravery (not to mention, comedy) for the audience.An added precaution: PLEASE do not use the flash function when taking photos during the show. You will be putting those performers' lives in danger if you do not do so.

Open: 9 am to 6pm

Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom Museum

It is an amazing museum containing an impressive display of more than 50 species of butterflies and 3000 rare insects. There are literally thousands of butterflies in a natural environment here. As the name says it, It is one of the world’s largest and most captivating world-class collections The butterfly house is a great place to photograph butterflies.

The park will also be the first in the world to showcase a 70m-long cave housing live insect specimens in their natural habitat. Walk through the lush surrounds of the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom and allow live butterflies and species – to flutter about you as you enjoy the cool outdoor conservatory. Watch the blossoming of new life at the Live Pupa house . and watch young butterflies emerge. Unlike wild butterflies, it is easy to approach them closely as they are all captive breed.

Admire the world's most beautiful and rare insects in the Insect Safari Tunnel, which includes the largest Dynasties Hercules beetle ever recorded – all 160 mm of it! There are also giant spiders and scorpions, Rhino beetles and other bugs in a separate area. For the more adventurous, participate in the twice-daily Stage Shows where you can learn how to handle giant scorpions, beetles and other insects. Try picking up a stick insect at the Stick Insect Safari, that is only if you can spot these cleverly-camouflaged creatures!

As you venture further into the dark, discover Fireflies which serve as guiding lights.
The beauty of insect life is best enjoyed when you simply step back and marvel at their diversity band their roles in the world of nature. Remember to shop for exquisite butterfly and insect memorabilia at the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom Souvenir Shop . Get familiar with the history and complete information of all these creepy crawlies at the Insect Revolution Display.
Open: 9am ~ 6.30pm .

Under Water World

Situated on Sentosa, Singapore’s Underwater world is one of Asia's most exciting tropical oceanarium (Large aquarium), showcasing the whole new world beneath the seas. It has an 83 metre long acrylic tunnel, home to some 2,500 marine creatures from 250 species . Catch a glimpse of deadly sea creatures like the Moray Eel, the Stone Fish, Lion Fish, Porcupine Fish or the Leopard Shark. Many marine species, such as the black tip and white tip sharks, eagle rays and big-belly seahorses, breed and thrive in the Underwater World- all common creatures inhabiting the ocean kingdom.

Start your tour with the Touch Pool for some 'hands on' experience with starfish, stingrays and if you dare, baby sharks. Children will enjoy the adjacent Touch Pool that provides them with the chance to pick up a starfish or two. Then venture into the ocean depths via a moving travellator that ferries you through a long acrylic tunnel. All around you, sharks, stingrays, eels and schools of fish glide past – engrossed in their own world. For those who don't mind getting wet, interactive programmes such as 'Dive with the Sharks' or 'Dive with the Dugong' are available upon advance booking. This place offers visitors the opportunity to admire the amazing sea lives from this part of the world together with endangered underwater creatures which are sure to captivate you.

The main attraction is DUGONG, sea cow that entertains visitors with its acrobatic movements. You can even get up close and personal with the endangered ‘sea cow’ or dugong, named Gracie. She was rescued as a calf off Pulau Ubin in 1998. You may observe them through a series of interactive, feeding and training sessions specially designed to demonstrate their natural abilities of tail-walking synchronization. There is usually an on-going exhibition in the exhibit hall on the first level of Underwater World. Currently they are exhibiting "Living Fossils" that features various unique and amazing freshwater creatures that inhabited the sea a few millions years ago.

The Night Ocean Discovery programme begins at 7pm daily and is your chance to view a totally different world where nocturnal sea creatures come to life as night falls. See brightly coloured fish amidst the coral life or watch seahorses anchored to plants. The rare and exotic marine mammal, the Dugong will intrigue visitors with its graceful movements. Open Visitors can expect a fun-filled experience through interactive activities and interesting exhibits, before they arrive at the highlight: The Underwater World Singapore is just a perfect place to unwind. You can forget all your worries when you come inside the with all the living sea creatures around.

Dolphin Lagoon

The Dolphin lagoon is located within the Underwater World Park in Sentosa Island in Sentosa. It provides you a unique opportunity to observe the highly intelligent Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins performing their natural behaviours such as tail -flapping, vocalizations . Every day, a Meet-the-Dolphins session is held at the Dolphin Lagoon in Sentosa. You are sure to be impressed by their remarkable performances. They will surely win over your minds. If you are amongst the lucky few, they may even register a kiss on your cheek. After all they are very amiable creatures who are always willing to make new friends.

The dolphins are considered very lovely and friendly creatures. At the Dolphin Lagoon in Sentosa, you are gifted with the wonderful opportunity of not only watching these admirable creatures from very close quarters but also of befriending them. Swim with the Dolphins is an exclusive educational cum enjoyable program where only up to 5 participants are given the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with the lovely pink dolphins at each session. Participants will learn to build a relationship with the pink dolphins during the interaction and gain a greater appreciation about our intelligent friends.

Delight yourself through a close interaction with our charming pink dolphins. Grab this rare opportunity to learn more about these intelligent pink mammals on various aspects. Under the guidance of trainers, you can learn how to give simple hand cues and watch the dolphins balance a basketball, and even whistle! You will also get a chance to feed the dolphin too! Participants should be aged 6 years and above. Advance bookings are highly encouraged to avoid disappointment."Meet the Dolphin" sessions are held with English commentaries and takes place at 11am*, 1.30pm, 3.30pm & 5.30pm daily.Do not miss out on this great opportunity to enjoy the company of the dolphins at the Dolphin Lagoon in Sentosa.

Night Safari

Explore wildlife in the world's first wildlife park designed exclusively and especially for night viewing. Singapore Night safari is located just next to the Singapore Zoo in 40 hectare of secondary jungle will unfold the mystery and drama of the tropical jungle after dusk with stunning effect. Singapore Night Safari is open for 5 hours every night. Night Safari prides itself on re-creating the natural environment for the nocturnal animals it shows, and offering its visitors the unique experience of exploring wildlife in a tropical jungle at night.

There are 1,200 animals of over 100 exotic species that are more active at night than during the day. Some 90% of tropical animals are, in fact, nocturnal, and to see them do something other than snooze gives their behaviour a new dimension. Night Safari, like the zoo, uses a moat concept to create open, natural habitats. The park is illuminated with more than 700 lampposts, which are enough to spot the animals. One can view the free moving animals in their habitats in search of food during the night lights but not to disturb or bother their normal activity.

Singapore Night Safari is covered in two stretches. One stretch includes the walking trail and the other the tram rides. Roam the jungle in the complete safety and comfort of your TRAM which takes you through the East and West Loop passing by a large reservoir and weaving through selected habitats designed specifically to replicate the natural environment from the Himalayan Foothills to the Southeast Asian Rainforest and Indian Subcontinent.

On completion of the tram ride, your tour guide will lead you on a walking trail where you will be able to view some of the small cat families, such as the fishing cat; primates, such as the slow loris and the tarsier; and the pangolin . Larger animals include the Nepalese rhino, the beautifully marked royal Bengal tigers, which are somewhat intimidating to the nearby mouse deer, wild mountain goats and mountain sheep. You can look a rhinoceros in the eye, hear the howls of a pack of striped hyenas or watch giraffes glide serenely across the plain in the still of the night Strike out on your own along the walking trail or relax in a tram ride - whichever you choose, the Night Safari is a wild adventure not to be missed.

Jurong Bird Park

Jurong Bird Park one of the finest bird parks in the world, is home to over 8,000 birds of 600 species with their variety, shapes and size.Jurong Bird Park is a 20.2 hectare open-concept park. It is the largest in the Asia Pacific. The Park specialises in birds from Southeast Asia and the more exotic and colourful tropical birds.
The best way to start a tour of the Bird Park is to board the modern, air-conditioned panorail system. Its route covers the entire Park, providing excellent elevated views of the various exhibits. The whole family can enjoy the comical parrot circus and be enthralled by the birds of prey in the King of the Skies show.

The bird shows at the Pools Amphitheatre featuring flamingoes, macaws, hornbills and cockatoos are both spectacular and funny, and recommended particularly for children. To watch magnificent birds of prey in action, catch the 'Fuji World of Hawks' show! The Penguin Parade enclosure, in a re-created Antarctic setting, houses more than 200 penguins of five species. Within the Penguin Parade enclosure, there are some 50 other sea-birdsm Another highlight is the colorful Hornbills and Toucans exhibit, the world's largest collection of Southeast Asian Hornbills.

The newly revamped BirdPark offers a range of new and exciting exhibits and facilities which are truly breathtaking and worth your while.From the Penguin Parade in a re-created Antarctic setting to the Southeast Asian Birds Aviary featuring a walk-in aviary with simulated tropical thunderstorms, the birds enjoy an environment designed to be as natural to their original habitat as possible. The African Wetlands. This African-themed exhibit with African huts and a body of water, houses endangered birds like the Shoebill, the African Crowned Crane, the Saddle-Billed Stork and more. The Waterfall Aviary is a firm favourite, home to 1,500 free-flying African birds. So is the Riverine, a new simulated natural freshwater river habitat featuring over 20 species of ducks, fish and turtles.
One of the nicer areas of the park was the Waterfall aviary, home to more than 1,500 free-flying African birds. This is an enclosed sexton of the park with many small tropical birds and a beautiful man-made waterfall.

Catch a bird’s eye view of the whole park undoubtedly the BirdPark is an enchanting paradise of birds and colours.

The Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo (Former Singapore Zoological Gardens) is acclaimed as one of the world's most spectacular zoos .In its rich lushness of tropical rainforest, Spreading over 28 hectares, over 3,600 mammals are housed in landscaped enclosures, with rock walls and streams replacing cages .

Trek down the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia to meet over 50 hamadryas baboons, the black-backed jackal and the banded mongoose. Singapore's renowned open' zoo is a paradise for both animals and visitors..kids can interact with animals and enjoy excellent playgrounds, the six island Primate Kingdom, the sea lion and penguin gallery, the air-conditioned polar bear exhibit and a miniature railway.

The Zoo's orang utan breeding programme has created a large community of these gentle, endangered species. The breeding programme has also witnessed the first tropical birth of a polar bear. Meet a variety of exotic birds, macaques, monkeys and parrots up-close and personal during shows in this daily show at Palawan Amphitheatre, Always keep your eyes open, because you will never know how intelligent or how responsive these animals can be. Intelligence, agility, and responsiveness are just some of the qualities of our friends will amuse both the young and old. . A highlight is the Fragile Forest - an exciting and educational display of ecosystems and rainforest culture. Be entertained by their many colourful stunts and tricks. Allow a whole day to enjoy the zoo's attractions.

Singapore-Overview

Singapore is situated in Southeast Asia on the southern tip of Malay Peninsula. It is one of the most important crossroads of the world. Singapore is not just one island, but a main island with over 50 surrounding islets. Singapore's main island offers a total land area of 682 square kilometres. Singapore today is one of the world's most prosperous countries with strong international ties .The beauty of Singapore is seen from modern architecture that reaches skyward to the nature reserves that surround this island nation. Singapore represents a blend of cultures, customs and cuisines that is as diverse as it is captivating.

Your tour to Singapore will never be complete unless you visit our places of interest. Singapore features tourism spots ranging from animal sanctuaries like the Zoological Gardens and Bird Park to places of flora and fauna like the Botanical Gardens as well as research venues like the Science Center.