Singapore’s A – Z guide for fun, frivolity and festivities during 2007

The New Year started off with a bang in the Lion City with action set to continue right throughout 2007, so whether you are planning to stay for seven hours or seven days, you and your clients can use the following A-Z guide to help you discover the very best Singapore has to offer.

Asian Civilisations Museum – (1 Empress Place) an art lover’s paradise and where visitors can view over 1,300 priceless artefacts from throughout South East Asia. After touring the superbly appointed display halls of this heritage building, stop for an evening cocktail at nearby Indochine Bar and watch the world sail by along Singapore River.

Bird Singing – for a truly unique Singaporean experience head to Ang Mo Kio (Blk 159 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4) on a Sunday and witness hundreds of singing merboks (zebra doves) in their beautifully crafted cages. This is a serious pastime in Singapore and hundreds of dollars change hands in the quest to discover and own a champion songbird.

Chinatown – dating back to 1821, discover the delights of this crowded and colourful area with its network of streets and alleyways. Learn how the early Chinese migrants lived, worked and played at the Chinatown Heritage Centre (48 Pagoda Street).

Durian – locals say this unusual ‘must-try’ regional fruit ‘smells like hell but tastes like heaven’ – be the judge and try it for yourself!

East Coast Seafood Centre – dine with the locals and indulge in Singapore’s unofficial national dish, Chilli Crab. Hard shell crabs are smothered in a zesty, chilli-spiked gravy and are often served with Mantou (Chinese buns) for mopping up every last bit of the delicious sauce.

Festivals and Events– no matter what the time of the year, Singapore is always celebrating. Perennial favourites include the Great Singapore Sale (May – July), the Singapore Food Festival (July), Christmas in the Tropics (November – January), or for a cultural feast enjoy the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts (August/ September), or Deepavali (October/ November) celebrated by the Hindu community.  For a complete listing of all festivals and events log onto www.visitsingapore.com

Gardens– Singapore is home to many beautiful gardens including the Botanic Gardens, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and the Spice Gardens at Fort Canning Park to name a few. The island city is now also home to a number of glorious garden spas where visitors can choose from a menu of natural treatments, all to be enjoyed in a luxurious outdoor setting. Experience it for yourself at the recently opened Aramsa Garden Spa (Bishan Park II, 1382 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1).

Henna Painting – discover the techniques and traditions behind this customary Indian body art by selecting a traditional motif or designing your own at Selvi’s Creation at Tekka Mall (2 Serangoon Road).

Islands – Did you know that Singapore is made up of 63 islands, with some just ripe for exploration? Head to Pulau Ubin and discover the rustic charms of an island which seems lost in time, or lap up some luxury at a 5-star resort spa on Bintan Island.

Jurong Birdpark – among the world’s largest bird park and home to over 9,000 birds from some 600 species. With its stunning surrounds and delightful bird shows, this park is a firm favourite of children and adults alike (2 Jurong Hill).

Kampong Glam –originally a fishing village, this district is now the heart of Singapore’s Malay community. Visit Arab Street to peruse the colourful market stalls and fossick for bargains. Also don’t miss the beautiful Sultan Mosque (3 Mascat Street), famous for its impressive golden dome.

Little India – as the focal point for Singapore’s Indian community, Little India’s spice scented streets beckon all. Breakfast on Roti Prata before shopping for silverware, gold, silk saris, and saffron. Discover what the future holds by having your fortune read the traditional way – by a parrot!

Merlion – as Singapore’s national tourism icon, this half-fish, half-lion statue symbolises Singapore’s humble beginnings as a fishing village and its name Singapura (Lion City), given by Prince Sang Nila Utama. Now located at the head of the river at Merlion Park, it is visited by over 1 million people each year

Night Safari – the world’s first Night Safari offers a unique and seldom-seen peek into the jungle in the midnight hours. The park is home to over 900 animals spanning 130 exotic species including cape giraffes, hyenas and the rare one-horned rhino.

Orchard Road – spend a day browsing through the hundreds of specialty stores and designer boutiques that flank this world famous shopping boulevard. Selling everything from fashion to electronics, visitors can head to Tangs Department Store and engage the services of a personal shopper if the choices are too overwhelming.

Peranakan – Singapore’s indigenous Peranakan culture is a blend of Chinese and Malay with influences from the Dutch and English. With its very own unique architecture, dress, furniture and cuisine, Peranakan culture can best be experienced in the district of Katong including Rumah Bebe’s 1929 traditional Shophouse (113 East Coast Road).

Quays – Clarke, Boat and Robertson. Each with its own distinct personality, these waterside venues leave visitors spoilt for choice. Dine alfresco along the shores of Singapore River at Boat Quay, bar hop at the newly revamped Clarke Quay, or dance the night away at the ever popular Robertson Quay.

Raffles Hotel – a charming old dame and birthplace of the famous Singapore Sling, Raffles Hotel is one of the world’s finest and boasts suites named after past guests including Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham and Noel Coward (1 Beach Road). 2007 will see the hotel celebrate its 120th anniversary.

Sentosa – a favourite with families, this popular island is peppered with child friendly attractions including UnderWater World, Dolphin Lagoon, Carlsberg Tower, Images of Singapore, Butterfly Kingdom and the Luge.

Thian Hock Keng Temple – built in 1821 by Chinese seamen to give thanks for a safe passage to Singapore, this beautiful temple is Singapore’s oldest and is guarded by two very fierce-looking door gods (158 Telok Ayer Street)

Upper Changi Road – reinforcing the strong ties between Australia and Singapore, Changi Chapel & Museum (1000 Upper Changi Road) commemorates the many allied PoWs who were imprisoned in Singapore during WWII following the Japanese invasion.

VivoCity – Singapore’s largest shopping and lifestyle destination offering a diverse mix of up to 300 retail, entertainment and dining outlets, set over 1 million square feet of floor space. This mecca for shop-a-holics is located next to St James Power Station, Singapore’s hottest nightspot featuring nine clubs in one location –all accessible via one cover charge!

Walking Tours – the best way to discover Singapore is on a guided Original Singapore Walk (www.singaporewalks.com). Hosted daily, rain or shine, walkers mix with the locals and learn about the colourful history of areas including Little India, Chinatown, Kampong Glam and the Colonial District.

Xi Yan – (38A Craig Road) putting the X in eXclusive, this unassuming restaurant with no street sign has a two month waiting list. Heralded for its delicious food and stunning presentation, the house speciality is a fixed price 13 course Yin Yang degustation menu.

Yixing Xuan Teahouse – In this traditional Chinese tea house, Mr Vincent Low conducts classes on the ancient art of tea making. You are guaranteed never to look at a tea bag the same way again! For further details log onto www.yixingxuan-teahouse.com

Zoo – the award-winning, 28 hectare open plan Singapore Zoo is home to over 3,200 animals. For a truly memorial experience enjoy a Wild Breakfast or Afternoon Tea with park favourites including the shy gibbon, witty bear cat, agile spider monkey or cheeky orang-u-tan.

For more information about Singapore, visit www.visitsingapore.com or contact the Singapore Tourism Board on (02) 9290 2888.

Report by The Mole