Adventurous Experience in Singapore

Sentosa Island, a vacationers’ paradise is situated ½ km from the southern shore of the Singapore mainland. Stretching over an expanse of 5 sq. km (500 hectares), Sentosa is a hub of tourist attractions.It includes innumerable theme parks such as the most famous Universal Studios, Madame Tussauds, etc; historical places like Fort Siloso; Southeast Asia’s first 4-dimensional theatre, Sentosa 4D adventure land; official mascot of Singapore, the gigantic Merlion; 2 golf courses, 2 casinos, and a man-made 2 km stretch sheltered beach.Prior to 1970, today’s Sentosa was referred to as Pulau Blakang Mati, which when translated means “Island of Death Behind” in Malay. It was historically used by the British as the military fortress till Second World War (1942) and later by the Japanese as a Prisoners-of-war camp until its surrender to the British in 1945.It served as the base for the Singapore Naval Volunteer Force, Maritime Training school, first naval Medical center, and the School of Field Engineers’ military base under independent Singapore Government, before transforming into Sentosa, a tourist hub around 1970-80.Sentosa, which literally means “Peace and tranquillity” in Malay, is the fourth largest island with 70% rainforest cover, topical landscapes, golden sandy beaches, and significant biodiversity.A $420 million private corpus fund along with $500 million Government sponsorship saw Sentosa transmogrify into a pagan’s paradise with award-winning Spas, plush hotels, sheltered coastlines, unabashed amusements, adrenaline-pumping games, gastronomic delights, and infinite shopping arcades.Visitors of all ages and tastes get more than their money’s worth of pleasure and amusement at Sentosa Island. The multitudes of attractions at the island are broadly segregated under the following heads - Family fun, Adventure Sports, Beaches, Iconic or historical sites, Museums, Natural & Wildlife Sanctuaries, Trails, and Shows.There are some free attractions too, where explorers can enjoy without buying any ticket such as Animal Encounters at Palawan Beach, Crane Dance, Lake of Dreams at Resorts World Sentosa, Fort Siloso and skywalk at Siloso point, Siloso Beach, Tanjong Beach, Sentosa Nature Discovery, etc.Recommended Read: Hidden Places in Singapore

Chinatown is a cultural stronghold for the entire Chinese community staying in Singapore for decades. This place is a hub of activities for not only the Chinese population but also for local non Chinese and tourists coming from other parts of the world. A highly popular place in Singapore for it has also been given the status of a World Heritage site to conserve the many cultures and traditions of several Chinese clans. It is a food connoisseur’s delight with several street food joints, fine dining restaurants, high heeled pubs, quaint cafes and eateries.One will be amazed to visit the Buddhists and Hindu Temples, Museums and shopping zones for Garments, electronics, clothing and household items. This place is high on energy and is self-sustained with several diversified lines of interests.Chinese immigrants staying in Singapore for decades hold it in high esteem and call it their second home as it reminisces them of their homeland. Chinatown is forever vibrant with grand gates, most of the places done up in red and gold, lush park, narrow lanes adorned with shops selling interesting merchandise and the very famous Food complexes which are full till the brim during lunch hours.A few Michelin-star restaurants too find pride in having their outlets in Chinatown for this place has the tradition and heritage of China intact. A must visit place for every tourist visiting Singapore as this is the place which gives the country its distinctive and diversified flavour.Chinatown contributes majorly to the cosmopolitan culture of Singapore. Singapore constitutes of majorly migrant Chinese and South Indians along with citizens of different origins which have made the country even more vibrant, lively and dynamic. Visit Chinatown to have a feel of the real Singapore and relive the past amidst an array of experiences.Also Check: Most Stimulating things to do in Singapore for couplesFacts about China Town- A large portion of Chinatown has been declared as a World Heritage site.- When venturing into the different food complexes and street food joints one may stumble upon a few Michelin-star restaurants which also feature in the world’s 50 Best restaurants.- Chinatown is one of the famous tourist place in Singapore which has the oldest Chinese temple, Thian Hock Keng in Singapore dating back to 1821 and is considered to be a gazetted national monument.- Chinatown has the Buddha tooth relic temple which has a tooth of Lord Buddha saved carefully in its premises.- Sago street, unfortunately, used to be a place for several death houses or mortuaries.- People used to travel in bullock carts to fetch fresh water for the settlement here, which is now traversed by Ubers.Suggested Read: Where to Go in Singapore When Bored

Situated at the heart of the city, this is a part of Singapore’s largest nature reserve. It offers a complete break from the city's concrete jungle and fast life. MacRitchie Reservoir features in the list of World Heritage Sites by being the oldest reservoir impounding water from earth embankment.The 12-hectare park is a huge patch of greenery with an enormous water reservoir. Nature lovers visiting MacRitchie Reservoir get to witness lush greenery, beautiful landscapes, hilly terrains and the zig-zag bridge.The iconic landmarks, boardwalks, nature trails, treetop walks and watchtower make it a fascinating place. Visited by nature lovers of every age group there are ample activities to be done within the park.This popular public park is a nature lover’s dream where one can hike, engage in fishing, kayaking, walking up the hill, indulge in some gluttony or just laze around the many boardwalks. Every activity is centred around the central catchment area, MacRitchie reservoir.Water from the reservoir is filtered and processed to provide drinking water to the entire city of Singapore. The park is home to Long-tailed Macaques which are indigenous to this particular area and found in abundance.It has been a favourite amongst nature lovers and bird watchers of Singapore for long. People throng in hordes during the weekends and holidays to enjoy and engage with nature.Visitors enjoy several hours of the nature trail and hiking crossing boardwalks, bridges and narrow forest patches. Some find solace in kayaking in the reservoir and spend a lazy afternoon indulging in water sports.There is an abundant area for parking vehicles, lockers to keep valuables and signages leading you to the desired trail. To get up close and personal with nature a visit to MacRitchie reservoir is an absolute necessity.Check out: 55 Best Places to Visit in Singapore