SINGAPORE ITENERARY

SENTOSA

Essential Information
Getting Here:

1. Address: 80 Siloso Road, Sentosa, Singapore 098969. Tel: +65 62750036.

2. By taxi. All taxi drivers know where Sentosa Underwater World is. You'll also need to
pay the vehicle entrance fee of S$2.

3. By Sentosa Express (monorail) + Sentosa Bus (blue line). Take the Sentosa
Express from Vivo City Shopping Centre (Level 3) to Beach Station. Transfer to
Sentosa Blue Line Bus. Alight after 2 stops.

Admission Fee:

1. Adult: S$22.90
2. Child (age 3-12): S$14.60

Admission fee includes the 'Meet the Dolphins' session at Dolphin Lagoon.

Meet the Dolphins Sessions:

1. Daily at 11am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm.

2. The 11am session on weekdays is a training session with commentary. The rest are
performances by the Pink Dolphins.

3. Take the Sentosa Bus (Red line) from Sentosa Underwater World to Dolphin Lagoon.

Tips for Visitors

1. Half an hour before each Dolphin Session, you may find visitors at Underwater World
scrambling for the bus to Dolphin Lagoon. To beat the crowd, plan to leave earlier or
do your tour in reverse, i.e. 'Meet the Dolphins' first, then take the Red Line bus to
Sentosa Underwater World.

Do note the time for 'Meet the Dolphins' sessions: 11am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm.
Be there about 15 minutes before show time to get good seats.

2. Sentosa Underwater World also has regular feeding times for its various tanks. So be
on the lookout - use the brochure handed out at the counter. There's also a Touch
Tank near the entrance where you may run your hands over friendly marine
creatures.
 3. There's a Turtle Tank which many people miss because it's just at the entrance. See
this first and then descend some steps to see the turtles from behind a glass
window.

4. Sentosa Underwater World has 'get wet' programmes for children and adults. You
have to opportunity to dive with the sharks. You do need to call them and book
ahead - +65 62750036.

Little India Walking Tour, Route 1

START
Start your journey 1 at Little India MRT Station (NE7 on the purple North-East Line). Take Exit C
(Bukit Timah Road).

Tekka Market 
Walking right, along the path skirting a row of shops, you’ll reach the redeveloped Tekka Market. 
Bamboo clumps once grew in abundance here. Locals, especially those living in the Housing &
Development Board (HDB) flats above the centre, flock to this wet market for their daily needs,
including fresh vegetables and meats, and often visit the hawker centre for a local meal.

The market also marks a strong Chinese presence in the area, typical of Singapore’s multi-cultural
population. Look around, and if you’re lucky, the Chinese fortune teller who sits along the walkway of
Block 663 will be there.

Serangoon Road
One of Singapore’s oldest roads was built to cut across the island. It takes its name from a stork that
lived on the muddy banks of the river – the Marabou Stork, called rangon by the local Malay villagers.
Today, the area is home to a busy stretch of shops.

Ellison Building
As you stand a the corner of Bukit Timah Road and Serangoon Road, look across Rochor Canal, look
for Ellison Building on the opposite corner. An architectural gem built in 1924, it is widely believed that
British governors of Singapore once watched Sundays races at the race course from the semi-circular
domes on either end. You may notice that the building bears a prominent Star of David. There is,
however, no evidence that its original owner, I. Ellison, was Jewish.

Buffalo Road
Walk down Buffalo Road which was once lined with many buffalo pens. In days of old, many snake
charmers, fortune tellers, astrologers, palmists, numerologists, even parrot-astrologers plied their
trade here. And during religious festivals, people would seek them out, hoping to discover what the
future held.

Race Course Road

Look for Race Course Road, which was named after Singapore’s first exclusive race course which in
1843, stood nearby. Today, everyone’s welcome at the host of restaurants along the road, which offer
every conceivable Indian specialty. It is the ideal place for the gastronomically curious. Try some of
the Indian restaurants @
 a. Banana Leaf Apolo Restaurant at No. 56 for an appetizing meal served on a banana leaf.
b. Muthu’s Curry for the local favourite, fish head curry, located at No. 76 along this same street.

Little India’s Arts Belt

This is where you can learn more about the area’s culture and traditions.

a. No. 3 to 33 are examples of Art Deco-style shophouses – look up at the second floor.
b. No.23 - For a fun souvenir, have your photograph taken in traditional Indian costume here.

c. No. 47 - Discover the Islamic-influenced performing arts of Gamelan, silat and Angklung.

d. No. 53 - Specialises in brassware, while statuary and other crafts can be found at No. 55.

e. At No. 57 is a classic Indian framer; peek at the many iconic Hindu emblems on display. Even
the walkway hasn’t been neglected; see how very decorative the floor tiles are. Spend some
time exploring the ethnic stores; then stroll past the beauty parlours, jewellery and silk stores
here to reach Serangoon Road once more.

House of Tan Teng Niah

At No. 37 on Kerbau Road sits the House of Tan Teng Niah, one of Little India’s last surviving Chinese
villas. Admire its gorgeous architecture, the pintu pagar or intricately carved swinging door, second
storey overhangs and ornate staircase.

If you are hungry and keen to try some Indian delicacies like appom or thosai, try Ananda Bhavan at
No. 58 Serangoon Road.

Little India Arcade

Here you’ll find an ideal snapshot of the area’s culture and traditions. At unit #01-18, discover a world
of exquisitely hand embroidered clothes and sari fabric with intricate threadwork and pattern at
Handlooms. You might even want to try one on! Later, browse through handicrafts, trinkets,
lampshade, peacock feathers, shawls, bangles, ayurvedic herbs, incense - all of which make great
souvenirs!

Campbell Lane
Leave the Little Arcade’s side entrance on Campbell Lane . This road is a hive of activity during Hindu
festivals like Deepavali, when a lively bazaar spirit fills the air. That’s when vendors offer traditional
handcrafts and garments, jewellery, carpets, food, spices and flower garlands. Also on sale are finely
crafted gold altars and figures of Hindu deities at Gokulam. At other times, things here are more
tranquil, with old-style provision shops that seem untouched by time, wood carving furniture stores
and a Homeopathic Centre at No. 46 Heading towards Madras Street. You’ll notice that No. 39 is a fine
example of the first transitional shophouse style.

One of the oldest surviving traditional trades, Flower Garland shops still operate on Campbell Lane.
Here, men and women thread resplendent garlands or jothi of jasmine, marigolds and roses,
symbolising purity, peace and love respectively. Placed on statues of deities as prayer offerings,
they’re also used to garland important guests during functions, as a symbol of respect. Indian women
often thread pretty flowers into their hair as a form of adornment.

Dunlop Street
Next head to Dunlop Street via Madras Street. As you walk along, admire the various shophouses’
styles on the street; No. 127 and 159 are examples of early shophouse style. Spend some time
browsing among its mix of provision and textile shops.

Masjid Abdul Gafoor 

You’ll soon reach the entrance of the Masjid Abdul Gafoor. At the entrance of this mosque is a sundial.
The only one in the Islamic world, its design of a sunburst with 25 rays decorated with Arabic
calligraphy denotes the names of 25 chosen Prophets. Completed in 1907, the masjid or mosque
boasts a unique blend of Moorish-Islamic and South Indian architectural styles. You’re invited to enter
the grounds, but please follow the practice of removing your shoes.

The Church Of True Light

Next, head to this church on Perak Road. Completed in 1952 and deemed a full-fledged Anglican
Church in 1963, its architecture is relatively modest, with a strong Chinese influence. Early
worshippers here were mainly trishaw riders who lived and worked in the area. The church also
provided them free medical care and a kindergarten. Today, services are held in English, Mandarin and
Tamil, to cater to its many multi-lingual worshippers.

Upper Dickson Road

Here you can view some interesting details of the area, including Peranakan shophouse, which marry
a unique blend of Straits-born Chinese and Malay influence. Also located on this street at No. 330 to
332 is Komalas, Little India’s first Indian fast food restaurant. And usually, sitting on the right corner,
you’ll see an Indian fortune teller with her small green bird.

Serangoon Road
As you stand on Serangoon Road, you’ll see a large number of ‘yellow gold’ jewellery stores. For sale
inside are earring that screw on counter-clockwise, pieces recreated from ancient patterns, and the
Noavarethinam, a ring encrusted with nine different gems. Representing the nine planets in our solar
system, the ring is mainly worn by men, supposedly to counteract the influence of these planets.

In earlier times, you would have seen pawnshops near these goldsmiths. Ironic at first, until you
realise that the older generation of Indians frequently ‘invested’ in gold during good times and pawned
their jewellery to raise funds during bad times. The use of gold as an ‘informal currency’ was also
practiced by the older Chinese.

Cuff Road
For a flash-back to times past, turn the corner into Cuff Road. Just steps away, at No. 2, is one of
Singapore’s last Traditional Spice Grinders. The belief was that spices should only be grounded during
the day to impart their full flavour to meat and vegetables. Today, fewer families practice this; many
buy their spices ready-ground. Convenient, but a shame, as the heady aromas emanating testify. The
store opens from 9am to 6.30pm, and is closed on Mondays.
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
Now cross Serangoon Road over to the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. This temple was built as early
as 1855 and newer extensions were added in 1908. Dedicated to Kali, the Goddess of Power and
ferocious incarnation of Lord Siva’s wife, this Hindu temple is believed to be the first one of its kind in
Singapore to venerate her.

Many temple devotees use the aluminum enclosures located near the doors to break coconuts,
symbolic of revealing their pure and kind inner-selves. You may also notice that in counter-clockwise
fashion, they encircle the temple halls an odd number of times for good luck.

Devotees entering the temple ring the many bells on its door, hoping to have their requests granted.
Inside, the ceiling is rimmed with statues of Hindu gods. And of course, at this temple’s main shrine is
a jet black statue of Kali, flanked by her sons Ganesha and Murugan. The many-armed Kali carries
many weapons too. Namely, weapons of destruction. Ganesha, the elephant god, is the Remover of
Obstacles, while Murugan, often depicted riding a peacock, has his birthday marked by the festival of
Thaipusam. At other shrines, elephants flank the staircase, while the steps are covered by intricately-
worked silver.

Veeramakaliamman means ‘Kali - the Courageous’. And during World War II, the temple courageously
offered refuge to many.

Tuesdays and Fridays are the holy days when the temple is abuzz with religious fervour; a sight to
behold. You’re welcome to visit then, or at any other time (the temple is closed 12.30pm to 4pm
daily) but please enter barefoot.

Congratulations. You have completed Route 1.

Game for Route 2?

Little Indian Walking Tour - Route 2

Start Route 2 at Kampong Kapor Methodist Church

Head to Kampong Kapor Methodist Church on Kampong Kapor Road. Catering to a largely Peranakan
(Straits-born Chinese) congregation that resided in the area around 1890, this church was first built in
1929 in the Art Deco style of the time. It was rebuilt in 1989, and restored as recently as 2000. Step
inside and you’ll enjoy a few minutes’ respite from the hustle and bustle of its surrounds.

Later, soak in more sights and sounds, and revel in the atmosphere of Little India’s labyrinth of side
streets, taking either Norris, Hindoo, Baboo or Rowerll Roads to reach Angullia Mosque along
Serangoon Road.

Angullia Mosque
A place of worship for Indian Muslims. Angullia Mosque employs less ornate architecture than the
Abdull Gafoor Mosque on Route 1. It was built in 1898 on land owned by the wealthy Angullias, a
family of Gujurati traders. Today, they are still custodians of the mosque. You’re more than welcome
to visit, but please respect the practice of removing your shoes.
Desker Road
Your next stop offers you a look at something a little less innocent, Desker Road. This place is
notorious for its raunchy nighttime activities. Visit during the day, and you might find it relatively
sleepy, except for some traditional businesses operating from prime examples of late shophouses
styles, including No. 72 and 74. Right next door, No. 76 to 82 showcases a more ornate style.

Mustafa Centre 
For a complete change of scenery, drop by Mustafa Centre. Housed in a more modern building, it’s
truly a shopper’s paradise, with floor upon floor of endless merchandise, very reasonably priced and
opened 24 hours! The selection is mind-boggling. You’ll definitely find whatever you need here.

If you need a break after all that shopping, drop into Raj Restaurant at No. 76 Syed Alwi Road. Treat
your tastebuds to great North or South Indian cuisine.

Petain Road
Head to Petain Road for some fine examples of late shophouse styles at No. 10 to 44.

Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple

Further away, the Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple which is frequented largely by South Indians, is
dedicated to the deity Kaliamman, the protective motherly spirit from the north who is as pure as fire.
The main temple shrine is devoted to Goddess Kali the Destroyer, whose image in bold, rich colours
adorns the façade. Reputedly, the island’s best vimana or domed structures housing deities are found
right here.

Leong San Buddhist Temple

 This temple is also popularly known as Dragon Mountain Temple. Take a look at its roof and you’ll see
why - clay dragon sculptures adorn its roofs. Originally established as a humble lodge for treating the
sick, donations from a local philanthropist soon turned it into an elaborate temple, with a statue of
Confucius sitting regally within.

Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple

Steps away is the Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple. From a humble zinc and wood shelter housing a
statue of Buddha grew this magnificent present-day edifice. A 300 ton, 15-metre tall statue of Buddha
sits in the main hall, surrounded by hundreds of lights, leading it to be called the ‘Temple of 1,000
Lights’. Visit any time between 8am and 4.45pm daily, but don’t forget to remove your shoes before
entering.

Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple

Look for this temple along Serangoon Road. The temple is dedicated to Lord Perumal, the Preserver of
the Universe and god of mercy and goodness. Built as a simple shrine in 1855, its growing number of
devotees led to the construction of its present elaborate design in the 1960’s. The gopuram or
entrance, depicting stories of Vishnu, was added later in 1975. From this temple, devotees begin their
3km-long Thaipusam procession every January or February.

Your walking expedition for route 2 has ended.

Festivals in Little India
o Thaipusam
A spectacular celebration of mind over matter. Devotees walk with kavadis (semi-circular
wooden or metal arches often elaborately decorated with peacock feathers, tinsel and flowers)
pierced into their bodies with spikes and hooks. Their face or tongue maybe pierced too.

An act of religious thanksgiving perhaps for illnesses cured or prayers fulfilled. These devotees
prepare for the event by undergoing a period of fasting, prayer and meditation.

The festival covers a 3km route from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to Sri Thendayuthapani
Temple at Tank Road, and is held during the full moon of the auspicious Hindu month of Thai,
often falling in January or February.

o Ponggal
The Harvest Festival is when southern Indians offer prayers, rice and vegetables to the gods
as thanksgiving for their harvest. Rice is allowed to boll over as a sign of prosperity, and then
devotees consume it along with the other offerings, to cleanse themselves of past sins.

o Navarathiri
means ‘nine nights’, is a Hindu festival lasting for nine nights and ten days, and is celebrated
with music, song and dance. Devotees pay respect to three Hindu goddesses. Dhurga
(goddess of protection against evil), Lakshimi (goddess of wealth) and Saraswathi (goddess of
wisdom). On the tenth night, a glittering silver chariot carrying the mother goddess is paraded
around the temple in a show of victory over Mahishasura, the buffalo-headed monster. 

o Deepavali
The festival marks the triumph of good over evil. Many homes light little oil lamps during this
celebration to usher in happiness and good fortune, hence it’s also called the Festival of Lights.
During this month-long celebration in Little India, the area transforms into a hive of activity
and colour with festive bazaars and gaily-coloured street lightings while the Indian community
carry out their festive shopping.

o The Merlion
o The Merlion is considered to be the mascot of Singapore. It is said to be a mythical beast
which is half lion and half fish. It symbolizes courage, resilience and strength of the
citizens of Singapore. If you are interested to see this Merlion, there is a 8 meter high
status standing at the mouth of the famous Singapore River.
o Getting there : Walk along the riverfront from the Raffles Place MRT Station.
o
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o Chinatown
o Singapore’s Chinatown has got to be one of the most popular places in the whole of
Singapore. It started back in the 1820s when the first Chinese trader from Xiamen, China,
set foot on the island. If you happen to travel to this area, you will notice that it has a lot
of colours and there’s a unique atmosphere in the place. It is also a very prosperous
commercial area. During the Chinese New Year celebration, expect to see a lot of
traditional Chinese food and be amazed by the colourful decorations of Chinatown.
o Getting there : Take a short walk from Outram Park or Chinatown MRT Stations
o

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Clarke Quay

This is a very popular hangout place for those interested in Singapore’s city nightlife. In this
area, you can find a lot of air-conditioned shop houses, push-carts selling mementos, bars, discos
and restaurants. Besides there, you can also find a large variety of handicrafts and souvenirs here.
A perfect place for shoppers and diners alike.

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Getting there : Head to the Riverfront from Clarke Quay MRT Station

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Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo is among the most popular tourist destination in whole of Asia. It has won
numerous awards in the past and is highly praised for its open landscape design where the
animals live in enclosures which are pretty similar to their natural habitat. The zoo is filled with a
wide variety of exotic animals such as the white tigers, polar bears, elephants and others.
There are also special exhibitions once in a while such as the golden monkey exhibition. Other
than that, the zoo also offers one of the most interesting Night Safari in the world. In this Night
Safari, you will be able to experience wildlife on a 45 minutes long tram ride or you can also
take one of the three Walking Trails to get a feel of the park at night. It’s one in a lifetime
experience to be able to watch over one hundred of different nocturnal animals.
Getting there : Go to Choa Chu Kang MRT Station, and take SMRT Bus 927which will bring
you straight to the zoo. Or, you can choose to go to Ang Mo Kio MRT Station and board SBS
Transit bus 138.

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Sentosa Island

The Sentosa Island is Singapore’s premier island resort getaway with plenty of attractions and
filled with events all year round. You can enjoy the Volcano Land, the Orchid Garden, the
musical fountain, the wonderful golf course, beaches or just laze around the beautiful beaches.

Getting there : You can walk there via the causeway bridge near VivoCity, take the Sentosa
Express train (links HarbourFront, VivoCity and St. James Power Station to Sentosa), travel by
car, taxi, public bus (Telok Blangah Road and then change to Sentosa Bus at HarbourFront Bus
interchange), or just take the MRT and stop at HarbourFront MRT Station. You can also choose
to take the cable car service if you’re not afraid of height.

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Underwater World

Singapore’s Underwater World is the largest underwater world in South East Asia. It is situated
in the Sentosa Island and is said to be a dream haven which showcases the awe-inspiring beauty
of a whole different world beneath the seas. It is home to more than 2500 fishes from over 250
different species. In this Underwater World, you will also see one of the rarest creatures on Earth
– the dugong Gracie.

Getting there : Take Sentosa Shuttle Bus from Harbourfront interchange or take the Sentosa
Express from Vivo City and alight at Beach Station. Take the Blue Line bus and stop at
Underwater World stop. Or if you want to go to Dolphin Lagoon, just change to the Yellow Line
bus at Beach Station and alight at Dolphin Lagoon stop.

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Orchard Road

Orchad Road has to be one of the most happening places in the whole of Singapore due to its
role as the commercial main street of the city. It is a heaven for shoppers. The central shopping
area is concentrated on Orchard Road and stretches about 2.5 kilometres long. It is also believed
to have one of the largest concentration of shopping malls in the world.

Getting there : You can take a bus, taxi or just drive there. Or you can also take the MRT and
stop at Orchard MRT Station.

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Jurong Bird Park

The Jurong Bird Park is famous for its open-concept bird park which houses more than 600
species of birds. It is also the largest of its kind in Asia Pacific and has the world’s tallest man-
made waterfall. Remember to check out the events in order to attend the world-class All Star
Bird Show which the park is famous for.

Getting there : Take the MRT to Boon Lay MRT Station and then take the SBS bus 194 or 251.

Pulau Ubin

Take a boat ride from the main island and journeys to the fun-filled island of Pulau Ubin. On this
island, you will get to see traditional kelongs and prawn farms. Or if you fancy some jungle
trekking, you can also do that on this island since Pulau Ubin is pretty famous for its collection
of flora and fauna. Besides that, you can also find the famous Ma Chor temples on this island.

Getting there : Take MRT to Tampines MRT Station, then take the SBS Transit bus 29 to
Changi Village bus interchange. Finally, take a 10-minute boat ride from the Changi Point jetty.

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The Singapore Botanic Garden

The Botanic Garden is a scenic park which spreads over 52 hectares of land, in the middle of the
city. The garden is accessible from the Holland road and Cluny Road, just off the western end of
Orchard Road. It is a place for people to enjoy and relax amidst the hectic city life. The Botanic
Gardens are rather distinctive as they contain a whole variety of flora from differing climates.

Getting there : You can take the bus service SBS Transit No. 7, 105, 123, 174 and SMRT No.
75, 77 and 106 which services Holland Road; and SBS Transit No. 66, 151, 153, 154, 156, 170,
186 and SMRT No. 67, 171 along Bukit Timah Road.

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Singapore Flyer Observation Wheel

The Singapore Flyer is the world’s largest observation wheel which provides visitors with
stunning views of Singapore’s urban cityscape. Located on the south east of Marina Centre, this
42 stories high Flyer offers visitors view up to about 42 kilometers away – including Batam,
Bintan and Johor.

Getting there : You can take the newly introduced Free River Taxi Service or stop at City Hall
MRT Station, catch a public bus at Raffles Hotel (across the road from City Hall MRT Station).
Take bus 111, 106 or 133 and alight at Temasek Avenue. Or you can choose to take the shuttle
bus, which you will need to cross the road from City Hall MRT Station to Coleman Street and
board the bus at the bus stop next to St. Andrew’s Cathedral.

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Little India
Visit the interesting Tekka Market at Serangoon Road.  The briyani there is good for lunch.  There's a
nice Malay stall selling Gado-Gado (vegetarian dish with peanut sauce), Soto (clear chicken broth) and
Satay mutton/chicken barbequed on a skewer).  Food in a hawker centre is cheap.
A plate of briyani is about S$3 (US$1.80).  The Indian drink
stall sells very nice ginger tea too. Tell them you want "Teh Ahlia".

If you're interested in jewellery, the goldsmith shops all around Little India sells very good quality
gold(22k).  If you like, there's an Indian hair salon that gives a very good hot oil massage and herbal
steam treatment for your hair.  The place is called Ajantha Beauty Salon.

From Tekka, walk up Serangoon Road (it's a 1-way road) against the flow of traffic.  About maybe 2-
300 yards away from the main traffic junction of Tekka, you will see the shop. You should see it before
you hit the next junction of Peace Centre.  Your hair will be very soft with a beautiful
shine on it after it's done. (Total time 1 Hr)

Do walk around the little lanes there.  There's so much to take in - the sights and sounds and smells
and colours.  For lunch you could try the vegetarian Komala Vilas or the Apollo Fish Head Curry in
Race Course Road. The Fish Head Curry is a creation of the Indians of Singapore.  You can't
find this even in India!

Arab Street
Arab Street is not very far from Little India.  It is a repository of culture for Singapore's Muslim
community.  Along this road and its adjoining side streets, shop for textiles - batiks, sarongs, silks and
other swathes of material - and handicrafts such as leather bags and rattan goods.  The Sultain
Mosque on North Bridge Road is the island's biggest.

Just to the South, along Vicoria Street sits Bugis Junction, a mall made out of restored shophouses
that have been topped off by a roof of glass and air conditioned.  Walk across Victoria Street into the
shopper's alley (just behind the bus-stop).

It's absolutely cramped and it sells all sorts of stuff from Nepalese bags and clothes to American T-
Shirts and watches.  Carry on walking till it opens up to a more spacious lane and at the end of it is
the Kwan Inn Buddhist Temple and almost next to it is an Indian Temple.  It never ceases to amaze
me that that devotees from the Chinese Temple go over to the Indian Temple to lay out their joss-
sticks and say a prayer there.

Chinatown
The wet market here is not to be missed.  It's really wet, so be warned.
There are live fishes swimming in tubs, frogs etc, all kinds of vegetables.
And the hawker stalls upstairs is huge!  Even Singaporeans get lost here!
But the area around there is quite messy because they are building a subway train station there.  To
get there, take the train to Outram MRT and walk from there.

East Coast / Katong

The Laksa here is one of the best!  People from all over Singapore come here to have it. It's a light
spicy noodle soup made with coconut milk, cockles, shrimp and fishcake.  (If they ask you  - Ai Harm
Mai - do you want cockles?
Say yes.  The cockles here are safe and it adds to the flavour of the Laksa)
There are 4 stalls in this particular corner selling Laksa.
If you're coming from town, take bus number 10, 12, 14, 32, 40 & 608.  Ask someone to tell you
when you reach Katong Shopping Centre but get off at the Next stop.  Just 30 feet away from that
bus-stop is Ceylon Road.  At that corner is a Laksa stall.  If you're here for breakfast, the Roti Prata is
really good too!  They serve this only for breakfast.  Come before 9.30am.
I suggest you have 1 plain prata each (50 cents).  You Must try the Otah - that's shredded mackeral in
spicy paste wrapped with banana leaf and barbequed to perfection!  I live around here and this is
what I like to eat almost every weekend!

If you like to try reflexology, this is a good time/place to try.  Go across the covered overhead bridge
and get into Roxy Square II (you have to go through Roxy Square 1).  It's on the 2nd level - called
Ichiban.  It's done
by a partially blind team.  It's really good. Ask for the foot and head and shoulders massage ($30).
Or you can try a foot reflexology massage at People's Park Centre in Chinatown.  Most of the shops
are on the 3rd floor. My regular "physician" there is Acupuncture and Chinese Medical Services at
#03-66.  They charge about $20 for 45 minutes of foot, hand and shoulders massage.  They speak
good English too.

Food
A specialty of Singapore is Chicken Rice.  I have gone all over the island looking for what I'd consider
excellent chicken rice.  And the best I've found is in China Square.  Basement stall number B1-11.  
The iced-coffee at the drinks stall just opposite the chicken rice stall is the best iced-coffee I've found.
China Square is near Raffles Place - the heart of the business district in Singapore.  It'll be interesting
just to take the MRT (subway) here and just sit around and see the people walking busily by.  There's
lots of money changers here if you need to change some cash.

Three of the tallest buildings in Singapore is just a stone's throw from each other.  I believe they are
also in the top 100 tallest buildings in the world. Republic Plaza (where I work!), OUB Centre and UOB
Plaza.  Just ask
anyone where China Square is and they'll point you in the right direction.

After your meal, you could walk around Far East Square. It's an interesting place with old pre-war
terrace houses that has been refurbished. They are all not more than 3-story high.  Look for Yakun.
They serve fantastic Kaya
Toast.  It's great for dessert with a cup of tea or coffee.  Just ask any executive where Yakun is.  It's
not a good idea to eat there between 12-2pm unless you want to see what a crowded coffeeshop is
like with people
hovering over you, waiting for your seat!  Bread is toasted over charcoal till it's crispy and slightly
burnt.  A thick slice of butter is placed on the bread and spread with kaya (jam) - a treat of coconut
milk and sugar cooked over several hours.  Eat it hot!
"Open since 1944, it's a truly local experience, Singapore's very own coffee culture."
Far East Square, 18 China Street #01-01.
Opening hours: 7.30am to 8pm(Mon-Fri), 9am to 5pm (Sat/Sun)

Nearby is Boat Quay.  Another place you shouldn't miss.  I just love having dinner here with friends.  I
love to sit just beside the river.  The food here is nothing great.  It's the atmosphere that's nice.  You
won't go wrong
with the Italian restaurants along Boat Quay. (Don't eat the Chinese food here - not authentic) I
recommend Hot Stones for something different.  It tastes good too and the soup here is fantastic.
There are lots of pubs here
too.  Come by 6.30 if you want a seat by the river side.  Oh, take a bumboat ride while you're here.
I'm sure you'll love it.

Over at Suntec City in the Fountain of Wealth.  It's the world's largest fountain.  Showtime is at 8pm -
free.  

The Singapore Tourist Board is on the 2nd floor of

the famous Raffles Hotel. Maybe you should start here first and get the pamplets and brochures and
maps that you might need to get you going.  Ask about any free tours - like the one of Little India.

Take a train ride all around the island - just to get a feel of the country. Yes, you can circle the whole
country in less than 2 hours!  For a feel of a housing estate, get off the train at Tampines and walk
around Tampines Mall
and Century Square.  These are the heartlanders.  Three quarters of Singaporeans live in Housing
Estates.  Go for a movie in one of them.  It's definitely much cheaper than in the West!  Singaporeans
are number one movie goers in the world!  

If you like something different, there's one cinema in Singapore that is unlike any I've been to around
the world!  It's at Great World City.  The ticket costs S$25 each but I think it's worth it for a treat. The
reclining armchairs are arranged two by two with a little table in front for your sushi, pastries and
drinks. There are 15 pairs of seats in the theatre.  If you're early, there's a VIP lounge meant for
ticket holders.
You can take bus number 16 there or take the free shuttle from the bus-stop outside Tangs at Orchard
Road.

If you like, you could go to Sentosa.  It's a touristy island and quite fun. Watch the Sentosa Musical
Fountain at 8pm.  I enjoyed that.  

There's also the usual places like the Zoo, Bird Park, Botanical Gardens and Night Safari.

One place I feel has been neglected by the tourist agencies.  This is Sungei Buloh nature reserve.  It's
very different and fascinating.

Sungei Buloh
"If you are expecting a park with strategicaly planted trees and nice walkways, then you will be sadly
disappointed.  This designated nature reserve has mudflats, brackish water ponds and freshwater
ponds co-existing with the animal life.  This is the sort of park you'd expect to find David
Attenborough.

More importantly though, the park is an important stopover point for migratory birds that come from
as far as China and Siberia.  Resident avians include herons, kingfishers, woodpeckers and munias.
There are huts for you to sit and observe the birds."
Take the MRT to Kranji station, then take TIBS925.

The weather here is quite hot and humid.  You don't need sweaters, etc here, even in the evenings.
We're practically on the Equator (just 1 degree north). The coolest it ever gets is about 23 degrees
centigrade and that's about 3am in the morning.  

Transportation in Singapore is very cheap - even the taxis (well cheap compared to the West)  Easiest
way to travel around is by bus (most of them is air-conditioned) and the MRT.  Go to any station and
get an MRT Farecard.
That's $12 per card with a $10.50 value.  If you return your card at the end of your stay, you'll get
your balance refunded.  But most folks will keep them as souvenirs.  Don't get the Tourist Ticket -
they're only valid on the
trains!  You can't use them on buses.  The normal farecard can be used on both train and buses.  This
is very convenient.  With the card, you don't need to bother about the fare on trains, it will
automatically deduct each
time you slot it in at the turnstile (remember to remove it as you come out - it will pop out at the end
of the turnstile).

On the buses, ask the driver the fare to your destination. Just wave your card a little so he knows
you're using the farecard. There are Farecard machines inside the buses. You get a rebate from the
fares if you use farecards.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i8282-Suggested_itinerary_for_Singapore.html

http://travel.ninemsn.com.au/internationalinsiders/singapore-itineraries/693120/singapore-three-day-
itinerary

http://bluestar8.multiply.com/journal/item/210

http://www.buendiaavenue.com/tag/sample-singapore-itinerary/

http://www.viator.com/Singapore/d18

INTRODUCTION:
Getting around Sentosa Island is easy and pleasant. One should not be daunted by the
thought of walking around the island to get to various attractions because the public
transportation is very efficient and free-of-charge. Although, for the record, I think walking
on the footpaths amidst cool green foliage is not a bad idea after all. In fact, I even saw
some tourists and locals were cycling to get around the island.

TOURIST BUS SERVICE:

There are 5 different bus services that bring you to various attractions on Sentosa Island. You
may need to change bus at certain stops to get to another attraction on a different route. The
details are listed below:

Blue Line
Visitor Arrival Centre* >> The Merlion >> Cable Car Station >> Underwater World at Siloso Beach >> Ferry Terminal >> Artists Village
>> Visitor Departure Centre*

0700 - 2300 hrs (Sundays to Thursday and public holidays), 0700 - 0030 hrs (Fridays, Saturdays and the eve of public holidays). Last bus
leaving from Visitor Arrival Centre is at 2236 hrs (Sundays to Thursday and public holidays) and 0006 hrs (Fridays, Saturdays and the eve
of public holidays).

Yellow Line
Visitor Arrival Centre* >> Ficus Tree >> Dolphin Lagoon >> Allanbrooke Road >>  The Sentosa Resort & Spa >> Visitor Departure
Centre*

0700 - 2300 hrs (Sundays to Thursday and public holidays), 0700 - 0030 hrs (Fridays, Saturdays and the eve of public holidays). Last bus
leaving from Visitor Arrival Centre is at 2240 hrs (Sundays to Thursday and public holidays) and 0010 hrs (Fridays, Saturdays and the eve
of public holidays).

Green Line
Ferry Terminal >> Underwater World at Siloso Beach >> Cable Car Station

Operates from 0900 - 2100 hrs daily.

Red Line
Underwater World at Siloso Beach >> Artists Village >> Ficus Tree >> Dolphin Lagoon >> Allanbrooke Road >> The Merlion

Operates from 1000 - 1830 hrs daily.

Siloso Beach Line

Sapphire Hall >> Trapizza Restaurant >> Siloso Beach Stop >> Artists Village >> Gateway Carpark >> Visitor Departure Centre* >>
Visitor Arrival Centre* >> The Merlion >> Children's Playground >> Siloso Beach Stop (opposite way) >> Sunset Bay Restaurant

1000 - 2200 hrs (Sundays to Thursday and public holidays), 0700 - 0100 hrs (Fridays, Saturdays and the eve of public holidays).

*Visitor Arrival and Departure Centres are located on the opposite side of each other on
Gateway Road right after Sentosa Gateway Avenue bridge.

TAXI:
There are a number of Blue Comfort cabs plying various routes throughout the island. The
cab service is usually required by hotel guests who are staying in the island's many resorts.
If you are visiting the island for a leisure day-trip, you are unlikely to find the need to flag
down a taxi in Sentosa.

BEACH TRAIN:
Surprisingly there are two mini train (which is actually a tram-like bus) services in Sentosa.
They are called the "beach train" because they transport the tourists to various beaches on
the island. One train line operates between Siloso Beach to Beach Carpark and vice versa,
while another train line serves passengers going between Palawan Beach and Tanjong
Beach. Both trains operate from 0900 - 1900 hrs daily.