Search for vacation rental homes in Singapore

Singapore: The Island of Old Myths and New Legends!

Singapore is no hidden secret. Over 6 million visitors a year flock to Singapore to experience the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of this small island. Vacationers can spend their time shopping in a pro-haggling market place, or hop on a cable car and work on their suntan on a beautiful beach. The museums, restaurants, galleries, shops, and nature attractions will keep even the most discriminating vacationer happy.

Singapore is a symphony of cultural influences. For a glimpse into this rich diversity, visit the Asian Civilizations Museum. This museum features art and artifacts of Southeast Asia, China, India and the Islamic world. The Singapore Art Museum's state-of-the-art galleries feature paintings, sculptures, and installations drawn from its 4000-strong permanent collection of Southeast Asian modern and contemporary art. The buildings of the Peranakan Palace reflect an aspect of Singapore culture that is part Malay and part Chinese.

No other city in the world is so associated with a beverage as Singapore, home to the legendary Singapore Sling. The equally famous Raffles Hotel, the Grand Dame of Singapore hotels, takes credit for inventing this tasty libation, and the drink has been enjoyed by famous writers and entertainers for generations. Somerset Maugham, Rudyard Kipling, Joseph Conrad, and Charlie Chaplin are just a few of its illustrious practitioners. The Long Bar, one of the many bars and restaurants in the hotel, is where it all started. Pop in for a "Sling" and hear the 7 piece band while you're at it!

Animal lovers and children of all ages will get a kick out of the Singapore Zoological Gardens. Singapore's zoo is set in 170 acres of parkland next to a serene lake. There are more than 1,600 animals in residence, 50% of the 170 different species are endangered animals from Southeast Asia. Be sure to stick around for the Night Safari, which opened in 1994, and is the only night time zoo experience in the world. The tour gives visitors the opportunity to view animals in their nocturnal environments.

If shopping is your thing, Clark Quay, situated along Singapore River, is a festive village combining entertainment, food, and shopping housed in restored warehouses and row houses, some dating back to the late 1880's. Nothing in Singapore beats Arab Street for bazaar-style shopping with true ethnic character. The street itself is an explosion of colorful textiles from all over Asia at very low prices. Here you can browse in hole-in-the-wall shops, haggle to your heart's content, and come away with the most delightful purchases at bargain prices.

No visit to Singapore is complete without spending some time on Sentosa, a combination theme park, nature preserve, and beach area, located just off Singapore. Begin your Sentosa experience by climbing the Merlion, long the tourism symbol of Singapore, which symbolizes the strength Singapore feels with both the land and surrounding sea. The Merlion tower offers incredible views of the Singapore skyline. For a thrilling ocean viewing experience, set your compass for Underwater World, an aquarium housing more than 2,500 fish with over 250 different species. Pet the starfish, rays, and (if you dare) baby sharks. Or let the escalator whisk you through the acrylic tunnel, as you see the animals in their natural habitat. With your ticket to Underwater World, you are given a pass to Dolphin Lagoon, where you can see rare pink Indo-Pacific dolphins demonstrate their talents. The truly adventurous can slip into a wet suit and swim with these docile creatures. Three beaches on Sentosa, Tanjong, Palawan, and Siloso, call to those in search of some prime tanning time. Swimming, beach volleyball, roller blading, cycling, and beach kayaking are just a few of the activities available.

So, if you are looking for some fun in the sun, Singapore is for you. If you want to immerse yourself in cultural and historical attractions, Singapore is for you. If you want to haggle for a ceramic vase or hand-sewn rug, Singapore is for you. If you want to get up close and personal with a nocturnal predator, Singapore is for you. There is only one way of saying it: Singapore is for you!