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    Insight Guides Explore Singapore (Travel Guide eBook)
    Insight Guides Explore Singapore (Travel Guide eBook)
    Insight Guides Explore Singapore (Travel Guide eBook)
    Ebook483 pages2 hours

    Insight Guides Explore Singapore (Travel Guide eBook)

    By Insight Guides

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    About this ebook

    Pocket-sized books to inspire your on-foot exploration of top international destinations.

    Experience the best of Singapore with this indispensably practical Insight Guides Explore book. From making sure you don't miss out on must-see attractions like Gardens by the Bay to discovering hidden gems, including the Chinatown Food Street, the easy-to-follow, ready-made walking routes will help you plan your trip, save you time, and enhance your exploration of this fascinating country.


    - Practical, pocket-sized and packed with inspirational insider information, this will make the ideal on-the-move companion for your trip to Singapore
    - Enjoy over 18 irresistible Best Routes to walk, from Marina Bay to Changi
    - Features concise insider information about landscape, history, food and drink, and entertainment options
    - Invaluable maps: each Best Route is accompanied by a detailed full-colour map, while the large pull-out map provides an essential overview of the area
    - Discover your destination's must-see sights and hand-picked hidden gems
    - Directory section provides invaluable insight into top accommodation, restaurant and nightlife options by area, along with an overview of language, books and films
    - Includes an innovative extra that's unique in the market - all Explore Guides come with a free eBook
    - Inspirational colour photography throughout

    About Insight Guides: Insight Guides is a pioneer of full-colour guide books, with almost 50 years' experience of publishing high-quality, visual travel guides with user-friendly, modern design. We produce around 400 full-colour print guide books and maps as well as phrase books, picture-packed eBooks and apps to meet different travellers' needs. Insight Guides' unique combination of beautiful travel photography and focus on history and culture create a unique visual reference and planning tool to inspire your next adventure.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherInsight Guides
    Release dateFeb 1, 2019
    ISBN9781789193183
    Insight Guides Explore Singapore (Travel Guide eBook)
    Author

    Insight Guides

    Pictorial travel guide to Arizona & the Grand Canyon with a free eBook provides all you need for every step of your journey. With in-depth features on culture and history, stunning colour photography and handy maps, it’s perfect for inspiration and finding out when to go to Arizona & the Grand Canyon and what to see in Arizona & the Grand Canyon. 

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    • 5/5
      I bought this, not knowing when I’d be going to Tokyo, but found out I would be going there sooner than I thought. Less that a year after buying this book I found myself in Tokyo for a 4 hour layover. I hadn’t bookmarked anything in this book, and had barely read it, but I had broughtit along with me so when I landed in Japan, I’d know what to do. Thanks to this book I was able to go through the very difficult task of taking all the trains into the city from Narita Airport and rushing to Shibuya, Harajuku and Shinjuku. It was stressful and confusing, but I managed it, and am so happy I did. It totally worth the effort (not to mention money). If this book can guide me in a rush through Japan, then I’m sure it can do its job wonderfully if you actually read the whole book! And the maps Insight Guide includes with numbers, matching with sites being described is so helpful. It also includes a small fold out map (not entirely helpful) with a bunch of restaurants pinpointed on it. Defiantly a necessity for all planning on going to Tokyo.

    Book preview

    Insight Guides Explore Singapore (Travel Guide eBook) - Insight Guides

    How To Use This E-Book

    This Explore Guide has been produced by the editors of Insight Guides, whose books have set the standard for visual travel guides since 1970. With ­top-­quality photography and authoritative recommendations, these guidebooks bring you the very best routes and itineraries in the world’s most exciting destinations.

    Best Routes

    The routes in this book provide something to suit all budgets, tastes and trip lengths. As well as covering the destination’s many classic attractions, the itineraries track lesser-known sights, and there are also ex­cursions for those who want to extend their visit outside the city. The routes embrace a range of interests, so whether you are an art fan, a gourmet, a history buff or have kids to entertain, you will find an option to suit.

    We recommend reading the whole of a route before setting out. This should help you to familiarise yourself with it and enable you to plan where to stop for refreshments – options are shown in the ‘Food and Drink’ box at the end of each tour.

    Introduction

    The routes are set in context by this introductory section, giving an overview of the destination to set the scene, plus background information on food and drink, shopping and more, while a succinct history timeline highlights the key events over the centuries.

    Directory

    Also supporting the routes is a Directory chapter, with a clearly organised A–Z of practical information, our pick of where to stay while you are there and select restaurant listings; these eateries complement the more low-key cafés and restaurants that feature within the routes and are intended to offer a wider choice for evening dining. Also included here are some nightlife listings, and our recommendations for books and films about the destination.

    Getting around the e-book

    In the Table of Contents and throughout this e-book you will see hyperlinked references. Just tap a hyperlink once to skip to the section you would like to read. Practical information and listings are also hyperlinked, so as long as you have an external connection to the internet, you can tap a link to go directly to the website for more information.

    Maps

    All key attractions and sights mentioned in the text are numbered and cross-referenced to high-quality maps. Wherever you see the reference [map] just tap this to go straight to the related map. You can also double-tap any map for a zoom view.

    Images

    You’ll find hundreds of beautiful high-resolution images that capture the essence of the destination. Simply double-tap on an image to see it full-screen.

    © 2018 Apa Digital (CH) AG and Apa Publications (UK) Ltd

    Table of Contents

    Recommended Routes For...

    Architecture

    The arts

    Foodies

    Local culture

    Nightlife

    Parks and gardens

    Shopaholics

    Wildlife

    Explore Singapore

    Development

    Modern-day Singapore

    Orientation

    Conservation

    Garden city

    Getting around

    Melting pot

    Preoccupations

    Pastimes

    A changing city

    Food and Drink

    Chinese cuisine

    Indian cuisine

    Malay cuisine

    Peranakan cuisine

    Singapore’s signature dishes

    Hainanese chicken rice

    Fish-head curry

    Chilli crab

    Laksa

    Breakfast

    Drinks and desserts

    Hawker centres

    Shopping

    Shopping districts

    Orchard Road

    Marina Bay

    Civic District

    Kampong Glam

    Little India

    Chinatown

    What to buy

    Entertainment

    Where to go

    Hotel bars

    Clubs

    Gay venues

    Live entertainment

    Rock and pop music

    Jazz

    Classical music

    Theatre and dance

    Festivals and Events

    January to March

    April to June

    July to September

    October to December

    Heritage Architecture

    Shophouses

    Colonial buildings

    Modern icons

    History: Key Dates

    British colonial rule

    Post-World War II

    Independence

    21st century

    Civic District

    St Andrew’s Cathedral

    The Padang

    City Hall

    Court buildings

    Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall

    Asian Civilisations Museum

    Raffles’ Landing Site

    The Arts House

    MICA Building

    Central Fire Station

    Armenian Church

    Cathedral of the Good Shepherd

    Chijmes

    Raffles Hotel

    Museum District

    Fort Canning Park

    Peranakan Museum

    The Substation

    National Museum

    Galleries

    National Treasures

    Singapore Art Museum

    Historical building

    Collection

    Marina Bay

    The Esplanade

    Esplanade Park

    Merlion Park

    Fullerton buildings

    Collyer Quay

    Red Dot Design museum

    Marina Bay Sands

    Gardens by the Bay

    Singapore River

    Historical bridges

    Boat Quay

    More bridges

    Riverside Point

    Clarke Quay

    Robertson Quay

    Alkaff Bridge

    Central Business District

    Skyscrapers

    Wak Hai Cheng Temple

    Far East Square

    Telok Ayer Street

    Nagore Durgha Building

    Thian Hock Keng Temple

    Al Abrar Mosque

    Telok Ayer Methodist Church

    Chinatown

    Jamae Mosque

    Sri Mariamman Temple

    Chinatown Heritage Centre

    Trengganu and Smith streets

    Chinatown Food Street

    Sago Street

    Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

    Singapore City Gallery

    Orchard Road

    Tanglin Road

    Forum, Hilton and Four Seasons

    Palais Renaissance and around

    Scotts Road

    Far East Plaza

    Goodwood Park Hotel

    The main stretch

    Tourist information

    Emerald Hill

    Centrepoint

    Orchard Central

    Dhoby Ghaut

    Botanic Gardens and Tanglin Village

    Botanic Gardens

    Evolution Garden

    National Orchid Garden

    Ginger Garden

    Lower Ring Road

    Swan Lake

    Tanglin Village

    Dempsey Cluster

    Minden Cluster

    Kampong Glam

    Arab Street

    Bussorah Street

    Sultan Mosque

    Malay Heritage Centre

    Kandahar Street

    Haji Lane

    Bali Lane

    Little India

    Backstreets

    Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

    Angullia Mosque

    Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple

    Thaipusam

    Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple

    Leong San See Temple

    Sentosa

    Imbiah Lookout

    Thrill rides

    Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom

    Images of Singapore

    Nature Walk

    Fort Siloso

    Beaches

    Siloso Beach

    Palawan Beach

    Tanjong Beach

    Sentosa Cove and Quayside Isle

    Evening entertainment

    Southern Islands

    St John’s Island

    Kusu Island

    Chinese Temple

    Muslim shrines

    Pulau Hantu and Sisters’ Islands

    Western Singapore

    Jurong Bird Park

    Jurong Lake Gardens

    Science Centre

    Southern Singapore

    Mount Faber

    VivoCity

    Katong and The East Coast

    Joo Chiat

    Koon Seng Road

    St Hilda’s Church

    Senpaga Temple

    East Coast Road

    Peranakan culture

    Church of the Holy Family

    Katong Antique House

    East Coast Park

    Changi

    Changi Chapel and Museum

    Changi Murals

    Changi Chapel

    Changi Village

    Changi Beach Park

    Changi Massacre Site

    Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

    Background

    Trails

    Mandai

    Singapore Zoo

    Orangutans

    Other highlights

    Dinner and entertainment

    Night Safari

    Habitats

    Walking trails

    Accommodation

    Civic District

    Marina Bay

    Singapore River

    Chinatown

    Orchard Road

    Little India

    Sentosa

    Restaurants

    Civic District

    Marina Bay

    Singapore River

    Chinatown

    Orchard Road

    Botanic Gardens and Tanglin Village

    Little India

    Bukit Timah

    East Coast

    Sentosa

    Nightlife

    Civic District

    Marina Bay

    Singapore River

    Orchard Road

    Sentosa

    A-Z

    A

    Addresses

    B

    Budgeting

    Business hours

    C

    Children

    Climate

    Clothing

    Crime and safety

    Customs

    D

    Disabled travellers

    E

    Electricity

    Embassies

    Emergencies

    Etiquette

    F

    Festivals

    January/February

    March/April

    May/June/July

    August/September

    October/November/December

    H

    Health

    Hospitals

    Pharmacies

    I

    Internet

    L

    Left luggage

    LGBTQ travellers

    Lost property

    M

    Media

    Money

    P

    Postal services

    Public holidays

    R

    Religion

    S

    Sports

    T

    Telephones

    Tourist information

    Time zone

    Transport

    Getting there

    Getting around

    Toilets

    V

    Visas and passports

    w

    Websites

    Books and Film

    Books

    Films

    Recommended Routes For...

    Architecture

    Don’t miss grand colonial-era buildings in the Civic District (route 1), skyscrapers designed by superstar architects in Marina Bay (route 3), or flamboyant Peranakan terrace houses in Emerald Hill (route 7).

    Timothy Hursley/Marina Bay Sands

    The arts

    Take in a music or theatre performance at The Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay (route 3), spot public sculptures in the CBD (route 5), and sample Southeast Asian art in the Singapore Art Museum (route 2).

    Getty Images

    Foodies

    Food-lovers won’t be disappointed with the Singapore-style seafood in the East Coast (route 15) and the hawker offerings at Maxwell Food Centre and Chinatown Food Street (route 6).

    Singapore Tourism Board

    Local culture

    Explore the city’s eclectic cultures in its ethnic neighbourhoods (routes 6 and 9). For a glimpse into the Straits Chinese way of life, wander around Katong (route 15) or visit the Peranakan Museum (route 2).

    Vincent Ng/Apa Publications

    Nightlife

    Flashy clubs at Clarke Quay (route 4) and Marina Bay Sands (route 3) are great for all-night partying. Sentosa (route 11) has laid-back beach bars and jazz fans should head to Bali Lane at Kampong Glam (route 9).

    Singapore Tourism Board

    Parks and gardens

    Opt for a leisurely walk in Gardens by the Bay (route 3), or wander in the landscaped Botanic Gardens before checking out the wonders of the National Orchid Garden (route 8).

    iStock

    Shopaholics

    Mall-hop on Orchard Road (route 7), browse idiosyncratic shops in Kampong Glam (route 9), comb Chinatown (route 6) and Little India (route 10) for cultural finds, and splurge at VivoCity (route 14).

    Vincent Ng/Apa Publications

    Wildlife

    The city’s zoos and safaris boast naturalistic habitats with a focus on conservation. You should absolutely set aside a day for Singapore Zoo, River Safari and Night Safari (route 18).

    Singapore Tourism Board

    Explore Singapore

    The small city-island state of Singapore has achieved much and has even grander ambitions, but its most distinct joys are to be found in its warm, eclectic people, ethnic neighbourhoods, and the pleasure afforded by its food culture, shopping and nightlife.

    For some, Singapore is merely a welcome stop­over, with its top-rated airport making it the perfect gateway to Southeast Asia. For others, this tiny island, with its legendary cleanliness, widespread use of English and celebrated sights, shops, eateries and colourful ethnic neighbourhoods, is an appealing destination in its own right. Indeed, Singapore is an ideal introduction, in fact, to all of Asia in one fell swoop.

    Chinatown’s night market from above

    Singapore Tourism Board

    Development

    In 1819, Englishman Thomas Stamford Raffles from the British East India Company recognised the potential of this tiny island. At the time, it was shrouded in jungle and swamp, occupied only by Orang Laut (Sea People), a few Malay families and some Chinese traders. Raffles ordered the land to be cleared, oversaw an ambitious construction campaign and brought labourers and merchants from China, India and all over Southeast Asia to set up a trading post. His free-trade policies soon created a thriving port town of around 10,000 residents. In short, Raffles can confidently be described as the founding father of modern-day Singapore: both his energy and foresight are embedded in the cultural DNA of this city-state.

    The Raffles statue

    Dreamstime

    Modern-day Singapore

    Singapore owes much of its success to the visionary leadership of visionary Lee Kuan Yew (1923–2015), the country’s first prime minister (from 1958 to 1990). Under the direction of Yew and his successors, Goh Chok Tong and Lee Hsien Loong, Singapore has continued to flourish as one of Southeast Asia’s brightest stars. The government’s paternal approach has defused racial and labour disputes, whereas its public housing schemes have provided most citizens with their own homes. In turn, savvy economic policies have attracted foreign trade and investment.

    Invasive social­engineering policies – from banning smoking in public places, the outlawing of the sale of chewing gum, the monitoring of flushing in public toilets to the imposition of punitive taxes on car ownership – may have drawn sneers from the Western media, but Singapore is undeniably the cleanest and most orderly of all Asian cities. What some Westerners perceive as draconian laws and the authoritarian curtailing of personal freedoms, are regarded by many pragmatic Singaporeans as merely a common-sense approach to running a country.

    At a Grand Prix concert

    Singapore Tourism Board

    Orientation

    On a map of any scale, Singapore is just a dot at the southern tip of peninsular Malaysia. Singapore consists of the main island, which is 699 sq km (270 sq miles) in area, and 63 other smaller islands. Most of the main island is less than 15m (50ft) above sea level, whereas the highest point is Bukit Timah Hill, at 163.63m (537ft).

    Downtown Singapore remains largely arranged according to the original town plan that Raffles envisioned in 1819. The colonial hub of the city, today’s Civic District, is still the heart of the administration, just as it was in Raffles’ time. The clamour of Chinatown and the hum of business in the Central Business District around Raffles Place have not diminished. The Muslim area of Kampong Glam and the predominantly Hindu Little India retain their ethnic feel. Chic Orchard Road, a plantation area in colonial times, has been transformed into one of Asia’s premier shopping districts.

    Conservation

    When Singapore achieved independence in 1965, the economy was in shambolic state. Like many other developing nations, it prioritised urban renewal and economic progress over the protection of historic neighbourhoods and colonial architectural gems, many of which were simply razed. As a result, by the 1970s Singapore had achieved prosperity, but was criticised for its lack of character and culture.

    In the 1980s the authorities began to restore buildings in four conservation areas: Boat Quay, Little India, Kampong Glam and Chinatown/Tanjong Pagar. Since then, more temples, buildings, shophouses and warehouses have been spared the wrecking ball. The gentrification, apart from giving the city added charm, has also helped Singaporeans develop a sense of their own history.

    Public housing

    In land-scarce Singapore, providing housing for the masses means building skywards. More than 80 percent of Singaporeans own and live in high-rise flats built by the Housing and Development Board. In many other parts of the world, public housing is associated with poverty and social unrest, but not in Singapore. Its public housing programme is in fact one of its finest achievements, with other fast-growing countries seeking to emulate its success.

    Garden city

    Singapore packs in quite a bit despite its minuscule size. Once you have covered the city centre, venture out to the suburbs, where the housing heartlands are interspersed with quirky theme attractions as well as forest reserves and other pockets of greenery.

    The city’s vast green zones surprise many first-time visitors, at least those expecting to find a sterile and air-conditioned metropolis of glass and steel. There is a legion of green belts, such as parks nestled between skyscrapers, offering respite in the concrete jungle. Four gazetted nature reserves – Central Catchment, Bukit

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