The Republic of Singapore is a microcosm of Asia. Its people include Chinese, Malays, Indians, and expatriates from around the world. Called the "Switzerland of Asia," it offers a respite from the Asian mainland's chaos, poverty, and crime. The Port of Singapore is also one of the world's most exciting tourist destinations. The city offers some of the best and cheapest food in the world, and shoppers find themselves in a shopping paradise when they visit Suntec City and Orchard Road. In 2010, gambling casinos will open, making the Port of Singapore an even more exciting place to be. There are far too many things to see and do in the Port of Singapore than can be described in this article. For more information, please visit the Port of Singapore's tourism website.
Hard Rock Hotel Singapore
Photo by QFSE Media
The Port of Singapore is located in Southeast Asia's equatorial monsoon region. It has a consistently hot climate and relatively constant rain levels through the year. Temperatures range from an average high of 27 °C (81 °F) in June to an average of 25 °C (77 °F) in January. Its seaside location keeps temperatures relatively moderate, with the highest record being 36 °C (97 °F). The wettest time of year is during the northeast monsoon season from November to March, while the driest time is during the southwest monsoon season from May to September. Even so, rainfall ranges from a high of over 250 millimeters (10 inches) to a low of less than 178 millimeters (7 inches). Basically, it rains somewhere on the island every day.
Sentosa
Photo by SGTOSA
About five million people visit the island resort of Sentosa every year. The island has a two-kilometer long sheltered beach, historic World War II Fort Siloso, two golf courses, and two five-star hotels. It will soon be home to a new Universal Studios Singapore theme park. Palawan Beach, linked to the southernmost and closest point on the Asian mainland to the equator to a suspension bridge, offers modern conveniences like chic beach bars with wireless internet access, unique shops, and many places to eat. Beach-lovers will enjoy the public netball court at this family-friendly beach.
Singapore Duck Boat Tours
Photo by Terence Ong
Sentosa also makes a great base for island-hopping to the southern offshore islands of Kusu, St. John's, Sister's, and Palau Hantu. These islands offer a tranquil break from the city's bustle, and they are perfect for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and sailing. Ferry services go to Kusu and St. Johns, while travelers must hire private boats to get to the other islands. Overnight campers on the offshore islands must get permission from Sentosa.
Sentosa Luge and Skyride
Photo by Henry Trotter
Also on Sentosa Island, Imbiah Lookout is a modern fun-filled location with ten attractions to delight nature-lovers, history buffs, adventurers, and families. A cable car offers a 1.6 kilometer ride to/from Sentosa where visitors can get breathtaking views of the lush vegetation and beautiful coastline. The Tiger Sky Tower is the Port of Singapore's tallest observatory tower. At 131 meters above sea level, you can see as far as the neighboring Malaysian and Indonesian islands during both the day and the night. Imbiah Lookout is also home to the Sentosa Luge and Skyride, the first luge in Southeast Asia, a gravity ride with steering and brakes where riders can go as fast or slow as they want. Desperados is a 20-seat showplace where audiences ride motion-based saddles as they shoot at bandits with hand-held laser guns as they move through an animated movie. Other popular attractions include the Sentosa CineBlast, Images of Singapore, Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom, the Merlion, and the Sentosa 4D Magix.
Singapore River
Photo by Formulax
The Port of Singapore Zoo is a star. Based on the open zoo concept where animals live in large landscaped enclosures surrounded by wet or dry moats concealed by vegetation. Dangerous animals are kept in glass-fronted enclosures. What you will not find is cages. The 28-hectare learning zoo is housed in a rainforest environment. The zoo is home to 315 species of animals and over 2500 specimens, 16% of which are threatened species. Animal lovers who can't take the daytime heat will enjoy a trip to the Port of Singapore's Night Safari where they can enjoy the wildlife by moonlight. Home to more than 900 animals from 135 species, the Night Safari has areas simulating tropical landscapes.
Bumboats
Boat Quay Singapore
Photo by Shiny Things
The Singapore River stretches for 4.1 kilometers from the Anderson Bridge to the Kim Seng Bridge. On its way, it passes under 12 uniquely designed bridges and past many historic buildings. The Singapore River Cruises are a great way to see the city. Cruisers will see beautiful colonial architecture contrasted by modern skyscrapers, century-old restored godowns (warehouses) and shops, trendy quayside dining and entertainment venues. The Port of Singapore River Cruises give travelers a kaleidoscope of the city's cultures, heritage, and color while listening to stories of the city's history and anecdotes about the places they see.
Marina Bay Floating Platform
Photo by Sengkang
Travelers who want to visit the Port of Singapore by sea can find a long list of scheduled cruises on the Cruise Compete website.
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