Written by:Jocelyn Tumbagahan
2/14/2011 10:28 AM 

It’s amazing how Singapore has managed to strike the balance in its tourism, just the way they did with the city’s urban planning. They have painted each corner with vibrancy and dynamism tailored for everyone’s preference. The formula just gets better when the tourist destinations can make you a convert, i.e. make you appreciate the things that you thought you would like the least or not at all.

The stripes, white and everything nice. I used to find my animal sanctuary visit deficient until I’ve been to the Singapore Zoo. There’s just so much to see that we devoted the entire day to have a date with the zebras, giraffes, white tigers, elephants, the iconic orang utan – Ah Meng and more. (name it and they have it)! And how lucky we can get, we have witnessed an elephant wedding in the zoo! (Here’s a tip, if you wish to experience the Night Safari, just cross to the other side by 6:30 PM since they’re fronting each other and you’re in for a night jungle-like wilderment.)

The birds of Jurong. This bird park has turned me into an aviary and pet birds enthusiast. It started when we “met” this charming bird which sings in Mandarin, Malay, English and other languages during the Birds n Buddies Show. I was floating in glee when we fed the plenty of colourful lories and participated in the showcase of Birds of Prey show. You’ll have the chance to be photographed with the falcon on your arm. The surprises don’t end there. Did you know that the tallest manmade waterfall in the world is also there? Take the panorail for a more refreshing tour?

The many faces of Clarke Quay. It’s fascinating how the serene corners of Clarke Quay become alive at night. We feasted on the famous Singapore chilli crab while feeling the vibe of the colourful restaurants and clubs and enjoying the sight of ecstatic people gathered on the bridge and by the river each night. If you’re in for an ice cream adventure, don’t miss the infamous one-dollar durian ice cream and Turkish ice cream merrily sold by the humorous vendor complete with Middle Eastern paraphernalia! As a side note, where in the world can you do a reverse bungee jump and extreme swing by the river? Only in Clarke Quay.

The sky and water are the limits. My acrophobia flew out of my system as we got in the largest observation wheel in the world. The Singapore Flyer has 30 wonderful minutes to do a complete turn while you take an aerial peek of the lion city, with a bit of Malaysia and Indonesia at sight. (Here’s a tip: tourists can present their Singapore Airlines boarding pass for a discount. For an alternate viewing from the top, try the Marina Bay Sands experience or dinner at The Equinox.) For a more economical means, you may want to try the river cruise which gives you more up and close view of significant landmarks like the esplanade, civilization museum, Merlion, Stamford Raffles monument, and more. It’s amazing how the government rehabilitated the Singapore River and retained its aesthetic and cultural value.

The happiest place in Singapore. We have visited the Universal Studios during its soft-opening yet it was almost in full blast of fun offering. With due respect to its competitor theme parks, I enjoyed my stay here more because I liked the mascots better and the attractions appeal to more mature audience. The child in us emerged the moment we stepped in Shrek’s gated swamp and Fiona’s Far, Far Away castle! 



I can’t wait to be back in Singapore to discover more of its surprises. How about a culinary tour during the food festival on my birthday?

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