Scientific information

General information

Formerly known by the rather unattractive name of Pulau Blakang Mati and the centerpiece of Britain's spectacularly unsuccessful "Fortress Singapore" strategy in World War II, Sentosa has been rebranded and resculpted into one big tourist attraction, popular among Singaporeans as a quick island getaway. The island offers a few star attractions (notably Underwater World) and Singapore's best beaches, but many of the would-be-attractions are duds and the general trend of overpricing everything makes the island a tourist trap. However, the island is presently halfway through a multibillion construction program that will see Singapore's second casino and a Universal Studios theme park open in 2010.

Among Singaporeans the most popular reason to go to Sentosa is to hit the beaches: Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong from west to east respectively. All three are artificial, but does it really matter? Unfortunately the water is rather murky due to the neverending parade of ships across the Straits. Siloso is the place for beach volleyball, while Palawan claims to be the southernmost point of continental Asia (if you count the bridge connecting Sentosa, and ignore any competing Malaysian claims). Tanjong, for a long time the quietest of the three, is now home to hip beach club KM8 (see Drink) and is best avoided if you do not like thumping bass.

SIN PS/X 501       -        The City Experience

The City Experience Tour showcases the contrast between old and new and the blend of East and West. Experience the history, culture and the lifestyle of multi-racial Singapore, the exciting heart of New Asia-Singapore. We will drive pass the Colonial district for a view of Padang, The Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay and The Merlion - a mythical beast, Singapore's original half lion, half fish. Next stop, a visit to Little India, Chinatown and Gem Factory, admire the best of Asian craftsmanship. Last stop, visit the 52 hectares of primarily jungle and gardens, the famed Botanic Gardens.

SIN PS/X 502       -        City Tour by Land & Water

This is the tour that takes you overland and through water to make sure you’re soaked and wringing wet with culture and everything fantastic about Singapore. Tour begins with a visit to Kampong Glam - originally a fishing village at the mouth of the Rochor River, it was the historic seat of Malay royalty in Singapore. Look out for the Arab cloth merchants with their delicate silks and velvets, food stores selling traditional Arab-Muslim food stuff and merchandise of all kinds. Next, drive through the Colonial district for a view of Parliament House and the imposing Supreme Court and City Hall that overlooks the Padang. Then, we proceed to Chinatown where you will enter the 160 years old Thian Hock Temple, a must for Chinese immigrants in the early days and uniquely built without any use of nail joints. Stop by at the Gem Factory, admire the best of Asian craftsmanship. Down to the Water – enjoy the Singapore River Boat Tour.

SIN PS/X 505       -        Jurong Bird Park

Jurong BirdPark is an attraction no visitor should miss. From Antarctic dwellers in the Penguin Parade, to the World’s largest collection of Southeast Asian birds, over 8,000 birds of more than 600 species inhabit it’s lushly landscaped settings. Enjoy spectacular JBP All Stars BirdShow & see Birds of Prey in action. Look for world’s tallest man-make waterfall and feeding times as you enter! Ride the air-conditioned ‘Panorail’ that passes right into the world’ largest walk-in aviary, the Waterfall Aviary.

SIN PS/X 510       -        Breakfast At The Zoo

SIN PS/X 511       -        Zoo Tour (excludes meals)

The Singapore Zoo is known as one of the best and most beautiful zoos in the world. Interesting attractions include The Fragile Forest, a rainforest themed exhibit home to free-ranging animals like tree kangaroos, lemurs, mousedeer, fruit bats and butterflies. The award winning Hamadryas Baboons- The Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia (voted Best New Attraction in Asean 2002, by Asean Tourism Association) exhibit will feature a troop of colourful baboons, jackals, banded mongoose & rock hyrax interacting with herds of ibex on massive rock hillside amidst tribal artifacts and coffee ceremony huts. Elephants of Asia, will allow visitors to watch elephant shows, enjoy wild rides whilst immersing themselves totally into the ecological and cultural experience of Burma, which makes use of elephants for subsistence logging. Visitors can also enjoy our exciting Spirits of the Rainforest animal show & have Jungle Breakfast – with Wildlife, a fun-filled breakfast where you get to come up close & personal with our adorable orang utan, elusive python & mischievous otter.

SIN PS/X 512       -        Night Safari

The drama and mystery of the tropical jungle comes alive after dusk, at the world’s premier Night Safari. Creatures from South America, Asia, & India greet visitors from their own naturalistic enclosures, which simulate that of their own homeland. Not to miss are of course the awesome giraffes towering over the gorgeous reservoir, the rare clouded leopards, endangered greater Asian rhinoceros and of course the feisty fishing cats.Embark on our Walking Trails- Fishing Cat, romantic Forest Giants or come face to face with free flying bats at the Leopard Trail. Catch also the nightly Creatures of The Night show, which features the natural behaviour of our nocturnal animals.

SIN PS/X 513    -           Peranakan Tour

What does it mean to be a Peranakan? Heritage that combines the best of the Chinese and Malay cultures, the hybrid nature of the Peranakan has yielded enviable works of art in the realm of architecture, embroidery, beadwork and the culinary arts. Join us on a colourful journey into the history, lifestyle and unique character of the Peranakan people.The tour starts with a visit to Koon Seng Road/Joo Chiat, best known for its colourful rows of traditional Peranakan shophouses, dating back to the 1920s and 1930s, which line its narrow streets. The area is named after Chew Joo Chiat, a wealthy Peranakan landowner, who built shophouses and residential units on land he bought after World War I. Next, we will stop to see nonya chang demonstration. This shop is famous with it homemade "Ba Chang" (Rice Dumpling) and other snacks such as Soon Kueh, Otak and Pineapple Tart. Tour continues with a stop at Katong, evokes a warm nostalgia, especially among the older generation of Singaporean. Katong has retained a hold on its past, reveling in its incredibly rich Peranakan and Eurasian heritage and architecture and soaking in its great charm. Stop for a Peranakan beading demonstration followed by food sampling at Peranakan Restaurant.