SINGAPORE - Vibrant and shockingly modern

Introduction

Singapore is a dynamic city-state whose blend of Asian cultures and Western attitudes has made it the most stable economy in the region and the logical gateway to Southeast Asia.

The city is justly proud of its efficiency, cleanliness, and its highly developed infrastructure - outstripping most Western cities in these respects. For much of your stay, your only reminder that you are in Asia will be the muggy heat and spicy food; for the rest there are shopping centres and world-class restaurants that could take their place in any city in the world.

Other attractions include ever-popular Sentosa Island, the tranquility of the Chinese Gardens and the world-renowned Night Safari at the Singapore Zoo. But, the soul of Singapore is more likely to be found in the wonderful ethnic diversity celebrated in the daily life of Little India, Arab Street and Chinatown. This is the side of Singapore that retains its identity in the face of the government's headlong rush into modernity.

Event Guide

Siloso Beach Party - Asia's Grooviest
Event Dates : 31st Dec 2006 to
1st Jan 2007
Time of Event : 8pm - 7am
Venue: : Sentosa, Siloso Beach
Category : Dance


Description
Sentosa and MTV presents Asia's Grooviest beach party this New Year's Eve! Siloso Beach will be transformed into a big dance floor with a combination of dry and wet zones with food & beverage outlets in easy reach. Enigmatic 'spin doctors' will pump out non-stop dance music to whet the different musical appetites. Hip Hop, R&B, Funk, Retro, World music, Latin, Trance & Chill Out, Progressive & House music will enthrall party goers along with special appearances by MTV VJs.

Chinatown Chinese New Year Light Up
Event Dates : 27th Jan 2007 to
4th Mar 2007
Venue: : Chinatown
Category : Cultural Celebration, Chinese event


Description
Chinatown will be transformed into a fairyland of light and colour with spectacular overarching decorations lining the streets. The bustling street bazaar with its delectable array of goodies like waxed duck, barbecued sweet meats, assorted cookies and other new year accessories makes it the place where the Chinese in Singapore congregate year after year to soak in the festive atmosphere. To cap it off, party with thousands of revellers on eve of Chinese New Year (17 Feb) as the countdown to the New Year gets underway.

HOOBASTANK LIVE in Singapore
Event Dates : 28th Jan 2007 to
28th Jan 2007
Time of Event : 8pm to 10pm
Venue: : Fort Canning Park
Category : Music, Family Entertainment


Description
MTV Staples, Hoobastank formed in the Los Angeles County suburb Agoura Hills in 1994. Vocalist Doug Robb met with guitarist Dan Estrin in a high school battle of the bands competition and decided to form a band.


The band has earned three Grammies. The band's international profile was increased by a support slot on Linkin Park's Meteora world tour in early 2004.Hoobastank has also appeared with the song ""Did You"" on the Spider-Man 2 Soundtrack. Last seen in Asia at the MTV Awards in Bangkok in April 2006 performing the First single ""If I Were You from their 3rd Album Everyman for Himself.


Their third studio album, Every Man for Himself, was released on May 16th, 2006. ""If I Were You,"" ""Born to Lead,"" ""Inside of You"" and ""If Only"" have been released as singles from their new album.

Attractions

Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari
Singapore's zoo is one of Southeast Asia's premier animal facilities. It contains nearly 3,000 animals and all are housed in thoroughly modern, spacious enclosures that recreate their natural habitats. Many creatues are only separated from the public by moats or ditches rather than barriers. Smaller animals even roam at will throughout the park. You might be thankful that the zoo's rare Komodo dragons aren't afforded this freedom. These lizards can grow up to three metres in length and have been known to attack and eat humans - but this doesn't diminish visitors' enthusiasm for the magnificent creatures.

The night safari is located directly next door to the zoo. It opens from 19h30 every night, allowing visitors the unique opportunity to view the nocturnal behaviour of animals through the use of special, unobtrusive lighting. You board a tram at the entrance to the park which then takes you through eight different geographical zones, from the Himalayan foothills to the steamy South American rainforest. Along the way you can see such fabulous animals as the Malayan tiger, the pig-like tusked babirusa and the impressively massive gaur bull.

Sentosa Island
Until 1967 Sentosa - meaning ""peace and tranquillity"" - was a British military fortress. In the 1970s the government set about developing the island as a leisure resort for the citizens of the increasingly congested city. The result is a landscaped recreational environment where you can enjoy great entertainment facilities. Get there by taking the orange Sentosa bus which plies to and from the harbour bus interchange. Buses run from 07h00-23h00 (Sun-Thur); 07h00-00h30 (Fri & Sat) and cost SGD1. Alternatively, take the cablecar enjoying the spectacular views along the way. Cable cars depart from the habour tower 2 between 08h30-23h00 and cost SGD10.90, adults; SGD5.50, children.

The best of the attractions is the splendid Underwater World - a tropical oceanarium with a submerged transparent tunnel allowing visitors to view over 250 species of marine life in remarkable proximity. Feeding time is 11h00 and 16h30 daily. It's connected to the equally excellent Dolphin Lagoon, with its pink dolphins that perform regularly for the crowds. Open: daily 09h00-21h00. Admission: SGD19.50, adults; SGD12.50, children (includes Dolphin Lagoon).

Other highlights on the island include Fort Siloso, a genuine 19th-century military fort.

Chinese and Japanese Gardens
Every great city needs its islands of calm and these magnificently manicured gardens - linked by a 65-metre bridge - are spacious and relaxing spaces away from the city bustle.

The Chinese garden features pagodas, a teahouse and a bonsai collection. The layout is redolent of the gardens of the Imperial Summer Palace in Beijing. The Japanese garden emphasises simplicity and harmony and is laid out with exemplary feng shui.