Sightseeing in Singapore

Singapore is boring? There is nothing to see in Singapore?

Hold those thoughts. Think again. Think harder.

We often complain about the lack of seasonal change in Singapore. We often complain about the lack of memorable and interesting places of attraction in Singapore. Many like to spend their vacation overseas than locally. Yet, how well do we know Singapore as a local? Before we stereotypically labeled Singapore as a boring place, have we gone to the different places in Singapore to experience for ourselves first? The article which I have read in My Paper provided a stark reminder of the various hideaways in Singapore which definitely are worth visiting and revisiting.

In terms of parks, we have many interesting parks and most of them are open to the public with free admission. Other than East Coast Park, there are Botanical Gardens, Labrador Park and even the parks and gardens in each housing estate. Some of the parks in other countries require admission fee (eg China). These parks are rich in flora and fauna and even some of the little animals. For instance, it is not difficult to spot squirrels in Botanical Gardens. If one is more adventurous and prefers trekking, we have the Bukit Timah and MacRitchie Reservoir Reserves. Trekking can also be done on the Imbiah Falls of Sentosa.

To get a more suburb experience and more al fresco dining experience, we do not need to venture to Australia or Europe. We have myriad choices right at our doorstep, from Jalan Kayu, to Holland Village and to Siglap. All of them offered different dining experiences – with the more local coffee-shop styles in Jalan Kayu, to the more international flavour in Holland Village.

Although the places of attraction are slightly more touristy in nature, but they are no less boring than other places. In fact, these places are better maintained and with more to offer than some of the places overseas. For instance, the beach at Sentosa is no less inferior than other beaches (eg Gold Coast). The Singapore zoo can offer more than a theme park elsewhere. The Museums may not have as rich a collection as the world-renowned, but different exhibitions are hosted every now and then to add vibrancy.

So who says Singapore is boring?

Before you sketch an overseas vacation for a long weekend, think again. Touring some of the places which you seldom go to in Singapore may be as good an experience. At the time, by venturing to these areas, we can learn more about the culture, the efforts and the history of Singapore.