Its history as a cultural melting pot have ensured that a legacy of historic sites sit among its contemporary city centre, and walking tours of the cultural suburbs are a great way to get to know Singapore’s many facets. Contrary to impressions of a modern, high-rise city that is pre-occupied with shopping and making money, Singapore is actually a wonderful tourist destination with a myriad of attractions and activities. Its history as a cultural melting pot have ensured that a legacy of historic sites sit among its contemporary city centre, and walking tours of the cultural suburbs are a great way to get to know Singapore’s many facets. At the mouth of the river stands Singapore’s signature landmark, the towering Merlion statue - a mythical half lion, half fish that is synonymous with the island. From here you get a great view of the bay and its waterfront and you can stroll westwards towards the al fresco restaurants of Boat Quay and onwards to the lively Clarke Quay. Crossing the river on either of the historic Cavenaugh or Andersen Bridges affords you great views of the cityscape on the south side and Fort Canning to the north. The Padang is lined with some gracious mansions and government buildings, which include Parliament House, Victoria Concert Hall and Theatre, the Supreme Court and City Hall. Fort Canning: within walking distance of the Padang is Fort Canning, which sits atop a low-lying hill that affords excellent views of the CBD. Little remains of the fort, but its covered in lovely gardens and offers a great place to wander and escape the built up city. There are lovely picnic spots and an archeological dig is found here, which suggests a Javanese civilisation occupied the area in the 14th century. Although the hotel may now be out of reach to all but the very rich, the public are free to enjoy a superb meal in one of the restaurants or sip a Singapore Sling in the Long Bar. This legendary drinking hole was once the domain of travelling writers such as Rudyard Kipling and Somerset Maugham. Chinatown: the true character of Singapore is perhaps found in Chinatown, a popular tourist magnet with its good shopping, great restaurants and scattering of tea shops and traditional vendors. Some of the best bargains on electronic goods are found here and pedestrianised streets add to the appeal. Little India: a short taxi ride from the city centre reveals an altogether more lively, down to earth and chaotic suburb that offers a cornucopia of sights, sounds and smells. Evenings are the best time to explore the streets between Serangoon and Bencoolen street, and you’ll discover all sorts of aromatic Indian restaurants, fabric shops and temples. You might even find a bargain, but it gets hectic on Sundays when the Tamil community pour into the area on their weekly day off. Sentosa Island: Singapore’s biggest attraction is one massive theme park on an island west of the city. In addition to several resorts, casinos and a golf course, the island is a wonderful family destination that includes all sorts of attractions. Either you can explore the island on your own and relax on the manmade beaches, or pay to enter one of numerous themed parks. Temples and Mosques: with a heritage built on four ethnic groups, Singapore presents an intriguing and colourful collection of religious sites including Hindu, Chinese and Buddhist temples as well as Muslim mosques. Starting out in Chinatown, you can easily find the striking Sri Mariamman Temple with its distinctly detailed fascia. Also in the area are two of Singapore’s best known Chinese temples; Siong Lim Temple, with its Chinese rock garden dating from 1908, and Kiong Meng San Phor Temple, Singapore’s largest and most impressive. The Sultan Mosque on North Bridge road is the island’s largest and dates from 1825. Botanical gardens and Istana: not far from Orchard road is Singapore’s lovely botanical garden. Although it’s hardly sprawling, the island’s constant rainfall and tropical weather ensure that there are plenty of exotic species and grand old trees to admire here. Also found within the grounds is the Istana, a former Sultanate residence which today houses the president and is used for official functions. | 
