Much of the island’s centre and north are sparsely inhabited and there are nature reserves and amusement parks away from the built up areas. In addition, there are a number of offshore islands that are popular destinations for tourists. 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. Jurong Bird Park and the Japanese and Chinese Gardens: located west of the city and easily accessible by MRT are two attractions that can be conveniently taken in together in a day. Jurong Bird Park is a popular family attraction that is well presented with a colourful array of exotic birds in a lovely nature park. The frequent shows throughout the day are worth hanging around for. Occupying an island on Jurong Lake is the Japanese and Chinese Gardens, which offer a pleasant respite from the intensity of the city. In time honoured tradition, the gardens include zen-like impressions with traditional Japanese pagodas, bonsai displays and Chinese pavilions. Popular with mountain bikers, scout groups and nature lovers, the reserve is one of several that has been purposely developed and promoted as a lifestyle attraction on the island. East Coast - Changi: if you’re looking for beaches and a relaxing environment in which to enjoy the tropical warmth of Asia, Singapore has that too. Pilau Ubin: to experience Singapore as it once was, head for this humble settlement of traditional fishing villages. Pilau Ubin has a sleepy character, with quiet roads and plenty of nature, which is best explored by bike. So far, the settlement here has escaped the modern development of the rest of the city, but it does get busy on weekends and has become somewhat of a commercial tourist attraction - thanks to regular and convenient ferries from Changi. | 
