Motumotu

My flight would be reaching Singapore at around 1200 hrs and then I have the departing flight from Singapore next day at 0900 hrs. Please tell what the are places one can see in half day in Singapore. Can the visit to Santosa Island be done in half day? If somebody has visited the Island, please write in detail about the place.

Kathie

I've been to Singapore many times, but have never chosen to go to Sentosa. I have to say it is of no interest to me. But if you like amusement parks, it might be just the things for you.

Some of my favorite places:
The orchid Garden at the Botanical Gardens
The Museum of Asian Civilizations
A stroll through some of the ethnic areas like Little India or Arab Street
Browsing Shops at Dempsey Road

kuluk

In my opinion, Sentosa Island is not interesting at all, it's very poorly planned and it's not very Asian or Singaporean at all, except for the cement Merlion statue that you are supposed to climb and peek out of the mouth.

I'll give you an example of an experience I had there, as I wanted to take someone who had never been to an aquarium before. We took a taxi, direct to the aquarium, bought tickets, and the woman said the dolphin show would start in 20 minutes. Ok, great I thought. Then ten minutes later, after we had seen the entire aquarium, I asked her where the dolphin show would be. "oh, its about a 10 minute drive away in another location...you won't be able to get there in time.." (Ok, ok, I know dolphin shows are terrible and I should not see them anyway..but I thought it would be a treat for someone who deserved a fun time.) But that was about 5 years ago and I don't know if it's changed at all.


That said, I would second Kathie's suggestions of things to do, with the possible addition of the Bird Park if you like birds.

Singapore is small and easy to get around by taxi, rail, or bus, so you can see a lot of things in a very short amount of time.

galactus

Well, in half a day I'd also not suggest Sentosa since it'll take too much of your time leaving little room for the heart of Singapore. The few things that I did enjoy there (if you happen to go) were the Songs of the Sea show and the SeaWorld.

However, the much better option would be to roam around the mainland Singapore itself. The National Museum should not be missed; and as Kathie said, a stroll around Little India and/or Chinatown is an interesting experience.

Another thing I'd do if I was in a time crunch is the Night Safari. Its unique, its fairly fun and the dinner can be combined with it saving time. The food admittedly is not that great. However if you do decide to eat, go to Bongo Burgers. Not because its good, but you'll get exclusive and close-to-action seats for the Tribal show.

lcuy

Depending on your interests, I'd choose one of Kathie's suggestions:
The orchid Garden at the Botanical Gardens
The Museum of Asian Civilizations
A stroll through some of the ethnic areas like Little India or Arab Street

I was there last month for only two nights. I spent a half day walking from Little India toward Bugis. Lots of interesting food stalls along the way, not to mention temples, shophouses and some shopping.

Motumotu

Thanks to all of you for the info. I will go by your advice and instead of visiting Sentosa Island, I am thinking of going to the following places:
1. The orchid Garden at the Botanical Gardens
2. The Museum of Asian Civilizations
3. Birds Park
4. A stroll through Little India or Arab Street
Browsing Shops at Dempsey Road.

Since we have only half a day at our disposal (reaching Singapore at around 1200 hrs and would depart from hotel for sightseeing at around 1300 hrs), I would be grateful for your help in finalising my itinerary. Till what time, these places are open. Also pls tell how can we go from my hotel, which is very near to the Airport, to these places and from one place to other.

lcuy

Essentially, you can do two of the three attractions, plus the wandering or shopping, but not all three as the gardens, museum and birds close by 6 or 7 pm. All of these can be reached on the MRT, or taxis are reasonable and may make better use of your time.

Since you"ll start at 13.00 hrs, I would skip the Orchid gardens. They are best viewed in the early morning, before it gets really hot.

One full schedule would be to have lunch, visit the Asian Civ museum, then take a train or taxi to the Little India/ ARab street area, and then go to the Night safari since it is open later than the bird park.

Another would be to go to the then go to the bird park (closes at 6pm) then come back and explore Little india, Arab Street and Bugis, eating at along the way. You can take the MRT out towards the bird park + a taxi or they may even have shuttle buses like the zoo & night safari, but they may not run regularly.

http://www.acm.org.sg/visitor_info/p...your_visit.asp

http://www.birdpark.com.sg/level1.aspx?l1=2&langid=1

kuluk

My personal opinion is that you have time (albeit limited) to do all of the things you want to do. The Orchid Gardens are spectacular and unforgettable. Taxis are not too expensive and will save you a lot of time. Maybe you could do this:


1) (hottest part of day 1 - 3 pm) Asian Civilizations Museum, lunch at Indochine next door
2) Taxi to Orchid Garden
3) Taxi to Bird Park
Dinner at one of the restaurants along the Quay
4) Little India or Chinatown at night. Mustafa, the large Indian shopping mecca, is open 24 hours!

Motumotu

Please tell how far are the Little India and Mustafa Shopping Centre from Singapore Flyer. Are these at a walking distance? How much is the price of ticket for Singapore Flyer?

KMLoke

Singapore layover.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5FKG...ayer_embedded#!

KMLoke

Motumotu

Little India is not within walking distance from the Singapore flyer.

Prices of Flyer

http://www.singaporeflyer.com/unique...gapore-flight/

Motumotu

Thanks for the info. I would be grateful if somebody could tell me the approximate taxi fare charges for the following routes:

1. Marina Bay to Botanical Garden
2. Botanical Garden to Orchard Road
3. Orchard Road to Clarke Quay
3. Clarke Quay to Chinatown
4. Chinatown to Little India
5. Little India to Paramount Hotel (which is 15 minute drive way from Little India).

I have the above queries as I want to compare the taxi charges with the ductour charges (hop on and hop off bus)and choose the cheapest option.