04:43

Animal Kingdom

Jurong Bird Park

If you are looking for a quick break from the hustle and bustle of the Singapore urban lifestyle, visit the Jurong BirdPark where 9,000 colourful birds of 600 species will amaze you with their variety, shapes and sizes.

The newly revamped BirdPark offers a range of new and exciting exhibits and facilities which are truly breathtaking and worth your while. Make sure you pay a visit to the 2007 ASEANTA winner for Best ASEAN New Tourist Attraction - The African Wetlands. This African-themed exhibit with African huts and a body of water, houses endangered birds like the Shoebill, the African Crowned Crane, the Saddle-Billed Stork and more.

The newly revamped Birds n Buddies Show now includes bird-inspired characters as buddies to the largest collection of live birds in a show performance. Created by a Las Vegas Show producer, the costumes with intricate sequins and decorative beads plus the interactive birds and audience acts have made the show more endearing to its loyal flock of fans.

Whether you hop into a special tour, go behind-the scenes, feed Lories in the Lory Loft, catch the Birds of Prey Show, learn to Be-a-Falconer or get into the Panorail to catch a bird’s eye view of the whole park, there’s no doubt that the BirdPark is an enchanting paradise of birds and colours.

From the Penguin Parade in a re-created Antarctic setting to the Southeast Asian Birds Aviary featuring a walk-in aviary with simulated tropical thunderstorms, the birds enjoy an environment designed to be as natural to their original habitat as possible. The Waterfall Aviary is a firm favourite, home to 1,500 free-flying African birds. So is the Riverine, a new simulated natural freshwater river habitat featuring over 20 species of ducks, fish and turtles.

At two bird shows, you can watch flamingos, macaws, hornbills, cocktatoos and even hawks in action! Or start the day in style – by having breakfast with a star-studded bird cast!

To view the park from all angles, start by boarding the modern panorail system, followed by a walking tour.

Night Safari

As the sun sets, a different world comes to life. At the Night Safari, you can look a rhinoceros in the eye, hear the howls of a pack of striped hyenas or watch giraffes glide serenely across the plain in the still of the night.

This premier night zoo houses over 900 animals of 135 exotic species in eight zones re-created to simulate geographic zones like the Southeast Asian rainforest, African savanna, Nepalese river valley, South American pampas and Burmese jungle.

Strike out on your own along the walking trail or relax in a tram ride - whichever you choose, Night Safari is a wild adventure not to be missed.

Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom

Like an emergent butterfly, the delicate beauty of the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom promises to be breath-taking! Be dazzled by the riot of colours and thousands of tiny fluttering wings flutter as you stroll through the natural environment of these fragile specimens.

Come up close and personal with the kings of the Insect World ? Rhino Beetles, Giant Spiders and scorpions ? in a 70m-long cave, the first in the world. As you venture further into the dark, be guided only by glowing fireflies.

For a more hands-on experience, learn how to handle giant scorpions, beetles and other insects in the stage shows. Or try picking up a stick insect at the Stick Insect Safari ? if you can spot them, that is!

Singapore Zoo

Tired of having the usual breakfast? Then feast with an orang utan, the Oriental small-clawed otter, or even the reticulated python! These are just some of the many unusual escapades that await you at the acclaimed Singapore Zoo. Come up close and personal with the over 3,200 mammals, birds and reptiles and fishes at this 28-hectare “open” zoo.

Take a walk in the Fragile Forest and experience first-hand the rich lushness of a tropical rainforest with its thriving wildlife. You can also trek down the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia to meet over 50 hamadryas baboons, the black-backed jackal and the banded mongoose.

Here at the Singapore Zoo, you will come face to face with many special “babies” - threatened species successfully orn and bred in the zoo, such as the douc langur, white rhinoceros, proboscis monkey, manatee and of course, orang utan.

Rainforest Kidzworld

Children can look forward to splashes of exhilarating activities at Rainforest Kidzworld this November. This new and special attraction within the park offers an educational, fun and engaging time with family-focused activities.

Waves of fun await children at the water play area, themed like a wet animal wonderland! For a wild ride, both adults and children can hop onto the animal-themed carousel. Pony rides are also available for children. The ride takes you on a leisurely trot around the periphery of Rainforest Kidzworld, with picturesque views of the Upper Seletar Reservoir.

Boat Ride along Upper Seletar Reservoir

We are upping the fun-factor by introducing a boat ride along the scenic Upper Seletar Reservoir, to further enhance visitors' experience at the Zoo. A total of four boats will be plying the reservoir, aptly named after the Zoo's animal stars: Pedro, Omar, Komali and Ah Meng.

Bask in the majesty of nature as you enjoy the leisurely boat ride, and learn more about water and wildlife conservation from our knowledgeable guides. Discover the history behind Singapore's reservoirs, and the importance of watere as a vital lifeline to all. Listen carefully and keep your eyes peeled for the call of wild animals and birds, which continue to flourish all around us.

Underwater World

Situated on Sentosa, Underwater World Singapore is a dream haven that showcases the awe-inspiring beauty of a whole different world beneath the seas. Visitors can expect a fun-filled experience through interactive activities and interesting exhibits, before they arrive at the highlight: A spectacular 83 metre-long tunnel that houses majestic rays, fearsome sharks and great shoals of other fishes.

After Underwater World Singapore, visitors can move on to Dolphin Lagoon where they get to watch charming pink dolphins demonstrate their natural abilities such as spy-hopping, tail-walking and vocalization.

Fish Reflexology (located next to Underwater World Singapore)

Underwater World Singapore also offers a unique activity that enable visitors to unwind and have fun at the same time. At Fish Reflexology, participants get to enjoy a unique pedicure session done by spa fish, followed by a good massage by a qualified foot reflexologist.

Many marine species, such as the blacktip and whitetip sharks, eagle rays and big-belly seahorses, breed and thrive in the Underwater World. Underwater World plays an integral role in conservation efforts such as rescuing the endangered turtle species and spearheading a coral relocation project in the Southern Islands.

Swim with the Dolphins (at Dolphin Lagoon)

Swim with the Dolphins is an educational cum enjoyable hands-on program with our lovely pink dolphins which will offer you a rare opportunity to learn more about our intelligent friends. Delight yourself through a close interaction with our charming pink dolphins at the Dolphin Lagoon. These pink mammals are known as Indo-Pacific Humpbacked dolphins.

Grab this rare opportunity to learn more about these intelligent pink mammals on various aspects such as husbandry behavior and their various characteristics. Under the guidance of our trainers, you can learn how to give simple hand cues and watch the dolphins perform their natural abilities such as wave their fins, balance a basketball, and even whistle! You will also get a chance to feed the dolphin too!

World’s First Oceanarium RFID System

As part of Underwater World Singapore’s (UWS) continuing efforts to introduce more exciting and interactive oceanarium experiences to our visitors, UWS has catalyzed the integration of aquatic science and technology to introduce the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) System making us the world’s first oceanarium to do so.

All the seven species of fishes in our Living Fossils tank are embedded with RFID tags. The RFID tag implanted in each fish will enable it to be sensed by antennas that are fitted on the front of the exhibition tank. When the fish swims within detectable range, the RFID tag sends a signal to the antenna, which then relays a signal to a touch screen computer. Visitors will also be able to navigate through all the detailed information about the fish including its name, diet and characteristics by clicking on the appropriate icons on the computer screen.




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04:34

Uniquely Singapore

If there is one word that best captures Singapore, it is “unique”. A dynamic city rich in contrast and colour, you'll find a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture here. Brimming with unbridled energy, this little dynamo in Southeast Asia embodies the finest of both East and West.

A single day's trail will take you from the past to the future, from exotic ethnic enclave to efficient business centre, from serene gardens to sleek skyscrapers.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast amidst lush vegetation with Singapore's very own orang utans. Then take a step back in time as you enter a traditional Chinese temple, Muslim mosque, Hindu temple and Christian church - all in the same neighbourhood.

Return to the present by strolling down Orchard Road, picking up the latest fashion trends and entertaining local catch phrases along the way.

A simple meal is made memorable when drifting along the Singapore River on a traditional bumboat. Step off the boat and get catapulted 60 metres into the air on a reverse bungy ride! More laughter and fun is in store if you board an amphibious "duck" to explore the city, in the company of its wacky guides.

After a day of excitement, retreat into the peaceful sanctuary of our acclaimed spa, just a stone's throw away from the best business facilities in the world.

When recharged, give yourself at least an hour to enjoy a customary Chinese tea ceremony before you step into a world-class venue to catch a Broadway musical.

With its friendly and welcoming people, state-of-the-art infrastructure and something new happening everyday, Singapore is a holiday like no other.

History and Origins

The Merlion was first designed as an emblem for the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board (STPB) in 1964 – the lion head with a fish body resting on a crest of waves quickly became Singapore’s icon to the rest of the world.

Designed by Mr Fraser Brunner, a member of the souvenir committee and a curator of the Van Kleef Aquarium, the lion head represents the lion spotted by Prince Sang Nila Utama when he re-discovered Singapura in 11 AD, as recorded in the "Malay Annals". The fish tail of the Merlion symbolises the ancient city of Temasek meaning “sea” in Javanese) by which Singapore was known before the Prince named it “Singapura” (meaning “lion” (singa) “city” (pura) in Sanskrit), and represents Singapore’s humble beginnings as a fishing village.

Measuring 8.6 metres high and weighing 70 tonnes, the Merlion statue was built from cement fondue by the late Singapore craftsman, Mr Lim Nang Seng. A second and smaller Merlion statue, measuring two metres high and weighing three tones, was also built by Mr Lim. The body was made of cement fondue, the skin from porcelain plates and eyes from small red teacups.

The Merlion and the Cub were originally located at the mouth of the Singapore River, across from the Elizabeth Walk, just 120 metres from their present location. Also called the Merlion Park, the area soon became a popular tourist attraction and took its place among the famous landmarks of great cities of the world. Mr Lee Kuan Yew, the then Prime Minister of Singapore, officiated the installation ceremony of the Merlion on 15 September 1972. A bronze plaque commemorated the auspicious occasion with the inscription, "The Merlion has been erected as a symbol to welcome all visitors to Singapore".

Today, the Merlion attracts more than one million visitors a year who make the trip to the Merlion Park to photograph this world famous icon at her new home, at the adjacent to One Fullerton.

Location

The Merlion's current home is adjacent to One Fullerton, on a newly constructed 2,500 square metre park. One Fullerton offers a choice of waterfront restaurants, lounges and dance clubs.

The area also comprises a promontory with terraced seating, and a viewing deck to hold up to 300 people as well as a boat landing point that allows visitors to disembark from river taxis. The viewing deck provides photographers with unrivalled vistas of the Merlion against the city skyline and the scenic Marina Bay, including landmarks such as The Fullerton Singapore and Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay.

The Merlion Cub is located 28 metres behind the Merlion. Pump systems for the Merlion and the Merlion cub have been installed to enable both to spout water throughout the day and night.


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