Singapore & Sentosa

Singapore: history

Sir Stamford Raffles set up a British trading post on the island in 1819. It grew into one of the busiest ports in the world. Japan occupied it from 1942 to 1945.

Singapore became an independent country on 9 August 1965. Tamil is one of its four official languages. Sri Mariamman, founded in 1827, is its oldest Hindu temple, and Little India is full of vegetarian restaurants.

Singapore: tourist attractions

• Gardens by the BayThe Supertrees and their evening light show, and two giant glasshouses.
• Marina Bay SandsThe view from the SkyPark on top of the hotel.
• Merlion ParkThe symbol of the city, beside the bay.
• Universal Studios SingaporeRides and shows on Sentosa island.
• SentosaThe cable car, the aquarium, the beaches and the Wings of Time show.
• Night SafariA tram ride through a zoo after dark.
• Little India & ChinatownTemples, markets and food.
• Jewel ChangiA 40-metre indoor waterfall at the airport.
• Botanic GardensA UNESCO site, with the National Orchid Garden.

Singapore: excursions nearby

• Pulau Ubin by small boatA quiet island of village life and cycling.
• Legoland Malaysia about 50 kmA theme park at Johor Bahru. You need your passport.
• Bintan or Batam about 1 hour by ferryBeach resorts in Indonesia.
• Malacca about 240 kmAn old trading port in Malaysia, a UNESCO site.
• Kuala Lumpur about 1 hour by airThe Petronas Towers and the Batu Caves temple.

Distances are approximate. Tell us which excursions you want and we add them to your quote.