Singapore Tourism » Singapore Travel

SINGAPORE: BY THE RIVER
While the daytime charms of Singapore are well known, it is in the evening that it truly takes on magical hues. Takea walk along the Singapore River to experience this city like never before.

There is a peculiar problem with visiting Singapore: you are spoilt critical task of making choices is one that must be handled very delicately. More so, when you are a business traveler tied down with work all day and have only the evening with you to soak in the flavour of the city before moving on the next day. Well, the good news is that you can do a lot, and a great place to do so is right in the heart of Singapore. Welcome to the many charms of the Singapore River, and the colonial district alongside. Do pick up a tourist map of the river at the airport or at a hotel, and you are geared for an evening of discovery.

Start your sauntering at the imposing statue of Sir Raffles - the very spot where Raffles, widely regarded as the creator of modern Singapore, first set foot in Singapore. With dusk falling and the skyscrapers of the central Business District (CBD) lighting up in the background. Sir Raffles stood tall and majestic surveying the expanse of the city that he founded. The Singapore River, once clogged and polluted, is a classic caase of restoration over the last few decades, and now the place to be in the evenings. Stop by the exhibit stand near the quay. Singaporeans and tourists make most of the is a must-do on the tourist circuit and you would do well to go along with the verdict of generations of travelers.

Splendid sights
Before you know it, the quaint Cavenagh Bridge provides a pedestrian only crossing across the river. Do take note of the sign prohibiting the crossing of cattle but then Singapore of 1869, when the bridge was constructed, was a different city. Lounging on the bridge is a great way to catch the river action as well as to marvel the colonial architecture—all splendidly lit up on both sides of the river. Get transported back in time, and imagine Singapore without the skyscrapers. Yes, every inch of the Singapore river has history written all over it.

From a very colonial setting, the river transformed: we burst onto the annual event Singapore River HongBoa, with the best Chinese New Year celebrations! Bright yellow peons, Chinese characters and colourful lanterns made for a magical experience. Thronging crowds at food stalls, live performances and the festive air one could just sit back and soak in the thrills. And that is precisely what we did.

But the Singapore River is, by conventional geographic measurements, not very long. Ducking under the Esplanade Bridge, we found ourselves at the Merlion, Singapore’s most well known landmark (a half fish, half cat), at the very mouth of the river. Spouting torrents of water, this oft-photographed con forms a dramatic foreground to the impressive colonial Fullerton Hotel by the riverside standing proud against the big boys of the Business District. Half of Singapore seemed to be here, enjoying the ears of both, a seafront and a riverside. And yes, Co not be embarrassed to do what everyone else goes: get yourself photographed here; it is almost official Singapore souvenir! Fresh salt breeze is indeed invigorating - and that sure helps build up a healthy appetite. So to the quays we headed, back up river, where the alfresco dinging experience has been much touted.

Getting there
Jet Airways has regular flights to Singapore from all New Delhi Mumbai and Chennai. The award winning Changi Airport is worth an experience for its courtesy and efficiency - and the huge range of activities that it offers. Do check-in early to sample some of Changi Airport’s delights.

Getting around
Public transport is excellent in Singapore-the railway network, bus service and taxis are all wonderfully organised and make getting around a breeze. The central parts of the ciare best strolled through - Singapore is remarkably peclestriar friendly. Carry an umbrella for the frequent showers.

Accommodation
Hotels of all categories abound - use the internet or your travel agent to get the best deals.

Things to do: Pick up the Latest tourist brochure at Singapore airport and check out the latest offerings or, be footloose and discover Singapore spontarwously- It has some particularly colourful and delightful festivals Christmas, Thaipussam, Chinese New Year and Diwali are great times to be here. Shopping is possible all through the night and so, make the most of it even if your flight is at an odd hour.