Where To Play

	For more information on local sights and leisure activities, please visit: http://www.visitsingapore.com

NORTH

A nature lover's dream comes true, the northern part of Singapore Island provide a respite for weary city dwellers with lots of wholesome fun and interaction with what nature has to offer.

Some of the places of interests that entranced both kids and adults alike are:

o Kranji War Memorial
The beautifully landscaped ground of the Kranji War Memorial are dedicated to the Allied troops who died in the battle for Singapore during World War II. The memorial's walls are inscribed with the names of those who died, and a register is available for inspection from the custodian.

o The Central Catchment Nature Reserve
This sprawling expanse, capturing nearly 3000ha of tropical paradise comprises MacRitchie Reservoir Park, Peirce Reservoir Park, Upper Peirce Reservoir Park and Seletar Reservoir Park. An ideal hiking and picnic location, one can also find a host of wild native fauna and flora as well as the last freshwater swamp in the reserve.

o Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
A sprawling 130 ha of untouched natural beauty, Sungei Buloh is one of the island's last great wildlife sanctuaries for migratory birds.

o Singapore Zoological Gardens
Comprising Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, the Singapore Zoological Gardens is one of the most visited tourist attraction in Singapore. An open concept zoo, Singapore Zoo covers 28 ha and is well known for its specially landscaped exhibits and creative enclosures which allow visitiors to view animals unhintered by bars and cages. It has over 2,000 animals from more than 250 species of mammals, birds and reptile. Whilst the Night Safari houses over 1,200 nocturnal animals of 100 species in 47 habitats in 40 ha of tropical rainforest landscaped to simulate the natural habitats to which the animals belong.

CENTRAL

Where modern Singapore life first takes shape, the Central region appeal is as myriad as the fascinating nuggets of history that dot the area.

o Singapore River
Starting from Collyer Quay and running through Boat Quay and ending at Clarke Quay / Robertson Quay, the Singapore River provides a glimpse of a significant slice of Singapore's history and a great many landmarks include esplanade - Singapore first performance art centre, Merlion.

o Little India
The place to be if you appreciate the rich Indian heritage and culture of Singapore especially during festive celebrations like Deepavali, Thaipusam Silver Chariot Procession and Vesak Day, etc.

o Mount Faber / Sentosa
Singapore's mini-version of The Peak in Hong Kong and one of the island's oldest parks, it is also the take off point of the island's only cable-car ride to Sentosa, an island resort just 15 minutes from the city.

o Botanic Gardens
Founded in 1859 and now a leading international institution for tropical botany, Singapore Botanic Gardens is also the venue where the national flower of Singapore, Vanda Miss Joaquim was first discovered.

o Chinatown
Where the early Chinese immigrants first settle down and take root, Chinatown with its rows of beautifully restored shophouses is the place to catch glimpses of the traditions and culture of the ethnic Chinese.

o Fort Canning Park
Fort Canning is the most historic part of Singapore. Malay and Chinese historical records point to this hill as the centre of a kingdom that arose around AD1300. The royal palace of ancient Malay rulers probably stood on the summit of this once "Forbidden Hill". Likewise, Sir Stamford Raffles also chose to build his bungalow here for the beautiful view it commanded, and subsequently the site served as residence for a long line of Governors.

EAST

Recharge and revive under the waft of cool sea breeze and sandy beaches is what the East can offer. A coastal haven, the East has long been a favourite family and sporting destination.

o Katong
Revelling in its incredibly rich Peranakan and Eurasian heritage and architecture, Katong with its laid-back sense of self is also the place where bounty of local cuisine can be found on every street corner.

o East Coast Park
Teeming with cyclists and sunbathers along its coastal line on weekends, East Coast Park is the place to be for a healthy retreat from city life and also the place to have a taste of authentic local seafood fares.

o Changi Village
A charming place to work on your tan and live an island life, Changi Village is one of the few remaining holiday resorts that had managed to escape the evolution of time. This is also the place where one can view a remarkable collection of WWII memorabilia at the Changi Chapel and Museum.

o Pulau Ubin
Just a 15-minute bumboat ride from Changi, Palau Ubin provides an idyllic rural retreat where sandy roads, dense jungles and sprawling mangrove swamps form part of the tapestry of island life.

WEST

Dotted with many of Singapore's most luscious hills, it has some of the best places to take in an aerial night view of the island as well as experience the charming character of some of its residential neighbourhoods.

o Holland Village Touted as a bohemia and an expatriate enclave, Holland Village or more affectionately known as HV, is a charming place with a blend of old and new where both locals and expatriates alike are drawn here to shop, wine and dine.

o Bukit Timah Nature Reserve The Island's only virgin lowland rainforest, the 164 ha reserve holds more plant species than the entire North American continent.

o Kent Ridge Park Offers a panoramic sweep of the ships parked in the harbour below and it is also a regular haunt for fitness freaks for their daily jog.

o Jurong BirdPark Home to one of the largest collections of exotic birds in the world, Jurong BirdPark also boasts of the world's largest walk-in aviary as well as the highest man-made waterfall.		o Singapore Science Centre One of the top ten science centres in the world, it holds seven exhibition halls, with about 11,500 sq m of space and featuring more than 850 science exhibits. It also has an Omni-Theatre that houses a 5-storey high and 276-seat Omni-Planetarium.