Singapore is a diverse country that represents a variety of religions, cultures and languages. Once a part of the United Kingdom, the Republic of Singapore has grown to become the second largest gambling market and home to one of the five busiest ports in the world. Today, tourists roam the streets of this Malay Peninsula, or visit any of the 63 islands that make up the republic, to get a taste of Southeast Asia. When taking one of the cruises that stop at this historical venue, don’t miss out on some of the sites that are helping to draw Westerners to the shores of Singapore.
The Merlion
A merlion is a mythical creature composed of half lion and half fish. It is also the mascot of Singapore. Representations of this icon can be found in a number of spots around the city, but a favorite among Westerners sits in Merlion Park at Marina Bay. Built on reclaimed land, Merlion Park hosts this famous sculpture plus provides an unforgettable view of the cityscape. From the bay, you can catch one of the riverboat cruises and visit the casinos in the Riverside area or ride over to Esplanade with its restaurants and retail outlet stores.
Cultural Mash-up
One of the most enticing features about Singapore is the mix of culture. This mash-up of styles is symbolized best by some of the sites you can visit in the city. To get the full flavor, start in China Town for a taste Chinese cuisine seen through Singaporean eyes, and distinctive architecture. From there, tour Arab Street to view the influence from Middle Eastern and Malaysian cultures. A trip through Little India provides access to all night shopping and aromatic spices. Each locale has something to offer travelers that is culturally significant, but still has an air of Singapore.
Nature Parks
For tourists looking to get back to nature, the Singapore Zoo offers an open concept, Rainforest-styled arena with more 315 species to see. The zoo is a hands-on environment that provides visitors a chance to get up close and personal with the over 2,500 animals.
The Night Safari is one of the world’s first nocturnal zoos. The site features 130 varieties of animal that roam free after dark. Animals you can expect to see at Singapore’s Night Safari include vultures, wolves, rhinos, wildebeest and the striped Hyena.
Sentosa Island mixes nature into a theme park venue. Visitors enjoy beaches, nature parks, a 4D movie theater, golf and thrill rides. Just 15 minutes outside of Singapore, Sentosa covers an entire island with sites and attractions.
Fort Canning
Fort Canning is a hidden gem that it is easy to miss when taking an Asian cruise through Singapore. Originally a military base, modern-day Fort Canning offers a historical experience in the heart of the Cultural District. The park provides a unique blend of relics, landscape and culture that includes a botanical garden, gothic architecture, concerts, street artists and a wall made from tombstones.
Fort Canning is a vibrant arena for different forms of art and host to the Singapore Dance Theatre. The site provides one of the city’s largest musical festivals and regular live events. While enjoying the music and visual arts, visitors can browse the on site historic war memorabilia such as the Underground Far East Command Centre, multiple cannons and the Fort wall and gate.
There is an Asian cruise available to take you pretty much anywhere you want to go in the Orient. When considering places to visit in that part of the world, Singapore will surely be a cultural port that captures your heart.




