Things to Do in Kelowna & Okanagan Valley

Once a British trading colony, Singapore today is the world’s busiest port and one of the most prosperous countries in the world.  Consisting of a main island and more than 60 surrounding islets, it boasts expansive parklands and several nature reserves. Culturally diverse, modern and sophisticated, Singapore is also one of the most densely populated countries in the world.

How to Get to Singapore

Most cruise ships dock at the Singapore Cruise Center, which is about a 10-15 minute taxi ride from the city center. It is also connected to downtown by the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system. Since 2012, larger ships may instead dock at the Marina Bay Cruise Center. Some ships docking at Marina Bay offer shuttles into the center; otherwise, you will need to catch a taxi. The ride either way is about 25 minutes.

One Day in Singapore

For many visitors, Singapore is all about the shopping and you could easily spend an entire day checking out the many shopping centers around Orchard Road. Try the C.K. Tangs Department Store, the Kinokuniya bookstore, the Wisma Atria and Ngee Ann City.

Aside from shopping, you might start your visit with a stroll along the Boat Quay, a mix of old wharf houses and towering skyscrapers. Then head to the city’s charming colonial district, keeping an eye out for the Old Parliament House, the Fullerton Hotel and St. Andrew’s Church. For lunch, make your way to Chinatown for Chinese cuisine and then check out the Sri Mariamman Hindu temple.

Spend the afternoon exploring Singapore’s nature and wildlife by paying a visit to the Singapore Zoo, the Botanical Gardens or the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Spread across more than 120 acres, the Botanical Gardens feature a rainforest, lake and multiple gardens, including the National Orchid Garden. The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is home to more plant species than all of North America and the Zoo has more than 3,000 mammals, birds, reptiles and fish.

The Sinaia Monastery was built in the mid-1800s and is home to only about 20 monks. Still, the ancient church, ornate gates and dimly glowing candles are all worth a look, and the quiet but well-kept museum located on the grounds houses some impressive artifacts—including the first Bible translated into Romanian. Travelers can wander the grounds, loop through museum galleries and explore the tomb of Tache Lonescu, where quotes from his famous speeches are carved into stonewalls. Travelers say the walk to Sinaia Monastery is beautiful and the grounds are full of history. It’s the perfect addition to a visit to Peles Castle, which is located just up the road. 

Silves’ regional prominence began in the 11th century when the Moors conquered the town. Giving it the name of Xelb, they constructed lavish palaces and created a cultural centre of learning for the whole Iberian Peninsular. Prior to its decline as a port due to silt build-up in its river, Silves was once the capital of the entire Algarve region. It traces its history back to 1,000 BC, and the Romans later found its location and resources much to their liking. During the 11th century, the Moors took and fortified the city, renaming it Xelb and building opulent palaces with the intent of creating a cultural center for the entire Iberian peninsula. Silves castle, a red sandstone fortress of Moorish design and décor is replete with beautiful gardens and statuary.

Beyond the Silves Castle, the town has some of the most intact remnants of its Moorish past. Many of the Moors underground water reservoirs are still used today. Much of the town’s culture is related to historical and archeological pursuits, and there is a museum, the Museu Arquelogico (constructed above the largest, Moorish cistern, no less), that displays prehistoric articles found around the region. The Ponte Romana, a Roman bridge over the Rio Arade is a testament to its Roman occupiers, and numerous Christian monuments can be found throughout town, including a granite cross to the northeast of the city.

Singapore’s art scene benefits from Chinese, Indian and Middle Eastern cultural influences, and the Singapore Art Museum showcases a rotating collection of more than 6,500 pieces by Singaporean and Southeast Asian artists. The museum opened in 1996 inside the nineteenth century St. Joseph’s Catholic School, and limited gallery space means the works on display are always changing and you’re likely to see something new every time you visit.

The museum’s curators design exhibits based on stylistic, social and historical themes. Visiting international exhibits round out the museum experience. The E-Mage Gallery displays works from public and private collections throughout Asia on high-definition monitors, and the Q8 wing of the museum highlights works by living artists. If you’re visiting with children, be sure to swing by the Children’s Gallery for a little hands-on art.