1 DAY SG50 ITINERARY
The morning part of the tour focuses on the Civic District where Singapore’s
independence was declared and the importance of the Singapore River. Next,
visit Chinatown as an ethnic district and learn about conservation whilst
appreciating traditional experiences still being offered in modern Singapore.
The afternoon itinerary takes you across to Sentosa – the largest island in the
south of Singapore, where developments in the new millennium takes
introduces history in an interactive way - at the Images of Singapore LIVE. And
where at Madame Tussauds, selfies with local celebrities and prominent
characters will leave lasting memories of of your visit.
To cap your SG50 experience, marvel at the progress Singapore has made with
the panoramic skyline view captured from the Singapore Flyer – the world’s
tallest observation wheel, built on land that was sea before! This will wrap up
your day’s experience of how far we have come, from our days of
independence in 1965.
Time
Itinerary
9am
Start your journey of Singapore’s history
with a view from the Padang (‘flat field’ in
Malay) – site of the declaration of
independence. View historical landmarks :
Former Supreme Court & City Hall buildings
and St Andrew’s Cathedral.
Remarks
Singapore’s independence was declared at the Padang on 9 August 1965. From this focal
point, the various milestones of nation building are explained:
- Land reclamation at Marina Bay where the architectural wonder the MBS
development, can be seen (land reclamation will be elaborated on later at the
Singapore Flyer)
- In 1967, the ‘Garden City’ campaign was launched, spearheading the national
‘greening’ effort and culminating in land set aside for the Garden by the Bay
development
- The latest addition to our lifestyle scene and prominence of the arts in Singapore with
the opening of the National Gallery, established at the former Supreme Court and
City Hall buildings .
- Development of Marina Barage as part of Singapore’s effort to increase its fresh
water supply by increasing the water catchment area. Local catchment water is one
of our 4 National Taps, with the other 3 being imported water, NEWater and
desalinated water.
9.30am
Cruise the Singapore River - the island’s lifeline where boats used to ply to the godowns
to off-load cargo from the bigger ships
anchored along the southern coast of the
island.
Alight at Merlion Park – home to the symbol Cruise drop-off at Merlion Park
of tourism, for that ‘must-do’ photo.
For more than 150 years, the Singapore River was a busy waterway and the centre of
commercial activity on the island. When large shipping gradually moved to new port
facilities away from the river, the Singapore River became a base for regional trade. (Today,
Singapore is the world’s 3rd busiest port (in terms of cargo tonnage)).
Such heavy use brought with it the problem of pollution. In 1977, Prime Minister Lee Kuan
Yew set a target of 10 years for the Ministry of the Environment to clean up the Singapore
River and Kallang Basin – which was eventually achieved in 1987. We now enjoy the fruits of
their labour with a scenic river, complete with river activities and lifestyle developments at
each quay along the river.
On the subject of water, mention should be made of Singapore’s efforts to be self sufficient
in our water supply. The Marina Barrage not too far off, is a dam built across the 350-metre
wide Marina Channel to keep out seawater, forming Singapore's first reservoir in the city
(15th reservoir) augmenting Singapore’s water supply for generations to come. As one of the
pillars of local water supply, Marina Reservoir will meet about 10% of Singapore's current
water demand.
10.30pm Chinatown tour - with emphasis on progress
from the old days, and development within
the precinct
- Visit the oldest Chinese temple in
Singapore – recently restored Thian
Hock Keng Temple
- Stop at Chinatown Complex which
now houses the wet market which
use to be out in the streets
- Explore the smaller streets of
Chinatown
- Chinese tea appreciation session and Tea Chapter
relax over a cup of Chinese tea at
9 Neil Rd, Tel: 62261175
Tea Chapter or Yixing Xuan Teahouse OR
Yixing Xuan Teahouse
30/32 Tanjong Pagar Rd
Tel: 62246961/ 62261646
Chinatown was allocated to the Chinese population according to the 1822 town plan. The
Chinese dialect group – the Hokkiens, called it Gu Chia Chui or bullock cart water since fresh
water had to be transported to the area by bullock carts in the old days. In the old days,
Chinatown’s shophouses were cramped with immigrants. Forms of entertainment like tea
and opera houses amidst opium dens could be easily found in the area; and not to mention
the ‘wet market’ out in the streets. However, the area has undergone major transformation
with resettlement and conservation (in 1989 as part of 10 conservation areas by the Urban
Redevelopment Authority) . Chinatown Complex now houses the wet market (basement)
with a local food centre (on the 2nd level). Places of worship co-exist with commercial activity
in the area which include modern tea houses – still brewing Chinese tea the traditional way.
12.30pm
Lunch at TA’s choice of venue
OR
Maxwell Road Food Centre.
Join the queue for Tian Tian Chicken Rice
and end off with a local dessert : Ice
Kachang – a mount of ice shavings topped
with colourful syrup, corn, jelly and red
beans.
The Maxwell Road Food Centre started as a wet market in Chinatown in the 1950s and in the
1980s the site was changed to house a temporary hawker centre which remained for more
than a decade. It was known for Chinese food not easily found in other hawker centres such
as turtle soup. Today, apart from Tian Tian Chicken Rice, Singaporeans flock here for other
famous food such as Chinese porridge, fish soup, goring pisang(banana fritters and self-fried
hum chi peng – a dough pancake filled with red-bean paste.
2pm
Sentosa – the isle of Peace & Tranquility,
has come a long way… Appreciate the
development of our nation through an
interactive visit to the Images of Singapore
LIVE and then pose with Singapore
luminaries at the new Madame Tussauds.
Sentosa Island 500m south of Singapore’s main island, was previously known as Pulau
Blakang Mati meaning in Malay ‘Island of leaving death behind’, possibly referring to early
pirate activities. In 1970, it was decided to transform the island into a recreational island and
a new name ‘Sentosa’ was chosen in 1972. Much has been done to enrich the island’s
attractiveness. As one of the most popular attractions, Sentosa’s appeal became stronger
with the development of Resorts World Sentosa - an integrated resort that was developed
after much deliberation. Some key attractions at Resorts World include Universal Studios
theme park, Adventure Cove Water Park and Marine Life Park, which includes the world's
largest oceanarium. Integral to the story of Singapore’s independence is a visit to the Images
of Singapore LIVE where the colourful story of Singapore, from a humble fishing village to
21st century powerhouse, is told through live actors, special effects and immersive theming.
Sentosa’s latest attraction – Madame Tussauds Singapore with 8 fully themed interactive
zones and the new "Spirit of Singapore" boat ride. Pose with Singapore’s Minister Mentor
Lee Kwan Yew or current Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong or with your favourite A-Listers,
challenge sports stars, music legends and international icons from Singapore, Asia and
beyond.
4.30pm
Admire the ‘Singapore of today’ from the
Singapore Flyer, built on reclaimed land.
Between 1960 and 1990, land reclamation added 7.6% to Singapore’s land area – an
increase of 44 sq km. The Concept Plan of 2001 stated that future reclamation could increase
land area by 15%. Within Singapore, land reclamation activities have been concentrated in
different parts of the country to meet different land use needs. Close to the Central Business
District, Marina Bay area has added to the commercial and residential space.
Built on reclaimed land, the Singapore Flyer is the world’s largest observation wheel (outside
United States). Standing at a stunning 165m from the ground, the Flyer offers a
breathtaking, panoramic view of the Marina Bay, our island city and beyond.
6.30pm
Dinner is either MBS or across at Shoppes
on the bay - continuing our tour experience
on reclaimed land:
Ku De Ta atop Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
OR
Restaurant of choice at MBS :
- TWG Tea Salon & Boutique (Bistro)
- High Society (Bistro Style)
- Imperial Treasure (Cantonese
restaurant)
Close to the Central Business District, Marina Bay area has added to the commercial and
residential space. Marina Bay Sands ,an integrated resort built on reclaimed land, was
opened on 27 April 2010. The hotel has three 55-story towers with 2,561 luxury rooms and
suites, and is capped by the Sands SkyPark, which offers 360-degree views of Singapore's
skyline. Connected to the hotel towers are the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina
Bay Sands Casino and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands (where most dining options are
located).
8pm
Go on a night adventure through a humid
tropical forest and experience the world’s
first nocturnal zoo - the Night Safari – a
home-grown concept under the Wildlife
Reserves Singapore group.
The Night Safari is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Singapore. The Night Safari
was officially opened on 26 May 1994 and occupies 35 hectares (86 acres) of secondary
rainforest adjacent to the Singapore Zoo and Upper Seletar Reservoir. It currently houses
over 2,500 animals representing over 130 species, of which 38% are threatened species.
OR
Give yourself a treat and refresh with afterdinner drinks at :
1. The Long Bar, Raffles Hotel
2. Manhattan, Regent Hotel
1. The Long Bar at the iconic Raffles Hotel, is home to the Singapore Sling – a Gin based
cocktail invented by head bartender, Ngiam Tong Boon in 1915. The down to earth
décor of this two-storey bar was inspired by the Malayan plantations of the 1920s. In
addition to almost every alcoholic and non-alcoholic concoction imaginable, the bar
also serves traditional pub favourites that are available as a meal or snacks. The bar
welcomes children accompanied by adults.
2. Manhattan is a grand hotel bar inspired by the 19th century's Golden Age of cocktails
and fine drinking. Delivering on its name with a glamorous yet modern space
reminiscent of old New York, craft bartending meets artisanal spirits to pay homage
to classic and forgotten cocktails that leap from the pages of history. Order the
award winning Singapore Nacionale and celebrate the nation’s 50years of
independence!