Singapore Port

Many people would list Singapore amongst their favourite holiday destinations. It’s easy to see why, as it’s a particularly modern and luxurious city. Recognised as being a clean and safe environment, complete with world-class attractions, it’s as popular with tourists as it is with the millions of business travellers who make their way to the city each year. Your cruise ship will dock at one of two terminals, the most recent of which was built in 2012. From either, you’ll have no trouble getting into the city and experience what Singapore has to offer.

Sightseeing in Singapore

In total, Singapore is made up of 63 islands. One of these is much larger than the rest, and many are connected by bridges. Public transport is excellent, and despite the city being crowded you’ll have no trouble finding your way and keeping to a tight schedule. Car ownership is particularly expensive due to government discouragement, and so the city’s infrastructure has been designed to accommodate reliance on trains, buses, taxis and the Mass Transit System. It’s Singapore’s diverse culture that makes it particularly interesting, and ensures that you’ll find an attraction that suits your interests:

Universal Studios Singapore

If your shore excursion gives you time, then make your way to this world-famous theme park. As well as rides and attractions for all ages, you’ll find bars, restaurants and shops. Or, enjoy one of a variety of live shows.

National Orchid Garden

Singapore boasts a number of stunning green escapes but for many visitors, the beautiful National Orchid Garden is the real must-see, boasting over 60,000 orchid plants in a skillfully landscaped three-hectare city escape.

Jurong Bird Park

Even in this modern city, you’ll find impressive green spaces and natural attractions. The Jurong Bird Park is a man-made park complete with walk-through aviaries. You’ll see colourful birds from all over the world, and will be able to interact in areas that mimic their natural environments.

Singapore Zoo

As well as being home to more than 3,000 creatures, Singapore Zoo offers an opportunity to enjoy a unique River Safari. If your shore excursion puts you in Singapore for the morning, then you can also enjoy a Jungle Breakfast accompanied by the animals.

Shopping in Singapore

The words ‘shopping’ and ‘Singapore’ are linked in the minds of most experienced cruisers. Ranging from huge shopping centres filled with world-famous chain stores to independent stalls stocking a range of souvenirs, the outlets in Singapore come in all shapes and sizes. You can find hand-crafted accessories, bronze statues, ornaments and beautiful jade carvings at the city’s Chinatown, and will easily be able to spot an abundance of antique shops selling collectables and vintage items. For an upscale shopping experience, be sure to head to the Marina Bay area, the distnctive architecture of which is a much-photograped attraction in itself.

The best souvenirs to take back to your cruise ship are items unique to Singapore. Consider purchasing some local tea, or Peranakan ceramics which are painted with colourful pastel designs and include quality antiques and reproduction items such as tea sets and plates. You’ll also find designer watches and items of jewellery at very reasonable prices.

Eating out in Singapore

A diverse city, Singapore has restaurants serving meals from a wide range of cultures. It’s also the place to find unique fusion foods that you’re unlikely to experience anywhere else in the world. Chinatown is, of course, the best place for authentic traditional and modern Chinese foods, whilst there’s also a Little India where you can enjoy a flavourful curry. The East Coast area is where you’ll find seafood restaurants, with a particularly popular dish being chilli and black pepper crab.

Another Singaporean favourite is laksa, which is made with a coconut curry sauce poured over noodles and served with seafood. You might also want to try authentic satays and spring rolls, or an adventurous dessert of ice cream in one of the many unusual flavours on offer. As well as having a wide range of restaurants catering to every budget, Singapore is home to a number of hawker centres which are indoor and outdoor food halls filled with local vendors selling from permanent and temporary stands. Hawker centres include plenty of communal tables, giving each member of your group the chance to select their favourite vendor before meeting up to enjoy a meal together.