Northern & Central Singapore

As regions in Singapore go, the Northern and the Central region could not be more different. Filled with the hustle and bustle of city life and lined with street after street of interactive attractions, the Central region of Singapore is the core area for tourists and locals to meet up and enjoy all that the island nation has to offer. Central consists of some of the main attractions of Singapore along with the downtown core which receives a lot of tourist crowds. The north region of Singapore in comparison is the calm, laidback side with more residential areas and cemeteries along with fewer attractions. However, the area is famous for its nature trails and delves deeper into the wilderness.

The Kranji War Memorial in Northern Singapore is one of the main sites to revisit the past of Singapore. Previously a prisoner's of war camp, then a cemetery for the prisoners and finally the place where the infamous war memorials are located, the Kranji War Memorial site has seen a lot of death and destruction. The place has around 4400 white gravestones, each of which honours an individual who died during World War 2. The hilltop terrace where the four memorials are located has a clear view of the Straits of Jahor in the north and the hills of Singapore in the south.

All four memorials represent different tragedies where many lost their lives. The first memorial pays its respects to the 107 servicemen who died at the Singapore General Hospital, the second for the 225 casualties to the Malayan Campaign (unattainable graves), and the third to the 789 soldiers of the Indian Army. The last memorial which is the war memorials columns represents three branches of the military.

The Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and the River Safari all fall under one umbrella and can be visited in a day. The Zoo is an open concept area which contains around 2400 animals of roughly 300 species, of which about 34% are threatened. All animals at the Singapore Zoo live in a simulation of their natural habitat which makes them more than comfortable. The Zoo is also designed like a rainforest to provide a true experience to the visitors.

The River Safari and the Night Safari, on the other hand, are one of a kind adventure which should not be missed. The Night Safari is the world first nocturnal wildlife park and is a 35-hectare place containing 900 animals of a 100 species out of which around 41% are threatened. The park is also known to breed their own Malayan Tigers, Asian Elephants, Fishing Cats, etc. One can experience the whole park which is divided into the seven geographical regions in a tram equipped with a tour guide to better understand the wildlife.

The River Safari, on the other hand, is Asia's first and only river-themed wildlife park consisting of 12 hectares of space with 400 plant species and 260 aquatic and terrestrial animals. The park offers an exploratory river adventure including animals from all the main rivers around the world that can be experienced on foot or by the reservoir cruise.

Built in 1971, the Jurong Bird Park is Asia's largest bird park. The park contains around 3500 birds of 400 different species out of which 20% are threatened. It is also best known for its walk-in aviaries, the largest of which is the Waterfall Aviary that contains a sizeable 30-metre waterfall. The other two aviaries that can be explored are the Lory Loft and the Jungle Jewels. The Penguin Coast and Pelican Cove are also unique attractions that are a favourite amongst visitors. Jurong Bird Park is also the first in the world to breed the Malayan Black Hornbill and the twelve-wired bird of paradise and also houses an Avian Hospital.

Punggol Beach is considered a historic site in the National Heritage Boards list of Historic Sites. It is one of the three main sites of the Sook Ching Massacre. However, the unique placement of the boulders along the soft sands of the beach makes it a beautiful place to visit. The beach is an ideal spot for photographers and people who enjoy walking along a scenic view. The Viewing Deck with a unique shape of a ship that gives a perfect view of the Straits of Jahor, The Punggol Point Park and The Ranch are main points of interest around the Punggol Beach.

Singapore Art Museum along with the Singapore Art Museum at 8Q are two of the many museums that are present in this neighbourhood. However, what makes these museums different is the host of contemporary artwork from across Southeast Asia. The museum has a total of 7000 permanent art pieces and uses all types of new media to portray their artwork. The museum is also built atop a Catholic school which adds to its charm and majestic nature.

This neighbourhood in the central region of Singapore will make many Indians feel like it is truly a home away from. The streets of Little India are lined with shops serving traditional Indian food from all over the country, as well as wares, that are native to India. Saris and Garlands can also be found in shopping malls in this neighbourhood. The vibrant place is also home to many temples, mosques and other places of worship that creates a mystical aura.

Haji Lane and Arab Street are both famous streets that form a part of the Muslim Quarter. One of the narrowest streets in Singapore, Haji Lane, is known for its splattering colour and adding life to the Kampong Glam area with its chic or vintage fashion labels and quirky cafes. The street often attracts tourists and locals looking for something unique or for clicking some of the most aesthetic pictures. Arab Street, on the other hand, is most famous for the Sultan Mosque with the towering gold domes that make it one of the most prominent architectural masterpieces in the Kampong Glam Area. The mosque has resided at the corner of Arab Street for a very long time and is a place of great historical importance.

Home to historical and cultural sites such as the Cavenagh Bridge, Fort Canning Park, Padang, St. Andrews Cathedral, Asians Civilisations Museum and Raffles hotel and place, the Colonial District is a must-visit for history buffs. The district is exceptionally famous and has the best spread of local culture in the entirety of Singapore. The Colonial District is also lined with white colonial buildings that seem like a completely different world due to its stark contrast with the skyscrapers surrounding it.

The main shopping street of Singapore, Orchard Road is for those who wish to shop till they drop and have fun while doing it. The road brings together all international, local, unique and upscale boutiques and brands together in one place as well as spas, hotels, cafes, attractions, etc. With every visit to this bustling street, one is bound to find something new and interesting. The Paragon Shopping Centre and Orchard Central are the main shopping malls on Orchard Road.