Lying almost on the equator, Singapore is a thriving city-state that has overcome its dearth of natural resources to become one of the juggernaut economies of Asia. In the crowded streets of Chinatown, fortune tellers, calligraphers and temple worshippers are still a part of everyday life. In Little India, you can buy the best sari material, freshly ground spices or a picture of your favourite Hindu god. In the small shops of Arab St, the cry of the imam can be heard from the nearby Sultan Mosque.
Singapore may have traded in its rough-and-ready opium dens and pearl luggers for towers of concrete and glass, and its steamy rickshaw image for hi-tech wizardry, but you can still recapture the colonial era with a gin sling under the languorous ceiling fans at Raffles Hotel. It is this carefully stage-managed combination of Western modernity and treasured Eastern and colonial past that makes Singapore such an accessible slice of Asia.
Colonial Singapore
The mark of Sir Stamford Raffles is indelibly stamped on central Singapore. By moving the business district south of the river and making the northern area the administrative centre, Raffles created the framework that remained the blueprint for central Singapore through generations of colonial rule and the republican years of independence. Places of interest include: Empress Place Building, an imposing Victorian structure, built in 1865, that houses a museum, art and antique galleries and a chic restaurant; the incongruous Padang, where flannelled cricketers once caught, bowled and batted in the searing heat; Raffles Hotel, a Singaporean institution which has become a byword for oriental luxury; and any number of imposing churches, such as St Andrew's Cathedral and the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.
Chinatown
is Singapore's cultural heart and still provides glimpses of the old ways with
its numerous temples, decorated terraces and its frantic conglomeration of
merchants, shops and activity. Unfortunately much of Chinatown has been torn
down and redeveloped over the past 30 years. Faithful restoration by the Urban
Redevelopment Authority has saved some parts but it has also posed a new threat,
since the restored buildings are now desirable properties commanding high rents,
and traditional businesses - such as shops selling incense to temple
worshippers, letter writers and chop (stamp) makers - are moving out and a new
gentrified Chinatown of fashionable restaurants and expensive shops is taking
its place. It's still a fascinating place to explore though, especially in the
early-morning hours when activity is more pronounced. The Thian Hock Keng
Temple in Chinatown is arguably the most interesting in Singapore.
The Muslim centre of Singapore is a traditional textile district, full of batiks from Indonesia, silks, sarongs and shirts. Add to this mix rosaries, flower essences, hajj caps, songkok hats, basketware and rattan goods, and you have a fair idea of the products haggled over in this part of the city. The grand Sultan Mosque is the biggest and liveliest mosque in Singapore, but the tiny Malabar Muslim Jama-ath Mosque is the most beautiful. There's fine Indian Muslim food along nearby North Bridge Rd and the foodstalls on Bussorah St are especially atmospheric at dusk during Ramadan.
This
modest but colourful area of wall-to-wall shops, pungent aromas and Hindi film
music is a relief from the prim modernity of many parts of the city. Centred
around the southern end of Serangoon Rd, this is the place to come to pick up
that framed print of a Hindu god you've always wanted, eat great vegetarian food
and watch streetside cooks fry chapatis. The Zhujiao Centre is the main
market, but there are also interesting spice shops nearby. The best temples are
Veerama Kali Ammam, Sri Srinivasa Perumal and the glitzy Temple of
1000 Lights.
This
is the area where the high-class hotels predominate. It is also the domain of
Singapore's elite, who are lured by the shopping centres, nightspots,
restaurants, bars and lounges. A showcase for the material delights of
capitalism, Orchard Rd also possesses some sights of cultural interest where a
credit card is not required.
Jurong
Town, west of the city centre, is a huge industrial and housing area that is the
powerhouse of Singapore's economy. This might seem an unlikely spot for a number
of Singapore's tourist attractions but it is home to the Haw Par Villa
(an incredibly tacky Chinese mythological theme park), the beautifully
landscaped Jurong Bird Park, Chinese & Japanese Gardens and the
hands-on Singapore Science Centre.
Considered
the granddaddy of Singapore's parks, Sentosa Island is the city-state's most
visited attraction, especially on weekends. It has
museums, aquariums, beaches (with imported sand), sporting facilities, walks,
rides and food centres. And if a day isn't enough to take in all the sites and
activities, the island has a camping ground, hostel and luxury hotels.
HONG KONG PEAK
Hong Kong is one of the busiest cities and ports in the world. Yet it is not the
hectic pace of life that will leave you breathless. Instead, it is the very
serenity of the Peak that will make you catch your breath….
This hill on the southern shore of Hong Kong Island will indeed leave you
speechless with wonder at the stunning panorama that can be seen at its
pinnacle. The marvelous vista is further enhanced by its lovely, walks under a
canopy of trees and by the Victoria Peak Garden, the former residence of the
Governor of Hong Kong. And the ride on the Peak Tram is an experience not to be
missed!
An ideal place to spend some quality time with family, friends and loved ones.
Enjoy a picnic at the Peak, where you'll be serenaded by Mother Nature's very
own musical ensemble - the chirping birds and crickets, accompanied by the
rustling leaves and gentle whisper of the breeze.
Simply stunning - the view atop the Peak will have even the most hardened of
sceptics marvelling at the beauty of Mother Nature's handiwork. So, take a
little trip up to the Peak, where you'll learn to rediscover and love the simple
things in life!
WESTERN
DISTRICT
The pioneers of America headed west, where they found a whole new land and
forged a whole new life; visitors to Hong Kong should also 'Go West', all the
way to Western District - to get a better glimpse of the Chinese culture and
life of the Hong Kong Chinese.
With lots of antiques, crafts and curios on sale in Western District, visitors
would no doubt get a feel of the diverse beauty of the culture. With the
traditional medicine shops proudly proclaiming their cure-alls derived from
various herbs and animal parts, visitors would certainly gain an eye-opening
experience of the old practices of the local people. And with its old,
sculptured temples - some more than a hundred years old - visitors will
definitely celebrate the spirit of life, as the locals know it.
The Western District epitomises all that the Chinese of yesteryear hold dear.
The uniqueness of the old way of life is still partly preserved in the Western
District; this area is all the more attractive for showing up the contrast of a
life and culture that is slowly but surely giving way to the hip and modern way
of life. So, head out 'west' for a blast from the past!
THE
STAR FERRY
In
Hong Kong, one of life's simple pleasures is taking a ride on the Star Ferry
that enables commuters to get from Kowloon to Hong Kong and vice-versa. The
decks of the ferries offer one fabulous views of the island.
Starry-eyed romantics will not want to miss this ride and lovers who only have
eyes for each other will no doubt have to tear their gazes from each other as
the panorama will just about steal your breath away, particularly at twilight
time, when it is especially enchanting, with man-made lights lighting up in
unison with the twinkling stars in the darkening sky.
So, for the many of us who cannot afford a luxury cruise, there're always the
ferries of Hong Kong to set the lovely relaxing mood of an adventure at sea.
Just close your eyes and let your imagination sail the Seven Seas….
CHEUNG CHAU
Cheung Chau means "Long Island" and the fishing community still live in real
wooden junks - their traditional homes. But there is a difference here, these
boats have very modern equipment to find fishes!
Vehicles are virtually non-existent here and visitors get to enjoy a relaxing
walk as they make their way down the waterfront, simply called the "Praya".
Seafood drying in the sun, fresh shellfish on sale and seafood restaurants are
common sights here. The Praya becomes a pretty promenade, a la Mediterranean, in
the evenings, while the weekends see lots of visitors from Hong Kong coming over
for day-trips.
To the western end of Praya Road, is the over-200 year old Pak Tai Temple,
dedicated to the Taoist god of the sea. It features traditional Chinese temple
architecture, with ceramic figurines mounted on the roof. The image of the deity
is the one with the serpent and tortoise under his feet. The people started
honouring Pak Tai after the deity was said to have driven away evil spirits
which brought pirates and a devastating plague.
Every year, the villages hold a procession and the Cheung Chan Bun Festival as
thanksgiving to the deity, and huge towers consisting of sweet buns are erected
in front of the temple.
LAMMA ISLAND
Lamma Island
makes a wonderful weekend getaway or a day trip destination. Its close proximity
to Hong Kong makes it possible and convenient for the people of the main island
to enjoy a ferry ride over for a night of banqueting and reveling as there are
many affordable restaurants and eateries serving excellent Chinese and Western
fare.
The clear air and sandy beaches which give way to green hills complete with
butterflies, trees and villages; the picturesque view that awaits from a
pavilion at the top of a little hill on Hung Shing Yeh Beach - all do wonders
for the soul. The little grocery shops, the bars and the lovely restaurants,
some built out over the water - they do wonders to your appetite!
Lamma Island is just the place for you if you love good food and Mother Nature.
So check into one of the few hotels there and check out all that Lamma Island
has to offer.
STANLEY
Stanley is THE place for bargain hunters and patrons who love dining alfresco.
But it is also known for its historic sites and colonial buildings, mainly the
oldest police station and Murray House - the former British army quarters.
Another interesting venue to stop by is the temple of the goddess Tin Hau,
patron saint of the sea, who also protects the villagers of Stanley. The
Military Cemetery is also a place of interest, unusual though it is. Make you
way along to St. Stephen's Beach and you'll be able to rent a small boat to take
you over to tiny Po Toi island, where the ancient rock carvings take center
stage. Another interesting attraction there is the "Shell Rock". As it name
implies, it looks like a shell and rises ten metres above the spur.
TAI
TAM RESERVOIRS
Water, water everywhere
But nary a drop to drink - until it has been treated, that is!
Surrounded by the southeastern hills of Hong Kong Island, hidden from the city,
are the Tai Tam Reservoirs. It is the largest of the island's reservoir.
Visiting it is a relaxing way to spend an hour or two, especially when all that
you need to do is to take a stroll down a hill.
En route to the reservoir itself are a picnic area and a viewing station. Take a
rest at the pavilion below the Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir, and look out at
the bigger Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir. Water flows from the surrounding valley and
from the western slopes of Dragon's Back in Shek O. Keep walking along the road
and you'll find yourself in some lovely shaded woodland beside the reservoir. A
picturesque bridge completes the tour and minutes later, you'll find yourself
back at Tai Tam Road.
MONGKOK MARKETS
Mongkok is famous for its markets; there are four very interesting ones for you
to check out - the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden, the Flower Market, the Goldfish
Market and the Ladies' Market.
Bird sellers and their prized songbirds are the main attraction on the grounds
of this Chinese courtyard of the Bird Garden. Bird paraphernalia of all types
are sold here, from cages to bird snacks. Say it with flowers, fresh or dried,
and the best place to get them in all of Hong Kong is at the Flower Market. It
is the centre of Hong Kong's retail and wholesale flower trade. The shops and
sidewalk resemble a veritable paradise, with blooms of all colours, shapes and
sizes imaginable! Exotic flowers and potted plants come from all over the world.
It is open daily from 7.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.
At the Goldfish Market, tropical fish in bright hues dart around playfully amid
coral in tanks. The market operates from 10 a.m. until 6.00 p.m. each day. A
visit there might just be the thing to win you over, even if you aren't really a
fish enthusiast. The Ladies' Market is a misleading name as it gets its fair
share of attention from the men as well. And no, they aren't cross-dressers as
the market has on sale all manner of clothes and accessories as well as beauty
products and other knick-knacks. Best of all, they are bargain priced!
MUSEUMS and GALLERIES
Hong
Kong's museums aren't just about old things - they are a varied combination of
old and new, and of East and West. There are many museums with different themes
and there'll be one that is bound to catch your attention.
Scattered all over Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories, they are a
wonderful source of information on heritage, culture and natural history, art,
science and technology. There are even the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware,
the Hong Kong Racing Museum and the Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb Museum!
One museum that is worth visiting just to see its traditional Chinese
architecture is the handsome Tung Wah Museum. It can be found in the Old Main
Hall, the only surviving building of the Kwong Wah Hospital. Open daily from 10
a.m. to 6.00 p.m. - and you can make arrangements to have someone take you on a
guided tour by calling +852 27700867. Take them up on their offer; it's free, by
the way….
HONG
KONG BANK BUILDING
Said to be the most expensive building ever built, the Hong Kong Bank Building
epitomizes the harmonious mix of an ancient practice with high-tech wizardry.
Its very design is based on the art of feng shui, of which harmony of elements,
shapes, size and colour is essential in producing and maintaining the balance of
energy. An imbalance of energy bodes ill for all.
Giant pillars hold the entire magnificent building up and people can walk under
the bank and come out on the other side. When standing directly under the bank,
you will be able to see right into the heart of the building if you look through
the huge glass atrium. This comes as no surprise, since the inside is
transparent.
MACAU
The former Portuguese enclave, Macau retains its air of Southern European
dignity with its open air cafes, public squares, places with quaint Portuguese
names, lots of Portuguese restaurants and the occasional palm tree.
Macau has a colonial past 300 years longer than Hong Kong's but it has somehow
managed to preserve its superb collection of historic buildings and crumbling
backstreets. Do make it a point to see the beautiful Baroque churches, old
fortresses and the culturally-rich mansion houses. They stand proud amongst the
newer high-rise hotels, wide highways, concrete bridges and elegant casinos -
which is what Macau is really famous for!
Having made its fortune from the gaming tables, Macau is one prosperous place
today, as can be seen from the large-scale construction and from its airport. In
Macau, blackjack, roulette and poker are just a few of the names of the game!
COUNTRY PARKS
Despite its concrete façade, Hong Kong is still very much eco-friendly; in fact
75% of its areas are lovely green countryside. As such, it has much to offer its
residents and visitors in terms of outdoor recreation and fabulous views.
With its lush vegetation, Hong Kong has an impressive variety of marine and
wildlife, especially on its many outlying beaches. Most of these are uninhabited
but some are accessible, and visitors can spend some glorious time in the wild,
admiring the many birds and animals that call Hong Kong their home.
Hong Kong's country parks are also ideal for hiking as there are extensive
trails with fantastic views. Half-day hike or a whole day one - its your call.
TOURS & CRUISES
Another attractive feature in Hong Kong is the novel way tourists can go
sightseeing. Tours and cruises are available and are a
wonderful, relaxing way to see the sights.
Just sign up for one (or two or more) of the cruises that are available, and
you'll be taken to certain areas of Hong Kong. Some of these cruises come with a
dinner package and the stunning views will leave you speechless with wonder.
Join a guided tour of the city or take a helicopter ride for a thrilling aerial
view over mountains, towns and the harbour.
ROCKS OF AGES…AND
AGES AGO
Day after day, the woman makes her way
up the hill over looking the sea, her baby cradled at her bosom. Day after day,
she looks out, hoping to see her husband return from the sea. And day after day,
the fisherman's wife waits in vain for her husband never returns. She waits
until this day, or so the locals say, because the Gods had turned her to stone
because they took pity on her sad, lonely vigil.
This is the famous rock known as the Amah Rock in the New Territories,
and it resembles a woman cradling a baby and nearby is the Lion Rock, named such
for very obvious reasons. Some might say that Hong Kong is a barren, rocky place
but this is not quite true, as the rocks have nurtured the imaginations of the
people.
Rock carvings in Hong Kong add to the mystical beauty of the hills. Relics from
the Bronze Age, 3,000 years ago, most of them overlook the sea and bear
geometric patterns similar to those found on pottery and bronze vessels of that
period. In some, one can see vague hints of human or animal figures, thought to
represent their gods or goddesses and tribal totems. And in front of them, there
are platforms and ledges.
Only think, could there have been sacred holy gatherings, sacrifices to the
gods, rites of passage performed here? Or could the ancient people have prayed,
given offerings or even exchanged vows here? What mystery! If only the rocks
could speak, what stories they would tell. As it is, the carved surfaces of the
rocks only make us wonder even more about the ancient people who used to live
there.
There are many carvings to be found in Hong Kong. Eight of them, in Shek Pik,
Cheung Chau, Po Toi, Wong Chuk Hang, Big Wave Bay,
Lung Ha Wan, Kau Sai Chau and Tung Lung, are protected by
the Antiquities and Monuments Office. Of these, the carving in Tung Lung is Hong
Kong's largest and features a dragon.
ASCOT OF THE EAST
The Chinese business acumen is world-renowned,
sometimes for its sheer audacity in taking risks. This risk-taking seems to have
translated itself into the leisure activities of the people. And this is why
horseracing is such a popular sport in Hong Kong.
Racing season is from September to June every year, with prestigious events like
the Hong Kong International Races, Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the Hong Kong
Derby. Usually, races are held on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesday evenings.
There are two racing courses in Hong Kong, Happy Valley on Hong Kong
island and Sha Tin in the New Territories.
Why not be one of the 54,000 excited spectators at the recently renovated
Happy Valley Race Course, especially when the races are held at night. The
tracks take on a magical look when it is illuminated by numerous spotlights.
But if you're not into betting, you could always find out about the history of
horse racing in Hong Kong which started in the 1840's at the Hong Kong Racing
Museum. This museum is made all the more authentic because it is located at
the Happy Valley track and it tells the love story between man and horses
through its eight galleries and showcase cinema. The historic Jockey's Club,
which promotes the sport, is also to be found there,
It is quite an uncommon thing that a racecourse should be an attraction to
non-gamblers, but in Sha Tin, it is just so. It is one of the best racetracks in
the world, and can seat 85,000 but visitors must obtain special admission badges
to enter the visitors' Box or the Betting Lounge. Prestigious indeed but those
outside are not left out either as there are huge computer-controlled display
panels tell enthusiasts which horses have won.
The Sha Tin Racecourse also has something for non-gamblers. Their main
attraction is at the heart of the racecourse. Penfold Park - a lovely
landscaped bird sanctuary and parkland where one can recover from the adrenaline
generated by the all that excitement at the tracks.
All in all, watching majestic beasts thundering down the tracks, racing for
supremacy, is something awesome to behold. And in Hong Kong, the superb
racecourses and bloodlines make a day at the races an experience to remember.
BEACHES
The sound of waves rustling as it breaks on the shore, the feel of water gently
lapping at your feet, the kiss of the sun on your skin and the soft touch of the
breeze…are perfect conditions for a wonderfully relaxing day at one of Hong
Kong's beaches - some crowded, some secluded, mostly romantic and all
breath-taking!
Two very well known and popular beaches on Hong Kong island are Deep Water
Bay and Repulse Bay, one leading to the other. Located on the southern coast
of the island, both are easily accessible.
The beauty of Deep Water Bay starts even before you reach the beach; the road
leading to the beach is lined by trees dotted with bright red flame of the
forest flowers, and overlooking the cliffs are stately mansions. The beach is
right next to the annexe of the Hong Kong Golf Club. There are refreshment
kiosks, toilets and lifeguard service every April to October, the official
swimming season.
From Deep Water Bay, there is a lovely little pathway that leads to Repulse Bay,
where two large statues of the compassionate goddesses, Kuan Yin and Tin Hau,
grace the terraces of the Life Guards' Club and look over swimmers as they
frolick in the water and the life guards as they patrol the beaches. Finally,
above the beach is a very picturesque scene of early 20th century architecture.
A little way down is South Beach Bay, which is one of Hong Kong island's
most secluded spots for some sunbathing. This beach is just a little out of the
way, so there are fewer people. Nevertheless, it comes with good facilities
Shek O is another popular weekend seaside destination, for who can ever
resist being a part of a pretty picture? And indeed, Shek O from the surrounding
hills above looks like an old Chinese community. But it doesn't only look like
an old Chinese village, it really feels like one, too, and its traditional and
rustic atmosphere is a striking comparison with the opulent millionaires'
mansions that dot the hills.
Over at the New Territories, Clear Water Bay is all about idyllic sandy
coves and country parkland surrounded by high hills. The two beaches there come
complete with facilities. Fancy riding the waves? Then make a beeline for Tai
Long Wan Beach in Sai Kung Country Park. There is not one, nor two,
but three beautiful beaches here, all connected by scenic walking trails. Tai
Long Wan Beach is not only a surfer's paradise, it also adds romance to a
courting couple with its wild beach with fenced by glorious hills which hide a
really stunning beach.
The outlying islands also have some ideal beaches. On Lamma island, Lo
So Shing Beach is closest to Sok Kwu Wan, one of the villages where
one can tuck into a hearty seafood meal straight from the sea, after spending a
blissful day on cozy sands shaded by trees.
Pui O Beach and Cheung Sha Upper Beach are two of the best on
Lantau island, located on its southern shore. White sand with mountains as a
backdrop, these two beaches make a wonderful place to get together with the
family, as refreshments, accommodation and toilets are close at hand. And if
you'd like to rough it out, then set up camp on one of the campsites there and
hire a bicycle to go around this picturesque island.
THEMED ATTRACTIONS
Places with special themes are ever so much fun; they are wonderful places to
while away many happy hours with family and friends. Restaurants, a shopping
centre, parks. And Hong Kong has the largest entertainment park in Southeast
Asia. As if that is not enough, Disneyland is to be opened in 2005! What more
can the young and the young at heart ask for in Hong Kong?
OCEAN PARK & MIDDLE
KINGDOM
Not only is Ocean Park the largest theme park in Hong Kong, it is also the
largest in South East Asia, with the second largest outdoor escalator system.
Opened in 1997, Ocean Park has a host of attractions that will have everyone
distracted for a good many hours or even days.
The latest attraction on Ocean Park is Pacific Pier, which highlights the
natural habitat of the sea lions and seals. Modeled after the coasts of
California, visitors will have the chance to observe the animals at play from an
underwater viewing tunnel.
Over at Marine Land, Atoll Reef, the largest reef aquarium
in the world, is quite a hit and it has over 4,000 fishes from 400 species; its
popular resident being a six-foot long 80-year old giant grouper. At the
transparent Shark Aquarium, visitors will get to marvel at the 250
predatory fishes as well as rays through its underwater viewing tunnel.
Ocean Theatre will have you mesmerized with the antics of dolphins and
seals and high divers during its spectacular shows.
Getting up to the highland attractions is just
as much fun. One can use the escalator or take the 10-minute cable car ride with
breath-taking views. At the Headland Rides, the Dragon roller coaster,
the largest in Hong Kong, awaits, as do the other thrilling rides. There is
another roller coaster in Adventureland, the Wild Wild West of Ocean
Park.
The Lowland Gardens are home to the Butterfly
House, the Goldfish Pagoda, the
Dinosaur Discovery Trail and two adorable giant pandas,
An An and Jia Jia. Find out about old legends at the Discovery of Ancient
World and be thrilled at Film Fantasia, the simulator
ride.
Kids' World has everything the children have ever dreamt about - rides of
every sort, on trains and merry-go-rounds. They'll also get to learn all about
caring for marine animals at the Dolphin University.
The Bird Paradise has aviaries for our 2,000 of our feathered friends of
200 species, many of which are endangered. Elegant flamingoes and their babies
can be seen wading at the Flamingo Pond while the Bird Theatre shows off the
talents of the intelligent birds.
History comes alive in the Middle Kingdom, which tells of the 13 Chinese
dynasties spanning 5,000 years in full-size replicas of buildings and scenes
throughout the times. Performances featuring lion dances, acrobatics, cultural
dances and magic shows are held at the Empress Theatre four times a day.
Restaurants and novelty gifts shops are ready to cater to hungry visitors and
those looking for souvenirs. All in, Ocean Park is one amazing way to spend to
have a lovely time.
AW BOON HAW GARDENS
Once upon a time, there was a man named Aw Boon Haw and he was a medicine
seller. He sold the Eastern cure-all rub, the Tiger Balm, and he became so rich,
he constructed a garden, whimsical and fantastic that he wished to share with
the people of Hong Kong. A peaceful place, landscaped and peopled with statues
depicting ancient Chinese myths. Entrance is free.
LANTAU
DISNEYLAND
Mickey comes to Hong Kong, and so does the whole of Disneyland! Due to be opened
in 2005 on Lantau island, this theme park brings its own special brand of magic
to touch the lives of the people of South East Asia, with its many, many
thrilling rides and magical atmosphere that'll have many people wishing upon a
star to be able to visit the park.
THEMED RESTAUTRANTS
Kids will be very pleased with the "Hello Kitty" restaurant while nature lovers
will probably think that the "Rainforest Café" is really cool and those with
stars in their eyes could head for the "Star East" where dinner will be an
unforgettable experience, especially those who are fans of the Hong Kong
entertainment scene as they may just find that they will be having dinner with
their idols. Kung fu buffs will no doubt have a marvelous time at the "Bruce
Lee" restaurant.
THE WHAMPOA
The Whampoa is actually an entertainment centre-cum-themed shopping complex in
the unusual shape of a 110 metre long boat. It is "moored" at the Hung Hom
district.