SINGAPORE (SIGHTS) an overview

A small country on a small island, Singapore or “Singapura” is located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Even with its dominant Chinese population, English is still widely spoken. In fact, English is the administrative language of the country. Singapore’s main attraction is the Merlion – a half-fish half-lion hybrid statue. Located at the Singapore River, the Merlion is based on the legend of a prince (Sang Nila Utama) who named the island “Singapura” in Tamil or Lion City, when translated in English.

Aside from the Merlion, other famous places include the Esplanade (Theatres on the Bay). The largest performance arts venue in Singapore, this dome is most famous for its “durian” shape. The Merlion is only a few minutes’ walk from the Esplanade. Next to the Esplanade is the colorful Floating Stadium, the world’s largest floating platform performance stage on water that has a 27,000 seating capacity. The Singapore River also has other tourist attractions such as the Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay. Alfresco dining, entertainment and various shops can be seen in these areas.

If Raffles Place is the main Central Business District (CBD) of Singapore, Orchard Road is the shopping haven in the country. Consistently ranked as the most visited attraction in Singapore, Orchard Road attracts more than seven million visitors each year. Locals also frequent the place for work and of course, for shopping and leisure.

Singapore is also famous for its street foods housed in what they call as “hawker centers.” As a country with melting pot of cuisines ranging from Chinese, Malay and Indian, one will not definitely go hungry with the wide array of food choices in hawker centers – the cheapest and most popular places to eat in Singapore. For an authentic Singaporean culinary experience, visitors should try eating at Bugis, Newton Circus and Lau Pau Sat – some of the most well known hawker centers in the country.

Singapore also has its own Chinatown. But aside from this common similarity with many Asian countries, this country also has a Little India and Arab Street. Mustafa Centre, the only 24 hours department store in Singapore, is found in Little India.
This small country strikes it big with the development of Sentosa Island. This man-made island has become Singapore’s premiere tourist destination, attracting not just Asians but also visitors from different countries around the world. Especially now with the recently built Singapore Flyer, the world’s biggest ferries wheel, this country will definitely make its way into global tourism.

The Great Singapore Sale 2008

Singapore may be a small country, but it is well known for shopping. One of Singaporean’s favorite pastimes, shopping experience reaches its peak at the Great Singapore Sale held every year. From May 23 to July 20, 2008, this is definitely the time of the year for big bargains and great retail and dining deals. Attracting tourists and the true shopaholics at heart, GSS 2008 is organized by the Singapore Retailers Association with the support of the Singapore Tourism Board and Uniquely Singapore. Mastercard is also the official partner for this event.

With discounts of up to 70% off, anyone can shop and bargain for a wide array of items such as clothes, shoes, jewelry and anything and everything about fashion. Electronic gadgets, household items, furnitures and even souvenir items are also widely on sale. This summer-long event will surely make crowds flock to many of Singapore’s air-conditioned malls, most of which are located along Orchard Road. One shouldn’t also miss cheaper deals at bazaars, night markets and at the only 24 hour shopping center – the Mustafa Centre at Little India. In these areas, one can truly haggle as compared to department stores and boutiques where prices are fixed. For electronic stores at the Lucky Plaza or Far East Plaza, bargaining is also possible.

For six irresistible weeks, experience bargain-hunting at its best! The city is transformed into a shopping haven where visitors can also enjoy prizes and rewards every time they shop and avail of the various products in participating outlets. During the Great Singapore Sale mania, special fun events are also held such as the Great Singapore Shopping Challenge where the ultimate bargain-hunters are crowned. There are also raffles and live entertainment provided within the bustling shopping areas.

Shopping can also get incredibly tiring but with Singapore’s delectable cuisines, one will surely feel rejuvenated after a day of walking, bargaining and shopping. But of course, the best way to end the day is by availing of spa packages and beauty treatments also discounted during the GSS season.
For 2006-2007, some of the participating establishments during the Great Singapore Sale include Vivo City, Bugis Street, Velocity @ Novena Square, Chinatown Point, Harbourfront Centre and United Square. At the Orchard Road, famous malls include Wisma Atra, Tang’s, Takashimaya, Paragon, Centerpoint, Forum, the Heeren and Plaza Singapura. Meanwhile at the Marina Bay, participating establishments include Raffles City, Suntec, Millenia, City Link and Marina Square.

Tourist Privilege Card

Available for all visitors, the Tourist Privilege Card can be used to enjoy fantastic discounts on various items available in participating outlets within Singapore . Attached inside the GSS tourist brochure, this can be claimed during the GSS season from any Singapore Visitor Centre. Aside from shopping discounts, the Tourist Privilege Card can also be used for discounts on City Tours and Sentosa Attractions.

<<Back to main