Cruising Through Borneo With Pandaw
December 6, 2016
Singapore is consistently ranked as one of the most expensive places to visit in the world. However, that doesn't stop thousands of people arriving every year as part of cruises that sail throughout Southeast Asia. And, having said that, there's no need to break the bank if you don't want to. There are plenty of free activities with which you can fill your time and still get a taste of this multi-cultural city state.
As well as being heavily built up in certain areas, Singapore is home to some beautiful natural areas. Some of these, like the beaches of Sentosa, have always been part of the landscape, whereas others, Gardens by the Bay for example, are more recent, manmade additions. And the good news is that it is completely free to explore many of these spaces. Granted, there is a charge for the treetop walkway at the aforementioned Gardens by the Bay, but you can wander through the lower level of this breathtaking park without parting with a penny.
Other green areas without an entry price include East Coast Park, where you can relax on the sand or fire up a BBQ; the Botanical Gardens, featuring 82 hectares of blooms; and the MacRitchie Reservoir Park, where you can hike to a stunning treetop walk.
Being a diverse city, Singapore is home to many different religions. This includes Buddhism and Hinduism - two religions for which you will find beautiful temples that can be enjoy from the outside or discovered from within. From the traditional Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, which is a must-see for many tourists, to the more modern-looking Wat Ananda Metyarama Thai Buddhist Temple, all have their own unique beauty.
As far as the Hindu temples go, Sri Mariamman is simultaneously the oldest and largest. The colourful and intricate statues on the roof of the entrance are a big reason for its popularity but it also features an elaborate shrine to the Indian Goddess of Rain, Mariamman. The majority of these fascinating temples can be found in China town, so they can be easily seen in one go.
As night falls in Singapore, there are many places where you can enjoy a free show whilst taking in some of the fascinating culture here. One of the most spectacular performances is at the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel, consisting of three towers with the innovative Skypark concept lying horizontally across on the top. Every evening, at 8pm and 9pm (with an additional 10pm show on Fridays and Saturdays) hundreds of people gather to watch lasers and fountains dance in time to music. Images are also projected onto the water to create 'Spectra', a story showing how Singapore became the multi-cultural powerhouse it is today.
Just across the bay, there are also nightly events going on at the Esplanade, a building often called the Durian because of how it resembles the exotic fruit. Performers take to the stage to put on open-air concerts that feature everything from live bands to dance productions.
So there you have it. A cruise to Singapore doesn't have to put a dent in your holiday budget, as there are so many free activities. Many cruise ships stay overnight here too, so you can experience the vibrant city on both sides of the sunset. Call us today to book a cruise to south-east Asia.
