As you set foot on this small island you will feel the pull of this lion’s city. The area around Singapore River is the hub of all commercial and financial activity; it expands within a radius of 3 kilometers (2 miles) and is known as downtown Singapore. While traveling and touring this country, do not miss the excitement that downtown Singapore has to offer.
The island is small in and the downtown area is just built over 3 kilometers (2 miles) and is crowded around the southeastern side of the Singapore River. Chances of getting lost are pretty slim, though you should carry a map just in case. Hop on an air conditioned luxury coach and take a guided tour or just make use of your map (take a public bus, or a taxi or walk through the streets the backpacker way).
Downtown Singapore at a Glance
The two roads crossing the river (northeast and southwest) practically form the backbone of downtown Singapore. You will find buildings that take you back to British rule with sites like the Cathedral, the Supreme Court, the Cricket Club and Raffles Hotel - named after Sir Stamford Raffles. These are the main tourist sites and a must see when you travel through Singapore. Singapore National Museum and part of Fort Canning Park are toward the west.
If you want to go on a shopping spree, the shopping district of the city is a 5 minutes walk from National Museum at the eastern end of Orchard Road. Little India comes after crossing Cannon Park. Little India bears the true image of India. You will find aromatic Indian spices, Indian saris, flower garlands and sweetmeats. You can also go sightseeing at a Hindu Temple. You can hear Indian music being played in most of these shops and savor Indian cuisines in any of the Indian restaurants. Taking a walk through Little India brings different a feel of Singapore to its visitors.
A ten minute stroll from Little India towards the southwest will take you to the Arab Quarter. From Orchard road you can take Bus # 7 to Victoria Street and get off as soon as you locate Mercury Hotel; or you can walk for ten minutes from Ben Coolen Street to arrive at the Arab Quarter. Streets bear names like Baghdad Street, Muscat Street and Hajj Lane. Here you will find shops selling carpets, cloths, baskets, bags and textiles.
Chinatown is at the south end of the river. The financial district stretches to the outskirts of Chinatown. In Chinatown you will find shop houses spread over a 1 kilometer (half mile) area. Interestingly, age old trades like clog-making and calligraphy are still practiced here. Tea lovers must visit a tea house and enjoy the flavor of Chinese Tea and witness the art of tea brewing. Travel to Singapore and undergo this unique experience.
East Downtown - Singapore
In East Downtown Singapore you will find 40 shops that offer entertainment, food, drinks, etc. You can find the food of your choice here: Japanese, Thai, Indian, Chinese, Malay, Italian, Western or international fast food. Here you will find the Escape Theme Park which offers the highest water ride in Asia. Taking a tour of downtown Singapore is full of fun and experiences. It is convenient and easy to for a tour. It is a center of activity that you must visit while touring Singapore.
