ASIA 7-8 20/10/09 11:24 Page 58
knowledge asia
ttglive.com
Attraction guide
The largest will be the Gardens at Marina
Singapore
South, designed “to encapsulate colour, vi-
brancy and sustainability” next to the coun-
try’s first integrated resort at Marina Bay
Sands. The first phase of the gardens devel-
opment is due for completion next year.
ramps it up
Meanwhile, a novel new way of getting
next to nature and enjoying Singapore’s
flora and fauna is to trek at treetop level
along the Southern Ridges walking trail.
Nine kilometres of green spaces are linked
by trails and connection bridges spanning
Singapore is boosting its profile with a host of new
the Mount Faber, Telok Blangah, Kent Ridge
tourism developments. John Law reports on some
and West Coast parks. Walkers enjoy a
bird’s-eye view of the forest and may
of the big selling points for 2010
glimpse squirrels, sunbirds or white-crested
thrush.
S
ingapore’s tourism industry is on the Singapore Flyer. Launched last year, The recently-opened Sentosa Nature
reaping the benefits of massive the observation wheel soars 165 metres Discovery Gallery aims to turn children into
infrastructure investment which above the ground – 30 metres taller than the “nature detectives”, providing colourful ex-
shows little sign of easing despite London Eye. The Flyer provides views across hibits and interactive attractions based around
the global downturn. the city to the islands of Indonesia. the island’s birds, insects and natural habitats.
Several major projects have contributed to Older kids – and parents – should visit
the “greening” of Singapore, developing the the Marina Barrage, which has won architec- Active types
Garden City in an ecologically friendly way. tural and environmental awards since open- Among several soft adventure attractions
No longer is it relying primarily on ing a year ago. This impressive engineering to open this year is Xtreme Skateboard @
overnight stopover traffic to fill hotel beds, feat provides the country’s first city reservoir East Coast, Singapore’s first international-
and the launch of new attractions – many and doubles as a venue for all kinds of wa- standard skate board park. New on Sentosa
for families – have helped push the average tersports from boating to windsurfing. In Island is the Megazip Adventure Park,
length of stay by UK visitors to a respectable 2010 it will stage the rowing and canoeing offering 450 metre zip-wire rides over the
3.5 days. competitions in the Youth Olympic Games. jungle and sea.
So where should agents be steering clients Families can dine at the Marina Barrage’s Due to open at Sentosa’s Siloso Beach this
in 2010? waterfront eateries or enjoy a picnic on the month is Singapore’s first facility for surfers.
Green Roof, see the art installations and splash The Wave House is a music, entertainment
Families around at the courtyard’s water playground. and retail complex with a centre producing
Lonely Planet’s latest Travel with Children giant man-made waves for waterborne thrill
guide ranks Singapore one of the world’s top Nature lovers seekers. Also planned nearby are the country’s
10 cities to visit with youngsters, and the top The Marina Bay area is undergoing major re- first sky-diving simulator and the Azzura
in Asia Pacific. development, which includes the creation of Hydro Sports Centre for boating and water-
The best way to get your bearings is to hop three waterfront gardens. sports.
58 23.10.2009
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