Singapore Outlying Suburbs

Singapore Zoological Gardens
This renowned 'open' zoo houses more than 2,000 creatures in its landscaped enclosures, with rock walls and streams replacing cages. Special attractions include Children's World where kids can interact with animals, the Six Island Primate Kingdom, the sea lion and penguin gallery, the air-conditioned polar bear exhibit and a miniature railway.

Jurong Crocodile Paradise
The Crocodile Paradise includes over 2,500 crocodiles in a landscaped setting, with underwater viewing areas and a breeding enclosure.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Singapore is one of the two cities in the world to have a significant area of primary rainforest within its boundaries - the other being Rio de Janeiro. This 81-hectare reserve, only 12 kilometers from the city center, contains more species of plants than the entire North American continent. At the heart of the reserve lies Singapore's highest point - Bukit Timah Hill at 162.5 meters above sea level. Along well-marked paths walkers can see exotic birds, butterflies, monkeys, squirrels, flying lemurs and other wildlife.

Sisters Island
This southern island is perfect for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving, although currents at Sisters Island can be strong, so it is suitable for experienced divers only. Pack a picnic and stay the whole day.

Haw Par Villa
Formerly known as Tiger Balm Gardens, Haw Par Villa is famous for its colourful statues depicting Chinese mythology. Here a multi-media show unveils the richness and diversity of Chinese culture and folklore. You can go on the flume ride, encounter mythological spirits, or watch a three-dimensional show on the Creation of the World, as Chinese legend would have it.

Tang Dynasty City
Asia's largest cultural and historical theme park is a re-creation of Chang-An, the capital of 7th century China during the Tang dynasty. The Great Wall and a gallery of life-sized terracotta replicas of the Xian warriors add to the ancient atmosphere. Visitors can see the Silk Road Market Place crowded with merchants, live processions and performances and historical re-enactments that are both entertaining and informative. Allow two to three hours.

Chinese & Japanese Gardens
Two scenic gardens situated side by side. The Chinese Garden has curved bridges, pagodas, courtyards and fountains while the Japanese Garden emphasises simplicity with stone lanterns, shrubs, hillocks and a teahouse.

Changi Prison Chapel and Museum
This museum has on record the daily life of the prisoners via a display of photographs, paintings and sketches. It also features a pair of rail spikes from the infamous Burma railroad which claimed the lives of thousands. Situated next to the museum is a replica of a chapel built by Allied prisoners-of-war during World War II which stands as a tribute to the men who lived and died in captivity during those dark years.

Kusu Island
Legend has it that the island was a giant turtle which transformed itself into a large rock to save shipwrecked sailors. Taoists also make annual pilgrimages to the Tua Pekong Temple on the island during the ninth lunar month, while Muslims visit Kramat Kusu, a Malay shrine.

To get there, take a ferry from the World Trade Centre. Departs twice daily from Mondays to Saturdays and six times daily on Sundays and public holidays.

Pulau Ubin
A bumboat from Changi Point takes you to Pulau Ubin, where the lifestyle hasn't changed much in the last 30 years. Visitors can still see traditional fishing huts called 'Kelongs', duck and prawn farms, go mountain-biking and even camp out. Or check out Ubin's natural haven of flora and fauna in its mangrove and forest areas. A seafood restaurant, the magnificent Ma Chor temples by the seashore and limestone quarries complete the island.

Kranji War Memorial
Located off Woodlands, the Kranji War Memorial is the final resting place of thousands of Allied troops who died in Southeast Asia during World War II. A register containing names of the war's soldiers is available for inspection. Kranji is also where past Presidents of Singapore are buried.