Must See Tourist Attractions in Singapore

5 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Singapore

1.  Marina Bay Sands

The opulent Marina Bay Sands resort complex includes a hotel, high-end luxury brands, a mall with a canal running through it, the ArtScience Museum, and the Marina Bay Sands Skypark - a vantage point for taking in the entire city. The Skypark's viewing deck and infinity pool are found in the ship (yes, ship) that tops the hotel. Only hotel guests are allowed to use the infinity pool but anyone can visit the observation deck. From the skypark, you can see the innovative double helix bridge, the port, the Gardens by the Bay, and the impressive skyline. While up there on top of the city, guests can grab a snack or a coffee at the rooftop restaurant or pick up some keepsakes from the souvenir stand. You can purchase a photo of yourself green-screened in front of the massive hotel as it's all lit up at night, but the cost is steep: 50 Singapore dollars. Better to ask a fellow tourist to snap a photo of you. The luxury and elegance of the Marina Bay Sands exemplify Singapore's taste, and help designate a major international city in Southeast Asia.

Observation deck hours: Mon-Thur 9:30 am-10 pm; Fri-Sun 9:30 am-11 pm

Admission: S$23 dollars for adults, S$20 for seniors, S$17 for children aged 2-12

Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore

2. Singapore Flyer

If the observation deck at the Marina Bay Sands doesn't quite do it for you, try taking in high tea while looking out over the city from the Singapore Flyer, the world's largest giant observation wheel. Choose from several different packages that allow you to be served and pampered while enjoying a view that encompasses not only the Singapore skyline, but reaches to the Spice Islands of Indonesia and Malaysia's Straits of Johor. There are several different ticket packages to choose from, and each includes access to the multimedia Journey of Dreams exhibit that delves into Singapore's history and the creation of the Singapore Flyer. Flights last 30 minutes each and run from early morning until late at night, so you can choose which view of the city you want to enjoy: the beginning of another bustling day or when Singapore is aglow after dark.

Hours: 8 am-10:30 pm

Admission: S$33 for adults, S$21 for children aged 3-12, S$24 for seniors

Address: 30 Raffles Ave, Singapore

3. Chinatown

If you've ever visited China, Singapore's Chinatown neighborhood will bring you right back there. From the small mom-and-pop stores and authentic Chinese food to the bright red lanterns, there's an excitement and hustle in this district. You can visit the Chinese Heritage Centre and see the impressive and beautiful Sri Mariamman Hindu temple. Another temple worth seeing is the Buddha Tooth Relic temple. If you're up early enough (think 4 am), you can hear the morning drum ceremony. Or you can just check out the closing ceremony in the evening after viewing the relic.

Heritage markers have been installed throughout the neighborhood in English, Japanese, and simplified Chinese so visitors can better understand the significance of the area. But this neighborhood is not just a testament to the influence of the Chinese throughout Singapore's past. This is a progressive neighborhood (with free Wi-Fi for all) and it's home to the trendy Ann Siang Hill area, where the quaint bistros and upscale boutiques could be at home in any Western city.

4. Changi Chapel and Museum

Singapore was not spared the horrors of WWII, and the Changi Chapel and Museum tells the story of those who suffered under Japanese occupation. The museum displays the letters, photographs, drawings, and personal effects that are now testaments to the imprisonment for more than 50,000 civilians and soldiers in Changi Prison. The Changi Chapel, found in the open-air courtyard of the museum, is a replica of one of the many chapels that were built during WWII. It stands as a monument for those who would not fold under Japanese rule. A must-see in the museum is a series of murals painstakingly recreated from originals painted by Bombardier Stanley Warren. Guests can participate in a guided tour or opt for an audio tour that features accounts of Changi prisoners' wartime experiences.

Hours: 9:30 am-5 pm

Admission: In-house tours - S$12 for adults, S$8 for children; Audio tours - S$8 for adults, S$4 for children

Address: 1000 Upper Changi Rd North, Singapore

5. Singapore Zoo

Billing itself as the world's best rainforest zoo, the Singapore Zoo is a pretty impressive place. The facility is clean and inviting, and the animals appear well treated with plenty of lush vegetation and habitat space. The orangutans are particularly impressive, and visitors can watch as babies and adults alike swing high above their platforms and snack on bananas. There is also a large chimpanzee family, zebras, meerkats, a komodo dragon, mole rats, white tigers, kangaroos, and many other creatures.

Guests can observe feedings for some of the animals. Allow at least three hours to make your way around the zoo. If the zoo doesn't satisfy your need for getting close to wildlife, there's also the Night Safari, River Safari (including a giant panda forest), and the Jurong Bird Park. Park hopper passes are available if you plan to visit more than one of the wildlife parks.

Hours: 8:30 am-6 pm

Admission: S$28 for adults, S$18 for children aged 3-13, S$12 for seniors

Address: 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore

Source by : http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/singapore-sin.htm

6 US Towns with Incredible Christmas Celebrations

Incredible Christmas Celebrations

1.McAdenville , North Carolina
McAdenville,( North Carolina )a small town about 20 minutes outside of Charlotte, gets so into the Christmas spirit each December that they change the name of their village to Christmas Town USA. More than 600,000 people visit Christmas Town USA to gawk at the 450,000 lights that decorate this hamlet. Over 375 trees light a route perfect for a winter stroll through the McAdenville’s downtown. One of the favorite vantage spots is at the nearby lake, where 33 trees line its perimeter, reflecting peacefully in the water. It’s hard to miss the town’s fountain, featuring a jet of water that is propelled up 75 feet, lit with vibrant colors every 10 seconds.

2.Bernville, Pennsylvania
Imagined as a true one-stop Christmas destination, Koziar’s Christmas Village has been a tradition since 1948. A regional hotspot for families, this popular Christmas town packs crowds in to gaze at the million-plus light displays, visit the small cottage dioramas and shops, as well as meet face to face with Mr. Claus. Look out for the several scenes depicting Christmas Beneath the Sea, Christmas in the Jungle, and Christmas in Other Lands, housed in former chicken coops.

3.Ogden, Utah
Northern Utah’s Ogden, one of the country’s great railway hubs, welcomes in the holiday season each year with their downtown Christmas Village. A winter wonderland is staged in the middle of town as miniature cottages pop-up, modeled after Santa’s North Pole Village. Each of the 59 elf-sized cottages has its own theme including The Elf Workshop, The Grinch, and Santa’s Castle—a cottage where children can visit with Santa himself. Rides on the free Polar Express Train are a favorite, as the locomotive passes through a glow-in-the-dark tunnel painted with holiday flourishes.

4.Nevada City, California
About an hour northeast of Sacramento, the historic and quaint Nevada City (population: 3,068) takes great pride in their annual Victorian Christmas festival. A former Gold Rush town, Nevada City now is noted for its many historic buildings, mountainous surroundings, and bygone picturesque downtown. The Christmas season in Nevada City has been described by its Chamber of Commerce as “a genuine Christmas card come to life” as the city transforms into a winter wonderland complete with twinkling white lights, authentic gas lamps, and carolers dressed in Victorian apparel. Festival attendees are encouraged to dress in period attire, complete with feathers, scarves, and top hats.

5.Branson, Missouri
If you haven't been to Branson during the holidays, you’re in for an amazing surprise. If you’ve visited during this special season before, it’s easy to figure out why this is part of your family's holiday traditions.

Around here, it’s called Ozark Mountain Christmas, an ongoing tradition for more than a quarter century. Celebrations run from the beginning of November through New Year’s Day – there’s no waiting for Thanksgiving to kickoff the holidays here!

Of course, Branson offers countless opportunities for fun year-round, but here are seven ways to celebrate the magic of the holidays

6.Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
In between Lake Michigan and Lake Winnebago and an hour away from Milwaukee sits Elkhart Lake, a getaway town known for its summertime racetrack. Come winter, Elkhart Lake shifts it focus to an all-out Christmas-time celebration, complete with its famous Old World Christmas Market. Modeled after the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, the market features a hundred vendors from the region selling crafts, art, and the traditional schnitzel, sauerbraten and potato pancakes. For something truly unique, stop by the Wade House, a local resort for mid-nineteenth-century Christmas celebrations, including a horse-drawn decorated carriage through the woods. It’s like stepping directly into “Jingle Bells.”

Source by : http://www.fodors.com/news/photos/top-10-us-towns-with-christmas-celebrations 

Must-see London for visitors

Top Five Must-See Attractions in London

1.Visit the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum

While this free museum is bursting with memorable exhibits, it's definitely the enormous diplodocus skeleton cast in the Victorian building's stunning entrance hall that sticks in the memory of visitors of all ages. The Dinosaur Gallery is also very impressive, though the 2005 animatronic T-rex is perhaps not the fearsome finale it once was (to grown-ups, at least). The Science Museum and the V&A are the NHM's neighbors, so pay them a visit afterwards.

VISIT : More Details Natural History Museum

2.Sample London's best ingredients at Borough Market 

Heaps of fresh fruit and vegetables, platters of seafood, huge speciality cheese wheels, crisp organic breads and just about anything else a food obsessive could be tempted by is available at this ancient and enduringly popular market. The ingredients are of the highest quality, but also often with prices to match, so if you're looking for an affordable meal it's best to join the queues for one of the burrito, burger, hog roast, falafel, raclette or other hot and delicious lunch stalls.

3.The London Eye 

Imagine being a bird and looking down at a gorgeous and sprawling city from your Birdseye vantage point. In London you don’t have to imagine!

Built in 1999, it is a recent addition to the London skyline. Even so, it is very popular amongst the tourists in London.

It is sight to see even as it is, but a ride in it is a lifetime experience. London Eye is a giant wheel observation wheel that turns slow enough for people to go on board while it is moving.

The complete turn of this giant wheel takes about more than 30 minutes. It is about 135 meters high. Go for a night view, as it is more spectacular and it is comparatively less crowded. The London Eye is one of the tourist attractions in 3 day London travel itinerary. You must visit this amazing tourist attraction in London.

4.London's Big Ben

The Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire in 1834. In 1844, it was decided the new buildings for the Houses of Parliament should include a tower and a clock.
A massive bell was required and the first attempt (made by John Warner & Sons at Stockton-on-Tees) cracked irreparably. The metal was melted down and the bell recast in Whitechapel in 1858. Big Ben first rang across Westminster on 31 May 1859. A short time later, in September 1859, Big Ben cracked. A lighter hammer was fitted and the bell rotated to present an undamaged section to the hammer. This is the bell as we hear it today.

5. Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of the world’s most famous fortresses and has seen service as royal palace, prison, armory and even a zoo. The ancient stones hold within them dark secrets, as fortified vaults shine with priceless jewels and historic uniformed Beef eaters stroll the grounds. Situated in Central London, just a stone’s throw from the River Thames, the Tower of London is one of the city's premier attractions.
Rich history dating from the Norman Conquest
It has undergone amazing restoration over the centuries, including damage from the Blitz
Used by Royals through the years as a refuge and power base
The Tower is still home to her Majesty's Crown Jewels, on display for visitors to see
The Beef eaters are tasked with the job of guarding the jewels, as well as acting as tour guides for the attraction

Source By : http://www.timeout.com/london/attractions/must-see-london-for-visitors