Ethnic Quarters
Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India are testimony to the island-nation's rich ethnic, cultural and historical heritage. The districts are home to religious monuments as well as quaint shophouses selling ethnic goods and cuisine. They provide an insight into the cultural fabric of Singapore and are perhaps the country's truest attractions, having stood the test of time.Walking tour guides of Chinatown and Little India are available at the various Singapore Visitors Centres.

LandMarks and Memorials
Before Singapore assumed self-government in 1959 and became a fully independent Republic in 1965, the island was a British colony and traces of its colonial heritage can still be seen today. Indeed, beneath the futuristic skyscrapers which embody modern Singapore, much of the grand colonial charm still remains, about which Joseph Conrad and Somerset Maugham waxed lyrical. The heart of colonial Singapore straddles the mouth of the Singapore River, where Raffles first landed. A cluster of architectural legacies such as the Parliament House, Victoria Theatre, Singapore Cricket Club, Supreme Court and City Hall surrounds an open expanse of green, named the Padang ("playing field" in Malay). Not too far away, The Fullerton Hotel and the Raffles Hotel on Beach Road are landmark hotels which epitomise this grand old era. Explore this interesting district on foot with the help of the Civic District Trail walking tour map which is available at the Raffles Hotel Museum, National Museum Shops and Visitor Information Centres.

The distinctive history of Singapore has given rise to a number of landmarks and memorials - each a poignant reminder of a chapter of Singapore's past. They date back as far as the British colonial period to the Japanese Occupation during World War II.

Museums
Buildings dating from the Colonial era being progressively converted for use as museums include the magnificent Empress Place Building along the Singapore River and the Singapore Art Museum on Bras Basah Road. Housed in a historic building, that is over 90 years old the Singapore Philatelic Museum has a fine collection of local and international stamps, first day covers and other interesting exhibits. The Asian Civilisations Museum focuses on the civilisations of the East, Southeast, South and West Asia.

Parks & Nature Reserves
In keeping with its reputation as the "Garden City", Singapore is awash with lush gardens and parklands as tropical greenery carpets the landscape. Innumerable trees and flowering shrubs line the expressways and colourful plants hang from balconies and overhead bridges.

The Singapore Botanic Gardens epitomises the tropical island's luxuriant parks - a combination of primary jungle and elegantly laid out flowerbeds and shrubs. Spread over 52 hectares, the gardens hold about 4,000 species of plant life, many rare specimens amongst them.

Singapore is one of only two cities in the world to have a significant area of primary rainforest within its boundaries. The 164-hectare Bukit Timah Nature Reserve - just 12 kilometres from the city centre - contains more species of flora than the entire North American continent.

There are dozens of other gardens and reserves in Singapore, among them the Chinese Garden and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore's first designated wetland nature reserve and a major stopping-off point for migrating birds during the months from September to March.

Place of Worship
One of the most exciting things about travelling is acquainting yourself with a new culture. Besides visiting the ethnic quarters, a good way to do this is to step into one of the mosques, temples, churches and synagogues. Here in Singapore, the religions of different ethnic communities flourish harmoniously alongside each other. Where else can you find the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore in the heart of Chinatown?

Sculptures
Singapore has a flourishing and vibrant arts scene which resonates with exuberance. Visitors can take delight in a wide variety of art forms from all over the world in its garden cityscape. Singapore is also host to some of the finest sculptures by world-renowned artists. Take a walk and enjoy Singapore's selection of public art. The Roy Lichtenstein Sculpture Plaza, is the latest gallery in Millenia Singapore's line-up of public art. The Sculpture Plaza, designed by Lichtenstein, comprises an open pavilion with grass beds and holds his "Six Brushstrokes", 1996 series. The collection of six tall, colourful sculptures are whimsical calligraphic renditions of nature, representing a dramatic example of large-scale outdoor art.

Singapore River
The Singapore River was the lifeline of Singapore where our first immigrants eked out a meagre living and saw Singapore transform from an obscure little fishing village to a great seaport. And into a modern metropolis famous for its skyscrapers, the Merlion and "gastro-mania". Highlights on the banks of the Singapore River include Boat Quay and Clarke Quay, landmarks and memorials such as Merlion Park and Parliament House, museums such as the Asian Civilisations Museum as well as temples and mosques such as the Tan Si Chong Su Temple and Omar Kampong Melaka Mosque

Suburban Living
Spend a relaxing day away from the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the local lifestyle. It's easy to get there. Simply step on board the Mass Rapid Transit and let the trains whisk you away to our heartlands. Browse through "mom & pop" shops or the more modern suburban shopping malls. Catch a movie at the cineplex. And don't forget to have a cup of local tea or coffee at the kopitiam.

Themed & Other Attractions
Interactive, entertaining, fabulously fun and educational best describes these tourist attractions that belong in a league of their own. Interested in science, history or myths and legends? Then include theme attractions on your list of "must-visit" places in Singapore! Learn about pewter making in Ming Village and explore how this city manages to make room for heritage at the URA Gallery. Or join other families at NTUC Lifestyle World for shopping and entertainment all under one roof!

War World II Sites
Singapore fell to the Japanese in February 1942, during World War II. On 15 February, Lieutenant-General Arthur Percival signed the truce agreement in the boardroom of the Ford Factory at Bukit Timah, thus surrendering Singapore to the Japanese forces.

Thousands of civilians and Allied troops were killed or wounded during the war and the 31/2 years of Japanese Occupation. These harrowing years remained deeply etched in the minds and hearts of the civilians, Allied troops and their families who were taken as prisoners-of-war. Yet their collective spirit strengthened their determination to live and survive.

The Japanese surrender in Singapore took place on 12 September 1945 in City Hall, where thousands of Singaporeans and Allied soldiers crowded The Padang to witness the event. This marked the end of the Japanese Occupation and closed the chapter of World War II in Singapore.

The heroics and poignant memories of the people who served the Allied forces and resisted the Japanese domination have not been forgotten. These historic World War II sites and memorials serve to remind later generations of the battles fought and the hardships that the people suffered during the war years.