Skyline of Singapore

We are moving on with the travelogue and are going to learn about the famous skyline of Singapore.

Singapore consists of 63 islands, including the mainland. There are two man-made connections to Johor, Malaysia. The highest natural point is Bukit Timah Hill at 166 meters.

The south of Singapore, around the Singapore River, used to be the only concentrated urban area. At the same time, the rest of the land was either undeveloped tropical rain forest or used for agriculture. Since the 1960s the government constructed new residential districts, resulting in an entirely urban landscape, while the final urban planning was created in 1974.

Skyline of Singapore

Today, the city represents the entire range of architectural styles where you can come across old temples and various skyscrapers in line with the newest engineering accomplishments. The old Chinatown and Little India, districts once established to welcome immigrants, are among the most popular Singapore tourist attractions.

Many places of worship were also constructed during the colonial era. Sri Mariamman Temple, the Masjid Jamae mosque, and the Church of Gregory the Illuminator are among those.

Just outside the Raffles Place and throughout the rest of downtown, there are numerous buildings dating before WWII, some going back nearly as far as Raffles himself. Many classical buildings were destroyed during the post-war period up until the 1990s when the government started strict programs to conserve famous buildings and areas of historic value.

After decades of development, the Central Business District has become an area with many tall office buildings adorning the skyline of Singapore. They comprise the landscape along Marina Bay and Raffles Place, tourist attractions in Singapore. Plans for tall buildings must be previously reviewed and officially approved.

What is Singapore City known for

One of the most beautiful views of the city is from the river, so I recommend taking one of the tourist boats to go around the bay. They usually part at dusk and so, you will be able to see the skyline of Singapore adorned by the evening lights.

Tall buildings peak above your head with the lights reflected on the river surface. Heritage colonial buildings are lined up along the other river bank. One of them houses a museum while the other is the Parliament House.

The two banks of the same river are so different and yet so harmonious.

You will go beneath a few bridges along the way, all pretty, and then come across the construction that appears to be in thorns. This is the famous Singapore Opera.

Floating to the Marina is a lovely experience, and there you will see a huge Merlion Singapore greeting you from one of the corners. Water comes out of his mouth and a beam of lights in different colors springs from beneath.

If you walk to the other bank, you will see the quay full of restaurants and cafes of various cuisines and ambiance, which give a specific feel to the city and this travel experience, especially if you are sitting there, looking at the river and sipping one of the cocktails.

What kind of food do they eat in Singapore

Right there along the river there is a part of the Chinese quarter with lined-up restaurants (make sure to try their seafood) welcoming you to come for a dinner. The promenade is usually crowded and while you try to find the way through, you will notice traditional red dragon figures, drifting above.

Once you are here, it’s hard to comprehend that on the other side of the bank are those heritage colonial buildings and that a bit further there is the whole kingdom of the Singapore skyline. Here, you will be overwhelmed by the flavor of spices and cooking, you will crave a drink and a good meal, forgetting about the modern skyline of Singapore.

 

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One of the Buddhist temples will appear before you while strolling this district, presenting itself in all its imposing display. High, red, typically decorated, surrounded by numerous Chinese shops in small alleys all around.

Rituals next to brands

While walking around the city, you can always come across different religious celebrations. I saw a Buddhist one in front of the shopping mall, pretty far from Chinatown.

There was an interesting celebration on Orchard Road that day, next to the mall. A small plateau among high buildings was covered with traditional colorful sheets. I sat on the nearby bench and, even though I couldn’t understand what was going on, enjoyed the site of the colorful decorations and interesting sounds.

And there, maybe a few steps away – there were stores of Prada and Armani!

Next: LITTLE INDIA AND CHINATOWN (4)

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