Today enjoy an orientation tour that highlights the history, multi-racial culture and lifestyle that is Singapore. See the city’s colonial heritage as we drive around the Civic District past the Padang, the Cricket Club, Parliament House and the National Gallery Singapore. Stop at Merlion Park for great views of Marina Bay and a picture-taking opportunity with the Merlion, a mythological creature that is part lion and part fish. The tour continues with a visit to the Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist-Taoist temples on the island, built with donation from the early immigrant workers from China before driving past Chinatown.
From there we proceed to the National Orchid Garden, located within the Singapore Botanic Gardens (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which boasts a sprawling display of 60,000 orchid plants comprising of 400 species and more than 2,000 hybrids. Our final stop at Little India will enthrall you with the scent of spices, jasmine, orchid garlands and exotic fruits.
We will coach down to Trishaw Station for a trishaw ride that will take you past the vibrant Bugis Village and the bustling streets. We will then drive to a local Chinese restaurant for dinner. After we will visit a Night Market and wander along the narrow lanes and test your bargaining skills against street vendors selling anything from souvenirs to leather goods.
Accommodations: Paradox Singapore Merchant Court