Singapore

The hardship and brutality, which both Singapore and prisoners of war suffered during World War II, will never be forgotten. Your drive will take you around the main battle sites of Singapore with stops at Changi Prison Chapel, Kranji War Memorial and the Old Ford Factory War Museum.

A visit to the Changi Prison Chapel and Museum is a moving experience. During World War II, the Japanese used Changi Prison as a prisoner of war camp, holding more than 85,000 British and Australian prisoners of war in brutal captivity. The Chapel is a replica of the one built by prisoners. The Museum displays sketches and watercolours, a pair of rail spikes from the notorious Thai-Burma railway where thousands perished during its forced construction, and a quilt made by women inmates. The quilt was embroidered with the women's names and served as a signal to their male co-prisoners that they were still alive.

The Kranji War Memorial includes the graves of thousands of Allied troops. The walls are inscribed with the names of those who died in the region during World War II and a register is available for inspection.

Tucked into the hillside near Bukit Timah Hill is the Old Ford Factory War Museum. It was the site of the historic surrender of the British to the Japanese on 15 February 1942, at the end of the Battle of Singapore in World War II. Many battles were fought around the areas of the Ford Factory and it was subsequently taken over by the Japanese Imperial Army and used as its military headquarters.

Embark on a drive along Orchard Road, the heart of Singapore’s shopping and entertainment district, through the colonial area and the Civic District to view the Supreme Court, the old Cricket Club and the Anglican Church of St Andrews. There will be a stop at the Sri Mariamann Temple to admire the city’s oldest Hindu temple, dedicated to a manifestation of the Great Goddess, worshipped for health and prosperity.

Further on, in the cultural area of Chinatown, you’ll commence a guided walking tour amidst the narrow streets containing picturesque ‘shophouses’ and restaurants. You’ll see the tradition of temple carvers, herbalist and calligraphers enabling you to get a real feel for life as it was in the early 20th century.

After your Chinatown visit, you’ll stop at Merlion Park, located at the mouth of the Singapore River, to photograph the iconic Merlion statue, before visiting the scenic Botanical Gardens.

Singapore Botanical Gardens are set in 183 acres of parkland and contain lakes, waterfalls, a rainforest and a wealth of tropical plants and trees. These beautiful gardens are an area of tranquillity away from busy city life. Take some time to stretch your legs as you wander around parts of these peaceful gardens or just relax in the café and watch the world go by.

Join your knowledgeable heritage guide for a journey of interesting sights, fascinating history and ornate architecture in the 3 main districts of Singapore: Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam.

In Chinatown, you’ll visit the Chinatown Heritage Centre where the colourful past of Chinatown comes alive within the walls of 3 beautifully restored shophouses. The Centre traces the lives and times of early Chinese migrants and provides an insight into their early living conditions.

Kampong Glam is a historical Arab-Malay district in Singapore, featuring an array of traditional stores, restaurants and Malay heritage sites. In the heart of this enclave sits the grand Sultan Mosque with its massive golden dome. Take a peek inside the huge prayer hall and discover why the Mosque is one of Singapore's most impressive religious buildings.

Have a multi-sensory experience in Little India, a small and bustling area where you can see garland makers, Indian jewellers, sari shops and spice sellers, before continuing to a local restaurant for a sumptuous Chinese lunch.

After lunch, you’ll visit Raffles Hotel to admire its colonial style architecture, shopping arcade and the Raffles Hotel Museum, before stopping at Merlion Park to photograph the symbol of modern Singapore – The Merlion, a half-fish, half-lion icon created to welcome visitors to the city.

Finally, you’ll visit the National Orchid Gardens where you’ll discover the world’s largest collection of beautiful orchids, including Singapore’s National flower, the ‘Vanda Miss Joachim’

Raffles Hotel is one of Singapore's most graceful landmarks. This luxury Singapore hotel celebrates a tradition of unwavering service excellence spanning more than 120 years and has welcomed celebrities such as Charlie Chaplin, Queen Sophia of Spain and Joseph Conrad. The Hotel’s colonial-styled architecture and lush tropical gardens exude an atmosphere of timeless elegance.

Upon arrival, you’ll be given a tour of the Hotel including the shopping arcade and the Raffles Hotel Museum. The Museum looks at the rich history of Raffles Hotel and contains a fascinating array of artefacts and memorabilia which tell the story of Raffles Hotel, the people who made it a legend and the times in which they live.

After your tour, you’ll be taken to the famous Tiffin Room for a delicious high tea. The Tiffin Room’s décor and ambience reflects the Hotel’s glory days from the turn of the century to the 1930s. Admire your lavish surroundings as you enjoy your tea in one of the world’s most famous hotels.

On the return journey, a stop will be made at the waterfront to photograph Raffles landing site. The site is thought to be where the founder of Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles, landed in 1819 and is marked by a grand white statue.

Drive around some of the main sights of Singapore as you travel through the city centre into the Civic District, passing by the Supreme Court, City Hall and Raffles Hotel.

On arrival at the Singapore Flyer, the world’s tallest observatory wheel, you’ll board your scenic capsule for a visual 360˚ panorama of iconic and historical landmarks such as Singapore River, Raffles Place, Merlion Park, and Empress Place as well as the nearby Indonesian Riau islands and Johor Malaysia.

Rejoining your coach, you’ll pass through the bustling area of Chinatown, where you’ll see the Thian Hock Kheng Temple, one of the oldest Chinese temples in Singapore, and Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple - built by the first Indians that settled in Singapore in the 1820’s.

Arrive at Raffles Landing Site, where Sir Stamford Raffles first set foot on the island, you’ll board your ‘bumboat’ for the Singapore River Cruise. As you glide along the river, you’ll see the magnificent colonial government buildings that reflect Singapore's colonial heritage, century-old ‘shophouses’ restored to their original grandeur, decorated old bridges of diverse designs and the modern skyscrapers which dominate the skyline.

Disembarking at Clarke Quay, you’ll drive along Orchard Road, the famous shopping street of Singapore, before returning to the ship.

Your scenic drive will take you through Orchard Road, the heart of Singapore’s sophisticated hotel and shopping centre, before moving on to the colonial area and the Civic District to view the Supreme Court, old Cricket Club and the Anglican Church, St Andrews Cathedral.

A stop will be made at Padang in the Central Business District to photograph the impressive skyline of Singapore and the Esplanade Park before passing the Fountain of Wealth, listed in 1998 as the largest fountain in the world.

Continue through Chinatown, past ornate temples, narrow streets and picturesque ‘shophouses’ to the busy area of Little India, with its range of food stalls and colourful markets.

Passing through the winding Arab/Malay area, you’ll see the many textile merchants, the restored Sultan’s Palace and the grand gold-domed Sultan’s Mosque, one of the largest Mosques in Singapore.

Set in a lush rainforest environment, Singapore Zoo offers the opportunity to experience and be inspired by the wonders of nature. Home to over 2,500 specimens from 316 species, 36% of which are threatened, the Zoo has attained a strong reputation internationally for its conservation initiatives and breeding programmes. The animals include the beautiful rare white tigers, lions, zebra, giraffe, polar bears, leopards, white rhino, baboons, crocodiles and the Komodo dragon.

On arrival at the Zoo, you’ll be taken to the unusual setting of the Wild Restaurant. As you enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast you can watch the magnificent Orang-utans as they interact with each other. If you wish you can even have your photo taken with them.

After breakfast, you have around 2 hours to explore this fascinating parkland. The Zoo is a model of the ‘open zoo’ concept so the animals are not caged but instead roam free in spacious, landscaped enclosures which emulate their natural habitat. The animals are separated from visitors by moats concealed by vegetation or, in the case of dangerous animals, glass panes which allow you to get in close proximity without the risk.

There is so much to see and do including animal feedings, animal shows and watching the elephants bathing.

Begin your evening with a visit to 'Pasar Malam', otherwise known as the Bugis Street Night Market. Here the atmosphere is filled with the aromas of durian fruit and incense wafting from the various Buddhist shrines. Once a notorious haunt for sailors on leave from their ships, Bugis still retains its charm with a real south east Asian style of market place. Rub shoulders with locals and tourists alike as you browse through the countless stalls with bargains everywhere. From watches to clothing and food, you will not be disappointed.

Following your night shopping experience, climb aboard your one-man trishaw, (a 3 wheel cycle) for an unforgettable ride through Little India. Experience the sights, sounds and scents of the evening, where little shops conduct their business whilst the owners enjoy their evening dinner.

After your trishaw ride, you’ll visit the world famous Raffles Hotel for a taste of Singapore's truly original creation, a Singapore Sling.

To end the night, drive past the beautiful sights of the Central Business District and take in the spectacular skyline of the city through Benjamin Sheare’s bridge.