Tanjung Emas is a park situated at the estuary of Muar River, overlooking the Straits of Malacca. The huge park is well-maintained and has a nice environment. It is an ideal place for those who love to watch the waves and enjoy the breezy air. This is also the place where locals love to bring their children to the playground in the evening.
Location: Taman Sri Tanjung, 84000 Muar, Johor2.
Sultan Ibrahim Jamek Mosque
The hybrid of Western and Middle Eastern style made up this historical mosque in Muar Situated along Jalan Petri, the mosque is built in 1887. Considered as one of the oldest mosques in Muar, this mosque could be majestically seen from Tanjung Emas Park and is located beside the Muar river. What is so special about this particular mosque is that it has classic Roman columns traditional Malay element as well as some mixture of vintage European design. The mosque is painted mostly on white and blue and it gives a very peaceful atmosphere.
Location: Jalan Petri, Taman Sri Tanjung, 84000 Muar, Johor.
Sultan Ismail Bridge
This particular bridge is an iconic landmark in Muar. If you're driving through this stretch, you should stop for a while at the foot of the bridge and admire its unique archetecture. It was completed in 1967 and officially opened to the public during the time of Almarhum Sultan Sir Ismail Al-Khalidi Ibni Almarhum Sultan Sir Ibrahim Al-Masyhur, the late Sultan of Johor the same year. Initially, it was a toll bridge but after objections by the public, the Malaysian government abolished the toll collection. Now, people can pass freely, connecting more parts of Muar more conveniently.
Address: Jalan Kesang, 84000 Muar, Johor, Malaysia
Muar Clock Tower
Muar clock tower is one of the famous attractions on Muar. It is considered as a local landmark in Muar. It is situated in the garden at the new park called Padang Nyiru, which is very near the Muar Bus Terminal. The old English architecture is what makes the clock distinctive and unique, it is painted in white and yellow and is very distinctive from afar. The stairs in the tower are all padlocked for safety measure.
Location: 1947, Jalan Abdullah, Pekan Muar, 84000 Muar, Johor
Gersik Hot Spring
Located between Parit Jawa and Batu Pahat, the renowned natural hot spring in Muar is very well-maintained and clean. But the best part is there is no entrance fee required. The water temperature is estimated to be between 50 to 70 degree Celcius. Tourists will flood in during the weekend to enjoy a steamy dip into the 3 rings of pool. It's a perfect getaway for families during the weekends as there is one hot spring specifically for children too.
Location: Kampung Sungai Gersik, 84150 Parit Jawa, Muar.
Pantai Leka
Pantai Leka is a prominent bird sanctuary as well as a beach in Parit Jawa. This place is approximately 10 kilometers from Muar. Exhibiting as a nature reserved park for migratory birds Pantai Leka even provides food and shelter from its local mangrove forests to the rare species.
The Garden Rhapsody is a show (more like something from outer space) that is held in Gardens by the Bay every evening, The futuristic looking trees/mushrooms are lighted up in different ways together with the music. Every detail is perfectly tuned to create an atmosphere that will give you a fantastic feeling of wonder and stimulate your mind! I think everyone should see it, it really went beyond my expectation and imagination. It is my dream to take my parents there now! TIP: The show runs twice a day: at 7:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. and it takes around 15 minutes. Make sure to come a bit in advance, so that you take the coolest spot! By the way, all the outdoors shows are all free in Singapore, for example like the next one:
One other great free show that is a must do in Singapore-the Wonder Full Light and Water Show. The show is a choreography between singing fountains and projections on their splashes. There are bubbles everywhere and this holiday atmosphere goes on everyday-don't miss it while in Singapore! Show times: Sunday - Thursday: 8:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. Friday & Saturdays: 8:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m. NOTE: The time of the show might change, please double check before going. The best location to see the Marina Bay Sands show is on the left if you are facing the Louis Vuitton store. Another way to explain it - just go outside from the main exit of the Marina Bay Sands shopping mall and you will be in the center of the show! PRO TIP: Did you already see the timings of both shows? You can easily plan it that way you can see both shows in 1 day (if you need to). It is about 12-15 minutes to walk between Wonder Full and Super Tree Grove. Just follow the signs.
3. THE CLOUD FOREST
Ever wondered how concrete jungles might look like? I mean real jungles built on concrete! The Singapore have created a whole new concept with planted walls, artificial waterfalls - somethings absolutely surreal! You can learn about rare plants, take some great pictures, enjoy a magnificent view from to the Marina Bay Sands and just walk around this mysterious world built by man. It also features a 35-meter hill (on the pictures above) covered in lush vegetation, it is also the World's tallest indoor waterfall! PRO TIP: Make sure to have at least 1.5 hours of your spare time, and bring a jacket, as it is quite chilly and moist inside the conservation area.
4. SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS
I love parks and that includes botanical gardens. I think I went to one almost in each country I visited!
The one in Singapore is such a beautiful park. You can wander on its alleys and get lost. It feels modern, fresh and ordered. Then, out of nowhere you can just wake up with a huge water monitor lizard in front of you.
The entrance to the Botanic garden is free of charge, but I also do recommend visiting National Orchid Garden (S$5). Unless you are some kind of Orchid expert, you will discover a gazillion new types of orchids which offer a sweet synthesis of visual beauty and matching fragrance.
Various types of orchids are presented, many colors around, great photo opportunities, we took hundreds of beautiful pictures!
It is inside the Botanic garden, but it has a separate entrance.
5. SINGAPORE ZOO
The Zoo is one of the top attractions in Singapore. You can see otters, pygmy hippos. giant crocodiles, lions, zebras, rhinoceroses, orangutans and many many other animals. There are 4 options to choose from:
Singapore Zoo- See more than 2 800 animals representing over 300 species of mammals, birds and reptiles.
Jurong Birds Park- 5 000 birds across 400 species, it is some of the largest free-flying aviaries in the world.
Night Safari- See over 1 000 animals in their naturalistic nighttime habitats.
River Safari- One of the world's largest collections of freshwater fauna, more than 6 000 animals including 40 threatened species.
You can do all of them if you have time, or you can choose the ones that look more interesting for you. I went for a classic option (just the Zoo), but I've heard the Night Safari is also pretty cool!
Different shows at each time are held, you will not get bored during the whole day, I recommend visiting the zoo if you are traveling with kids, or if you have more than 3 days to see the city.
TIP: Unless you are with kids, I don't think there is any point of taking a train inside the Zoo. The queue for the train was always long, and the distances are not that big.
If you would like to save some money on tickets, try to buy them in advance (at least a week).
There are plenty of Groupon promotions are available and will save you at least 25% which is quite significant if you go with the whole family.
UPDATE: Groupon is now myface.com, it was bought by them in Singapore and it basically provides the same service- discounted tickets and services.
Here are the instructions:
HOW TO BUY CHEAP TICKETS TO SINGAPORE ZOO:
Search for a "Zoo" keyword on Fave website (it can also be anything else what you are interested in- "Cloud Forest" for example).
Note that the tickets are only delivered locally, so ask your hotel (the place where you are going to stay) if it is o.k. to have mails sent to this address.
Buy it at least a week in advance.
HOW TO GET TO THE SINGAPORE ZOO:
Getting to the Zoo bu public transport is not exactly obvious, so I decided to make a little guide for you.
Even though there is no MRT station within the walking distance from the Singapore Zoo, it is quite easy to get there:
6. HAW PAR VILLA
Haw Par villa is your place! It is one of those places that you will not see on a typical tourist picture in Singapore.
It is one of the world’s weirdest theme parks depicting scenes from Chinese folklore with over 1 000 statues. Some of them are: an old woman being breastfed, demons pitchforking loan sharks in hell – you got the idea
It is truly a fascinating place to visit! Include it into your itinerary, you will not regret! It is easy to get there by metro (MRT station is called “Haw Par villa”, about 2 SGD from the center) and has a free admission, so why not to check it out?
I would leave about 2 hours for a visit if you want to read some info behind those mysterious statues.
PRO TIP: Try to go in the morning because in the day time it gets really hot. I went at about 2 p.m. and I was dying from the heat, there was no shadow at all!
7. TRY SOME STREET FOOD
You have probably heard that Singapore is not the cheapest city in the world. While it is definitely true, the food can be surprisingly cheap!
It is still a riddle for me how a dish can cost 2-3 $ when a kilo of tomatoes in the supermarket costs the same much?
I also recommend just walking around China town district and trying out everything that looks interesting, the variety of choices is endless, the local cuisine is mouthwatering!
If you wish to rely on a specialist and have somebody walking you through Chinatown, get this 3,5 hours Food Adventure. You will never forget the feast on typical goodies such as rice cakes, poh piah, chicken rice, and more!
8. SIP A SINGAPORE SLING ON A ROOFTOP BAR
If you are in Singapore even for just a day, you just have to climb up one of its futuristic looking skyscrapers and enjoy the city’s skyline!
I have a couple of places to choose from for you:
1) The first one is located on the top of Marina Bay Sands hotel and it is FREE to go up. The rooftop bar is called KuDeTa, it is right above the SkyPark Observation Deck. While the price to go to the observation deck is S$23, I suggest you go to KuDeTa (which is a bit more elevated) and spend those money for a drink. How about that?
The trick to enjoy the same view for free is to go to the bar instead. It’s at the same floor, and just past the observation deck entrance (which is usually where 2 or 3 stewards are waiting to check tickets).
You can enjoy the view with a drink in your hand for more or less the same money. Just make sure not to wear flip-flops and shorts, and you will get in with no problems!
2) The other rooftop bar that I highly recommend is One Altitude. No wonder why – it is one of the tallest buildings in the country!
I liked One Altitude even more than KuDeTa because it has the view TO Marina Bay Sands it is more spacious, with a 360 degrees view.
The entrance is 30 SGD$ if you arrive before 9 pm, or 35$ if you arrive later. 1 drink is already included. As the place is quite fancy, the dress code is the same – smart casual. No flip-flops and no sleeveless tops for man.
TIP: Remember that city skyline from a rooftop at night perfectly matches with a Singapore Sling cocktail! 🙂
9. SENTOSA ISLAND
Tired of sightseeing and want to just relax on the beach? Singapore has one also!
Sentosa is a popular island resort. But please do not expect Bounty commercial type beaches from it. It is far from the beauty of the Malaysian island of Langkawi, to be honest. Otherwise, it is very alive and easy to get to beach in Singapore.
Universal Studio amusement park is also located there I would really love to go, but it would need the whole day and I didn’t have that much time. Next time! 🙂
HOW TO BUY CHEAP TICKETS TO UNIVERSAL STUDIO SINGAPORE:
PRO TIP: By the way, that life hack with Fave also seem to work with Universal Studio! On the official website 1 adult ticket is S$76 while on Fave it is S$91 for the admission to the Universal Studio + Wings of time show + Dinner buffet. You decide if the deal is worth it for you! 😉
HOW TO GET TO SENTOSA ISLAND:
There are 3 ways to get to Sentosa:
By foot.Hours – Open 24 hours, Price – free. From the Harbor front there are travelators that will help you go faster, about 20 minutes to get to the island by foot. If you use this choice, you can go back to Harbor front free of charge by train! 🙂
By train. Hours – 7 a.m. – midnight. Price – 4$. If you are tired and don’t feel like walking, you can use the train, that goes parallel with the travalator.
By cable car. Hours – from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Price – 29$ return.
10. THE CITY VIEW FROM SINGAPORE FLYER
For a panoramic view of all the city get into an observation wheel. It claims to be Asia’s largest ferris wheel! You get to enjoy a breathtaking view of Singapore from 165 mt (540 ft) with all the iconic landmarks right in front at a bird’s eye view! In a good day you can see as far as Malaysia and Indonesia!
The full circle takes about 30 minutes and the price for an adult is S$33. If you don’t want people on your picture you can upgrade to a Private Capsule. Or, say you want to celebrate a special occasion, – they also offer Premium Champagne Flights! 🙂
PRO TIP: For the best view, try to avoid visiting Singapore Flyer on a rainy day. I visited it on my last day and it was heavily raining, so as you can see the pictures are not that spectacular. If it rains, you can check out a museum, National Museum of Singapore for example.
