Day 1
Schedule a breakfast date with some feathery friends at the Jurong Bird Park, and get up close and personal with Big John, a sulphur-crested cockatoo, and Merlin, a yellow-naped amazon. You’ll be greeted by a cacophony of sounds in the sprawling park, which houses more than 8,000 birds, ranging from Antarctic penguins to New Zealand kiwis. Catch the World of Hawks show to watch birds of prey in action before making your way to the Waterfall Aviary, where you’ll see African and South American birds swooping past the world’s tallest man-made waterfall. From there, it’s an easy stroll through a landscaped tropical forest to view a variety of endangered Southeast Asian birds. This aviary experiences a man-made thunderstorm daily at noon, so be sure not to miss it!
While you’re in the western end of Singapore, check out the Singapore Science Centre. Chock-full of exhibits, demonstrations and hands-on activities, this is a great place for young ones and the young-at-heart to discover the secrets of science. Prepare to be amazed by displays that explain the concepts behind startling illusions and other curious scientific phenomena. If you have time, try to catch the larger-than-life images at the Omni Theatre, where 3D films are projected onto a dome-shaped screen that stretches five stories high! With plenty of excitement still ahead, you may want to fuel up with a quick lunch at one of the restaurants or fast food outlets located here.
If you’re ready for more action, head for the Singapore Discovery Centre. Discovering the secrets of Singapore’s past, present and future is what it’s all about here. Multi-sensory displays and hands-on exhibits explore all facets of life in Singapore, so you can learn about everything from the nation’s early history to its rich cultural diversity to how it tackles security challenges in the modern era. Kids will love learning about Singapore’s national monuments through hands-on games and having a goofy time learning different cultural dances. Don’t miss the Visionarium, one of the centre’s most unique attractions, where you can use interactive devices to suggest ideas that will shape Singapore’s future and then see the results projected on a massive 360-degree screen.
As the weather cools in the late afternoon, it’s a great time to head outdoors again with a visit to Orchidville. A commercial orchid farm, Orchidville welcomes visitors to explore its beautifully landscaped grounds and take in its incredible collection of two million orchid plants. Join one of the farm tours if you’re interested in learning about the process of growing orchid hybrids. If hunger strikes, make your way to Forrest, a greenhouse-themed restaurant where you can enjoy a light snack or dig into heartier Chinese specialties.
As the sky begins to darken, it’s time for you to make your way to the Night Safari. The world’s first open-concept zoo for nocturnal animals is a highlight not to be missed. Hop on one of the trams for a guided tour along dimly lit jungle paths that take you through sections of the park designed to resemble the Himalayan foothills, the jungles of Africa and the forests of Southeast Asia. The 45-minute ride stops half-way through its journey, so you can have a rest or stroll along the trails for a closer look at the prowling tigers, leopards and other nocturnal species.
