Greater Singapore

For the purposes of our little guide, Greater Singapore includes anywhere in this city-state that we don't cover elsewhere.

For most casual and first time visitors to Singapore, the main drawcards outside of downtown are the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari in the northern part of Singapore and Jurong Bird Park to the west. All three of these are absolutely world-class attractions and well worth the trip to the island's outer limits.

Greater Singapore is also home to many lesser-known but worthwhile points of interest, many with an outdoorsy appeal. Early risers and bird-watchers should have Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on their shortlist, while those looking for a slice of Singapore in its natural state should check out MacRitchie Reservoir or Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, where monitor lizards and monkeys still roam free.

War buffs may want to visit the sombre Kranji War Cemetery and Memorial and travellers will children will enjoy a day at the Singapore Science Centre and Snow City. Outlying Kusu and St John's Islands are downright rustic compared to Sentosa and their decent beaches and picnic grounds are just a short ferry ride away.

Last but not least, consider a visit to one of Singapore's most unusual attractions, the stranger-than-words Haw Par Villa, or, if that's not your thing, there's always a tour of the Tiger Brewery complete with a tasting session.

A note on heading out into the Singapore "wilderness": Singapore is a very big small island — don't try to do too much in a day as you'll just end up exhausted. Pace yourself and you'll get far more out of your exploration.

Greater Singapore is largely residential and significantly less glamorous than downtown, and an excursion to a neighbourhood like Jurong West or Ang Mo Kio will give you greater insight into the life of average Singaporean than a day spent on Orchard Road.

The region is well served by the MRT system and public bus routes — an EZ-Link card will come in handy and pay for itself through discounts when transferring. To simplify getting to the zoo, there is a private shuttle service from central areas to the Zoo & Night Safari.

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