Interactive, entertaining, fabulously fun and educational are adjectives that best describe these tourist attractions that belong in a league of their own. Interested in science, history, myths and legends, volcanoes or just cooling off at a water park? Then include theme attractions on your list of "must-visit" places in Singapore.
Haw Par Villa Tiger Balm Gardens
For decades, it has been known as the Tiger Balm Gardens, famous for its statues and tableaux depicting Chinese myths and legends. Stroll through the Gardens to explore the legends graphically portrayed by over 1,000 figurines. A visit to the infamous Ten Courts of Hell is a must.
Sinapore Discovery Centre
Filled with high-tech and interactive edutainment attractions, the Singapore Discovery Centre offers fun and excitement for the entire family. A place which makes kids out of adults. You can enjoy great rides, exciting games and terrific shows.
This state-of-the-art attraction features three galleries, jewel attractions such as the exciting 6-Degree-of-Freedom Motion Simulator rides, shooting gallery, virtual reality games, a large format screen Iwerks Theatre as well as an outdoor Children's Adventureland.
Fantasy Island
Just the place to go to if you have a group, a huge family or at least another person with whom you can let your fantasies soar just as your shrieks will rent the skies. "Where the Heat Ends and the Coolest Fun begins" is Fantasy Island's catch phrase. Located on Sentosa, this sprawling 71,000 sq m water theme park is Asia's biggest with 31 slides and one activity pool for kiddies.
Besides the thrilling water rides which visitors have described as "super cool", Fantasy Island's Entertainment Mall houses an interactive motion simulator cinema. Designed by the same people who built the Jurassic Park movie dinosaurs, this cinema promises sharp turns, flying bats and stunning visual displays which are guaranteed to keep you holding on to your rocking seats. Could yu ask for more?
Underwater World
Asia's most exciting tropical oceanarium, Underwater World, gives the visitor a fish-eye view of the mysteries of the sea. As it unfolds before your eyes while you stroll through the submerged tunnel, you feel at one with those creatures gawking at you through the glass with unseeing eyes. The walkway, a moving one, takes visitors past more than 2,500 marine creatures from 250 species.
Not all of Underwater World's attractions are below the surface. The Turtle Pool is home to the endangered Green and Hawksbill turtles. The Touch Pool actually allows the visitors to touch a starfish as well as sea cucumbers. It's a different experience which is quite indescribable.You must have heard of seahorses as a child in fairy tales. Well here's the chance to see one, as also the weedy sea dragon which resembles the mythical Chinese dragon, piranhas, electric eels and a dugong. Visitors can explore more exhibits such as the Cave Habitat or the Living Reef.
If you are 21 years old and have the stomach for it, then you can dive into the reef and shark tanks for $ 96 which will also arm you with diving gear. Of course you must also be a certified diver. 30-minute diving sessions with a maximum of four divers are held on Wednesdays (12pm and 6pm) and on Saturdays and Sundays (9.30am, 12pm, 2pm, 3.15pm and 6pm). Advance booking is required which can be made through dive shops in Singapore (1 week in advance) or directly with Underwater World. Bookings are only confirmed upon receipt of payment.
Organised dinners in the submerged tunnel can be arranged for private functions and incentive travel.
