subject: Discover the undiscovered – Singapore's outlying islands [print this page] Discover the undiscovered Singapore's outlying islands
Singapore has earned a reputation of being South Asia's number one destination for culture, art, entertainment, haute couture and commerce. This is because mainland Singapore is a city that has been planned well and is managed well. Each area has a designated role to play in the furtherance of the country's universal fame.
Not popularly heard of yet as playing a great part in this venture are the outlying islands of Singapore; the most popular one of course being Sentosa Island.
So integrated is this island to the mainland that most have forgotten that it is a separate outlying island off the coast of Singapore. Sentosa is home to a host of entertainment activity. The attractions include the dolphin lagoon and underwater world, insect kingdom world, Butterfly Park, musical fountains, theme parks, luxury shopping options and golf courses. Apart from these visitors can also laze out on the wonderful beaches made up of imported white sand - and indulge in some water sports. The island is connected to the mainland via monorail, bus and tram as well as by a causeway bridge which can be crossed on foot.
Kusu Island is one which has religious significance to many groups of people as well as being a beach paradise. Legend has it that the island was a giant sea turtle that changed itself to a large rock in order to save a group of sailors who were shipwrecked. Religious beliefs that abide on the island sees the Taoist priests visit the Toa Pekong Temple in the ninth month of the lunar calendar in order to engage in religious rituals. Another group of shrines on the island for Syed Abdul Rahman, Nenek Ghalib his mother and Puteri Fatimah his sister attract Malays. It is believed that couples who are childless should pray at this shrine for their prayers to be answered. Religious rites and beliefs notwithstanding the island is also famous for beach recreation due to its beautiful beaches.
St John's Island is also famous for its beaches and is great for camping. There are ferries that visit these islands daily.
Pulau Ubin is a less developed island that boasts of an amazing array of flora and fauna and offers mountain biking and hiking as attractions. Fish and prawn farms are interesting to visit and the seafood is exquisite to taste. This and the Sisters Island however can be reached only via water taxi or boat.
Visitors can opt to stay in a Singapore hotel and make day trips to the outlying islands. Accommodation at a luxury hotel Singapore can be secured through early booking, and an excellent choice would be the lavish Raffles Hotel Singapore.
