Highlight

Petronas Towers: The twin jewels of KL, the iconic Petronas Towers, loom over the city centre, defining its skyline. The 88-storey chrome and steel towers are the headquarters of Malaysia’s oil and gas company – Petronas – as well as many other corporations. The Dewan Filharmonik Petronas concert hall – Southeast Asia’s leading venue for classical music – is situated between the two towers. The Sky Bridge tour is an amazing attraction offering a spectacular view from the top of this building.

Menara KL Tower: This 421m high tower stands atop the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, and is the fifth tallest structure in the world. The viewing deck is higher than the Petronas Tower’s Skybridge, there’s a revolving restaurant at the top. The view from the top is spectacular, especially at night, when the city is all lit up.

Batu Caves: A limestone hill comprising three major caves and a number of smaller ones, Batu Caves are considered to be one of Kuala Lumpur’s most frequented tourist attractions. There is a 100-year old temple with statues of Hindu Gods in the caves, and 400 million year old limestone formations are found in the caves as well.

Thean Hou Temple: This six-tiered Chinese temple sits atop Robson Heights in Kuala Lumpur, and is dedicated to the Goddess Tian Hou. Featuring imposing pillars, ornate carvings and murals on the walls, this is one of the oldest temples in Southeast Asia.

Guandi Temple: Built in 1186, this temple is dedicated to Kwan Ti, the legendary Chinese God of War. Coils if incense, paper, clothes and money are burnt in the main hall, to bring good fortune.

Lake Gardens Park: Sculpted parks and dense tropical jungles emerge from the urban landscape as you enter the Lake Gardens Park near Chinatown. Created as a retreat in the colonial era to escape the busy city, the park covers a huge area and is planted with native trees and plants. A huge children’s playground sits in the center and a sprawling lake.

Taman Tasik Titiwangsa: Offering a stunning view of the city skyline is the recreational park surrounding Lake Titiwangsa. There are lovely walking paths, as well as boat rides on the lake. Also in the park are tennis and squash courts and a mini F1 racing track. A great way to spend time with the kids.

The Merlion: With the head of a lion and the body of a fish, The Merlion is the mascot of Singapore. It represents Singapore’s humble origins as a fishing village named Temasek. The statue stands today at The Merlion Park, on the mouth of the Singapore River. It provides a wonderful photo opportunity to visitors—A souvenir picture to put up on their refrigerators at home!

Sentosa Island: Sentosa, a resort island just a stone’s throw away from the Singapore is oen of the most popular tourist destinations not just in the country but in the world! Over 5 million tourists visit the island every year. A picturesque cable car ride to the island is just the perfect start to your Sentosa adventure! Its top attractions include ‘Underwater World’, ‘Dolphin Lagoon’, ‘Images of Singapore’ and ‘Song of the Sea’.

Dolphin Lagoon is a delightful sight as it gives you a unique opportunity to watch pink dolphins at play. Underwater World is a massive oceanarium and it is a fantastic experience to see such a diverse variety of colourful marine animals. There are over 2500 sea creatures found here, including sharks, dugongs, turtles etc.

‘Images of Singapore’ is a vibrant presentation of the country’s rich heritage and The Songs of the Sea is the ultimate water show, replete with pyrotechnics, water jets, lasers, bursts of flame all used artistically in a captivating dance-drama. You can also enhance your experience by opting for The Sentosa Cineblast Simulation ride, a thrilling experience!

Universal Studios: A must visit if you’re in Singapore is Universal Studios; a futuristic theme park, the first of its kind in Asia. Widely acclaimed, the park has enthralled millions of visitors since it opened in 2010. With 7 unique zones themed on different Hollywood blockbusters spread over an area of 50 acres, the park offers an altogether new experience and transports you to another world with its remarkable lifelike quality.

Step into the world of movies and more, enjoy roller coasters and water rides, live shows and musicals, and inventive restaurants and cafes. The world of Hollywood laid bare at your feet, you can explore its glamorous Boulevard and march down the “Walk of Fame” apart from visiting the sets of some of its most epic hits. Watch the fun and join in the antics of King Julien and all the other groovy characters of Madagascar who’ll show you how to party in style. And well if you’ve always wondered what the future’s going to look like, Sci-fi City will have you gaping at its space age technologies, life would never have looked so good!

Singapore Flyer: Located at Marina Promenade, this giant Ferris wheel is believed to be the tallest in the world. The Singapore Flyer will give you a bird’s eye view of the sparkling city of Singapore, the Indonesian islands of Batam/ Bintan, and the Malaysian City of Johor Bahru. Visibility is about 45 kilometers. Hop on for a high of a very different sort!

The Night Safari: Welcome to the world’s first nocturnal zoo! Home to over 1000 animals, including endangered species, the safari is a unique experience for those who love nature. Come face to face with a tiger or an Indian rhinoceros; catch a cultural performance such as a tribal dance—it’s all happening here!

Museums: History buffs will enjoy exploring Singapore’s many museums. The National Museum of Singapore is home to a vast array of artifacts related to the history of Singapore. The Singapore Art Museum celebrates the city’s burgeoning modern art scene. The Peranankan Museum is dedicated to the Peranakan culture, while the Asian Civilisations Museum specialises in pan-Asian cultural heritage. The Singapore Philatelic Museum is a must visit for stamp collectors. These museums are within walking distance of each other, around the City Hall area.

Marina Bay Sands and its casino: A majestic new addition to the Singaporean skyline, this ship-like structure is a must visit because it is home to Singapore’s largest casino! Try your hands at the slot machines, give your best shot at poker, or simply stand and watch the action.

Chinatown: Take a stroll amidst Chinatown’s colorful shop houses to get a feel of the original Singapore, long before the island suddenly exploded with high-rises. Chinatown is a traveler’s dream—tacky yet traditional, with unbelievable prices. Several of the establishments have been around for decades, and are local heritage brands so to speak. Pop in for an authentic Chinese meal or stock up on herbal medicines. Liven up your home with Chinese New Year decorations (to be bought at a steal once the New Year passes) or simply stand aside and watch the action around!

Arab Street: An interesting cultural bubble within a sleek metropolis, Arab Street is home to the best Middle Eastern food options, as well as dozens of dimply-light hookah parlors. Quaint boutiques line its streets. Drop in at the Mysterious Café for a tarot card reading.

Tibetan Temple: The Thekchen Choling Temple, located at Beatty Lane, is Singapore’s only traditional Tibetan Buddhist temple. It is an outstanding example of how culture and religion have melded with the cosmopolitan cityscape. The temple is interesting, with numerous sacred relics and devotional objects on display. Offer prayers of the incense sticks, admire the minute wall carvings, and be drawn in by the chanting. Visitors of all faiths are welcome.

Mandala Wisata Wanara Wana: Literally meaning the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, the dense, green forest here provides an ideal setting for the grey-haired Balinese macaques. Eager for a treat, they are the owners of the forest and throw fits of temper if you don’t pay them with bananas. The Monkey Forest of Padangtegal represents a sacred Balinese Hindu site, and houses three temples.

Bali Orchid Garden: If you’re looking for a romantic evening out, head to the Orchid Garden and stroll through lush greens and riotous colours. Bali’s weather and volcanic soil ensures a conducive environment for many varieties of orchids to grow. Pick up a few plants at the gift ship.

Pura Tanah Lot: One of Bali’s most revered temples, and a tourist hot-spot, the sea temple offers a spectacular site. Located atop a barren rock and constructed in the 16th century as homage to “Sang Hyang Baruna”, the God of the Sea, it is a manifestation of the Almighty God as The Ocean Protector. Catch great views of the sunset from here.

Uluwatu Temple: At the southern tip of Bali, perched atop a sheer cliff on the tip of the peninsula, sits one of Bali’s important sea temples. Walk through the arched gateways and take in the intricate sculptures and get a great view of the sea and the sunset.

Gunung Kawi: An ancient Balinese monument situated in a dense, green valley, ten shrines are cut into the rock face as a memorial to the 11th century Balinese royal family. The shrines stand 23ft high in niches cut into the face of the cliff.

Mount Batur: Also known as Ganung Batur, this is the island’s most active volcano. Standing 1412m tall, it has one of the largest calderas (a bubbling, volcanic vat) in the world. On the eastern half of the mountain is Lake Batur, and on the edge of the mountain lies a thousand year old Trunyan Village where the original Balinese people live. See the liquid sulphur of various colours bubbling in the vat and enjoy sweeping views all around.

Karangasem Grand Palace: This unique palace was built in the 19th century combining Balinese, Chinese and European architectural styles. The buildings appear to float over pools of water, with small bridges connecting them. With ornate gates and a massive verandah, the palace is definitely a must-visit.

Dolphin Watching: Take a boat trip around Lovina to watch Dolphins surface and chase fish for breakfast. Catch the sun rise as you watch these playful creatures put on a show for you.

Scuba Diving: Scuba opportunities are plentiful in Bali with beautiful sites and numerous PADI certified companies. Along Bali’s east coast near Candi Dasa and Tulamben are some ship wrecks that provide an interesting diving experience. Tulamben has a beautiful coral wall with many species of fish.

Elephant Safari Tour: The kids will love this one! The Elephant Safari Park located in the cool jungle of Taro Village, Ubud offers a chance to feed, touch and play with these magnificent creatures. Sit high atop an elephant on a traditional teak wood chair and sway through the cool jungles of Taro.

Water Sports: Take a banana boat ride, go water skiing or parasail across Bali’s beautiful waters. The Tanjung Benoa is a great place for most water sports.

Balinese Massage: The Kube Dharma Baki Massage Centre is a traditional massage centre with a cause. Government sponsors train the visually challenged in the art of reflexology, shiatsu and more. Most locals swear by these massages. Choose from a range of therapies and contribute to a good cause. Zen is another reputed day spa where you can choose from a range of Javanese body scrubs and massage treatments.

Dance Performances: Bali is known for its traditional dance forms. Head to Ubud, where tourist information kiosks sell tickets for these performances. Witness Kecak, Legong and Barong dance forms and watch the Mahabharata and Ramayana staged through dance. Also take in the ‘wayang kulit’ puppets and gamelan orchestras.

Raffles Hotel: This colonial-style hotel is one of the most famous in the world. Seeped in history, the hotel has hosted a starry list of illustrious guests—right from George Bush to Gwen Stefani. Singapore’s most famous cocktail, the Singapore Sling, was invented at The Long Bar in Raffles Hotel. Drop in for a drinking date with history.

Esplanade: If you’re looking for a breathtaking view of Singapore, the Esplanade harbour front is the place. Step back and admire the city’s skyline and blinding lights—framed by the distinctive Marina Bay Sands building. Stargaze. For the artistically inclined, Esplanade’s Theatres on the Bay (Yes, it’s the building that closely resembles a durian) offer a range of theatrical, musical and cultural performances.