Singapore Christmas Lights

Highlights

• Singapore City tour
• Visit Singapore’s UNESCO World Heritage listed Botanic Gardens
• High Tea at the Raffles Hotel
• River cruise on a traditional ‘bumboat’
• Visit Singapore Zoo at night
• Travel on the renowned Night Safari Tram at the zoo
• Enjoy a cultural cooking class
• Explore the ‘Christmas on a Great Street’ display at Orchard Road
• Immerse yourself in the Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay

Inclusions

• Return transfers between airport and hotel
• Accommodation (twin share) at Jen Singapore Orchard Gateway
• Breakfast daily at hotel
• Other meals as specified
• Air-conditioned vehicle for touring
• Local English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees and sightseeing as specified
• Travel Directors Tour Leader

A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, and a non-refundable deposit of AUD $500 per person paid at the time of booking.

05/12/2024 Arrive Singapore (D)

On arrival in Singapore we transfer to our hotel and in the evening we enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Jen Singapore Orchard Gateway

06/12/2024 City Tour & River Cruise (BD)

Today we begin our city tour at Kampong Glam, an area where modernity meets tradition. This district has a history that dates back to Singapore’s colonial past and is now home to the Malay, Arab and Bugis communities. Later we visit the Civic District, passing by the Padang, Singapore Cricket Club, historic Parliament House and the National Gallery. Next stop is Merlion Park where we enjoy impressive views of Marina Bay. We continue on to Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of Singapore’s oldest Buddhist-Taoist temples, and through Chinatown on our way to Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Singapore Botanic Gardens, which boasts a sprawling display of 60,000 orchid plants. In the evening we transfer to Clarke Quay to board a traditional ‘bumboat’ cruising along the river. This unforgettable ride encapsulates Singapore heritage and modernity in one activity, spanning the iconic districts of Clarke Quay, Boat Quay and Marina Bay. Bask in the rich history of the Raffles Landing site, marvel at the soaring futuristic architecture of Marina Bay Sands, and discover the story of the river that gave life to the city. After we disembark we drive through Orchard Road to view the stunning display of Christmas lights.

07/12/2024 Tiong Bahru & Raffles High Tea (B, High Tea)

This morning our tour starts at the Pinnacle@Duxton, the world’s tallest public housing project. The seven towers of the complex are all connected with two skybridges that feature the two longest skygardens in the world. We visit the skybridge on the 50th floor to enjoy stunning views of the Singapore landscape. Next we visit Tiong Bahru, one of Singapore’s oldest public housing estates built in the 1920s that has creatively evolved into a unique neighbourhood that balances heritage and swanky hipster lifestyle. The Tiong Bahru Market, boasts some of the best hawker stalls for local culinary delights. The 90-year-old Qi Tian Gong Temple, Singapore’s oldest temple honours the Monkey God, who bestows blessing and protection. We enjoy some food sampling at Tiong Bahru Market before continuing on to one of the highlights of our tour, the iconic Raffles Hotel, where we indulge in their famous High Tea. Set in the restored Grand Lobby of the hotel, we sit among the grandeur of its floor-to-ceiling pillars bathed in daylight streaming through the skylight. This is a quintessential Singapore experience! Later we return to our hotel and the evening is free.

08/12/2024 Cooking Class & Zoo Night Safari  (BLD)

There is no better way to get acquainted with Singapore’s many cultures than through the island’s food, and this morning we immerse ourselves in a cultural cooking class. During the class we learn about Singapore’s food culture and discover the secret to Singapore’s hawker centres, before cooking up a storm with a hands on step by step cooking lesson. We then enjoy the fruits of our labour with a mouth-watering Singaporean lunch sampling each of the dishes we have prepared. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the facilities at the hotel, or wander around the city on your own. In the evening we transfer to Singapore Zoo to uncover the wonders of the nocturnal animal kingdom at the world’s first night wildlife park. Here we enjoy a multi-sensory journey across six geographical regions under the moonlight. Be enthralled by a pride of lions basking under the illumination of a full moon, get up close to the free-ranging Malayan tapirs, and meet Chawang, the Asian bull elephant, as you ride on board the renowned Night Safari Tram. We then enjoy dinner at Ulu Ulu Safari restaurant located in the park, before returning to the hotel.

09/12/2024 Christmas Wonderland & Gardens by the Bay (B)

Today is a free day for some souvenir and Christmas shopping before heading out on our final excursion. We finish off our Singapore Christmas visit with the stunning light displays at the Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay. This annual event is a must-see highlight of Singapore’s end-of-year celebrations. Taking place on a massive fairground, Christmas Wonderland is home to unforgettable sights and Yule-themed extravaganzas featuring illuminations, light sculptures, rides, carnival games, amusement rides, live performances, festive markets, Santa’s Grotto and numerous other entertainment options. The human-made blizzard, massive Christmas tree, and Christmas carols add to the Christmas cheer. Garden by the Bay’s Christmas Wonderland is the essence of  Christmas celebrations in Singapore.

10/12/2024 Depart Singapore (B)

Following breakfast this morning we transfer to the airport for our flight home.