Discover the Wonders of Gardens by the Bay

In the heart of Singapore lies a verdant urban oasis like no other – Gardens by the Bay. A harmonious blend of nature and innovation, this awe-inspiring destination invites visitors to immerse themselves in a world of breathtaking beauty and captivating wonders.

Planning Your Visit

Embark on your journey to Gardens by the Bay beside the Marina Bay Waterfront with ease, whether you opt for convenient access via the Bayfront MRT Station or prefer to take a taxi. For an ideal base, consider staying at a property of Park Hotel Group, in the City Hall district. Many of the sites within the gardens are open from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm, giving you ample time to explore; also, keep in mind that you get both free and paid attractions to choose from on your visit.

Indoor Conservatories

Step into a world of wonder within the three indoor conservatories of Gardens by the Bay, amongst the top attractions in Singapore. Explore the ethereal, mist-filled landscapes of the Cloud Forest, complete with a towering ‘mountain’, rare vegetation, and a cascading waterfall. Wander through the Flower Dome, home to a diverse array of plants and flowers from five continents, including ancient olive trees and vibrant orchids. Delve into the whimsical realms of Floral Fantasy, where fairy tales and mythical gardens come to life in four distinct zones of enchantment.

Supertrees

Supertrees
Supertrees – Image via Flickr

Marvel at the iconic Supertrees, towering vertical gardens that stand as the crowning jewels of Gardens by the Bay. Adorned with over 158,000 plants of varied species, these majestic structures captivate visitors during the day as well as at night when they are lit up. Traverse the OCBC Skyway, a 128-metre-long walkway suspended 22 metres above ground, offering panoramic views. As night falls, witness the enchanting Garden Rhapsody, a mesmerising, free light and sound show (7.45 pm and 8.45 pm), that illuminates the Supertree Grove in a dazzling spectacle.

Other Attractions

Entertain the little ones at the Far East Organisation Children’s Garden, where interactive playscapes and water features spark joy and wonder. Stroll along the boardwalk at Dragonfly & Kingfisher Lakes, offering tranquil surroundings and wildlife sightings. Explore the Heritage Gardens and Sun Pavilion, each providing unique botanical delights to discover. Conclude your day at the Bay East Garden, a serene sanctuary ideal for unwinding and basking in the glow of a spellbinding sunset against the backdrop of the Marina Bay skyline.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why Your Next Family Holiday Should Be in the Maldives

If you think the perfect family holiday destination does not exist, then you have not been to the Maldives yet! Here are some reasons why families all over the world love coming here on their vacations.

underwater-world-marine-life | img via wallpaper flare

Private Island Getaways

Your family members will love the chance to spend time on an enchanting private island resort in the North Male Atoll which can be quickly reached by speedboat from the airport. Ideal options include Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives by the Park Hotel Group; here, you can stay at a luxurious beach pool villa with direct access to the shore or a pool water villa from where you can snorkel in the lagoon or ocean below. Such resorts also feature a kids’ club with fun activities and games, a beach club with a daily recreational programme, dining options with a kids’ menu and exciting family adventures.

Stunning Marine Life

The Indian Ocean that surrounds the islands are home to a mesmerising array of marine life and the great thing is, they are easy to encounter. One of the best things to do in Maldives for families is to go snorkelling or join a guided house reef snorkelling session with a resort’s marine biologist who will help you identify colourful reef fish and more. Some properties will offer snorkel safaris to spot specific marine life like turtles, and depending on the age of your children, you can introduce them to the joy of scuba diving too.

Fun Things to Do

There’s never a dull moment in the Maldives with a diverse range of activities for young and old alike. The ideal choice would be to stay at a family-friendly resort that has a marine sports centre, offering specific water sports like jet-skiing and diving for kids. Of course, kayaking, and stand-up paddling can be enjoyed too, while you can also go on dolphin-watching excursions to spot these playful marine mammals. Some resorts offer special family packages as well which can include speedboat trips, snorkelling, a visit to a secluded sandbank, fun tube rides and more.

A Year-Round Destination

The Maldives is a great place to visit year-round, making it a perfect choice be it for a summer escape or to spend colder seasons in a tropical paradise! You can expect around eight hours of heavenly sunshine each day, while the temperature of the water barely drops below 25°C, making it ideal for underwater escapades. Generally, November to April is considered the best period to visit with divine sunshine and calm waters; that said, the rest of the year offers plenty to experience as well.

Clarke Quay and Riverside Nightlife at Singapore

The nights at Clarke Quay and Riverside offer a unique look into the dining and entertainment scene in Singapore.

Clarke Quay and Riverside Nightlife | Image Credit - William Cho, CC BY-SA 2.0 Via Wikimedia Commons
Clarke Quay and Riverside Nightlife | Image Credit – William Cho, CC BY-SA 2.0 Via Wikimedia Commons

History

Back in the days, Clarke Quay was a centre of commercial activity that was situated on the banks of the Singapore River. Now, it is a maze of everything from stores to bars, casual dining to exhilarating clubs.

Zouk

If you ask anyone about clubs in Clarke Quay, the in-crowd would probably begin with Zouk. This is the most popular club on that stretch and caters to anyone who have a love for House music. Resident and international DJs play at this club and on Wednesday nights, the club has a special playlist that has a mix of the 70s, 80s, and 90s pop music.

Trace Club

Trace Club is kind of new to the scene but quickly gained a name for being the best place to be in after dark. Many luxury hotels in Asia are situated in and around the popular party places, and Singapore is no different. Big names like Park Hotel Group and more have at least one hotel that is within a kilometre’s distance away from this club.

Attica Nightclub

If you want to dance all night with like-minded party goers, then the Attica Nightclub is where you should be heading to!

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Best things to do in Otaru

This scenic town in Asia has many things you can do, to while away your time during a weekend getaway with your loved ones.

Snow Light Path Festival

If you are in town during the month of February, don’t miss out on the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival. The city is decorated with lights and tiny snow statues and the festival lasts for 10 whole days. You’d feel like you are inside an old Dickens novel, it’s a must-see.

Otaru Canal Promenade | Image Credit - Markus Leupold-Löwenthal, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikipedia Commons
Otaru Canal Promenade | Image Credit – Markus Leupold-Löwenthal, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikipedia Commons

Visit the Canal

Hotels in the Asia Pacific almost always is close to water bodies, and the Park Hotel Group is no different, with the hotel being within travelling distance to the Otaru Canal. This canal has a rich history and is a part of many monumental times in the past. Take a walk along the path during a quiet evening and sit in one of the restaurants overlooking the canal.

Nikka Whiskey Yoichi Distillery

Known for being one of the best whiskey makers in Japan, they have a distillery in Otaru, and also provide tours inside the building, taking you through the process of whiskey making.

Sakaimachi Street

The central merchant street in Otaru, you can get your shopping done here, and walk to this street for the daily essentials too.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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