What’s New To Do in Singapore

Once a muddy mangrove mess, Singapore has grown into a vibrant, prosperous city of nearly 6 million, famed for its cultural diversity, innovative approach to development and one of Asia’s favourite food experiences. So here are our recommendations for what’s new to do in Singapore.

*Robots & AI – Singapore’s Future – You can now see the future in Singapore - from Changi Airport to the city’s parks and gardens, robots are being used to clean, sell tickets, serve food and more – this redefines the term social distancing.

*KF1@Expo –Taking a spin from the success of Singapore’s annual nighttime F1 race is the new KF1 – one of the world’s biggest Go Kart tracks – 750 metres with 16 turns. Enjoy your own “inner” speed racer and take to the track reaching speeds up to 50 kph.

*Singapore GourmetBus – How about a city tour with a taste for the best? Board the new Singapore GourmetBus where you not only enjoy the city sights, but sample the best of Singapore’s famous hawker cuisine prepared for you by a Michelin star chef – now that is a delicious way to sightsee!

*Old MacDonald has a Farm … in Singapore – Despite its architectural wonders, farming in Singapore has flourished due to hi-tech and new sustainable practices. Pay a visit to the Kok Fah Technology Farm or the Edible Garden City, two new farm projects that offer tours and some “hands on” farm experiences.

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Making Lists for West Malaysia – Cities/regions not to be missed

One newsletter cannot do justice to the many marvelous options for travelers to West Malaysia (Peninsular), so let’s make some quick calls to our favourite destinations:

*Cameron Highlands – Rising to an average elevation of 1,850 metres (6,070 feet) and located just 150 kilometres (93 miles) north of KL, the Cameron Highlands feature a refreshingly temperate climate, verdant terraces planted in tea and farms of fresh garden fruit and flowers.

*Ipoh – Situated in the northeast of the peninsula, Ipoh was founded on the tin boom (19th and early 20th centuries) and is now Malaysia’s “phoenix ascendant”. Tin is no longer king but Ipoh is a city of rich colonial architectural treasures, a hip counter culture of art, boutiques and cafes, and is now ranked as the world’s 3rd most sustainable city.

*Melaka (Malacca) – Once a powerful sultanate that brought traders from Europe, Africa and other Asian lands, Melaka is a rainbow of cultural traditions. Here in this historic UNESCO site discover the changing layers of its history – Arab, Portuguese, Dutch, British and finally part of an independent Malaysia.

*Penang – First prize of the East India Company, Penang (an island off the far northwest coast) was founded in 1786. Today, this multi-cultural concoction is called, “Asia’s one stop shop of travel experiences”. A UNESCO World Heritage site for its eclectic architecture, a foodie fanatic’s culinary paradise, and a never-ending menu of experiences, you can’t pass “Go” until you visit Penang.

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East Malaysia - Sabah and Sarawak – Land of the three “E”s

Malaysia is truly the “sum” of its parts and the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo are two sums that equal fantastic fun and adventure. Enjoy our list of what to do and see:

Sarawak – Once the secret world of the White Rajahs (the Brooks family), Sarawak was renowned for its fierce head-hunters, impenetrable jungles and pirate coasts. After enjoying a visit to Kuching, its eclectic capital, you can keep your head and have a lot of fun – our choices:

*Bako National Park – Just 37 kilometres (23 miles) outside of Kuching, this small national park is one of the most diverse in the region. Mountains mantled in rain forest, fine sand beaches, ethereal rock formations and thick mangrove forests invite visitors to experience an ecological wonderland.

*Gunung Mulu National Park, Miri – Sarawak’s most popular natural attraction, the Gunung Mulu National Park near Miri is one of the largest network of caves on earth.

*Sabah – Located in northern Borneo, Sabah is the unofficial eco-tourist capital of Asia today. Within one state the visitor can experience one of the world’s most ancient old-growth forests, colourful coral reefs, towering mountains and a complex system of indigenous groups. First enjoy Kota Kinabalu, its busy capital and then set off to experience the best of Sabah - take note:

*Tunku Abdul Rahman National Marine Park – Covering 4,929 hectares (19 square miles) of crystalline waters and 5 lushly forested islands, this is Sabah’s most accessible marine sanctuary.

*Mount Kinabalu/Kinabalu National Park – Rising to a summit elevation of 4,095 metres (13,435 feet), Mount Kinabalu is the “Kilimanjaro” of Malaysia. Summit the mountain (2 days/1 night) or hike the trails within the park; this is one of Sabah’s most remarkable experiences.

*Sandakan/Kinabatangan River Region – Sabah’s northeast coast and interior are home to some of the richest biodiversity in Asia. Sandakan, a busy port, is your starting point as you set off on the Kinabatangan River and beyond to the Danum Valley Conservation Area for wildlife viewing at its best. Among the many highlights are seeing orangutan, Borneo pygmy elephants, crocodiles, countless bird species, monkeys, clouded leopard and so many more.

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Fun Facts and Trivia not so Trivial!

 Singaporeans are the fastest pedestrians in the world with an average walking speed of 6.15 kilometres per hour (3.8 miles).

 1 in 6 Singaporeans have assets worth US$ 1 million or more – the highest ratio in the world.

 Malaysia is home to the largest cave chamber on earth – the Sarawak Cave Chamber in the Gunung Mulu National Park is so big it can hold 40 Boeing 747 jumbo jets.

 Kinabalu National Park in Sabah is home to the Rafflesia arnoldii the world’s biggest flower measuring up to 1 metre (3.28 feet) across.

 Because Malaysia is divided into two distinct regions (the peninsula and Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo), Malaysians living on the Peninsula are required to have passports to visit Sabah and Sarawak.

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