Thursday, December 3, 2015
Singapore Zoo
Singapore Zoo
At this beautifully designed zoo where animals live in naturalistic habitats, you can trek along foot tracks or hop on to a guided tram to see natural wonders like the endangered white tiger and the world’s largest collection of proboscis monkeys. Singapore Zoo
The exhibits are divided into 11 zones, each a unique immersive experience waiting to be explored. In the Fragile Forest you will enter a massive biodome that recreates the amazing diversity of the rainforest. Singapore Zoo
Here you can find mousedeer on the forest floor, or climb to the observation deck to catch a glimpse of the flying foxes that often glide over the heads of visitors! Singapore Zoo
Visit the polar bear and other Arctic inhabitants at the Frozen Tundra, the coolest exhibit yet. Other zones include the Primate Kingdom, where each of the 39 primates on display have their own island, or the Reptile Garden, which houses giant tortoises and fearsome Komodo dragons. Singapore Zoo
The zoo is ideal for families. The kids will be kept busy with activities like the Kidzranger Tour, which lets them try their hand at being a zoo keeper. Singapore Zoo
Get ready to be entertained
The animal shows are an amazing experience not to be missed. Watch the sea lion perform at the Splash Safari Show or our domestic friends do their thing at the Animal Friends show. Singapore Zoo
You can even enjoy dining alongside orang utans at the Jungle Breakfast with the Wildlife programme at Ah Meng Restaurant. Singapore Zoo
To cap off a day of fun with the animals, savour local delicacies at Ah Meng Kitchen, or cool down with some ice cream from Casa Italia. Singapore Zoo
Universal Studios Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore
Southeast Asia's first Hollywood movie theme park, Universal Studios Singapore, features an enticing selection of attractions, rides and entertainment for families and thrill seekers. Indeed, 18 out of the 24 movie-themed rides here were designed just for the Singapore park. Universal Studios Singapore
There are seven movie-themed zones, and each is uniquely designed. You will find the renowned Hollywood Walk of Fame at the Hollywood zone, and as you venture into New York, the landscape evolves into impressive city skylines, including a mock-up of a subway entrance. Here, you can step onto a movie set and experience the destructive force of a hurricane with special effects produced by Steven Spielberg. Universal Studios Singapore
Breathtaking rides
Sci-Fi City features the famous TRANSFORMERS The Ride: The Ultimate 3D Battle ride where you fight evil forces in heart-pounding 3D combat. Move on to Ancient Egypt and face mummies and scarab beetles on an indoor roller coaster in total darkness – all the better to ignite your fears. And in Madagascar, prepare to be drenched in a wet river boat ride. Universal Studios Singapore
Thrills and spills
Performances here are equally spectacular. The young ones will love the Shrek 4-D Adventure at Far Far Away. This fun cinematic experience allows you to physically feel the action of the movie. In the Lost World, witness death-defying stunts and explosions in WaterWorld, a live performance. Universal Studios Singapore
After an exhilarating day out, replenish your energy between the attractions and step in to the many themed restaurants across the parks. And make sure you have your camera ready for “celebrity” sightings. Universal Studios Singapore
Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island
Looking to chill out or get your adrenaline pumping? Sentosa Island is the place to go. Breathe in the fresh sea air while experiencing some of the world’s finest hotels and resorts as well as an array of top attractions and buzzing entertainment. Sentosa Island
A British fort
Whether you are a nature buff, history fan, spa-goer or adventure junkie, you'll find something exciting at Sentosa Island. Sentosa Island
Gone are the days when the island was a humble fishing village, known as Pulau Belakang Mati or 'Island of Death from Behind' in Malay. Because of its strategic location, it even served as a British military fortress up till World War II. Sentosa Island
In the 1970s, it was given a dramatic makeover and a spanking new name, Sentosa, which means 'peace' and 'tranquillity' in Malay. Sentosa Island
A playground for all
Today, Sentosa is home to renowned golf courses, a yachting marina and luxurious residences, and is also a holiday destination for Singaporeans and tourists alike. Nature buffs, history fans, spa-goers, adventure junkies – there’s something for everyone. Sentosa Island
Beach lovers especially will love the island’s 3.2km stretch of sandy beaches, namely Siloso Beach, Palawan Beach and Tanjong Beach. Sip cocktails with your feet nestled in warm golden sand, flex your muscles with a game of beach volleyball or get wet riding some waves. Sentosa Island
Foodies can indulge in global cuisines, from hawker fare to Michelin-star masterpieces, at Resorts World Sentosa. Sentosa Island
Getting there is easy too, just 15 minutes by car from the city or a short ride on the Sentosa Express from VivoCity. You can also take the cable car from HarbourFront, a vibrant neighbourhood across the water, and enjoy spectacular views of Sentosa and the city. Sentosa Island
Waitomo Caves
Waitomo Caves
Under the green hills of Waitomo lies a labyrinth of caves, sinkholes and underground rivers. The area's name comes from the Maori words wai (water) and tomo (hole). Waitomo Caves
The caves were carved by underground streams pushing through soft limestone over thousands of years. Many have amazing stalactites growing down from the ceiling and stalagmites growing up from the cave floor, pointy cones of layered rock formed over centuries by dripping water. The cave walls are also decorated with galaxies of native glow worms. Waitomo Caves
The easiest way to see the caves is with a walking or boat tour. If you’re into adventure, try the unique experience of blackwater rafting - you'll crawl, swim and float through the caves on a rubber tube. Or you could abseil or zip-line through the darkness. However you choose to explore Waitomo Caves, you're bound to agree they're a wonder of nature. Waitomo Caves
There is as muc
h to see and experience above ground as there is below. Enjoy good cafes and walks as well as natural wonders such as the beautiful Marokopa Falls and limestone Mangapohue bridge. A walkway beginning near the Waitomo Museum of Caves leads through farmland where you'll see fascinating rock forms and strange fluted outcrops. Waitomo Caves
For a quirky insight into rural New Zealand life, take in one of the local farm shows, or go exploring on a guided horse trek. If you'd like to visit some New Zealand’s rarest birds, including our national icon, the kiwi, head to Otorohanga Kiwi House in Otorohanga. Waitomo Caves
Nearby, the Pureora forest provides some great short and long hikes suitable for all levels. Hunting and fishing tours are also on offer in the area. Waitomo Caves
South of Waitomo is Piopio. This rural area is making a name for itself with great walking trails, cafes, golf, and Hairy Feet Waitomo, which was the filming location for Staddle Farm and the Trollshaw forest in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Waitomo Caves
Waitomo township has a few shops and plenty of accommodation. It is easily reached by road from Auckland (3 hours), Rotorua (2 hours) or Hamilton (1 hour). Waitomo Caves
Hot Water Beach New Zealand
Hot Water Beach New Zealand
Dig your own hot pool metres from the Pacific Ocean at world-famous Hot Water Beach. Great surf, cafes & art galleries add to this very kiwi experience. Hot Water Beach New Zealand
Naturally heated mineral water bubbles up from deep within the earth to emerge through golden sand at the appropriately named Hot Water Beach. Hot Water Beach New Zealand
Near the rocks at the southern end of the beach you can dig your own spa pool in the sand. Dig up to two hours either side of low tide – that's when the tide is low enough to expose the area of sand with hot water underneath. It's a strange but very pleasant feeling to be lying in a pool of hot water just metres from the refreshing sea. Hot Water Beach New Zealand
If you have a spade or shovel, bring it with you. Otherwise you can hire one from the local cafes. Hot Water Beach New Zealand
From the hot water area, the long sandy beach stretches north and curves east under a headland. Here you'll find sheltered and secluded spots for quiet, sleepy sunbathing. Hot Water Beach New Zealand
For surfers, Hot Water Beach has good beach breaks in moderate easterly swells, however the presence of strong undertows means this beach is often dangerous for swimming. Hot Water Beach New Zealand
Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier
Tucked into the forested foothills of the Southern Alps, the cosy township of Fox Glacier is geared up for glacier walks, hikes and flights. Fox Glacier
Named after Sir William Fox, New Zealand’s Prime Minister from 1869 to 1872, Fox Glacier describes both the glacier and the nearby village. Like its twin, Franz Josef, the glacier descends from the Southern Alps down into temperate rainforest just 300 metres above sea level. Fox Glacier
To see the glacier, you can walk to the terminal face, arrange an ice-hiking adventure or book a sightseeing flight. There are glow worm caves just a short walk from the town centre, which offers a good choice of cafes and restaurants. Close to Fox Glacier is beautiful Lake Matheson, one of the most photographed lakes in New Zealand. On a clear day it reflects Mount Cook. Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier township has a good range of accommodation, plus shops and eateries. Fox Glacier
Functional facts: Approx. population 400, Department of Conservation Visitor Centre, fuel. Fox Glacier
Source
Fiordland National Park
Fiordland National Park
Established in 1952, Fiordland National Park is now over 1.2 million hectares in size, and encompasses mountain, lake, fiord and rainforest environments. The National Park is administered by the Department of Conservation. Fiordland National Park
The variety of habitats in Fiordland support a diverse range of flora and fauna, with many developing in relative isolation leading to a high rate of endemism, or plants and animals that have evolved to be completely unique to this area. Fiordland National Park
The Takahe is an example of a bird that developed to be much larger and flightless compared to its distant cousins in the rail species. The Takahe was in fact thought to be extinct for more than forty years before it was rediscovered in the mountains of Fiordland in 1948. Fiordland was also the final refuge for the world's only flightless parrot the Kakapo. Both of these rare bird species are now part of a recovery programme managed by the Department of Conservation. Fiordland National Park
Human activity within Fiordland has been limited. Early Maori hunted here, caught fish from the sea and gathered pounamu (New Zealand jade) from the rivers. Fiordland National Park
Much later, European sealers and whalers took shelter in the fiords and built small settlements in some locations, but overall the sheer steepness of the terrain, the incredible isolation, and the wettest climate in New Zealand deterred all but the hardiest from settlement in the region. Fiordland National Park
Fiordland became the scene of one of New Zealand's most significant conservation debates when in the 1960's it was proposed to raise the level of Lake Manapouri to assist hydro-electricity production at West Arm. The ensuing battle resulted in government ultimately bowing to the weight of petitions and passing a bill in the 1970's that gave the lake statutory protection. Fiordland National Park
Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park – covering almost 80,000 hectares – was gifted to the nation by Maori chief Te Heuheu Tukino IV in 1887. Just over a hundred years later, the park was awarded dual World Heritage Site status. Tongariro National Park
Emerald lakes, alpine meadows and hot springs surround the largest volcanoes in the North Island, offering an environment of stunning diversity. Tongariro National Park
All three volcanoes are very much alive, with Mount Tongariro erupting as recently as August 2012. But this doesn’t deter people from skiing down the slopes and hiking to the craters – a monitoring system provides early warning of eruptions. Tongariro National Park
The park's most celebrated activity is the 'Tongariro Alpine Crossing', a one-day trek that traverses the otherworldly terrain along the slopes of all three mountains. Tongariro National Park
Steaming craters, old lava flows and thermal lakes make the walk an unforgettable experience. Tongariro National Park
Highlights
At 2797, 2291 and 1968 metres respectively, Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro are sizeable volcanoes. Tongariro's huge massif extends over 18 kilometres in length - classic, cone-shaped Ngauruhoe is actually one of Tongariro's vents. Ruapehu had the honour of playing Mordor and the Emyn Muil in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and the near-perfect conical shape of Ngauruhoe was the basis for Mount Doom. Tongariro National Park
The mountains of this national park have deep spiritual significance for the Maori people. Legend has it that the high priest Ngatoroirangi was frozen in a snowstorm while exploring Tongariro and called to Hawaiki, the traditional Polynesian homeland of the Maori, for fire. His prayer was answered, via the channel we now call the Pacific Rim of Fire, and the mountain erupted. Tongariro National Park
The lower slopes of the mountains are blanketed with forest where alpine herbs, tussocks, flax and low-growing shrubs provide a habitat for many native birds. New Zealand's only native mammals, short and long tailed bats, also live in the park. Tongariro National Park
Lake Wanaka
Lake Wanaka
45 kilometres long and covering 193 square kilometres, the crystal clear waters of Lake Wanaka are perfect for jetboaters, sailors and kayakers to explore. Lake Wanaka
Nestled below towering mountains, Wanaka is the most tranquilly set of the South Island lakes. Lake Wanaka
In winter, skiers flock here from all over the world for superb skiing and snowboarding at Cardrona and Treble Cone, cross-country skiing at Snow Farm and heli-skiing high in the Harris Mountains. But Wanaka, New Zealand, is much more than a winter destination. Year round activities include fishing, hiking, canyoning, climbing and skydiving. Visit the nearby towns of Queenstown, Cromwell and Alexandra, go shopping, or simply sit in a café and watch the world pass by. Lake Wanaka
One of the attractions of a stay in Lake Wanaka is that it combines the warmth of small town living with the quality and attention to detail you’d expect of an international holiday destination. Accommodation ranges from luxury lodges and boutique B&Bs to backpacker lodges and family holiday parks. It’s an easy walk to shops and restaurants from most accommodation and taxis cars and bikes are readily available. And if you want to head out of town, transport providers offer daily services to most popular destinations. Lake Wanaka
Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo was created nearly two thousand years ago by a volcanic eruption so big it darkened the skies in Europe and China. Visit the Craters of the Moon and you'll see evidence of the lake's fiery birth in the geysers, steaming craters and boiling mud pools. At some of Lake Taupo's beaches, swimmers and paddlers can enjoy warm, geothermal water currents. Lake Taupo
Just north of Lake Taupo you'll find New Zealand's most visited attraction, the magnificent Huka Falls, where more than 220,000 litres of water thunder over the cliff face every second. Lake Taupo
Taupo is a great lake for water-skiing, sailing and kayaking. The Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay, which can only be seen from the water, make for a great boat trip or kayaking excursion. The forests surrounding the lake offer hiking and mountain biking to suit all levels of experience. Lake Taupo
But what Taupo is really known for is fishing. The town of Turangi has the largest natural trout fishery in the world; this is the place to cast a line and look for the big one. Turangi also happens to provide a convenient base for exploring Tongariro National Park, whether it be walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (New Zealand's most popular day walk) or skiing at Whakapapa and Turoa ski fields. Lake Taupo
Great Lake Taupo is centrally located in the middle of the North Island, approximately 3 1/2 hours drive from Auckland and 4 1/2 hours drive from Wellington. There's a genuinely friendly culture here and plenty of accommodation – so why not stay awhile? Lake Taupo
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