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My last day stay in Singapore and I have about ten hours of free time before I catch my flight. So the best place to pass the time is to see Suntec City with its million sq.ft of nearly 300 outlets. At the information counter I discovered about the Hop-On tours and was surprise to see the flexibilty and timing of the tours and the price was reasonable. 6 Singapore Dollar for adult and 4 for children. You can catch the Hop-On bus at any of the 21 designated stops and end your tour at any point. Flexibility and convenience are the words to describe..... This is how the day 21 hop-on tour runs. Purchase your day pass and it's valid for the day. You can use them at any of the stop. The tour starts at Suntec City and ends at Suntec City Mall. Pick up the free map highlighting the location of stops and places. You can start your tour at stop #1 that is at Suntec City. There are 21 stops and the bus tour takes about 90 minutes to complete. As you move along stop to stop you can hop off at any stop that you find interesting. After venturing all the places of interest you can hop-on back the tour bus and continue with the tour. Check bus schedule here. The hop-on bus will only stop to drop and pick up passengers at designated locations. A short description of the 21 hop-on stops and places of interest. Stop # 1 - Suntec City The largest shopping mall with the latest designer fashions, IT gadgets, lifestyle specialty products and services to selection of F&B outlets serving a variety of international cuisine. Other than shopping, indulge in the tranquility at the living santuaries, the Koi and Bonsai Gardens. Not to be missed is the world largest water fountain, which features dazzling laser performances at half hour intervals from 8pm to 9pm daily. Stop #2 - Esplanade (Raffles Avenue) Famous for it's architecture design, the Esplanade with theatres showing premier performing arts. An impressive line-up of performances that run throughout the year. Stop #3 - Near Merlion Park (Connaugh Drive) The Merlion, a landmark statue of half-lion, half-fish a famous icon of Singapore. Stop #4 - Near Funan IT Mall (Coleman Street) This IT Mall is the largest and most popular shopping mall dedicated to information technology. It offers the latest and inovative IT gadgets of various brand and models with a wide range of alternative lifestyle products as well. Stop #5 - Near Boat Quay (South Bridge Road) The lifeline of Singapore in the early days "The Singapore River" saw Singapore's transformation from an obscure little fishing village to a great seaport and modern metropolis. In the evening when the neon lights beckon, colorful facades and playful thematic restaraunts and pubs turn Boat Quay into the Singapore River's most appealing pedestrain walk. Stop #6 - Near Sri Mariamman Temple (South Bridge Road) The Sri Mariamman Temple was built in 1827 and dedicated to the goddness Mariamman who is known for curing extremely serious epidemics such as chicken pox, small pox and cholera. The area around is also full of Clan and Sporting Associations. At Temple Street wide array of souvenirs ranging from silks to exotic remedies and beauty treatments. Stop #7 - Near Apollo Centre (Eu Thong Sen Street) The word "Chinatown" explains it all. Here you can find shopping complexs, Singapore handicraft centre, all types of antique and not missing out all the different mouth tasting Chinese cuisines. Stop #8 - In front of Clarke Quay (River Vally Road) Where to find Singapore's only riverside festival village combining dining, shopping and entertainment, yes at Clarke Quay. Specialty restaraunts, themed pubs and wine bars together with colorful assortment of wares and fortune tellers on trolleys and wheels, a truly carnival-like atmosphere. Stop #9 - In front of Miramar Hotel (Havelock Road) Couple of years old establishments still inhabited by younger crowds, partying all night long at nearby Mohamed Sultan Road. Stop #10 - At side of Great World City (Zion Road) A more substle open concept design environment at Great World City which houses a cinema multiplex, supermarket, restaraunts and small shops that offer great value for money. Stop #11 - Opp. Wheelock Place (Orchard Boulevard) Borders Books and music, lovely collection of clothes and toiletries from Marks and Spencer make a memorable shopping experience. Stop #12 - Next to Tanglin Mall (Grange Road) A great shopping mall. Stop #13 - Singapore Botanic Gardens A world class botanic and horticultural garden. The National Orchid Garden prominence to a wide variety and colourful orchids both rare and indigenous species. Stop #14 - In front of Delphi Orchard (Orchard Road) Stop #15 - In front of Tangs (Orchard Road) Stop #16 - In front of OG Building (Orchard Road) Stop #17 - In front of Plaza Singapore (Orchard Road) Orchard Road, nearly a mile long with both sides of the road line with shopping complexes, restaraunts, hotels and supermarkets. Stop #18 - Opposite Rendezvous Hotel (Selegie Road) Stop #19 - Near Little India (Selegie Road) The local Indian community where you can enjoy the spicy aroma, the colorful traditions, the strains of sitar music and colorful garlands. Nearby you see the Singapore Art Museum transformed from a 19th century mission school to a dynamic institution of multi-cultural 20th century art. Stop #20 - Next to Our Lady of Lourdes (Ophir Road) Stop #21 - Opposite Raffles City S.C. (Bra Basah Road) Raffles Hotel and Raffles City Shopping Centre. |
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