School's out, fun is in! Summer break is the perfect time for families to spend vacation together. I asked a few family and friends what is their most memorable trip that they would highly recommend to TNT readers searching for the perfect getaway this summer. Singapore came out on top of the list. The country's tourism forms a large part of its economy due to its many tourist attractions, as well as its promotion of medical tourism.

MERLION

"One of the first places we visited when we came to Singapore is Sentosa Island, which to me is the best place to go to if you are looking for fun and pleasure. It is also where the Merlion, Singapore's most famous landmark, can be found," says Salve Salazar, a researcher.

The Merlion is a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish designed in 1964 for the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board. It was used as the agency's corporate logo from 1966 to 1997, but today continues to be regarded as Singapore's icon and is prominently used in souvenir items. The fish part represents Singapore's beginnings as a fishing village, while the lion head represents the country's original name Singapura which means "lion city". "We learned that there are only five authorized Merlion statues in Singapore including the one we saw at Sentosa Island, and two at Merlion Park," says Salve.

TIGER SKY TOWER

"While we were at Sentosa, we went up the Tiger Sky Tower and were captivated by the beautiful landscape of Singapore." The Tiger Sky Tower is Singapore's tallest observatory tower, rising 131 meters above sea level. Tourists enter an air-conditioned cabin that slowly ascends to the tower and are treated to the panoramic views across Sentosa and Singapore's Southern Islands along the way. It is said that on a clear day, one can even see the neighboring countries Malaysia and Indonesia. "The view is spectacular even during night time," adds Salve. "The cabin can accommodate up to 72 persons and admission rates are S$15 for adult and S$ for children.

UNDERWATER WORLD

"The Underwater World is another must see while in the island. Our time at the oceanarium was filled with fun and education as we got to meet different marine life of different species and see beautiful corals. It was a great underwater experience as we journeyed through the tunnel housing rays, sharks that don't look fearsome at all, and other kinds of fishes and creatures that live under the ocean. There is also an exhibit hall at the first floor of the facility wherein one will get to see several marine and freshwater creatures on display.

BREATHTAKING SHOWS

"We also watched Songs of the Sea, an award-winning waterworks showcase. It was a magnificent presentation that held us all spellbound. The music was great and its pyrotechnics and computer effects were so amazing. The show costs S$10. I recommend this show to anyone who visits Singapore." Songs of the Sea operates in the sea which spectators can watch from ashore. It is a multi-million dollar production designed by world-renowned and internationality acclaimed Yves Pepin.

NIGHT SAFARI

"My family and I love the Night Safari. My kids really enjoyed seeing the nocturnal animals, as well as riding the tram that toured us around the park" says Emma Yturralde, my belly dancing classmate.

Located in Mandai Lake Road, the Night Safari is one of the popular parks in Singapore visited by tourists especially families all year round. It is the world's first wildlife park for nocturnal animals, a rainforest set in artificial lighting. It opens to the public from 7:30 p.m. until 12 midnight. For $50, visitors will get to see and experience the three major attractions in the park, the Creatures of the Night Show, Night Safari Tram and Walking Trails. "In the Creatures of the Night Show, the spectators are introduced to animals that are not normally seen in traditional zoos during daytime. The first showing is at 7.30p.m. which tends to be crowded, followed by an 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. shows. The audience seated in front are sometimes asked to participate or volunteer during shows," adds Emma.

The Night Safari Tram will get you around the park, hence, you will be able to get to the other attractions without much effort. The management charges S$10 for the ride. During the tour, a guide narrates in front, making the tour very educational. "We got to meet different animal species, which we usually see in movies or TV shows only. We greatly enjoyed the trip, especially my children."

There are three walking trails in the park - the Leopard Trail, the Fishing Cat Trail and the Forest Giants Trail.  "In the Leopard Trail, we had the chance to see various night critters such as bats and flying squirrels, as well as the clouded leopard and Malayan civet. In the Fishing Cat Trail, one will see otters, Indian Gharials and Malayan Flying Fox, while in the Forest Giants Trail is a vast variety of flora and fauna and its inhabitants of bats, lemurs, owls and squirrels. There is also a swing bridge which is about 15 meters long," Emma narrates. "The Night Safari must be in the itinerary of any visiting tourist in Singapore. Not only is it highly entertaining, but it is also very educational. It will be a great experience for families."

Read more about Singapore's tourist destinations in my next article.*