Things to do in Singapore
Check out the sweet chirpings
Away from high-rise buildings, Singapore's Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a wonderful place to spot birds, particularly during the migratory season from September to March.
Cook like a local
Singapore has numerous cooking classes, but many specialise in European cuisines. Seek out those that do local dishes instead. For fans of laksa (chicken and noodles in spicy coconut milk soup), check out Food Playground (foodplayground.com.sg) and Cookery Magic (cookerymagic.com).
Cycle around Pulau Ubin Island
Widely considered as the last 'kampong' (village) in Singapore, Pulau Ubin is an island with crisscrossing cycling and walking trails and plenty of rustic charm. Take a 10-minute boat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal to Pulau Ubin, then rent a bike from one of the shops near the jetty and visit the star attraction, Chek Jawa Wetlands.
Get a free fortune-telling
Thousands of devotees visit the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple (178 Waterlook Street) every day and pray to the Goddess of Mercy. To have your fortune told for free, go to the counter and get a container with a bunch of numbered bamboo sticks in it, kneel down and ask the Goddess a question while shaking the container till a stick falls out. Give the stick to a person behind the counter and you will be given a piece of paper with an answer to your question. Alternatively, you can have your palm read by one of the fortune tellers outside the temple for a fee.
Get your heart racing with a reverse bungy ride
Thrill seekers should try the G-Max Reverse Bungy (tel: +65 6338 1766; www.gmaxgx5.sg), where willing participants are strapped into seats and shot skywards to a height of 60m (180ft) before gravity pulls them back down. The ride may be short-lived, but the views over Singapore River are great - that's if you can keep your eyes open.
