Published on October 27, 2014
Crossing the border between Malaysia and Singapore, I wondered what the city state possibly could have on offer, after just having experienced the abundance of nature and culture based soft adventures in Malaysia. Sure, familiar watersports were to be expected (e.g. sailing, kayaking, swimming, skiing) and probably a few well-kept routes for cycling fanatics. But, let’s face it what other adventurous activities one could envisage in a highly urbanized, well organized city that bursts out of its seams from world class shopping, dining, accommodation and entertainment opportunities?
How ill-advised I was! Looking out from my hotel window on Temasek road (Temasek being the name of Singapore up till the 14th century, before it became Singapura, Malay – derived from Sanskrit – for Lion’s City) and the nearby Marina Bay, the preparations for the upcoming Formula 1 Grand Prix 2014 were in full swing. Wow, extreme adventure on my doorstep!
Hold on for a minute, that is spectacular no doubt about it, but surely not soft adventure, is it? Right, but what if you could drive a truly sports car yourself on the circuit and expressways of the city? Wouldn’t that change it all? It surely would.
And that was exactly what the flyer on my desk promised! A boy’s dream coming true; driving a real Ferrari, or Lamborghini for that matter, through the streets of Singapore. For many a once in a lifetime experience and one offered as a surprise gift to their spouses by more than a handful of loving women, when holidaying in Singapore. They let the engines roar by their ‘Lions’. This ‘ultimate drive’ (both slogan and brand name of the organizing company) comes at a price, however. Hence, to avoid any disappointment, it makes sense to check out some reviews on consumer websites beforehand, such as Tripadvisor.
Driving one of the ‘beasts’ yourself (left) on the same street circuit as Fernando Alfonso (right)
Source: www.mraristotle.com (left) and www.f1fanatic.co.uk (right)
Not a bad start, is it? And there’s much more to savour of the unexpected and thrilling soft adventures Singapore has in store. For instance, how about “sky diving”, “snow skiing” or “reversed bungee jumping”, to mention just a few of the most spectacular?
As might be expected from this mindboggling city, it’s not the genuine sky dive from an airplane at a couple of kilometers above earth, but one exercised indoors in a vertical wind tunnel. The attraction, aptly dubbed “iFly” measures some 17metres high and 5 in diameter. It’s wrapped in glass, offering a stunning view of Siloso beach (Sentosa Island) and the sea for those who have an eye for it during the excitement. Though likely a bit tame for seasoned sky divers, beginners of all ages consider it a unique experience, even though actual air-time is no more than 1 minute per actual dive. So, feast yourself on a couple of them. What the heck, it’s your holiday! No holds barred.
I fly, you fly; we all fly in Singapore; Source: www.8thingstodo.com
Singaporeans living on the island won’t experience snow on their home soil, but now can view and feel the real substance at Singapore’s first permanent indoor “Snow Centre” that contains a/o a three-storey high and 60-metres long snow slope for tubing, skiing and snowboarding. It also offers a show, a sports climbing wall and educational programmes for children and adults.
Snow tubing, boarding and other fun in Singapore’s Snow City; Sources: www.mrbigben.com; www.groupon.sg; www.flickr.com
If the traffic stopping drive through Singapore in a posh Ferrari, your first sky dive or balancing a snowboard hasn’t sufficiently whet your appetite, why not try Zip-lining? Or indulge in a Paint Ball battle and go for water skiing, surfing and wake boarding by cable at Singapore’s first Cable Ski Park, SKI360°.
Ziplining in Singapore with forest and sea view combined; Source: au.totaltravel.yahoo.com
Alternatively, check out a forest adventure or turn bungee jumping upside down by embarking the G-Max cabin for a reversed jump. For the die-hards among you, try out the adrenaline enhancing extreme Skate Park in East Coast.
This and much more about all kinds of soft and hard adventure are to be found on Singapore’s most comprehensive website http://www.yoursingapore.com, a shining example of tourism promotion.
But then, what else would one expect of this highly organized, smoothly operating city cum captivating tourism destination?
