Tag: Sustainable Tourism

From the moment I set my eyes on it, its unmistakably royal aura engulfed me. As I entered the property, it gave me a satisfying sense of space and luxury. The lobby was well appointed with choicest artefacts and comfortable seating. The walls were tastefully decorated with ethnic displays.

This garden isn’t for VIPs. In fact, it is the centrepiece of Singapore's famed orchid diplomacy. The flora here is named after visiting dignitaries of the world. Alongside Margaret Thatcher, Lady Diana and Emperor Akihito, orchids named after Ricky Martin, Jackie Chan and our very own Shah Rukh Khan cohabit here.

Want to experience Singapore's traditional culture by dining with a Singaporean family? Do grab the opportunity, as it would also give a boost to a local's determined attempt to provide its youth with a glimpse of the city-state’s rapidly vanishing lifestyle.

Somewhere along this journey, the authorities became mindful of its impact. The urbanisation and resultant cosmopolitanism were gobbling up the local culture. This otherwise green equatorial island was increasingly greying. And the local flora and fauna were going extinct. This brought about their decision to retain and nurture the Pulau Ubin Island as a cultural oasis for the city-state. Little wonder it is considered the last kampung (village) of Singapore.

These vertical gardens provide habitat to 162,900 plants, turning this little area into a carbon sink absorbing large quantities of Carbon Dioxide. Supertree Grove - Singapore Super Structures to Look up to