To some, Singapore is synonymous to shopping. To others, Singapore is all about the Flyer, dubbed as the world's largest observation wheel. To many, Singapore is just another bustling metropolis.

But there's more to Singapore than these usual attractions. Here are some of them: parks and zoos.

Zoos and Parks

Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom
Open: 9am - 6.30pm daily
Last entry: 6pm
With more than 3,000 species, this park has one of the world's largest collections of butterfly and insect specimens. To get here, take the Sentosa Bus from Habourfront Centre Interchange (just next to Harbourfront MRT station). On Sentosa, take the bus on the Blue or Green Line.

Jurong BirdPark
Open: 9 am - 6 pm (daily)
With over 9,000 feathered friends from 600 species, Jurong BirdPark is one of Asia Pacific's most impressive bird parks. To get here take the MRT to Boon Lay Station (EW27), then take SBS Transit bus 194 or 251.

Night Safari
Open: 6pm to midnight (daily)
Last ticket sale: 11pm
It is said that as the sun sets, a different world comes to life. At the Night Safari, you can look a rhinoceros in the eye, hear the howls of a pack of striped hyenas or watch giraffes glide serenely across the plain in the still of the night. To get here, take the MRT to Choa Chu Kang Station (NS4), then board SMRT Bus 927 to the zoo. Alternatively, you can take the MRT to Ang Mo Kio Station (NS16), then board SBS Transit bus 138.

Singapore Zoo
Open: 8.30 am - 6.00 pm
Want a Tarzan-like breakfast? The Singapore Zoo offers a feast with an orang utan, the Oriental small-clawed otter, or even a reticulated python! To get here, take the MRT to Choa Chu Kang Station (NS4), then board SMRT Bus 927 which takes you all the way to the zoo. Or take the MRT to Ang Mo Kio Station (NS16), then board SBS Transit bus 138. Click here to view MRT route map.

Underwater World Singapore
Open: 9am-9pm (last admission at 8.30pm)
Dolphin Lagoon: 10.30am-6.00pm (last admission at 5.30pm)
Located at Sentosa, Underwater World Singapore is a dream sactuary which showcases the awe-inspiring beauty of the world beneath the seas. To get here, take the bus on the Blue, Red or Green Lines. To Dolphin Lagoon, take the bus on the Yellow or Red lines.

Ethnic Quarters

Little India
As you step into Little India, be prepared for an overpowering of the senses! First, you will be greeted by the strong, heady scent of spices and jasmine garlands, followed by the treasure trove of silverware, brassware, ethnic jewelry and colorful silk saris, dazzling to behold. To get here, take the north east line to NE7, Little India station or take SBS Transit bus number 65 from Orchard Road, alight at Tekka Market along Serangoon Road.

Chinatown
Singapore's Chinatown evolved around 1821 when the first Chinese junk arrived from Xiamen, Fujian province in China. The passengers, all men, set up home around the south of the Singapore River which is known today as Telok Ayer. To get here, take a short walk from Outram Park or Chinatown MRT Stations.

Geylang Serai
Open: Malay Village, 10am - 10pm (daily)
Geylang Serai is the cultural heart of the Malay community in Singapore. At the Malay Village, visitors can go back in time and discover the traditional 'Kampung Days' lifestyle of Malays in the 1950s and 1960s! To get there, take the MRT to Paya Lebar Station and walk towards Geylang Road. Click here to view MRT route map.

Kampong Glam
Named after the Gelam tree which used to grow in the area, Kampong Glam was the historic seat of Malay royalty in Singapore. Today, the former Istana Kampong Glam (Sultan's palace) has been converted into a heritage museum, the Malay Heritage Centre, to showcase the rich history and culture of Singapore's Malay community. To get here, take the MRT to Bugis Station (EW12) and walk along Victoria Street towards Arab Street.

Singapore Islands

Kusu Island
As a ancient folklore goes, a giant sea turtle saves two shipwrecked sailors - a Malay and a Chinese. As an act of thanks, the two men build a Chinese temple, a Malay shrine and a huge turtle sculpture on the island. Today, Taoists still make annual pilgrimages to the Tua Pekong Temple during the ninth lunar month while Muslims visit Kramat Kusu, the Malay shrine. To get here, take a ferry from Marina South Pier. Return ticket SGD 15.00 adults, SGD 12.00 children 3 to 12 years.

Pulau Ubin
This rustic village is a reflection of days gone by, when life was simpler. Try leisure walking or cycling to enjoy the natural vegetation and laidback kampong ambience of this quaint island. To get here, take the MRT to Tampines Station (EW2), then take SBS Transit bus 29 to Changi Village bus interchange, followed by a 10-minute boat ride from the Changi Point jetty. Cost of the boat ride is SGD 2.50 and the service operates from 6am to 11pm.

Sentosa
Sentosa is a themed attraction that features a tropical resort, a nature park and a heritage center. To get here, you can take the Sentosa Express, car, taxi, MRT, public bus, or Sentosa bus and cable car.

StJohn's Island
This large hilly island used to be a penal settlement, but it has been transformed into the perfect locale for a weekend get-away, equipped with swimming lagoons, beaches, picnic grounds, trekking routes and soccer fields. To get here, take a ferry from Marina South Pier. Return ticket SGD 15.00 adults, SGD 12.00 children 3 to 12 years.