General information
Conference attendees from most of our member countries do not need a Visa, but do need a Singapore Arrival Card for s “Social” visit. To check the requirements for people from your country, visit this webpage and search for “Travel Documents by Countries and Places.“
A SG Arrival Card (SGAC) is free and requires completing an online form within 3 days of arriving in Singapore. Health restrictions only apply to people flying in from places that have Yellow Fever.
By Dr. Rebecca Dedmond
Plan Ahead
Plan ahead, and either travel to
Singapore before or plan well-organized days after the conference. This enchanting culture inspires awe and contains dramatic contrasts. You can plan on your own, or contact a travel agency ahead to be sure you include the “must-see” destinations.
Singapore
My tour started in dynamic Singapore, a global city of extraordinary contrasts (site of the 2027 APCDA Conference – so you can save this for next year). The colonial heritage is evident in the Civic District, Parliament House, the Supreme Court, and City Hall. At Merlion Park, enjoy views of Marina Bay and meet the Merlion, a mythological creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish.
Chinatown is bustling and crowded with winding alleyways, while Thian Hock Keng is the oldest Chinese temple in Singapore. In colorful Little India, find quaint shops that sell spices, saris, trinkets, and jewelry. Enjoy a Bumboat River Cruise along the Singapore River, the city’s lifeline for almost 200 years.
Plan to spend hours at the Gardens by the Bay, a 250-acre nature park with more than 1 million plants from over 5,000 species and a 115-foot tall indoor waterfall. Walk above the jungle canopy via aerial walkways in a Cloud Forest. The nearby Flower Dome houses the largest glass greenhouse in the world. Marvel at views of beautifully restored shophouses and colonial buildings, alongside ultra-modern skyscrapers of the financial district.
Melaka
Crossing the border to Malay Peninsula’s southwest coast can take up to three hours in peak traffic. Drive along the Johor-Singapore Causeway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Melaka. Founded in the 1400s by a Sumatra prince, Melaka was once one of the richest seaports in Southeast Asia. Visit St. Paul Hill, Porta de Santiago, and Jonker Street, the artistic center of the city filled with trendy art galleries, antique stores, and craft shops.
Kuala Lumpur
Arriving at Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, admire the skyline: a mix of soaring skyscrapers, minarets, and Mughal-style domes. In the center of KL, visit the iconic National Mosque, National Museum, and the National Monument – a memorial to the heroes who fought for the country’s independence. Continue to the Moorish-style Sultan Abdul Samad Building, then head to the dramatic Petronas Twin Towers, one of the tallest buildings in the world and the tallest communication tower in Southeast Asia. Contrast the many tall buildings with the small, quaint streets of the old towns.
In the suburbs, visit Batu Caves – a series of cave temples and sacred site of a Hindu shrine. See the ornate National Palace where mounted guards sport British-style uniforms. Tour Royal Selangor Pewter Factory, the world’s largest producer of quality pewter.
Sunrise of tea plantation in Cameron Highland, Malaysia.
Cameron Highlands
It’s worth the arduous drive north into the rolling hills and verdant forests of the Cameron Highlands. These hills are home to tea plantations, strawberry farms, roadside stands of fresh local fruits and vegetables. I enjoyed a morning break of a huge ear of roasted sweet corn – for 35 cents, too large to finish – sold by a woman with a gleaming smile. Enjoy rushing waterfalls, colorful flowers, and perhaps glimpse some of the 700 different species of birds.
For cultural insights, walk through an authentic Orang Asli Village. The indigenous inhabitants are historically linked with the people of Myanmar and Thailand. Plan ahead to leave a small tip, perhaps a candy bar or packaged snack, to these shy but respectful people who allow visitors into their simple life.
Continuing up into the Cameron Highlands, enjoy the beautiful fresh, cool climate, jungle views, parrots, and quick refreshing rain showers. Hotels offer authentic dinners and lavish breakfasts – a MUST when visiting Malaysia. Descend via Kuala Kangsar and Penang, stopping to tour a working tea plantation, sample fresh strawberries, and visit a Butterfly Park.
Kuala Kangsar & Penang
Travel north to the picturesque royal capital of Kuala Kangsar, once occupied by the British in Malaysia, where colonial construction dots the city center. Visit the magnificent Ubudiah Mosque with its marble exterior and golden domes, then view the luxurious Palace of the Sultan of Perak. Cross the Penang Bridge, one of the longest in Asia, to the island of Penang.
Explore Penang, the oldest British settlement in Malaysia, a colorful cross-section of Malay, Chinese, Thai, Indian, and European influences. In George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit Fort Cornwallis, St. George’s Church, the Kuan Yin Temple, a Hindu Temple, and the Kapitan Keling Mosque. Wander into lively Little India and see the ornate Khoo Kongsi Clan House, designed to capture the splendor of a Chinese Imperial Palace.
Conclusion
These are just a few highlights of my 12-day visit. So unique, unspoiled, and refreshing. Beautiful traditions and people!
Malacca (Malay: Melaka), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the name of both a state and a city in Malaysia, located in the southern region of the Malay Peninsula, facing the Strait of Malacca. Today, Melaka is a popular tourist destination, especially for those interested in history, culture, and food. It is filled with colonial buildings, ancient churches, museums, temples, and traditional shophouses.
SOCSO Rehabilitation Centre provides Vocational Rehabilitation to ensure clients are equipped with necessary skills to live independently and return to work. Each skill training module is comprehensive and suitable for clients who are receiving treatments due to industrial injury or suffering from related illness. With these comprehensive modules, our centre is equipped to cultivate quality trainees on par with ordinary trainees! We will tour this center. (https://www.rehabmalaysia.com/en/vocational)
After touring the SOCSO Rehabilitation Centre, we will enjoy the sites of the old city. One of the most famous areas is Jonker Street, known for its weekend night market, street food, and antique shops. Tourists also enjoy visiting places like A Famosa, Stadthuys, St. Paul’s Hill, and Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum. Melaka is also famous for its unique Peranakan (Baba Nyonya) culture, which blends Chinese and Malay traditions. This can be seen in its food, fashion, and architecture. Local dishes like Nyonya laksa, chicken rice balls, and cendol are must-tries.
Dutch Square (Red Square) Melaka
The famous place in Melaka is Holland Square. Most of the buildings in the Netherlands are mainly red, so the whole area of the square is mostly red and orange-red buildings. Among them, the famous Red House, which is said to be built in 1650, is the oldest existing Dutch building in the Far East. In the early days, it was a Dutch residence and office, and now it has been changed to the Malacca Museum. The most picturesque points of Malacca and the most prominent buildings of Dutch Square are Stadthuys and Christ Church.
Jonker Street Night Market
The Jonker Street Night Market typically kicks off around 6 PM and runs until late into the night, making it the perfect spot for an evening outing. The best time to visit Jonker Street is on the weekend, especially Friday and Saturday nights, when the market is in full swing, and the atmosphere is electric. Jonker Street Night Market is a leisurely shopping and culinary experience, offering nearly 500 stalls for food, drinks, local handicraft items, packaged snacks, herbs, spices, tea, coffee, jewellery, clothes, accessories, shoes, and chocolates.
Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
The Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum is located in Melaka, a world UNESCO Site. The house is a combination of three terrace lots that were acquired by the Chan family in 1861. Four generations lived in the house before it was opened as a museum in March 1985. The museum showcases the local history of descendants of ethnic Chinese-Malays called Baba-Nyonya or Peranakan in the state. Visiting hours from 10.00am to 4.30pm every day.
https://www.babanyonyamuseum.com/
Melaka Straits Mosque
Opened in 2006, this iconic mosque is renowned for its unique design that creates the illusion of floating on water during high tide, offering a serene and picturesque setting for visitors. With its golden dome and breathtaking views of the Strait of Melaka, the mosque presents a unique blend of modern Islamic architecture and traditional Malay craftsmanship.
A’Famosa Fort
A Famosa, which means ‘The Famous’ in Portuguese, is one of the oldest surviving European architecture in Asia. The only remnant that history has spared of this once mighty fortress is the tiny gate called the Porta de Santiago.
Muzium Samudera (Flor de La Mar)
The Maritime Museum in Malacca is a renowned attraction located along the Malacca River, inside a striking replica of the Portuguese ship Flor de la Mar, which sank near Malacca in the 16th century. This impressive museum offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich maritime past, showcasing its pivotal role in the spice trade and its connections to various cultures and nations. Inside, exhibits include ship models, old maps, and artifacts that highlight how Malacca flourished as a major trading port, linking East and West.
St Paul’s Church
Situated atop the historical St. Paul’s Hill, St. Paul’s Church is not only the oldest church building in Malaysia but also a revered landmark in Southeast Asia. Established in 1521, the church is a timeless testament to Melaka’s diverse cultural heritage and stands today as part of the Melaka Museum Complex.
Melaka River Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing 45-minute Melaka river cruise along Sungai Melaka and witness the city’s vibrant heritage. Explore Melaka’s rich history and contemporary wonders as you journey past some of Melaka’s most stunning landmarks. The Melaka River Cruise operates daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, welcoming you on board with the option to either bask in the town’s daylight beauty on its day cruises or enjoy the serene views that Melaka has to offer by night.
LinkedIn Tour
LinkedIn has invited us to see their services from the inside. As the essential way for professionals to network in today’s global workplace, LinkedIn sets the standards for our online professional presence. Learn about their new initiatives and anticipated changes.
NUS Career Center Tour
The National University of Singapore sets the standards for university career centers in Singapore and serves over 40,000 students in 17 faculties. Explore their center and learn how they serve this diverse student body.
Changi Airport Tour
Changi Airport is an amazing place, including stunning works of art, a full shopping mall (frequented by many dity residents), and numerous interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. After experiencing the automated features that speed you through the arrival process, you may want to return when you have time (without luggage) to experience it fully and learn more about the career opportunities available.