If you think Singapore is all about shopping, an endless array of cuisines and city entertainment, think again. The island also has some excellent exhibitions dedicated to art, history, culture and even nature and wildlife. In fact, towards the middle of the island one may encounter an atmosphere close to nature, away from the urban, livewire atmosphere Singapore is famous for.

In Jurong East, down Chinese Garden Road, you’ll stumble upon the Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum. Just a five minute walk from the Chinese Garden MRT Station (EW25), this museum houses some of the world’s rarest tortoises and turtles, with over an estimated 1000 turtles and tortoises of over 50 species. The museum boasts a collection of the rarest and some of the most intriguing turtles and tortoises from all parts of the world. The longest-necked tortoise from “down under” Australia; the most dangerous tortoise, the alligator snapping turtle from the US and the six legged tortoise from Assam Bangladesh are just a few of the shelled creatures you will encounter at the Live Tortoise and Turtle Museum, Singapore. Some other must-sees at the museum include the Matamata turtle and the majestic Golden Terrapin. The Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum even has a multi-assortment of toys, ornaments, home ware and furniture on display in tribute to these reptiles.

Visitors of the Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum who would like to bask in the splendor of the surroundings during their stay can do so by staying at one of the centrally located Singapore Hotels Chinatown houses in significant numbers. Of these choices Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore offers comfort and modern amenities beyond par, including cuisine from its award-winning restaurants. It is also only minutes away from Chinatown, Orchard Road and other coveted shopping and entertainment districts. A Singapore Hotel Reservation can be made conveniently online via the official website.