Singapore is often described as a “playground for the wealthy”, and it’s true that this small city-state has a lot of wealth. Singapore is more than luxury shopping malls, high-end hotels and fine dining. It offers much more than that. You will also find a rich history and many ethnic areas to explore, as well as beautiful public spaces and family-friendly attractions that make this city a futuristic one.
Singapore’s excellent public transport system makes it easy and convenient to visit the city. Once you have a good idea of the layout of Singapore’s metro system, it will be easy to navigate from one area of town to another. English is widely spoken and signs are also in English. Singapore is among the most accessible and comfortable countries in Southeast Asia. You’re sure to have a wonderful time if you don’t compare prices with nearby Thailand and Vietnam.
1. Marina Bay Sands
The luxurious Marina Bay Sands resort complex features a high end luxury hotel, an underground mall, the ArtScience Museum and the Marina Bay Sands Skypark observation deck, which offers a great vantage point from which to view the entire city. The Skypark’s viewing deck is located on the top of the hotel. The infinity pool is only available to hotel guests, but the observation deck can be used by anyone.
The Skypark features the innovative double-helix bridge, a port, and the Gardens at the Bay (101 ha of land that has been converted into waterfront gardens).
The rooftop restaurant serves a variety of snacks and coffees, as well as souvenirs. Although you can buy a photo of yourself green-screened right in front of the hotel, it costs 50 Singapore dollars. It’s better to ask another tourist to take a picture. The Marina Bay Sands’ elegant and luxurious style exemplifies Singapore’s status as an international city.
2. Gardens by the Bay
This beautiful green space will be your new favorite spot. You can wander through the Bay East Garden and enjoy the vibrant plant life while escaping the hustle and bustle of the city.
You can’t miss Supertree Grove where you will find an array of futuristic structures that are designed to be environmentally sustainable. Next, visit the Cloud Forest Dome for a view of the tallest indoor waterfall. Learn more about biodiversity. For information on ticket prices and tour times, visit the website.
3. Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens, not to be confused with those on the Bay are also worth a visit. Singapore was nominated for the first UNESCO World Heritage nomination in recognition of its botanical gardens. Although the city can feel like a concrete jungle at times, it is a very clean and comfortable place, the botanic garden preserves some of Singapore’s wilder heritage.
A walking trail leads you to the heritage trees of the gardens. This is part of an effort by the city to preserve its mature tree species. You should also visit the amazing National Orchid Garden.
You can also visit the eco-garden and eco-lake, bonsai gardens, sculptures, as well as other formal gardens.
4. Singapore Zoo
The Singapore Zoo claims to be the world’s most impressive rainforest zoo. It is clean and welcoming, and the animals seem well cared for, with lots of lush vegetation and habitat space.
Visitors can see the orangutans in action. They swing high above their platforms, eating fruits and watching adults and babies. A large chimpanzee group, meerkats and zebras can be seen, as well as a komodo Dragon, mole rats. White tigers, Kangaroos and other creatures can also be found.
Guests are welcome to observe the feeding of some animals. It will take you at least three hours for you to get around the zoo.
The Night Safari and River Safari offer close encounters with wildlife. If you want to visit multiple parks, park hopper passes can be purchased.
The Singapore Zoo Breakfast With the Orangutans is a truly unique wildlife experience. The hassle-free tour includes transport from your hotel to the zoo. You can also enjoy breakfast with the beloved orangutans.
5. Orchard Road
You could easily spend your time shopping in Singapore, which is a city known for its designer chic and style. You can start your shopping spree in the Orchard Road area, which has high-end shops at every corner. A neighborhood with 22 malls and six department shops would expect nothing less. You will also find four movie theatres, including an IMAX and a KTV karaoke venue.
There are many restaurants in the area that offer international cuisine if you feel hungry after spending all your money.
6. Singapore Flyer
The Marina Bay Sands observation deck may not be enough for you. You can also enjoy high tea and a view of the city from the Singapore Flyer. It is the largest observation wheel in the world. You can choose from a variety of packages that will allow you to enjoy a relaxing and delicious meal while taking in the view of Singapore’s skyline and the Straits of Johor and the Spice Islands of Indonesia.
You can choose from a variety of ticket packages that include access to the multimedia Journey of Dreams exhibit. This exhibit explores Singapore’s history as well as the creation of The Singapore Flyer.
The flight lasts 30 minutes. They run from early morning to late at night. This allows you to choose the view you wish for: the start of another busy day, or the end of the evening.
7. Raffles Hotel Singapore
This colonial building, which dates back to the 19th century, is one of the last great hotels. It was once visited by Rudyard Kipling, Joseph Conrad and Charlie Chaplin.
The property was built in 1887 and has been a landmark of the city for over 100 years. It continues to live up its distinguished reputation for excellent food and outstanding service. Its classical architecture and lush tropical gardens offer a sophisticated setting that reflects Singapore’s rich and varied history.
The Raffles Hotels Singapore are located in the Colonial District. This district is home to many historic sites and is a great place to base yourself. The Raffles Landing Site is where Sir Stamford Raffles (the founder of Singapore) is believed to have landed in 1819. According to legend, he saw the tiny fishing village and recognized its potential as an important port. He bought the land from Sultan of Johor and invited Indian and Chinese immigrants to come here. The seeds of Singapore’s multiethnic identity were thus sown.
8. Chinatown
Chinatown is a great place to visit if you have ever been to China. This district is full of excitement, from the mom-and-pop shops selling authentic Chinese food to bright red lanterns. Visit the Chinese Heritage Centre to see the stunning Sri MariammanHindu Temple.
The Buddha Tooth Relic temple is another temple worth visiting. You can listen to the morning drumming ceremony if you get up at 4am. You can also view the relic and watch the closing ceremony.
To help visitors better understand the significance and history of the area, heritage markers were placed throughout the neighborhood in English (Japanese), simplified Chinese, and Japanese (Japan). This neighborhood is more than a tribute to the Chinese influence on Singapore’s history. This neighborhood is progressive, with free Wi-Fi available to all. It also houses the trendy Ann Siang Hill district, which has quaint boutiques and high-end shops that could easily be found in any Western city.
9. Sentosa Island
Although Singapore is not a well-known beach destination, Sentosa Island is a great place to have fun. Siloso Beach is a great spot to get in some beach time. Visitors can play volleyball on the free courts, or go kayaking or skimboarding. You can also swim with dolphins at the Underwater World Aquarium.
The Merlion is a must-see attraction on Sentosa Island. This famous statue in Singapore has both the head and body of a lion. Take an escalator up to the top of this statue for panoramic views of the area. Adventurous types should check out The Flying Trapeze or the SeaBreeze Water-Sports at Wave House. Here you can fly a water-propelled jetpack and strap yourself to it.
10. Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay was the “center of commerce” in 19th-century America. It continues to be a bustling hub. It has a polished appearance today, so after a long day shopping on Orchard Road visitors can head to Clarke Quay for an evening filled with waterfront dining and entertainment.
Tourists can also take river taxis or cruises from this location, allowing them to see landmarks such as the Merlion from the water. A giant bungee jumping attraction is the most popular attraction at Quay for younger tourists. It’s an adrenaline-packed thrill ride.
Nearby attractions include: the Asian Civilisation Museum, the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery situated in Singapore’s oldest fire station; as well as the Hong San See Temple which is a charming century-old Buddhist site of worship.
11. Universal Studios Singapore
Resorts World Sentosa is home to Universal Studios Singapore, which occupies 49 acres. Each area pays tribute to a film, television show, or location. Thematically, the park is organized. New York City, Madagascar, Madagascar and a trip back in time to Ancient Egypt are some of the destinations. Fiction-themed areas include Shrek’s Far Far Away and Lost World. Sci-Fi City is home to two roller coasters, Battlestar Galactica-themed, and an indoor dark coaster called Revenge of the Mummy.
The park offers a variety of dining options, shopping and live entertainment throughout the day.
12. Night Safari Singapore
Night Safari Singapore adds a new dimension to traditional zoo experiences by introducing people to the lives of night-time residents. Each section has its own trail, which allows you to observe the elusive creatures as their “day” goes.
As you would expect, the Leopard Trail includes leopards as well as flying foxes and lions. The Fishing Cat Trail takes you through the habitat of Singapore’s native animals, including pangolins, pangolins, and endangered species. The East Lodge Trail is home to Malayan Tigers and Spotted Hyenas. The Wallaby Trail takes visitors to Australia’s marsupials.
You can book private tours, buggy rides and educational sessions, or once-in-a lifetime experiences like an Asian elephant feeding session.
13. Merlion Park
Singapore’s Merlion sounds exactly like it does. It is a mythical creature with the head and body of a lion, and the tail and body of a fish. The Merlion is a combination of the city’s humble beginnings as a fishing community and its traditional Malay name Singapura (the “lion city”).
It is 7.6m tall and weighs 70 tons.
Nearby is the “Merlion Cub”, a tiny, two-meter tall creature that weighs in at three tonnes. There are also five official Merlion statues. Merlion Park is a great spot for photos, whether you want to take a selfie in front the famous creature or capture the stunning views that the park offers over the bay.
14. Asian Civilizations Museum
The Raffles Hotel or Fort Canning Park may not be enough to satisfy your craving for colonial architecture. You can also visit the Empress Place Building. It was built in Neoclassical style in 1865. It is now home to the Asian Civilisations Museum. This museum explores the diverse Asian cultures that contributed to Singapore’s founding.
The museum’s collections are focused on themes such as trade and spirituality which have greatly influenced Asian cultures. The museum’s exhibits include stories about faith and belief, the Indian Ocean trade and the role of scholars in Chinese culture over the centuries.
15. Pulau Ubin (Granite Island)
Visit Pulau Ubin to see how life was before skyscrapers and glamor. It is home to less than 100 people who still live the same way they did in 1960s Singapore. Malay for “Granite Island” is the island’s name. This moniker was given to it by its former prominence as a quarry community.
It is now a tranquil, rural place where tourists can experience unspoiled forests, diverse wildlife, and peaceful living conditions. It is also home the Chek jawa Wetlands which are home to a coral reef that is teeming full of marine life.
It is accessible by boat. The 10-minute trip departs from Changi Point Ferry Terminal.
16. Fort Canning Park
Fort Canning is a stronghold in the military. It has lived a long, varied life. The fort was built in 1859 to protect Singapore from attacks. However, it was converted to a bunker during World War II. It was finally surrendered to Japan in 1942.
The original building now houses modern performing arts troupes. It is also home to festivals, concerts, and other events.
The park also features relics of Singapore’s early history dating back to the 14th century and Sir Stamford Raffles personal bungalow. A replica of the 1822 spice market Raffles can be seen, as well ASEAN sculptures, which were built in the 1980s.
17. The Maritime Experiential museum
This indoor-outdoor museum can be found right on the water and offers a unique way to learn about Singapore’s maritime past through interactive exhibits. You can see several ships anchoring here before you even step foot inside the museum.
The museum’s highlight is the Jewel of Muscat. It is a replica of an 830 CE sailing vessel that was traveling between Africa, China, and Africa. In a special effects simulation, you can see large-sized models of the trading ships that traveled along the Silk Route. You can also learn navigation skills and read nautical charts.
18. Fort Siloso
Sentosa Island is home to Fort Siloso. It is the only fort preserved in the country and also serves as a museum. The Fort Siloso Skywalk Trail takes you to the fort, which is a huge steel bridge that towers 11 stories high. The bridge is accessible via either a glass elevator, or simple stairs. However, you will have great views of Keppel Harbor if you take the elevator. The bridge, which spans 181 meters in length, offers spectacular views of nearby islands and the jungle floor below.
Visitors can take guided tours once they reach the fort to learn more about its history. However, it is also possible to just walk around the fort and see the sights on your own.
The fort’s highlights include three tunnel systems that move ammunition around and large cannons. Special exhibits also highlight daily life for soldiers who lived there in 1800s.
You can spend hours exploring the fort’s beautiful shaded park.
19. National Gallery Singapore
The National Gallery is home to the largest collection of modern art in Southeast Asia. It primarily focuses on works by local and Asian artists, starting in the 19 century. Over 64,000 square meters, the 9,000 plus works of art are divided into two buildings: City Hall and former Supreme Court.
The gallery has a permanent collection as well as temporary exhibits that focus on unique aspects like Vietnamese lacquer painting and modern photography.
The gallery offers free tours in English and Mandarin. It also has workshops, performances and special presentations for children and adults.
20. Jewel Changi Airport
The Jewel Ghangi, a 10-story high airport, is often voted the best in the world. It isn’t your average transportation hub. It should be on your list of places you must see while in Singapore.
The airport has over 300 shops. But the most notable feature is the 40-meter high HSBC Rain Vortex. This indoor waterfall, surrounded by more than 2,000 trees, is the airport’s iconic feature. Each terminal has its own garden. Terminal 1 has a cactus and sunflower garden, while T2 has a T2 and T3 butterfly gardens. T3 is home to over 40 species of butterflies and features a 6-meter waterfall and many flowering plants.
Two movie theatres are located at the airport. There is also an entertainment corner with vintage arcade machines. The indoor canopy park has stunning views decks and garden mazes. A 12-meter tall slide (that is four stories high) is available for both adults and children.
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