Nowadays, cities are mostly all concrete with small patches of green here and there. In Singapore, it’s the other way around -- it’s a ‘City in a Garden’. Best known for being a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, this city-island also boasts sustainable infrastructure and efficient urban planning. Its reliable MRT system can take you around Singapore attractions, shopping outlets, cultural sites, and hawker centers in a jiffy. Use this travel guide to make sure your itinerary is packed with exciting things to do in Singapore.
Gardens by the Bay is a 101-hectare urban sprawl of futuristic gardens, manicured rain forest, beautiful domes, and awe-inspiring structures. Discover the largest glass greenhouse in the world when you visit Flower Dome, home to flora that thrives in Mediterranean temperatures. A tropical rain forest awaits in The Cloud, where an indoor waterfall descends upon the mist-filled Cloud Walk and Treetop Walk. See more of the place through the OCBC Skyway’s 128-meter long aerial walkway. Finish your tour with a viewing of the spectacular light show, or son et lumiere, in the Supertrees
Have some family fun in the heart of Singapore at Sentosa! This island resort is home to sandy beaches, golf courses, theme parks, and a wide range of activities and attractions. Meet underwater creatures at S.E.A Aquarium, or take in the view from the ropeway of Sentosa Island Cable Car. Universal Studios and the Merlion are just a short walk away, while the boardwalk leads to a suspension bridge that can take you to a smaller off-shore island.
A visit to Singapore won’t be complete without a selfie with the Merlion. This half-lion, half-fish icon is a mythical creature that symbolizes the city-state and its roots. The Merlion overlooks the bay and offers a panoramic view of the nearby skyscrapers, making it a must-visit for tourists. The crowds may deter you from visiting, but fret not; there are six Merlion statues that you can check out around the country. Avoid the crowds at noon and catch the evening light show instead.
Kids and kids-at-heart are in for a treat at Universal Studios Singapore. Hop aboard 24 rides and check out 7 themed centers inspired by Hollywood blockbuster animated and sci-fi movies, like Shrek, Madagascar, and The Lost World. Transformers, Waterworld, Sesame Street, and The Mummy are just some of the most visited sites, which you can visit without limits when you use the Universal Express Pass.
If you’re in need of some serious retail therapy, Orchard Road is the place to be. Take a walk in this shopping district where malls, restaurants, and boutiques of top fashion brands are lined up in all their urban elegance. Drop by during the Christmas season to see the street in all its festive glory -- lit up lanterns, light shows, massive Christmas trees, and LED street lights. Or if you’re more of a history buff, a heritage strip along Emerald Hill Rd is home to traditional Peranakan houses.
The ultramodern Marina Bay is a reclaimed land project that boasts Singapore’s iconic coastal skyline. This entertainment district is popularly known for hosting international events, like the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix. Hotels and casinos are abundant, as well as gardens, skyscrapers, and other architectural wonders. Take photos at night to capture the twinkling lights of the concrete jungle, then follow it up with an indulgent nightlife tour around the clubs and bars in the area.
Get a bird’s eye view from the Singapore Flyer, once the biggest ferris wheel in the world until 2014. Its butler-serviced gondolas offer a jaw-dropping vantage point enhanced by high tea. Spot Gardens By The Bay, Marina Bay Sands, the F1 street circuit, and the rest of Singapore’s famous tourist spots from the comfort of your capsule. People afraid of heights are not recommended to ride this attraction, as each rotation lasts approximately 32 minutes. Tickets are sold at a cheaper price on online platforms, like Klook.
Experience close encounters with the animal species at Night Safari. Hop on an electric tram and meet the nocturnal zoo’s inhabitants up close -- hyenas, a white lion, a Malayan tapir, an Asiatic lion, and other exotic creatures. Explore enclosures on foot through the walking trails, which can lead to exciting animal sightings. Extend the fun with a visit to The Creatures of the Night, an animal show you can’t miss if you have kids in tow.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is the first of its kind to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its tropical rain forest has fostered a sustainable ecosystem that allows nature to coexist with modernity. Keep an eye out for monitor lizards, otters, and black swans, residents in the heritage trees and swan lake. Various gardens are open for viewing, and even jogging if you’d like to.
Singapore Zoo is far from an animal enclosure -- it’s a slice of untouched nature. This rainforest zoo allows close contact between visitors and animals, fostering a respectful relationship between the two species. Explore the park on a tram or through a walking trail, and meet orangutans, ring-tailed lemurs, and a slew of primates that’ll charm your boots off. Catch animal shows featuring elephants, sea lions, and other intelligent creatures, as well as exhibits and viewing platforms of natural habitats. Make sure to rice the river cruise before heading off to the adjacent Jurong Park and River Safari.
Singapore is a city dweller’s dream. Its sustainable parks, futuristic architecture, green urban planning, and diverse cultural background sets a colorful backdrop for go-getters. Even with its fast-paced modernization and relentless ambition, this city-state is still rooted in its humble beginnings as evidenced by its rich hawker food culture.
Summer is always the best time to visit a tropical country like Singapore, which runs from June-August. But if you’d like to partake in national celebrations, January-March are when the Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Holi, and National Day take place.
If you’re the type of tourist who indulges in luxurious stays, Marina Bay’s central location and gorgeous cityscape fit the bill. The hip and trendy Clarke Quay is just a stone’s throw away, an area known for its exciting nightlife. But if you’re keen on cultural exchange, Little India and Chinatown are great options because both offer good food, authenticity, and budget-friendly prices.