A majestic ode to modernity, Singapore is a country that stuns the senses. From its picture-perfect skyline to its cutting-edge cuisine, its dazzling nightlife to its efficient transport systems, Singapore is a city of the future and is fast becoming one of Asia’s hit-list destinations.
Singapore, known as ‘The Lion City’, is a sunny, tropical island in south-east Asia, located off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. The city measures 710 square kilometres and is inhabited by five million people.
Beyond the obvious Instagram worthy destinations, Singapore also holds a strong connection to its past, honouring its history by drawing from the eclectic melting pot of cultures that combined to create it. Although small in size, Singapore offers visitors an incredibly vast wealth of experiences.
Here's our guide to the 15 best things to do in Singapore.
No. 15 - Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Built in 2007 in the Chinese Buddhist architectural style of the Tang dynasty, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a hulking, five-storey Buddhist temple which is home to what is reputedly a tooth of the Buddha. The tooth was discovered in a collapsed structure in Myanmar in 1980. Whilst its authenticity is debated, the relic enjoys VIP status inside a 320kg solid-gold stupa in a dazzlingly ornate room on the 4th floor.
Located in Chinatown, this majestic place of worship is a repository of Buddhist wisdom and relics, and is often included in lists of the most photogenic attractions around the island. The Temple and museum’s richly designed interiors and comprehensive exhibits on Buddhist art and history tell stories of culture over thousands of years old.
No. 14 - Merlion Park
The Merlion is the official mascot of Singapore. It is depicted as a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. Legend has it that a Malay prince was shipwrecked on the island known as Temasek. He and his crew saw what they believed was a lion and aptly named the island Singapura, which is Sanskrit for ‘Lion City’.
In the 1960’s, the Singapore Tourism Board was looking for an icon that would represent the country. A designer called Fraser Brunner entwined the tale of the Lion City with Singapore’s humble beginnings as a fishing village, and the Merlion was born.
One of the most famous depictions of this iconic symbol is in the Merlion Park - a scenic spot located at One Fullerton, near the Central Business District. Spouting water from its mouth, the Merlion statue stands at 8.6 metres tall and weighs 70 tonnes. It was built by local craftsman Lim Nang Seng and unveiled on 15 September 1972 by then-Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew.
No. 13 - Fort Canning Park
Singapore has a rich and celebrated history that dates far beyond the time Sir Stamford Raffles set foot on the country’s shores. Fort Canning Park, a bastion of Singapore’s colonial heritage, is a great place to catch a glimpse into a time when ancient Malay kings ruled the land.
Situated in central Singapore, Fort Canning Park is one of the country’s most historical landmarks. The park was originally known as Bukit Larangan, or 'Forbidden Hill' in Malay. Through the years, it has been the exclusive address of many of Singapore's rulers and colonial leaders, dating back to the 14th century.
Today, the 18-hectare space has become a hotspot for various art and cultural events, with refreshed historical gardens for all to enjoy. The park boasts a number of attractions and has something to offer for everyone - from ancient artefacts for history buffs, to beautiful green spaces for nature lovers.
No. 12 - Sultan Mosque
Sultan Mosque is a magnificent landmark in the heart of Singapore’s Arabic Quarter, and is one of Singapore’s most impressive religious buildings, both in terms of appearance and size. The mosque was declared a national monument in 1975 and has since been a focal point of the Muslim community in Singapore.
The Islamic place of worship was built in 1824 by Sultan Hussian Shah, who was the first ever Sultan of Singapore. The main prayer hall can hold up to 5,000 worshippers and the impressive complex boasts a series of domes formed from hundreds of glass bottles that were donated by devotees as part of the building’s reconstruction. The outside is adorned in vibrant pastel shades of orange, cream and green, which really shine bright in the Singaporean sun.
No. 11 - East Coast Park
East Coast Park is a 15 km stretch of seafront park, nestled along the south-eastern coast. Spread across 185 hectares of reclaimed land, the beautiful park is the largest in Singapore and is a much-loved spot among the locals. East Coast Parks offers an exciting diversity of recreational, sporting and dining activities. Whether you’re looking to windsurf, swim, kayak, cycle or skateboard, East Coast Park will be able to fulfil your desires.
However, if you’re not the sporty type, it’s also a great place to just sit back and relax. With no shortage of restaurants, bars and cafes along the beaches, there are plenty of places to sip on a cocktail or grab a bite. You could also keep it simple and enjoy a BBQ or picnic beneath the swaying coconut palms and casuarinas.
No. 10 - Marina Barrage
This innovative, multipurpose attraction not only supplies water to Singaporeans and helps alleviate floods, but also doubles up as a place for family fun. Completed in 2008, Marina Barrage is built across the mouth of the 350-metre-wide Marina Channel, creating the country’s 15th reservoir.
In Singapore, even something as common as a reservoir can be turned into a hotspot for recreational activities. As the water in the reservoir remains calm all year around, it’s ideal for water sports, such as kayaking or dragon boat racing.
If water sports is not your thing, you can always head up to the rooftop. Given its raised position, the lack of any skyscrapers in the immediate area, and its position right next to the sea, Marina Barrage is one of Singapore’s windiest spots and is perfect for kite flying.
No. 9 - National Museum Of Singapore
The National Museum of Singapore dates back to 1887 and is the nation's oldest museum. The museum is a cultural and architectural landmark, providing a progressive showcase of the country’s art, history and culture. If you only have time to visit only one place to learn about Singapore, this should be it. The National Museum of Singapore tells you the intriguing story of this country in a manner that is both fun and rewarding.
The building itself is impressive and well worth a visit. A wondrous structure that seamlessly fuses old with new, the elegant neo-classical building has a new modernist extension of glass and metal. Inside the building, there are over 1,700 artefacts for you to discover through a collection of immersive experiences.
Despite its rich historical background, the museum has adopted the latest cutting-edge display technology that redefines the traditional museum experience. From its humble beginnings as a fishing village to the present day metropolis, you'll learn everything there is to know about this beautiful island nation.
No. 8 - Universal Studios
Universal Studios Singapore is south-east Asia's first Hollywood movie theme park, featuring an enticing selection of attractions, rides and entertainment for families and thrill seekers. 18 out of the 24 movie-themed rides were designed just for, and are exclusive to, the Singapore park.
There are seven uniquely-designed zones, each themed after icons of the movie world. The zones include the Hollywood Zone, where you’ll find the renowned Hollywood Walk of Fame, The Lost World zone, home to The Waterworld performance, and the New York zone, where you’ll be able to experience impressive city skylines and a mock-up of a subway entrance.
There are a number of thrilling rides at the park - from jumping on the Transformers 3D battle ride to facing mummies on a roller coaster through Ancient Egypt - the park has attractions for everyone. Universal Studios also has an impressive range of performances, such as the Shrek 4-D Adventure at Far Far Away - a cinematic experience that allows visitors to physically feel the action of the movie.
No. 7 - Singapore Zoo
Located on the north-western side of the island, Singapore Zoo is a haven for marvellous wildlife and is a must-visit attraction for animal lovers. The much-loved establishment first opened its gates in 1973, and has since gained a reputation for being one of the best rainforest zoos in the world.
Besides being home to over 2,800 animals from 300 species, including crocodiles, Malayan tapirs and white tigers, the zoo has won an abundance of international awards.
The zoo is split into 11 zones, each of which where you’ll experience a myriad of unforgettable encounters with its inhabitants. As well as getting up close and personal with the majestic animals, you can also catch a number of spectacular shows, such as Splash Safari where Californian sea lions show off their amazing agility skills.
No. 6 - SkyPark Observation Deck
Located 56 storeys up from the heart of the Marina Bay area, the SkyPark Observation Deck offers incredible scenic views of Marina Bay and Singapore’s world-class cityscape.
Perched 200m high, at the top of the 3 Marina Bay Sands® hotel towers, the SkyPark really is a roof like no other. Designed by visionary architect Moshe Safdie, this gravity-defying platform covers an area of 1.2-hectares and is one of the largest observation decks in the world. It houses an observation deck, offering unrivalled views of Gardens by the Bay and the impressive Supertree Grove, lush gardens, top-notch restaurants and an exclusive infinity pool with an incredible view.
The 150-metre infinity pool is the world’s largest elevated body of water outdoors and has been designed with a vanishing edge so that there is the illusion of nothing between the swimmer and Singapore’s skyscrapers - it really feels as though you’re swimming among the clouds.
In the evening, the SkyPark Observation Deck offers a spectacular view of Spectra, a nightly outdoor light and water show. You can watch as Spectra’s dazzling laser beams light up the sky overhead and fountain jets appear over the water at the promenade.
No. 5 - Sentosa Island
The name Sentosa translates as "peace and tranquillity" in Malay - a little ironic given that the island is known as ‘The State Of Fun’. Formerly used as a British military base and a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp, Sentosa Island is today known for its pristine beaches, exciting attractions and tropical landscapes. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or a relaxing day in the sun, Sentosa is bound to enchant and delight.
Sentosa boasts 3 stunning beaches that span the island’s coastline. Each beach has its own unique charm - Siloso Beach is the island’s most bustling stretch and is home to various restaurants and attractions, Palawan Beach is ideal for families, with playgrounds, parks and a lagoon, and Tanjong Beach is perfect for a tranquil getaway.
For nature lovers who are keen to learn more about Southeast Asia’s wealth of tropical flora and fauna can further their pursuit of knowledge at Sentosa Nature Discovery. This fascinating nature trail ends with a showcase of Sentosa’s teeming wildlife and heritage trees, which are native to Singapore and Southeast Asia. There is also the S.E.A. Aquarium for those interested in ocean life. One of the largest oceanariums on the planet, this attraction is home to more than 100,000 marine animals, allowing for up-close encounters with fascinating creatures from the deep.
Finally, for the thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies, the Mega Adventure Park offers Southeast Asia’s steepest zip wire and HydroDash, Singapore’s first floating aquapark, has everything for those who enjoy sun, sand and surf. After a day packed full of activities, take a ride on the Cable Car Sky Network and soak in a stunning bird’s-eye view of Sentosa island and Mount Faber.
No. 4 - Singapore Flyer
The Singapore Flyer is a giant observation wheel that offers 360-degree city views. On a clear day, the wheel offers a stunning panorama that can even stretch as far as parts of Malaysia and Indonesia. Officially opened on 15 April 2008, it is Asia's largest observation wheel. The flyer has 28 capsules which rotate as high as a 42 storey building, as you marvel at the spectacular scenery below.
From the glorious vantage point 165 metres above the ground in the heart of Marina Bay, you’ll be able to feast your eyes on a number of iconic and historical sights, including Raffles Place, Merlion Park, Empress Place and the Padang. With any luck, you’ll even be able to spot landmarks up to 45km away, like Changi Airport and Sentosa Island.
No. 3 - Singapore Botanical Gardens
Singapore's 74-hectare botanic wonderland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the city's most striking attractions. Established in 1859 by the Agri-Horticultural Society, it's a tropical paradise peppered with glassy lakes, rolling lawns and themed gardens.
The site's most renowned features include the National Orchid Garden, as well as a rare patch of dense primeval rainforest. The National Orchid Garden is the legacy of an orchid-breeding program that began in 1928, and is the largest showcase of tropical orchids on Earth. The latter is home to over 300 species of vegetation, over half of which are now considered rare in Singapore. If you look up, you’ll see trees reaching as far as 50m high, growing here even before the modern founding of Singapore.
Children will love exploring the interactive Jacob Ballas Children's Garden. Complete with a water-play feature and a forest adventure playground, this garden gives them the opportunity to both play, and learn all about plant life.
No. 2 - Jewel Changi Airport
Jewel Changi is a nature-themed entertainment and retail complex providing scrumptious fare, world-class retail and lush nature under one roof. The mixed-use development, with gardens, attractions, retail, dining and a hotel, is connected to Singapore’s Changi Airport.
While most people think of airports as places for flights and stopovers, Jewel Changi Airport is a must-see tourist attraction in its own right. Seamlessly linked to Terminal 1’s Arrival Hall, it covers a total gross floor area of over 135,000 m2 over 10 storeys. Its attractions include the Shiseido Forest Valley, an indoor garden spanning five storeys, and the Canopy Park at the topmost level.
Designed by a consortium of world-renowned architects, one of the main site’s features is its Rain Vortex - the world's largest and tallest indoor waterfall, standing at 40 metres high. Jewel Changi is also the home to the immersive attraction, the Foggy Bowls. These 4 concave bowls are mist-filled play areas that evoke the illusion of playing amidst the clouds.
No. 1 - Gardens By The Bay
Located by the Marina Bay Waterfront in the heart of Singapore, Gardens by the Bay is a S$1 billion 21st-century Botanical Garden. The 101-hectare fantasy land includes space-age biodomes, high-tech Supertrees and whimsical sculptures. Split into 3 distinct areas, this oasis of lush greenery has won multiple accolades since it first opened in 2012.
The Flower Dome replicates the dry Mediterranean climates found across the world. Covering an area of 1.28 hectares, this lush space is the larger of three cooled conservatories, and holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest glass greenhouse. It is home to plants and flowers from five continents, from thousand-year old olive trees to magnolias and orchids.
The astounding Cloud Forest is a tropical, mist-filled landscape of rare vegetation and dramatic vistas. Towering above the conservatories’ ferns and pitcher plants is Cloud Mountain, a 35-metre tall structure veiled in mist and covered in lush vegetation.
The blooming Floral Fantasy first opened in 2019 and magically interweaves floral artistry and technology. This zone delves into the realms of both history and fantasy. Taking inspiration from fairy tales and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Floral Fantasy showcases cavernous spaces, dramatic driftwood sculptures and works of floral art.
As you exit the 3 conservatories, you'll notice Supertree Grove - a copse of soaring, surreal structures, known as the Supertrees. These vertical gardens span 25 to 50 metres in height, with two of the towering Supertrees connected by the dramatic arch of the OCBC Skyway, which offers knockout views. When dusk falls, the Supertrees burst into light for the Garden Rhapsody show, a spectacle of light and sound. For an unforgettable view of Singapore, be sure to ascend to the top of the Supertree Observatory, a 50-metre-high observation deck, which boasts an unobstructed panorama of the beautiful Marina Bay district.
Round off your visit with an unforgettable sunset at Bay East Garden. The lush open lawns and beautiful waterfront will give you an unobscured view of Singapore’s stunning skyline.
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