Singapore is known as one of the most expensive cities in the world, but it is also one of the most exciting. With plenty of historical sights to see, activities to do, and architecture to admire, you won’t want to skip this beautiful Asian destination. For the best experiences in Singapore, including bike and walking tours, foodie tours, boat cruises, and more, be sure to visit Let’s Go Tour.
Here are our picks for the Top 10 Things to do in Singapore.
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Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is the breathtaking jewel of Singapore. With numerous activities to do and flora and fauna to see, this masterpiece of horticulture artistry will keep tourists busy for hours.
Admissions into this huge compound can get pricey, so you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to get your money’s worth. In addition to a series of unique and gorgeous gardens, there are also art installations and shopping and dining on the premises.
Also included in the cost of admission is the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show that runs twice every night.
Merlion Park
This is one of Singapore’s most iconic symbols and should not be overlooked when visiting. This incredible stone statue has a lion’s head and a fish’s body. The scenic spot is near the Central Business District, and given its size and the people who gather around it, the Merlion is hard to miss.
Rich symbolism surrounds the Merlion as it depicts the nation’s intertwined history between Singapore’s past as a fishing village and its original name of Singapura, which means “lion city” in Sanskrit.
Jewel Changi Airport
It isn’t often that we recommend visiting an airport as an attraction, but this amazing facility in Singapore is more than just an airport. Jewel Changi is a nature-themed travel hub and is home to an indoor forest and gardens, and the seven-story-tall indoor waterfall called the Rain Vortex. Nearly 300 stores exist on the premises, along with 188 choices for food and drink, a hotel, a pharmacy, a monorail system, plus a series of attractions that include a Mirror Maze, a Hedge Maze, a Bouncing Net, and interactive games and shows.
If you need to fly in or out of Singapore, choose Changi. Several airlines now let travelers check in to their flight 24 hours early just to experience the beauty of the Jewel Changi Airport.
Marina Bay Sands
This integrated resort is one of Singapore’s most notable and recognizable buildings gracing the skyline. Marina Bay Sands is comprised of three 57-story buildings which hold the world’s largest infinity pool, towering 191 meters above the ground.
But there is more to this place than just a hotel and a phenomenal pool. These three buildings are also home to a mall, casino, several restaurants, some of Singapore’s most luxurious boutiques, and the largest nightclub in the country. Marina Bay Sands is a must-see. It’s also a must-do if you have the budget for it.
National Gallery Singapore
Art enthusiasts should not miss the chance to visit National Gallery Singapore. This museum holds Southeast Asia’s most extensive collection of modern art, with over 8000 pieces on display spanning the 19th century to the present. “Southeast Asia” here encompasses Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, The Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Brunei.
To avoid long lines and crowds, it is suggested that the best time to visit the National Gallery Singapore is at opening time, which is 10 a.m. daily.
S.E.A. Aquarium
Take a look into the ocean at the world’s second-largest aquarium, Singapore’s S.E.A. Aquarium.
With over 100,000 ocean creatures representing 1,000 species across more than 40 diverse habitats, S.E.A. offers a peek into a plethora of different underwater ecosystems that can be found in the oceans. There are plenty of exciting exhibits, including the Bay of Bengal, which has a large variety of endangered species. Included in the displays are sharks, dolphins, octopuses, and jellyfish to name a few. Plus, S.E.A. offers a daily schedule for visitors to watch as divers hand-feed the sharks.
Two snack bars and two gift shops are also on the premises.
Thian Hock Keng
Thian Hock Keng translates to “Palace of Heavenly Happiness,” and it is Singapore’s oldest Buddhist temple. It was built to worship Mazu, a Chinese sea goddess.
This masterful temple was constructed without a single nail. Admission is free, as this is a working temple. Photos are not allowed in most parts of the temple, so this isn’t the place to snap a picture for Instagram. Visiting Thian Hock Keng is a delight for anyone interested in Chinese Buddhism and Hokkien culture or for anyone who appreciates beautiful architecture.
Night Safari
When traveling to a new destination, have you ever wondered what kind of animals lurk in the night? At the Night Safari in Mandai, Singapore, you can find out with up-close encounters.
As dusk falls, the shutters open at the Night Safari, welcoming you into a world of nocturnal creatures and their mysterious habitats. Whether you decide to see the creatures on foot or by tram, visiting this zoo is an absolute must as it is the first of its kind. It is home to 2,500 different animals of 130 species, many of which are endangered such as the Asian elephant, Malayan tapir, and Malayan tiger.
The Southern Ridges
Walk through some of Singapore’s most breathtaking national parks via the Southern Ridges walking trail. This trail offers a beautiful and innovative trail that connects Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill, Hort Park, Kent Ridge Park, and Labrador Nature Reserve.
The 6.2-mile trek is easy to navigate and is surrounded by rainforest-like trees, interesting plant life, and the Henderson Waves, which should not be missed. Henderson Waves is beloved by photographers everywhere as its timber curves sit 256 feet in the air.
Pulau Ubin
Experience a slice of the old way of life by visiting Pulau Ubin. This island was once rich with residents before jobs started dwindling and people began moving to the mainland of Singapore. However, some residents still live there.
For those looking to experience a different time in Singapore’s history, visiting this six-square-mile island will give visitors a new perspective of Singapore.
Photo Credits:
Lead – Wallpaper
Gardens by the Bay – Tien Tran from Pixabay
Merlion – Manfred Reinert from Pixabay
Jewel Changi Airport – VacacionesPagodas from Pixabay
National Gallery Singapore – Soomal Shumaila on Unsplash
S.E.A. Aquarium – Eugenia Clara on Unsplash
Thian Hock Keng – Visit Singapore
Night Safari – Orbitz
Southern Ridges – Andy Wang on Unsplash
Pulau Ubin – Visit Singapore