Singapore is a small yet vibrant city-state located in Southeast Asia. It is known for its efficient transport, incredible food, and impressive skyscrapers. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to visit in Singapore, ranging from famous landmarks to hidden gems.
Facts About Singapore
Before diving into the best places to visit in Singapore, let’s take a look at some interesting facts about the country.
- Singapore is made up of 63 islands.
- The country has four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil.
- It is one of the only three surviving city-states in the world, alongside Monaco and Vatican City.
- Singapore is home to the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool, located on top of the Marina Bay Sands hotel.
Singapore Famous Landmarks
Marina Bay Sands
Credit-Image by bairi
Marina Bay Sands is an integrated resort that features the iconic triple tower design with a boat-shaped SkyPark perched atop. The SkyPark offers panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline, along with facilities such as a swimming pool, restaurant, and observation deck. Here are some highlights of Marina Bay Sands:
- ArtScience Museum: A unique museum that showcases art, science, technology, and culture in stunning exhibitions.
- Marina Bay Sands Casino: A gaming wonderland with over 600 table games and 1,500 slot machines.
- The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands: A luxury shopping mall featuring international brands and designer boutiques.
- Restaurants and Bars: Marina Bay Sands houses over 80 dining options, ranging from celebrity chef restaurants to casual cafes.
Gardens by the Bay
Credit: gardensbythebay.com.sg
Gardens by the Bay is a nature park spanning over 101 hectares of reclaimed land in central Singapore. The park features several themed gardens, including the Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, Supertree Grove, and Heritage Gardens. Check out some must-see attractions in Gardens by the Bay:
- Flower Dome: A climate-controlled conservatory that houses flora from around the world.
- Cloud Forest: A misty wonderland featuring a 35-meter indoor waterfall and diverse plant life.
- Supertree Grove: A collection of 18 vertical gardens, ranging from 25 to 50 meters tall, that light up at night.
- OCBC Skyway: An aerial walkway that offers stunning views of the Supertrees and Marina Bay Sands.
Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island is Singapore’s premier island resort getaway, featuring beaches, theme parks, and other attractions. The island is accessible via cable car, monorail, or boardwalk. Here are some fun things to do on Sentosa Island:
- Universal Studios Singapore: A movie-themed park with thrilling rides, immersive attractions, and live shows.
- S.E.A. Aquarium: One of the world’s largest marine aquariums, housing over 100,000 marine animals.
- Adventure Cove Waterpark: A water playground with high-speed slides, wave pool, and lazy river.
- Resorts World Sentosa: A luxury complex with a casino, hotels, restaurants, and retail shops.
Universal Studios Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore is a movie-themed park located on Sentosa Island. It features seven zones based on popular films and TV shows, such as Transformers, Jurassic Park, and Shrek. Here are some must-ride attractions at Universal Studios Singapore:
- Battlestar Galactica: Human vs. Cylon: A dueling roller coaster that reaches speeds of up to 90 km/h.
- Transformers: The Ride: A 3D simulator ride that puts you in the middle of a battle between Autobots and Decepticons.
- Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure: A river rapids ride that takes you through a prehistoric jungle filled with dinosaurs.
- Hollywood Dreams Light-Up Parade: A dazzling parade featuring illuminated floats and beloved characters.
Merlion Park
Merlion Park is a tourist hotspot that features the iconic Merlion statue, a half-lion, half-fish creature that symbolizes Singapore’s origins as a fishing village and its modern transformation into a cosmopolitan city. Here are some things to do at Merlion Park:
- Take a selfie with the Merlion statue: The 8.6-meter-tall statue spouts water from its mouth and offers a great photo opportunity.
- Enjoy the waterfront view: Merlion Park overlooks Marina Bay and offers stunning views of the city skyline.
- Explore the nearby attractions: Merlion Park is located near several landmarks, such as the Fullerton Hotel, Esplanade, and Marina Bay Sands.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Singapore Botanic Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans over 82 hectares of lush greenery in central Singapore. The gardens feature several themed areas, including the National Orchid Garden, Evolution Garden, and Ginger Garden. Here are some highlights of the Singapore Botanic Gardens:
- National Orchid Garden: A showcase of Singapore’s national flower, theorchid, with over 1,000 species and hybrids on display.
- Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden: A children’s garden that offers interactive exhibits and activities related to nature.
- Symphony Lake: A serene lake that hosts concerts and performances by local musicians and orchestras.
- Rain Forest: A lush forest that features a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Chinatown
Chinatown is a vibrant neighborhood in Singapore that showcases the city’s Chinese heritage and culture. It features colorful shophouses, temples, and markets that offer a glimpse into the past and present of the Chinese community in Singapore. Here are some things to do in Chinatown:
- Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple: A stunning temple that houses a relic of Buddha’s tooth and other Buddhist artifacts.
- Explore the street markets: Chinatown is home to several markets, such as the Chinatown Street Market and Pagoda Street Market, that sell souvenirs, clothes, and food.
- Try the local food: Chinatown is known for its hawker centers and restaurants that serve Chinese cuisine, such as dim sum, roasted meats, and noodles.
- Attend a festival: Chinatown hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as the Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival, that feature colorful decorations and performances.
Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay is a riverside quay located in the heart of Singapore’s central business district. It features refurbished warehouses that now house restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Here are some things to do at Clarke Quay:
- Take a river cruise: Clarke Quay is a popular starting point for river cruises that offer views of the city skyline and landmarks.
- Enjoy the nightlife: Clarke Quay is home to several bars and nightclubs that offer live music, DJs, and drinks.
- Dine at a waterfront restaurant: Clarke Quay has several waterfront restaurants that offer a range of cuisines, such as Italian, Japanese, and Mexican.
- Shop at the Central Mall: The Central Mall is a shopping center that features over 50 retail shops, including fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands.
ArtScience Museum
ArtScience Museum is a museum located in Marina Bay Sands that combines art, science, technology, and design in its exhibitions. It features several permanent and temporary exhibits that explore various themes and topics. Here are some highlights of the ArtScience Museum:
- Future World: A digital playground that showcases interactive installations related to nature, humanity, and technology.
- Van Gogh Alive: An immersive exhibition that brings Vincent van Gogh’s paintings to life through multimedia and sensory experiences.
- Planet or Plastic?: A thought-provoking exhibit that addresses the issue of plastic pollution and its impact on the environment.
- ArtScience Gallery: A gallery that features contemporary art and science exhibits from around the world.
Singapore Zoo
Singapore Zoo is a wildlife park that features over 2,800 animals representing over 300 species from around the world. It is known for its open-concept enclosures that allow visitors to get up-close and personal with the animals. Here are some must-see attractions at the Singapore Zoo:
- Rainforest Kidzworld: A play area that features water play zones, pony rides, and interactive exhibits about wildlife conservation.
- Fragile Forest: A walk-through exhibit that immerses visitors in the habitats of animals such as lemurs, mousedeer, and sloths.
- Wild Africa: An exhibit that showcases African animals such as lions, zebras, and giraffes in a savannah-like setting.
- Night Safari: A unique experience that allows visitors to see nocturnal animals in their natural habitats through guided tram rides and walking trails.
Conclusion
Singapore offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you’re interested in nature, culture, food, or entertainment, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city-state. From the iconic landmarks of Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay to the hidden gems of Chinatown and Clarke Quay, Singapore is a must-visit destination that will leave you with unforgettable memories.h
