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You might know it as the Little Red Dot but some of Singapore’s most recognizable attractions are anything but small.
With a towering city skyline and impressive architectural and natural wonders, the Garden City is full of fun things to do!
1. Reach Exhilarating Heights at Marina Bay Sands
Start on a high and soar up 57 stories to the top of Marina Bay Sands. Known as the flying ship, it is perched on top of three towers. The iconic integrated resort has some of the best views in Singapore.
Visit the observation deck for its panoramic views of the city, then cool off with refreshments at one of its two rooftop venues for sundowners. Ce La Vie Sky Lounge and Lavo both offer prime viewing spots. Make sure you book at least two weeks in advance for sunset time slots.
2. Get Your Nature Fix at Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is a lush paradise in the heart of the city. With 250 acres of glorious green nature, make sure to plan your visit and target specific points of interest. The highlights include:
Flower Dome – The (cooled) world’s largest glass greenhouse filled with fantastical floral displays.
Cloud Forest – A breathtaking indoor waterfall and verdant mountain with unique aerial walkways, perfect for observing some of the world’s most exotic plants.
The Supertree Grove – Stroll amongst these incredible trees up to 16 stories tall.
The OCBC Skyway – An aerial walkway suspended between two of the supertrees at 128m long will add a new perspective to the trees and gardens.
Garden Rhapsody – Visit at night for the famous Garden Rhapsody, an exciting dazzling light and resounding sound show.
3. Singapore Slings at Raffles Hotel, the Must-Have Cocktail
The storied hotel houses Long Bar, the home of the Singapore Sling. Step back in time to a 1920s-era bar, throw peanut shells on the floor, and learn the history of Singapore’s national drink.
4. Adventures and Historic Sights at Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island is a man-made island home to historic sights and is the place to be for adventure seekers. Visit Fort Siloso and the Fort Siloso Skywalk, then ramp up the excitement with Universal Studios or Adventure Cove Waterpark.
Spend the afternoon chilling out at one of the beach clubs before catching Magical Shores, a free light and sound symphony show on Siloso Beach.
5. The Culinary Delights of Singapore
Singapore has a feast of culinary delights on offer. From the Michelin-starred fine dining scene to heritage Hawker food, it’s hard to choose. For fine dining check out Zen, Burnt Ends and Meta (all Michelin-starred and in the top 100 World’s Best Restaurant list 2022).
For an authentic Hawker experience check out Maxwell Food Centre (since 1946) serving the unofficial national dish, Chicken Rice and the famous Singapore chili crab.
6. See Beautiful Singapore Views by Cable Car
Start at Mount Faber Park, enjoy sweeping views of the city and hop aboard the cable cars to ride to Harbourfront. Then, jump on to the Sentosa line.
Drink in the views as you glide 120 meters above sea level toward the island. The cable cars are an efficient and pleasurable transport option, a great way to get around.
7. Escape the City by Taking a Ferry to Lazarus Island
One of Singapore’s best-kept secrets is Lazarus Island, also known as Pulau Sekijang Pelepah. Catch a 30-minute ferry ride to St John’s Island, walk across the causeway connector and discover white sandy beaches in the lagoon.
Lazarus Island is an ideal spot to escape the city for a picnic and swim, whiling away the hours in paradise before heading back to the city.
8. The Historic Civic District Along the Singapore River
Located along the Singapore River, The Civic District is where art meets heritage. Some of Singapore’s most historic buildings, from the old City Hall and former Supreme Court buildings, are now home to The National Gallery Singapore, the world’s largest collection of Southeast Asian modern art.
Take a 2-minute walk around the corner and you’ll see The Asian Civilisation Museum, a neoclassical-style beauty built in 1867. Specializing in Asian antiquities and decorative art, this is the only museum in Asia with a pan-Asian scope.
9. Mosey Along the Many Nature Trails
Singapore has an abundance of nature within its cityscape. From the Botanic Gardens to the Coast to Coast walking trail, it’s hard to choose. For a different side of Singapore, head out to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, an ASEAN heritage park.
Known for its unique biodiversity and ecosystems, the Reserve has a coastal boardwalk where you can see Malaysia across the strait. It also has other trails through the wetlands where you can spot crocodiles, migratory birds and other wildlife. Look out for the giant monitor lizards.
While you’re up north, have lunch in the countryside at Bollywood Farms, wander through the gardens and sample fresh farm-to-plate local seasonal produce at the Poison Ivy Bistro. Pre-booking your taxi is a good idea, as it’s out of the city and you could end up waiting up to 30 mins for a cab.
10. Visit the Vibrant Haji Lane / Kampong Glam
Feel the pulse of this vibrant, diverse, very cool part of Singapore. Wander down Haji Lane and admire the eye-catching murals and street art while shopping in cute local boutiques.
A street or two over, you will come upon the magnificent Sultan Mosque. Admire it before heading around the corner to Arab Street to discover incredible food offerings from all over the world.
After sunset, the streets and alleyways swell with people out to enjoy live music, great restaurants and rooftop bars.
For those who are after a zippier experience, check out Singapore sidecars. The Kampung Glam Hall of Fame tour will take you on a wild ride through all the highlights with a lot less on the step count.
If You Go:
https://www.visitsingapore.com/en/
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1quNtTPFrcI-yv9cz9xCHy4WoYkcQYc1Z
Author bio: Julia Henry is an Australian who has been living in Singapore since 2020. She is a passionate writer who loves sharing experiences and adventures and inspiring others to see the big wide beautiful world. She has previously contributed to Luxiders Magazine and Expat Living Singapore. Check out her previous work here.
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