Singapore is South East Asia’s most prosperous city and smallest nation by land area. It’s hard to tell now that this tiny, booming country that is speckled with sky-high buildings and posh shopping malls, was once a colonial backwater. The lack of natural resources here is compensated by a wealth of jaw-dropping man-made attractions best seen at night, reason why countless foreign tourists including many Filipinos, travel to Singapore. But beyond its gleaming and vibrant night scene, the most interesting part of Singapore is its multicultural residents. In recent years, newly developed mega-attractions and casino driven integrated resorts had transformed this “all work” economic powerhouse into one of the region’s most popular destinations for leisure travel. If only 4 words could be used to describe Singapore, they would be spotless, sophisticated, efficient but expensive.
How to get to Singapore?
Touchdown at Singapore-Changi International Airport, which serves direct flights from Manila, Delhi, Mumbai, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Tokyo etc. Flights are operated by Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Scoot, AirAsia, Jetstar & Singapore Airlines.
Places to visit in Singapore
Gardens by the Bay
The 101-hectare super park, popularly known as Gardens by the Bay offers amazing views of the Marina Bay skyline. Surrounded by lush lawns, tropical palm trees and beautiful pavilions, it is perfect for an evening stroll or picnic with family and friends.
Supertree Grove Light Show
The Garden Rhapsody is a show held in Gardens by the Bay every evening. The futuristic-looking Marina Bay SuperTrees or “mushrooms” are lighted up in fabulous ways on the rhythm of the music. Every detail is perfectly tuned to create an atmosphere that will give you a fantastic feeling of wonder and stimulate your mind!
Singapore Zoo
28 hectares of animals living in their natural-like habitat! Can you imagine it?
During your visit to Singapore Zoo, you will see otters, pygmy hippos, giant crocodiles, lions, zebras, rhinoceros, orangutans, and many, many other animals!
The Zoo is a big complex with 4 options that you can choose from:
- Singapore Zoo – the place where you will see more than 2.800 animals representing over 300 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles.
- Jurong Birds Park – it hosts 5.000 birds across 400 species and it is actually one of the largest free-flying aviaries in the world!
- Night Safari – here you can see over 1.000 animals in their natural nighttime habitat.
- River Safari – one of the world’s largest collections of freshwater fauna, where there are hosted more than 6.000 animals including 40 threatened species.
Of course, you can visit all of them if you have time, or you can choose the ones that look more interesting for you.
Singapore Flyer
Hop on to the world’s largest observation wheel and enjoy breathtaking 360° views, as you spot iconic and historical landmarks along the Singapore River. Before you board the flight, go on the Journey of Dreams and be awed by an engaging multimedia showcase that helps you understand the history of Singapore and the stories behind the Singapore Flyer. Nothing is more romantic than marveling at the gorgeous night views of the city from atop the Observation Wheel. Indulge in a romantic four-course sky dining experience that comes with a personal butler.
Sentosa Island
Sentosa is a super popular resort, but please do not expect a Bounty-commercial-type-of-beaches from it. Sentosa Island Singapore is the place where you will find the S.E.A Aquarium, a huge fashion mall, where you will be able to play golf or go up the Tiger Sky Tower! The S.E.A Aquarium hosts more than 100.000 fishes and sea creatures and it is a very popular attraction on Sentosa Island! You will get to see their sharks, “Nemo” fish, eels, a gorgeous reef, lionfish, hammerhead sharks and many, many other!Another great attraction of Singapore – Universal Studios amusement park – is also located there! And you know what? This amusement park is one of the top tourist attractions in Singapore, as it is so amazing!
Open to visitors throughout the year, Sentosa Island is a must on your to-do list.
Merlion Park
When you’re in the vicinity of the Merlion Park and One Fullerton, it’s hard to miss out on the iconic symbol, regarded as the pride of Singapore. The large Merlion statue, standing at a height of 28 feet has a lion’s head and a fish’s body and represents the city’s humble origins as a fishing village. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Marina Bay.
Clark Quay
The old harbor area around the Clark Quay was converted into a happening place with cafes, restaurants, shops and bars. It has become the toast of the town and is the favorite area for club hopping. So you can shop till you drop, then have a good lunch and later head out for a night of partying at one of the clubs in the area.
Marina Bay Sands Skypark
Marina Bay Sands Skypark is a stunning boat shaped observation deck extending over the three towers of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. But it is unlike any other observation deck. Located on level 57, the observation deck has an infinity pool, shops, restaurants and bars. The infinity pool is open to only hotel guests but you can go to the observation deck and enjoy the stunning, absolutely mesmerizing views of Singapore. Ce La Vi rooftop bar on the 57th floor also provides you breathtaking views.
Go Shopping
Singapore might be one of the most expensive cities in the world, but when it comes to clothes, as well as electronics, you can find some really great deals! Bugis Street can be termed as the best destination in Singapore for shopping. You will find all sort of cool stuff there and it is well-known to be a budget shopping area. Along with clothing, shoes, accessories and retro shops, it is also the perfect place to buy souvenirs. If you are looking for unique, cool independent designer stores, tattoo studios or chic cafes, head over to Haji Lane, which is actually one of the narrowest streets in the city! Another good shopping option is Orchard Road – Singapore’s most famous and biggest shopping avenue, which offers 22 shopping malls with around 5.000 brands to choose from.
Singapore has always fascinated me with its architecture and laws on sustainability. How long would you recommend staying in Singapore to explore all of these places?
As per my experience one week will be sufficient to explore all the places in Singapore.