Singapore is among the smallest countries in the world at the size of slightly smaller than New York City. But since its independence in 1965, the tropical city state in Southeast Asia has turned rapidly into a developed nation with successful economy.
 |
| Duy Nguyen/ Unsplash |
One of Singaporeans' great visions is to make their country a garden. It means, once you walk out of the door, you will find yourself in a garden with plants and fresh air. And they're making good on that vision. Here is our list of recommendation on interesting places to visit and things to do in Singapore.
1. Jewel Changi Airport
One of the world's busiest airports, Changi Airport is equipped with a magical entertainment and retail hub called Jewel. The nature-themed complex is filled with terraced rainforest setting, lush garden, and futuristic skytrain. The central attraction of Jewel is a massive indoor waterfall called the Rain Vortex.
2. Gardens by the Bay
The waterfront gardens are mostly known for Supertree Grove, a group of tree-like structures with walking path and glowing light at night. Spanning 101 hectares (250 acres), the area is also fitted with other amazing nature-themed attractions such as Cloud Forest and Flower Dome.
3. Singapore Flyer
Watch the breathtaking views of Marina Bay from the largest observation wheel in Asia. Singapore Flyer has a diameter of 150 meters (492 ft), consisting of 28 air-conditioned capsules. Each capsules can accommodate up to 28 passengers.
4. Helix Bridge
The Helix is a super aesthetic pedestrian bridge connecting the central business district and the bayfront area. It is named Helix because its structure is inspired by the geometric shape of DNA. From here, you can get some of the most beautiful angles of the city's landscape.
5. ArtScience Museum
Within the resort area of Marina Bay Sands, you can find a lotus-shaped museum hosting exhibitions of culture, art, science, and technology. ArtScience Museum mainly displays items curated from other museums around the world, but it is currently planning to create their own permanent exhibition.
6. Orchard Road
Spanning some 2.5 km (1.6 miles), Orchard Road is a shopping and dining paradise with shops, restaurants, and hotels scattered throughout its tree-lined boulevard. The swanky stretch is also packed with more than 20 malls, including the famous Ion, Ngee Ann, and Paragon.
7. SkyPark Observation Deck
Capture the spectacular panoramic views of Singapore from this strategic spot. Situated on top of the soaring towers of Marina Bay Sands, Sky Park Observation Deck is also equipped with 2 upscale restaurants, greenery, and a breathtaking infinity-edged swimming pool.
8. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
If you're exploring the Chinatown district of Singapore, don't forget to stop by at this magnificent temple and museum with Chinese Tang architecture. As the name suggests, the temple is built to house the tooth relic of Buddha. A theatre and vegetarian dining hall is available here.
9. Haji Lane
Not far from Bugis MRT, Haji Lane is a hype area with cute café, shops, and murals in the historic Kampong Glam neighborhood. The lane is especially popular among youngsters looking for clothing, artworks, or simply hanging out and collecting pictures for their Instagram feeds.
10. Sultan Mosque
As you enter the Muscat Street in Kampong Glam, you will notice a large golden dome that looks straight out of an Aladdin movie. It's Sultan Mosque, a national monument and the largest mosque in Singapore. You can also explore a lot of shops and dining options around the mosque.
11. National Gallery Singapore
Dear art enthusiasts, this one is for you. Housing more than 9,000 art items in a former colonial Supreme Court building, National Gallery Singapore is the largest art venue and museum in Singapore today. Marvel at a vast collection of modern art from all over the Singapore and Southeast Asia.
12. Singapore Botanic Gardens
Founded in 1859, this is the only tropical garden to be listed as UNESCO World Heritage. Covering an area of 74 hectares (183 acres) not far from Orchard Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens is home to more than 10,000 species of plants. You can also meet animals such as wild chicken and swan inside.
13. National Orchid Garden
On top of the highest hill in Singapore Botanic Gardens, there is a special area dedicated to more than 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchid. The National Orchid Garden is uniquely divided into four color zones: spring (yellowish) summer (red, pink), autumn (matured shades), & winter (white, violet).
14. Sri Mariamman Temple
This oldest Hindu temple in Singapore is well-known for its ornate detailing of colorful sculptures. Built in Dravidian style, Sri Mariamman Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Mariamman and features a towering main entrance (gopuram) with six tiers of sculptures depicting Hindu deities.
15. Mount Faber Park
Enjoy nature in many ways at one the oldest parks in Singapore. You can use telescope at lookout points for panoramic views of rainforest and cityscape around. Alternatively, you can hop into cable car taking you from Mount Faber to Sentosa Island with amazing view from above.
16. Henderson Waves
Between Mount Faber Park and Telok Blangah Hill Park, you can find an artistic pedestrian bridge mimicking the shape of wave. Henderson Waves is a popular spot for joggers on weekend, where you can take a rest on wooden benches while enjoying the sight and fresh air.
17. Jurong Lake Gardens
Located in the heartland of Singapore, Jurong Lake Gardens is a new favorite among locals as well as tourists. Enjoy the scenery while taking steps on curvy wooden path along the lake edge. You can also dip your feet in the shallow streams, or bring your children to play at nature playground.
18. Jurong Bird Park
Take a chance to interact with the birds of paradise, pelicans, and even penguins in natural setting. Located on the western slope of Jurong Hill, the walk-in aviary is a haven for some 3,500 birds from 400 species. Please note, there is a plan to move Jurong Bird Park to Mandai in 2022.
19. CHIJMES
Originally used as a Catholic Convent in the 19th century, the historic building is now turned into a lively dining complex. Try various menu from Japanese grill to Brazilian cuisine in a romantic ambience, or grab cocktail at Analogue, a trendy vegan resto-bar by Bartender Vijay Mudaliar.
20. Universal Studios Singapore
The only Universal Studios theme park in Southeast Asia can be found here in Singapore. Located within the Resorts World Sentosa, Unversal Studios Singapore features 24 rides and attractions inspired by famous movies from Jurassic Park to Madagascar.
21. Clarke Quay
Dine and hang out on the river side at this historic quay. Situated strategically at the fringe of Central Business District, Clarke Quay boasts huge options of Chinese, Indian, and Malay/ Indonesian cuisine. You can also experience a river cruise on traditional bumboat.
22. Singapore Zoo
Go see more than 300 species of animals in one of the best zoos in Southeast Asia. Set in a lush rainforest area, Singapore Zoo offers a lot of opportunity to interact with animals, such as feeding giraffe and rhino, taking pictures with snakes, or even having breakfast with orangutan.
23. River Wonders
A river-themed zoo and aquarium? You read it right. River Wonders will take you to an incredible boat journey along the habitats inspired by the world's great rivers, from the Nile and Amazon to Yangtze and Mississippi River. Meet the beavers, manatees, and crocodiles as they swim freely in river setting.
24. Asian Civilisations Museum
Discover the heritage of Asian culture and civilisations through the lens of Singapore. Asian Civilisations Museum celebrates the ancestral cultures of the Singaporeans, mainly Chinese, Indian, and Southeast Asian, with artifacts including Buddha's head from Gandhara and a sunken 9th century ship.
25. Mega Adventure Singapore
Get your adrenaline pumping as you fly at 60 km/h (37 miles/h) over the rainforest and sandy beach with MegaZip flying fox. Located in Sentosa Island, Mega Adventure also offers other challenging attraction such as MegaClimb and MegaBounce.
26. Marine Life Park
A part of Resorts World Sentosa, Marine Life Park features one of the largest oceanarium in the world: the SEA Aquarium. Over 100,000 sea animals from some 800 species live in this massive aquarium with gigantic viewing panel. The other attraction is Adventure Cove Waterpark with seven slides.
27. Merlion Park
Don't forget to take picture at the Merlion Statue, the mascot of Singapore. This iconic landmark is seated beautifully at the waterfront, not far from Singapore's Central Business District. The statue spits endless water as designed by the feng shui masters to symbolize the endless flow of prosperity.
Fun Fact: Singapore is derived from Sanskrit word 'Singa Pura' which means 'Lion City'. It is said in Malay Annals that a prince from Palembang City in Sumatra came to the island and saw a creature believed to be a lion. Hence it is called the Lion City.
We hope the list above will help you decide what to do in Singapore next time. If you have any recommendation about other places to visit and things to do in Singapore, please write it down in the comment section.
Have you booked your favorite hotel in Singapore? Click here to book now.
Hope you have a great time in Singapore!
.png)
0 Comments