Singapore, like Dubai, is well ahead of its time with its breathtaking and jaw-dropping wonders. Most times, it looks like a place straight from the future, minus the flying cars. Almost every corner in Singapore is a place that will leave you in awe. Attractions in Singapore you must visit are everywhere and bound to leave you confused without prior planning.
But is Singapore just about the marvels of the destination attractions, lovely public spaces and the, expensive shopping malls, luxury hotels and cute dining? That is what the country has become known for, to be fair, but it is way more than that. Singapore is still a country brimming with a vibrant history, culture and ethnicity.
Fun-loving folks can also visit some electrifying discotheques and nightlife littered around the country. From the Botanical gardens to Pulau Ubin and Marina Bay Sands to the little Arabian town and Chinatown, there is something for everyone here. Budget travellers are also not left out of a visit to this futuristic tourist destination.
Singapore is the world’s only island city-state. Keep reading for the best must-see places in Singapore.
1. Marina Bay Sands
The Marina Bay Sands resort complex is a work of art and architecture. It has ArtScience Museum, a lux hotel, a canal running through a mall, and the Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck- you can view the entire city from here.
There is a ship at the top of the hotel, including an infinity pool, the Skypark’s viewing deck and a rooftop restaurant where you can grab a snack or coffee. However, only hotel guests can use the infinity pool. There are also souvenir stands around for those interested.
A photo of yourself green-screened in front of the hotel in all its night glory can be gotten for 50 Singaporean dollars. But most people find it better to ask others to take a picture of them.
2. Little India Arab Street
The Arab Street and Little India take you away from the awe of the modern city towering above. No wonder it is one of the popular tourist attractions in Singapore and offers a unique experience. For all the love of modern cities, insane architecture and technologies on display, there is something about this street that feels like paradise.
Littered with historical mosques, comfort cafes, and small shops, Arab Street and its authentic Arabian cuisine, ancient structures, and shops is an excellent place to explore.
During the colonial era, Little India used to be a Singaporean community. It has temples like the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple- the most famous Hindi temple, authentic Indian cuisine and shopping stalls.
3. Gardens By The Bay
If you’ve ever dreamt about visiting Singapore, the Gardens by the Bay will probably be one of the destinations that convinced you to add it to your travel bucket list. Not only picturesque, but this garden is also imaginative with the incredible Supertree Grove-a beautiful sight at night, Flower Dome, and Cloud Forest.
The Gardens by the Bay complex is divided into the central, south and east bays. When the going gets tiring, you can get a coffee or dine on the paved sidewalk.
4. The Singapore Flyer
What is the best way to view this futuristic modern city? From the top or down below? Singapore is best seen from above with a birds-eye view. It is a view that is bound to leave you rooted to a spot, thinking about how this marvel came to be. In fact, you can see the F1 track, Gardens by the Bay, as well as parts and the skylines of Indonesia and Malaysia.
The Singapore Flyer is the best place to do this. Skypark’s viewing deck is excellent, but this is better. At an astonishing 165 metres, this observation wheel is a dream. It is the world’s largest observation wheel.
The Singapore Flyover is the best destination around for kids.
5. The Singapore Zoo
What are good tourist destinations without wildlife and historical centres? The Singapore Zoo is believed to be the best rainforest zoo in the world, and with its lush vegetation and habitat as well as the well-kept and clean facility and well-fed and treated animals, we can’t argue much.
The zoo is home to animals like the orangutans, a large chimpanzee family, zebras, komodo dragons, white tigers, meerkats, mole rats, kangaroos and more.
It can take as long as 3 hours to make your way around the zoo, but it will be worth it. If you are lucky, you will see when some animals are being fed.
One tour people love here is the Singapore Zoo Breakfast with the Orangutans. An optional upgrade will see you enjoying breakfast amongst orangutans.
Other wildlife tours you can enjoy are the Night Safari, River Safari (this includes a giant panda forest), and Jurong Bird Park.
6. Universal Studios
If you are a movie buff, chances are you are familiar with Universal Studios. Even your kids, if you are a parent, will be familiar. This makes Universal Studios such a thrilling place to go—located on Sentosa Island, which itself is an exciting destination in Singapore.
Universal Studios is an attraction filled with fun, entertainment, and excitement. From the ‘Walk of Fame’ where you get to pose with your favourite Hollywood personalities to the adrenaline-inducing roller coaster, Battlestar Galactica, there is something for everyone. That’s not all; other places you’ll want to visit are the Sci-Fi City, Lost World of Dinosaurs, Ancient Egypt Zone, and much more.
Universal Studios is a dream come true for every movie buff.
7. Botanic Gardens
If you are a garden lover or looking for inspiration to start your small garden when you are back in town, look no further than the Botanics Gardens in Singapore. The lush greens and romanticism here are heavenly.
Nature lovers flock to this famous tourist attraction every day, with Singapore’s national flower – the Orchid, being the star attraction. Also, in the gardens, you can see various ducks and swans in the many lakes here. This adds to the charm of the Botanic garden.
This home of rare species of exotic flora is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Singapore. And it provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
8. Sea Aquarium
Sentosa Island is also home to the magnificent Sea Aquarium, a perfect attraction for adults and children alike. This is one of the best places you can visit with your family in Singapore. It is also home to more than 100,000 marine species, from the Sting Rays to Sharks, Turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and Coral Reefs.
It is also interesting that the impressive marine life isn’t the attraction here. You can also visit the Dolphin Island for an interactive session with the dolphins, swim with different predator species like sting rays and manta rays, and even dive into the Shark Sea Habitat.
9. Orchard Road
You wouldn’t be wrong for calling Singapore a luxury destination. Such is the allure of its shopping districts. The Orchard Road perhaps embodies this sentiment more as there are high-end stores almost everywhere. If you are looking for a shopping splurge, start from here.
Orchard Road is infamously home to 22 malls and 6 department stores, and four movie theatres. Yes, the word you’re looking for is ‘wow’.
The neighbourhood is also home to various eateries that make international food if you ever go hungry while here.
10. Raffles Hotel Singapore
Raffles Hotel Singapore is a legend. Apart from being one of the world’s last grand 19th-century hotels, it has also been visited by literary legends of the past like Joseph Conrad and Rudyard Kipling. It was also visited by the famous movie star, Charlie Chaplin.
This colonial building was built in 1887 and is located in the City’s Colonial District. The classic architecture of the hotel and various tropical gardens is what makes the hotel truly unique. It could have easily been renovated to match Singapore’s modern and futuristic look, but this rich history remains preserved.
The Colonial District that Raffles Hotel is located in is also home to some statement historic sites. One such example is the Raffles Landing Site. This was where the founder of Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles, first stepped ashore in 1819.
11. Sentosa Island
The famous Sentosa Island is one of the best beach destinations in Singapore. Siloso Beach is one of the best beach spots here, and you can engage yourself in a game of volleyball, kayaking and skimboarding.
The Merlion is one of the famous attractions here. The Merlion is a famous statue with the head of a lion and the body of fish. An elevator can take you to the top of the statue where you will get a birds-eye view of the surrounding area.
There are other fun adventures to be had here. Two of such are The Flying Trapeze and the SeaBreeze Water-Sports in Wave House- here, you can try the water-propelled jet pack flying.
Though Singapore isn’t exactly a city famous for its beaches, there are still good beach spots you can visit.
12. Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay was a popular destination in the 19th century as ‘the centre of commerce’. It is still a bustling place today, and you can head here for a relaxed evening hangout of waterfront dining and entertainment.
The Quay is popular among younger tourists thanks to its various adrenaline-pumping thrill ride and giant bungee-jumping. You can also take river taxis and cruises from here to see the city’s historic landmarks and bridges. The magnificence of the Merlion can be observed from the water here.
Clarke Quay is also close to other tourist attractions like the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery, Asian Civilization Museum, and the Hong San Temple.
13. Pulau Ubin
There are only two kampongs remaining in Singapore, they are Pulau Ubin and the Kmapong Lorong Buangkok. Kampong means ‘village’. Pulau Ubin is located in the North East of Singapore, and its lush vegetation and numerous wildlife make it a great attraction for nature enthusiasts and travel photographers.
This kampong is home to many trails like the Sensory trails, its unique flora, and Butterfly Hill and Pekan Quarry. Chek Jawa wetlands and boardwalks are great for adventure lovers. From the Jejawi Tower, you can get a birds-eye view of the entire island. Bird watchers also love it there.
Other notable attractions in Singapore, Pulau Ubin, are the German girl shrine, cycling through the various experience-level biking trails and Kayaking through the mangroves.
14. Night Safari Singapore
Want to experience Zoo differently? You should try the Night Safari Experience. The habitat was divided into four sections to enjoy the elusive creatures that call this park home.
The Leopard Trail consists of similar animals like lions, civets and flying foxes. The East Lodge Trail is home to the Malaysian Tigers and spotted hyenas. The Fishing Cat Trail explores native Singapore animals like the pangolin, fish-loving felines and binturong. The Wallaby Trail features the marsupials of Australia.
You can also experience the Asian elephant feeding session here.
Conclusion
Singapore is billed as the playground of the rich and a modern city of the future. But what most admire is that several historical architectures have been kept in place. Although the kampongs are in danger of extinction, Pulau Ubin keeps the touch flying high.
Singapore is definitely one of the best places to visit in Asia, where you can blend the exotic with the simple.
Afari Travels organises various year-round tourist trips to Singapore like Explore Singapore and Journey Singapore. Check out the Tours page or contact us for bespoke packages or exclusive offers to Singapore. We assist with visa processing, accommodation, transfers, VIP concierge & tour services.
For consultations, new visa applications and renewals contact us at info@afaritravels.com or call +234 906 307 0000. Drop your comment or questions in the comment section below.
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