Best Things to Do in Singapore

The 3 Best Tours in Singapore

The 27 Best Things to Do in Singapore

  1. Take a Night Safari

    an elephant that is standing in the grass Make close contact with wildlife at night. Located next door to Singapore Zoo and deserving of the trip to the northern parts of Singapore, this wildlife park is only available in the evenings (7:30pm-midnight). It is a wonderfully eerie experience – walking the footpaths and bridges of the fragrant night jungle and observing 120 species of nocturnal creatures at a close range: tigers, fishing cats, and alligators to name a few. Electric trams circle the perimeter, stopping in several places; it is worthwhile taking one for the guided tour which is an excellent introduction to the park. Along the way you may spot some of the antelopes that roam freely outside the other animal enclosures. The 20-minute Creatures of the Night show, held 3-4 times nightly, is a big hit with the kids, and one of the highlights of the Night Safari is a stroll through the fruit bat enclosure, where you may find yourself face to face with a giant fruitbat, hanging upside down inches from your face and tucking into a chunk of fruit. No flash photography is allowed in the park.
    Nearest transportation: Ang Mo Kio MRT, then bus #138.

  2. Day out at Singapore Zoo

    a large brown and white stuffed animal on a body of water Spread across 28 lush hectares of land jutting into the Upper Seletar Reservoir, the Singapore Zoo is a beautifully planned wildlife sanctuary that allows animals from around the globe to inhabit expansive, habitat-like spaces. The Great Rift Valley zone, complete with a waterfall cascading down cliff faces, is home to Nubian ibex, baboons and mongooses while the biodome christened Fragile Forest enables visitors to ascend into the forest canopy viewing areas to spot lemurs and flying foxes as well as two-toed sloths. Within the Frozen Tundra region dwell polar bears, wolverines and raccoons whereas Primate Kingdom exhibits diverse monkeys like the colobus and crested macaque and permits opportune observations of orangutans during their daily afternoon and late morningfeeding periods. Destination Wild Africa and Cat Country to gaze upon lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes and zebras plus journey to the Forest Lodge hoping to glimpse the scarce white tiger. Young kids will adore Rainforest Kidzworld with pony rides and a waterslide-equipped wet play zone. A park tram offers a relaxing ride for weary feet.
    Nearest transportation: Ang Mo Kio MRT station, then bus #138.

  3. Wander around Gardens by the Bay

    a large structure in the middle of a grassy area A Futuristic Botanical Park with Giant Trees and Domes. Across a walking path from the Marina is one of Singapore’s most remarkable green spaces, developed on 101 hectares of reclaimed land. Enormous dome-like structures rise from the greenery, housing over 800 plant species from different climate zones. In the Desert Dome there are giant cacti, while a waterfall cascades from a 35m mountain in the Cloud Forest Dome, and the Flower Dome replicates a Mediterranean climate complete with an ancient olive grove. Scattered throughout the Gardens are different whimsical sculptures, including Planet by Mark Quinn – a giant sleeping baby that seems to float in mid-air. Towering above the park are 18 Giant Trees that look like something from Avatar, especially when lit up as part of the Garden Rhapsody light and sound spectacular every night (7:45-8:45pm). You can take the OCBC Skyway walkway, 22m above the Gardens, connecting six of the Giant Trees.
    Nearest transport: Bayfront MRT.

  4. Singapore Botanic Gardens

    a plant that is growing in some water Among Singapore`s most expansive green spaces is the Botanic Gardens, home to the world`s largest orchid collection. West of the bustling Orchard Road area, the gleaming shopping malls give way to lush vegetation, neatly manicured lawns, thematic gardens and tranquil lakes that make up the vast Botanic Gardens. A boardwalk traverses a dense patch of ancient rainforest predating the Gardens; it shelters 314 plant species, half of which are rare. Of the three lakes, Swan Lake is particularly picturesque, named after the mute swans imported from Amsterdam. Perhaps the biggest highlights of the Gardens, attracting flower aficionados, is the National Orchid Garden. Tropical orchids have been cultivated here since 1928, of which you can see around 600 of the 1,000 recorded species and 2,000 hybrids, like those named after various heads of state and politicians – look out for ones named after Princess Diana and Margaret Thatcher. Also worthwhile checking out is the adjacent Ginger Garden housing 250 ginger family members, along with two excellent restaurants. The free thematic tours of the Botanical Gardens offered on Saturdays are very informative, and occasional opera performances take place by Symphony Lake.
    Nearest transport: Botanic Gardens MRT.

  5. Shop on Orchard Road

    people crossing the street on a busy city street Singapore’s primary retail avenue, especially noteworthy for its style shops. Its name is marginally of a misnomer, since there isn’t an orchard in sight; instead, you are faced with gleaming shopping centers, departments stores, and planner boutiques. You can spend days shopping here, bolstered by the nourishment from the malls’ outstanding food courts. ION Orchard centers around high road fashion on its lower floors; for haute couture, head upstairs. 313@Somerset stocks reasonably evaluated high road labels like Uniqlo and Muji; it’s well known with more youthful shoppers. Ngee Ann City homes universal prestige brands and the wonderful Takashimaya Food Village – a food court that’s part of the eponymous Japanese department store. Paragon is where fashionistas shop for their Jimmy Choo shoes, threads by Burberry and Hermes, and stylish wear by Singapore’s own Raoul label. If you’re after Asian artwork, ornaments, and carvings, the retro Tanglin Shopping Centre is an essential stop.
    Nearest transport: Dhoby Gaut, Somerset or Orchard MRT.

  6. Day out at Universal Studios

    a crowd of people standing in front of a fountain at night The Singapore branch of the famous Hollywood movie themed park. Divided into seven `worlds`, this theme park is the star attraction of Resorts World on Sentosa Island, at Singapore’s southern end. Very popular with families, it has a mix of attractions suitable for younger children, such as Puss In Boots’ Giant Journey in Far Far Away, Dino-Soarin’ in The Lost World and the all-singing, all-dancing Sesame Street Show in Hollywood. Those seeking thrills should head straight for Sci-Fi City for a ride on Battlestar Galactica – the world’s tallest dual rollercoaster, where you choose between riding the suspended CYLON or the seated HUMAN as they twist, spin and roll. Also in Sci-Fi City, Transformers the Ride takes you on a 3D thrill ride into an urban otherworld, where Transformers do battle and take part in high-speed chases. In Ancient Egypt, don’t miss the Revenge of the Mummy rollercoaster that leads you into fiery encounters with the undead and propels you through darkness. Another highlight is the Lost World’s Waterworld show, based on the Kevin Costner movie; expect plenty of explosions, daring stunts and a thorough soaking if you sit in the front. Tips: purchase the Sentosa FUN Pass if planning to visit other Sentosa Island attractions, and get to the rollercoasters as soon as the park opens to beat the queues.
    Nearest transport: Monorail connecting to the waterfront from HarbourFront.
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  7. S.E.A. Aquarium

    a number of small vases sitting on top of each other The world’s largest aquarium, housing many marine environments and over one hundred thousand sea creatures. Part of the attractions on Sentosa Island, this cutting-edge aquarium provides a fascinating journey through the diverse marine habitats around the world. Visitors enter through a shark tunnel, with hammerhead, silvertip and sandbar sharks gliding overhead. Here one can find Nemo and observe writhing eels in the Bay of Bengal, marvel at the colorful reef fish of the Caribbean Sea, inspect the fire shrimp and yellow boxfish of the Red Sea, spot lobsters and lionfish in the South China Sea exhibits, and crawl into a simulated ‘cave’ for a close look at moray eels. Learn about the aquatic ecosystems of Lake Malawi, kelp forests, and coastal mangroves. One of the most beautiful and otherworldly displays is Ocean Journey, with eerily lit jellyfish, monstrous spider crabs, and an enormous deep sea octopus. The vast, 36m-long, 8.3m-high Open Ocean tank is an absolute showstopper; it brings visitors face to face with stingrays, sharks, barracuda and other huge open water fish. Daily feedings and the Discovery Touch Pool provide fun for children. Be sure to check out the second underwater tunnel, with fish darting in and out of the simulated shipwreck, and learn about Asia’s Maritime Heritage at the on-site Maritime Experiential Museum.
    Nearest transport: Monorail connecting to the waterfront from HarbourFront.

  8. Ride the Singapore Flyer

    a large body of water with a city skyline One of the largest panoramic wheels globally. Overlooking the waters near Marina Bay, this 165m-tall Ferris wheel is a quintessential piece of Singapore’s skyline, and particularly striking when illuminated at night. The second-largest observational wheel on Earth after the High Roller in Las Vegas, the Singapore Flyer transports you to a great elevation above the city, providing 30 minutes of fantastic views of the Marina Bay, the high-rise buildings of the CBD, the river, the historic structures of the Colonial District, and ships on the South China Sea. Savings are available if you purchase your ticket online.
    Nearest transport: Promenade MRT.

  9. Walk around Marina Bay

    a large body of water with a city skyline A scenic waterside route that is popular with sightseers. Begin your stroll from the iconic Marina Bay Sands complex, devoted to shopping, dining and lodging, and walk north beside the Marina. You will traverse the spiral Helix Bridge, where fine panoramas unfold of Singapore`s skyline. Continuing west along the Marina Promenade, passing Gluttons` Corner – one of the city’s most acclaimed alfresco eating areas, as well as the sparkling Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay – a performing arts center that appears as giant metallic golf balls. Head south over the Esplanade Bridge to the renowned Merlion monument (half-fish, half-lion) that spurts water into the bay while illuminated nightly as part of the Marina Bay Sands’ sound-and-light production. Cut west to the southern bank of the Singapore River and meander past the 19th century Cavenagh Bridge and creations by artists such as Salvador Dalí and Botero. Continue along Boat Quay, lined by bars and bistros along the waterway. Cross the Elgin Bridge to the river`s northern shore and return eastward beside the water, past the Asian Civilisations Museum, the Victoria Theatre and the statue of Sir Stamford Raffles, Singapore`s founder. Head north beyond the futuristic, Norman Foster-designed New Supreme Court and the lovely St Andrews Cathedral before finishing the route with a Singapore Sling at the elegant colonial Raffles HotelNearest transport: Bayfront MRT.

  10. Take a walk through Chinatown

    a large building with a clock on the side of it A stroll through the heart of Singapore’s (mostly) Chinese heritage. From the Chinatown metro stop, walk along Pagoda St, with its tacky souvenir shops, massage parlours and restaurants, and stop halfway along at the Chinatown Heritage Centre. Inside, you’ll find exhibits on Chinatown’s colorful past – from evocative photos to replicated living quarters of opium addicts. Then continue to the end of the street to the Sri Mariamman Temple – Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple with a riot of technicolour sculptures. Take kitschy Trengganu St south to the Chinatown Complex, with its popular hawker stalls upstairs. From there, Keong Saik Road curves south past the impressive Sri Layan Sithi Vinayagar Hindu Temple. Take a left into Kreta Ayer Rd, and another left into Neil Rd; where it meets South Bridge Rd is the Jinriksha Station which was once the depot for hand-pulled rickshaws. A couple of blocks north looms the five-storey Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, with (allegedly) Buddha’s left canine residing in a solid gold stupa. Take Ann Siang Rd east past the Art Deco buildings that once housed Chinese guilds and clubs, and check out the dragon ‘wishing well’ at the Siang Cho Keong Temple on Amoy St. Take Telok Ayer St north past the 19th century Al-Abrar Mosque and the gorgeous Thian Hock Keng Temple, finishing the walk at the ornate 1822 Ying Fo Fui Kun clan building used by the Chinese Hakka community.
    Nearest transport: Chinatown MRT.

  11. Take a River Safari

    a fish tank filled with lots of fish Next door to Singapore Zoo, the River Safari recreates the habitats of seven of the world’s rivers. Spot the alligator gar and the strange-looking Mississippi paddlefish in the Mississippi River aquarium, the African dwarf crocodile in the Nile, the Indian gharial in the Ganges, giant catfish in the Mekong, and the Yantze alligator in the Mekong. There’s a splash-tastic Amazon River Quest boat ride that’s suitable for young kids, with monkeys, giant anteaters, tapir, capybara, and jaguars spotted along the way. Another highlight is the Giant Panda Forest, home to Singapore favourite Kai Kai, as well as rare red pandas. The Amazon Flooded Forest aquariums are superb: you get a good look at electric eels, piranhas, manatees, and the huge aparaima and pacu fish. Book tickets online for discounts; the worthwhile Park Hopper combo ticket is valid for the Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park, as well as Singapore Zoo and River Safari.
    ” (HTML elements and backlinks preserved.) Nearest transportation: Ang Mo Kio MRT, then bus #138.
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  12. Go shopping in Haji Lane

    a street filled with lots of shops and people The best street in Singapore for independent designers. In Kampong Glam, Haji Lane – one of the narrowest streets in the city – is lined with historic shophouses. Most of them house cozy, eccentric shops and boutiques displaying the products of trendy, self-employed designers – generally local, but also a few international ones. Time After Time at no. 82 is an charming little vintage store where you can find a nice mixture of vintage dresses, hats and accessories; you can also pick up retro dresses in Craft Assembly at no. 61. Spoilmarket at no. 74 carries colorful women’s clothing, eccentric bags, clocks, and other trinkets. Finally, sharp tailoring for women is the concentration at Soon Lee, no. 73, with stunning pieces from local designers, as well as designers from Hong Kong and KoreaNearest transport: Bugis MRT.
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  13. Explore Fort Canning Park

    a statue of a man sitting on top of a fire hydrant A hilltop park home to a historic museum. Providing a cool, green respite from Singapore`s hustle and bustle, Fort Canning Park offers an appealing green space in the city center. Its defining feature is Fort Canning Hill; when Sir Stamford Raffles took control of Singapore for Great Britain in 1823, the locals avoided the hill, then known as Bukit Larangan (Forbidden Hill) out of respect for the shrine of ancient Singapura`s last Malay ruler, Sultan Iskandar Shah. Today the hill is home to an atmospheric museum, The Battlebox, that shares the story of what is considered `the worst disaster and largest capitulation in British military history.` The surrender of Singapore to the Japanese on February 15, 1942 marked the beginning of the end for the British Empire. Battlebox was an underground British command center during WWII and its spooky underground rooms use life-sized models to reenact scenes from the war. Access is by guided tour only; professional guides talk visitors through Fort Canning Hill`s 700-year history. Concerts and other outdoor events are held in the park throughout the year, including Ballet Under the Stars in July and Films at the Fort in AugustNearest transport: Dhoby Gaut MRT.

  14. Visit the National Museum of Singapore

    a large building with a large clock on the front 🧭Singapore`s amazingly fascinating museum of history – if you have the ability to go to only one museum in Singapore, ensure it is this one – the stunningly designed themed galleries bring Singapore’s abundant history to life. Multimedia aspects let historical personalities speak for themselves, from colonial period high society ladies to common street vendors. Journey through the Living Galleries that investigate Singapore culture through the themes of Style, Cuisine, Photography and Film. The History Gallery takes you from Singapore’s early beginnings, when it was ruled by Malay sultans, through its many years of British colonial rule to the modern metropolis of the present day. En route you’ll peek into a recreated opium den, and hear the heartbreaking stories of Singaporeans under Japanese occupation during WWII. “We Built a Nation” looks at the first ten crucial years of Singapore’s freedom from Britain (1965-75) that laid the foundations for today’s prospering city-state. History aside, there is also the Goh Seng Choo gallery that features 19th century botanical watercolours, as well as temporary art exhibitions. Contemporary art installations greet visitors as they come through the main entrance, and the museum building itself is architecturally striking: the 19th century Neo-Palladian and Renaissance building was revamped a decade ago to include a dome-topped stained glass rotunda.
    Nearest transport: Dhoby Gaut MRT.

  15. Visit the Peranakan Museum

    a building with a clock on the front of it A museum exhibiting an exclusive hybrid Southeast Asian culture. The Peranakan or Nyonya relates to individuals of blended beginnings, and in Singapore, most Peranakan people tend to be Straits Chinese. The museum`s colorful introductory gallery highlights sayings from Singapore`s current Peranakan population, inquiring “What makes you feel Peranakan?” with responses focusing on anything from beloved dishes to time-honored weddings. The themed shows on the three floors of this legacy building take you through Peranakan traditions, from feasts and weddings to religion and grieving. In the Wedding gallery, see a typical wedding procession, peek inside the wedding chamber and marvel over the many instances of fine Peranakan beadwork utilized to decorate garments. In Language and Fashion, see how the evolving notions of femininity through the eras have altered the sarong kebaya, a Peranakan woman`s choice of clothing, and learn about the importance of storytelling as a way of preserving Nyonya culture. Food and Feasting explores the importance of food, from dining customs to the actual fusion dishes that combine Chinese, Malay, Indonesian, European and other impacts. Religion focuses on ancestor worship, the importance of death rituals and elements of Daoism and Buddhism, while Public Life introduces many prominent Peranakans who have played an important role in Singapore’s political and social affairs.
    Nearest transport: City Hall MRT.
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  16. Explore the Marina Bay Sands

    a large jetliner flying over a body of water The eye-catching Marina Bay Sands complex, engineered by Israeli-Canadian architect Moshe Safdie, towers prominently over Singapore`s skyline since its development. Site visitors can shop for designer brands at the upscale shopping center below the hotel, dine at the numerous restaurants within the mall (several holding Michelin stars), watch a popular musical performance at the MasterCard Theatre and view cutting-edge temporary shows (ranging from Annie Leibovitz photos to the demise of The Titanic) at the waterfront ArtScience Museum shaped like a massive lotus blossom. Among the most popular attractions (though not for anyone afraid of heights!) includes ascending to the cantilevered SkyPark at the building`s peak – the dramatic extension aloft Marina Bay. Alongside the infinity pool (only for overnight guests), the hotel offers an excellent restaurant and lounge. The Observation Deck provides unbelievable perspectives of the city, especially in evenings, when Singapore`s skyline lights up brightly. Evenings also present an excellent time to be by the water`s edge, where the hotel hosts Spectra, a complimentary nightly 15-minute audiovisual spectacular transforming the Bay to a show of dancing, color-changing fountains, with the water acting as a projection screen for displayed imagery.
    Nearest transport: Bayfront MRT.

  17. Have a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel

    a large building with a clock on the front of it Singapore’s iconic beverage found at Singapore’s most historic luxury property holds a beloved tradition. It is quite a usual thing to visit the legendary Raffles Hotel for a Singapore Sling, even if it is a predictable indulgence! Few travelers to Singapore can withstand checking out the city’s most celebrated heritage hotel, with its stylishly dressed Sikh doormen, tropical surroundings and boutiques, illustrious past, and needless to say, the renowned Long Bar at Raffles. Ever since its opening as a luxury hotel in 1899, Raffles has symbolized colonial grandeur and its guest list has included royalty, politicians, renowned writers, and playwrights. Raffles has been highlighted in novels by Somerset Maugham and Joseph Conrad, and Noel Coward and Hemingway used to visit and drink at the Raffles Bar. Today’s Long Bar is not in the same part of the hotel as the original structure, but it retains an old-world appeal: request to listen to the tale of the tiger that escaped from a nearby traveling circus in 1902, managing to enter the luxury hotel and meeting a fateful end beneath the Raffles’ billiard room. There are other beverages available, but many visitors want to try the renowned Singapore Sling – a pink blend of Cointreau, pineapple juice, lime juice, cherry liquor and grenadine that was first mixed here by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon in 1915. Long Bar is pretty much the only part of Raffles Hotel where you don’t have to dress to the nines, but guests are anticipated to dress smartly.
    Nearest Transport: City Hall MRT.

  18. Explore Geylang

    a city street filled with lots of colorful umbrellas The old commercial properties in Geylang, Singapore`s former red-light district, offer a stark contrast to the gleaming modern city just a few kilometers to the west. Though seedy at night, wandering the streets during the day reveals a distinct atmosphere, as much of the architecture dates to the early 1900s. When Singapore expanded in that direction, factories drew immigrant workers who established places of worship catering to different faiths. Geylang remains a center for spirituality. The narrow alleys branching from Geylang Road particularly reward exploration. Lorong 24A contains two rows of beautifully preserved late-style two-story shops with covered walkways in front and inner courtyards. Their design blends Chinese porcelain friezes, French windows, Malay wood carvings and Portuguese shutters, representing Singapore`s mixed heritage. More austere art deco shops from the late 1930s stand between Lorong 30 and Lorong 28, while other colorful late-style houses line Lorong 25. Peek inside the private Gek Hong Temple at number 14 on Lorong 26: this stilt bungalow in Malay village style recalls the early 19th century before modern Singapore took shape.
    Nearest transport: Aljunied MRT.

  19. Day out in Jurong Bird Park

    a flock of flamingos standing next to each other A sanctuary home to four hundred avian species. Worth venturing to the western part of Singapore, Jurong Bird Park is very popular among families. The park is split into zones mirroring the birds` natural habitats, allowing visitors to either take stroller-friendly walking routes or ride the tram encircling the park with stops at three stations en route. Near the entrance, Penguin Coast houses several penguin species from Antarctica where guests can watch them frolic and dive; outside, visitors can participate in feeding their African penguins. World of Darkness presents owls and other nocturnal creatures, while ibises and spoonbills splash in the Wetlands and hundreds of flamingos strut around Flamingo Lake. Lory Loft is a massive aviary where small, colorful birds can be attracted with cupfuls of nectar, while the Waterfall Aviary and its 30m waterfall offers chances to spot shy birds like the turaco and guinea fowl. The park is heavily involved in breeding and conserving endangered species whose success stories can be seen in the Toucan and Hornbill Aviary. Plenty of activities await kids too, from the wet and wild Birdz of Play playground/waterpark to the daily High Flyers show and the especially impressive Kings of the Skies show exhibiting the ancient art of falconry with various birds of prey.
    Nearest transportation: Boon Lay MRT, then bus route #194.

  20. Eat your way around a Hawker Centre

    people sitting at tables in a restaurant Popular food courts serving Singapore’s best street food. Singaporeans are serious about food, and in an expensive city, eating out at hawker centres – large food courts that bring together street food stalls serving anything from snacks to full meals – is a vibrant and quintessentially Singaporean experience. Hawker centres tend to get packed, so to secure your seat at a canteen-style table, just place a packet of tissues on it. One of the most popular is Lau Pa Sat (24 hours; 18 Raffles Quay, Raffles Place MRT) in the business district, serving dishes from all over the world in a handsome 19th century cast-iron building. In front of Lau Pa Sat the Satay Street stalls come to life in the evenings, with smoky satay skewers on the grill and drink sellers peddling cold beer. Another good place for satay is Satay By The Bay (11am-10pm, Bayfront MRT) in the Gardens By The Bay, with hokkien mee noodles and halal seafood complementing the satay stalls. For a local experience, head out to Old Airport Road Food Centre (8am-11pm, Dakota MRT) where locals chow down on char kway teow (stir-fried rice noodles), noodle soup, seafood dishes and more. Chinatown Complex (11 New Bridge Road, Chinatown MRT) is also a very local scene, with claypot rice, congee (savory rice porridge) and noodle dishes on offer, while nearby, on Smith Street (aka Chinatown Food Street), stalls serve roast duck with rice and noodles to a mix of tourists and locals.
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  21. Kampong Glam Heritage Trail

    a large building with a clock on top of it Exploring on foot the Malay neighborhood of Singapore known as Kampong Glam, which like Chinatown and Little India was originally a fishing village that maintains its historic Malay-Arab roots. The starting point for traversing this area is the Malay Heritage Centre located within the 19th century residence of Malay royalty, the Istana Kampong Gelam (Kandahar St.), accessible through this link. Next is Gedung Kuning (“Yellow Mansion”) at 73 Sultan Gate, a traditional Malay house with some European influences formerly owned by Javanese merchant Haji Yussof. Nearby sits Pondok Java as an example of shared lodging that was utilized by new arrivals from Java and acted as a community center. Various traditional shophouses are passed before reaching two early 20th-century schools within an Art Deco building (30-32 Aliwal St) established by the local Hokkien Chinese population. Next appears the 1912 Madrasah Alsagoff Al Arabiah (Alsagoff Arab School) at 111 Jalan Sultan, the oldest surviving Muslim school in Singapore. Nearby, North Bridge Road showcases restaurants serving Indonesian fare like nasi padang with rendang. North Bridge Road intersects Arab Street, among Singapore’s oldest commercial areas attracting enterprise since the early 1900s and currently home to textile and frankincense/myrrh retailers. The walk concludes at the grand Masjid Sultan Mosque at 3 Muskat St (open to the public) Nearest transport: Bugis MRT.

  22. Walking tour of Little India

    a painting of a group of women in costumes One of Singapore’s most culturally vibrant neighborhoods is Little India. With its rich scents of incense, colorful places of worship and delectable aromas wafting from diverse eateries, this area has a uniquely distinct atmosphere. Cattle commerce prospered here in the mid-1800s, swiftly becoming chiefly Indian in nature, as immigrant workers arrived from the subcontinent and houses of prayer for Muslims and Hindus sprang up to meet religious demands. Bovines have long since been replaced with shops offering saris and gold items, stores selling flower wreaths, and Indian dining establishments; yet spiritual sites are still present. Begin exploring by heading north along Race Course Road from Farrer Park MRT station, peer inside the vivid Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple, then inspect the eye-catching Taoist Leong San See Temple opposite before ambling south along Serangoon Road, Little India’s primary promenade. See worshippers giving thanks to Lord Vishnu at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, and pause to shop for affordable electronics at the Mustafa Centre on the junction with Syed Alwi Road. Continue south to the strikiung Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple – Little India’s principal Hindu place of worship – before detouring east along Dunlop Street to admire the row of shophouses and the intricately adorned Abdul Gafoor Mosque. Double back and head west along Kerbau Road to the kaleidoscopically colorful Tan Teng Niah, Little India’s last surviving Chinese villa. Duck into Buffalo Road, where vendors promote freshly yielded produce, before concluding with an authentic Indian meal at the Tekka CentreNearest transport: Farrer Park MRT.

  23. Hike around Mt Faber Park & the Southern Ridges

    a bridge spanning over a lush green forest One of Singapore’s earliest parks, Mt Faber is situated as the city’s higher locale, enveloped by supplementary rainforest plant life. It is additionally a fragment of the Southern Ridges which comprise various other recreation locales and 9km of moderate walking trails which stretch between easygoing to moderately requesting. Take a cable vehicle to the summit of Mt Faber from Sentosa Island or HarbourFront – you get magnificent perspectives of southern Singapore and the southern islands along the way, as well as from the viewpoint stage on Faber Peak itself. Following take a lovely trek to Kent Ridge Park, 4km west. To start with, head down to Henderson Waves, an undulating tree cover stroll 36m above the woodland floor that interfaces Mt Faber to Telok Blangah Hill Park. Linger at the Terrace Garden with its remarkable 360-degree perspectives of Singapore. At that point you can either take the Elevated Walkway that permits you to spot feathered creatures and butterflies in the woodland canopy, or the more country beaten Earth Trail before you arrive at the Alexandra Arch that takes you to HortPark. Roam through HortPark’s themed gardens before wrapping up your trek at Kent Ridge Park, where one of the last fights for Singapore was battled in WWII. Reflections, the exhibition opposite the short Canopy trek, discloses the tragic historyNearest transport: HarbourFront MRT.

  24. Take a Singapore River Cruise by night

    a marina filled with lots of boats and lights ” Numerous sights of Singapore are uniquely appealing at night, when the city`s skyline is beautifully illuminated. These 40-minute cruises run regularly between prominent structures of Marina Bay such as the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel and vibrant nightlife areas including Clarke Quay, along with an entertaining narration providing historical context. Travelers can embark and disembark at different spots, but the best choice is catching the boat at Promenade Jetty opposite the Singapore Flyer – allowing views of the illuminated Gardens by the Bay. The vessel then circumnavigates Marina Bay, passing the Merlion, Marina Bay Sands hotel, and Esplanade before cruising past the grand Fullerton Bay Hotel and impressive skyscrapers forming most of Singapore’s skyline within the Central Business District. The three tallest to watch are UOB Plaza One, Republic Plaza and One Raffles Place. Behind the CBD skyline lie the tourist-centric bars and restaurants of Boat Quay; continuing leads to the more authentic Singaporean nightlife of Clarke Quay. Slightly pricier cruises depart at 7:30pm and 9pm to coincide with laser presentations on Marina Bay and include a Singapore sling or juice per passenger.
    Nearest transportation: Clarke Quay or Bayfront MRT stations.

  25. Visit the Asian Civilisations Museum

    a large building with a clock on the front of it The Peranakan Museum in Singapore houses an exceptionally impressive collection of artefacts spanning various regions in Asia. Located inside an elegant 19th century building overlooking the Singapore River, the galleries showcasing different cultures have been expertly curated and establish the museum as a world-leading institution. The Tang Shipwreck gallery centres on the cargo recovered from a sunken 9th century Chinese vessel bound for Iran, offering insight into Singapore`s role as a significant trade hub over 1100 years ago. The Trade galleries trace ancient commerce routes across Asia, exhibiting carved ivory, rare woodworks, exquisite gold and silver objects and ceramics along with textiles. The Ancient Religions gallery follows the spread of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism through the continent while the Southeast Asia galleries will once again cover diverse societies spanning 2500 years – from the Dayaks of Borneo to the Hmong of Northern Thailand and the Javanese Kingdoms to the Malay world. Priceless silk panels and lacquerware from China as well as treasured bronzes from India are among other treasures housed at the museum, with the Kewk Hong Png wing showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art.
    Nearest transport: Raffles Place MRT.
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  26. Enjoy Clarke Quay Nightlife

    a city street filled with lots of colorful umbrellas With bars, clubs, and restaurants lining both banks of the Singapore River, Clarke Quay really comes alive in the evenings, when professionals working at the nearby Central Business District head there to join the tourists and unwind. The stripped-down and grungy Crazy Elephant is a suitable place to catch some blues and classic rock; things get going around 10pm, and it’s also one of the most reasonably priced places on the Quay for beer. For a bit of thrill, get launched out of the G-Max Reverse Bungy Catapult or swing above the river on the GX5 Swing. If you want to continue partying into the late hours, Attica is a large, popular club with several different zones: choose from hip-hop, house and electronica; international DJs occasionally play a set here, as well. If you’re really serious about your dance music, then your night won’t be complete without visiting Zouk, Singapore’s first Ibiza-style superclub that attracts such talents as the Chemical Brothers and David Guetta.
    Nearest transport: Clarke Quay MRT.

  27. Visit National Gallery Singapore

    a large building with a clock on the front of it The largest collection of modern art found in Singapore and Southeast Asia is housed at this gallery located in a beautifully restored former Supreme Court building that opened in 2015. The exhibitions showcase cultural heritage and regional influences, displaying artworks ranging from the 19th century to today originating both locally as well as from across Southeast Asia. One permanent gallery, called the DBS Singapore Gallery, chronologically arranges Singaporean art reflecting changing relationships between artists and their community through different artistic periods – from European influenced landscapes of early colonial Singapore to abstract styles of the 21st century. Free guided tours are provided daily at 2pm on a first come basis. Another permanent section, Between Declarations and Dreams, traces the evolution of artistic movements across the region and outside influences such as local traditions, colonial rule, Western trends and political changes; socially critical art from the 1970s is particularly highlighted. Additional daily context is offered through 3:30pm tours. Past temporary exhibitions featured sculpture by Danish artist Ng Teng Fong born in Vietnam as well as landscape paintings by Chinese artist Wu Guanzhong. In addition to its outstanding art collection, the National Gallery houses a lively culinary scene comprising Odette (contemporary French cuisine), Aura (classic Italian fare), Yan (upscale Cantonese dishes), Smoke and Mirrors (rooftop bar with signature cocktails and pastries), and National Kitchen by Violet Oon (Peranakan cuisine).
    Nearest transport: City Hall MRT.
    Picture credit

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

Join us on our journey!

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