Singapore is one of the most socially and technologically advanced countries in the world. In 2019, it was ranked as having the most “powerful” passport globally, allowing its citizens to travel to 179 countries without a visa. Visiting Singapore feels like stepping into the future, with its advanced architecture and technology, yet it retains that distinct Southeast Asian charm. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best places to see in Singapore.
When planning a trip to Southeast Asia, you might expect a lower budget compared to other parts of the world. However, Singapore is the exception. It’s one of the most expensive cities globally due to its limited space and dense population.
Singapore, an island city-state, gained independence from Malaysia and has had to reclaim land from the sea to grow. This includes iconic spots like Sentosa Island, which was originally a landfill site.
1. Marina Bay Sands Hotel – A Must-See in Singapore
The Marina Bay Sands Hotel is world-renowned for its record-breaking features, including the world’s longest infinity pool at the highest elevation. From this pool, you can enjoy the best views of Singapore. However, to access the infinity pool, you must be a hotel guest.
On the 57th floor, the Sky Park bridges the hotel’s three buildings, offering bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and an observatory. While hotel guests get free access, others can visit for 26 SGD. You can purchase tickets on the official website.
Here are some impressive stats about the Marina Bay Sands Hotel:
- 2,560 rooms.
- A 120,000 square meter convention and exhibition center.
- A mall, Science and Art Museum, two theaters, six restaurants with prestigious chefs, a casino with 500 tables, and 1,600 slot machines.
For the Sky Park:
- It houses the world’s highest infinity pool at 200 meters high.
- The pool was built with 182 tons of stainless steel and holds 1,440 cubic meters of water.
- The Sky Park can accommodate 3,900 people.
In my opinion, Marina Bay Sands is Singapore’s most iconic hotel and tourist attraction. If you can, splurge on at least one night’s stay to fully experience this architectural marvel. On average, a night costs around 600 USD.
2. Gardens by the Bay – A Must-See in Singapore
Located next to Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay is a massive tourist complex that you can visit for free, regardless of whether you’re staying at the hotel.
From personal experience, I recommend visiting during the day for stunning garden views from the lakes. At night, the gardens light up in a magical display, reminiscent of Pandora from the movie Avatar.
Gardens by the Bay offers a free sound and light show daily at 7:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.
3. Singapore Botanic Gardens – A Must-See in Singapore
Another must-see in Singapore is the Botanic Gardens, home to incredible gardens featuring Singapore’s national flower, the Orchid.
Entry to the botanical garden is free, except for the orchid garden, which costs 50 SGD.
4. Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island is Singapore’s famous entertainment island, created by reclaiming land from the sea. It offers numerous attractions, including:
- Universal Studios Singapore: An amusement park with unique rides like Jurassic Park.
- Royal Albatross Luxury Yacht: Enjoy drinks and food while cruising along the Singapore waterfront, admiring city views. This yacht was used for filming some Batman scenes.
- Sentosa Beaches: Singapore’s most famous man-made beaches with free admission.
5. TreeTop Walk
Similar to Kuala Lumpur, the Singapore Botanic Gardens offer a chance to walk among the treetops, experiencing the flora and fauna typical of Singapore.
6. Merlion and Clifford Park – A Must-See in Singapore
The name Singapore comes from the Sanskrit words “singa” and “pura,” meaning “City of Lions.” However, lions were never found here; they were likely mistaken for tigers.
Singapore became a significant pirate port, leading to its economic and political growth. To symbolize its association with lions and its maritime importance, the famous “Merlion” statue was created, combining a lion’s head and a mermaid’s tail.
In this park, you can see the Merlion statue with a stunning view of Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore lagoon in the background.
7. Cheap Michelin Star Food in Singapore
Singapore boasts the largest number of Michelin-starred restaurants and food establishments. Therefore, food lovers will find plenty to indulge in, from Chinese and Malaysian to Japanese and Thai cuisine. Here are some budget-friendly Michelin-starred options:
- Chinatown Food Street: Primarily Chinese dishes from Beijing and Cantonese regions, averaging 10 SGD per meal.
- Liao Fan Hawker Chan: Famous for lacquered chicken, rice, vegetables, and more, with prices ranging from 7 SGD to 20 SGD.
- Hong Lim Market & Food Corner: A favorite spot with three floors of small food outlets, each specializing in different dishes, starting from 2 SGD.
8. Parliament of Singapore
In the city center, you’ll find iconic buildings that once served the British colony’s administration. The Parliament building now serves as the seat of the Singapore government and is worth a visit.
Nearby, the National Gallery of Singapore resembles London buildings, reflecting British heritage. The Supreme Court of Justice, with its UFO-like structure, is also a fascinating site.
9. St. Andrew’s Cathedral
St. Andrew’s Cathedral is a small building that served as the Anglican faith’s seat during British colonial times. Today, it still functions as a place of worship for many foreigners.
10. Arab Quarter – Arab Street
The Arab Quarter is one of Singapore’s most picturesque neighborhoods at night. Here, you’ll find the stunning Sultan Mosque, one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful mosques, and delicious Arab food restaurants.
Arab Street is also an affordable area to stay in Singapore if you’re looking to save money on accommodations.
11. Little India
Singapore has a significant Hindu population, and Little India offers a colorful and vibrant experience. It’s like visiting India without the culture shock. Highlights include:
- Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple: The most important Hindu temple in Singapore.
- Mustafa Centre: A 24-hour shopping center with a wide range of merchandise.
- Tekka Centre: Mainly Indian food, offering delicious dishes you must try.
12. Chinatown – A Must-See in Singapore
Chinatown is one of Singapore’s most important districts, largely inhabited by Chinese immigrants and their descendants. They created a neighborhood with temples to worship their gods and bring a piece of China to Singapore.
Key attractions include:
- Thian Hock Keng Temple: Singapore’s oldest and most important Chinese temple, dedicated to the goddess Mazu.
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum: Said to house a Buddha tooth, surrounded by shops offering food, souvenirs, and clothes at good prices.
- Chinatown Street Food: Excellent Chinese cuisine from Canton and Beijing regions.
13. Hong Lim Park
A hidden gem not mentioned in most guidebooks, Hong Lim Park is located atop an apartment complex. It’s a work of engineering and architecture, resembling a ground-level park but elevated.
14. Butterfly Garden and Waterfall Inside Singapore Airport – A Must-See in Singapore
Singapore’s airport is renowned for its innovation. Whether arriving or departing, don’t miss the waterfall in Terminal 3 and the indoor gardens.
Take note of the details: trees planted directly in the ground, real birds in the trees, and automated check-in and passport control processes.
15. Flower Dome and Cloud Forest
Located within Gardens by the Bay, the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest house plant species from around the world.
16. Peranakan Houses
These colorful houses reflect the heritage of the Peranakan people, descendants of the first Chinese settlers in the Malay Peninsula, who influenced the culture of Malaysia and Singapore.
Located in the first area where Singapore’s population grew, these houses preserve the traditions and culture that shaped the city.
17. Raffles Hotel
Raffles Hotel, Singapore’s first hotel, is the birthplace of the famous Singapore Sling cocktail, created by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon.
18. Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay is one of Singapore’s most beautiful areas with a vibrant outdoor atmosphere. I recommend visiting at night to experience the lively restaurants, music, and boat rides offering magnificent views of the Singapore skyline.
My Singapore Adventure
Let me take you on a personal journey through these iconic spots in Singapore. The first time I landed in Singapore, the city’s blend of futuristic architecture and rich cultural heritage immediately captivated me.
Staying at Marina Bay Sands was a dream come true. The view from the infinity pool is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Floating above the city, with the skyline stretching out before me, was surreal. The Sky Park, with its vibrant nightlife and breathtaking views, added to the experience.
Gardens by the Bay was another highlight. Visiting during the day, the sight of the Supertree Grove and the serene lakes left me in awe. But it was the nighttime light show that truly mesmerized me, making me feel like I was in a sci-fi movie.
The Botanic Gardens offered a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle. Walking through the Orchid Garden, surrounded by vibrant flowers, was a tranquil experience.
Sentosa Island was a playground of fun and adventure. Universal Studios brought out my inner child, and the luxury yacht cruise provided a touch of elegance.
The Merlion and Clifford Park were iconic stops. The Merlion statue, with Marina Bay Sands in the background, made for a perfect photo op.
The culinary journey in Singapore was unforgettable. Chinatown Food Street and Liao Fan Hawker Chan introduced me to Michelin-starred delights without breaking the bank. Hong Lim Market was a treasure trove of flavors.
Exploring Little India and Chinatown added cultural richness to my trip. The temples, markets, and vibrant streets offered a glimpse into Singapore’s diverse heritage.
Hong Lim Park was a surprise find. Its unique location atop an apartment complex showcased Singapore’s innovative spirit.
Singapore’s airport was a marvel. The Butterfly Garden and indoor waterfall made waiting for a flight a delightful experience.
The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest were botanical wonders. The variety of plant species and the cool, misty atmosphere of the Cloud Forest were refreshing.
The colorful Peranakan Houses added a historical touch to my trip. Learning about the Peranakan culture was fascinating.
Raffles Hotel was a nostalgic stop. Sipping a Singapore Sling in the hotel’s iconic bar felt like stepping back in time.
Clarke Quay was the perfect end to my Singapore adventure. The lively atmosphere, delicious food, and stunning river views created lasting memories.
Singapore’s Cultural and Technological Tapestry
Singapore’s blend of advanced technology and deep-rooted cultural heritage makes it a unique destination. The Marina Bay Sands symbolizes the city’s futuristic vision, while Gardens by the Bay showcases its commitment to green spaces and sustainability.
The Botanic Gardens and Sentosa Island highlight Singapore’s dedication to creating beautiful, accessible recreational areas. The Merlion represents the city’s historical journey from a fishing village to a global hub.
Singapore’s culinary scene is a testament to its cultural diversity. The variety of Michelin-starred options reflects the city’s appreciation for high-quality food from different cultures.
Little India and Chinatown offer a glimpse into the lives of the city’s immigrant communities. These neighborhoods preserve traditions while integrating into Singapore’s modern landscape.
The innovative architecture of Hong Lim Park and the airport demonstrates Singapore’s forward-thinking approach to urban development.
The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest emphasize the city’s commitment to preserving nature amid urbanization. The Peranakan Houses and Raffles Hotel preserve historical and cultural heritage.
Clarke Quay, with its vibrant nightlife, reflects Singapore’s lively spirit and its embrace of modernity and tradition.
Enhancing Originality: My Unique Voice
Every travel experience is unique, and my journey through Singapore was filled with awe, wonder, and deep appreciation for the city’s rich heritage. Beyond the landmarks, the small moments made my trip unforgettable.
Wandering through a local market, tasting exotic fruits, and chatting with friendly vendors provided a true sense of the city’s heart. Discovering a hidden café and enjoying a cup of kopi (local coffee) while watching the world go by was a simple pleasure that left a lasting impression.
The spontaneous decision to take a night boat ride along the Singapore River, with the city lights reflecting on the water, was magical. These personal encounters and experiences add depth to the journey.
Conclusion: The Magic of Singapore
Traveling to Singapore is an adventure filled with wonder and discovery. From the iconic Marina Bay Sands and enchanting Gardens by the Bay to the serene Botanic Gardens, vibrant Sentosa Island, and historic Merlion, each site offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.
But beyond the landmarks, it’s the personal experiences and connections that make your journey truly unforgettable. Whether it’s savoring a delicious meal, exploring cultural neighborhoods, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, these moments create memories that last a lifetime.
Singapore captures your heart and soul. It’s a place where the past meets the future, and every corner has a story to tell. So pack your bags, embark on this incredible journey, and let the magic of Singapore enchant you.