Ten Things to Do in Singapore

 

Singapore, perhaps more than any other city in the world, embodies a fusion of a modern urban city with lush, green, eco-conscious spaces.  It is a multi-cultural financial center that has grown rapidly in the last few decades.  The best way to see Singapore is to start by purchasing a Singapore Explorer Pass.

1. Explore the Gardens by the Bay

Singapore prides itself as being a city that balances urban sophistication with natural beauty, and nothing epitomizes that more than the Gardens by the Bay.  Gardens by the Bay is a spectacular park in the Marina South area of Singapore.  Supertree Grove features gigantic "supertrees" that house 158,000 plants and light up at night.  The Cloud Forest is home to an indoor waterfall, and the Flower Dome is a botanic garden with floral species from all over the globe.

2. Spend a day on Sentosa

Sentosa is a resort island off the coast of Singapore, and it has something for everyone.  Families will enjoy Universal Studios, Sentosa 4D Adventureland, Skyline Luge, water parks, marine life parks, and iFly Singapore, a simulated skydiving experience.   For a little more laid back day, you can play a round of golf at the Serapong or Sentosa golf courses, or you can simply spend the day chilling at the beach.  You can cap off the day at the casino or watch a laser show at Wings of Time.

3. Drink a Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel

The Singapore Sling was invented at the historic Raffles Hotel in 1915.  The hotel was founded in 1887 and has hosted many celebrities throughout the years.  Afternoon tea is also a popular tradition at the hotel.  For a more hands-on experience, try a class at the Raffles Culinary Academy.  

4. View Singapore from the Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck

If you’re staying at the Marina Bay Sands you can get a once-in-a-lifetime view of the skyline from the famous infinity pool.  If you're not a guest of the hotel, you may still view the skyline from the observation deck, and perhaps grab a drink at the rooftop bar.

5. Attend the Singapore Grand Prix

The Singapore Grand Prix was Formula 1's first night race back in 2008 and has since become a late September tradition on the Grand Prix calendar.  The Formula 1 cars under the lights are spectacular and the circuit is not as tight as the more established Monaco circuit, which provides more opportunities for passing and racing.

6. Visit the National Museum of Singapore

Singapore has grown rapidly since Stamford Raffles established a trading post on Singapore in 1819.  The National Museum is housed in a beautiful neo-classical building, and the museum tells the story of Singapore with extensive exhibits such as the Singapore Gallery and Life in Singapore: The Past 100 Years.  The museum also features art installations, performances, and film screenings.

7. Explore Singapore's ethnic neighborhoods

Singapore has three notable ethnic neighborhoods, Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam, Singapore's Muslim Quarter.  Chinatown is home to the traditional Thian Hock Keng Temple and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, built around what is believed to be a canine tooth of Buddha.  It is also home to the ornate Sri Mariamman Temple, the city's oldest Hindu temple.  Little India is home to the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, dedicated to the goddess Kali.  Nearby Kampong Glam features the Sultan Mosque, with two golden domes.  It is the oldest mosque in Singapore and a focal point of Singapore's Muslim community.  Each district features modern shops and restaurants, and there are many food tours that sample the various cuisines, from street food to fine dining.  The food tours are among the most popular and they tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to reserve well in advance.

8. Go on a night safari at the Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo is home to over 315 animal species, including 60 endangered species.  The zoo is impressive on its own, but in addition, you can go on a night safari.  Over 100 nocturnal species can be viewed, including many endangered ones.  Many animals indigenous to the area can be seen, such as the Asian elephant, Malayan tapir, and the Malayan tiger.  Going on the night safari supports conservation efforts for these endagered species.

9. Take an architectural tour of Singapore

Singapore's architecture reflects its diverse cultural influences.  A tour will take you through Singapore's colonial and art deco architecture through the ornate mosques and temples of the Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim communities.  You will see the contrast between the older shophouse buildings along the Singapore River and the modern, sleek glass and steel skyscrapers that dominate Singapore's modern skyline.  

10. Visit the ArtScience Museum

The avant-garde architecture of the ArtScience Museum represents a welcoming hand to visitors of Singapore.  As the name suggests, the museum combines art and science exhibits and frequently collaborates with institutions like the American Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian.