Singapore, a tiny island nation in Southeast Asia, is well known for its ultra-modern lifestyle, towering skyscrapers and spectacular malls. Due to its small size, the country is the second most densely populated in the world, but by no means is it overrun by chaos. Due to its meticulous urban planning, there are several green and recreational places. With its environment-friendly policies, heritage and conservation programmes, and the world's lowest crime rates, Singapore stands out as one of the most captivating destinations for tourists, making the tourism sector a major contributor to Singapore's economy. From modern wonders like Marina Bay Sands to the thrilling paradise of Sentosa Island, Singapore offers myriad attractions for every kind of traveller. Here, we've curated a list of some of the must-visit places to check out in Singapore. Let's dive in.
Changi Airport is more than just a usual airport—it's a destination unto itself. It is legitimately regarded as the world's best airport. If you have a layover at Changi Airport or get the opportunity to visit Singapore, then Changi Airport is a must-see.
Its centrepiece, the Rain Vortex, is the world's tallest indoor waterfall, standing at 40 metres high. The surrounding Shiseido Forest Valley is an indoor garden spanning five stories, offering a tranquil nature walk amidst lush greenery. Located at the topmost level of Jewel, this recreational wonderland includes attractions such as the Canopy Bridge, Sky Nets, Discovery Slides, and Foggy Bowls, providing fun and relaxation for all ages.
Changi Airport is a paradise for shoppers and food enthusiasts, featuring a wide array of retail stores ranging from luxury brands to local souvenirs. Changi Airport is much more than a gateway to Singapore; it's a destination that offers a glimpse into the future of travel, where transit becomes an opportunity for adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Whether you're there for a layover or as a starting point for your Singapore adventure, Changi Airport promises an experience like no other.
Gardens by the Bay in Singapore is a breathtaking nature park that spans an impressive 101 hectares. It is strategically situated in the city's central region, adjacent to the Marina Reservoir. The park is renowned for its horticultural artistry and consists of three stunning waterfront gardens: Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden, and Bay Central Garden.
The iconic Supertree Grove, a cluster of tree-like structures towering over the gardens, is one of the most recognizable features of Gardens by the Bay. The Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck offers spectacular views of Gardens by the Bay. This Insta-worthy location is stunning during the day and even more breathtaking when the sun sets, and everything is illuminated with vibrant lights!
Marina Bay Sands is an iconic, integrated resort fronting Marina Bay in Singapore, widely recognized as a landmark of the city. One of Singapore's best tourist destinations, The Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck offers spectacular views of Gardens by the Bay.
Opened in 2010, it was billed as the world's most expensive standalone casino property at the time. The complex includes a high-end hotel, a vast casino, an expansive convention and exhibition centre, a bustling shopping mall, an art and science museum, and a variety of dining establishments, including world-class celebrity chef restaurants. The rooftop Sands SkyPark offers an unrivalled 360-degree view of the city's skyline and features the world's largest rooftop Infinity Pool.
Sentosa Island, a tropical paradise just off Singapore's southern coast, is a hub of excitement and relaxation with its vibrant mix of thrilling attractions, pristine beaches, lush greenery, and world-class entertainment. The island, formerly a British military fortress, has transformed into one of Singapore's most popular and beloved destinations for locals and tourists. Singapore's most popular attractions can be reached by bicycle, car, or cable car. The island is home to Madame Tussaud's and Sentosa Aquarium.
For adventure seekers, there are thrilling amusement park rides, including Universal Studios Singapore, which brings movies to life with its exhilarating rides and attractions. History enthusiasts can explore Fort Siloso, a restored coastal fort that provides insight into Singapore's past. The Merlion statue on Sentosa, standing tall at 37 metres, offers visitors a chance to view the island from its mouth, providing a unique perspective of the area.
Sentosa Island has lots of fantastic eateries, nightclubs, shops, and activity zones. The beach in Palawan is a popular honeymoon destination.
Apart from being one of the country's most iconic symbols, Merlion Park is a renowned tourist destination in Singapore. Home to the famed Merlion statue, a mythical creature with the body of a fish and the head of a lion, the scenic waterfront location offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. The Merlion statue, standing at 8.6 metres high and weighing 70 tonnes, symbolises Singapore's origin as a fishing village and its transformation into a vibrant metropolis.
The park is open 24 hours a day, allowing visitors to enjoy its beauty at any time, and it's especially captivating when the statue and the surrounding area are illuminated at night. The park's strategic location makes it an ideal spot for taking photos, enjoying leisurely strolls, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of this bustling city.
If you are travelling to Singapore with children, Universal Studios Theme Park is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit. Universal Studios Singapore, nestled within Resorts World Sentosa, is an adrenaline-pumping adventure world offering 28 rides, shows, and attractions across seven themed zones. It holds the distinction of being one of only five Universal Studios theme parks globally and Southeast Asia's first and only theme park of its kind. Each zone is meticulously themed around blockbuster films and television series, bringing your favourite cinematic worlds to life. The theme park features rides based on Madagascar, Transformers, and Shrek. In addition to the movie-themed attractions, it features a water park, marine life park, maritime interactive museum, and an aquarium. The park promises a thrilling experience for visitors of all ages.
The park also features a variety of dining options, ranging from quick snacks to full-service restaurants, ensuring that visitors can refuel and recharge throughout their adventure-filled day.
Singapore Zoo, also known as the Mandai Zoo, is an acclaimed 28-hectare wildlife park near the Upper Seletar Reservoir in Singapore's lush central catchment area. The zoo is celebrated for its expansive collection of over 2,800 animals from more than 300 species, 34 per cent of which are classified as threatened.
The park's design offers visitors immersive learning experiences, and it's highly regarded for its naturalistic exhibits, providing numerous opportunities to marvel at the diversity of wildlife. The orangutans are particularly impressive, and visitors can observe both adults and babies swinging high above their platforms and enjoying fruit snacks. In addition, there are many other animals like mole rats, white tigers, kangaroos, zebras, meerkats, a Komodo dragon, and a large family of chimpanzees. If the zoo fails to satisfy your need for close encounters with animals, there's also the Night Safari and River Safari, which features a massive panda forest, and Jurong Bird Park.
Since Singapore is an island nation, the quickest and most convenient way to get there is via flight, which takes somewhere around 5 hours and 30 minutes covering a distance of 3440 kilometres.
