Plan out the perfect trip with our list of the best things to do in Singapore.
Off of the southern coast of Malaysia, you will find a rather modest island country called Singapore. This much overlooked location is popular for so many reasons. For starters, it is home to some of the worlds richest cultures. Not only that, but Singapore is always buzzing with activity and life. Whether it is the late hours of the day or the peak of the mid afternoon. There is so much for you to do here that you can not miss out on it. With an eclectic mix of people, there are so many things to do in Singapore that you are sure never to get bored.
Today, we are going to look at what some of these top activities are. Singapore is home to some of the worlds most stunning architectural building. Not only that, but there are plenty of Michelin star rated restaurants for you to choose from. Finally, the experiences that you can find here are ones that you can only find in a bustling area such as this. All these activities coupled together are what make Singapore one of the best places to visit.
If you are planning a trip to this stunning part of the world, then you are in for a treat. Read along to plan your perfect itinerary if Singapore is on your travel horizon. Whether you are traveling solo or traveling with children. There is something for everyone here in this fantastic country. With so many things to do in Singapore, you are sure to never get tired! Let's dive into what makes this country one of the best places to visit.
1. Visit Singapore Zoo
If you are traveling to Singapore, then one of the best things to do in Singapore is to make time to visit the popular Singapore Zoo. The Singapore Zoo is considered to be one of the best zoos in the world. Once you see all that it has to offer, we are sure that you will agree as well. For starters, this is zoo is sprawled out on 28 hectares in the Upper Seletar Reservoir. Not only is this zoo home to a wide range of animals, but the design and layout of the zoo are simply beautiful. The different parts of the zoo were well designed with the animals in mind. Visitors will quickly notice that the landscape of the zoo was created to mimic the landscape of the animals' natural habitat. This attention to detail is what makes this one of the best things to do in Singapore.
Visitors are sure to be impressed by the vast habitat enclosures that are here. These habitat enclosures for the animals closely resemble that of their natural setting. This adds to the comfort and well being of the animals who called this zoo home.
There are a couple of locations that you should be sure to explore while you are here. One of the standout locations of the Singapore Zoo is the Great Rift Valley. For starters, this section features a stunning cliff cascading waterfall. The beauty alone here is worth taking the time to notice. The animals that call this location home are the Nubian ibexes, mongooses, and baboons. What makes the Great Rift Vally so neat is the fact that visitors get to see the beauty of these animals as they would be in their own natural habitat.
Another one of the neat locations here is the Primate Kingdom. The Primate Kingdom is home to a vast array of monkeys. These different types of monkeys are perfect if you are looking to witness the wonder and curiosity that monkeys are known for. One thing is for sure, you are sure to be left with a smile as you observe these beautiful creatures in their habitats.
If you make your way to the Fragile Forest, then you will be greeted by the marvelous biodome that is housed here. In fact, visitors can actually climb up this biodome. At the top of the biodome, there are two toed sloths who lounge around on the stunning forest canopy. When you are up here observing, be sure to also keep your eyes open for flying foxes and spot lemurs as well.
Lastly, be sure to make your make your way over to the Denizens of the Frozen Tundra. There is plenty more for you to see once you get to this side of the park. Visitors can expect to find the majestic polar bears and raccoons, housed here. If you have not had the privilege of seeing a polar bear first hand, you are sure to be in for a treat.
This eclectic range of animals is clearly one of the reasons that Singapore Zoo is considered to be one of the best things in Singapore. You can expect to find that the zoo is open on a daily basis. And if you are here during the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., then you might even get a chance to look at the zoo's orangutan feedings that happens during this time frame.
While visiting the Singapore Zoo, visitors have noted plenty of times that this is one of the best things to do in Singapore. If you are traveling with family or if you are looking for cheap family vacations, this could be a great place to start
2. Go to The Night Time Safari
One of the best things to do in Singapore is to go on a night time Safari. A night time Safari is pretty cool. For starters, night time safaris are really far and few to find. However, if you make your way to the Singapore Zoo, you will find that next door offers this unique opportunity.
What makes the night time safari so unique is the fact that you get the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat during the night time. There are over a hundred and twenty species of nocturnal animals that you can witness in their natural habitat here. Some of these animals include tigers, alligators, and fishing cats.
One of the best ways to experience the night time safari is by taking a guided tour on the electric tram. This tram is one that run around the perimeter of the safari park. The guided tour on the tram will give you all the in depth information you need to know as you explore the habitats here.
Another one of the coolest things to do while you are in the nighttime safari is to watch the Creatures of the Night Show. This 20 minute show is very popular if you are traveling with children. Kids of all ages enjoy everything that the show has to offer. Highlighting moment of the Creatures of the Night Shows include the fruit bat enclosure. Guests will actually get the opportunity to stroll through this enclosure. So don't be alarmed if you get a one on one encounter with a fruit bat!
For this type of adventure, be sure to leave your camera at home. Throughout the park, you will not be allowed to take flash photography as this disrupts the nature around you. However, this is one of those moments that you should enjoy and be in the moment with. So put your camera away and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.
The safari park is conveniently open from 7:30 p.m. to midnight. So if you are looking for a neat evening adventure, this is certainly one of the best things to do in Singapore
3. Stroll around through Gardens by the Bay
If you are looking for peace and tranquility, then this next idea is one of the best things to do in Singapore. Strolling around through Gardens by the Bay is a majestic and peaceful experience that every traveler should take advantage of.
This beautiful botanical garden is spread out across 101 hectares. It is not only known for its vastness, but for its collection as well. For example, when it comes to the types of species that are housed here, visitors can find over 800 different types of plants that called this place home. What makes this garden unique is the fact that it features a beautiful range of super domes and supertrees. These features of the garden are not something that you typically see with many botanical gardens. Because of that, these biodomes add a very futuristic feel to the overall look of the gardens. When you are here, you truly feel like you have been transported somewhere amazing.
The supertrees are a unique feature of the gardens. There are 18 supertrees that you can be mesmerized by. If you get to experience the supertrees when they are turned on, you will fall in love. The supertrees are equipped with LED lights that sync beautifully to the Garden Rhapsody sound and lights show. This show not only is free, but it goes on every night from 7:45 – 8:45. If you get the opportunity to experience this magic, you are sure to fall in love as well.
Alongside beautiful sculptures, Mediterranean flowers, and cascading waterfalls, the gardens have something to offer every type of traveler. Be sure not to leave the beautiful Gardens by the Bay of your list as it is easily one of the best things to do in Singapore. You should know that while the botanical garden grounds are free, the biomes do require an entrance fee.
4. Shop ‘Till You Drop on Orchard Road
Credit: Michael Spencer
One of the main shopping quarters in Singapore also happens to be one of the best things to do in Singapore. This shopping quarter is called Orchard Road. Orchard road is not what you would expect. Instead of lush greenery and beautiful orchards as the name would suggest, you will instead find that you are met with a bustling city scene. Orchard road is lined with plenty of designer shops, boutiques, malls, and department stores. You can easily spend a whole day here and not get bored.
One of the most notable features of this shopping strip is the fact that you will find plenty of high fashion labels. Travelers can get their hand on everything from Burberry to Hermes to Jimmy Choo. However, if you are traveling on a budget, then is nothing wrong with window shopping either. In fact, if you are looking for a great place to soak in the beauty of Singapore city life, then you have come to the right place.
Finally, once you are done strolling around, it is a must that you venture into the mall for some grub. The mall's food court is known to have some of the tastiest meals to satisfy any travelers appetite.
5. Explore Singapore's Universal Studios
Credit: Resorts World Sentosa/ Facebook
You do not have to visit California to experience the magical Universal Studios. If you ask any traveler, they will tell you that one of the best things to do in Singapore is to visit the Singapore based Universal Studios.
This Hollywood movie theme park has a really unique experience to offer travelers here. While you can expect to find the comforts and staples of Hollywood itself. Visitors will feel the uniqueness of this Singapore branch surrounding them as well.
When it comes to the park, there are seven different “worlds” that you can visit. While we certainly encourage you to visit as many as you can. There are certain ones that appeal to different types of travelers. For example, if you are traveling with family, then the south end of the park is for you. Here, you will find attractions that are more geared towards younger children. Some of these attractions include the popular Puss in Boots attraction and the Dino-Soaring in the Lost World attraction.
If you are a thrill seeker, then you will want to make your way over to Sci-Fi City. In this part of the theme park, you will find thrilling rides such as the Battlestar Galactica. Along with that, other attractions such as the Transformers the Ride is one that will have you transported into an alternative world. With its exciting appeal, riders will be in for a treat of a lifetime.
When you make your way to the Ancient Egypt world, you will find the fabulous Revenge of the Mummy roller. This is one roller coaster that will have you shouting with glee. And lastly, do not forget to leave out the fantastic Lost World Waterfall Show. The show is based on Kevin Costner's hit film. Here, visitors can expect to find everything from incredible stunts to off the wall explosions. And if you sit up close to the front, you will want to bring along a rain poncho because your clothes are sure to get soaking wet.
The Hollywood movie theme park is a popular destination, especially for locals. Because of this, you can expect this theme park to be packed all year round. However, there are certain times that you can aim for if you are looking to beat the crowds. During the off season (such as when schools are out), lines tend to be a little shorter. Weekdays are also great days to plan out a trip here as well. Whenever you decided to go, you surely can not go wrong. Visiting Singapores Universal Studios is easily one of the best things to do in Singapore.
6. Spend a Day at the S. E. A. Aquarium
One of the most remarkable destinations to visit is the Majestic S.E.A. Aquarium. From start to finish, this aquarium is fantastic. For starters, it is home to nearly more than 100,000 different underwater animals. Everything from jaw dropping sharks to octopus to coral and jellyfish call this place home. What makes this aquarium one of the best things to do in Singapore is the fact that it is the premier destination for travelers of all ages. If you are traveling with children, then they are sure to love all the neat things to visit here.
One of the main attractions is the incredible Open Ocean Tank. The Open Ocean Tank is a vast tank that measures 36 meters long and 8.3 meters high. Standing in front of the tank will make you feel so small compared to this microcosm of the ocean world before you. When it comes to the Ocean Open Tank itself, visitors can expect to come face to face with stunning stingrays, sharks, barracudas, and other open ocean sea creatures. Not only that but visitors can look forward to witnessing the daily feedings that take place here. For a peek of the underwater world, the Open Ocean Tank is an incredible sight to see. In fact, many travelers mark this tank as one of the best things to do in Singapore.
The Underwater Tunnel is another popular location for travelers to enjoy here in this aquarium. The Underwater Tunnel is home to some of the cutest little fish that call the ocean home. These fish can be found swimming and darting around you as you stroll through the tunnel.
Speaking of underwater tunnels, the Shark Tunnel is an absolute blast to visit as well. The Shark Tunnel is home to a range of sharks including Hammerheads, Silver Tips, and Sandbar sharks. The beauty of the tunnel is that the sharks will swim right over your head and around you. The sense of being right in the middle of all the action is an exciting feeling. Not only that, but this feeling will leave you in absolute amazement.
To learn more about the history that surrounds this unique part of Asia, you must visit the on site Museum. The Maritime Experiential Museum is located right on site in the S.E.A. Aquarium. If you are looking to learn about all there is to know about the Aquatic and Maritime Heritage of Asia, this destination is a must. Without a doubt visiting the S.E.A. Aquarium is easily one of the best things to do in Singapore.
7. Stroll Around Marina Bay
Marina Bay is one of the most iconic locations in Singapore. In fact, it is easily one of the best things to do in Singapore. When you are strolling around Marina Bay, you will get some incredible views of the city. Unlike the Singapore Flyer, these views are from the ground up. If you come here during the night time, the sparkling skyscrapers that tower above you make for a site that is simply wonderful.
To really soak in the city around you, you will want to walk it. The best way is by starting your stroll at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Here, there are plenty of shopping and restaurants for you to hop in and out of. Next, head west along the Marina Promenade and you will find yourself on the Gluttons Corner. Ask any local and they will tell you this is home to the best open air food courts around. Other landmarks to keep an eye out for include the Esplanade Theatre on the bay. This is a performing arts center that boasts crowds whenever there is a performance going on.
Next, you will want to make your way south on the Esplanade Bridge to the popular Merlion statue. Essentially, this stature is a half lion, half fish statue. The Merlion statue is a staple of Marina Bay, so be sure to snap a picture alongside it for your memory book. Lastly, make your way towards the Elgin Bridge to the north side of the river. When you double back you will find the Asian Civilization Museum and the Victoria Theatre along with the Statue of Sir Stamford Raffles. This historic statue was placed here to commemorate the founder of Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles himself.
Whether you are strolling around alone or strolling around with a travel buddy, you will not be disappointed. The Marina Bay has so much to offer that you can spend a whole day exploring. From wonderful landmarks to prestige shopping to delectable restaurants. Marina Bay has a little bit of everything for every type of traveler. All this easily makes it one of the best things to do in Singapore.
8. Stop By the Marina Bay Sands
If you have had the pleasure of watching 2018's top rated film, Crazy Rich Asians, then this landmark might look familiar to you. The Marina Bay Sands Hotel is perhaps one of the most appealing skyscrapers on Earth. When it comes to Singapore, this is easily one of the most dominating skyscrapers on the Singapore skyline.
The Marina Bay Sands Hotel was designed by an Israeli Canadian architect named Moshe Safdie. Although this popular landmark is a hotel, it also it's one of the most popular attractions. Especially when it comes to some of the best things to do in Singapore.
Right below the hotel, there is a slew of designer stores in the mall. These stores are perfect for splurging on some of the finer things in life. If you would rather, then spending a day people watching and window shopping is another way enjoy your time here. When it is time to grab a bite to eat, you must make your way to one of the many restaurant that line the city below. In fact, many of these restaurants have earned themselves a Michelin star rating for their exceptional quality.
If you time your visit just right, you may find that there is a performance going on at the MasterCard Theater. If not, then the waterfront Air Science Museum is another popular destination to go to. This museum is easy to spot thanks to its beautiful lotus flower design.
If you can handle your fear of heights, then one of the best things to do in Singapore is to climb the observation deck at the top of Marina Bay Sands. The observation deck will give you unparalleled views of the Singapore skyline below. If you are here during the evenings, then you can see the Singapore skyline LED show. The hotel stages a stunning display of electronic art. Wonder fall is a 13 minute sound and light display that simply changes the atmosphere of the city. Visitors can expect to see the skyline comes alive. The beautiful music and lights come together to create something that is truly memorable.
9. Take a Ride on the Singapore Flyer
The Singapore Flyer is another one of the best things to do in Singapore. If you love heights and beautiful views, then this is one of the best of destinations for you. The Singapore Flyer is very similar to world famous London Eye in so many ways. Starters, this Ferris wheel is, in fact, one of the largest observation wheels around. Currently, it is rated as the fourth tallest Ferris wheel just after Dubai, New York, and Nevada.
When you get to the top of the Singapore Flyer, you can expect to be met with some of the most beautiful views around. This 165 meter tall Ferris wheel gives visitors the chance to see the Singapore Skyline day or night. Some popular landmarks you can expect to be able to view include those of the of the Marina Bay. You also get the chance to witness Singapore traffic at its finest. And if you have a good enough eye, you may be able to point out historic buildings of the Colonial District too.
If you plan on visiting the Singapore Flyer, you should check out their website first. Oftentimes, discounted rates are available for people who purchase their tickets online. Without a doubt, a relaxing way to spend a day with remarkable views is by visiting the Singapore Flyer. Ask any local and they will tell you that this is one of the best things to do in Singapore.
10. Explore Chinatown
One of the best things to do in Singapore is to experience the Chinese heritage that dominates this city. The best way to do this is by making your way down to Singapore's Chinatown. Chinatown is home to an eclectic range of shops. These shops offer a little bit of everything. From souvenir shops, to nail salons to massage parlors and restaurant. You can easily spend a whole day strolling the streets without getting bored.
When you make your way from the Chinatown metro stop, stroll down the main street to soak in all the charm. Once you are about halfway, you will find yourself in front of the Chinatown Heritage Center. The Chinatown Heritage Center is a fabulous landmark that has wonderfully captured the colorful past of Chinatown. Everything from the lifestyle of the people of Chinatown to be mesmerized scenery is put on display here.
Once you are done exploring the beautiful Heritage Center, the temples are your next stop. For starters, the Sri Mariamman Temple is a popular landmark that should be on your list of places to visit. When it comes to the history of Singapore, this temple is the oldest Hindu temple that is still standing. The structure and architectural design of this temple are certainly breathtaking. If you are a travel photographer, then it is well worth your time to snap a couple of shots of this beautiful temple.
Another temple that you should consider gazing at is the Sri Layan Sithi Vinayagar. This temple is just as remarkably beautiful and stunning. Continue on your path and you will be greeted with other temples including the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and the Siang Cho Keong Temple that is on Amoy Street. Lastly, be sure not to leave off next landmark of places to visit. The 19th century Al-Abrar Mosque is one of the most stunning landmarks to pay a quick stroll over to. Finally, a great way to end your exploration is by strolling over to the nearby Thian Hock Keng Temple.
The rich history that litters Singapore's Chinatown is something that you simply cannot ignore. Whether you are visiting for the first time or are a seasoned traveler to Singapore, you cannot go wrong by stopping here. Without a doubt taking a day off and strolling around through Chinatown is easily one of the best things to do in Singapore.
Final Thoughts
Singapore is home to so many hidden treasures. These treasures come together to give visitors the opportunity to explore some of the best things to do in Singapore. If you are planning a trip here soon, then be sure to plan out your travels carefully. With so many things to do in Singapore, you will want to make sure that you give yourself enough time to explore every nook and cranny.
For many travelers, a weekend getaway is not enough to do the trick. Instead, if you are planning a trip here, then it would be in your best interest to set a good chunk of time aside. In fact, staying a week or more here should be enough time. From exploring the Garden by the Bay or going to the fabulous S.E.A Aquarium. Setting aside at least a week of your time will ensure that you have the chance to enjoy all the wonderful things to do in Singapore. Here's to happy traveling and exploring!
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