Singapore is a growing cosmopolitan city with a history rooted in trade and commerce. Although a long favourite destination for more prosperous travellers, the Lion City’s roar is beginning to be heard by the masses.
An abundance of world-class attractions are springing up on a regular basis, whilst a wide variety of restaurants and nightlife options are for everyone, from budget backpackers to high rolling millionaires!
Therefore, are you planning a trip to the Lion City? Or are you a local who just hadn't had time to explore their stomping grounds? Whatever it is, here are the all major attractions in Singapore to check off your list.
1. Art Science Museum
Future World: Where Art Meets Science, a permanent exhibition you will catch up and there will be fascinating stories to tell. Part of Singapore’s iconic Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort, the Art Science Museum blends the worlds of art and science.
The Art Science Museum has housed renowned exhibitions that push the boundaries of science, technology, and knowledge. Other exhibitions have also featured a multitude of works from the arts and creative fields.
2. National Gallery Singapore
National Gallery Singapore presents modern art by Southeast Asian artists. Featuring established artists form the region, be sure to check out the rooftop sculpture garden featuring works by Vietnamese born Danish artist Danh Vo.
The National Gallery Singapore is an art gallery located in the Downtown Core of Singapore. It oversees the world's largest public collection of Singapore and Southeast Asian art, consisting of over 8,000 artworks.
Consisting of modern and contemporary art, National Gallery Singapore focuses on displaying Singapore and Southeast Asian art from the 19th century to the present day. It is home to two permanent galleries: the DBS Singapore Gallery and the UOB Southeast Asia Gallery. Through its collection, the Gallery will present the development of Singaporean and regional cultures.
3. Chinese and Japanese Gardens
Chinese and Japanese Gardens are connected to each other by the Bridge of Double Beauty. Both the gardens are popular with photographers and lately, who want to feature the unique architecture found within the gardens as part of their photos.
The best times to visit the gardens are during Chinese New Year (usually January or February) and the Mid-Autumn Festival (September or October), when cultural performances are held and the gardens are lit up at night like a fairyland by hundreds of beautiful paper lanterns or just to enjoy the scenery.
4. River Safari
Captivating experience of river life at the Singapore River Safari. Inspired by the mighty rivers of the world, the attraction features and plantation against a backdrop of history and culture.
The River Safari is part of the Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) group who are behind some of Singapore's very best attractions - the Singapore Zoo, Jurong Bird Park and Night Safari and it is located next to the Singapore Zoo.
The park consists of a total of 10 different ecosystems around the world, including the River Nile, Yangtze River, Mississippi, Amazon as well as the Tundra. It features 5000 animals of 300 species, including numerous that are endangered. Among these are anacondas, electric eels, Mekong freshwater stingrays, West Indian manatees, Mekong giant catfish, and many more.
5. St John's & Lazarus Island
St John’s and Lazarus Islands belong to a collective group known as the Southern Islands that is currently taken care of by the Sentosa Development Corporation. The other islands under their charge are Sentosa, Pulau Seringat, Sisters’ Islands (Pulau Subar Laut and Pulau Subar Darat) and Pulau Tekukor (also known as Pulau Penyabong or Turtle Dove).
St John’s Island’s original name was Pulau Sekijang Bendera which means “Island of One Barking Deer and Flags”. The island had a significant history, where it was used as a quarantine station, detention centre and rehabilitation centre in the 100 years between the 1870s and 1970s.
Lazarus Island is about serenity and cleanliness. You’ll also be thrilled to know that Lazarus Island is a jaw-dropping 15-minute boat ride away from the Marina South Pier. That’s like taking a bus from Far East Plaza to Marina Square.
6. Ubin Island
Ubin Island is an island off eastern Singapore and often considered the last 'kampung' (village) in Singapore. A stroll through Ubin takes you back to Singapore in the 1960's with the simpler pleasures of life. The slow lane starts as soon as you join the queue for the bumboat at Changi. As you arrive, all cares are left behind.
Ubin is a great day trip spent walking or pedalling through rustic roads under swaying coconut palms, exploring shady trails in overgrown rubber plantations, checking out secluded beaches and flourishing mangroves. On Ubin, the food tastes better, air is fresher and sights and sounds so soothing to the soul.
7. Little India
Little India is one of Singapore's cultural enclaves and recently launched Little India Heritage Walks are a good way to explore the area. It's a sensory overload with endless streams of colors, sounds and scents.
Little India is also one of Singapore’s most vibrant districts. As you walk down Serangoon Road and neighbouring streets, explore their mix of Hindu and Chinese temples, mosques and churches.
Fill your tummy with South Indian vegetarian food, North Indian tandoori dishes and local fare like roti prata (round pancakes) and teh tarik (milk tea in Malay). Try to spot the brewers ‘pull’ the hot milk tea and amazing showmanship.
Don’t forget to shop. The 24-hour shopping mall Mustafa Centre offers everything from electronics to groceries, or take your pick from open-air Tekka Centre, goldsmith shops and sari stores.
8. Kampong Glam
Kampong Glam is really glam (a local term meaning glamorous). The area has an eclectic blend of history, culture and a super-trendy lifestyle scene.
See if this is true on your Kampong Glam journey. Start from the landmark Sultan Mosque, and explore the many side streets of this culturally vibrant district.
9. Siloso Beach
The Siloso Beach in Sentosa is Singapore's hippest beach and plays host to the best New Year countdown beach party in Singapore, the Siloso Beach Party. Get into your favourite bikini and take a dip or simply bask in the sun. Surfing a man-made wave or chill-out in a whirlpool bath on the beach.
Then try your hand at skim-boarding or kayaking, as well as cycling, rollerblading and other exciting beach activities.
After dark, Siloso really comes alive, with parties, music, lively bars and restaurants celebrating the beach lifestyle long into the night – every night.
10. Adventure Cove Waterpark
This is another great activity for thrill-seekers. Adventure Cove Waterpark is home to several water roller coasters. We also love the snorkelling pool where you can swim with freshwater fish.
At Adventure Cove Waterpark, you can take high-speed water slides, laze the day away drifting on a lazy river, snorkel with 20,000 tropical fish over a colourful reef, wade among rays and even come face to face with sharks!
Source: visitsingapore.com, timeout.com