PLACES TO SEE IN SINGAPORE
MERLION
2 of 42
Merlion is an essential attraction in Singapore. Actually, it is the official mascot of the country and is branded on almost all souvenirs you find in the gift stores. The structure is that of a lion with a fish’s body. The Merlion is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and beautiful views of the Marina Bay and Singapore’s skyline.
MARINA BAY SANDS HOTEL SKYPARK
3 of 42
The Marina Bay Sands Hotel is one of the most popular attractions in Singapore—it is the most popular hotel in Singapore because of its infinity pool and beautiful views of Singapore seen from the rooftop. Basically, the Skypark is an observation deck and from here you can encounter Singapore from the sky. You pay to access the Skypark, but if you wanted to access the infinity pool area, you must be a hotel guest.
VEERAMAKALIAMMAN TEMPLE
6 of 42
As one of the oldest Hindu temples, Sri Veeramakaliamman has been pulling visitors from all over the world to Little India. The fascination with the architecture is understandable—so much time and detail went in the renovations in the 1980s. The temple is open from 5:30 am to 9:30 pm every day. The Address is 141 Serangoon Road.
NATIONAL GALLERY SINGAPORE
7 of 42
National Gallery Singapore has a modern art public collection that is the largest in Southeast Asia. When you get there, grab a guidebook and choose wisely what you want to see—the museum is so big you will not be able to see everything in one day.
MARINA BAY WATERFRONT PROMENADE
8 of 42
The beauty of Singapore is showcased in the evening when the whole marina bay is illuminated. The 6 pm light show transforms the promenade. The 3.5 km bay walkway gives you a perfect view of Singapore’s skyline.
BUDDHA TOOTH RELIC TEMPLE AND MUSEUM
9 of 42
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a Buddhist temple in Chinatown that is beautifully designed. Inside the temple, there are many rooms that are colorful, as you proceed to the top, you will find a beautiful rooftop garden. In the temple, you will find a Buddhist museum showcasing ornaments and documents, among other things, that explain the culture of Buddhism. Admission is free.
Attire: You are strictly prohibited from wearing anything that shows your back, shoulders, legs, and cleavage. They want you to show respect. Also, pets are not allowed. The Address is 288 South Bridge Rd.
HELIX BRIDGE
10 of 42
Opened in 2010, the 280m long Helix Bridge not only connects Marina Bay areas, but it is also a spectacle in itself. The silver color and dramatic twist design contribute to its uniqueness.
JURONG BIRD PARK
13 of 42
Jurong Bird Park boasts to be the largest bird park in Asia. So many endangered species are kept here in natural-looking habitats. A waterfall—which is a popular attraction at the park—adds beauty and a forestry vibe to the park.
GILLMAN BARRACKS
16 of 42
To find contemporary art in Singapore, visit the Gillman Barracks. In addition to the art galleries, you can shop and eat at the museum.
SRI MARIAMMAN TEMPLE
17 of 42
A Hindu temple right at the center of busy streets in Chinatown, this building adds color and character to Chinatown. It is located on the same street as Buddha Tooth Relic Temple—another top attraction in Chinatown.
Shoulders and knees must be covered and ladies should not wear tight clothes. Shawls are provided to those who are deemed to be dressed inappropriately. Footwear must be removed at the door. The Address is 244 South Bridge Road.
HAJI LANE
20 of 42
Facing the Masjid Sultan Mosque, Haji Lane adds uniqueness and color to Kampong Glam. It is one of the few very narrow streets in Singapore. In addition to being pretty, the street is a real shopping street filled with boutiques and other types of stores.
SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS
21 of 42
Singapore Botanic Gardens is a top-ranked garden park in the heart of Singapore, and worthily declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is in close proximity to the shopping area on Orchard Road. When you get there, you have these main areas to see—Tyersall-Gallop, Tanglin in the historic area of the park, the Central area is where tourists usually go particularly to see the national orchid gardens, and Bukit Bukit Timah is mainly for educational and recreational purposes.
Opening hours are from 5 am to 12 midnight every day. Admission is free. The National Orchid Garden is open from 8.30 am to 7.00 pm, adults pay $5 to enter.
SERANGOON ROAD IN LITTLE INDIA
22 of 42
There are quite a few reasons you must visit little India; the rich culture, beautiful temples, and shopping hubs. Indian authentic boutiques and food stalls fill the streets, from Serangoon road—the main road in little India—to small backroads. Mustafa Centre and Tekka Centre, in Serangoon Road, are where many tourists flock to for traditional Indian cuisines and stalls to buy gifts and souvenirs from. Opposite the Tekka Centre, there is Little India Arcade. Festivals and celebrations are organized and operated at a grand scale. Pongal celebrations occur in January, while in October – November, Deepavali takes place.
NIGHT SAFARI
24 of 42
After a day of shopping and sightseeing, why not spend the evening looking at different species of animals at the safari park. The park is open from 7:30 pm to 12 am—it takes less than an hour to finish a tour. Tigers are a hit with tourists, but there are different kinds of interesting endangered animals you can see.
PERANAKAN MUSEUM
26 of 42
Focusing on the Peranakan culture in Singapore and Southeast Asia, Peranakan Museum is one of it’s kind in the world. It is open every day from 10 am to 7 pm, except for Friday’s when it is closed at 9 pm. Adults pay $13 to enter Peranakan Museum.
CHINATOWN HERITAGE CENTRE
28 of 42
Chinatown Heritage Centre informs people about the history of Chinatown in Singapore. They showcase how the Chinese immigrants lived in the 1950s.
SHOPPING IN SINGAPORE
31 – 39 of 42
THE SHOPPES
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is open from 10:30 am to 11 pm, Sunday to Tuesday, and from 10:30 am to 11:30 pm on Friday and Saturday.
MARINA SQUARE MALL
Marina Square is open from 10 am to 10 pm every day. There are shops like Zara in this mall. It is located on 6 Raffles Boulevard.
CHINATOWN MARKET
Chinatown Market in Pagoda Street is the place to go to for all Chinese stuff. The market is open 24 hours every day.
CHINATOWN COMPLEX
The shopping mall in Chinatown is located at 335 Smith Street. You will find clothing and souvenir shops, and a food court that has popular stalls selling authentic Chinese cuisine. The mall is open 24 hours every day.
BUGIS STREET SHOPPING MALL
The Bugis Street Mall is open every day from 11 am to 10 pm. The mall is located at 3 New Bugis Street.
MUSTAFA CENTRE
Mustafa Centre is a very popular shopping place in Little India. It is located in Syed Alwi Road. Opening hours are 12 pm to 11:59 pm.
TEKKA CENTRE
Tekka Market is another popular market in Little India. You will find all sorts of items including clothes and souvenirs. There is also a Food court. Tekka Centre is in Bukit Timah Road, but you can also get there from Serangoon Road.
CITY SQUARE MALL
City Square Shopping Mall sits together with the City Green Park—making it Singapore’s first eco-mall. The mall is open from 10 am to 10 pm every day. The address is 180 Kitchener Road.
SUNTEC CITY
Suntec City is a large and modern shopping center in Temasek Boulevard. It is open from 10 am to 10 pm every day.
HOTELS IN SINGAPORE
5 Star: The Fullerton Hotel Singapore is located near the Merlion. You can find a room for $200 a weeknight.
4 Star: InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay is a popular 4 Star hotel. Rooms start at $182 a night.
3 Star: Lloyd’s Inn is a minimalist hotel charging around $115 a night.
40 – 42 of 42
RESTAURANTS SERVING TRADITIONAL FOOD IN SINGAPORE
EDGE
The edge is a well-known restaurant in the Marina Bay area that has a wide selection of Asian cuisine. The restaurant is also vegetarian-friendly. It is open every day from 6 am to 11 am, then from 12 noon to 3 pm. The address is 7 Raffles Boulevard, Pan Pacific Hotel. $$
CHINATOWN COMPLEX FOOD STALL
This hawker center in Chinatown is very popular and have so many food stalls to choose from. The competition is high hence the prices reasonable. $
TIAN TIAN CHICKEN RICE
Very popular among locals and tourists, this food stall has lived up to its reputation by serving the best chicken rice dish. It is located in Kadayanallur street in the Maxwell Food Centre, near Chinatown. Opening hours are 11 am to 8 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. $$
Airport: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), which is the main airport in Singapore, is the world’s sixth busiest airport in the world and one of the largest in Southeast Asia.
Trains: The fastest mode of transportation in Singapore is the MRT (mass rapid transit). Train stations are everywhere and almost close to all attractions. If you are going to use the MRT trains regularly, you might want to get a Singapore Tourist Pass.
Buses: SBS Transit buses serve Singapore. They are very efficient and regular. The Singapore Tourist Pass is also valid for bus rides.
Grab: This company is the alternative to Uber serving Southeast Asia. Grab is a very efficient taxi service, that is cheap, and preferred mode of transportation.
ALSO SEE
