Singapore, or the city of contrasts, it is here you can enjoy both urban and natural attractions alongside. From mega shopping malls to lush green open spaces, from bustling Chinatown to serene beaches, from Michelin star restaurants to street side eateries, Singapore is all for all. The biggest plus of this city for a traveller is that it has World’s best transportation system. It is considered to be a shopping paradise especially for neighbouring Asians that flock in here to buy the world’s leading fashion labels, or even the local designers. Food in Singapore is taken very seriously, so your gastronomic experience is in safe hands. Besides that, here are the top things to do.
Marina Bay Sands – It is located on one end of Marina Bay Promenade that has best views of the Singapore skyline and series of fountains along. It has world class casino, multiple nightclubs, performance halls, shops, full serviced hotel, and Sands Sky Park an elevated open-air concourse.
Gardens by the Bay – It spans over 100 hectares with 800 species, near marina bay. Inside must see are Supertree Grove(18 super trees 16 storeys high supporting skyway with Ariel view of garden), Flower Dome (World largest greenhouse), Cloud Forest (World’s tallest indoor waterfall).
Singapore Botanic Gardens – It is UNESCO world heritage site & houses over 10000 plant species. Inside it, National Orchid Garden (1000 species and 2000 hybrids) is must visit with orchids named after Princess Diana, Margaret Thatcher. It also includes eco-garden, eco-lake & bonsai garden.
Chinatown – If Singapore could get closest to China, it is here. You can buy souvenirs from Pagoda Street, or bite a barbecue at Smith Street, or hit a pub at TangongPagar, or drop by a temple or mosque at Telok Ayer, or visit Buddha Tooth relic temple, or enjoy mom n pop shops n teahouses.
Singapore Zoo – This urban jungle also has world’s best actual jungle, Singapore Zoo. It consists of zones called Great Rift Valley, Forest biodome, Frozen Tundra, Primate Kingdom, Cat Country, Forest Lodge, and Rainforest Kidzworld. You can take a tram ride inside this lush green and clean facility.
Night Safari – Next to Singapore Zoo, this one gives sneak peek into nocturnal life of animals. It has tigers, fishing cats, alligators, leopards, flying foxes, and more. There are antelopes roaming in open. Encounter with fruit bats, elephant feeding and Creatures of the Night show is very popular.
Orchard Road – It is Singapore’s commercial avenue and fashion street. It has close to 50 shopping malls like ION Orchard, 313@Somerset, Ngee Ann City, and Paragon. It is unexpected if you don’t find a global fashion label here.Also with lot many eateries around, you can charge yourself.
Singapore Flyer – It is World’s second largest observation wheel. One ride lasts up to 30 minutes, and you get to see breath taking views of Singapore, its skyline, its downtown, up to Spice Islands of Indonesia and Malaysia’s Straits of Johor. Pods are air conditioned with access to multimedia shows.
Raffles Hotel – It’s one of world’s last grand heritage hotels. With colonial architecture, century old ‘Long Bar’, who’s who of world head here to relish explicit hospitality, lavish lawns, and place where Sir Raffles landed and made way for modern Singapore. Singapore Sling is a must try in here.
Universal Studio – This popular Hollywood Movie theme park is super popular with kids, teens and even adults alike. It has themed spots for New York, Madagascar, Shrek’s Far Far Away, the Lost World, and more. It has rides of BattlestarGallactica, Transformers ride, and a water world show.
Merlion Park – It is located overlooking the marina bay, and has Singapore’s most iconic statue of Merlion which is mythical creature with head of lion, body n tail of fish. It symbolizes the humble root of city that was a small fishing town. The views from here are awesome, and picturesque.
Sentosa Island – Also dubbed as Asia’s favourite playground, it has spots like Universal Studios, S.E.A. Aquarium,iFly Singapore, The Flying Trapeze. It also has Siloso Beach where you can play volleyball, or go kayaking. Then it has Fort Siloso, a military museum having WW2 memorabilia.
Clarke Quay – Once centre of commerce, this spot is now Nightlife hub of Singapore. The riverfront dining experience in here can unwind a busy day of Singapore. It also has spots to board on to river taxis and cruises. Some popular bustling clubs in here are Crazy Elephant, Attica, and Zouk.
Little India – This cultural rich neighbourhood is distinct with flower garlands, fragrant spices, colourful fabrics, and incense scented aura. There is lot to do like, visiting boutiques at Serangoon Road, grabbing good deal at Mustafa Centre, or pray at Sri SrinivasaPerumal Temple.
National Museum – It is Singapore’s largest museum. It has culture exhibited with themes of Food, Fashion, Photography and Film. Multimedia effect used, speaks for itself, be it for Colonial High class lady, or a fisherman. It covers history from British rule to Japanese occupation to modern times.
Travel doesn’t become adventure until you leave yourself behind!
