As one of the smallest countries in the world, Singapore’s historic charm and modern advances make it a favorite destination for tourists each year. The country is an ethnic and religious melting pot with Chinese, Muslim, Arab, Indian, and English influences coming together to create a lush and vibrant culture.
Singapore is home to many parks, attractions, and cultural experiences guaranteed to engulf you in Asian culture and hospitality. With so many things to do, it can be hard deciding which attractions to visit first. Here are a few things to see and do while visiting Singapore to make sure you get the most out of your visit.
Fall in Love with Nature at the Gardens by the Bay
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One of the most beautiful sights in Singapore, the Gardens by the Bay is a state-of-the-art conservatory that displays plants and flowers in impressive, unique ways. There are many things to see throughout the gardens and its flower displays are inspiring and breathtaking. The conservatory features a 114-foot waterfall and an intricately designed Cloud Forest inspired by the environment in the tropical highlands. The Flower Dome and Supertrees are a must-see and over 163,000 species of plants can be found throughout the garden.
Explore the Intan
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A privately-owned home that has visibly been decorated and cared for with love, the Intan houses Singapore’s most impressive collection of Peranakan artifacts. Its owner Alvin Yapp has spent over 30 years collecting the artifacts and has more than 1,500 pieces in his home documenting the historical Peranakan heritage. Visits to the house are by appointment only but if you want a deep dive into history, the Intan should be on your list of things to check out while in Singapore.
Kampong Glam
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If you want to tap in with your Boho side, be sure to check out Kampong Glam during your visit to Singapore. The historic district was home to the country’s Muslim population and the Sultan during the 1800s and has evolved into a multitude of boutiques, restaurants, and cafes that are the perfect hipster backdrops for your IG photos. The quarters are also home to Singapore’s biggest mosque; the Malay Heritage Centre as well as the country’s only Vintage Camera Museum. A melting pot of culture and history, Kampong Glam is worth the visit to take in its religious and cultural atmosphere.
Experience Haw Par Villa
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An immersive, Chinese cultural experience, Haw Par Villa is an outdoor art park built by Tiger Balm creator and philanthropist Aw Boon Haw in the 1930s. Haw built the park to teach foreigners traditional Chinese values and commissioned over 1,000 statues and pieces to be created for the property. The experience at Haw Par is up close and personal and its extreme creativity is the perfect vibe for the artsy and imaginative.
Visit Jewel Changi Airport
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The Jewel Changi Airport is a dream come true for travelers stuck on a long layover. Designed by architect Moshe Safdie, the airport is inspired by natural landscapes and features an extravagant seven-foot-tall indoor waterfall, 300 retail stores, and an indoor forest with towering, suspended walkways. Due to its high popularity, many airlines allow travelers to check in to their flights 24 hours in advance so they have ample time to explore the beautifully designed airport.
Walk along the Southern Ridges
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Connecting five parks along the southern ridge of Singapore, this 6.2-mile recreational trail is a great way to take in the sights and get some great exercise. The landscape surrounding the ridges is incredibly diverse and you’ll see everything from unique flowers and trees, jungle terrain, and grand walkways. One of the most popular sights in along the ridges is Henderson Waves, a timber deck sitting 250 feet in the air that is a favorite for photoshoots.
Check out Merlion Park
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Symbolizing Singapore’s humble beginnings as a fishing village, Merlion Park is home to the country’s gigantic Merlion statue. Standing 28-foot tall and overlooking a water bay, the statue is the most popular attraction in the country so you may want to get there early to beat the tourist crowds. The statue was built in 1972 and the half-fish, half-lion design makes for iconic images to share with your social media following.
Have A Spiritual Awakening at Thian Hock Kong Temple
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Singapore’s oldest Buddhist temple, Thian Hock Kong elaborately displays ancient, southern Chinese architecture that teleports travelers back in time. Photos are prohibited in most parts of the temple but the experience is once in a lifetime. It is said the temple was built not using one nail and dragon and phoenix sculptures can be seen around every corner. Admission to the temple is free and it rarely gets overcrowded so be sure to add this spiritual hub to your list of things to see.
Venture out to the city of Sentosa
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A 1,236-acre island that is home to some of Singapore’s most popular attractions, Sentosa is off the southern coast of the country and is sure to leave anyone who visits happy and full of excitement. Travelers will find Universal Studios Singapore and S.E.A Aquarium on the island as well as plush beaches, award-winning golf courses, and the Mega Adventure Park. Sentosa has a little bit of everything for everyone and has all the adventure you need to complete your Singapore experience.
See some wildlife at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
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The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is bursting with wildlife and brings you face-to-face with Singapore’s natural beauty. The reserve is an ASEAN Heritage Park and its 500 acres are filled with a diverse ecosystem that where animals like crabs, otters, crocodiles, and snakes. Sungei Buloh is also internationally recognized as a habitat for migratory birds and attracts birdwatchers and nature photographers from around the world.
