Singapore Travel Guide – How to Make the Most of Your Trip?

Read a short Singapore Guide overview

Welcome to the Republic of Singapore, the city-state at the tip of the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is as engaging a destination as it gets, which Singapore Guide by Top Travel and Tours points out.

Merlion, half-lion, half-fish creature, spouts water from its mouth while Singapore skyscrapers stand in the background.
The statue of Merlion, a symbol of Singapore, in the city center; image by Manne 1409 from Pixabay

Located between Johor Strait in the north and Singapore Strait in the south, the island nation accesses Malaysia and Indonesia. That said, you'll have at least warm air and sea temperatures year-round. Thus, you can always combine visiting museumsgardens, and other sites with beach activities.

Want to learn more? Then, read on and find out why Lion City—which is one of Singapore's many nicknames—is an excellent choice for your vacation.

Singapore Travel Guide—Top Things to Do

The city-state abounds with tourist points of interest (POIs) that meet the needs of every traveler. In this regard, these are some things you can do in Singapore:

  • First, enjoy visiting top tourist attractions, such as Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay, among other sites in the downtown area.
  • Second, explore Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam (the Muslim quarter), all of which you can reach from the Central Business District (CBD) on foot.
  • Third, jump to Sentosa Island to have fun at Universal Studios or some other amusement park and do beach hopping.
  • Fourth, take a short ride by car or public transport from the city center to tour Singapore Botanic Gardens or visit one of the leading zoos in the world.
  • Finally, take a day trip to Palau Ubin Island or Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve to spend some time in nature.

Supertree Grove in the Gardens by the Bay South and Marina Bay Sands Hotel are among the best tourist sites in Singapore.
Supertree Grove and Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore; photo by nextvoyage from Pixabay

As you can see, the island nation has much to offer to its visitors regarding sightseeing. And given the size of the republic, which is slightly lesser than New York City's, you won't need much time to get anywhere

With that in mind, let's get to our Singapore Guide's quick overview of attractions.

What Singapore Attractions Should Travelers Visit First?

There are many tourist hotspots you can include in your Singapore travel itinerary. And these encompass museums and galleries, gardens, wildlife preserves, and religious objects. However, start your tour with the following ones:

  • First, Gardens by the Bay, edged by Marina Bay and Dragonfly Lake, is among the most visited attractions in Lion City. While there, acquaint yourself with diverse plant species from around the world in themed areas. Also, walk OCBC Skywalk linking two tall trees in Supertree Grove for mind-blowing views of the downtown.
  • Next, Marina Bay is virtually an extension of Singapore's Central Business District. Surrounded by skyscrapers defining the city skyline, it boasts some of the state's top architectural masterpieces, such as the ArtScience Museum, Helix Bridge, and Marina Bay Sands Hotel. In addition, Merlion Park is where you can find the city's symbol—a statue of a half-fish, half-lion creature.
  • Furthermore, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in nearby Chinatown is the next place you should visit during your trip to Singapore. Once there, familiarize yourself with Chinese architecture, art, and culture. Among other things, you'll see depictions of dragons and Naga (half-snake, half-human) beings and diverse Buddhist objects.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a multi-story structure featuring Buddhist architecture introduced by the Tang Dynasty in China.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Singapore; image by Jason Goh from Pixabay

  • Moreover, Botanic Gardens display various flowers and plants in their themed zones. National Orchid, Evolution, and Bonsai gardens are a few top tourist POIs you should see there. 
  • Lastly, visit Singapore Zoo and examine wildlife from different parts of the world in enclosures mimicking their natural habitats.

What Are Other Top Tourist Activities in the Lion City?

For more fun, don't miss the following activities during your trip to Singapore:

  • Take a ride on the Singapore Flyer, a Ferris wheel next to Marina Bay. As the observation wheel rotates, you'll soak up views of a wide city area from an air-conditioned cabin. Moreover, you may see parts of Indonesia and Malaysia in the distance if the weather conditions are right.
  • Stop by Event Plaza at Marina Bay Sands Boardwalk in the evening to attend the Spectra show. During the 15-minute performance, you'll witness a grand water and lights display. This audio-visual spectacle occurs daily at 20:00, 21:00, and (on Fridays and Saturdays) at 22:00. 
  • If you are a passionate shopper, go to Orchard Road, brimming with shopping centers. Plus, the long thoroughfare is among the best shopping areas in Asia. And ION Orchard, Mandarin Gallery, and Paragon are a few top shopping malls on the street.

Orchard Road, featuring shopping malls, hotels, and vegetation, is the top commercial and entertainment street in Singapore.
Orchard Road and Marriott Hotel, Singapore; image by Jason Goh from Pixabay

  • Observe the cityscape while cooling in an infinity pool on the rooftop of Marina Bay Sands. Note, however, that you need to be a guest of the hotel to enjoy this perk. But you can access the observation deck as a visitor for a fee (from S$20 to S$26). 
  • Last but not least, entertain yourself at various amusement parks. Universal Studios and Marine Life Park (S.E.A. Aquarium and Adventure Cove Waterpark) on Sentosa Island are some you wouldn't want to miss. 

Singapore Travel Guide Summary

So far, we have mentioned several famous tourist sites and popular things to do in Singapore. Still, the list is by no means complete. Thus, check back our Singapore Guide on occasion.

For now, though, refer to Top Travel and Tours' selection of places and activities below. And, don't hesitate to contact us if you need travel advice and consulting