The Republic of Singapore is a tiny island city-state located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia. And it is a modern, bustling, and cosmopolitan destination where fun never ends. And whether you are into sightseeing, shopping, beach hopping, or something else, you'll have your hands full during your stay there. So, let's get to it and see what the top things to do in Singapore during your trip are.
1. Tour Gardens by the Bay Nature Park in Singapore City Center
Gardens by the Bay in Bay South, downtown Singapore, is the top tourist attraction of the island nation. The nature park, featuring a long list of various awards it receives since 2009, brims with sightseeing activities. And, you can stop by almost any time since most of the vast complex is usually open from 5:00 in the morning to 2:00 after midnight.
The selection of points of interest (POIs) will spoil you. Some of them are heritage gardens (Malay, Chinese, Indian, etc.), while others are glasshouses, lakes or ponds, and sculptures. Still, Supertree Grove (free) and Flower Dome and Cloud Forest conservatories (paid) are the highlights.
Supertree Grove features a dozen of the park's 18 vertical gardens up to 164 feet (50 meters) tall. Next, Flower Dome exhibits subtropical and Mediterranean plants, such as olives, baobabs, orchids, tulips, etc. In addition, Cloud Forest is an indoor mountain with a waterfall exhibiting greenery thriving at higher elevations.
But, that's not all!!!
Come night, the Garden Rhapsody light and music show takes place in Supertree Grove at 19:45 and 20:45. The performance lasts for 15 minutes and allows you to experience the sounds of nature and illumination generated by solar panels.
2. Explore Marina Bay in Downtown Singapore and Have Fun
To access Gardens by the Bay, however, you have to get through Marina Bay. And don't expect it to be a quick journey since the area teems with photo stops, cultural venues, vantage points, and entertainment options.
For starters, you would like to check out Marina Bay Sands Hotel. This 5-star property is the tallest landmark of the Bay South area. And it consists of three sky-soaring towers topped by an observation deck with lounge bars, restaurants, and an infinity pool.
Furthermore, take some time to admire the design of the ArtScience Museum next to the hotel. It resembles a lotus flower and stages engaging permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Moreover, pay close attention to the pedestrian Helix Bridge connecting Bay South and Bay Central. Boasting a double-helix design, it is among the most Instagrammable attractions in Singapore.
While you are in Bay Central, attend a show at Esplanade — Theatres on the Bay or take a Singapore Flyer Ferris Wheel flight.
Wish for more?
Then, head to Merlion Park in the Central Business District, next to the Singapore River. From there, shoot postcard-quality photos of Marina Bay and examine two Merlions. The half-fish, half-lion mythical creature is the symbol of the city-state.
Finally, tour themed areas and glasshouses of the Gardens by the Bay or have a picnic in the nearby Marina Barrage or Bay East.
3. Attend Nightly Spectra Show at Marina Bay Sands Bayfront
Every evening a 15-minute audio-visual spectacle takes place at Marina Bay Sands Bayfront Promenade. You can watch the water and lights performance nightly at 20:00, 21:00, and (on Friday and Saturday) at 22:00.
And here are some things you will experience:
- Multi-colored clouds giving birth to various geometric and flower shapes
- A phoenix emerging from the water and taking flight
- Water jets dancing in the rhythm of peaceful or dramatic music
- Also, you'll see how closely can art mimic volcanic lava
- Finally, you'll have to figure out something yourself 😉
In addition, this is what you need to do to make the most of this audio-visual treat:
- First, arrive at the Shoppes Mall around 30 minutes before the start of the show to secure a seat and the best spot
- Second, focus on the performance, not on filming it
- And third, bring an umbrella, just in case
4. Walk Chinatown, Next to the Central Business District
Wandering Chinatown is also among the top things to do in Singapore for every traveler. The neighborhood has everything a shopper, history buff, or sightseer in you could wish for. And what's best, everything you crave is available in large quantities.
So, where do you have to go first? Let's see:
- If you are a die-hard shopper, go to Pagoda, Temple, Smith, and Trengganu streets and Tanjong Pagar Plaza
- Fans of history and culture should check out Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, NUS Baba House, and Chinatown Heritage Temple
- Tour Hindu Sri Mariamman temple and Nagore Durgha shrine, Muslim Masjid Jamae mosque, and Chinese Methodist Church to admire religious architectures
- Finally, fill your belly at Maxwell Food Hawker Center and Chinatown Complex when you get hungry
Enough?
5. Singapore Orchard Road—Shop in Dozens of Malls
Now, I can imagine the thrill of a passionate shopaholic after reading this heading. A 1.6 miles (2.5 kilometers) long thoroughfare lined with one shopping center after another is truly something. In fact, it's the shopper's paradise, isn't it?
Before you indebt your credit card balance, try to estimate how much time you need to tour around 30 shopping centers. Well, whatever your answer, you should probably at least double that.
And what to do if you don't have that much time?
In that case, you may wish to prioritize ION Orchard, Paragon, Mandarin Gallery, and Plaza Singapura. Moreover, Ngee Ann City and 313@Somerset are among the top multi-level commercial centers in the area.
However, make sure that your credit card balance is high before you set foot on Orchard Road. In 2018, the shopping area was among the most expensive in the world. And small wonder since brands such as Michael Kors, Samsonite, Prada, Georgio Armani, and Louis Vuitton have flagship and department stores there.
6. Enjoy Rides and Shows in the Universal Studios Theme Park
For entertainment spiced with thrill, pay a visit to Universal Studios in the Resorts World Sentosa on Sentosa Island. There, you can take adrenaline rides, sing with movie characters you love, attend shows, watch the fireworks, and much more. Thus, visiting the theme park is one of the best Singapore activities for families.
As you enter the entertainment complex, you'll find yourself in the Hollywood zone. There, pose for a photo with your favorite cartoon hero, such as Woody Woodpecker, on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Then, make your way to:
- New York section to see how the Big Apple looked like in the 1940s.
- Or Madagascar to explore the world of the animated namesake film.
- If you are a Science Fiction fan, go to Sci-Fi City and side with humans or Cylons in the Battlestar Galactica roller-coaster ride. Alternatively, make friends with the Transformers.
- Of course, don't miss the Far Far Away area to ride Shrek's dragon in Enchanted Airways or drink Fairy Godmother's magic drink.
- Next, stop by Ancient Egypt to explore excavation sites, Pharaohs' tombs, and pyramids.
- Finally, come up close to a dinosaur in The Lost World.
7. Unwind on the Best Singapore Beaches on Sentosa Island
As an island nation, Singapore lacks no beaches. But, according to most vacationers, those on Sentosa Island, namely Palawan, Siloso, and Tanjong, are the finest. And, what's best, they are within walking distance from each other.
In short, all of these beaches feature soft sand, palm trees, lush greenery, and an islet—or a few—in the shape of a crescent moon nearby. Still, you'll need to check them out to figure out which one suits you best since each has a personality of its own. In general, this is what you can expect:
- Siloso Beach is where you should go to have some real fun. In other words, you can enjoy beach and water sports, fine dining, shopping, even ziplining. Also, make it to one of the nearby islets without getting wet over a walkway.
- Palawan Beach sits between Siloso and Tanjong beaches. There, entertain yourself at Pirate Ship and HydroDash water parks, relax in calm water, or have a cocktail at a beach bar. To get to the neighboring islet, swim or cross the suspension bridge.
- Last but not least, Tanjong may be the most peaceful of the three Sentosa beaches, and it has the whitest sand. Furthermore, many palms offer refuge from the heat, while shallow waters are family-friendly. Note, though, that Tanjong Beach becomes a party hotspot, or at least used to before the COVID-19 outbreak, every two weeks.
8. Visit Masjid Sultan Mosque in Kampong Glam (Arab Quarter)
Also, don't miss Masjid Sultan Mosque during your trip to Singapore. You'll recognize this architectural masterpiece by large golden domes and tall minarets (towers) in each corner. In addition, the Muslim place of worship is a National Monument and one of the most striking religious objects in the city-state.
Two domes crown the eastern and western sides of the mosque. Moreover, the parapet edges the rooftop, while arched, stylish windows dot the façade. Furthermore, minarets feature balconies and gilded rooftops, while crescent moons with a star are decorative elements you'll notice here and there.
Inside, note the size of the prayer hall and its mihrab, framed in a golden-plated arch with floral motifs. Additionally, pay attention to the calligraphy panel topping the arch.
9. Survey Top Hindu Temples in Little India and Chinatown
Browsing Hindu temples is another top activity in Singapore. In this regard, you can find them all over the main island. Still, you would wish to check out those lining Serangoon Road in Little India, in particular.
Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple (Little India)
First off, take a look at Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, which you'll recognize by a pyramidal roof that makes around half of the shrine's height. That's not the half of it, though, since its six tiers brim with colorful statues. Pay attention to blue-skinned ones that represent Khrisna, Vishnu's avatar whom the sanctuary honors.
If making these out seems tricky, don't worry.
Just wait to get inside. There, you'll spot a myriad of Khrishna figures, as well as Lakshmi, his consort, and Garuda, the god's half-human, half-bird mount.
Sri Veeramakaliamman Hindu Sanctuary (Serangoon Road)
Nearby, find Sri Veeramakaliamman, the temple honoring Kali, a four-armed goddess and Shiva's wife. That's right, she is the one whose followers confronted Harrison Ford in the Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom movie.
Still, don't judge her badly since Kali protects good-natured people, despite her ferociousness.
As for the temple itself, its gopuram (gate tower) is as decorated as Perumal's. Inside, find images of Kali wearing a garland of skulls of those she liberated from being imprisoned in their bodies.
Sri Mariamman Shrine (Chinatown)
Lastly, head to Chinatown to visit Sri Mariamman Temple, another National Monument of the island city-state. And its pyramidal gopuram teems with carved sculptures in various colors (surprise, surprise). Devoted to Goddess Mariamman, who cures illnesses and other health disorders, it is the oldest Hindu temple in the metropolis.
Once you get in, admire statues and fresco paintings depicting Hindu deities, Ganesha and Saraswati, in particular, and folklore scenes. Besides, illustrations of Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu are also noticeable.
10. Join a Cruise or Stroll Along the Singapore River
Taking a boat or a walking tour of the Singapore River is also among the best things to do in Singapore. Along the way, you'd discover Boat, Clarke, and Robertson quays and see historic buildings and tall skyscrapers. So, board a bumboat or a cruiser to enjoy premium sightseeing.
And these are some tourist points of interest you'll lay eyes on along the way:
- First, you'll approach the Cavenagh Bridge, the oldest of the seven bridges spanning the river.
- Next is the former Empress Place Building that houses the Asian Civilizations Museum.
- Also, Raffles Statue marks the location where Sir Stamford Raffles, the de-facto founder of the modern metropolis, landed on the island in 1819.
- And Singapore Parliament, a 19th-century structure that is a cultural landmark.
Moreover, stop by:
- Boat Quay to dine fish or seafood at one of its cozy restaurants
- Clarke Quay to entertain yourself at a nightclub, sample cocktails at bars, or meet new friends among travelers
- Finally, check out Robertson Quay if you trust the locals' judgment regarding nighttime entertainment
The Top Tourist Things to Do in Singapore Summary
As you can see, there are many reasons why you should visit the island city-state of Singapore. And these are some we covered so far:
- Sightseeing of modern and traditional structures
- Watching outstanding shows, COVID-19 permitting
- Relaxing on the beaches and enjoying water sports
- Visiting nature and theme parks
- Premium shopping
Note, though, that this is hardly everything. And we'll keep updating the best activities list in the future.
For now, though, check out our top Singapore attractions page for additional vacation ideas. And refer to Top Travel and Tours' Cambodia Guide to discover some other top tourist destinations in Southeast Asia.
