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Singapore
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When to visit
Attractions in Singapore
1. Marina Bay Sands
Quick facts: Sky-high infinity pool offers breathtaking views, creating an illusion of merging with the city skyline. The three hotel towers are connected by a massive rooftop park shaped like a ship, serving as a standout architectural marvel and social hub.
Highlights: The rooftop infinity pool stretches a staggering 150 meters and offers swimmers the surreal sensation of floating above the city skyline, enhanced by a series of underwater LED lights that create shimmering aquatic patterns at night. Each of the three towers is designed to resemble a deck of cards, a nod to the architects' inspiration from gaming culture, and hosts an art-science museum that showcases kinetic sculptures blending technology with natural forms.
2. Gardens by the Bay
Quick facts: Giant tree-like structures, soaring up to 50 meters tall, light up with dazzling displays at night, creating a magical forest of glowing colors. Visitors can stroll among diverse plant species from different climates inside cooled conservatories that mimic cool-dry and warm-moist environments.
Highlights: More than 18,000 plants from around the world create an otherworldly experience across two massive climate-controlled domes called the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. Each evening, a dazzling light and sound show called the "Supertree Grove" brings to life the vertical gardens, where giant tree-like structures up to 50 meters tall glow in vibrant colors.
3. Sentosa Island
Quick facts: Imagine strolling along pristine white sandy beaches while catching panoramic views of the turquoise sea; the island is a haven for thrill-seekers with its array of exciting rides and attractions. Wildlife lovers will find delight in the lush greenery and rich biodiversity, offering a blend of adventure and nature that feels like an urban escape.
Highlights: A quirky tradition involves the annual Sand Sculpting Festival where artists create massive sculptures up to 6 meters tall using 500 tons of sand. The island also boasts a unique mechanical cable car system that glides 70 meters above the ground, offering panoramic views as you cross through lush greenery and sparkling waters.
4. Chinatown Singapore
Quick facts: Colorful lanterns and bustling street markets fill the air with excitement and the aroma of exotic spices and street food. One can uncover intricate heritage shophouses juxtaposed against sleek, modern architecture, showcasing a fascinating blend of tradition and urban life.
Highlights: A quirky tradition in the area is the nightly projection of old black-and-white films on the shophouse walls, creating an outdoor cinema vibe unique to the district. The sounds of sizzling street food from stalls selling over 50 varieties of traditional snacks fill the air, making the atmosphere irresistibly nostalgic and vibrant.
5. Orchard Road
Quick facts: Neon lights and towering shopping malls create an electric vibe that turns the place into a shopping haven by night. Visitors often find an impressive mix of luxury brands and local boutiques, making the area a vibrant melting pot of styles and tastes.
Highlights: Every December, the street is transformed by over 1,000,000 twinkling LED lights that form intricate patterns inspired by traditional Peranakan tiles, creating a festive mood that fills the air with excitement and nostalgia. If you stroll at night, you'll notice that the scent of festive spices from pop-up food stalls mixes with the cool breeze, crafting an irresistible sensory experience unique to this time of year.
6. Chinatown
Quick facts: Lantern-lit streets buzz with the aroma of local spices and the chatter of market vendors, offering a feast for the senses. Hidden along the narrow lanes are intricate temples and colorful shophouses, telling stories of a vibrant cultural tapestry and rich heritage.
Highlights: More than 500 red Chinese lanterns hang overhead in the main street at night, creating a warm, festive glow that lights up the intricate shop houses. A quirky tradition here involves the Good Luck Corner, where locals toss coins into a large urn hoping to catch one of the 108 crimson ribbons tied to it, each representing a unique blessing.
7. Universal Studios Singapore
Quick facts: Thrill-seekers can dive into seven themed zones, each packed with adrenaline-pumping rides and immersive shows that spark the imagination. The park boasts a unique blend of Hollywood glamour and Asian influences, creating an electrifying atmosphere that transports guests into the world of movies like never before.
Highlights: Imagine a roller coaster themed around Hollywood's golden age that reaches speeds of 80 km/h while weaving through a replica of the iconic New York skyline. Every night, the park hosts a signature water and light show that uses over 300 fountains choreographed to movie scores, creating an immersive cinematic experience under the stars.
8. Merlion Park
Quick facts: A majestic statue with the head of a lion and the body of a fish sprays water from its mouth, symbolizing strength and resilience. Visitors can enjoy panoramic waterfront views and a serene atmosphere perfect for memorable photos.
Highlights: The mythical creature spouts water from its mouth, creating a misty rainbow on sunny days that locals say brings good fortune. At exactly 8.6 meters tall, the statue's design cleverly combines a lion's head with a fish's body, symbolizing strength and Singapore's origins as a fishing village.
9. Clarke Quay
Quick facts: Nightlife bursts into a kaleidoscope of colors as neon lights reflect off the river, creating a vibrant party scene. Foodies can revel in a rich tapestry of flavors from local hawker fare to international gourmet dishes, all nestled in a lively, historical riverside setting.
Highlights: The riverside area lights up with colorful neon lights that reflect perfectly on the water, creating a vibrant atmosphere that feels like a scene from a retro movie. Every Saturday night at 10 pm, the quay buzzes with the quirky tradition of a river dance party where both locals and tourists jump in with rubber duckies for a spontaneous float.
10. Singapore Botanic Gardens
Quick facts: Wandering through the grounds, you'll discover one of the world's richest tropical plant collections, with over 10,000 species showcasing vibrant colors and exotic fragrances. The gardens offer a serene escape from the city buzz, featuring stunning lakes, lush rainforests, and a famed orchid garden that captivates both botanists and casual visitors alike.
Highlights: The garden is home to more than 10,000 species of plants and includes the world's largest collection of tropical orchids, boasting over 1,200 species. Visitors can also catch the enchanting sound of the legendary Himalayan cicada, which can be heard buzzing around the Rainforest and Swan Lake areas during the early morning hours.
Popular Cities in Singapore
Traditional Sweet Dishes
Kueh Lapis
Kueh Lapis gets its striking rainbow layers because each thin layer is baked separately, sometimes 18 or more times for one cake, which makes it a test of patience and precision for bakers.
Ondeh Ondeh
Ondeh Ondeh hide a molten gula melaka center that bursts in your mouth, the pandan-flavored chewy dough and shredded coconut turn each bite into an unforgettable sweet pop.
Dodol
Dodol is cooked with coconut milk, jaggery and rice flour and stirred for hours until it becomes glossy and chewy, it is a beloved celebratory sweet often shared at festivals.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Hainanese Chicken Rice elevates simple poached chicken with rice cooked in the bird's own fat and stock, which is why the fragrant rice is as celebrated as the chicken.
Chili Crab
Chili Crab was born from a hawker's late-1950s experiment tossing fresh mud crab in a tangy, sweet-and-spicy tomato-chilli sauce, and Singaporeans famously mop up that sauce with fried mantou.
Laksa
Laksa fuses Chinese and Malay tastes into a rich, coconutty, spicy noodle soup, and the Katong style crews the noodles into short strands so you can eat it with just a spoon.
Traditional Beverages
Teh Tarik
Teh Tarik, literally pulled tea, is theatrically poured between two vessels to create a silky froth and to cool the drink, and expert pullers can stretch a long, ribbon-like pour without spilling.
Sugarcane Juice
Fresh sugarcane juice is pressed on the spot at hawker carts and kopitiams, its bright grassy sweetness and a squeeze of lime make it an iconic, thirst-quenching street drink.
Barley Water
Barley water is a cooling hawker classic made from simmered pearl barley and often brightened with lime or pandan, it has been used for generations as a simple remedy for heat and digestion.
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Find experiences - Singapore
Day trips
Sentosa
Popular island resort with beaches, Universal Studios, and attractions.
Google MapsPulau Ubin
Rustic island escape with cycling, hiking, and traditional kampong scenery.
Google MapsJurong Bird Park
World-renowned bird park showcasing diverse bird species and interactive exhibits.
Google MapsComments (5)
Eat at hawker centres away from the riverside, like Tiong Bahru or Old Airport Road, go after 7pm for cheaper plates and shorter lines.
Amazing food scene and spotless streets, 4 days was enough to see Gardens by the Bay, hawker centres, and a Sentosa day. Very humid though.
Liked the cleanliness and safety, but felt cramped and pricey, three days felt rushed and lots of queues at attractions.
Skip single fares, get an EZ-Link or use your contactless bank card for MRT and buses, top up at 7-Eleven or MRT machines to save time and money.
Marina Bay light show is unreal at night, but the area is packed and restaurants are expensive. Still worth a night visit.
Getting there
Airports
Train stations
Malaysia-Singapore rail link
From Changi, take the MRT or taxi for a quick ride to the city center.
Click to get eSim for Singapore
The easiest and most affordable way to get mobile internet wherever you travel.
Visa & entry
ASEAN countries, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, EU countries
Most other countries not listed in visa_free_countries
Check updated visa policy before travel; many enjoy visa-free short stays.