Singapore: A Dynamic City-State (Garden City)
Singapore is a dynamic city-state in Southeast Asia known for its modern architecture, vibrant culture, and rich heritage. Despite its small size, it offers a wealth of attractions, including cutting-edge skyscrapers, lush green spaces, historic neighborhoods, and a thriving food and nightlife scene.
Top Tourist Attractions in Singapore
1. Marina Bay Sands & SkyPark
- Highlights: Iconic skyline views, infinity pool (guests only), Observation Deck.
- Entrance Fee: SGD 26 (adults), SGD 20 (children 2–12).
- Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
- How to Get There: MRT to Bayfront Station, Exit C or D.
2. Orchard Road
- Highlights: Luxury shopping, bustling malls.
- Entrance Fee: Free to explore; shopping costs vary.
- Opening Hours: Mall hours typically 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
- How to Get There: MRT to Orchard Station (NS22/TE14).
3. Sentosa Island
- Highlights: Universal Studios, S.E.A. Aquarium, Adventure Cove Waterpark, Sentosa Beaches.
- Entrance Fee:
- SGD 1 via Sentosa Express; attractions vary (SGD 10–70).
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (varies by attraction).
- How to Get There: MRT to HarbourFront Station (NE1/CC29), Sentosa Express or Boardwalk.
4. Chinatown
- Highlights: Chinatown Heritage Centre, Sri Mariamman Temple, street markets.
- Entrance Fee: Free entry; SGD 18 (Heritage Centre).
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (varies by location).
- How to Get There: MRT to Chinatown Station (NE4/DT19).
5. Little India
- Highlights: Tekka Market, Mustafa Centre, colorful temples.
- Entrance Fee: Free.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (most places).
- How to Get There: MRT to Little India Station (NE7/DT12).
6. Clarke Quay
- Highlights: G-MAX Reverse Bungy, Singapore River Cruises, Asian Civilizations Museum, Fort Canning Park, Clarke Quay Central
- Entrance Fee:
- Clarke Quay: Free.
- Opening Hours:
- Most places: 5:00 AM – 2:00 AM.
- How to Get There: MRT to Clarke Quay on North-East Line
- How to Explore: Walking is the best option.
7. Singapore Zoo
- Highlights: Open-concept wildlife habitats, Rainforest Lumina.
- Entrance Fee: SGD 48 (adults), SGD 33 (children 3–12).
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM.
- How to Get There: MRT to Khatib Station (NS14), shuttle bus.
8. Botanic Gardens
- Highlights: Chinatown Heritage Centre, Sri Mariamman Temple, street markets.
- Entrance Fee: Entry to the main Botanic Gardens is free, but the National Orchid Garden charges a small admission fee.
- Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM.
- How to Get There: Downtown Line and Circle Line at Botanic Gardens MRT Station (DT9/CC19)
9. Haji Lane
- Highlights: Street Art and Murals, Boutiques and Shops, Vintage Shopping, Blu Jaz Café
- Entrance Fee: Free.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM (most places).
- How to Get There: Bugis Station (East-West Line and Downtown Line), from which Haji Lane is a short 5-minute walk
10. Jewel at Singapore Changi Airport
- Highlights: HSBC Rain Vortex, Shiseido Forest Valley, Canopy Park, Changi Experience Studio, Shaw Theatres IMAX
- Entrance Fee:
- Rain Vortex: Free to visit, even if you’re not flying from Changi Airport
- Canopy Park: S$5 per entry for a full day at the 14,000 sq m playground
- Canopy Park Bundle Deal: S$54 for adults and S$39 for children (3–12 years old)
- Jewel Changi Airport Attraction Tickets: Starting at S$11.00
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours. (Shops may not be open 24 hrs)
- How to Get There: Take the East-West Line and alight at Changi Airport MRT Station (CG2)
11. Raffles Hotel
- Highlights: Luxury Shopping, Hotel
- Entrance Fee: Free.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM (most places).
- How to Get There: The nearest MRT station is Esplanade Station (Circle Line), which is a 5-minute walk from the hotel. City Hall MRT Station (East-West Line and North-South Line) is also close by, around a 7-minute walk.
12. Esplanade
- Highlights: Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Festival and Events, Dining and Shopping
- Entrance Fee: Hosts many free events throughout the year.
- How to Get There: The nearest station is Esplanade MRT Station on the Circle Line, Alternatively, City Hall MRT Station (North-South and East-West Lines) is a 10-minute walk away via an underground link
13. East Coast Park
- Highlights: Cycling and Skating, East Coast Seafood Centre, Marine Cove, Bedok Jetty, Parkland Green
- How to Get There: There is no direct MRT station at East Coast Park, but you can take the MRT to Bedok MRT Station (East-West Line) or Paya Lebar MRT Station (East-West and Circle Lines), and then transfer to buses that head towards East Coast Park (Bus services 31, 36, 43, 48, and 196)
14. Pulau Ubin Island
- Highlights: Chek Java Wetlands, Puaka Hill, Ubin Quarry, Butterfly Hill, Jelutong Campsite, Sensory Trial, German Girl Shrine
- How to Get There:
- You can get to Pulau Ubin by taking a bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal
- The bumboat ride costs SGD 4 per person each way. If you’re bringing a bicycle, there is an additional charge of SGD 2.
15. Kampong Glam
- Highlights: Sultan Mosque, Malay Heritage Centre, Haji Lane, Bussorah Lane, Gelam Gallery, Arab Street
- How to Get There: The nearest MRT station is Bugis MRT Station (East-West Line and Downtown Line), which is a 5-minute walk from the area. Nicoll Highway MRT Station (Circle Line) is also within walking distance.
16. Southern Ridges
- Highlights: Sultan Mosque, Malay Heritage Centre, Haji Lane, Bussorah Lane, Gelam Gallery, Arab Street
- How to Get There: The nearest MRT station is Bugis MRT Station (East-West Line and Downtown Line), which is a 5-minute walk from the area. Nicoll Highway MRT Station (Circle Line) is also within walking distance.
How to Get Around Singapore
- Public Transport:
- MRT: Extensive and efficient metro system connecting major attractions.
- Buses: Comprehensive network; payment via EZ-Link card.
- Taxis/Grab:
- Convenient but more expensive; book through Grab app for better fares.
- Bicycles/E-Scooters:
- Rent via apps like SG Bike or Anywheel.
- Walking:
- Best for exploring neighborhoods like Chinatown or Little India.
Islands to visit around Singapore
Here’s a list of some of the islands around Singapore, along with details on how to get there, the travel fare, and the main tourist attractions on each island:
1. Sentosa Island
- How to Get There:
- Sentosa Express Monorail: Takes you from VivoCity (HarbourFront MRT) to Sentosa. The fare is SGD 5.
- Cable Car: From Mount Faber or HarbourFront. Fare starts from SGD 35 (two-way).
- Walking via Sentosa Boardwalk: Free to enter Sentosa by foot; only a small fee is charged for the Boardwalk during peak periods.
- Taxi/Grab: Entry fee for vehicles is SGD 6 on weekdays and SGD 9 on weekends.
- Tourist Attractions:
- Universal Studios Singapore: Popular theme park with thrilling rides and shows.
- S.E.A. Aquarium: One of the world’s largest aquariums.
- Sentosa Beaches (Palawan, Siloso, and Tanjong): Ideal for relaxation and water sports.
- Adventure Cove Waterpark: Water slides and snorkeling experiences.
- Fort Siloso: Singapore’s only preserved coastal fort, with historical exhibits.
2. Pulau Ubin
- How to Get There:
- Bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. The fare is SGD 4 per person each way, plus SGD 2 for a bicycle.
- Tourist Attractions:
- Chek Jawa Wetlands: A diverse ecosystem with mangroves and marine life.
- Puaka Hill: A short hike with a great view of Ubin Quarry.
- Butterfly Hill: A garden designed to attract local butterflies.
- Ubin Quarries: Scenic views of former granite quarries.
3. St. John’s Island
- How to Get There:
- Ferry from Marina South Pier. Round-trip fare is SGD 15 for adults and SGD 12 for children.
- Tourist Attractions:
- St. John’s Island Beach: A relaxing beach for picnics and swimming.
- St. John’s Lagoon: A beautiful spot for fishing and nature walks.
- Marine Life and Birdwatching: Great for spotting marine animals and migratory birds.
- Holiday Bungalows: Overnight stays are possible with advance booking.
4. Kusu Island
- How to Get There:
- Ferry: The same ferry that goes to St. John’s Island also stops at Kusu Island. Fare is included in the SGD 15 (round-trip) ticket from Marina South Pier.
- Tourist Attractions:
- Kusu Island Tortoise Sanctuary: Home to hundreds of tortoises.
- Chinese Temple: Dedicated to the God of Prosperity, visited by many during the annual Kusu pilgrimage.
- Malay Shrines: Located on top of a hill with a panoramic view of the sea.
- Beaches: Great for picnics and relaxation.
5. Lazarus Island
- How to Get There:
- Ferry: Lazarus Island is accessible via a causeway from St. John’s Island. The ferry from Marina South Pier (SGD 15) includes access to both St. John’s and Lazarus.
- Tourist Attractions:
- Lazarus Beach: A quiet, pristine beach with soft white sand and clear blue waters, ideal for swimming.
- Marine Life: Great for snorkeling or observing sea life.
- Cycling and Picnicking: It’s a peaceful island perfect for outdoor activities.
6. Sisters’ Islands
- How to Get There:
- Private Boat Charters: There’s no public ferry service, so visitors have to book private boats. Prices can vary depending on the provider but typically start around SGD 100–200 for a round-trip.
- Tourist Attractions:
- Sisters’ Islands Marine Park: Rich in marine biodiversity, it’s great for snorkeling, diving, and observing coral reefs.
- Tide Pools: Explore the island’s marine life during low tide.
- Camping: A permit is required for camping, but it’s a great way to enjoy the natural environment overnight.
- Coral Reefs: Explore healthy coral ecosystems.
7. Pulau Hantu
- How to Get There:
- Private Boat Charters: Accessible only by chartered boats, starting at SGD 200–300 for a round trip.
- Tourist Attractions:
- Diving and Snorkeling: Pulau Hantu is well-known for its diving spots, where you can observe marine creatures like sea turtles, seahorses, and coral reefs.
- Mangroves and Wildlife: Nature lovers can explore the island’s rich ecosystems and spot various bird species.
- Camping: Camping is allowed with a permit, offering an immersive nature experience.
8. Sisters’ Islands
- How to Get There:
- Guided Tours Only: Access is restricted, so you can only visit through pre-arranged tours by NParks or nature groups. Tours typically range from SGD 60–100 per person.
- Tourist Attractions:
- Mangroves and Wetlands: Pulau Semakau is known for its rich mangrove ecosystems, home to a variety of birds and marine life.
- Star-Gazing and Fishing: Popular for nature-based activities, including birdwatching, fishing, and stargazing.
- Semakau Landfill: One of the world’s only offshore landfills that’s also a haven for biodiversity.
Where to eat local food in Singapore
1. Malay Cuisine
Hjh Maimunah Restaurant
- Cuisine: Traditional Malay dishes such as nasi padang, rendang, sambal prawns, and lemak siput.
- Operating Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
- Address: 11 Jalan Pisang, Singapore 199078
- How to Get There:
- MRT: Alight at Bugis Station (East-West Line), then walk for about 10 minutes.
Zam Zam
- Cuisine: Specializes in murtabak, biryani, and other Indian-Muslim favorites.
- Operating Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Address: 697 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198675
- How to Get There:
- MRT: Alight at Bugis Station (East-West Line), walk for about 5 minutes.
2. Chinese Cuisine
Maxwell Food Centre
- Cuisine: Iconic hawker center offering famous dishes like Hainanese chicken rice (Tian Tian Chicken Rice), char kway teow, and fishball noodles.
- Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM (varies by stall)
- Address: 1 Kadayanallur Street, Singapore 069184
- How to Get There:
- MRT: Alight at Tanjong Pagar Station (East-West Line), and it’s a 10-minute walk.
Chinatown Complex Food Centre
- Cuisine: Famous for Chinese street food such as Soya Sauce Chicken Rice, dim sum, and char kway teow.
- Operating Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Address: 335 Smith Street, Singapore 050335
- How to Get There:
- MRT: Alight at Chinatown Station (Downtown Line/North-East Line), and walk for 5 minutes.
3. Indian Cuisine
The Banana Leaf Apolo
- Cuisine: South Indian dishes, specializing in banana leaf rice served with curries, vegetables, and various meats.
- Operating Hours: Daily, 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Address: 54 Race Course Road, Singapore 218564
- How to Get There:
- MRT: Alight at Little India Station (Downtown Line), and walk for about 5 minutes.
Komala Vilas
- Cuisine: Vegetarian South Indian food like dosas, idli, and thalis.
- Operating Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Address: 76 Serangoon Road, Singapore 217981
- How to Get There:
- MRT: Alight at Little India Station (Downtown Line), and walk for 5 minutes.
4. Peranakan Cuisine
Candlenut
- Cuisine: A Michelin-starred restaurant offering modern interpretations of Peranakan dishes like buah keluak, ngoh hiang, and chap chye.
- Operating Hours: Daily, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM; 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Address: 17A Dempsey Road, Singapore 249676
- How to Get There:
- MRT: Alight at Orchard Station (North-South Line), and take a short taxi ride.
Violet Oon’s Kitchen
- Cuisine: Authentic Peranakan cuisine, serving dishes like laksa, kueh pie tee, and beef rendang.
- Operating Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM; 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM
- Address: 881 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 279893
- How to Get There:
- MRT: Alight at Sixth Avenue Station (Downtown Line), and walk for 5 minutes.
5. Indian-Muslim (Mamak) Cuisine
New Mahamoodiya Restaurant
- Cuisine: Indian-Muslim favorites such as nasi briyani, roti prata, and teh tarik.
- Operating Hours: 24 hours, Daily
- Address: 335 Bedok Road, Singapore 469510
- How to Get There:
- MRT: Alight at Tanah Merah Station (East-West Line), and walk for about 10 minutes.
Al-Azhar Eating Restaurant
- Cuisine: Wide variety of Indian-Muslim dishes like mee goreng, nasi lemak, and satay.
- Operating Hours: 24 hours, Daily
- Address: 11 Cheong Chin Nam Road, Singapore 599736
- How to Get There:
- MRT: Alight at Beauty World Station (Downtown Line), and it’s a 5-minute walk.
6. Hawker Centers (Multi-Ethnic)
Old Airport Road Food Centre
- Cuisine: One of Singapore’s oldest and most popular hawker centers, offering a mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian dishes like Hokkien mee, satay, and roti prata.
- Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (varies by stall)
- Address: 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051
- How to Get There:
- MRT: Alight at Dakota Station (Circle Line), and it’s a 5-minute walk.
Lau Pa Sat
- Cuisine: A historic hawker center offering a variety of local foods like satay, laksa, and roti prata.
- Operating Hours: 24 hours, Daily (Satay stalls open from 7:00 PM)
- Address: 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
- How to Get There:
- MRT: Alight at Raffles Place Station (East-West Line/North-South Line), and walk for about 5 minutes.
Newton Food Centre
Cuisine Served:
- Seafood: Chilli crab, BBQ stingray, sambal prawns, grilled squid
- Malay: Satay, nasi lemak, mee goreng
- Chinese: Hokkien mee, char kway teow, carrot cake
- Indian-Muslim: Roti prata, mutton soup, biryani
- Snacks/Desserts: Ice kachang, sugarcane juice, fried dough fritters
Operating Hours:
- Daily: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM (Some stalls may have varying hours, but it’s best known for late-night dining)
Address:
- Newton Food Centre
500 Clemenceau Avenue North, Singapore 229495
How to Get There:
- MRT:
- Take the Downtown Line or North-South Line to Newton MRT Station.
- Exit from Exit B and the hawker center is a 5-minute walk away.