Singapore, often referred to as the “Lion City,” is a tourist destination in Asia. Located in Southeast Asia, this city-state spans an area of 283 square miles, offering both modern attractions and historical charm. It’s not just a destination but also a convenient starting point to explore other areas of Southeast Asia.
Singapore is a vibrant city, blending modern hustle with rich cultural traditions. Different neighborhoods, such as Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam, reflect various customs, tastes, and colors. Navigating the city is easy with its user-friendly public transportation. Singapore caters to every traveler, offering a warm cultural fusion.
Let’s embark on a simple journey to discover the must-see locations, activities, and best places in Singapore.
- Gardens by the Bay
Hidden in the heart of Singapore, Gardens by the Bay feels like stepping into a futuristic garden. It’s a unique blend of cool trees, advanced domes, and vibrant sculptures spanning 250 acres near the water. The garden, with nearly 400 thousand plants, is a real green gem.
Picture this: the famous Supertrees, enormous futuristic trees that connect with a walkway high above, offering a stroll in the sky with phenomenal views. Then there’s the Flower Dome, a massive glasshouse resembling a seashell that simulates cool mountain temperatures—it’s Earth’s biggest.
The garden is split into three parts: Bay East, Bay South, and Bay Central, offering a nice path along the water. Bay South, the largest part, features the Cloud Forest with the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Visiting Gardens by the Bay is like experiencing a futuristic nature walk.
- Sentosa Island
Located just south of Singapore, Sentosa is a small paradise with fun attractions. It boasts sunny beaches, green forests, relaxing spas, and nice hotels.
There’s much to see in Sentosa – beautiful gardens, an interesting butterfly garden, fun amusement parks, and the spectacular Underwater World aquarium. Additionally, lively beach clubs with music, a village with cultural touches, and a huge Merlion statue.
Sentosa also hosts a historic spot, Fort Siloso, the last remaining old fort in Singapore. Siloso Beach is perfect for beach vibes and volleyball. Access Sentosa easily by car, bus, cable car, or the Sentosa Express, costing SGD 4.
- SEA Aquarium
The SEA Aquarium is located in Resorts Sentosa World and houses over 800 species of sea creatures, making it a large aquarium. The main highlight is the Open Ocean Tank – a huge window where you can watch an enormous oceanic manta ray. The aquarium is spread over 10 zones with a collection of sea creatures from Southeast Asia, Australia, and Africa.
There are a total of 49 habitats at different zone levels exhibited there to behold the marine life being kept inside; thanks to modern technology that has enabled researchers to study deep underseas without necessarily going down into them – an oxymoron moment right here: Technology helped. There will be dolphins, sharks, eels, and peculiar species such as guitarfish. They even have an exhibition about the maritime Silk Route, providing a plain and enjoyable way to learn more history of sea exploration. Explore this aquarium to see a variety of underwater life and discover the tales of the sea route.
- Merlion Park
Merlion Park is located near One Fullerton in the CBD of Singapore, a special place with two fictional creatures – Merlions that are half fish and half lion symbolizing the Lion City.
There is a bigger statue located in it measuring 8.6 meters that gushes water from its mouth, creating an interesting visual, especially during the hot weather of summer and afternoons when other monuments are baking under direct rays of the sun. Off to the side, there’s also a smaller Merlion cub perched 2 meters tall. Although the statues are nice, the Marina Bay view is more enjoyable.
In 1972, 70-tonne concrete statues were launched and soon attracted the attention of every tourist. There are seven approved sculptures in the city, including the original Merlion and its cub. Go early in the morning or late at night and enjoy this one-of-a-kind sight when it’s much less crowded, especially next to Marina Bay where the view is magnificent.
- National Gallery Singapore
The National Gallery Singapore is a large art museum located in the city-state of Singapore, housing an enormous assemblage of Asian and southernmost Southeast Asian artwork. It is housed in the former Supreme Court Buildings and City Hall, making it one of Singapore’s largest museums for visual arts.
Inside the gallery, three floors have been subdivided into six individual galleries. You will find beautiful artworks by Singaporean and Southeast Asian artists. The Keppel Centre for Art Education is a special place in the National Gallery, offering kids an opportunity to have fun while learning about art.
- Marina Bay Sands
As a cooling spot, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is where lots of cool things are brought together. It’s not just a hotel – it has a casino, a huge shopping complex, a convention center for events, and even its museum. Besides that, it’s also a top spot in Singapore that people love coming to. It is right in the middle of Singapore’s frantic business area with its great design and wonderful location, representing well what success means as a city where people can feel really good about their lives.
Marina Bay Sands is a super famous place in Singapore. It has three towers with a cool design and a long SkyPark on top that you can hardly miss. 360° views of Singapore – Go up to the Observation Deck. Pose with the infinite pool in front of you. And don’t miss the fabulous light display by the Bay every night. The easiest way to get there is through the Bayfront Station of the Circle and Downtown Lines.
