One of the world’s smallest states, Singapore, is spread over several dozen islands in the Indian Ocean. The country is unique not only for its small size, but also for its unprecedented population density – about 6 people per square meter, and rich history, and contrasts of antiquity and modernity. The sights of Singapore attract fans of oriental flavor, culture, the pristine nature of the tropics and historical monuments demonstrating the former power of the British colonies. Against the background of the intricacies of ancient cultures, customs, religions, there is something to see in Singapore and among the modern attractions are huge skyscrapers, multi-level road junctions, the latest entertainment complexes, fountains with unusual lighting, modern parks make an extraordinary contrast with the monuments of antiquity.
What to see in Singapore first of all
What to visit first of all, the guides in Singapore are best informed. There are also numerous reviews from travelers who have visited this country – it is on these real data that an objective rating of what to see in Singapore has been compiled. Let’s talk about this in more detail.
1. Changi Airport
The interior of Changi International Airport
The best attractions are mostly concentrated in the capital of Singapore and its surrounding areas, and if you choose what to see in Singapore in 1 day, the first thing you should do is go to its capital. So, 20 kilometers from the capital city of Singapore, there is the world-famous Changi Airport. Every year, Changi passes through a huge number of passengers – more than 50 million, has a modern infrastructure, thought out to the smallest detail, and includes 4 large terminals. Visitors note the well-coordinated and clock-like work of the staff, the highest level of service, a large number of shops, catering establishments, as well as SPA complexes, cinemas, museums and catering establishments on the territory of the airport terminal.
Official website: https://www.changiairport.com
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2. Marina Bay Sands Hotel
A ship hotel with a rooftop pool
A trip to Singapore should definitely include a visit to the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel if you are looking for something to see in Singapore to get the most vivid impressions. In addition to the hotel rooms themselves, there is everything to spend time usefully: a casino, conference rooms, a sky bar with an incredible panorama of the city, a gorgeous swimming pool, a huge shopping center. The hotel building has a unique design – three high-rise towers are united by a single roof platform in the shape of a large ship.
Official website: https://www.marinabaysands.com
3. Sentosa Island
Beautiful view of the sea and the white sand of the Sentosa Island beach
A trip to Singapore cannot do without a trip to Sentosa Island, a small tropical island where the tourist infrastructure began to develop not so long ago – in the 70s of the last century. Over several decades, Sentosa has made an amazing transformation from a creepy and gloomy place, as it was during the Second World War, to a fabulous holiday island, with a lot of sights and interesting places. Water parks, numerous attractions and entertainment, high-class hotels – all this is open on Sentosa Island for guests.
Official website: https://www.sentosa.com.sg
4. Klar Quay
The Klar Key Embankment is the epicenter of nightlife
When choosing where to go in Singapore for a leisurely walk and rest, you should definitely take the evening time to visit the Klar Key embankment. Today it is the most popular place in the city for recreation, and a century and a half ago it was a bustling marina. Any tourist and local will be happy to take an evening walk along the embankment, where a fresh wind blows a pleasant coolness from the sea, and thousands of lights from shop windows, restaurant signs and nightclubs flicker everywhere. Visiting local souvenir shops will result in new acquisitions of symbolic attributes of the country.
Official website: https://www.capitaland.com
5. Bukit Timah
A corner of the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Adrian Lim
At the highest point of Singapore, on a hill with a height of 163 meters, there is a small Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. On its territory there is a Botanical garden with exotic plants and a picturesque park – a wonderful quiet recreation area equipped with stairs, bridges, paths and benches. Here you can take beautiful photos, take a walk by one of the three lakes. About 160 species of animals have found shelter on the territory of the reserve, including monkeys, which have become almost tame here.
See the beautiful places of Singapore in this wonderful video!
6. Gardens by the Bay
Gigantic steel “trees” in Gardens by the Bay Park
The futuristic gardens by the bay are one of the main attractions and represent an area covered with vegetation and occupying 101 hectares of land. In total, it includes three gardens – Southern, Eastern and Central, dedicated to the vegetation of South America, Africa and Asia. Among the interesting places of the park are two huge greenhouse greenhouses, a grove of giant futuristic super-trees, a restaurant and a bar on top of one of these trees, a large entertainment area for children, a greenhouse with cacti and much more.
Official website: https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg
7. Ferris Wheel (Singapore Flyer)
One of the cabins of the Ferris wheel is a Flyer
The review cannot do without Singapore’s most “prominent” landmark – the Ferris wheel of unprecedented height. Until some time ago, it was the tallest on the planet, with a height of 165 m. Anyone can ride it in comfortable cabins equipped with air conditioning. The full rotation of the wheel takes place in half an hour, during which time you can see the gorgeous views of the surroundings of Singapore from a bird’s-eye view.
Official website: https://www.singaporeflyer.com
8. Esplanade Theatre
An impressive architectural structure on the shore of Marina Bay
Singapore’s cultural landmark, the Esplanade Theatre, which is an Art Nouveau theater and exhibition complex, is located on the waterfront of the famous Marina Bay. This is a colossal architectural complex with an area of about 60 thousand square meters, which includes 2 halls – a concert hall with 1600 seats, as well as a theater with 2000 seats. Famous musical groups, symphony orchestras perform here, classical dance and opera productions are organized.
Official website: https://www.esplanade.com
9. Museum of Art and Science
ARTSCIENCE MUSEUM – a building in the form of a lotus bud
What can art fans see in Singapore besides the famous theater? Another institution with a worldwide reputation is the Singapore Museum of Art and Science. Here, in turn, the emphasis is on the interaction of science and art and their harmonious interaction. In total, the museum accommodates 21 galleries on 6 thousand square meters, where major exhibitions are held, the most famous of which were dedicated to the wreck of the Titanic, the works of Salvador Dali, the Harry Potter movies.
Official website: https://www.marinabaysands.com
10. Orchard Road
Orchard Road – Shopping and entertainment center
The most modern and fashionable area of Singapore is Orchard Road with fashionable Singapore hotels, shopping malls, restaurants and clubs. But the most important specialization of the district is shopping, so everyone who wants to buy goods from the most expensive and high-quality brands comes here. Orchard Road stretches along the entire central part of Singapore for 2.2 km, and throughout its length there are strings of skyscrapers, shopping and business centers, luxury hotels, the best restaurants and entertainment centers.
11. Raffles Hotel
The historic building of the Raffles Hotel with a snow-white facade
What to see in Singapore for a deeper understanding of its history? One of the historical symbols of Singapore is the Raffles Hotel, a real national monument of the country. The hotel was built back in 1887, and its walls remember the lavish balls and official receptions that were held here more than a century ago. The elegant white building of the hotel has preserved the architectural features of the colonial style, it is surrounded by an amazing garden with fountains. Today, in addition to the rooms, visitors can enjoy a shopping arcade, a swimming pool, restaurants and bars, a beauty salon and a gym.
Official website: https://www.raffles.com
12. Little India District
Religious monument of the Little India district in Singapore
Little India is another historical landmark of Singapore, which is a special area where the descendants of Indian immigrants live. These lands were once allocated to the Indian community to solve interethnic problems, but over time the area became multinational. Today, there are temples of different religions and other ceremonial structures in the district, and there is a lively trade in the market, where you can meet representatives of different nationalities.
Official website: https://www.littleindia.com.sg
13. Chinatown district
View of Chinatown and Singapore’s Central Financial District
There is another ethnic area in Singapore, only the Chinese population of the country lives here. The Chinatown quarter was formed as a result of the settlement of the city by ethnic type in the middle of the 19th century. You will certainly find something to visit in Singapore when you find yourself in Chinatown, because all the local historical sights of the Chinese people are concentrated here: Chinese temples, mosques, restaurants, boutiques, as well as everything for shopping.
Official website: https://www.chinatown.sg
14. Singapore Zoo
A family of baboons at the Singapore Zoo
The Singapore Zoo is not a zoo in its classical sense: the animals here are not imprisoned in cages, but move freely throughout the park, among the abundant vegetation. There are no hard limits to the living space for the inhabitants, you can leisurely walk next to some representatives of the fauna, feed others with your hands, and especially dangerous predators are separated from visitors by artificial moats with water or transparent plastic partitions. In total, there are about 300 species of animals – mammals, birds and reptiles.
Official website: https://www.wrs.com.sg
15. Butterfly Park on Sentosa Island
A butterfly and a tourist in the Butterfly Park on Sentosa Island
In the Butterfly Park, you can see with your own eyes all the stages of the birth of beautiful lepidoptera
For those who are interested in the question of what to visit in Singapore with children, it is worth advising the Butterfly theme park on Sentosa Island. Here, in a natural environment, in the midst of greenery and flowers, a huge number of insects live, among which there are more than 3 thousand endangered species, including about 1,500 individuals of bright charming butterflies. The park is equipped in the open air, and Lepidoptera flutter freely right next to visitors. The greenhouse with butterfly pupae deserves special attention of visitors, where you can observe different moments of the appearance of butterflies.
Official website: https://jungle.com.sg
16. Night Safari in Singapore
Sightseeing buses at Christian Stocker Night Safari
Another “live” attraction of Singapore is the unusual zoo “Night Safari”, where all the animals leading a nocturnal lifestyle are gathered. The zoo opens its doors to visitors at dusk and is open throughout the night. Today, about 130 species of nocturnal inhabitants live on an area of 35 hectares, among which there are rare endangered species. The park is located right in the rainforest, and the weak lighting resembles the light from the moon. The territory is divided into 77 zones corresponding to the climatic zones of different inhabitants.
Official website: https://www.wrs.com.sg
17. Marine Life (Marine Life Park)
The scene of a shipwreck in one of the aquariums of Marine Life Park
At the moment, the world’s largest aquarium is located in Singapore – this is the “Marine Life” on Sentosa Island. The volume of the aquarium is truly colossal – 45 million liters, which are home to about a hundred thousand marine inhabitants. The entire volume is divided into 49 areas intended for different groups of inhabitants. Panoramic view panels create an incredible illusion of visitors being right on the seabed. In addition to the aquarium, there is an amusement park with a variety of water attractions.
Official website: https://www.rwsentosa.com
18. Jurong Bird Park
Flamingos at Jurong Bird Park
Another popular destination is excursions in Singapore to Jurong Bird Park, one of the most beautiful and colorful parks in Asia. On an area of 20 hectares, among tropical jungles and waterfalls, there are more than 5 thousand birds, most of which are bright feathered inhabitants of the paradise tropics. In total, the park has several zones adapted for individual groups of inhabitants – penguins, parrots, nocturnal, waterfowl, birds of prey and other categories of birds.
Official website: https://www.wrs.com.sg
19. Singapore Botanical Garden
Pedestrian alley at the Singapore Botanical Garden
The main purpose of the famous Botanical Garden in Singapore today was once the cultivation of crops – cocoa, nuts, fruits and spices. But later, a new garden was laid on these lands, based on ornamental plants, which was built right in the pristine rainforest. Today, the garden stretches as much as 74 hectares and includes several thematic areas dedicated to different types of vegetation. You can walk around the park endlessly, contemplating the beautiful alleys, fountains and ponds.
Official website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg
20. Sultan Hussein Mosque
The center of Singapore’s Muslim Community is the Sultan Hussein Mosque
The most ancient landmark of Singapore that has survived to this day is the Sultan Hussein Mosque, which still impresses with its external splendor. It was built in the period 1824-1826. Today, the mosque is designed for 5,000 Muslims, the halls are divided into a lower room for men and an upper gallery for women. An interesting fact is that the domes of the mosque are built on a glass base, for which the bottoms of bottles donated by the poorest residents of Singapore are used.
Official website: https://sultanmosque.sg
21. Sri Mariamman Temple
Gate tower “gopuram” (gopuram) of Sri Mariamman Temple
Even without knowing the exact address of this Singapore landmark, walking through the Chinatown quarter, you just can’t help but notice a bright and extraordinary temple with an amazing facade. This is Sri Mariamman, the oldest Hindu temple, decorated with numerous colorful sculptures of Indian gods. The interior of the sanctuary is no simpler than the exterior, and the sculpture of the mother goddess Mariamman occupies a central place in it.
Official website: https://www.smt.org.sg
22. Peranakan Museum
Exhibits of the Peranakan Tim Adams Museum
The only historical museum in Singapore today that is based on the history and culture of the Peranakan people is the Peranakan Museum. In total, the museum has 10 permanent exhibitions spread over 3 floors. On the ground floor, the history of the emergence of Peranakan communities in Asian countries is presented. The second one tells about the traditions of the Peranakan wedding, and on the third one you can learn the peculiarities of the life of the people and get acquainted with the objects of decorative and applied art.
Official website: https://www.peranakanmuseum.org.sg
23. Temple and Museum of the Buddha Tooth Shrine
Temple and Museum of the Buddha Tooth Shrine in the middle of the night metropolis
This landmark of Singapore is located in the Chinatown area and is dedicated to one of the most important Buddhist relics – the tooth of an enlightened teacher, left after the cremation of Siddhartha Gautama’s body. The temple is distinguished by its external modesty, but by its rich interior decoration. On the upper tier of the temple there is a museum housing various artifacts related in one way or another to the life of the Buddha and the cult of worship to him.
Official website: https://www.btrts.org.sg
24. Universal Studios Amusement Park
Figures of the God Anubis in front of the entrance to the attraction “Revenge of the Mummy”
The first major entertainment complex in Asia, created in the best traditions of Hollywood, is Universal Studio Park on Sentosa Island. It was created based on the movie masterpieces from Universal and decorated in different styles, in accordance with 7 thematic zones. In addition to a variety of attractions, on the territory of the park you can visit cafes, souvenir shops or watch one of the shows held here – in general, it is worth setting aside the whole day to visit this fascinating place.
Official website: https://www.rwsentosa.com
25. Fountain of Wealth
Fountain of Wealth, bringing good luck and prosperity
The bright and modern landmark of Singapore, which cannot be ignored, is the Fountain of Wealth. The huge structure covers an area of about 1,700 square meters, symbolizing the wealth and prosperity of the city, and is divided into two sections – a large fountain and a small fountain, recreating an exciting spectacle. In the evening, the beautiful sight is complemented by an amazing backlight. It is believed that prosperity and wealth will accompany everyone who dips his hands into the bowl of the fountain and walks around it three times.
Official website: https://sunteccity.com.sg
Singapore Attractions: what else to visit in Singapore
Along with the main attractions, there are others that are no less worthy of attention and recognition of visitors. Here are recommendations and descriptions of other interesting places in Singapore worth visiting.
26. Museum of Optical Illusions
Skydiving at the Catriona Ward Optical Illusion Museum
This complex is an interactive 3D exhibition on Sentosa Island. The exhibits of the museum are three-dimensional paintings and sculptures that recreate an incredible presence effect for visitors. Here you can not just see the exhibits, but become a part of these exhibits yourself. This is a great place to create unusual photos, and you can even rent monopods for selfies at the entrance.
Official website: https://www.trickeye.com
27. The observation deck of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel
View of the Gardens at Marina Bay Bay from the observation deck of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel
The Marina Bay Sands hotel has already been mentioned earlier, and now we will talk about the observation deck of the hotel. Three huge high towers are connected by a single “deck” of the ship on the roof, it is on this “deck” that the world’s largest swimming pool, recreation area and observation deck in the bow of the “ship” are located. The site offers fantastic panoramic views of the surroundings of Singapore – for example, you can see the Gardens by the bay, the Ferris wheel, futuristic trees or the roof of the Esplanade Theater.
Official website: https://www.marinabaysands.com
28. Formula 1: Singapore Grand Prix
One of the stages of the Formula 1 World Championship Roderick Eime
This is one of the most exciting and beautiful stages of Formula 1, as it takes place at night, when the deserted streets become an extreme 5 km long race track. The Marina Bay Street Circuit is distinguished by its speed and a special coating that provides perfect grip. Another unique feature of the race is the bright artificial lighting that covers every centimeter of the road and creates an extraordinarily beautiful, exciting and dynamic spectacle.
Official website: https://www.singaporegp.sg
29. Merlion is the symbol of Singapore
Merlion is a statue and symbol of Singapore on the Marina Bay promenade
Almost every capital has its own unique symbol. Singapore, in turn, embodies the mythical creature Merlion, or Merlion – a creature with the body of a fish and a lion’s head. It is the 8.6-meter sculpture of this creature, installed at the mouth of the Singapore River, that has become a symbolic landmark of Singapore and the hallmark of the city-state. In addition, the Merlion here is an active fountain: a powerful stream of water erupts from the lion’s mouth directly into the river, and in the evening the sculpture is effectively illuminated by colored lighting.
Official website: https://www.onefabergroup.com
30. Laser show Songs of the Sea (Songs of the Sea)
Fragment of the Bruce Tuten Song of the Sea laser show
Songs of the Sea is an incredibly beautiful light show with music, fireworks and water jets. The show tells the story of a young man who fell in love with the sleeping beauty of the sea. But the plot, in fact, is not as important as the spectacle itself, which is a combination of extraordinary special effects: various images are projected onto the screen from water jets, all this is accompanied by a real extravaganza of light and sound, fireworks explode, and extraordinary laser illumination turns on.
Official website: https://www.sentosa.com.sg
Singapore is a truly fabulous destination that attracts travelers with its rich nature, mild warm climate and the hospitality of the locals. Having been here once, I want to return to Singapore again and again to discover new sights and interesting places of these paradisiacal lands. Read also about the sights of Laos and get inspired for your further journey through Asia!
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