Singapore Travel Guide: Things To Do, Places To See in Singapore.

Things to see in Downtown Singapore

The first stop for many visitors to Singapore is by the riverside. At the mouth of the river on the south side stands the iconic symbol of Singapore, the Merlion. This white-faced statue is a great place to have a picture taken. There are also two smaller versions of the Merlion behind the main statue. The oldest bridge in Singapore, the Cavenagh Bridge, can also be found here. It was named after the last Governor of the Straits Settlement, Sir Lieutenant General William O. Cavenagh. Built in 1868, it is a pedestrian suspension bridge located next to the Fullerton Hotel. The statue of the city’s founder, Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles, has been erected on the spot where he is supposed to have first set foot on Singapore.

One of the most relaxing and popular destinations in downtown Singapore is the Botanic Gardens. Conveniently located on Cluny Road, this urban escape provides much needed lush greenery to the downtown landscape, covering an area of 74 hectares (about a fifth of the size of New York’s Central Park). Here, travelers can look at over a thousand varieties and hybrids of orchids found in the Orchid Garden. There is also is a tropical rainforest right at the heart of the city. The garden is also home to a rubber tree orchard, the first in the region. The Botanic Garden is also home to Burkhill Hall and the VIP Orchid Garden, an Orchidarium and the Tan Hoon Siang Misthouse where different orchid hybrids and fragrant orchids are shown. There is also the Lady Yuen-Peng McNeice Bromeliad House where different varieties of the bromeliad family make a very colorful display and a cooling house that faithfully recreates the conditions for the orchids that grow only in the tropical highlands. There is also an evolution garden, which showcases the evolution of plants on earth as well as a Children’s Garden. The current Botanic Gardens first opened in 1859. The gardens are open to the public from 5 in the morning until midnight. Travelers with children will especially enjoy taking pictures and pointing out the different flora and fauna found here. A visit to the gardens is both educational and relaxing.

Pass by Raffles Hotel. This is known as the Grand Dame of the Far East. Located in the Colonial district, this luxury hotel exudes old world charm and sophistication. It first opened its doors in 1887 and is named after the British founder of the nation, Sir Stamford Raffles. It immediately became the place for the rich and famous to stay while in Singapore. Aside from luxury accommodations featuring teakwood floors, 14-foot high ceilings and luxurious amenities, there are restaurants, a Victorian style theater as well as a garden courtyard. The famous Long Bar is where the drink, the Singapore Sling, was first served. Be sure to order a glass to help stay refreshed and help you unwind during a hot day. Travelers can also see the Raffles Hotel Museum, which showcases various items and memorabilia illustrating the hotel’s historical past.

For a taste of Singapore’s ethnic past, pass by Little India. The sights, sounds and smell may overwhelm you, but it’s all part of the area’s charm. Also known as Tekka, this section is a great place to be for those who want to see some cultural elements of Tamil, which can be seen in the intricate details of the architecture of the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, the curry flavors of the food or even articles of clothing. Little India is home to various temples, such as Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple built in 1855 and the Shakyamuni Buddha Gaya Temple built in 1927. It is also here that the Abdul Gaffoor Mosque can be found. This temple was built in 1907 and showcases renaissance style architecture combined with an Arabian flair. The artwork inside is a testament to the ability of its artisans and features the Islamic history of the people. The number of temples and places of worship in the area is a reflection of the various cultures and religions that have come together in Singapore.

Things to do in Downtown Singapore

To get to know Singapore, take a city tour, which will take you to the various locations around the city. You’ll pass by the historic Raffles Hotel, where the famous cocktail drink the Singapore Sling was first concocted. You may even want to get a suit made at the prestigious CYC The Custom Shop located at the Raffles, where Singapore’s Prime Minister gets his shirts tailored. You’ll pass by Chinatown and Little India, a bazaar mecca where you can pick up a few trinkets and souvenirs to bring back home. The colonial sites as well as famous landmarks are part of the tour. The tour only takes half a day so you’ll still have time to go back to the sites you want to revisit at your leisure.

For a waterside view of Singapore, get onboard the Admiral Cheng Ho Singapore Harbor Cruise. The ride takes about two and a half hours as you leisurely make your way on a junk boat. Travelers get a guided tour of the various scenic locations around Singapore starting from Harbourfront Center on the Singapore River while you make your way towards Kusu Island and visit a Chinese temple. Bring your camera, as there will be a number of photo opportunities while onboard. Travelers can choose to start their day onboard with a Morning Glory Cruise, which leaves at 10:30am or relax in the afternoon with a High Tea Cruise, which departs at 3pm. For those who don’t want the tea, a simple Dragon Cruise will suffice. Advanced reservations are strongly advised since the rides do get booked quickly.

One of the main draws of Singapore is shopping, and a trip down Orchard Road is a must for those who want to hit the stores. It is the retail and entertainment hub of the city. It starts from Orchard Grove Road and stretches to Handy Road. The street got its name from the nutmeg and fruit trees that used to be planted here in the 19th century. Premium hotels, top luxury brands such as Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, popular label boutiques and a number of department stores can be found here, such as ION, Ngee Ann City, DFS Galleria, Wisma Atria, Lucky Plaza, Mandarin Gallery and the Paragon to name a few, making it a shopper’s paradise. Some buildings also afford travelers an impressive taste of modern architecture, such as Orchard Central.

Travelers can avail of tax-free shopping for a minimum single receipt purchase. Be ready to present your passport and the sales personnel will gladly prepare your tax free forms for you to present at the airport. One of the best times of the year to go shopping here is between June to July, when the retailers hold the annual Great Singapore Sale. During this time, retailers slash their prices and extend store hours to 11pm.

Dining options are never ending in Singapore. The influence of its Malay, Chinese, Thai and Indian neighbors can be tasted in the various food items such as chicken and beef satay (barbecued meat), Bak Kut Teh (Chinese pork ribs soup), Hokkien Mee (stir fried noodles) and Char Kway Teow (a sweet yet tasty stit-fry noodle dish). Be sure to order Garlic Chili Crab, another famous specialty of Singapore. Finally, travelers can’t leave Singapore without trying a plate of Hainanese Chicken or chicken rice, the national dish of Singapore.

For an authentic touch, order your food from a street stall and enjoy it with some chili and ginger dip. Travelers can still get fish head curry served on a banana leaf or chicken biryani over at Little India. Over at the Cuppage Food Centre, travelers can order freshly squeezed fruit juices or even a refreshing glass of sugar cane juice, as well as stir fried noodles cooked to order and choose from the plethora of satay food stalls or even turtle soup stalls. Other street food stalls to enjoy are at the Hill Street Food Center, the stalls on Maxwell Road and People’s Park Market.

Another excellent place to go on a food trip is the Chinatown Food Center. Here, travelers can get authentic tasting Singaporean and Chinese cuisine at the best prices. Travelers feeling adventurous can even try out Ellenborough Market Café while in Chinatown. Go up to the third floor past the market stalls to enjoy some authentic Chaozhou cuisine, such as braised goose or steamed fish.

While in Chinatown, travelers can go shopping for a number of goods. Be ready to haggle to get the best prices. Those who want a taste of history may find the Chinatown Heritage Center of particular interest. Travelers can see recreations of 18th and 19th century homes and rooms, to gain some insight to an early way of life.

Those who want to enjoy the nightlife will find a number of delicious fine dining restaurants and fun bars along the Singapore Riverside. The 8.6 meter tall Merlion can be found on the south bank, spouting water from its mouth as it stands to welcome visitors to Singapore. Choose from the dining and bar options along Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay and Boat Quay.

Those looking to get an adrenalin rush should try the Flight Experience. It’s the first flight simulator ride in Asia and provides travelers a chance to get to know what it’s like to be a jet pilot. First timers will do well to sign up for the one-hour package to get the full experience. It’s quite pricey but it will certainly be a unique experience and may keep you coming back for more.

Another exciting activity to do in Singapore is to go bungee jumping. Go to Clarke Quay and get yourself strapped to the G-Max Reverse Bungee. The first jump starts at 3pm and the place is open till midnight.

Travelers who wish to take a day trip to Malaysia can do so from Singapore. Half-day trips are available to visit Johor Bahru in Malaysia. Here, travelers can witness the fine art of batik painting and weaving. This is a great place to purchase a few woven Malaysian handicraft items such as bags and home décor items as souvenirs. The tour also includes a visit to the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, where visitors can see Moorish architecture. The entire trip only takes five hours, leaving ample time to enjoy the rest of Singapore.

Sentosa Island is a one of Singapore’s larger islands located south of the city of Singapore. It has become a premier tourist destination for those traveling to Singapore, with several recreational and leisure attractions, with hotel accommodations, restaurants and year-round events. It is a top tourist draw, with about 5 million people visiting the island resort annually. It is connected to the mainland by a causeway bridge or via cable car from Mount Faber. Visitors can take the Sentosa Express monorail or walk over the newly-opened Sentosa Boardwalk.

Things to see in Sentosa Island

Singapore Zoo is one of the most popular destinations for animal lovers and those traveling with young children. On an area of over 220 acres, the free range zoo is home to the world’s largest captive orangutans and to over 315 different species of animals. It is also a sanctuary to many endangered species. The zoo was built at a cost of 9 million SGD and opened its doors to the public in 1973.

Singapore zoo features moats, parks and glass barrier enclosures to allow guests to observe the animals in a more naturalistic environment. The secondary forest offers night safari tours for zoo visitors. This is a great way for travelers to witness the animals as they come alive at night, especially since many creatures are nocturnal. There are even package tours including a buffet dinner for the whole family to enjoy. Travelers can get around the zoo using the trams, horse drawn carriages, get a pony ride, using a boat or simply walking around at leisure. Travelers can also enjoy a variety of shows to keep things going, such as “Breakfast with an Orangutan” or Elephants at Work and Play”. Or they can also look forward to an upcoming River Safari as part of the zoo experience.

Universal Studios Singapore is also here on Sentosa Island and is one of the newest attractions here, having opened only in early 2010. There are a total of 24 various thrill rides that tourists can enjoy as well as shows and attractions for entertainment. While there are no active working backlots and it is not an actual film studio compared to the Los Angeles theme park, travelers are taken to various sections around the park starting with Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Shrek’s Far Far Away and Madagascar. There are popular character mascots going around the park that travelers can have their pictures taken with.

Young and old alike will enjoy a visit to Underwater World. This oceanarium is home to 2,500 marine creatures. There is a walk-through tunnel where visitors can see various sea creatures swimming overhead. There’s also a hugely popular dolphin show that is sure to delight the audience. Finally, for a unique spa-like experience, get some fish reflexology done, where Turkish Garra rufa fish nibble at your feet, resulting in a unique massage experience. The park is open from 9am to 11pm daily.

The Merlion here is not only an iconic symbol of Singapore, there is also a walk-through museum inside. Check out the twelve-story structure. Up on the 10th floor, visitors can have a bird’s eye view of the city. For those who want a 360-degree view, head up to the top deck and be sure to bring your camera for some spectacular shots. Hold on to your hats and things, as the winds can get quite strong at the top floor.

Travelers who want a beach setting can choose from three in Sentosa: Siloso Beach, Palawan Beach and Tanjong Beach. Together, the three beaches have a combined 3.2 kilometers of coastline. Travelers can enjoy the white sand beach by having a picnic, lazing around to work on a tan or enjoy a game of beach volleyball. The sand on the beach has been imported.

Things to do in Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island is a favorite stop for many travelers because there is much to do. Getting around is also easy as soon as you get to the island, as there is a free shuttle service that takes travelers from one attraction to another. Bikes are also available for rent. There is also the Go Green Segway Eco Adventure, wherein travelers can get on eco-friendly Segways to get around.

Thrill seekers will like the Sentosa Luge and Skyride. It’s an amusement type attraction wherein travelers can go up and down the mountain using a luge. The Skyride is an open air chair lift while riders have control of the luge using the various gears. On the other hand, those who want to recreate the experience of skydiving without any of the risks will love the iFly Singapore. A huge ventilator will keep travelers suspended simulating the sensation of skydiving.

Those who want an escape from the scorching heat may enjoy a visit to Wave House Sentosa right at Siloso Beach. It provides a thrilling Double Flowrider Barrel and the more challenging three-meter FlowBarrel, an artificial barreling wave that can challenge surfers and novice swimmers alike. Be sure to bring a photo ID to get in. There are hourly rates as well as package rates. If you get hungry, there’s a restaurant on site. When you’re ready to unwind, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the sunset on Siloso Beach. You may also want to work on your tan while here.

Young and old alike will enjoy a ride aboard the Singapore Flyer, located at the Marina Bay. This is Singapore’s answer to the London Eye, a giant capsule Ferris wheel observation deck that gives riders views of the city as well as the nearby islands of Indonesia and Malaysia. It is the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, proudly standing at 42 stories high, measuring 165 meters or 541 feet. Each capsule can accommodate up to 28 passengers at a time. A full revolution takes over 30 minutes so travelers can enjoy the sights at their leisure.

Travelers who wish for a more quiet and natural environment will enjoy the Sentosa Orchid Gardens. It’s a treat to see hundreds of various orchids on display. Walk around and relax by the koi garden. It’s a free attraction and provides a quiet break from all the hustle and bustle while in Sentosa.

For a more romantic setting on a Friday or Saturday night, have dinner aboard the cable car. For about $120SGD, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal while enjoying an unhindered view of Mount Faber.

For travelers who want to try their luck, there is the Resorts World Casino. There is also the Marina Bay Sands, wherein the architecture features a ship atop the buildings. Marina Bay Sands is an impressive casino and hotel. This provides one of the best views of Singapore from 57 stories high. Marina Bay Sands is an attraction all into itself, with a Sky Sands Park, the largest light and water show in Southeast Asia called Wonder Full, the Banyan Tree Spa, a skating rink and the ArtScience Museum. For tourists who just want to see the view, a minimal fee is paid to get in Marina Bay Sands, which also includes a complimentary drink. Be sure to bring your passport.

At night, be sure to catch The Songs of the Sea. This is a 25-minute water show featuring lights, computer images, pyrotechnics and music, reminiscent of Las Vegas’ Bellagio fountain show. Travelers with children will certainly enjoy this award winning water and pyrotechnics show and is a good way to wrap up the evening before leaving Sentosa Island.

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