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Immerse yourself in the beauty of Gardens By The Bay.
As one of Singapore's most famous landmarks, Gardens By the Bay's unique landscape immediately evokes an "alien" setting. Its most striking feature is the Supertree Grove – 18 vertical, man-made "supertrees" within the garden, with the tallest reaching nearly 20 stories! The best time to visit the Supertrees is at night when they are illuminated, creating a magical glow. Gardens by the Bay offers free admission daily from 5 AM to 2 AM.
Arrive at Pulau Ubin island
Pulau Ubin is a small island northeast of Singapore. Gone are the skyscrapers and cars; the island is a reminder of Singapore's image from a few decades ago – a truly pristine island. It is also home to one of Singapore's last remaining traditional villages, where the inhabitants lead simple lives supported by fishing and farming. To make your visit to Pulau Ubin memorable, rent a bicycle to explore the entire island, learning about the German Girl Shrine and other remnants of Singapore's past. To get to Pulau Ubin, take a ferry from Changi Point Ferry Terminal.
Immerse yourself in the wild at Singapore Zoo
First opened in 1973, Singapore Zoo spans nearly 70 acres and is home to over 300 animal species. Highly regarded for its design and its "open" enclosure model, which breaks away from the constraints of traditional cages and shackles, the zoo is wildlife-friendly and stimulates visitor curiosity. To help visitors explore the grounds, various transportation options are available, including electric trams and boats. For a more unique experience, you can visit the zoo after dark, during the Night Safari, to observe and learn about the many nocturnal animals.
Discover unusual neighborhoods.
Many of Singapore's richest heritage sites are located in its cultural districts: Chinatown, Little India, and Arab Street. A guided tour of Little India, under the guidance of the National Heritage Board, will allow you to experience the area's religious diversity and, notably, queue for a plate of the renowned Michelin-starred chicken rice. Meanwhile, in Arab Street, you'll have the chance to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, smoke shisha, and watch the vibrant nightlife.
Experience the culinary delights at the hawker center.
The most authentic way to assess a country's culture is through its local cuisine. While influenced by culinary traditions from across the region, Singapore also boasts its own unique and unmistakable local dishes such as chili crab, laksa, and chicken rice. You can also sample Malay, Tamil, and Chinese cuisine, popular throughout the city. To find the best places to enjoy local food, head to the locals' hangouts. In particular, you can find a meal for under $10 in the hawker center.
Admire the spectacular light show.
Singapore often comes alive at night with enchanting lights, not just from streetlights or entertainment centers, but from light shows throughout the city. You certainly can't miss the starry screens projected at Marina Bay and Sentosa, with their spectacular light effects.
Hunting for street art in Tiong Bahru
In the Tiong Bahru neighborhood, you'll find a wealth of artistic treasures scattered throughout the streets and on the walls. Yip Yew Chong, a local heritage enthusiast who grew up in Tiong Bahru, owns three murals scattered around the city, depicting some of his memories of the past. Or consider animal photographer Ernest Goh with his collages on walls, easily found around the Tiong Bahru market.
Watch the stunning sunset at Marina Bay.
Singapore is famous for its stunning skyline. The Marina Bay Sands promenade, in particular, is sure to impress, offering a superb vantage point for some of the city's most beautiful views. It's especially popular around 6 PM, when crowds gather to watch the sunset.
Soaring above the MacRitchie Treetop Walk
If you enjoy a bit of adventure in nature, you should visit MacRitchie Reservoir to experience the heights of the MacRitchie Treetop Walk, a suspension bridge 250 meters long and 25 meters above the forest floor. The entire walk across the bridge takes several hours, so remember to bring plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes. Afterwards, stroll along the path around a reservoir in the forest, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a family of giant monkeys living there!
Expand your horizons in the city museum.
Singapore boasts a range of world-class museums, catering to a myriad of subjects and research topics. Explore how the worlds of art and technology intertwine at the ArtScience Museum, or learn about the history of the Lion City at the history gallery in the Singapore Museum. There are even museums dedicated to antique toys and fascinating stamp collections to discover!
