Singapore, the land of innovation, is much more than just a stopover destination. Often considered the gateway of your holiday, this year-round destination has become Asia’s best-kept secret. Whether you visit for the culture, the culinary scene or just to take a dip in the world’s largest (and coolest) infinity pool, we’re confident Singapore will take you by surprise.
Here’s our roundup of all the fun things we think you should do in Singapore:
Discover the food capital of Asia
Mealtime is considered one of the nation’s favourite things to do in Singapore. Tuck in and you’ll understand why. With Chinese, Malay, Indian and English influences, you’ll experience a fusion of flavours unique to this city. The best way to experience it is to sample the street food at hawker centres – where some stalls have been awarded Michelin stars! It’s a cheap, clean and very tasty affair. Maxwell Food Centre is a good place to start, with chilli crab, traditional laksa, and roti prate all on the menu. Or Lau Pa Sat, a cheap and cheerful market that has tables spilling into the streets when it livens up after 7pm.
For Maxwell Food Centre:
Red Line Route, Stop: Kreta Ayer
The inner-city escape
A short walk from the hustle and bustle of the city and you’ll find yourself in one of Singapore’s iconic green spaces. And we’re not talking your everyday park. Visit Gardens by the Bay to see giant manmade Supertrees, impressive sculptures and waterfront gardens. Journey through the suspended walkways to get a view from above, then discover the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at Cloud Forest, a 35-metre tall mountain surrounded by mist and covered in lush flora. And breath.
Green Line Route, Stop: Gardens by the Bay
Take a dip
The world’s largest and by far coolest infinity pool at the Marina Bay Sands hotel is a tourist attraction in itself. And with the coolest month in Singapore still reaching a modest 26oC it’s a stop that should be on your itinerary whenever you visit. Get there for sundown, grab a cocktail and a sun lounger, then dip in to gaze down at the impressive skyline from 57 floors above. It doesn’t get any more insta-worthy than this.
View this post on Instagram
Yellow Line Route, Stop: Marina Bay Sands
A spot of shopping
Whether it’s shopping for souvenirs, or something a little more extravagant, Singapore’s shopping scene comes in all forms. This island city-state is packed with more malls per square mile than any other country in the world. Start at Orchard Road for 2.2km of megamalls, home to endless luxury boutiques and designer brands (you could literally spend an entire day here). Then head for Chinatown Street Market for traditional candles, artwork and clothing. And finally, the hipster-haven that is Haji Lane, a narrow road lined with vintage stores. You’ll still have barely scratched the surface. For even more options, check out our guide to Shopping in Singapore.
For Orchard Road:
Yellow Line Route, Stop: Orchard Plaza
For Chinatown Street Market:
Red & Brown Line Route, Stop: Chinatown
Island hopping
Singapore is actually part of an archipelago of 63 islands, mostly uninhabited. However, there are a select few we recommend you build into your itinerary. Start with Sentosa, the most developed of them all, home to Universal Studios, for hours of fun rides and attractions. Then hop to Pulau Ubin for Chek Jawa wetland nature reserve, a secret haven teaming with wildlife, accidently discovered in year 2000. Once on the island, hire a bicycle to explore, or for the more adventurous, you can hike to the wetlands. For things to do in Singapore, this is a rather unexpected one to add to your itinerary.
Green Line Route, Stop: RWS/Sentosa
Sip a Singapore Sling
Singapore transforms itself from a well-versed business hub in the day to a lively network of bars and nightclubs after dark. You can bar hop your way around Orchard Road, a popular spot for the locals, or take advantage of the rooftop bar scene you’ll find across the city. 1-Altutude is not just the highest, but the most famous, sat al fresco atop of One Raffles Place. Or, for somewhere a little more unique, visit SuperTree by Indochine, where you’ll sit at the top of a giant manmade tree overlooking Singapore in all its glory.
View this post on Instagram
For Orchard Road:
Yellow Line Route, Stop: SVC Orchard
For 1-Altutude & One Raffles Place:
Brown Line Route, Stop: Clifford Pier
For SuperTree by Indochine:
Green Line Route, Stop: Gardens by the Bay
Cultural Calendar
Singapore defines the saying East meets West. Its diverse heritage combines Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences, with four official languages spoken across the island. Chinese temples sit next to modern Christian churches, and each religion is celebrated year round with colourful festivals. Other festivals to note, are, the Singapore Food Festival (July), Neon Lights Festival (November) and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (all year round).
A visit to Singapore really does take you across the globe. From Little India to Chinatown, Kampong Glam and everywhere in between. To experience state of the art living, delicious food and a good mix of city living and green space, this city is just your ticket. Be sure to tick off the above from your ‘things to do in Singapore’ bucket list. Check out our bus tours for more itinerary inspiration.
