Of all the beautiful destinations of the Pacific island-nations, there is something uniquely magical about the island of Singapore.

You may be wondering what makes Singapore distinctive from the other island-nations in the Pacific, you can rest assured that there are a wide variety of things to do in Singapore—many of which do not require swimwear.

The essential attractions to see, places to visit, and the top points of interest in this lush and scenic Garden paradise are multiple, and utilizing a well-researched travel guide will save you time by selecting the attractions that are indispensable in the Lion City.

For a quicker read, here is a comprehensive list compiled just for you.

Things To Do In Singapore:

Explore The Gateway To Singapore At Jewel Changi Airport

Few destinations bring the distinctive wonder of their locale to life like Singapore—which presents a grand overview of their island culture before you even leave the airport.

The Jewel Changi Airport is the latest attraction in Singapore and you will not find it listed in most travel guides.

It is an easy point of interest for your trip as it greets you as soon as your plane lands.

Jewel Changi combines the paramount features of a high-end airport terminal with several innovative features that integrate shopping and dining convenience with the essential themes of Singaporean culture.

Upon departure from terminals one through three, a walkway guides you to a dome-shaped paradise of lush natural beauty and modern shopping, dining, and relaxation comforts.

The highlight of this eco-infused multiplex is the one-hundred and thirty-one foot high Rain Vortex, which holds the record as the world’s largest indoor waterfall.

This marvel of this aquatic architecture flows seamlessly into the lush, tropical oasis of the Shiseido Forest Valley, featuring nearly sixty-one thousand trees, shrubs, and lush vegetation from around the world.

Your tour of the Shiseido isn’t complete without viewing the mist-filled vistas of the vortex via the Canopy Park on Jewel Changi’s upper level.

If you have children, there will be no lack of attractions to keep them occupied and invigorated.

The Hedge Maze and Mirror Maze offer intriguing puzzles with natural beauty, while the artistic-themed playground in the Discovery Slides section will provide endless opportunities for your kids to enjoy the natural splendor.

Topiary Walk presents a walking tour with hedges trimmed and colored into the form of some of Singapore’s most famous animals.

The dreamlike splendor of the Foggy Bowls will allow your kids to jump and hide in clouds of mist and puffs of fog that emerge randomly from the lawn.

One travel hack that can help to reduce the cost of your trip is to utilize the globe-spanning shops and local retailers that makeup Jewel Changi’s “First in Singapore” shopping complex.

All of your shopping needs can be fulfilled before you even step out into the city.

Some of Singapore’s foremost shopping is available upon your arrival, with trendy global brands mixing perfectly with local brands that represent the optimum of Singaporean fashion and accessories.

Culinary curation is the benchmark for any nation to represent their own distinctive flavors.

At Jewel Changi Airport, a wide array of international favorites are complimented by the very best creations that Singapore has to offer.

The centerpiece of Jewel’s dining selections are the open air terraces that allow diners to experience the tranquility of al fresco dining in a serene garden environment.

It makes for a stunning introduction and time-saving experience if you are left wondering what to do in Singapore.

Address: 78 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819666

Tour The Endless Wonders Of Singapore Zoo

Singapore holds the distinction of having one of the planet’s most diverse and singularly exotic collections of wildlife.

Spanning over twenty-six hectares of a lush rain forest, the Singapore Zoo features an open concept that allows you to experience a zoo unlike ever before while still maintaining visitor safety.

Species are given plenty of space in their preferred, indigenous habitat, which creates a humane and incredibly fascinating viewing experience.

Naturalists act as tour guides to educate you and your family about each species as you tour a surreal habitat that places you directly in the animal’s natural habitat.

The Great Rift Valley features a realistic cascading waterfall that is home to smaller primate species, while the Primate Kingdom section allows you to see larger primates in stunning close-ups.

The Frozen Tundra offers a view of polar bears, while the Fragile Forest biodome offers aerial wonderment with a stunning view at the summit of the canopy.

The Singapore Zoo is a seminal destination for any traveler visiting Singapore.

The interactive, open concept layout of the zoo offers you and your family a unique insight into exotic species in their natural habitat.

As one of the world’s most conservation-minded wildlife refuge centers, you can rest assured that all of the center’s species are properly maintained in replicas of their native habitats.

Address: 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826

View Singaporean Art At The National Gallery Singapore

Your experience in downtown Singapore should always include a visit to the premier visual arts exhibit in Southeast Asia, the National Gallery Singapore.

In all international travel tips, you will usually see sections that focus on cultural enrichment destinations to balance out the more popular attractions.

Often times, it is easy to focus on popular tourist attractions and forget about the cultural enrichment that can provide you with the best way to experience a destination’s distinctive culture.

The National Gallery Singapore utilizes innovative technology to display the vibrant art and heritage of Singaporean art and culture from its European-infused colonial beginnings to its singularly unique avant-garde artistic creations of today.

National Gallery Singapore is spread across two heritage sites—the old Supreme Court building and City Hall, which adds a historical context to the visual splendor of the gallery.

You could easily spend a full day within the gallery, so if you are looking to save time be sure to visit the historical exhibit “Between Declarations and Dreams”, which explores Singaporean art since the 1800s.

Also check out the “Law of the Land”, which explores Singapore’s constitutional history through official documents dating from the early nineteenth century to the nations turbulent events of the 1960s.

Experience The Iconic Beauty Of Koon Seng Road

Have you ever been enchanted by a road or lane in a movie that looks like a beautiful creation of opulence straight out of a fairy-tale?

Singapore’s Koon Seng Road brings the pictures in your camera to colorful life in one of the nation’s most unique places to visit.

Accessible by bus from downtown, or a taxi for quicker arrival, the road is famous for its vibrant colors and geometrically adjoined houses that pop with bright, luminescent colors.

As one of the city’s most photographed destinations, Koon Seng Road is one of the essential things to see as it holds the record as the most Instagrammed destination in Singapore.

Many visitors enjoy wearing apparel that matches the bright colors of the houses, so it is safe to say that your pictures when touring the road will have unintentional artistic merit.

If you wish to make a day out of the tour, be sure and visit the local shops in close proximity to the road for a perfect chance to experience both a shopping excursion and cultural enrichment.

Address: 10 Koon Seng Rd, Singapore 426960

Walk Along A Kaleidoscope Of Natural Beauty At Singapore Botanic Gardens

If Jewel Changi Airport offered a gateway to Singapore’s natural beauty, then Singapore Botanic Gardens is a mecca for experiencing the island’s pristine landscapes.

Founded in 1822 by Sir Stamford Raffles, this historic landmark features an ancient rainforest surrounded by keenly cultivated greenery and serene orchards that is breathtaking to behold.

A good starting point of your tour is the Bandstand Garden.

Featuring a one-hundred and eight-foot-tall gazebo in its center, this postcard ready image is framed by surrounding Yellow Rain Trees, which inspire the hues of autumn, even though the yellow is due to a genetic mutation from the original color of green.

Bonsai Garden is an homage to Japanese horticulture and features perfectly trimmed trees in over forty-nine different species are the versatile plant.

The Sun Garden features a multitude of arid plants, including many species of cacti.

The Swan Lake forms the main tourist attraction of the gardens with an endless visual cornucopia of lush vegetation, mesmerizing small islands, and the singular beauty of Dutch swans that glide across the lake with a natural rhythm and elegance.

If you only have time for one garden and are wondering what to see to take away the best representation of the beauty of the gardens, the National Orchid Garden is your answer.

Tropical orchids, with species numbering in the thousands, are immaculately presented amidst tranquil fountains and stunning brooks.

Singapore Botanic Gardens is easily accessible from downtown and features prominently in travel guides as a must-see attraction.

Address: 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569

Sunbathe And Swim In The Pacific Island Paradise Of Sentosa Island

Taking a detour to Sentosa Island is one of the most popular things to do in Singapore, and for good reason.

Sentosa Island is a tourist attraction in and of itself, with luminous sandy white beaches and opulent resorts.

The island features numerous elegant hotels, most of which are equipped with spas and fine dining restaurants to complement endless hours of beach activities and water sports.

The Adventure Cove Waterpark offers exciting water slides and snorkeling adventures that make for a thrilling underwater adventure, while the interactive Dolphin Island allows you to touch and feel bottlenose dolphins.

If aquatic activities are not your forte, the island features many cultural activities to keep you dry.

The Palawan Theater and the Butterfly Park and the Insect Kingdom provide up-close exhibits of flora and fauna that are indigenous to the island.

A walking trip along the Fort Siloso Skywalk, an eleven-story high walking trail, allows you to experience a bird’s-eye view of Sentosa, which was constructed by the British in the late nineteenth century to protect the island from an invasion.

Have Fun At Universal Studios Singapore

Located in the Resorts World mecca of Sentosa Island, Singapore’s branch of Universal Studios is an island-themed feast for the fun-loving adventurer within.

If you simply cannot decide on what to see first in Sentosa, you can never go wrong with this iconic haven of endless fun with a uniquely Singaporean vibe.

Seven zones form the layout of the park with “Hollywood” providing an entrance full of Hollywood themed shopping and dining options, as well as the “Sesame Street Show” which is highly popular with children.

Sesame Street characters roam the “New York City” zone, adding a colorful twist to the world’s most fast-paced urban city.

If you like adrenaline, “Sci-fi City” provides the world’s largest roller coaster that uses an inverted, duel mechanism that makes for a thrilling experience.

For a more ambient and dark experience, “Ancient Egypt” houses the Revenge of the Mummy ride that combines a roller coaster with plenty of jump-out scares.

Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269

Stare In Amazement At The Aquatic Beauty Of S.E.A. Aquarium

Located on the island of Sentosa, the S.E.A. Aquarium holds the distinction as one of the world’s largest aquariums and a necessity in Singapore points of interest.

Over one-hundred thousand ocean animals within one thousand species, S.E.A. Aquarium offers an exhilarating marine journey into some of the most multifaceted underwater ecosystems in our oceans.

Your trip to Singapore is brimming with the readily available ambiance that characterizes the South Pacific and S.E.A Aquarium is a perfect opportunity to capture the essence of the surrounding ocean.

The Bay of Bengal exhibit is a must-see with its large selection of endangered species, many of which are native to Southeast Asia.

The otherworldly specimens include the garden eel, which resembles a tubeworm as well as the iconic clownfish, forever immortalized in Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo.

If you are curious, the Ocean Journey exhibit will present to you an aquatic world that you only thought existed in science fiction, with the giant spider crab and giant octopus specimens showing the strange diversity of life in our ocean depths.

S.E.A Aquarium is definitely worth the price of admission, especially if you are a marine science enthusiast or have small children.

It offers a more leisurely-paced and mental excursion to the highly physical attractions on Sentosa.

With a wide selection of endangered species, including the rare giant manta ray, this aquarium offers one of only a handful of exhibits in the world that both presents and protects these disappearing animals.

Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, 098269

Walk And Swim Amongst the Clouds At Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

Often in life, you may have noticed that when we are going about our daily tasks, we only ever view the world from the ground level.

The SkyPark Observatory at the luxury Marina Bay Sands hotel is one of Singapore’s coolest tourist attractions, with an emphasis on top.

The observation deck located on the fifty-seventh floor of the hotel is accessible without a hotel stay and will provide you with some of the most stunning views in Southeast Asia.

An added benefit to this attraction is provided if you choose to stay in one of the hotel’s exquisite and ornate rooms.

Registered guests can utilize the rooftop pool, which gives a whole new feeling to the term – lounging at the world’s peak.

The views from this vantage point are absolutely breathtaking as you look down at the Lion City.

Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956

Tour A Night Safari And Get Within Close Proximity To Singapore’s Nocturnal Wildlife

A traditional safari is always a must when figuring out how to plan a trip to Southeast Asia.

Singapore builds upon the wonder and excitement of these excursions and sets the scene at night.

These incredible adventures allow pickup and return from most hotels and provide a rare glimpse into exotic wildlife when we see them the least.

The tour offers glimpses of both gentle and carnivorous wildlife which is thrilling to behold due to the mysterious and tranquil glow of moonlight as the only light source.

The most exhilarating part of the safari takes place on the weekends–where tigers are fed right in front of your eyes.

For the brave at heart, a guided walking tour is also available, which allows you to become even closer to animals as they perform their nightly tasks.

If you want to take a night safari, be prepared to stand in line for quite some time.

This is an incredibly popular attraction, especially on the weekends. It is definitely worth your time and is essential for any trip to Singapore.

Most wildlife is active at night, due in part to more comfortable temperatures, so be prepared to see predatory animals observing their natural instincts.

Address: 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826

Stroll The Biodomes Of Singapore’s Gardens By The Bay

Singapore is an ultra-green city that prides itself on its conservation principles with a vast selection of plants and horticultural pursuits.

If you are a naturalist at heart, Gardens by the Bay will serve as a perfect complement to your tour of Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Gardens by the Bay focuses on versatility in their presentations, which is aided by the temperate atmosphere of Singapore.

Resembling a massive garden of the distant future, this attraction is one of the best examples of what a biodome can achieve.

Situated near Marina Bay, the experience of this attraction is similar to Disney’s Epcot, with nature as the overriding theme.

The most distinctive aspect of this attraction is the massive supertrees that tower above the skyline of Bay South Garden, which is constructed in the design of the city’s official flower, the Vanda.

Do not miss the opportunity to walk along the vertical levitating walkway amongst the supertrees that will give you a stunning view of the gardens below.

For a nighttime extravaganza of natural beauty, be sure to attend the Garden Rhapsody, which will give your camera a colorful workout.

Gardens by the Bay may very well be one of the most innovative natural gardens on the planet.

With the Cloud Forest compounds, it is also one of the most majestic.

This section of gardens features a mist covered mountain, one-hundred and fifteen feet tall, that looks as if it was transported from the early ages of Earth.

Dining and shopping are also covered at this attraction, with a uniquely-themed indoor replica of the gardens.

Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953

Take In Singapore’s National Monument At Merlion Park

National identity is a key tool for establishing a nation’s enculturated composition.

The Merlion statue is to Singapore what Big Ben is to London and the Christ the Redeemer statue is to Rio de Janeiro.

Standing twenty-eight feet in height and located in a small enclosure overlooking Marina Bay and the Esplanade, this iconic structure is shaped in the form of a fish that transforms into the head of a lion.

The statue is enclosed inside of a small park that offers one of the best views of downtown Singapore.

As a relatively brief excursion, a visit to this park will allow you to take in a physical representation of the spirit of Singapore.

The Merlion statue is shaped like a fish–to highlight the nation’s maritime past and a lion to represent the city’s moniker.

This attraction is perfect when touring downtown Singapore and is a relatively easy checkpoint on essential things to see in the city.

Address: 1 Fullerton Road, Singapore 049213

Experience An Intimate Shopping Excursion On Haji Lane

If you have ever been to the French Quarter in New Orleans, then you are familiar with the small and intimate atmosphere of closely connected shops.

Haji Lane in Singapore holds the distinction as the narrowest street on the globe, with vendors and artists only a handshake away to exhibit their products for your consideration.

Located north of the Singapore River in the Kampong Glam district, Haji Lane has the composition and feel of a medieval shopping district with an eclectic mix of products native to Singapore.

With a wide selection of designs both indie and mainstream, you will certainly find something to pique your curiosity.

Part of the fun of this attraction is being amongst designers and artists in a small space, which makes it feel as if their selections are being presented solely to you.

Middle Eastern cuisine litters the lane due to the districts strong Middle Eastern history.

If you only shop at one destination while in the city, the ambiance and cozy atmosphere of Haji Lane should rank high on your list.

Address: 21A Haji Lane, Singapore 189214

Experience Nature At Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Nature and Singapore are synonymous with one another; there are many natural exhibits functioning as tourist attractions, but if solitude is what you require, this attraction is a must.

Located nearly eight miles outside of the bustling city, Bukit Timah allows you to be the guide and set your own timetable for viewing the untamed lush paradise of the country.

The most popular way of experiencing the reserve is hiking, so two travel hacks to remember about Singapore is to be sure to dress appropriately and pack comfortable shoes.

Bukit Timah is four hundred acres of preserved rainforest located in the center of the city.

A recreational day at this reserve will allow you to experience a rainforest up close, with all of the relevant wildlife surrounding you.

When hiking the reserve, the slopes of Bukit Timah Hill, the highest natural point in the city, are rated according to difficulty, with easy to moderate being the most accessible.

If you are an experienced hiker, the yellow trail will test your prowess with an energetic workout concluding at the summit of the hill.

Mountain biking and running are also popular activities that offer the same level of accessibility as hiking.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve offers you a refreshing away day from the city and a chance to become one with the tropical landscape of the Lion City.

Be on the lookout for the crab-eating macaque monkeys that regularly interact with visitors and are known to join visitors in their hiking excursions.

Address: Hindhede Drive, Singapore 589318

Shop Till You Drop At Orchard Road

Singapore’s primary retail hub and a neon-infused wonderland of bright colors and luminescent design schemes at night make the Orchard Road the heart of Singapore’s social scene.

Featuring hundreds of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, this district is a city in and of itself and will provide you with hours of endless selections to peruse.

Conveniently located in the city’s center, this fast-paced district of consumer comforts will give you ample things to see in the downtown area.

The Ion Orchard mall is actually a massive shopping mall that is connected to a large, residential condominium.

This quirky composition makes for a sleek, cool, and innovative appearance for the housing of several high-end fashion brands of both Asian and international prominence.

The Ngee Ann City shopping complex houses all of the city’s haute couture shops, including globally recognized brands such as Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and Chanel.

If shopping is not your forte, the Orchard Road is a prime destination for photography, specifically at night.

All of the buildings are aglow in neon splendor, which resembles the appearance of a mini Tokyo.

This is also one of the essential areas in the city for you to meet locals and become accustomed to contemporary Singaporean culture.

Address (ION Orchard Mall): 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801

Absorb The Local Art Scene At The Esplanade

Singapore is renowned for its artistic flourishes in both architecture and visual grandeur, both of which are on full display at the Esplanade Theatres on the Bay.

Situated on the edge of the Singapore River within the city’s vibrant Downtown Core, this performing arts venue features an ornate concert hall and a theatre that seats upwards of two thousand people.

The venue is stunning in its state-of-the-art presentation of some of the Lion City’s best performers and musicians and makes for an unforgettable evening after your day of downtown festivities.

Named after its close proximity to Esplanade Park, the venue is a marvel of contemporary architecture, which makes for a visual feast for the senses before you enter the venue.

Shaped in a dome, with aluminum sunshades covering the roof, the exterior of the building lights up at night and forms part of Singapore’s iconic nocturnal city lights.

The interior of the venue pays homage to the concert halls of European capital cities of the nineteenth century, with a glass-covered foyer that showcases stunning views of the city en route to the concert hall.

The horseshoe-shaped concert hall features both recitals and full-scale productions that play in luminous splendor to your ears due to the design of the hall.

The Lyric Theatre features popular performances both local and international, while an intimate recital hall features some of the best chamber music performances in Southeast Asia.

Whether you want to attend a performance or simply photograph the beautiful exteriors, the Esplanade offers you one of the most formal and visually alluring things to do in the city.

Address: 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981

Levitate Above The City Skyline On The Singapore Flyer

Singapore offers many opportunities to observe the beauty of the city from the highest points of the city skyline.

The Singapore Flyer is a gigantic Ferris Wheel that provides you with an unforgettable view of the city skyline.

With incredible views of Marina Bay and the city below, this attraction offers you a great way to see the city from a birds-eye-view.

If you choose to ride the Flyer at night, you will have a perfect opportunity to snap some award-worthy photographs of the city in aerial splendor.

If you choose to ride during the day, the air-conditioned capsules will provide comfort from the tropical heat.

This is one of Singapore’s iconic attractions, with only a twenty-eight person capacity in thirty-minute intervals, so prepare for a wait–which is definitely worth it.

This attraction is a perfect fit if you cannot decide what to do in Singapore between your main attraction visits.

Address: 30 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039803

Marvel At Aquatic Wildlife In A River Safari

Singapore’s Wildlife Reserves is a worldwide destination for any nature enthusiast and their newest addition, River Safari, is another innovative addition to these exotic wonderlands of excitement.

Like an ancient explorer drifting down an untamed river wilderness, this exhibit allows you to see plant and animal life that would otherwise be too dangerous to observe while trekking through these natural habitats.

As the only operational river safari in Asia, this attraction is a must see.

Drift along with an open space river environment, where rare and fragile plant and animal life go about their natural habitat.

This exhibit also provides one of the only opportunities to see the elusive giant panda within its natural habitat.

Each exhibit is structured to mirror some of the world’s most famous rivers, including the Mississippi, Nile, Congo, Ganges, Mekong, and Yangtze.

Each river zone features plant and animal species indicative of the river’s region.

The Yangtze River zone includes the giant panda exhibit, where this eclectic species roams freely in complete view.

The Amazon Flooded Forest Zone offers you a chance to see the unique and solemn manatee up close as well as the equally lovable giant river otter.

For a more thrilling adventure, the Ganges River Zone features the enigmatic Indian gharial crocodile named Shant–who may just respond if you call his name.

Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826

Flex Your Artistic Skills At STPI

When you are in the Singapore River area, be sure and head over to the Robertson Quay district, a tour of the STPI-Creative Workshop and Gallery will offer you an innovative experience where you can put your design skills to work.

STPI seeks to reinvigorate the artistic merits of print and paper creations by utilizing state-of-the-art technology to revive and renew this fascinating sphere of artistic endeavor.

In addition to hands-on experimentation, STPI also features a large art gallery, where you can see the work of this fields top designers, many of which have been featured at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

In operation since 2002, this eclectic art museum offers an alternative to more mainstream art such as painting, which is perfect if you are seeking to expand your artistic horizons.

You can purchase artworks by world-renowned artists in this field and attend artist lectures and question and answer sessions to fully understand the meaning behind their creations.

If you plan your trip accordingly, you can catch one of the six-eight art fairs that the gallery holds throughout the year.

Address: 41 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238236

Spend A Day Celebrating Art At The Gillman Barracks

Singapore works hard to secure its reputation as the premier destination for contemporary art in Southeast Asia.

Located inside of a former slate of military barracks, this exhibit offers a full day of activities through multiple art galleries featuring art from all over the world.

The concept of the museum is just as much a part of the attraction as the artwork as you tour art inside of living Singaporean history.

The barracks were former military outposts during the city’s colonial period in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Tours are available directly from a friendly staff, which can give you a full breakdown of the museum’s past as you take in the international display of art.

If you are visiting Singapore in the month of January, the Art Stage Singapore art fair provides a vibrant opportunity to tour a collection of some of Southeast Asia’s best artwork.

In addition to the international art for both purchase or perusal, the Gillman Barracks is also home to many international cuisine offerings.

Many of these exhibits dining options take an artistic approach to their offerings which complements the surrounding art hub.

There are many chances to take in the art world while in the Lion City and the Gillman Barracks will provide a full day of satisfaction for your artistic passions.

Address: 9 Lock Road, Singapore 108937

Experience The Chinese Culture With A Tour Of Chinatown

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