Singapore has been recommended to us as the next place we should travel to. Huw’s always talked about visiting the Raffles Hotel to order a Singapore Sling cocktail. It was first invented here by a bartender in the early 1900s. But what else is there to do? Lots, I’ve discovered! So it was a no-brainer to make Singapore the next destination in our armchair travelling series. I’ve asked my travel blogging friends to suggest a single ‘must do’ experience there.
They’ve already helped build itineraries for:
- Bali
- Cape Town
- Great Ocean Road in Australia
- Hawaii
- Hong Kong
- Iceland
- New York
- New Zealand North Island
- New Zealand South Island
- Paris
- Sri Lanka
- Tokyo
- Vancouver
Little India
Your Singapore itinerary would not be complete without exploring the Little India district, one of the city’s most vibrant areas.
Stroll through its bustling streets jammed packed with jewellery shops, tailor workshops specialising in making beautiful saris, markets selling different types of vegetables and spices, and the local people going about their daily lives.
Check out Little India’s exquisite temples. Visit one of the oldest temples in Singapore – Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, covered with intricate and colourful carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. And Sri Veerama Kaliamman Temple, which is a smaller one, situated on the same street.
Little India in Singapore is famous for its traditional Indian curry houses that are lined up along Serangoon Road. Go for a VIP tasting platter at Madras New Woodlands. Here you’ll get a tray packed with a range of tapas-size different types of curries that come accompanied with freshly baked naan bread. This way you’ll be able to sample all the best dishes and boy, they are delicious!
Contributed by Mal, Raw Mal Roams
Treetop Walk
Singapore’s Tree Top Park is the perfect escape from the busy streets of this incredible city. It’s a little piece of nature in a metropolis and not as overrun by tourists as many other places around town. It takes just a 20 minute Uber drive from the city centre to the MacRitchie Reservoir Park; this is where the hike to the treetop bridges begins. The treetop walk leads you through the jungle and across several platforms which are connected by hanging bridges.
The hike takes about three to four hours. It is definitely family-friendly since you don’t have to do the entire thing. You could do a small section if you’re travelling with smaller children. There is a high chance that you will see lizards and monkeys along the way; an incredible experience. However, don’t come too close to the monkeys and never feed them. For your trip, you will need sturdy shoes, long clothes as well as a water bottle which you can refill on some water fountains you’ll find on the way.
Contributed by Victoria, Guide Your Travel
Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is a world-famous nature park in the heart of Singapore. A site of considerable horticultural precedence, it is an oasis of exotic plant life and lush greenery. With vibrant colours and unique architecture, it’s a playground for photographers. There really is no place quite like Gardens by the Bay; it’s no surprise that it is one of Singapore’s most popular attractions.
There are three stunning gardens to explore: Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden, and Bay Central Garden. Bay South Garden is home to the world’s largest glass greenhouse: the Flower Dome. Stand underneath the towering indoor waterfall (at 114 feet!) or look down on the rushing water from above. Wander along the treetop walk and explore the atmospheric Cloud Forest.
Outside of the conservatories you’ll find the Supertree Grove, which comprises 18 of the iconic supertrees. They are fitted with impressive environmental technologies, allowing them to mimic the ecological function of trees. Be sure to visit them at night when they light up for a magnificent spectacle. At dusk, Gardens by the Bay could be mistaken for a habitat belonging to another planet, with its strange yet beautiful structures rising up into the sky. For spectacular views across the Marina Bay district, climb to the observation deck at the Supertree Observatory.
Contributed by Jessie, Pocket Wanderings
Eat Michelin Bib Gourmand recommended local food at Hong Lim Market & Food Centre
One of the best things to do in Singapore is to try Michelin’s Bib Gourmand recommended food. Bib Gourmand restaurants are awarded for their excellent food and very modest price. And at Hong Lim Market & Food Centre, there are several foods you must try.
First, try Singapore’s famous char kway teow at Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee. It is a plate of fried flat rice noodles with fish cakes, bean sprouts, eggs and cockles.
Next, try bak char mee at Tai Wah Pork Noodles. This is just across from the char kway teow food stall. The noodle dish is uniquely Singaporean as it is made with flat yellow noodles with minced pork, liver, pork balls and garnished with a black vinegar sauce and chilli.
Then walk over to the Famous Sungei Road Trishaw Laksa and try their laksa. This soup noodle is made with a milky coconut broth, rice noodles, fishcake and prawns.
And if you still have room in your stomach, there are other Bib Gourmand recommended food stalls. For example:
- Ah Hang Curry Chicken Bee Hoon Mee
- Hokkien Street Bak Kut Teh
- Ji Ji Wanton Mee
- Ah Heng Duck Rice
Contributed by Queenie, Ms Travel Solo
Singapore Cable Car to Sentosa Island
If you are dreaming of visiting Singapore then make sure you include a trip on the Singapore Cable Car to Sentosa Island to your bucket list! The cable car provides a unique birds-eye view from above of Sentosa Island and surrounding waterways. You can see both cruise ships, cargo ships and the harbour, as well as orientate yourself by viewing the massive Sentosa Island from above. We really enjoyed riding up high in the sky as a great way to start our day on Sentosa Island.
You can easily catch the Sentosa Island Cable Car from Harbourfront Cable Car Station to Sentosa Cable Car Station. From there you have easy access to the Sentosa Island cable cars and train. This makes it very easy to get around the island. You can also catch the cable car to Faber Peak on the main Singapore island side. This has great views both of the harbour and also looking towards the centre of Singapore.
Contributed by Anne, Pretraveller
Haw Par Villa
Haw Par Villa in Singapore is anything but a typical family-friendly theme park. But that’s precisely why it’s worth visiting.
The park was opened by the inventors of Tiger Balm, which is popular in Asia, is supposed to depict ancient Chinese folklore and legends. So it was actually intended for children. There were even some fairground rides in the 80s, but they are no longer there.
The main attraction is the Ten Courts of Hell. As the name suggests, the ten different levels of hell are depicted here, as they were according to ancient beliefs. On the different levels, sinners are punished until they subsequently make up for all their sins and are eventually free again. You might want to skip this part if you are visiting with small children.
Other, more family-friendly, Chinese stories are presented in the park. You can read the stories on information boards to understand what is going on in the sceneries.
Precisely because Haw Par Villa is so weird and bizarre, and thus quite different from the typical sights you usually see during a trip, the park is absolutely worth a visit.
Contributed by Vicki, Vicki Viaja
Clarke Quay
We discovered the historical and very colourful area known as Clarke Quay while doing a house sit in Singapore. The riverfront area is located just north of Chinatown and lined with elegant colonial architecture and interesting shophouses.
Clarke Quay is probably most busy at night because of its colourful bars, restaurants, and shops which come alive with lots of lights, music, and action. You will find popular nightclubs and a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. For something a little different, dine at one of the floating restaurants converted from traditional Chinese junks. If you’re seeking an adrenalin rush, try the G-Max Reverse Bungy ride which falls 80 meters at speeds of up to 120mph.
In the daytime, Clarke Quay is a very pleasant place to wander. We loved the ‘People of the River’ sculptures that are near Fullerton Square. They depict various trade activities that took place in the 19th century around the Singapore River. Fort Canning Park has some interesting graves from the colonial era and colourful gardens. The Asian Civilisation Museum and the very colourful Old Hill Police Station are nearby too.
Take a river cruise from Clarke Quay and you’ll get excellent views of the surrounding area and stunning skyscrapers and some major landmarks like the Marina Bay Merlion and the magnificent Marina Bay Sands.
The quickest and easiest way to get to Clarke Quay is by Singapore MRT Subway. There is a station at Clarke Quay.
Submitted by Maureen, So Many Places! So Little Time!
Marina Bay Sands Hotel and SkyPark
Singapore is a city-country with many different things to experience. But if you would like to experience something extra you should visit Marina Bay Sands hotel. This luxurious 5 star hotel is located in the south part of the island in Downtown Core. In this resort you have integrated more than 2,500 rooms in 3 towers, a big convention centre, huge shopping mall, a museum, a theatre, famous restaurants, pavilions, and a casino with 500 tables and 1,600 slot machines.
But the most important feature is on top of the 55-storey three towers – a 340 metres long SkyPark with a 150 m infinity swimming pool. This is set on top of the world’s largest public cantilevered platform, which is almost 200 meters above the ground. So just for this view one should visit this place. You can book one night per family of four under 300 € if you are a bit flexible on dates. Just to visit SkyPark observation deck you will pay around 22 €.
Contributed by Džangir, Dr Jam Travels
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
If you are looking somewhere to escape the crowdedness of Singapore for a while and a little quiet contemplation the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum offers a tranquil hideaway. Located in the heart of Chinatown, this temple invites visitors to learn and engage with the history and culture of Buddhism Religion. This Tang-Styled Chinese Buddhist Temple gets its name from what the Buddhists regard as the left canine tooth of Buddha. This was recovered from his funeral pyre in India. It is now housed in a giant stupa, made from 320 kilograms of gold, partly donated by devotees, in the museum’s grounds. The temple’s multiple floors museum displays an array of sacred statues, nagas – the Southeast Asian dragon-snakes that guard sacred relics and revered artefacts of the Buddha.
Unmissable is the rooftop garden of the temple. This houses a huge prayer wheel, surrounded by orchid flower beds and sounds of traditional Buddhist music – pure serenity. Other memorable highlights include the Eminent Sangha Museum, a theatre that assembles cultural performances, speeches and film screenings. Additionally, the temple hosts interactive workshops in which visitors can gain insight of Buddha’s teachings and wisdom of 2,500 years ago from monks. Admission to the temple and guided-tours are free of charge.
Contributed by Elena, Passion for Hospitality
Singapore Flyer
One of the tallest Ferris wheels in the world, the Singapore Flyer, offers spectacular views of the Singapore skyline. It should definitely be on your ‘must do’ list in the city. Located in the Marina Bay district of the city, where the annual Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix takes place, the Singapore Eye has 28 capsules that can carry up to 28 passengers each. Your entry ticket to the Singapore Eye includes one full rotation, which takes around 30 minutes to complete. While you are on the flyer, an audio guide and interactive screens provide more information about the history of Singapore.
At the highest point, you’ll be 165 metres above the ground, comparable to a 42-storey building. The views are expansive – on a clear day, you can see even see Sentosa Island and planes landing at Changi Airport. In the complex below the Singapore Flyer, you’ll find a gift shop, restaurant and small hawker market. Adult tickets currently cost S$33, while children and pensioners can ride for S$10. The Singapore Flyer is currently open from Thursday to Sunday (and on public holidays) with the first flight at 2pm and the last flight at 9:30pm.
Contributed by Andrew, Motorsportguides.com
Chinatown
Originally housing Singapore’s Chinese immigrant population, the Chinatown district’s tight winding streets are now a harmonious marriage of old and new. Chock full of vibrant pastel-coloured heritage buildings, intricate temples, modern hotspots, and skyscraping architecture, strolling around Chinatown is one of the best things to do in Singapore.
Most come to visit the famous Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, but Chinatown has so much more to offer. Real temple buffs can peruse the intricately designed Sri Mariamman Temple or visit the oldest temple in Chinatown, Fu Tak Chi, which has now been turned into a museum. This district has so many temples. It’s easy to find a Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim temple all on the same block!
Further to Chinatown’s historic culture, is its food culture. Food is available in every nook and cranny of this precinct, from Michelin star street food to modern western fare and everything in between. Stroll through the Chinatown Street Market or Maxwell Food Centre for some of the best eats in the city.
Make sure to spend time browsing the boutique shops, admiring the architecture, and spotting the beautiful street art in this colourful Singapore neighbourhood.
Contributed by Haley, Haley Blackall Travel
Coney Island
Most people hear the words Coney Island and think of an amusement park in Brooklyn, New York. Almost no one knows that there is a little visited, pristine nature park in Coney Island, SINGAPORE!
Located on the northern side of Singapore’s main island, Coney Island is a fantastic place to check out views of Malaysia and one of Singapore’s other islands – Pulau Ubin (Ubin Island). Also known as Pulau Serangoon (Serangoon Island), Coney Island was once owned by the Aw Boon brothers. They created Tiger Balm and it was known as Haw Par Island before being half developed into a resort island called Singapore Coney Island. It’s now owned by the government. It offers little in the way of infrastructure but an abundance of flora and fauna, scenic trails, mangrove forests, and woodlands.
Coney Island, Singapore was once only accessible by boat but now has a couple of bridges linking it to the main island. The beaches are incredible (although they do look out over an industrial Malaysian port!). You can have loads of fun biking or hiking around the incredibly well-kept pathways.
It really is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Singapore without actually leaving!
Contributed by Emma, Wanderlust and Wet Wipes
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