A quick 3-line guide to Singapore's best sightseeing spots and travel plans

*As of February 2020, please be advised that due to the impact of COVID-19, various facilities in Singapore may be temporarily canceling events and shows, or shortening their opening hours.

A metropolis representing Asia where various cultures mix

Located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia, across the strait from Malaysia, Singapore is one of the most developed economies in Asia and a metropolis lined with modern skyscrapers.

In particular, bizarre buildings that seem like something out of a science fiction world, such as Marina Bay Sands, which looks like a ship on top of a building, and Gardens by the Bay, where artificial plants glow in the dark, captivate many tourists.

At the same time, Singapore is a country built by many different ethnic groups, including Malay, Indian, and Chinese, so one of its charms is being able to experience a diverse range of cultures. The atmosphere of each area, from Little India to Arab Street, changes completely, making walking around the city even more enjoyable.

A quick guide to popular tourist spots in just 3 lines!

Here we will introduce you to some must-see tourist spots when you go to Singapore. There are a variety of entertainment spots, including artificial waterfalls and illuminations that make use of cutting-edge technology, a zoo that is only open at night, and a botanical garden that is a World Heritage Site.

First, read a quick three-line summary to find out what's so great about the spot that interests you.

Marina Bay Sands is the symbol of Singapore's next generation

Marina Bay Sands is an icon of Singapore, with its impressive exterior of a boat-shaped garden spanning three towers. It is a huge, all-round entertainment facility with a hotel, casino, theater, restaurants, shops and all kinds of other facilities.

The most famous feature is the infinity pool on the rooftop. The horizon blends into the cityscape, creating an extraordinary experience (available only to hotel guests). Visitors can also visit Sands SkyPark, which has an observation deck with a great view, as well as bars and restaurants where you can enjoy meals with a spectacular view.

The light show "SPECTRA" is held every night at the Event Plaza.
We also recommend taking a river cruise from Clarke Quay to enjoy the view with Marina Bay Sands in the background.

Merlion Park is the city's most famous tourist attraction.

The Merlion that can be seen around the city has a humorous appearance with the head of a lion and the lower body of a fish, and it symbolizes Singapore, which has been called the "Lion City" and the "Sea City."

"City of Lion" means "Singa (lion) Pura (city)" in Sanskrit, and the lion is the animal that the country was named after.

There are seven famous Merlions, the most well-known of which is the one in Merlion Park, commonly known as the "Marina Merlion." It was created in 1972 by Singaporean sculptor Lim Nang Seng.

Gardens by the Bay is the high-tech botanical garden of the future

Gardens by the Bay is a vast, state-of-the-art botanical garden that spans 101 hectares. The most eye-catching attraction is the Supertree Grove, a space filled with giant artificial trees covered in plants.

An aerial walkway is suspended between the 22m-tall trees, allowing you to stroll through a sci-fi-like otherworldly space. The light-up show held at night is also recommended.

Other must-sees include Cloud Forest, a huge artificial mountain towering inside a dome that recreates a tropical alpine region, and the Flower Dome, the world's largest glass greenhouse where flowers from all over the world bloom all at once.

"Jewel Changi Airport" is a hotly-discussed complex

Jewel Changi Airport is a huge shopping complex directly connected to Changi Airport that opened in 2019. You'll be amazed by its sheer size, with a lineup of high-quality souvenirs from local brands, as well as world-famous shops and restaurants.

At the center of Shiseido Forest Valley, one of the largest indoor gardens in Singapore, is the HSBC Rain Vortex, a huge waterfall that flows from the ceiling to the second basement floor, which has become a hot topic on social media. It is lit up at night and has become a popular photo spot.

Canopy Park on the top floor is an aerial garden with slides and a walkable Skynet, making it a popular attraction for families.

Equipped with early check-in and lounges for major airlines, as well as accommodation and relaxation facilities, it's a hot new spot that's definitely worth taking the time to visit before or after your departure.

Get up close and personal with nocturnal animals at the Night Safari

Night Safari is a zoo where you can see nocturnal animals in their natural habitat. You can go around on foot, but we recommend the tram, which makes it easy to get around the zoo. There are no fences, so you can see the animals up close.

The Creatures of the Night Show, where cute animals perform various tricks, is well-known for its audience participation performance. Since there are many small animals, try to sit as close to the front as possible. It is only in English, but the 30 minutes go by in a flash.

While you wait for a show or tram, you can watch the Thumbuakar Performance at the entrance plaza, a fire dance performance by the indigenous Borneo people.

See animals in their natural habitat at Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo is a zoo that recreates a jungle-like habitat by avoiding fences and cages as much as possible. You can see rare animals such as white tigers living in a natural environment.

There are plenty of experiential events, such as animal shows, feeding programs, VIP tours, etc. Ah Meng Restaurant also offers a unique event called Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife, where you can have breakfast with orangutans.

Experience Singapore's history at Raffles Hotel

Raffles Hotel has been operating as one of Singapore's leading luxury hotels since it was founded in 1887. Its gleaming white colonial architecture has been loved by historical figures such as Charlie Chaplin and Somerset Maugham. All rooms are suites, ensuring a blissful stay.

There are plenty of dining options, bars, spas, and shops available to visitors, so you can just visit to appreciate the architecture. The Long Bar in particular is known as the birthplace of the Singapore Sling, a tropical cocktail unique to Singapore.

Experience exclusive attractions at Universal Studios Singapore

Universal Studios Singapore is a theme park located in Resorts World Sentosa, a comprehensive resort on Sentosa Island in the south of Singapore. It is divided into seven zones, and perfectly recreates the worlds of movies and anime.

The park is home to many popular attractions exclusive to Universal Studios Singapore, such as "Jurassic Park Rapid Adventure" and "Canopy Flyer."

See rare tropical plants at the Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a tropical botanical garden that covers an extensive area of approximately 82 hectares. It is a historic facility founded in 1859, and in 2015 it became Singapore's first World Heritage Site.

There are many attractions, including the National Orchid Garden, which has over 1,000 species of original orchids and approximately 2,000 hybrid species, and the Ginger Garden, which cultivates over 250 species of ginger.

After your walk, head to the cafe restaurant Halia in the gardens. Enjoy a specially blended juice made from herbs picked in the garden, and a herbarium collection, all in a shop surrounded by greenery.

"Lau Pa Sat Festival Market" is one of the largest food courts in Singapore.

Hawker areas (food courts), where small food stalls and restaurants gather, are gourmet spots unique to Singapore. Located in the business district, Lau Pa Sat Festival Market is large in scale and is loved by a wide range of people, from office workers and office ladies working in the neighborhood to tourists.

In addition to local cuisine, the area offers a diverse range of cuisines from China, India, Thailand and other countries, making it a fascinating dining experience unique to Singapore. In addition, from around 7pm, satay (Singaporean version of yakitori) stalls also appear, making the area lively until the evening.

Enjoy the glittering night view from the water on a river cruise

River cruises that travel down the Singapore River from the neon-lit nightlife area of Clarke Quay to Marina Bay are popular tours that allow you to see popular spots from the water.

As you travel along the river, you will come across beautiful colonial architecture such as The Fullerton Hotel, Asian Civilisations Museum, the Merlion, and Marina Bay Sands, allowing you to enjoy elegant sightseeing.

One particularly recommended experience is the Laser Show Cruise, which departs from Clarke Quay only twice a day to coincide with the Marina Bay Sands light-up show.

The spectacular show seen from the water is sure to become a special memory. Tickets can be purchased on the day, and there are several boat docks, so be sure to check the official website.

The Singapore Flyer is the largest observation wheel in Asia

Board a glass capsule and embark on a 30-minute aerial ride. The Singapore Flyer is the largest Ferris wheel in Asia, with a maximum height of 165m.

Not only can you see the surrounding skyscrapers, but on a clear day you can also see as far as Malaysia and Indonesia. You will also be captivated by the fantastic evening and sparkling night views. There is also a luxurious sky dining course (about 60 minutes for two laps) where you can enjoy a meal inside the capsule.

Recommended tourist areas explained in just 3 lines!

From here, we will introduce areas that are perfect for walking, so that you can enjoy walking around the city, which is an essential part of sightseeing in Singapore. Each city has a completely different atmosphere, so be sure to learn about the characteristics of each area and find the city you want to visit.

Explore Singapore's main areas

Singapore has an area of only 725.7 square kilometers, roughly the same size as Tokyo's 23 wards. Among them, the Marina and Arab Street, which are popular with tourists, are concentrated in a small area in the southern part of the island.

Furthermore, Singapore has a train system called the MRT that connects the major areas, making it easy to get around. Adjacent areas are within walking distance, so it's a good idea to walk around as part of your trip. Some spots in the suburbs are a little difficult to access, so we recommend taking a taxi.

We've put together a map of the main areas, starting with the Marina area, where huge facilities stand along Marina Bay, and spreading out inland.

"Orchard" is a shopping street where large malls gather

Orchard is one of Singapore's leading shopping areas, with Orchard Road, which stretches for about 3km, as its main street. The area is lined with large department stores, including the iconic ION Orchard, and shopping malls.

There are many popular restaurants and cafes, including Chatterbox, a famous Singaporean chicken rice restaurant. Large roadside trees provide protection from the strong sunlight, making it comfortable to walk around the city.

Easily explore Peranakan architecture at Emerald Hill

Katong is famous as a Peranakan town, but the downside is that it's a little far from the city center. If you want to see Peranakan-style shophouses more easily, we recommend Emerald Hill Road. It's located just off Orchard Road, so it's convenient to stop by between shopping.

Also worth checking out is Tea BoneZen Mind, a tea specialty shop with a hideaway feel set in a shophouse. You can choose Chinese and black teas while sampling them in a chic, adult atmosphere.

Sentosa Island is a resort island with all kinds of entertainment

Sentosa Island is a resort area that can be easily reached from Singapore Island by monorail or cable car. The most famous attraction is Resorts World Sentosa, which has Universal Studios Singapore, the huge aquarium SEA Aquarium, casinos and water parks.

Beaches are also recommended for sea lovers. If you are looking for attractions, Siloso Beach is the place to go, if you are with your family, Palawan Beach is the place to go, and Tanjong Beach is the place to go for a quiet time.

Experience immigrant culture at Arab Street/Haji Lane

Arab Street is an exotic area where Arab and Malay people gather. In the center of the city stands the Sultan Mosque with its shining golden dome, and the sound of the Quran playing quietly exudes an exotic atmosphere.

The neighborhood is lined with shops and restaurants that offer Islamic culture, such as Arabic cuisine and Turkish carpets, and the long-established perfume shop Jamal Kazura Aromatics is popular with tourists.

In recent years, the neighboring street, Haji Lane, has also become popular as a fashionable alley. You can feel the new culture here, with stores covered in graffiti, shops with unique owners, and cafe bars.

"Little India" is a vibrant city with a rich ethnic diversity

When you get off at Little India MRT station, you'll be in India itself. Women in traditional saris walk the streets, and the smell of spices drifts from nowhere. Serangoon Road, the main street, is lined with popular shops and restaurants, and the brightly colored Hindu temples are a sight to behold.

If you're looking for easy souvenirs, we recommend buying groceries and cosmetics at the large supermarket Mustafa Centre, or looking for crafts, scarves, and other items at Little India Arcade, which is lined with Indian lifestyle and clothing stores.

Katong is a historical district where Peranakan culture remains strong.

Peranakans are the descendants of merchants who came to the Malay Peninsula after the 15th century, and have developed a unique culture that combines Chinese, Malay and European elements.

Vestiges of this era can be seen in the Katong district, with its rows of pastel-coloured shophouses, particularly in Joo Chiat Road and Koon Seng Road, where intricately decorated buildings can be seen.

Other popular shops not to be missed include Rumah Bebe, which sells cute Peranakan goods, and 328 Katong Laksa, where you can try the local specialty laksa.

Clarke Quay is Singapore's premier nightlife spot

Clarke Quay is a major nightlife spot with restaurants, cafes, clubs, and bars around the Singapore River. Enjoy a meal on the riverside terrace with the colorful neon lights reflected on the water in front of you.

Soak up the grown-up vibe at the legendary Harry's Bar, go club-hopping at some of Singapore's most popular clubs or take a spectacular night river cruise from here.

There are also other night spots nearby, such as Boat Quay and Robertson Quay, which have a more relaxed atmosphere than Clarke Quay, so feel free to visit whichever you prefer.

"Tiong Baloo" is the hottest and trendiest area right now

Tiong Bahru is Singapore's oldest residential area, which has been transformed into a fashionable neighborhood through redevelopment. Modern cafes and shops have been popping up one after another, making it a popular area for young people to gather.

The popular Tiong Bahru Bakery is known for its freshly baked croissants. The all-white streetscape is beautiful, with wall art here and there adding a touch of style.

A 3-night, 5-day itinerary for visiting recommended sightseeing spots and areas

Singapore is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, and is a city packed with ethnic cultures and old and new buildings, giving it an energy that's hard to believe for such a small island nation. Walking around the unique streets and visiting cutting-edge spots, you can immerse yourself in the Asian heat and experience the unique charm of Singapore that you won't find in any other country.

Image courtesy of PIXTA

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