New Discoveries and Old Favourites of Singapore

Gardens By The Bay, Super Tree Grove

As we welcome back travel and say a big "HELLO AGAIN!" to our beloved international destinations and friends spread far and wide, it’s time to rediscover Singapore. Things have changed since you travelled last, so take time to make sure your fully prepared for requirements to arrive safely and smoothly in your new destination. 

Here are our top suggestions for the old favourites and new discoveries in Singapore, the best of’s and the best kept secrets.

The Jewel

When you arrive at Changi Airport take some time to wander around and discover nature-themed entertainment, roof top pools and The Jewel – the highest indoor waterfall in the world. This destination is so fabulous it’s become a popular wedding venue.

Wander through the tree tops, get lost in the hedge or mirror maze, come and be awed by this spectacular greenhouse garden that surrounds the main show of an enormous cascade of water tumbling from the glass roof.

Purchase tickets for one of the many Canopy Park attractions here, to secure your entry.

The Jewel, Changi Airport | Image by Ying Sin @insynced 

Gardens by the Bay

Start or finish your day (or both!) at the Gardens by the Bay. This wonderous, futuristic realm is where garden meets city, and boy oh boy is there plenty to see here!

Wander through the Sky Garden and up along the Super-tree Observatory or the Skywalk before the heat of the day and then return here again in the evening to watch the Garden Rhapsody, a stunning synchronisation of music and light show amongst the Super-tree Grove.
Once you’ve explored the 18 super-trees outside, head into the worlds largest green house, the Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, Floral Fantasy or take a wander through one of the many free outdoor gardens.

Gardens by the Bay purchase your tickets in advance to avoid queuing up or missing out, note that Floral Fantasy has a one-hour time limit per visit so prepare accordingly.

After you’ve had your nature fix, put your walking shoes on and get exploring the city district for a cultural experience as there is so much packed into a 3km or so route around the area. Here is a loop you can do on foot to grab some great photos and take in a sense of Singapore’ melting pot of cultures and nationalities.

If you’re limited on time you can pack all this into an afternoon if not, spread these destinations over a few days and take the time to really immerse yourself.

Singapore on Foot

Start out by walking from Marina Bay Sands down to Bayfront Avenue and then up Marina Blvd. Then walk toward the Telok Ayer Market and up Cross street toward the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.

Next, continue through Chinatown to see the Sri Mariamman Temple. This is an amazing area where you can pass by all of the many markets, souvenir shops, and food vendors all around Chinatown.

Chinatown is a great place for any of your daily meals, The Maxwell Food Centre is where you can find Singapore musts such as Chilli Crab or Hainanese Duck, both delicacies. Chinatown is also home to the first Michelin Star street food in the world; Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle and Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle are the cheapest and best eats you will find on the island (probably worldwide).

Once you’re full, head toward the Park Royal on Pickering - this hotel is one that you see flooding Instagram lately, with the garden shaped balconies (if you have a drone, you can launch it in the park across the street for the iconic shot!).

 
The Park Royal Hotel | Image @Sebastien.nagy

Next, head down S. Canal road, and continue down Battery road, to view all of the different sculptures along the road on your way to Merlion Park & Fountain. You can get to Merlion Park by crossing the road just before the bridge. While you can take many great pictures near the Merlion itself, you can also get amazing photos from the Jubilee bridge as you walk across to Esplanade. Don’t forget to aim your camera at Esplanade, the city skyline, the ArtScience Museum, the Singapore Flyer (the “eye”), and the Marina Bay Sands Hotel as well. Across from Clarke Quay is Old Hill Police Station. This white building has been stylised with rainbow coloured window shutters take some great instagram snaps on your walk past.

The Esplanade Lawn has a number of hawker food booths that are definitely recommended for your dinner. However, make sure you finish up by around 7:15 PM so that you can make your way to the next event!

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple | Image @insynced

Marina Bay Sands and The Raffles 

Just after sunset, and on your way to the Spectra - A Light & Water Show at the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel, starting at  8:00 PM, you will cross the Helix Bridge - which is even more amazing in the dark. If you have a few minutes, peak into The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands to see some of the amazing light effects!

For a bird’s eye view of Singapore, you’ll want to visit the observation deck at Marina Bay Sands Hotel. The infinity pool is only for guests, but non-guests are welcome to dine at the restaurant and bar or pay for entry to the SkyPark Observation Deck.

A must do on your Singapore visit is indulge in the Singapore Sling cocktail, whilst it will be more pricey at the Marina Bay Sands, you will be enjoying it with the best view in the city, otherwise enjoy this specialty cocktail for a slightly more budget friendly price at many of the other rooftop bars around the city. For the record, Wednesday is Ladies Night in Singapore.

The other world famous hotel, though for a different reason, The Raffles. This was the original source of the Singapore Sling. Where the Marina Bay Sands is modern and lux, The Raffles is heritage class and elegance. Book in for a high tea here, for a bucket list experience. 

Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer | Image @chandra_visuals

Sentosa Island  

Next on the itinerary of greatest hits, head to Sentosa Island, Singapore’s very own theme park resort destination for locals and tourists alike, nicknamed the “State of Fun”.
Sentosa actually translates to “peace and tranquillity” and while the excitement of entertainment and activities may seem contradictory, the gorgeous lagoon-style beaches reflect that calmness.  

Sentosa beaches | Image @queen_of_the_vine

To get to the island you can catch the cable car over the water to the island, the monorail, or you can walk across the boardwalk. There are a range of luxury hotels on the island if you plan to stay overnight, as well as some budget accommodation, otherwise you can enjoy a day packed full of family friendly activities or relaxing by the pool with a cocktail.

Universal Studios takes the number one position for ultimate entertainment and thrills. Fun for everyone you will need at least one full day here to enjoy a day of thrills featuring your favourite movies.
Or if rollercoasters aren't for you, explore another world, at the S.E.A aquarium and wander underwater observing the 100,000 marine creatures.

S.E.A Aquarium Sentosa | Image @insynced

Pulau Ubin

For a very different kind of island, head to the off-the-beaten-track Pulau Ubin which is said to be like a walk back in time to “old” Singapore.

If you’re ready for an escape from the city, this island is a nature oasis just 15 minutes bumboat ride from Changi point Ferry Terminal. Here, visitors to the island will be able to admire these historical sites, alongside coconut rubber plantations, fish farms and Singapore’s last-remaining kampong (traditional village).

Before you leave, be sure to visit Pekan Quarry for a picture-perfect moment at sunset. Located just a 15-minute walk away from the jetty, this former quarry is now a beautiful lake, surrounded by lush greenery and home to otters, dragonflies and various species of birds.

Pulau Ubin | Image @manonlucci

Next up on the cultural tour, check out some of these neighbourhoods:

Little India

As mentioned, Singapore is a melting pot of cultures and Little India is one district not to be missed. Be immersed in vibrant colours, wafting incense and gorgeous architecture for a morning stroll.
Eat at the famous Tekka Centre in Little India to see the array of fresh spices and exotic foods, then head to Dunlop street for delicious (probably spicy) cheap eats.

A few spots to include in your wanderings the colourful House of Tan Teng Niah, previously owned by a Chinese businessman who owned sweets factories in the neighbourhood. Also, on the list, visit one of Singapore’s oldest Hindu temples Sri Veeramakaliamman dedicated to the goddess and destroyer if evil, Kali. 

Read this Little India guide by Visit Singapore for some inspiration to plan your trip.

House of Tan Teng Niah | Image @Kaulasmart

Katong

Charge the camera batteries because you will want to take lots of happy snaps in the bright and arty precinct of Katong and Joo Chiat.  This area was the first official heritage area of Singapore, as there are plenty of historical locations and dedicated museums to Peranakan culture.

Kantong | Image @Blushblushtomato

Shopping

If there’s one thing that Singaporeans do best, it’s shopping. Lucky for tourists, you can follow suit and see the home turf of the best shoppers in the world.

Haji Lane  is the narrowest street in the world, and full of artful charm. Artisan Singaporean designers combined with the tight street will provide and intimate experience feeling like the shops are made just for you. While the designers might be traditional Singaporean, the street art is bold and modern and the cuisine is largely Middle Eastern thanks to the districts history. If you have to choose only one spot to shop, make it here.

Mustafa Centre in Little India is an enormous super store selling everything you can imagine 24/7, so it’s ready for those who need a late-night shopping fix or fantasise with some window shopping.

Koon Seng Road is both an iconic photo-worthy street, a beautiful creation of opulence straight out of a fairy-tale, and a cultural shopping destination. Choose a favourite colourful house and find an outfit to match for an excellent photo opportunity.

For a far more extravagant shopping experience, head to Orchard Road, where you will find many a shopping complex within the idiosyncrasies of Tangs’ Asian collectables or well known brands, or ION Orchard’s Luxury high street fashion and entertainment stores. 

Satay Chicken and Chilli Crab | Image, Tourism Singapore 

Southern Ridges Walk

While there are thousands of other wonderful things to do in Singapore, this is the final one that should absolutely be ticked off. Southern Ridges Walk is a beautiful combination of architecture and nature. As a bonus, you will also get one of the best panoramic views of the city, harbour and the Southern Islands.

The Southern Ridges is a ten-kilometre stretch of green open spaces spanning the hills of some of Singapore’s most popular parks and gardens, connected by picturesque ridges and pathways and is ideal for bird watching and nature spotting.

 

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