Singapore is one country that will never cease to keep surprising its visitors and the world! Officially known as the Republic of Singapore, it is both a city and a country located in Southeast Asia at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It is a melting pot of culture and history, and an extravaganza of culinary delights.
One of the reasons that Singapore proves to be such an attraction as a home is the ease of living, particularly in terms of residence, transportation and governance system. Over the years, Singapore has made significant strides in many areas and has attracted an encouraging number of international accolades which recognise the city as vibrant and world-class. So whether it's the arts and cultural exchanges, the creation of cutting-edge innovation to enrich the lives of the communities at home or abroad, or the coming together of world-class minds to spark new business opportunities locally and internationally, Singapore is simply, the place where worlds meet.
To learn more about Singapore, check out all fun and useful fact on the Visit Singapore website.
To See and Do in Singapore
Merlion
The Merlion Park is where visitors can admire Singapore's iconic Merlion - a must-see for tourists visiting the island. The water-spouting Merlion has the body of a fish, symbolising Singapore's humble beginnings as a fishing village; while its lion head symbolises Singapore's original name, Singapura, or 'lion city' in Malay. It was built by local craftsman, Lim Nang Seng, and was unveiled on 15 September 1972 by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew at the mouth of the Singapore River, to welcome all visitors to Singapore. A smaller Merlion statue can also be found in the park. Both statues are the most well-known among the seven approved Merlion statues in Singapore. Visitors can then take a stroll across the Jubilee Bridge to another icon of Singapore, Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay.
Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is a huge, colourful, futuristic park in the bay area of Singapore. Among the standout features is the famous Supertree Grove. Staying true to the utopian architecture commonly seen in Singapore, these "Supertrees" are structures designed to aesthetically resemble trees. Ranging between 25-50 meters tall, these 18 Supertrees provide shade in the morning and feature a dazzling light show at night. The Garden Rhapsody is the iconic daily nighttime light show at Supertree Grove and is a treat to the eyes and ears.
Garden Rhapsody is a signature light and sound show of the Gardens by the Bay, and its overall creative vision is led by award-winning Lighting Designer Adrian Tan, and one of Singapore's most sought-after music composers and arrangers, Bang Wenfu, since 2015.Garden Rhapsody is a signature light and sound show of the Gardens by the Bay, and its overall creative vision is led by award-winning Lighting Designer Adrian Tan, and one of Singapore's most sought-after music composers and arrangers, Bang Wenfu, since 2015.
Singapore Flyer
At 165 metres tall, Singapore Flyer is a masterpiece of urban architecture and engineering that offers 360-degree view and showcases not only the mesmerizing cosmopolitan cityscape of the tropical Lion City, but even the surrounding islands of Indonesia and parts of Malaysia in all their glory.
Time Capsule, launched in 2020, is Singapore Flyer's newest attraction. A re-imagination of the Singapore Story, Time Capsule takes guests on an immersive journey across various phases in Singapore’s 700-year history through nine different zones. Guided by R65, a time travel robot, the journey showcases the nation’s transformation from its humble origins as a small idyllic island to the bustling global metropolis it is today.
Night Safari
The Night Safari is the world's first wildlife night park. As dusk falls, get ready as over 1,000 nocturnal animals start their nightly rituals. An exciting tram ride will take you through 6 geographical regions including the Himalayan hills and Southeast Asian jungles during your night safari at the park. For those who prefer exploring the park on wheels, a Guided Tram Ride with live commentary will you across six geographical zones of the world, from the rugged Himalayan Foothills to the jungles of Southeast Asia.
Photo Credit: Singapore Tourism
Hiking Trails
Away from the Lion City’s skyscrapers and shopping malls lie green spaces with much to discover. We highlight seven parks with hiking trails that’ll let you soak in the views, learn more about Singapore’s past and get closer to wildlife around the island.
MacRitchie Reservoir Park
MacRitchie Park is a perfect destination for Nature lovers. Known as a green lung in the centre of Singapore, the Central Catchment Nature Reserve is the island's largest reserve with more than 2,000 hectares of forest cover, supporting an extensive ecosystem of biodiversity. A popular attraction within the reserve is the Jelutong Tower, a seven-deck observation tower with unobstructed views of the forest. The 20-kilometre network of boardwalks and trails of varying difficulties and distances surrounds the park, which has an upgraded visitor’s center featuring a café, restrooms and information station. The most famous TreeTop Walk is often the star of the show, giving the best views are from a 250-meter suspension bridge across the rainforest canopy, which can be accessed along the seven-kilometer Venus Loop.
The Southern Ridges
Soak in the scenic views of our skyline and the Southern Islands at the peak of Mount Faber Park, which is also where you can take photos with the Merlion sculpture—one of seven that dot the island. For Instagram-worthy pictures, definitely visit Henderson Waves, the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore. This soaring wood and steel structure is also an ideal venue for a romantic night stroll, as it’s majestically illuminated by glowing LED lights from 7pm to 7am.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Enjoy an up-close look at mud lobsters, tree-climbing crabs and monitor lizards when you stroll along the 500-metre-long boardwalk of the mangrove swamps in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, which runs parallel to the Wetland Centre. Kingfishers, herons and egrets also visit the reserve regularly.
Labrador Nature Reserve
Learn more about Singapore's colonial past and maritime history when you make a trip to Labrador Nature Reserve. Before the Japanese occupation, the area was known as Fort Pasir Panjang, a former defence battery that was constructed to defend the western entrance to Keppel Harbour—Singapore's main port since the 19th century.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
The Temple is dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha, which means "The Compassionate One", and also called "The Future Buddha". The Buddhist Culture Museum on the third-floor houses about 300. They offer a free English-language tour every Tuesday and Thursday. Visitors are allowed to take photos, even during daily services. Respectful attire is required when visiting the temple: avoid off-the-shoulder T-shirts, shorts, and mini-skirts.
Built in 2007, the temple gets its name from what the Buddhists regard as the left canine tooth of Buddha, which has been recovered from his funeral pyre in Kushinagar, India and displayed on the temple's grounds. The Buddha Tooth Relic is housed in a giant stupa weighing a whopping 3,500 kilograms and made from 320 kilograms of gold, of which 234 kilograms were donated by devotees.
If you're looking for a little quiet contemplation amid Chinatown's hubbub, the roof garden, with its pagoda and Buddha prayer wheel, offers a tranquil hideaway.
Photo Credit: Singapore Tourism
Singapore Cable Car
Opened in 1974, Singapore Cable Car is one of the oldest cable car systems in the world, linking Mount Faber on the main island with Sentosa Island. It is an iconic transportation system that provides breathtaking panoramic views along the way. This cable car is an exciting way to explore the beauty of this vibrant city as it offers a unique perspective that cannot be experienced on the ground.
Photo Credit: Singapore Tourism
Sentosa Island
Sentosa is an island resort off Singapore's southern coast, connected to the city by road, cable car, pedestrian boardwalk and monorail. By Sentosa Station, Tiger Sky Tower has panoramic views that can stretch as far as Indonesia. On the south coast, Palawan Beach is lined with food stalls and bars, and has a suspension bridge to a small offshore island. Palm-lined, crescent-shaped Tanjong Beach is more tranquil.
Before it was known as Sentosa, this island just off Singapore's southern coast was a British military fortress. After the Japanese Occupation in World War II, Singapore returned to British rule, and the island was renamed "Sentosa" which means "peace and tranquillity" in Malay.
Over the course of its remarkable history, Sentosa has transformed into a beloved island resort, best known for its tropical beaches, luxurious hotels and thrilling attractions and is sure to leave you spellbound.
Whether you're looking for an adrenaline rush or a day of relaxing in the sun, Sentosa is bound to enchant and delight.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
A testament to Singapore's reputation as a City in a Garden, is the Botanic Gardens being the country's first UNESCO Heritage Site. Established in 1859 by the Agri-Horticultural Society, 60 acres of land were transformed from a disused plantation into the popular recreational garden you see today. One of the highlights include The National Orchid Garden, which boasts the world’s largest orchid display, with over 60,000 plants and orchid plants.
Enjoy the Flavours of the Local Cuisine
Don't forget that Singapore is famous for its multi-ethnic culture and heritage that can be experienced in every flavour of cuisine being a combination of Chinese, Malay, Indian and other influences. It is characterized by its use of spices, herbs and other flavorful ingredients. Dishes such as chili crab, laksa and Hainanese chicken rice are staples of Singaporean cuisine.
The city offers options from high end restaurants to food markets and street food. All equally delicious.
Check out the local dishes that should be on your to try list.
Explore the Neighbourhoods
Embark on a city tour of Singapore's diverse districts, from the well-known precincts to quaint little suburbs – each with its distinct character and charm and discover all hidden and not so hidden gems
Chinatown is a mesh of old and new — historic temples and traditional medicine vendors alongside hip bars and shops.
Kampong Glam, the oldest urban quarter of Singapore, used to be the community centre for Malays, Arabs and Buginese and is now a vibrant area full of traditional eateries, quirky boutiques as well as fashionable bars and cafes.
Civic District is where you can discover all about the historical, architectural and cultural heritage of the city.
Orchard Road beginnings date back to the early 1830s, when it was an unnamed road home to fruit orchards, nutmeg plantations and pepper farms, which over time grew into bustling boulevard of a retail and dining paradise, with thousands of establishments offering the ultimate lifestyle experience to tourists and locals alike.
Holland Village has garnered a reputation for being a creative commune and an incubator for local artists, musicians and entrepreneurs.
Little India was a formerly home to cattle herders and nowadays, as you walk through this bustling neighbourhood, you'll find places of worship with beautiful architecture and interiors, from the Corinthian pillars of the Abdul Gafoor Mosque to the fifteen-metre-tall Buddha statue in the Temple of a Thousand Lights.
Katong-Joo Chiat was once filled with coconut plantations and used as a weekend retreat by wealthy city dwellers, Katong developed into a residential suburb by the early 20th century. It is now a place where culinary choices are endless: explore cool cafes that sit next to old-world coffeeshops selling the famous Katong laksa (spicy coconut milk-based noodle soup), kueh chan (dumplings) and other Nonya delicacies.
Visit Singapore to find out more about what each neighbourhood has to offer.