Singapore, Singapore Hotels and City Guide

Singapore - Attractions

Time Out

Singapore has, unfairly, gained a reputation for being the Disneyland of the East. They say that the island nation lacks some of the flavor and spice of Asian destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, or Tokyo. Is this true? Is Singapore nothing more than a touristy island which lost its cultural identity in order to cater to travelers? Ask one of the Chinese or Malay citizens; ask a Muslim or a Hindu or Buddhist. Stroll through Chinatown or Arab Street and let your senses tell you: is this a boring, homogenous place? Absurd! And fortunately for residents and visitors alike, Singapore has a wealth of opportunities that will show you just how unique this island is.

Below are out top attraction picks for Singapore, however if you'd like to read more about what to see and do during your stay read our detailed guide on Singapore Entertainment.

Singapore's Main Attractions

Singapore Zoo
80 Mandai Lake Road, +65.6360.8604
Open: Daily 08.30-18.00
Admission: Adults S$18, children (3-12) S$12

The Singapore Zoo is a popular destination for those traveling in South East Asia. Visitors love the open concept in which animals live in environments designed to mimic their natural habitats. Spread over 28 hectares of tropical rainforest, this world-class zoo avoids bars where possible using moats to divide the animal enclosures. It is home to 2,500 animals from 315 species including Bengal white tigers, white rhino, polar bears and many forms of apian life like orangutans and much more.

Night Safari
80 Mandai Lake Road, +65.6269.3411
Open: Daily 19.30-24.00
Admission: Adults S$22, children (3-12) S$15

Adjacent to the zoo, the world’s first dedicated night zoo covering 40 hectares of lush jungle is home to 1,000 nocturnal animals from 115 species. It doubles as a wildlife rescue centre and focuses on breeding programmes for endangered species, having bred Malayan tigers and tapirs, Asian elephants, fishing cats, bantengs, among other threatened species. This bio-diverse park can be explored on foot along three walking trails, or by tram. The park also offers a Gourmet Safari Experience where one dines on board a tram while crossing eight geographical zones.

Singapore Botanic Gardens and National Orchid Garden
1 Cluny Rd, +65 6471 7361
Open: Botanic Gardens -Daily 05.0-24.00
Orchid Garden - Daily 08.30-19.00
Admission: Botanic Gardens: free
Orchid Garden: Adults S$5, children and seniors S$1, under 12 free.

The Botanic Gardens founded in 1859 is a wide swathe of tropical greenery of over 52 hectares close to the city centre. A combination of virgin primary forest and specialty gardens of frangipanis, roses, ferns and even desert plants including rare species, it is a tranquil place to take photographs, listen to concerts, participate in Tai Chi, or simply roam and restore one’s soul.

The National Orchid Garden consists of over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids. Each year the orchid-breeding programme results in more vibrant and more enduring hybrids. It is a permanent showcase of exquisite blooms, the largest display of tropical orchids in the world.

National Museum of Singapore
93 Stamford Road, +65.6332.3659
Open: Daily 10.00-20.00 (Living Galleries); 10.00-18.00 (History Gallery)
Admission: Adults S$10; seniors, children under 18, students& NSF S$5

Go for the gorgeous architecture and stay for the amazing variety of exhibits. This elegant iconic building originally built in 1887 in neo-classical style abuts a modernistic extension of glass and steel. The architecture in itself is worth a visit. Singapore’s oldest museum houses the 11 National Treasures, while its Singapore History and Living Galleries present history and culture in an innovative way. Free mobile electronic guides are available for the History Gallery.

The Museum hosts exhibitions, festivals and events throughout the year.

Sakaya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple
366 Race Course Road, Little India, +65.629.40714

Known as the Temple of a Thousand Lights, this Buddhist temple was founded by a Thai Buddhist monk in 1927. A 300-tonne Buddha statue 15m high stands alongside other deities like the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin, and Hindu gods Brahma and Ganesh.

Singapore Art Museum
71 Bras Basah Rd, +65 6332 3222
Open: Daily 10.00-19.00; Friday 10.00-21.00
Admission: Adults S$3; seniors, children (6-16) S$1.50.
Free admission every Friday night from 18.00-21.00. Take the MRT to Dhoby Ghaut (NS24) or City Hall Station (NS25/EW13)

Singapore’s museums are housed in some of the most architecturally-stunning buildings in the city, and the Art Museum is no exception. The beautiful building houses an extensive collection; it has, in fact, the largest public collection of Southeast Asian art in the world with 13 galleries consisting of over 4,000 traditional and contemporary works of 20th century Southeast Asian art in its permanent collection. It also hosts travelling exhibitions.

Guided tours are available in English at 14.00 (Mon), 11.00 and 14.00 (Tues-Fri), and 15.30 (Sat and Sun).

Singapore Flyer
30 Raffles Road, Marina Bay, +65.6334 9622
Open: Daily 08.30-20.30; later on the eve of public holidays
Admission: Various flight options from S$20.65-S$69.00

Bigger than the London Eye, this is the world’s largest Ferris wheel at 42 stories high and 492’ in diameter. It has 28 capsules each holding 28 passengers. It faces the Singapore River in Marina Bay. The 30-minute ride offers breathtaking panoramic views of pan-Singapore and, at night, the lights of Indonesia and Malaysia paint a pretty picture.

Singapore Science Centre
15 Science Centre Road, +65.64252.500
Admission: Adult S$6, seniors and children (3-16) S$3.60

Learning is fun, especially at the Singapore Science Centre. With 850 exhibits, it would take days just to see them all. Most visitors come back again and again and always find something new. Explore space, climate change, the genius of Da Vinci, energy, the atrium, the Kinetic Garden, and much, much more.

Underwater World
80 Siloso Road, Sentosa, +65.6275.0030
Admission: Adults S$22.90, children S$14.60 (under 3 free)

In addition to Singapore’s three major beaches, Sentosa is also home to Underwater World. Kids and adults alike will marvel at the leafy sea dragons, jellyfish, stingrays, and sharks as you travel along an 83m long travellator housed inside the submerged glass-windowed tunnels of the aquarium. You can watch feedings and even brave the depths and Dive with the Sharks. Swimming with the dolphins may be more your speed, and you can do that here too.

Arab Street
Kampong Glam

Here you will feel the city’s Arabian flair. The centerpiece is the Sultan Mosque in which the city’s Muslims worship. You will also find fabric vendors, restaurants, cafes, and spas. Try the excellent murtobaks and chicken curry and walk through the bazaar-like atmosphere.

Singapore Entertainment

Singapore’s balmy temperature means one thing: beaches! The first item on many visitors’ agendas is stepping onto the stunning white sand and dipping their toes into the mild and amazingly blue water. Beaches abound on the East Coast and Sentosa Island. A definite bonus for visiting Sentosa Island is the plentiful natural beauty, animal and butterfly habits, and aquariums. Play a round of golf, go on an exhilarating Eco Adventure, get kissed by a dolphin, build up your appetite by taking a gorgeous nature walk, and then dine in cafes, bistros, beach bars, or gourmet restaurants. Nature enthusiasts will also love the Singapore Zoo and the incredible Night Safari – do not miss this if you are anywhere near Singapore.

There’s more to Singapore than magnificent beaches. Tear yourself away for a while to explore the city’s other offerings. Visitors will love digging into the treasures of Chinatown and Little India or shopping at the many world-class malls. Take in a show at the Esplanade Theater by the Bay where you can hear the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and touring bands and DJs.

Part of what makes Singapore so unique is its heterogeneous population and diverse religious communities. Visit one of the many areas of worship for Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists. Beautiful temples, such as the Buddhists’ Kong Meng San Phor Kark, Muslims’ Masjid Sultan, and Hindus’ Sri Mariamman, welcome visitors. Non-worshippers are encouraged to visit when services are not being held, and most prefer that you take off your shoes. This is a beautiful way to experience other religions.

After all your excursions, relax and unwind at one of Singapore’s spas. While more expensive than neighboring Indonesia or Thailand, you will want to splurge at least once for Ayurveda or green tea hydrotherapy treatments and a traditional Chinese massage. A perfect way to send an afternoon.

Boring, sanitary, lackluster? Not Singapore!

Hotels in Singapore, Singapore