Singapore is a country full of culture, history, and exciting attractions. If you’ve never been before, or it’s been a while since your last visit, this guide will show you the best places to visit in Singapore.
It will help you plan the perfect trip to one of the most beautiful countries in Asia. From being dazzled by Singapore’s architecture, to enjoying its food scene, there are so many reasons why Singapore should be your next travel destination. You don’t want to miss out on these highlights.
The Basics
If you’re not familiar with Singapore, it’s a small country that’s located just below the equator. It’s made up of three regions: Singapore Island, which is where the capital city of Singapore is located; the neighbouring island of Pulau Ujong, which is where Changi Airport is located; and the island of Pulau Tekong, where the Singapore Armed Forces is headquartered.
This country is an international hub for finance, commerce, transport, and high-tech manufacturing. These are just a few of the reasons why you should consider visiting.
There are tons of fun things to do in Singapore. Your itinerary will depend on what you’re looking for. If you’re into shopping, then Orchard Road in Singapore has you covered. Want to see some of the most beautiful architecture in the world, then you’ll want to visit Marina Bay Sands. If you want to get out on your bike and explore, then head to East Coast Park. There are so many places to explore!
Transportation
Wherever you’re going in Singapore, getting there is going to be a breeze. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is the best way to get around, and it works wonders. So, you can get off at a station near where you need to go and explore from there.
One of the great things about the MRT is that it’s cheap. You can get a day pass, which will allow you to travel on any MRT line, bus, or train. The MRT is also a great way to explore other parts of Singapore that you didn’t have time for.
Another great option for getting around is the bus system. It’s just as easy to navigate and can get you anywhere in Singapore. There are also a lot of buses that offer a route just for tourists, which is a great way to see a different side of Singapore without too much trouble.
Renting a bike is also a great way to explore Singapore. You can get a bike from the bike-sharing stations around the city.
History and Culture
It’s hard to believe that modern Singapore is just over 50 years old. But it’s true! Singapore was founded in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles, a British soldier and businessman. At the time, the island was just a small fishing village with a population of about 1,000 people.
Raffles helped establish the “American system” of administration, which granted Singapore limited self-government. To make sure that it adhered to the system, he set up several “Regulations” or restrictions – which included a ban on alcohol and opium.
He also established Singapore’s first modern hospital and school and helped establish many of its administrative buildings.
After his death in 1826, Singapore was ruled by a series of governors until it became a crown colony in 1867. In 1959, it became a self-governing state within the British Empire. In 1963, Singapore became an independent republic.
It is now one of the world’s wealthiest nations with a stable economy and a high standard of living.
Singapore has a number of popular landmarks that are worth checking out. These landmarks are separated into 2 categories: colonial and modern.
The colonial category includes places like the Istana or Presidential Palace, which is the official residence of the president of Singapore. The modern category includes places like the Marina Bay Sands Hotel – which is one of Singapore’s most famous landmarks. This hotel has three 55-story towers that are connected by an infinity pool on the roof. It’s also home to the world’s tallest observation deck.
Religion in Singapore
Singapore is a diverse country with a variety of religions. In fact, the country is made up of four official religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam. In addition to these religions, there are also Buddhist and Taoist temples, Sikh gurdwaras, and Roman Catholic churches.
This is a great time to mention that Singapore is a place of tolerance and understanding. The people of Singapore have a history of accepting and accommodating differences.
This diversity is a great opportunity for learning and understanding. Be sure to visit one of these places of worship to see how people of all different faiths live in Singapore.
Food and Drink Scene
After a long day of exploring, nothing will end your day like a Singaporean dinner. The country’s cuisine will not disappoint with dishes like Hainanese chicken rice and laksa; you’ll find something for everyone.
There are plenty of options to choose from, and they range from Hawker stalls to fine dining.
Hawker Stalls
If you’re looking for somewhere to get a quick meal, head to hawker stalls where you can find plenty of delicious and cheap food.
With a culture that celebrates the many different cuisines from all over Asia, Singapore is home to a ton of hawker stalls where you can indulge in hawker dishes from all over the country.
These are stalls or small restaurants where customers can choose what they want to eat from various vendors. They are open 24 hours, so if you’re hungry at any point of your trip, you can find something to eat.
The food is these stalls is fresh, and cooked right in front of you. Their prices are really good too.
Must-visits for foodies
No trip to Singapore is complete without trying the famous chicken rice dish. The Hainanese chicken rice dish is served with a bowl of chicken soup, sambal chili sauce, and some steamed rice.
You can also try laksa, which is a spicy seafood dish with noodles and vermicelli in a rich coconut-based curry broth. It is traditionally served with a side of lime and cucumber slices.
If you’re looking for the best beef noodle soup in Singapore, look no further than Tekka Centre. You’ll find many delicious dishes, but the beef noodle soup is considered one of the best in the country.
If you want to try some of Singapore’s best Indian food, head to Old Airport Road. There’s a great selection for vegetarians and meat eaters alike.
If you want to try Singapore’s definitive breakfast dish, head to Raffles Hotel. Their version of kaya toast is made with warm white bread topped with dried coconut flakes, butter, and homemade coconut jam. It’s delicious!
If you’re up for some sweets, Singapore has plenty of options for you. Some of the most popular desserts include the durian ice cream and kaya toast. The durian ice cream can be found at various places around Singapore, but it’s always best to try it from a trusted store.
A word of warning though if you enjoy an alcoholic drink. You can get them here. They’re freely available. But you’ll pay for them. Dearly. I found the prices to be roughly 3 times what I was used to at home.
Gardens by the Bay
The Gardens by the Bay offers a unique and spectacular experience that can’t be missed.
It’s the perfect way to spend the day, and an absolute must for any tourist. With a wide variety of plants, trees, and even a man-made beach, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular destination.
The best times to visit would be in the morning or at sunset. There’s nothing like watching the sun set behind Marina Bay Sands while you sip on your favorite cocktail.
The Gardens by the Bay is a must-visit for any tourist, but it’s not the only place worth checking out in Singapore. Read on to learn about other tourist attractions that shouldn’t be missed while you’re there!
Asian Civilisations Museum
One of the top destinations in Singapore is the Asian Civilisations Museum. This large museum has an extensive collection of artifacts from all around Asia. You’ll find everything from Thai coins to Japanese samurai armor. Once you’re done exploring the museum, you can enjoy a drink at the cafe or take a walk through the garden. It’s a perfect way to experience Singapore’s culture.
So, if you’re looking to experience some of the best of Singapore, this is a perfect place to start.
Sentosa Island
For the young, or young at heart, Sentosa is the island playground. One of the main attractions is Universal studios, but you can also visit water parks, beaches and the aquarium. No trip to Singapore is complete without unwinding on Sentosa Island.
Click here to check out their official website, to see all of your options.
Changi
Most visitors to Singapore will have heard of Changi. And it conjures up images of a brutal regime during a time of war. Indeed, there is a museum there dedicated to the memory of those interred there.
For us though we headed to Changi beach and caught the ferry across to the neighboring islands. From there we took a kayak tour of the islands which lasted about 4 hours. A nice way to see Singapore from a different angle.
Final Thoughts
There are so many reasons why you should visit Singapore, and I hope this list has helped you get started with your planning. It’s a country with a lot of personality and I’m sure that you’ll love it.
If you enjoyed this post, here’s a couple more that will help get you on your way.
Stress free traveling with kids
Budget family travel for beginners
Cheers and happy travels.