Singapore, Singapore Hotels and City Guide

Singapore - Attractions

Attractions and Sightseeing

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.

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!

Singapore Attractions

Singapore Zoo

80 Mandai Lake Road
+65.6360.8604

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.

Night Safari

80 Mandai Lake Road
+65.6269.3411

Instead of confusing the animal’s natural sleep cycle and “tricking” them into performing during the day when they should be sleeping, the Night Safari urges visitors to get out of bed and come into the night. Over 1040 animals roam the open design.. Explore on foot or by tram.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

1 Cluny Rd
+65 6471 7361

The 150 year old gardens will delight visitors as they stroll through bonsai trees, sculpture gardens, orchids, bamboo, herbs, beautiful heritage trees, and even a children’s garden. It’s an excellent place to take photographs, listen to concerts, participate in Tai Chi, or simply roam and enjoy.

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.

National Museum of Singapore

93 Stamford Road
+65.6332.3659

Go for the gorgeous architecture and stay for the amazing variety of exhibits. From the Old and New Masters collection and History and Photography galleries to the “living galleries” featuring topics such as fashion, food, and film, the National Museum is a must for any traveler. Singapore’s oldest museum stays fresh with innovative and imaginative exhibits.

Sakaya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple

366 Race Course Road, Little India
+65.629.40714

Also known as the Temple of 1000 Lights, the Sakaya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple was founded in 1927. Visitors will see a 15 meter statue of Buddha, as well as many others prominently displayed. This is a great place for the faithful and non-Buddhists alike to see during their travels.

Singapore Art Museum

71 Bras Basah Rd
+65 6332 3222

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. Singapore’s major artists are represented.

Singapore Flyer

30 Raffles Road
Marina Bay
+65.6334 9622

The Singapore Flyer is one of Singapore’s most iconic locales and is the largest observation wheel (or Ferris wheel) in the world. From the top you can see gorgeous views of Marina Bay and the city. The Singapore Flyer has 28 capsules which can hold up to 28 passengers each. A ride takes 30 minutes, during which you can sit in air-conditioned luxury, sipping a special Singapore Signature Cocktail, and enjoy the sites. It is worth overcoming a fear of heights for this magnificent ride.

Singapore Science Centre

15 Science Centre Road
+65.64252.500

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

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 they swim through submerged glass tubes. 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.

Hotels in Singapore, Singapore