Singapore is fast becoming one of the most popular places to see and explore, with thousands of people venturing to this stunning metropolis each and every year. From the opulent infrastructure to the amazing natural sights, Singapore has a lot to offer the travellers who venture to the shores of this magnificent country! If you are visiting this stunning country for the very first time, you may be wondering “What are the best things to do in Singapore”?
We here at Flight Centre have got many different things to do and sights to see to ensure that you make the most out of your Singapore holiday. Our sizzling Singapore overview will look to analyse what the different things to see are, what you should be sure you plan to do and of course, which of the best local Singapore foods you should be sure to try.
Here you have it, our sizzling Singapore overview:
Where are the things to see in Singapore?
Singapore is known to be one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with a combination of brilliant man-made infrastructure combined with natural wonders that will have your jaw-dropping. So what is there to see when in Singapore? Have a look at some of the top-rated tourist sights to see when you travel to Singapore.
Gardens by the Bay
Sitting along the Marina bay in Singapore is the beautiful and majestic Gardens by the bay nature park. So what is so special about a visit to Gardens by the bay? This stunning assortment of over 1.5 million plant species from all over the world makes this stop a must-see when in Singapore. As one of the most breathtaking horticulture attractions in the world, the unique spin on a sort of botanical garden look and feel makes for an amazing place to spend an afternoon.
One of the most unique attractions that this nature park has to offer is the beautiful and futuristic trees that you will find in a region of the park known as Supertree Grove. The metal structures within the grove are shaped like trees and have plants growing within them like vines, making them look like man-made trees. Singapore is a country that has been an advocate for sustainable development and these trees symbolise the growth of how nature and man can function together harmoniously and beautifully.
After exploring the Supertree Grove you will not want to miss out on the opportunity of seeing the world's largest indoor waterfall. Sitting 35 metres tall and surrounded by lush vegetation, the beauty of this waterfall is like nothing you would have seen before. For a truly unique and memorable experience, make sure that Gardens by the bay is on your list of places to be sure you see.
Orchard Road
With 22 malls and six department stores, Orchard road is every shopping lover's dream come to life! With shops boasting some of the biggest clothing brands in the world, you will have the opportunity to enjoy venturing into the different stores to find a few special items to take back home with you. With so many opportunities for shopping, we do recommend that you pack light on your travels as you may be coming home with a fuller suitcase compared to the one you arrived with. Whether you are looking for stuff to buy yourself, are hoping to find something special for a loved one or are just browsing through and doing some window shopping, be sure to carve out some time to explore this vibrant street!
Merlion Park
When you think of Singapore, the first thing that may come to mind is the stunning lion-shaped figurine that is commonly associated with this country! The beautiful statue is located in Merlion Park and is half lion and half fish. This statute represents the country's deep-rooted history in fishing combined with the Malay name given to the region 'Singapura', which translates to Lion City. This stunning park sits overlooking the beautiful bay on Sentosa Island, offering the perfect spot to get a fabulous picture to make all those at home jealous! Merlion park is one of the most famous symbols of the culture and history of Singapore and it is definitely a must-see attraction when you venture to this beautiful country.
What activities should I do in Singapore?
As a traveller venturing to Singapore for the first time, you may be a bit overwhelmed when it comes to the different activities to be sure you include. When thinking about what to do when in Singapore, remember that this country has so much to offer and is much more than just a vibrant city. Getting out and exploring all of the best sights and doing the most exciting activities is always a must-do when on vacation. To ensure you get to experience all of the most amazing activities when in Singapore, we here at Flight Centre have come up with a few must-do activities.
Shop until you drop
You may want to pack light when visiting Singapore as there are many fantastic places to shop! Singapore is known to be one of the most amazing cities when it comes to the different types of shops that you can venture into. With a wide range of different brands and types of stores, from high-end fashion to local delights, it is no wonder why many people venture to this beautiful city just to explore the shopping opportunities. Bugis Street, Haji Lane, Orchard Road and Sim Lim Square are just a few of the streets to be sure you make it to when in Singapore, so make sure that you add them into your itinerary.
When you visit Singapore and venture to the different shopping districts in and around the city, you may want to purchase an item or two for loved ones back home. Some of the most popular gifts to purchase when in Singapore are Merlion figurines, Orchid perfumes (orchids are the national flower in Singapore so these are always great) or Ya-Kun Kaya Spread. Ya-Kun Kaya Spread, or coconut jam, refers to the delicious paste that is enjoyed with toast for breakfast. Purchasing any one of these small mementoes to bring home could just make that special someone's day!
Have a beach day on Sentosa Island
While Singapore may not be the first place you think of when imagining a seaside holiday, Sentosa Island offers many different beaches where you can lay out and enjoy some fun in the sun. One of the best beaches to venture to if you want to lay out on the sand or enjoy some volleyball is Siloso Beach. This beach is also located near an underwater aquarium where you can arrange to swim with dolphins. If you would rather enjoy some water sports than swim with the dolphins (or hey, if you have time, do both!) then you will love this stretch of beach as there are fun water sports activities for you to enjoy, ranging from kayaking to jet skiing. If you visit Singapore during the warm summer months, spending a day at the beach could be the perfect way to enjoy the natural wonders that this region has to offer, so be sure to carve out a day to spend on this stunning island.
Explore Pulau Ubin (Granite Island)
Before Singapore became the hustling and bustling city that we know today, it was a small fishing region that was known for its natural beauty. While much of the region is now a city landscape, if you are interested in seeing what life was like before, you will have to include a tour of Pulau Ubin (Granite Island). With less than 100 people dedicated their lives to living simply on this small island, it is a wonder to see and experience what life was like back in the day. During the 1960s, Singapore saw a rapid increase in expansion and growth, developing into the country that we know and love today, but seeing where it came from could be another experience altogether.
The peaceful town is home to a wide variety of wildlife, aquatic life and plant life that can be seen as you wander through the unspoilt natural forests. The Chek Jawa Wetlands even has a coral reef where you can enjoy seeing all of the different species of fish that still live in the area. For a chance to explore a part of this country that is not well-known, especially to visitors, do not miss out on the chance to explore Pulau Ubin (Granite Island).
Which delicacies should I be sure to try in Singapore?
Venturing to any new part of the world is very exciting for any traveller and along with ensuring you see all the best sights and participate in some fun activities, it is also important to get close and personal with the cuisines. So what are the best foods to eat in Singapore? Singapore cuisine is known for its fusion of Asian and western flavours, combining different elements together that is sure to leave your taste buds more than satisfied. Have a look at the following delicious dishes that are popular in this part of the world.
- Chilli crab: You would not want to venture all the way to Singapore and miss out on trying their National dish so be sure to indulge in chilli crab at least once on your travels! Chilli crab is a delicious cuisine, bathed in spicy tomato and shrimp paste, you may want to try this dish at the beginning of your trip because we are sure you may want to indulge again. The chilli crab dish is packed with flavour and served at many different establishments, from world-class restaurants to famous street food carts. This dish was actually said to have been created by a couple who owned a food cart and wanted to explore different ways to prepare the crab that they sold!
- Hainanese Chicken Rice: This delicious chicken and rice dish may sound simple enough, but the unique flavours and way that the chicken is cooked will prove to be some of the most delicious dishes you have ever tried. The chicken is boiled and cooked to perfection, giving off rich flavours that are combined with succulent and tender meat. The rice is cooked in a combination of chicken stock, Malay spices and ginger to give it a delicious taste that accompanies the chicken uniquely! This is another dish that can be found in many different parts of Singapore, from fancy restaurants to on the street.
- Cendol: After indulging in the finest savoury food that Singapore has to offer, you will be after something sweet to top off your meal. Cendol is a very popular dessert across Asia, though it is presented and prepared in different ways. In Singapore, Cendol is in the form of shaved ice over noodles that rests in a thick and delicious coconut broth! Is your mouth watering already? To top it off, Cendol is coated in Gula Melaka, which is a stunning rich caramel syrup. For the most deciduous sweet treats in all of Singapore, be sure that you try Cendol at least once on your trip.
Visiting the Lion City is a must for any serious traveller. With its century-old temples, bustling hawker centres and lush green spaces, Singapore's varied charms are bound to enchant visitors from all corners of the world. The city boasts an equally diverse calendar of events, and presents travellers with ample opportunities to explore, indulge and express their passions.