Singapore may be a small, tropical island measuring about 720km2, but you will be surprised at the number of world-class attractions jam-packed within such a tiny space! Whether you are a wildlife lover, a thrill-seeker, a shopaholic or a foodie, we guarantee there is something for you to enjoy in Singapore. Here is our list of the top attractions that you definitely can't miss on your next Singapore travels! ?
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[Check out our 3D2N itinerary for Singapore to help get you started!]
1. Singapore Zoo & River Safari
The Singapore Zoo bills itself as the world's best rainforest zoo and is impeccably designed with lush vegetation and naturalistic habitats.
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Immerse yourself within 11 unique zones such as the Fragile Forest, a huge enclosed biodome where rainforest animals roam free. Or how about encountering a life-sized polar bear in the Frozen Tundra – the coolest exhibit featuring Arctic inhabitants?
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Whichever way you choose to experience the zoo, by foot or by guided trams, do not miss the animal shows – they promise an engaging and educational experience.
Credit: Wildlife Reserves Singapore on Facebook
Now, why not make your trip to the zoo unforgettable by having breakfast with orangutans? The tour package includes hassle-free transfers between your hotel to the zoo, a half-day zoo tour plus an optional upgrade of a breakfast buffet with the friendly apes!
#HHWT Tip: Attention families! If you have kids aged 5 to 12 years old who love animals, let them try the Kidzranger Tour where they get to enjoy a stint as a zookeeper!
The first of its kind in Asia, River Safariis the river-themed counterpart to the Singapore Zoo. The wildlife park features a mostly shaded footpath which meanders over 12 hectares of freshwater exhibits. The star attraction here is the Giant Panda Forest – a climate-controlled biodome where the nation's celebrity panda couple Kai Kai and Jia Jia reside. Be there early in the morning to avoid crowds and catch a glimpse of the pandas feeding on bamboo shoots!
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#HHWT Tip: If you get tired of walking, hop on the relaxing River Safari Cruise. Or for a small top-up fee, go on the Amazon River Quest ride – a slow, open-top boat ride that takes you on a journey into the Amazon wilderness.
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Rd, 729826
Click here for directions
Opening hours:
Singapore Zoo: 8.30am to 6pm (last entry 5.30pm)
River Safari: 10am to 7 pm (last entry 6.30pm)
Ticket fees:
Singapore Zoo Adult: $35 , Child: $23
River Safari Adult: $32, Child: $21
2. Night Safari
While the Singapore Zoo and River Safari can be enjoyed in the day, when the sun sets, a truly magical experience awaits. The Night Safari, located next to the Singapore Zoo, presents the world's first night-time zoo, showcasing over 2500 animals from 130 species in their most active nocturnal state.
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The dimly-lit walking trails – from the Fishing Cat Trail to the Leopard Trail – are necessary in order not to disturb the creatures' nocturnal behaviour. The park's animals, ranging from the majestic Malayan tiger to the busy otters, are made visible by light sources that mimic moonlight. It may take a while for your eyes to grow accustomed to the darkness, but it's all part of the adventure, we say!
Even if you like to explore the park on foot, be sure not to give the 35-minute guided tram ride a miss! A definite highlight of the park, this expedition on wheels brings you on an exciting journey through 7 geographical zones of the world, and gets you up close and personal with the animals in their open-concept enclosures.
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Complete your Night Safari experience by sitting in for the Creatures of the Night show. This 20-minute interactive show stars a variety of nocturnal creatures that will impress you with their unique talents.
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#HHWT Tip: Book your tickets for the Singapore Zoo, River Safari and Night Safari online to enjoy 5% off ticket prices! Save even more by getting the ParkHopper Specials – multi-park tickets at hugely discounted prices that allow you entry to one park per day within 7 days! The ParkHopper Specials include entry into Jurong Bird Park – an outstanding bird sanctuary at the western end of Singapore.
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826
Click here for directions
Opening hours: 7.15am to 12am (last entry 11.15pm)
Ticket fees: Adult: $47 , Child: $31
Buy your Singapore Night Safari tickets here!
3. Marina Bay Sands
No trip to Singapore would be complete without a visit to the iconic Marina Bay Sands. One of the two integrated resorts in Singapore, it features three imposing hotel towers fronting Marina Bay with a 340-metre-long SkyPark roof that connects all three buildings.
If you have deep pockets, splurge on a night's stay at the hotel to gain access to the world's largest rooftop infinity pool ??? One of the most Instagrammable spots in Singapore, you could take a swim here while admiring the sensational views of the city's skyline from 57 levels above!
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Even if you'd prefer to stay dry instead, there is no shortage of activities for you to enjoy here. You could dive into some high-end retail therapy at The Shoppes, or watch an award-winning musical at the two huge in-house theatres. Or how about viewing cutting-edge exhibits at the flower-shaped ArtScience Museum?
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#HHWT Tip: You can still gain entry to the SkyPark even if you are not a hotel guest. Tickets for the SkyPark Observation Deck are priced at $23 for adults and $17 for children. Do note that access to the infinity pool is exclusively for hotel guests only.
Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956
Directions: Take the Downtown or Circle Line and alight at Bayfront MRT Station
Opening hours:
The Shoppes (Sunday to Thursday and public holidays: 10.30am to 11pm; Friday, Saturday and eve of public holidays: 10.30am to 11.30pm)
SkyPark Observation Deck (Monday to Thursday: 9.30am to 10pm; Friday to Sunday: 9:30am to 11pm)
4. Gardens by the Bay
What is a tour of the 'Garden City' without stepping foot at the immaculately designed Gardens by the Bay? The sprawling 101-hectare park is located next to the Marina Reservoir and blessed with awesome waterfront views.
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Take a stroll in the outdoor gardens and you'd be hard-pressed to miss the colossal super-sized trees at the Supertree Grove. For a bird's-eye view of the gardens, venture skywards to the 22-metre-high suspended walkway connecting two of the Supertrees. Wait till nightfall to catch the Supertrees come ablaze in a mesmerising light show.
If the heat outdoors gets to you, step into the cool respite of the two awe-inspiring conservatories here – the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. The former is the world's largest glass greenhouse, displaying rotating collections of flowers and plants from around the world, while the latter houses the world's tallest indoor waterfall and flora from highlands.
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When dusk falls, a mouthwatering aroma of barbecued food permeates the air. Let your nose guide you to the adjacent Satay by the Bay, where a local culinary feast awaits! Delight in an array of halal local favourites from seafood dishes to the titular star dish, satay – yummy marinated morsels of skewered meat grilled to perfection over hot charcoal! Here are the list of halal stalls: Stall 6 (Mediterranean & Turkish), Stall 7 (Thai Spize), Stall 8 (Fried Carrot Cake), Stalls 9 & 10 (Makan By The Bay), Stalls 12-15 (Marina Bay BBQ Steamboat Buffet), Stall 16 (Mini Hotpot), Sri Geylang Sate, Opah Satay, Black & White Jumain Satay
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#HHWT Tip: A prayer room is available near the Supertree Grove, next to Texas Chicken Fast Food Restaurant. Prayer mats and gowns are available but you will have to take your ablution at the nearest washroom.
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
Directions: Take the Downtown or Circle Line and alight at Bayfront MRT Station
Opening times:
Outdoor Gardens: 5am - 2am
Flower Dome & Cloud Forest: 9am to 9pm (last entry 8pm)
Ticket fees: Flower Dome & Cloud Forest combo ticket, Adult: $28, Child: $15
Buy your Gardens by the Bay tickets here!
5. Singapore Flyer
With a tagline "a moving experience at every turn", you know that the Singapore Flyer is one encounter you wouldn't want to skip. Take flight on the giant observation wheel 165 metres above the ground to gain a 360-degree panoramic view of Singapore and beyond.
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Impress your loved ones by signing up for the world's first full butler Sky Dining where you can enjoy a romantic 4-course dinner over two rotations in one of the spacious capsules! You can request for a halal menu in advance and prices are at $269++ per couple.
Credit: Singapore Flyer on Facebook
Round off your Flyer experience by stepping into the Journey of Dreams – a pre-flight multimedia program showcasing the nation's history and the workings behind the Singapore Flyer.
Address: 30 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039803
Click here for directions
Opening times: 8.30am to 10.30pm (last flight 10pm)
Ticket fees: Adult: $33, Child: $21
Buy your Singapore Flyer flight tickets here (with Gardens by the Bay entry) and here (with USS entry)!
6. Resorts World Sentosa
Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) is Singapore's second integrated resort, spanning 49 hectares on Sentosa island. Voted "Best Integrated Resort" at the TTG Travel Awards for five years running, this all-inclusive resort promises the best in world-class attractions!
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Choose to stay at one of the six themed-hotels here, from the family-friendly Hard Rock Hotel to the opulent, all-suites Crockfords Tower with 24hr butler service. Nature lovers could opt to stay at the Equarius Hotel, nestled at the periphery of a tropical rainforest, and next to the luxurious ESPA spa where you can loosen a knot or two.
When it comes to key attractions at RWS, you will never find yourself short on options! First up, head over to the region's first-and-only Universal Studios Singapore where you can relive the magic of movies through movie-themed rides and shows!
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Buy your Universal Studios Singapore tickets here!
#HHWT Tip: An air-conditioned prayer room with ablution facilities is available at Universal Studios Singapore next to Battlestar Galactica's lockers. There are also several halal restaurants within the facility – do check out the guide map!
Next, dive on dry land as you ogle at marine creatures big and small at one of the world's largest aquarium – the S.E.A Aquarium ?
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Thrill-seekers will love the Adventure Cove Waterpark where you can race down high-speed water slides. Here, you can also snorkel with 20,000 tropical fish in a lagoon over a man-made reef, or wade with dozens of stingrays in a shallow pool! But if you have a soft spot for dolphins, head over to the Dolphin Lagoon to interact with the magnificent Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins!
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, 098269
Directions: Take the Sentosa Express from Vivo City level 3 and alight at Waterfront Station
Opening times & ticket fees: Check out their website for more information on each attraction.
7. Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island is a major tourist destination in its own right, offering many exciting attractions that go beyond what you can find at RWS. For a start, you could have some fun in the sun at one of the island's three beaches, or scale the Sentosa Merlion to gain a unique perspective of Singapore's harbour.
Credit: By Haakon S. Krohn (Own work) [GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Sports enthusiasts – check out MegaZip Adventure Park, an adventure-based attraction that includes a 450-m zipline. You could also try out indoor skydiving at iFly Singaporeor surf an artificial wave at Wave House Sentosa!
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Fort Siloso, Singapore's only preserved coastal fort, will interest history buffs looking to explore the remains of fortified military structures and tunnels which once formed a vital part of the country's defence during WWII. Meanwhile, museum lovers will have a field day at Madame Tussauds Singaporeand Trick Eye Museum!
Credit: Michael_Spencer on Flickr
Not forgetting the young ones, the island also has kid-friendly attractions such as KidZania – an indoor, kid-sized city where children can engage in role-playing activities, and Port of Lost Wonder where they can splash around in an expansive water playground!
#HHWT Tip: Take the Singapore Cable Car from Mt. Faber or Harbourfront to Sentosa island for fabulous views!
Opening times & ticket fees: Check with their website for more information on each attraction.
Buy the Sentosa FUN Pass here to save up to 70% on 19 different attractions on Sentosa island!
8. Singapore Botanic Gardens
The only tropical garden to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and open for more than 150 years, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is a highlight not to be missed! Spread over 82 hectares and featuring about 10,000 species of flora, the gardens' attractions include the National Orchid Garden, the Rainforest and the Ginger Garden.
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Children will love the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden where they can unleash their boundless energy at the Water Play area, tree-houses with slides and even a maze! There are also plenty of learning opportunities here through interactive exhibits.
Plus, you could enjoy a picnic amongst lush greenery at Palm Valley. On weekends, be entertained by free classical music concerts at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage on Symphony Lake.
Credit: By User: Sengkang (Own work) [Copyrighted free use], via Wikimedia Commons
Opening times: 5am to 12am
Ticket fees: Free admission
Note: Attractions within the gardens have differing opening times while the National Orchid Garden has an entrance fee. Do check with www.sbg.org.sg for more information.
Location:
9. Kampong Glam
Seek the 'glam' in Kampong Glam by setting foot here for a heady mix of history, culture and the latest in lifestyle trends. Shopaholics, feel right at home at Arab Street and Bussorah street where you can select the finest Persian carpets, drool over rows of colourful fabric or pick your favourite homemade blend of oil-based perfumes. If you are into quirky stuff, hop over to Haji Lane to find an eclectic range of stores that exude an unmistakable bohemian charm.
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Foodies, Kampong Glam is halal food heaven for you! Feast on halal local delicacies such as nasi padang (rice served with Malay/Indonesian dishes), or other halal international fares from Middle Eastern to Swedish, to Japanese to even Mexican! It is also a hotspot for the hipster café movement that has swept the nation. If you're looking to hop into any of those halal cafes, check out our guide!
Credit: Masjid Sultan Singapore on Facebook
Don’t forget to visit the Malay Heritage Centre for an insight into the rich history and culture of the local Malay community. And last but not least, pray at the landmark Sultan Mosque – an impressive national monument and one of the oldest mosques in Singapore.
10. Little India & Chinatown
Immerse yourself in the vibrant local Indian scene at Little India, where the old meets the new in a riot of fascinating sights and sounds. Explore the area's many nooks and crannies to discover an intriguing mix of heritage sites, boutique hotels, hipster cafes and olden-day trades like flower garland vendors.
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Enjoy scrumptious Indian fare at the many halal restaurants here, and don't forget to visit Tekka Market for a unique 'wet' market experience where you can find an amazing array of produce. No shopping experience in Little India will be complete without visiting the 24hr Mustafa Centre – a retail complex offering a mind-boggling assortment of over 300,000 items all under one roof!
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Chinatown, Singapore's historic Chinese enclave, is another must-see where tradition clashes head-on with modernity. Step into the good old days of yore by visiting traditional medicinal halls and teahouses, and then bring yourself up to speed by sipping coffee at one of the many sleek and modern cafes found here.
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#HHWT Tip: Free WiFi is available throughout Chinatown, so be sure to plug in!
[Looking for the best halal food in Singapore? Check out our guides!]
11. Orchard Road
Shopping is a must-do on every traveller's checklist, and where better to do so than at Orchard Road – Singapore's most famous shopping belt! At 2.2km long, Orchard Road IS every shopaholic's dream crammed chock-a-block with shopping malls, hotels, restaurants and entertainment spots that will cater to your every whim and fancy!
Credit: Melvin Yeung on Facebook
P.S. Feeling hungry while shopping in Orchard Road? Don't worry, the shopping belt has plenty of halal food options and prayer spaces.
Singapore may be a small country, but it certainly doesn't disappoint when it comes to cool attractions. We hope this list will entice you to make Singapore your next holiday destination!