If there was ever a nation that was going to meet its vision of becoming a City in a Garden, it was Singapore. Living in the UAE, I have often heard people say that Singapore is ‘just a smaller version of Dubai’, but I would have to whole-heartedly disagree.
The island nation of Singapore is a mashup of long-standing cultural quarters, cuisines and architectural creativity that has seen it forge eco-friendly skyscrapers and put environmentalism at the forefront of its quest to set a global example for sustainable urbanism. It has transformed itself from a developing city into an environmentally innovative powerhouse, and it’s certainly worth a stop-off for a quick city break while you’re in Asia. Here are 10 top things to do in Singapore to get you started:
F1 Grand Prix on a Street Circuit
Okay, okay, I know this only happens once per year and it certainly isn’t cheap, but if you can get your hands on tickets to the Singapore Grand Prix then plan your trip around the race weekend. How this island nation can set up a street circuit smack-bang in the middle of the city, with serious festival vibes, and still function, blows my mind. What a location and what a way to gear-up for some post-race parties and non-stop music under the city’s skyline.
Jewel Changi Airport
In the past, if I had read an article that listed an airport as a ‘top thing to do’, I would have questioned visiting that city in the first place, but believe me when I tell you that Singapore’s new airport terminal is a destination within itself. I won’t dwell on it because I have already curated a guide to the Jewel Changi Airport Terminal that gives you a glimpse into all the insane things you can find at Singapore’s airport, but make sure you allocate a bit of time to enjoy it after you’ve dropped your bags off at check-in.
Kampong Glam
When I flew from the UAE to Singapore, I certainly didn’t expect to stumble across an ‘Arab Street’, a ‘Muscat Street’ or a ‘Haji Lane’, but I found all three in the Kampong Glam neighborhood. The self-proclaimed ‘Muslim Quarter’ is steeped in history, and its centrepiece is the gold-domed Sultan Mosque that points down a boulevard lined with restaurants and cafés. Don’t miss Bussorah Street; it’s essentially an art gallery (#GelamGallery) featuring an eclectic mix of art works and colorful splatterings. Once you’re done, wonder down across to Haji Lane to explore the boutiques and bars that line the narrow alleyway; aim to be there for late afternoon when it really starts to come to life. It’s a little bit hipster, a little bit chichi, but also a little bit ‘backpacker’ vibes… without the backpacks.
Duxton Hill
The best breakfast I had in Singapore was in the heart of Duxton Hill, in an upstairs café known as Group Therapy. Not only was it the best breakfast in Singapore, but I also recall exclaiming that the crispy ‘Parma Ham Eggs Ben’ was “a definite top 3 contender” in the list of best Eggs Benedict I have ever eaten. Bold statement, I know. If you love to escape a city’s main attractions then take a stroll through Duxton Hill and soak up its indie personality, juice bars, boutiques and hidden restaurants. If returning in the evening, pop to nearby D.O.C, along Tanjong Pagar, for an authentic Neopolitan pizza cooked up by animated Chef Davide.
Chinatown
Temples, beers, buddhas, budget bites and market stalls: a trip to China Town is a must for the not-so-snobby tourist. Hawkers Centres – essentially open-air food courts – are a foodie’s dream for getting to grips with Singapore’s melting pot of cuisines; they’re also the most budget-friendly way to eat in the city, and China Town is home to one of the most famous: the China Town Food Complex. Want a craft beer to wash down a cheap Michelin meal? You’ll find it here.
Ann Siang Hill & Club Street
Just across from central China Town, we discovered Ann Siang Hill and Club Street, where restored houses ooze quaint vibes by day before the hill (and its rooftop bars) come to life at night. Given we were passing through, it would have been rude not to stop for a couple of afternoon drinks. We were loving Ox Well & Co for its gin bar and rooftop, plus Birds of a Feather in nearby Amoy Alley, but for a list of the best bars and restaurants in the area, check this out.
Singapore Zoo
I can’t say that I am a fan of zoos, but I told myself I would add Singapore Zoo to this list because, from what I learned while there, it has done its bit for endangered species, it simulates natural habitats and I can see how families would love it. Singapore Zoo is a sprawling landscape that houses almost 3000 animals and there’s plenty to explore while you’re there; however, you’ll need to get a bus or taxi from the nearest MRT station because it’s well out of the way of the main city. Prefer to see animals in the wild? Me too, so perhaps wait for your South African adventure in Kruger Park or plan a trip to Swaziland if Singapore Zoo is not for you.
Gardens by the Bay
If the film Avatar suddenly became some kind of futuristic reality show, it would probably be set in the sci-fi surroundings of Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay. Possibly one of the most Instagrammed hangouts in Singapore, Gardens by the Bay is home to out-of-this-world ‘supertrees’ that light up the city skyline at night. You can stand among the grove’s supertrees on a suspended OCBC Skyway for a fee ($20, I think), or you can just chill amidst the serene surroundings for free and soak up the light and sound show. You can also expect to find a Floral Fantasy area, a Cloud Forest, a Flower Dome and more attractions that draw the crowds along Singapore’s famous gardens.
Marina Bay Sands
Ah, Marina Bay Sands: Singapore’s iconic hotel that is oh-so famous for housing the world’s largest infinity pool. If you’ve ever tried booking into Marina Bay Sands on Singapore’s F1 weekend, you’ll know that it is ridiculously out-of-budget for someone like me. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t swing by and visit the Skypark Observation Deck for the skyline views. If you’re feeling particularly fancy (we weren’t), you can book dinner at the rooftop’s Ce La Vi lounge. Alternatively, you could just skip the luxury of it all and find an awesome spot along the bay to admire the architectural masterpiece of Marina Bay Sands from below. Note: it looks particularly good at night, and even better when it’s lit up with fireworks following the Grand Prix – just another reason to book your tickets for next year.
Sentosa Island
As my Singapore Stories state: Sentosa Island is basically one giant playground for kids and adults alike. You can expect adventure activities, beach clubs, a theme park, golf courses, high-end hotels, casinos and an old fort (the fort isn’t worth visiting at the height of a humid day). Did I love Sentosa island? No; I’m more of a Duxton Hill or Kampong Glam kinda girl. But did I have an action-packed day of fun? Yes. We took the cable car to and from Singapore Harbour to Sentosa Island, ‘The State of Fun’. My two highlights from the day were (1) racing down the Skyline Luge and (2) the high-speed Revenge of the Mummy rollercoaster at the island’s Universal Studios.
Top Tip: If you read my article on Taipei or Seoul, you’ll already know I’m a big fan efficient public transport. Some of these Asian cities really know what they’re doing, and Singapore’s subway system (the MRT) is one of them; it can whizz you around the city in minutes without traumatising you with those overcrowded, claustrophobic journeys on the tubes of London or Paris. Grab a ticket and get going!
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