Singapore wasn’t always considered a tourist hot spot, but in recent years it’s become a real standout. Singapore’s Changi airport is a sight to behold in and of itself, named World’s Best Airport by Skytrax (5 times over!) and GQ. There’s also the fact that Singapore is close to resort islands, such as Bali. Featuring some of the world’s most interesting architectural ventures, and providing a wealth of recreational opportunities, here are 10 of Singapore’s best places to visit.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
The Singapore Botanic Gardens earned Singapore its first UNESCO World Heritage nomination, and if you visit these gardens you’ll understand why. Featuring a bonsai garden, eco-garden, eco-lake, and various other gardens and sculptures, you’ll find a welcome peace and quiet away from the city. Be sure to swing by the National Orchid Garden, which, with 20,000 plants, is the world’s largest display of orchids.
Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay is the kind of colorful, picturesque riverfront setting perfect for postcards. Full of boutiques, nightclubs, and restaurants, it’s the perfect place to experience the Singapore nightlife. An evening stroll will let you enjoy a plethora of colored lights, beckoning you into one of the many bars or alfresco-style eateries.
Marina Bay
The Marina Bay has become one of Singapore’s tourist hotspots, growing and developing at lightning speed. The Marina Bay Sands resort complex is the bay’s focal point, featuring a hotel, mall, and more. The Marina Bay Sands Skypark is particularly noteworthy: it’s a viewing deck and infinity pool found in a ship at the top of the hotel. Providing breathtaking views in a luxurious setting, the Skypark is a stop you won’t want to miss. Make sure you also check out the bay’s Merlion Park as well—it hosts one of Singapore’s most recognizable monuments and features a fantastic view of the bay. Marina Bay is also home to the Marina Bay Street Circuit, which hosts a round of the Formula One World Championship.
Singapore Flyer
Singapore has a breathtaking skyline, and there’s no better place to see it than at the top of the Singapore Flyer. Standing at 165 meters, it’s the second-tallest Ferris wheel in the world. With 28 air-conditioned capsules, each able to seat 28 passengers, you can take in the Singapore skyline as well as views of Indonesia’s Spice Islands and Malaysia’s Straits of Johor. Flights last 30 minutes, and you can choose from several packages that allow for service and pampering as you enjoy the view. But here’s the big question: will you go during the day, or at night?
Gardens by the Bay
One of Singapore’s visual highlights, Gardens by the Bay truly are a sight to behold. The world Architecture Festival 2012 declared it World Building of the year, and it does not disappoint. The iconic Supertree Grove features huge structures that look like something out of a science fiction film, and at night these futuristic structures glow with bright colored lights. You’ll also want to check out the Cloud Forest Dome, which houses the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.
River and Night Safaris
Sharing the same grounds but offering different experiences, the River and Night Safaris are both unforgettable opportunities. The River Safari is Asia’s only river-themed wildlife park and features over 5,000 aquatic and terrestrial creatures spread through 8 river habitats. You can also visit the world’s largest freshwater aquarium exhibit, the Amazon Forest. For a trip after dusk, head over to the Night Safari, the world’s first safari park dedicated to nocturnal animals. 2,500 animals traverse 35 hectares of lush foliage, visible from four walking trails or a tram ride with live commentary.
The Raffles Hotel
The Raffles Hotel has been a Singapore landmark for over century, boasting visits from famed author Rudyard Kipling, Queen Elizabeth II, and movie icon Charlie Chaplin. The classical architecture and tropical gardens will transport you to another time, but the service and food are as good as ever. With a highly-regarded bar (where the original Singapore Sling was created!) and over 40 boutiques and stores, the Raffles Hotel offers a taste of old-school elegance.
Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island was built for relaxation. Between the beach resorts, golf courses, and amusement parks, you’ll have plenty of leisure options. Looking for a thrill? Check out Universal Studios Singapore and hop on Battlestar Galactica, the world’s tallest pair of dueling rollercoasters. If an adrenaline rush isn’t your thing, check out the South East Asian Aquarium. The Open Ocean habitat is a real standout: a 36 meter-wide and 8.3 meter-high viewing panel provides incredible views of an underwater habitat. Whatever your recreational interests, Sentosa will provide you with leisure you won’t soon forget.
Orchard Road
If you’re looking for an unforgettable shopping experience, don’t miss Orchard Road. It’s three miles of world-class, high-end stores—22 malls and six department stores! The zealous shopaholic could easily spend multiple days here. For a reasonably-sized shopping spree, however, you can just hit ION Orchard, Paragon, and Ngee Ann City, which many consider to be Orchard Road’s best malls.
Asian Civilizations Museum
For your best means of experiencing Singapore’s diverse Asian cultures, stop by the Asian Civilizations Museum. With over 1,000 artifacts from all over Asia, displayed in 11 themed galleries, you’ll also find plenty of interesting exhibits. Featuring Pan-Asian civilizations such as China, West Asia, and Southeast Asia, you’ll get an in-depth look at cultures, religions, and peoples you’re likely unfamiliar with.
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