It may not be a large country, but it sure is rich in nature and culture. Find out the attractions and activities that you can’t afford to miss in Singapore.
Home to a population of just under six million and with a small land area, Singapore is surprisingly one of the most impressive Southeast Asian gems.
It’s a vacation destination that provides visitors with everything from immersive natural beauty to adrenaline-pumping high-tech theme park rides.
Heading there soon? Make sure to include these 10 activities in your list.
#1 – Explore the Gardens by the Bay
Unsurprisingly, it’s one of the top things to do in Singapore. The area’s most recognizable landmark almost looks like something out of science fiction.
18 vertical gardens make up the Supertree Grove, the main attraction in the greenhouse. The tallest of the gardens is nearly 20 stories high.
What’s even better is that there’s no admission fee and the greenhouse stays open until 2 am. And if you want the most spectacular and alien-like view, visit Gardens by the Bay and its Supertrees at night.
#2 – Check Out the Singapore Zoo
You have zoos in so many major cities, so what’s special about this one?
It operates on an open captivity model, which means the animals get much more freedom in their enclosures.
In total, it houses over 300 species on its 70 acres. Trams and boats can transport visitors to various sections of the zoo.
For an unforgettable experience, check out the nighttime safari. It’s a very cool tour that lets you witness different animal behaviors after dark, including seeing some nocturnal residents you can’t spot during the day.
#3 – Watch a Gorgeous Light Show
If you’re wondering about things to do in Singapore at night, the light shows are a must-see. Know that the best shows happen at Sentosa Siloso Beach on Sentosa Island.
The Marina Bay Sands also features light and water shows regularly. Local residents and tourists, especially the young ones, find them relatively enchanting.
#4 – Do a Treetop Walk
Walking is among the best things to do in Singapore because so many attractions are easily accessible on foot. But what would you say about going on the Singapore Treetop Walk?
It’s an 820-foot bridge suspended 82 feet above the ground that’s right on the MacRitchie Reservoir trail. If you want to explore the area through the canopy, there’s no better way to do it.
And if you’re lucky enough, you may also get to see a family of monkeys that have made the area around the reservoir their home.
#5 – Explore the ArtScience Museum
Singapore’s ArtScience Museum is a unique attraction particularly due to its architecture. Shaped like a lotus flower, the building overlooks the Marina Bay area and grabs your attention immediately.
Inside, you’ll find one of the most popular permanent exhibits, the Future World. Other collections of international renown are also on display.
The museum provides a nice balance between science, technology, art, and culture.
#6 – Time Travel to Singapore Decades Ago
Visiting the island of Pulau Ubin is one of the top things to do in Singapore.
Why?
A long time ago, it housed many granite quarries. However, jobs dwindled on the island since the 70s and most of the residents left. And these days, Pulau Ubin looks unchanged from what it looked like 30 decades ago. Some of the residents who remained can even show you around and tell you a bit about the glory days of Pulau Ubin.
A simple 10-minute ferry ride can transport you to a place that highlights how Singapore looked many years ago. It’s a fun day trip for anyone who likes checking out old-fashioned stuff.
#7 – Visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens
If you want to see more natural beauty, the botanic gardens fit the bill. The facility has four main areas, each one featuring a unique environment and a variety of activities.
For example, the Timah section or Timah core has a children’s garden. Here, kids can play in treehouses, work on a small farm, or walk on the suspended bridge.
The Central Core is famous for something else: it has over 1,000 orchid species on display, alongside 2,000 hybrids.
And if you want to check out the oldest part of the garden, you have to head to the Tanglin core and pass through the Tanglin Gate.
It’s easy to forget about the rest of the world while in the botanic gardens. No wonder it’s one of the top things to do in Singapore.
#8 – Go On The Night Safari
As earlier mentioned, the Singapore Zoo offers an interesting nighttime tour. And it bears repeating that you shouldn’t leave Singapore without going on the Night Safari. It’s the first of its kind in the world that’s dedicated exclusively to nocturnal animals.
You’ll get to board a tram and go around the zoo for 30 minutes. It will take you through six different areas that represent various regions of the world.
If you have the chance, make sure to cap off your trip with the unique dinner experience they offer.
#9 – Enjoy Some Thrilling Rides
Universal Studios Singapore is the first theme park of its kind in all of Southeast Asia. And riding its outrageous roller coasters is easily one of the best things to do in Singapore.
If you love such rides, check out the Battlestar Galactica ride – it’s the tallest dueling roller coaster in the world. Other popular rides and park sections include themes from Jurassic Park, Transformers, The Mummy, and other Universal Studios big hits.
One of the most popular attractions here is the interactive 3D fight between Decepticons and Autobots. Kids and adults can play and have fun for hours on end.
#10 – Satisfy Your Taste for Modern Art
Did you know that you can find the largest collection of modern art in Southeast Asia at the National Gallery in Singapore?
In fact, over 8,000 works of art are on display. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that the gallery is housed in two national monuments: the previous Supreme Court and City Hall.
It can take more than half a day to go through all the galleries.
This City-State is Hard to Leave Behind
It’s difficult to imagine wanting to do something in Singapore and not having that opportunity. You can interact with endangered wildlife, experience the rainforest, island-hop, visit museums, amusement parks, and so much more.
If you like your vacation days action-packed, Singapore is the right destination for you.