10 must-visit attractions in Singapore

Singapore is a global financial center and a highly developed economy, with a per capita GDP that is among the highest in the world. It is also known for its strict laws and regulations, cleanliness, and multicultural society.

Singapore’s population is diverse, with people of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and other ethnic backgrounds. Some popular tourist attractions in Singapore include the Marina Bay Sands complex, Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island, and the Singapore Zoo. The country is also known for its food culture, with a wide variety of local and international cuisine available. Here are the top ten must-visit attractions in Singapore.

1.  Marina Bay Sands:

Marina Bay Sands was opened in 2010 and is situated in the Marina Bay area of the city-state. The resort features a luxury hotel, a shopping mall, a convention center, and a casino.

The most distinctive feature of Marina Bay Sands is its SkyPark, which is located on the top of the hotel towers. The SkyPark is a large observation deck that offers stunning panoramic views of Singapore's skyline and the surrounding areas. It also features a large infinity pool that is one of the most popular attractions in the resort.

The shopping mall at Marina Bay Sands is known as The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and features over 800 retail and dining outlets. The mall also includes a canal that runs through the center, where visitors can take a boat ride and enjoy the sights and sounds of the shopping complex.

Marina Bay Sands also has a large convention center that can accommodate up to 45,000 delegates, making it one of the largest convention centers in Asia. Additionally, the resort has a casino that offers a wide range of gaming options.

2.  Gardens by the Bay:

Gardens by the Bay is a nature park and botanical garden located in the Marina Bay area of Singapore. It opened to the public in 2012 and has quickly become one of Singapore's most popular tourist attractions.

The highlight of the Gardens by the Bay is the Supertree Grove, which consists of 18 tree-like structures that are between 25 and 50 meters tall. These Supertrees are vertical gardens that are covered in over 200 species of plants, and they provide a stunning visual display both day and night.

Another popular attraction in Gardens by the Bay is the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. The Flower Dome is a massive glass conservatory that showcases plants from the Mediterranean and other semi-arid regions, while the Cloud Forest replicates the cool-moist climate of tropical mountain regions and features a 35-meter-tall indoor waterfall.

Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, which offers breathtaking views of the Singapore skyline and the Marina Bay. The Gardens by the Bay is an excellent place to spend a day with family and friends, enjoying the beauty of nature and exploring the various attractions the park has to offer.

3.  Sentosa Island:

Sentosa Island spans over 500 hectares and is known for its beaches, amusement parks, and various attractions.

One of the most popular attractions on Sentosa Island is Universal Studios Singapore, which is a theme park that offers various rides and attractions based on popular movies and television shows.

The island also has several beaches, including Siloso Beach, Palawan Beach, and Tanjong Beach, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Visitors can also enjoy a cable car ride from the mainland to Sentosa Island, offering a panoramic view of the island and the Singapore skyline.

There are many dining options on Sentosa Island, ranging from food courts to upscale restaurants. Visitors can also shop for souvenirs and gifts at various retail outlets on the island.

4.  Chinatown:

Chinatown is a historic district located in the heart of Singapore's Central Business District. It is one of Singapore's oldest ethnic enclaves and is known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling streets, and vibrant atmosphere.

The main attraction in Chinatown is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, which is a four-story temple that houses the tooth relic of Buddha. The temple also features various exhibits that showcase the history and culture of Buddhism.

Another popular attraction in Chinatown is the Chinatown Heritage Centre, which is a museum that showcases the history and culture of the early Chinese immigrants who settled in Singapore. The museum features various exhibits, interactive displays, and audio-visual presentations.

Chinatown is also a great place to explore the local food culture of Singapore. Visitors can sample traditional Chinese dishes, such as dim sum, roast meats, and noodles, at various hawker stalls, restaurants, and cafes.

Visitors can also shop for souvenirs, antiques, and traditional Chinese products at the various street markets and retail outlets in Chinatown. The most popular market in Chinatown is the Chinatown Street Market, which features a wide variety of products, including clothing, accessories, and traditional Chinese medicines.

5.  Singapore Zoo:

The Singapore Zoo is a world-renowned wildlife park located in the northern part of Singapore. It opened in 1973 and is spread across 28 hectares, housing over 2,800 animals from over 300 different species.

The zoo is known for its "open-concept" animal exhibits, which allow visitors to observe the animals in their natural habitats. One of the most popular exhibits is the Fragile Forest, which is an indoor rainforest that houses animals such as lemurs, flying foxes, and butterflies.

Other popular exhibits in the Singapore Zoo include the Wild Africa exhibit, which showcases African animals such as lions, zebras, and giraffes, and the Frozen Tundra exhibit, which features animals from the Arctic such as polar bears and raccoon dogs.

Visitors can also take a ride on the zoo's tram system, which covers the entire zoo and provides a convenient way to get around. The zoo also offers various animal shows and feeding sessions throughout the day, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the animals.

6.  Merlion Park:

Merlion Park is a popular tourist destination located in the central part of Singapore's Marina Bay area. The park is named after the iconic Merlion statue, which is a half-fish, half-lion sculpture that stands at 8.6 meters tall and weighs 70 tons.

The Merlion statue was designed in 1964 as a symbol of Singapore's prosperity and progress, and has since become one of Singapore's most recognizable landmarks. The statue spouts water from its mouth into the Marina Bay, creating a picturesque scene that attracts tourists from all over the world.

Apart from the Merlion statue, Merlion Park also offers stunning views of the Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore skyline. The park features a spacious waterfront promenade, making it a great place for a leisurely walk or a picnic with family and friends.

There are also several dining options nearby, ranging from hawker stalls to upscale restaurants, offering visitors a wide variety of food options.

7.  Clarke Quay:

Clarke Quay got its name from Sir Andrew Clarke, the then Governor (1873 to 1875).

Clarke Quay is known for its vibrant nightlife, with its many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. The area features a variety of cuisines, ranging from traditional Singaporean food to international cuisine, and offers a lively atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.

During the day, Clarke Quay is also a great place to explore Singapore's history and culture. The area is home to several restored shop houses and warehouses that have been converted into museums, galleries, and boutiques.

One of the main attractions in Clarke Quay is the Singapore River, which offers a picturesque backdrop for visitors to enjoy. The river is also home to the Singapore River Cruise, which offers a unique way to explore the city's historic landmarks and architecture.

8.  National Museum of Singapore:

The National Museum of Singapore is the oldest and largest museum in Singapore, located in the heart of the city. The museum showcases Singapore's rich history and culture through its exhibitions and programs.

The museum's galleries feature interactive and multimedia exhibits that showcase the history of Singapore from its earliest days to the present. The galleries are divided into several themes, including Singapore Living Galleries, Singapore History Gallery, and the Goh Seng Choo Gallery of Chinese Art.

The Singapore Living Galleries explore the social and cultural aspects of Singapore's diverse population, while the Singapore History Gallery showcases the key events and milestones in the history of the country. The Goh Seng Choo Gallery of Chinese Art features a wide range of Chinese art and artefacts.

In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the National Museum of Singapore also hosts temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural events throughout the year.

The museum building itself is a beautiful blend of old and new architecture, featuring a colonial-style building that was built in 1887 and a modern extension that was added in 2006.

9.  Singapore Flyer:

The Singapore Flyer opened in 2008 and stands at 165 meters tall, making it one of the tallest observation wheels in the world.

The Singapore Flyer offers stunning panoramic views of Singapore's skyline, including the Marina Bay Sands, the Gardens by the Bay, and the city's business district. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and offers visitors a unique perspective of the city from a bird's eye view.

Apart from its observation cabins, the Singapore Flyer also features several dining options, ranging from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. There are also souvenir shops and a multimedia exhibit that provides visitors with information about the construction and history of the Singapore Flyer.

The Singapore Flyer is a popular tourist destination, and visitors are advised to book their tickets in advance to avoid long queues. The attraction is especially popular during sunset, as the views of the city at dusk are truly spectacular.

10.              Haw Par Villa:

Haw Par Villa is a unique cultural park located in Singapore, famous for its vivid and sometimes grotesque depictions of Chinese mythology and folklore. The park was built in 1937 by the Burmese-Chinese Aw brothers, who were also the creators of Tiger Balm.

Haw Par Villa include depictions of famous legends such as Journey to the West, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and the Eight Immortals.

The park's most popular attraction is the Ten Courts of Hell, a graphic display of the punishments that await sinners in the afterlife according to Chinese mythology. The display features graphic depictions of hell and its punishments, including being sawn in half, boiled in oil, and dismembered.

Apart from the Ten Courts of Hell, Haw Par Villa also features several other attractions, including the Jade House, which showcases a collection of intricately-carved jade pieces, and the Dragon World, which features a collection of dragon sculptures.

In recent years, Haw Par Villa has been renovated and modernized, with new attractions and interactive exhibits added to the park. The park also hosts cultural events and festivals throughout the year, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Final Thoughts:

Singapore has many must-visit attractions that offer something for everyone. From the beautiful Gardens by the Bay to the vibrant Clarke Quay, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Singapore. Whether you are a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, Singapore has something to offer. So, if you are planning a trip to Southeast Asia, make sure to add Singapore to your itinerary.