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The earth’s Little Red Dot, the island city-state of Singapore, is limited in size. But it more than makes up for that with the unlimited experiences it has to offer. Covering all of the things to do in Singapore would make for an exhaustive list, but there are some moments, happenings and escapades that you simply must fit into your itinerary.
As one of the world’s bustling cosmopolitans, international community and oodles of history, the top things to do in Singapore range from sightseeing to sipping drinks by the beach, from fine-dining dinners to mid-day shopping dashes, from scenic hiking and biking trails to thrilling rollercoaster rides. A tour can be arranged so that you cover all of the must do things in Singapore.
Here is a list of few of the many preferred things to do in Singapore. And then there’s making your own little discoveries. Book Singapore tour packages from SOTC and nurture the spontaneity that promises to elevate your vacation to one that’s fulfilling on every level.
If exploring cultures sounds exciting, you’re in for a treat. Home to a blend of communities, ethnicities and traditions, Singapore has a unique multi-layered heritage with Asian as well as Colonial traces. And you can witness their stories at the various museums and historic centres across the island. Most notably, the National Gallery Singapore and Asian Civilisations Museum in the Colonial District, Baba House and Chinatown Heritage Centre in Chinatown, the Indian Heritage Centre or the Sultan Mosque in Little India all frequently make the traveller’s choice of things to do in Singapore.
Each of these places will show you a unique facet of culture. See high-profile 19th Century Southeast Asian art or temporary exhibitions of modern collections. Marvel at one-of-a-kind heritage structures or extraordinary historic artefacts, the choice really is yours. The only suggestion would be to keep your visits planned for early in the day so that the heat and humidity is less harsh as is the number of other sightseers.
Some other fun things to do in Singapore include visiting the zoos and sanctuaries, which all home a large number of animals and an even wider variety of species. The Singapore Zoo will get you up-close to the Orangutans, while at the River Safari you’ll witness a marvellous recreation of world-renowned river habitats as well as the very rare red pandas that reside here. The Night Safari is a thrilling experience, allowing you to experience animals in their nocturnal habitats. There aren’t too many places where elephants and deer will walk mere inches away from you!
The Jurong Bird Park is the must see places in Singapore if the avian life catches your eye. It is home to over 3500 birds from 400 different species, including many critically endangered and threatened species. The bird park is divided into multiple zones including enclosures for African Penguins, Bali Mynas, Blue Macaws, Great Blue Turacos, Hornbills, Lorries, Pelicans etc. It’s fun and interactive and ensures a day of fun for the entire family.
The one place you really see in Singapore is the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, a 163 hectare rainforest that supposedly has more species of trees than all of North America! It houses over 840 species of flowering plants, and over 500 species of fauna. It is also the home of Singapore’s highest peak, with many steep climbs across the park so remember to carry water and all your other usual trek essentials.
Even if you manage to tick all of these things to do in Singapore off your list, we could write you another. There are a multitude of sights and experiences that are considered unmissable while journeying through the island city. There are iconic sites like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Raffles Hotel, Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery or Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple that make for great day excursions. The one-of-a-kind Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle or even the excitement of the surrounding islets. Universal Studios in Sentosa is a huge crowd puller, with everything from rides to restaurants for you to revel in.
Singapore is one of the countries actively building a more sustainable future. With much of the original ecosystems long gone, the island has over the last thirty years, worked towards preserving what’s left and placing great importance on protecting natural heritage. It helps with the booming industry of course, but any reason to be eco-friendly is a welcome one. As it is following through on its plans of becoming a “Garden City”, visiting nature parks, wildlife reserves, zoos and other botanical wonderlands is one of the top things to do in Singapore.
The Singapore Botanical Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s been around since as far back as 1860! While the more modern take is the Gardens by the Bay. Relax, unwind and let your imagination run wild as you witness the amazing vertical gardens, sculptures and stunning flora and fauna. It is truly something else. Once you’ve covered these must-see places, you can plan a hike bike ride along one of the scenic pathways at the Southern Ridges, MacRitchie Reservoir or Chestnut Park.
Go to the S.E.A. Aquarium if underwater creatures fascinate you. You can catch a glimpse of over 100,000 marine animals of over 1000 species spread across 10 zones and 50 different habitats. You can choose between animal encounters, diving programs, and even walk the seabed if you are feeling adventurous. The S.E.A. Aquarium hosts the the largest collection of manta rays in the world including the giant oceanic manta rays which are hardly seen in captivity. They also have Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, scalloped hammerhead sharks, Japanese spider crabs and many other uncommon species.
One of the most sought-after things to do in Singapore is shopping. Not only are all the biggest brands set up here, there’s also many local and quaint markets, up-coming fashion designers and hidden bargains to discover. Make your way to the infamous Orchard Road for shopping centres big and small to find clothing, shoes and accessories. But there are also many hip shopping joints like Antiques of the Orient for souvenirs, or BooksActually in Chinatown which could easily be considered the best book store in Singapore, and maybe even the region. Everything from their collection to decor is inspired.
Another of the most prominent things to do in Singapore is indulge in the elaborate culinary scene. After decades of intermingling cultures and its prominence in the region, the island is a hotbed of flavours from around the world. Your tour could do with some fine dining, and some off-the-cuff street food decisions that surprisingly, you won’t regret the next day.
