Best Things to Do in Singapore - The Ultimate List from a Local
byIrene K-
So, besides the popular tourist spots, Singapore has beautiful gardens, impressive buildings, and famous attractions that everyone wants to see, even locals who are still exploring "our" own city.
You know, the usual places like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Sentosa. But if you look deeper, you'll find many more things to do and see – you just need to know where to look and go.
Not sure where to begin? Let me show you some great places here on my blog.
And if you're still full of energy, check out my Telegram channel for all the latest recommendations I have for you.
Gardens by the Bay: Situated next to Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay offers beautiful waterfront views and a glimpse of the iconic Supertree Grove. The gardens are a popular spot for picnics and leisurely walks.
Singapore Botanic Gardens: Wander through lush greenery and visit the National Orchid Garden.
Sentosa Island: Unwind on the beaches, explore Universal Studios Singapore, or dive into the wonders of the S.E.A. Aquarium. Don't miss the scenic views from hotels like the Outpost Hotel Sentosa.
Singapore Zoo: Experience the award-winning zoo and its innovative exhibits.
Hawker Centers: Indulge in Singapore's diverse food scene at hawker centers like Maxwell Food Centre and Lau Pa Sat.
Chinatown: Immerse yourself in Chinese culture and try local delicacies.
Little India: Explore the vibrant streets, visit temples, and savor authentic Indian cuisine.
Arab Street: Discover Middle Eastern culture, shop for textiles, and enjoy delicious Arab cuisine.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple: Visit this elaborate temple in Chinatown housing a relic of Buddha.
Singapore River Cruise: Cruise along the historic Singapore River and learn about the city's past.
Peranakan Houses: Explore the colorful and ornate Peranakan houses in Joo Chiat and Katong.
Singapore Cable Car: Ride the cable car for stunning views of Sentosa and the city skyline.
S.E.A. Aquarium: Discover marine life from around the world in this massive aquarium.
Singapore Night Safari: Experience the world's first nocturnal wildlife park and see animals in their natural habitat.
Clarke Quay: Enjoy dining, shopping, and nightlife along the picturesque Singapore River.
Jewel Changi Airport: Shop, dine, and marvel at the stunning indoor waterfall in this airport complex.
National Gallery Singapore: Appreciate art and heritage in this stunning museum housed in the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings.
Singapore Flyer: Take a ride on Asia's largest observation wheel for breathtaking views.
Merlion Park: Snap a photo with Singapore's iconic Merlion statue overlooking Marina Bay.
Sultan Mosque: Admire the beauty of Singapore's largest mosque in Kampong Glam.
ArtScience Museum: Explore the intersection of art, science, culture, and technology in this unique museum.
Singapore Discovery Centre: Learn about Singapore's history, culture, and achievements in this interactive museum.
Kampong Glam: Explore this historic district, known for its Malay and Arab influences, and visit the iconic Masjid Sultan mosque.
Nature & Reservoir Spots
- MacRitchie Reservoir: One of the oldest reservoirs in Singapore, MacRitchie Reservoir is a popular spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It offers various walking trails, including the TreeTop Walk, which provides a bird's eye view of the forest canopy.
- Lower Peirce Reservoir: Surrounded by lush greenery, Lower Peirce Reservoir is known for its tranquil environment and scenic walking trails. It is a great place for bird watching and picnicking.
- Upper Peirce Reservoir: Located near the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, Upper Peirce Reservoir is a serene spot with picturesque views. It is a popular destination for fishing and hiking.
- Upper Seletar Reservoir: Also known as Seletar Reservoir, this reservoir offers stunning views of the surrounding nature and the Johor Strait. It is a peaceful place for a leisurely walk or a relaxing picnic.
- Bedok Reservoir: Nestled in the eastern part of Singapore, Bedok Reservoir is a hub for water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and dragon boating. Or simply enjoy the sunset with a beautiful water reflection, watching the transition of the condo by the side lights up at night.
- Pandan Reservoir: Pandan Reservoir is a scenic spot surrounded by lush greenery. It is a popular destination for fishing and picnicking, offering a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
- Kranji Reservoir: Kranji Reservoir is located in the northern part of Singapore and is surrounded by parkland and nature reserves. It is a popular spot for fishing and bird watching.
- Jurong Lake: Jurong Lake is a man-made reservoir located in the western part of Singapore. It is surrounded by parkland and gardens, making it a popular spot for recreational activities such as jogging, cycling, and picnicking.
- Bukit Timah Nature Reserve: Hike through Singapore's last remaining primary rainforest. You might also spot some rare, unique plants here.
- Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a nature reserve located in the northwestern part of Singapore. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including migratory birds.
- Chestnut Nature Park: Chestnut Nature Park is one of the newest nature parks in Singapore, offering hiking and biking trails amidst lush greenery. It is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and enjoy nature.
- Labrador Nature Reserve: Labrador Nature Reserve is home to a rocky beach that offers stunning views of the sea and nearby islands. The beach is a great spot for fishing, picnicking, and exploring the coastal flora and fauna.
Getaway & Island-Hopping Spots
Pulau Ubin: Pulau Ubin is a small island located off the northeastern coast of Singapore. It is known for its rustic charm and natural beauty, with lush forests, traditional kampong houses, and scenic cycling trails. Visitors can rent bicycles and explore the island's beaches, mangroves, and quarries.
St. John's Island: St. John's Island is a tranquil island located south of mainland Singapore. It is a popular spot for picnics, swimming, and fishing. The island is also home to a few holiday bungalows that can be rented for overnight stays.
Kusu Island: Kusu Island is located next to St. John's Island and is known for its pristine beaches and religious sites. The island is home to the popular Kusu Island Temple, which is visited by many devotees during the annual Kusu Pilgrimage.
Lazarus Island: Lazarus Island is a hidden gem located near Sentosa Island. It is known for its secluded beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing. The island is only accessible by private boat, adding to its exclusivity.
Coney Island : Coney Island, also known as Pulau Serangoon, is a small island located off the northeastern coast of Singapore. The island is home to a pristine beach that is perfect for picnics, bird watching, and cycling.
Going on an Island Hop round trip? Here's a guide for you. Seaview & Beach Waves
East Coast Park Beach: East Coast Park is one of Singapore's most popular parks, featuring a long stretch of sandy beach along the southeastern coast. The beach is a favorite spot for picnics, barbecues, cycling, and water sports.
Changi Beach: Changi Beach is located in the northeastern part of Singapore and is known for its tranquil environment and scenic views. The beach is a great spot for relaxing walks, picnics, and camping.
Punggol Beach: Punggol Beach is located in the northeastern part of Singapore and is known for its peaceful surroundings and beautiful sunsets. The beach is popular among locals for picnics, fishing, and leisurely walks.
Roofs & Scenic Viewing
SKAI Swissotel: Located at the top of SKAI Swissotel The Stamford at 70 Storey offers panoramic views of Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore CBD skyline. Visitors can enjoy stunning views from the restaurant while having their meals.
Singapore Flyer: The Singapore Flyer is a giant Ferris wheel that offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and the Marina Bay area. Visitors can enjoy a 30-minute ride in one of the air-conditioned capsules.
Southern Ridges: Trek along this 10-kilometer trail for stunning views of the city and nature.
Entertaining for the Kids
Singapore Zoo: The Singapore Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from around the world. Kids can learn about conservation and wildlife while enjoying interactive exhibits and animal shows.
Universal Studios Singapore: Universal Studios Singapore is a theme park located on Sentosa Island that offers a variety of rides, shows, and attractions for kids of all ages. From thrilling roller coasters to family-friendly attractions, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Adventure Cove Waterpark: Adventure Cove Waterpark is a water park located on Sentosa Island that offers a variety of water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. Kids can splash and play all day long in this fun and exciting park.
Kidztopia Singapore: Kidztopia is an interactive indoor theme park and playground, for the little one to have some fun.
Science Centre Singapore: The Science Centre Singapore is a hands-on science museum that offers a variety of interactive exhibits and workshops for kids. It's a great place for kids to learn about science and technology in a fun and engaging way.
Jacob Ballas Children's Garden: Located within the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden is a dedicated garden for kids to explore and learn about plants and nature. It features a variety of interactive exhibits and play areas.
Splash-N-Surf: Splash-N-Surf is a water play area located in the heart of Singapore's shopping district. Kids can splash around in the shallow pools and enjoy the water slides and fountains.
Wild Wild Wet: Wild Wild Wet is a water park located in Downtown East that offers a variety of water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. It's a great place for kids to cool off and have fun on a hot day.
Bounce Singapore: Bounce Singapore is an indoor trampoline park that offers a variety of trampoline-based activities for kids. From trampoline dodgeball to slam dunk basketball, there's plenty of fun to be had at Bounce.
Whether you're a nature lover, parents, foodie, or thrill-seeker, Singapore has something for everyone. And if you're still full of energy, check out my Telegram channel for all the latest Food & Lifestyle recommendations I have for you.
♥ Thanks for reading!
Want more content like this? Follow me on Social Media for more updates!
___________
Aspiring to be a content creator?
Learn from me! Get your FREE E-Book now!
