Singapore: A Modern Oasis in the Heart of Asia

Places to Visit

• Colonial District: Immerse yourself in Singapore's history at the National Museum and discover Southeast Asian art at the National Gallery

• Raffles Hotel: Indulge in the iconic Singapore Sling at its bar of origin, the Long Bar. This is a very tourist destination that embraces the salty side of Singapore, with peanut shells covering the floor.

• Singapore Flyer: Ride at night to see stars below you, or during the day to see the teaming activity in the city and on the docks.

Marina Bay/ Boat Quay

• Visit the iconic Merlion Fountain in Merloin Park on Fullerton.

• Gardens by the Bay - Outside gardens are free, while indoors are paid and worth the money. The Cloud Forest has the most amazing waterfalls. Go early afternoon and then enjoy dinner/evening around Marina Bay, which is particularly beautiful at night.

• Take a walk along the Singapore River - Amazing views, and people-watching at any time, but the evening is cooler.

• Take a boat instead - Singapore River Cruise on a bumboat from Clarke Quay (40 minutes, S$25.50). Enjoy the breezes and views with a load off your feet!

• Watch the Sunset from Marina Bay Sands, Singapore’s most iconic building. Get a drink at CÉ LA VI SkyBar and avoid paying for the observation deck - same view, similar cost, but this comes with a drink.

• Spectra is an amazing free laser light show that shoots out of Marina Bay Sands at 8/9 pm and can be seen from all around the bay. This is the reason to fork over the bucks to stay on the bay- but can also be enjoyed for free outside!

• Check out the Supertree Grove at night for a free light show- 7:45 and 8:45pm.

• Little India: Immerse yourself in vibrant colors, aromatic spices, and Hindu temples.

• Sri Veeramakaliamman Hindu Temple

• Tan Teng Niah, Chinese villa built in 1900

• Tekka Centre and Mustafa Centre - 24-hour shopping center.

Kampong Glam

Explore the Muslim quarter with its charming shops and lively nightlife.

• Sultan Mosque

• Malay Heritage Centre

• Haji Lane

• Fun boutique shops during the day

• Live music by pavement bars in the evening

• Chinatown: Discover a melting pot of cultures, temples, and delicious street food.

• Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (Buddhist)

• Thian Hock Keng Temple (Taoist)

• Sri Mariamman (Hindu temple)

• Chinatown Food Street (11am–11pm)

• Maxwell Hawker Centre

• Orchard Road: Indulge in world-class shopping.

• Botanic Gardens: Escape the city and relax amid lush greenery.

• Singapore Zoo and Night Safari: Encounter amazing wildlife up close.

Must-Do Experiences

• Spend a sunset into the night on Marina Bay, be captivated by the Spectra Light Show

• Take a Singapore River Cruise to view a walking tour while sitting (it’s hot!)

• Soar above the city on the Singapore Flyer.

Remember, this is just a starting point. Singapore offers endless possibilities for exploration and unforgettable experiences.

Day Trips:

TreeTop Walk in MacRitchie Reservoir – A nature reserve outside the city where you walk along suspended bridges in the canopy of the forest.

Singapore has been a hub of civilizations and food cultures for longer since its origin. If you are not eating your way through the city, you are missing out. There are so many different fusions of cuisine to be found, and from the street stalls to the finest restaurants- everything is delicious.

Maxwell Food Center - Try food hawkers all in one place and all at a standard of quality. There are some that are more famous than others, but wandering the stalls and finding new things is what this is all about. Consider trying something new (to you, these are Singapore classics) like oyster omelets, rice congee, or Hainanese chicken rice

No Signboard Seafood is a great option for chili and pepper crabs - more Singapore classics.

Taste Durian and learn about this amazing fruit at Ah Di Dempsey Durian

Try some Australian cuisine at Cloudstreet - where vegemite and crab curry take on new heights. Consider sitting at the chef’s counter to take in the magic in the kitchen.

Singapore Zam Zam showcases Indian-Muslim cuisine.

Act like a local and eat breakfast at Tong Ah Eating House, located in Chinatown.

My favorite dish in Southeast Asia- indulge in Laksa at Janggut Laksa at Roxy Square. This spicy noodle soup is traditionally served for breakfast (feel free to eat it for lunch) and is the best hangover cure in Singapore.

Indulge in a 3-Michelin Starred experience at Zen, Odette, or Les Amis - all boasting modern European/French cuisine.