Singapore is one of the hottest destinations in the world right now and I’m not just talking about this week’s weather conditions! No, the city’s reputation as a world-class destination has been skyrocketing for years, a process that the smash hit film Crazy Rich Asians (2018) and social media have only helped to accelerate.
Home to mouthwatering food, fascinating cultural activities and an ultra-smooth tourism experience, Singapore offers arguably the best city experience in Asia and even though I’ve only visited a few times, it’s a place I truly love talking and writing about.
If you’re looking for things to do in Singapore, the following are eight of my favourites, and I’m certain doing them will help you thoroughly enjoy your time in Singapore and leave loving the city as much as I do.
Thoroughly Enjoy Your Airport Arrival
Most of the time, you want to get out of the airport as soon as you land, but not in Singapore! Home to lush gardens complete with butterflies and waterfalls, relaxing alcoves, sparkling shops, a food court, works of art and even a swimming pool, Changi Airport is a destination in itself. Advice: give yourself two hours before or after your flight to simply embrace all this special space has to offer.
Go to Supertree Grove
The Gardens By The Bay Attraction gets a lot of attention, and rightly so, but for many (including me), it’s the atmospheric branches of Supertree Grove that are the highlight. These tremendous “trees” are like something out of a fairytale and light up each evening during a truly lovely light show.
Enjoy the Ambiance on Orchard Road
It’s not difficult to find things to do in Orchard Road Singapore; a trip to the city’s sparkling shopping hub often involves a dash of glitz & glamour and that’s what makes it so special. Shop for the perfect trip souvenir or simply go for a gourmet meal – or expertly shaken drink – at one of the local cocktail bars, it’s up to you!
Hop Into the Hawker Scene (And Devour the Classic Dishes)
If you like street food, then you’ll be glad to hear that Singapore is arguably the world’s best place to get stuck in. You won’t find the stalls on the street here, because they’ve been moved into permanent food court-style places called hawker centres, and it’s lucky for us because hawker centres are foodie heaven!
You’ll find them scattered all around town and while all locals seem to have a different favourite, you really can’t go wrong with any of them. Tip: when at a hawker centre, make sure to look for the stall that has some old newspaper articles that have been written about them hanging up, this is usually a very good sign!
What to eat when there?
Okay, so Singapore food is as diverse as the city itself and while I always suggest asking locals for advice on must-eats, the following are a few of the highlights to look for:
Chili Crab: stir-fried crab painted with a thick-ish, sweet & spicy tomato-based sauce.
Chicken Rice: it may look basic, but the flavours will blow you away. Take juicy chicken chopped into chunks over a bed of rice and serve it with chili sauce and you have magic.
Satay: can you ever go wrong with skewers of meat cooked over a flame? No, and then when it’s coated with a spicy, sweet and peanut-laced sauce like it is in satay in Singapore, you’re really in luck!
Laksa: creamy, coconut-y, spicy and loaded with seafood, this soup eats more like a main meal.
I can’t stress enough that these are just a few examples of great things to eat here!
Swig Back a Sling
Is it cliche? Yes. Can you find other “slings” in town? Yes. Is sipping a Singapore Sling at The Long Bar at Raffles Hotel (the bar where it was invented) still a really, really fun thing to do? Absolutely.
Admire the Skyline
Whenever I’m in Singapore, I always try to stay at a hotel that has an infinity pool or a restaurant/bar with a view of the city, because the city’s skyline is breathtaking. The star of the skyline? Surely the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and its truly unique rooftop pool.
Meet the Merlion
Have you ever wondered what you would get if you crossed a fish with a lion? Well, Singapore has the answer: a Merlion and this statue/fountain is the city-state’s national symbol. The Merlion is meant to symbolise Singapore’s successful rise from a mere fishing village to global power and seeing it in person will give you a new perspective on the city.
Take a Stroll at Henderson Waves
Located over 100 feet in the air, this one-of-a-kind walkway resembles ocean waves. It’s the perfect place to get a little exercise and perhaps snap a social-media-worthy photo!
Hopefully this post has given you some inspiration for some unique and exciting things to consider for your next trip to Singapore!
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