The Sights of Singapore

A visitor’s guide to all the island’s must-sees!

 

Singapore is a location filled with a plethora of things to see. From the shining lights of Orchard Road to the grand museums, there’s no shortage of sights for anybody on Singapore’s shores. no matter your interests, there’s surely something for you to visit during your stay on the island. Read on for our picks of the absolute must-visits. 

 

National Museum Singapore (93 Stamford Road, 178897)

Dating back to 1887, Singapore’s National Museum is the oldest museum on the island, and boasts the largest collection. Amongst its many exhibits one can learn about Singapore’s storied past, from the 14th century up until the modern day. The museum has many artefacts from the period and even offers scent stations to immerse yourself in not just the sights and sounds, but even the smells of the past. 

The museum is most definitely worth a visit, for both an educational and mesmerizing retelling of Singapore’s past. With prices starting from $10, the visit won’t break the bank either, 

 

 

Gardens by the Bay ( 18 Marina Gardens Dr, 018953)

The Gardens by the Bay are one of Singapore’s natural treasures. With striking super trees and massive enclosed greenhouses, the plants on display at Gardens by the Bay are both eye-catching and awe-inspiring in equal measure. Whether one prefers the imposing height of the super trees, the flowing natural beauty of the flower dome, or the mystical cloud forest, there’s a variety of sights for one to admire at Gardens by the Bay, each with its own unique charm. 

 

World famous for being home to the world’s largest greenhouse, and the supertrees never failing to make a visitor’s Instagram story, Gardens by the Bay is definitely worth visiting, especially considering the outdoor gardens, including the super trees, come free of charge. If one wants to immerse themselves in either of the domes, tickets start at $20. With such flora and beauty on display, no location in Singapore summarises the term “garden city” so aptly.

 

Kampong Glam

Home to Singapore’s Muslim quarter, Kampong Glam provides an unparalleled dive into Singapore’s melting pot. Whether one wants to learn about the numerous temples in the area, including the Sultan Mosque(widely regarded as Singapore’s most important Mosque) or the delightful cafés and stores on Haji Lane, offering everything from vintage apparel to Laotian beads. A visit is definitely worth it, especially considering the short 15-minute walk from the nearest MRT station. Kampong Glam is most definitely worth visiting at least once. 

 

Jewel Changi Airport (78 Airport Boulevard, 819666)

For those flying in via Changi Airport, Jewel Changi Airport is a mere fingertip away from you when you land. If you want an early peak into Singapore, want to stretch your legs after a gruelling flight, or perhaps a much needed coffee after a redeye, Jewel will surely be able to serve you well. 

As for the adrenaline seekers, there are the walking nets and bouncing nets that hang over the mall itself, serving as a perfect backdrop against the centrepiece indoor waterfall. If you’re looking to get lost, find a variety of mazes perfect for any age, and as for the best backdrop for your Instagram story, find it at the Canopy Bridge. Jewel is also home to many restaurants and shops, so whether one needs some last minute souvenirs or needs a hearty meal, Jewel is sure to satisfy!

 

The Botanic Gardens (1 Cluny road, 259569)

`Being Singapore’s only UNESCO world heritage site, such an honour is one the Botanic Gardens is deserving of. The massive compound features an outdoor concert grounds, a swan lake and a multitude of trees, plants and flowers. Whether it’s for a leisurely stroll, or a full day visit to the entire grounds, the Botanic Gardens is sure to stun with its delightful landscape. The grounds also have numerous restaurants and even shops. 

It has a connected MRT station right in front of the famous Tanglin gate, ensuring that you can maximise the amount of time you spend immersed in mother nature at this wonderful garden and let it grow to be a highlight of your visit to Singapore. 

 

Orchard road

Filled with malls on either side of the road, Orchard road is filled to the brim with stores to browse, unique things to do, and world class bites, all within a short walk of each other. Whether it’s a classic Singaporean ice cream uncle, a Michelin-starred restaurant, a convenience store or a boutique store with 4-figure prices, Orchard Road has it all!  At night, it comes to life even more, with advertisements lighting up the streets alongside a psychedelic display of colours from above and below. This city hotspot can only be compared to Osaka’s Dotonbori or New York’s Time Square. 

With such an eclectic array of shops and restaurants and even a skate park, it’s no wonder that Orchard Road draws such huge crowds, both from locals and tourists alike. A visit is most definitely in order, or one would surely be missing out on one of Singapore’s crown jewel attractions. 

 

Singapore flyer (30 Raffles Ave, 039803)

Nothing beats a good view or a good observation wheel, and the Singapore flyer holds true to that. With a lovely food court in the bottom levels serving Singaporean classics like Hokkien mee, above is where the real treasure lies. Standing at 165m, it is sure to provide you with the best views of Singapore’s skyline and allow you to marvel at the bird’s eye view over Singapore. The F1 pit building is also nearby, for fans of the sport. 

Tickets start at $40, and despite the price, the experience is unequalled. With spectacular views and a mesmerising trip into the clouds, this unique experience such as this is surely worth a visit.  

 

Merlion park (1 Fullerton road, 041293)

As the icon of Singapore, the merlion has been unmissable for years. The fusion of lion and mermaid culminates in a beautiful white statue, serving as the location of countless humorous photos as people attempt to make it look as if they’re drinking the water it sprays. Jokes aside, the Merlion is a must-see and no visit would really be complete without at least one visit. For tourists, the sight of a mermaid-lion hybrid will one day bring back memories of their time in Singapore, and for Singaporeans, the statue serves as an endearing symbol of our culture. 

No tickets are required to enter, though one should note the large crowds that gather. For those seeking to nab the iconic photo, as mentioned above, one may be hard-pressed to find the right location. All in all, without a visit to the Merlion, one could arguably say that their visit was incomplete, so what’re you waiting for?

 

In short, with such sights on Singapore’s shores, hopefully, this list has narrowed down the sights to the absolute must-visits, and trips out to these locations will foster fond memories of your time in Singapore.