What to do in Singapore gives you some ideas what you can do. I hope you find it helpful when planning your visit to Singapore.
Most folks usually spend about three days in Singapore, and that’s a reasonable amount of time to get a good sense of the city (I personally spend 5 days!). If you can spare a bit more time, consider extending your trip to a week and combining it with a visit to nearby Malaysia, Thailand, or Cambodia—it’s just around the corner!😉
Getting around Singapore is a breeze thanks to its well-developed public transport system. You’ll discover excellent restaurants and cozy cafes, lively neighborhoods like Chinatown, the Arab Quarter (Kampong Glam), and Little India, as well as tons of shopping malls, fascinating museums, and lovely parks all waiting for you to explore.
And let’s not forget about the accommodations! Singapore is home to beautiful hotels and boutique stays that pride themselves on superb quality and service. Since it’s such a popular destination for tourists and business events, booking your hotel ahead of time is a good idea. The most popular spots can fill up fast, especially during peak seasons: January to February, June to July, and September to October.
So, what can we do and see in the Lion City
🎖️Fort Canning Hill and the Colonial District
Fort Canning Hill is one of Singapore’s most historic landmarks.
Imagine wandering through a place that once served as the royal palace of ancient Malay rulers in the 14th century—this beautiful spot we now call “Forbidden Hill.”
In 1860, it became a fort called Fort Canning, named after Viscount Charles John Canning.
By the 1920s and 1930s, it was an active artillery fort with barracks, officers’ quarters, a gunpowder magazine, a hospital, and an underground bunker known as the Battle Box. I have mentioned the Battle Box in my previous blog Singapore, The Lion City
Fort Canning has seen its fair share of history, too, and a significant moment happened there when Lt .-General Percival made the tough decision to surrender to the Japanese in the Battle Box.
🌳The Garden
When you visit Fort Canning, you’ll notice the Fort walls featuring charming structures that look like headstones. These are from a historic Christian cemetery where more than 600 people were once laid to rest. Some gravestones began to show signs of wear as time passed, so they were carefully removed in the 1970s. Interestingly, 200 of those original headstones were repurposed and added to the lovely brick wall you see today!
As you stroll along the trail, take a moment to soak in the beauty of the trees and the fantastic heritage around you!
Keep your eyes open for the beautiful sights of nature—there’s so much to enjoy! You might even spot colorful birds, like the park’s cheerful little winged friends! If you’re really lucky, you could even see some playful monkeys. And don’t forget to look for the butterflies and the sunbathing lizards that love to hang out in the lush greenery.🙂
🗿Oldest Religious monument
If you stroll further into the park, you’ll come across one of the oldest religious monuments, the “Karamat Iskandar Shah.” This lovely shrine honors Sultan Iskandar Shah, who was the last king of Singapura and the very first Sultan of the Malacca Sultanate.
There’s a fascinating story behind this monument! Legend has it that Iskandar Shah believed one of his concubines had been unfaithful, and in a moment of anger, he publicly shamed her in the market. Naturally, her father was furious and decided to take matters into his own hands. He opened the city gates to the invading Majapahit army, which led to the city’s capture. As a result, Iskandar Shah had to flee to Melaka, where he stayed for 20 years.
🌳Gardens by the Bay
Welcome to Gardens by the Bay! This stunning destination is part of Singapore’s initiative to transform the “Garden City” into a vibrant “City in a Garden,” enhancing the quality of life with more greenery and flowers.
The park features five attractions where you can easily spend an entire day: the Flower Dome, OCBC Skyway, Floral Fantasy, Cloud Forest, and the Supertree Observatory. Each of these attractions is truly spectacular.
The Flower Dome is the largest glass greenhouse in the world!
😍Marina Bay
Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, and it’s easy to see why! With its luxurious amenities, stunning views, and incredible architectural design, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re checking out the incredible SkyPark, trying your luck at the world-class casino, or taking a dip in the famous infinity pool, your visit here will be unforgettable!
🛫Jewel Changi Airport
It might sound a little unusual to tell travelers to hang out in an airport, but Jewel Changi is truly something special! This remarkable place isn’t just your typical airport; it’s a nature-themed paradise for shopping, dining, and entertainment, all brought to life by the talented architect Moshe Safdie. Here are some of the fantastic highlights you can explore:
- The Rain Vortex: This breathtaking seven-story indoor waterfall is the tallest of its kind in the world, beautifully surrounded by lush terraced forest settings.
- An indoor forest with suspended walkways lets you stroll above the greenery.
- Nearly 300 stores where you can shop to your heart’s content!
For those on layovers, Jewel Changi is a total game-changer. It’s so popular (and absolutely worth your time) that 20 airlines even let you check in 24 hours in advance just to give you more time to enjoy everything inside. So what are you waiting for?
🏞️Merlion Park
Welcome to the beautiful promenade overlooking Marina Bay, where you’ll find Singapore’s beloved 28-foot Merlion statue! This unique half-fish, half-lion carving is a sight to see and shoots water into the bay, adding to the fun. The fish part symbolizes our roots as a fishing village, while the lion head nods to our name, Singapura, which means “Lion City” in Malay. Since its unveiling in 1972, the Merlion has become one of the top spots for visitors.
😊Ethnic Neighborhoods
Kampong Glam
Kampong Glam, Singapore’s vibrant Muslim quarter, has a fascinating history that goes all the way back to the 1800s. It’s amazing how this area has transformed over the years! Today, you can see a wonderful mix of rich traditions and modern city life, making it a delightful spot to explore and experience both the past and the present.
Chinatown
Chinatown is a wonderful spot to dive into Singapore’s rich Chinese culture and history! You’ll have a blast exploring heritage sites and museums, browsing through shops, and sampling delicious food at every turn. It’s the perfect place to spend a day, and you’re sure to leave with a big smile and happy memories!
The Little India
Embark on a delightful sensory adventure! Begin your journey at the Tekka Centre, a bustling wet market and food court filled with fresh meat, seafood, vibrant vegetables, juicy fruits, and a variety of dry goods.
Next, stroll down Serangoon Road, where you’ll find an assortment of groceries, charming restaurants, cozy teahouses, skilled tailors, and the unique Mustafa Centre, an enormous department store stocked with nearly everything imaginable. If possible, try to visit during Deepavali, the vibrant Hindu festival of lights, which takes place in October or November.