Top Singapore tourist spots you cannot not visit before leaving.
There may not be a ‘true’ wonder per se, but as a world-class city, Singapore does have some Instagram-worthy architectures. If you’re a first-timer and not sure about what to do in Singapore, this guide will help you navigate through some of Singapore’s most popular attractions.
1. Orchard Road
Having lived in Singapore for almost 6 years, I’ve never received a guest who doesn’t already plan to visit Orchard Road. Clearly, people come to Singapore either to do business or to shop. The shopping boulevard that stretches 2.2km long is essentially Singapore’s answer to Fifth Avenue: the retail hub that brings together the world’s best loved brands into one place.
How to get to Orchard Road: Alight at Orchard, Somerset or Dhoby Ghaut MRT.
Entrance fee: Free, but of course, be prepared to shop ’til you drop.
2. Marina Bay Sands
Although it’s been around only since 2010, Marina Bay Sands has become an iconic presence of Singapore skyline. At the cost of US$ 5.7b, the 55-story towers is the world’s most expensive stand-alone casino property.
The gravity defying observation deck, Sands SkyPark, offers 360-degree view of Singapore skyline. Stretching longer than the Eiffel Tower laid down, Sands SkyPark is also home to the world’s highest and largest infinity pool.
How to get to Marina Bay Sands: Alight at Bayfront MRT, any exit points from Exit B to Exit E will do.
Entrance fee: General entry is free. Entrance to SkyPark costs SGD 19-22 per person. For the casino itself, residents and permanent residents have to pay SGD 100 per person; foreigners get to enter the casino without charge.
3. Merlion
It’s Singapore’s national symbol, with the lion head representing “lion city” (literal translation of the word Singapura) and the fish tail representing the country’s humble beginning as a fishing village.
There are five Merlion statues around Singapore, but the original is located at One Fullerton—overlooking what has now transformed into the region’s economic and financial hub. Standing at 8.6m height, Merlion was erected as a symbol to welcome visitors to Singapore.
How to get to Merlion Park: Alight at Raffles Place MRT and take Exit H.
Entrance fee: Free.
4. Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Yes—those are giant durians!
But it’s also Singapore’s arts centre. It houses music, dance, theatre and visual arts with emphasis on Asian culture. It claims to be one of the world’s busiest, having hosted more than 25,000 shows since 2002—which is like, about six everyday.
How to get to Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay: Alight at Esplanade MRT, then take Exit D.
Entrance fee: Free. Some shows are ticketed and costs may vary.
5. Sentosa
Sentosa claims to be Asia’s favourite playground, and judging by the number of families that flock to it everyday, it might very well be. Most popular among tourists is the Resorts World Sentosa, an integrated resort which boasts the Universal Studios theme park, world’s largest oceanarium, Singapore’s first casino and lots others.
How to get to Sentosa: Alight at Harbourfront MRT, go to Lobby L at Level 3 VivoCity to take Sentosa Express.
Entrance fee: SGD 4 per person for Sentosa Express. Cost of attractions vary.
Book a trip to Sentosa’s Universal Studios here.
6. Singapore Flyer
At 165m height, Singapore Flyer is the world tallest Ferris wheel since 2008! The rotation takes about 32 minutes, during which you can see the breathtaking cityscape of Singapore up to 45km away.
How to get to Singapore Flyer: Alight at Promenade MRT then take Exit A.
Entrance fee: SGD 21-33 per person.
Book a trip to Singapore Flyer here.
7. Gardens by the Bay
First opened in 2011, this is a relatively new attraction but is already on its way to becoming an iconic Singapore landmark. As many as 225,000 different plant species from around the world can be found here.
Right in the heart of the garden stand the Supertree Grove—an impressive group of 18 vertical gardens with height ranging 25-50m. The Supertrees harvest solar energy during daytime and turn into a light show every 7:45 and 8:45 PM.
How to get to Gardens by the Bay: Alight at Bayfront MRT, take Exit B and then cross the Dragonfly Bridge.
Entrance fee: Free, but admission to conservatory domes costs SGD 8-28 per person.
Book a trip to Gardens by the Bay here.
Honourable Mention: Changi Airport
Singapore Changi Airport would sit right inside the Top 5 when it comes to ‘iconicity’, excluded simply because it doesn’t fit into the traditional definition of a travel destination.
The proud locals will argue with you on that, though. To be fair, Changi Airport does a pretty admirable job at redefining travel experience, what with stuff like Cactus Garden and Butterfly Garden inside the terminals. And with it being consistently voted among the world’s best airports, I guess the proud locals are not alone on that.
What do you think are the Top 7 destination icons of Singapore?