Tuesday, 30 May 2023

Singapore

Singapore may be small, but it definitely packs in a lot of things to see and do.  A melting pot of cultures in a picture-perfect setting, Singapore has it all.  Situated beside Malaysia, it has become one of the most visited cities in the world, and it’s easy to see why!

Even after my fourth visit here I’m still surprised by how much the city has to offer!  Out of all the Asian cities I have visited so far, Singapore is my favurite.  Most travellers choose to spend a few days exploring the city during a stopover, since the Changi Airport is a big hub for travel destinations.  We used it as a stop over on the way to Europe but it also makes a great holiday stop! 

Here is a list of some of my favourite places in Singapore, which you simply can not miss during your trip, including secret spots and restaurant tips!

Ready to fall in love with this one-of-a-kind destination?

Marina Bay 

Marina Bay Sands is one of the most iconic photo spots in Singapore.  If you have ever seen pictures of Singapore, you have likely seen shots of the Marina Bay Sands hotel.  This place is easily one of the most famous hotels in Asia, if not the world.  This boat-shaped hotel boasts an infinity pool with incredible views of the city.  The city’s skyline was absolutely gorgeous from up there!  To experience the famous pool, you have to be a hotel guest. 

However, make sure to still put Marina Bay Sands on your list even if you don't stay here because you can check out the breathtaking view from the SkyPark Observation Deck.  Marina Bay is an excellent area to stroll around, go shopping and see the Merlion statue – Singapore’s official mascot!  It also has a shopping centre, restaurants, a museum, two theatres and the world’s largest atrium casino!  You’ll also find my favourite tea-based restaurant Angelina’s situated in Marina Bay Sands.  Highly recommend a visit for a sweet treat!

Info

Entrance Price: The SkyPark Observation Deck costs $26 SGD ($31.28 NZD). 

Opening Hours: Daily: 11am – 9pm. Last ticket sales and entry at 8.30pm

Sentosa Island 

If you only get to do one thing in Singapore make sure it's Sentosa Island!  This place has so much to see, eat and do.  We spent the day at Palawan Beach.  It has the whitest sand and even a little island that you can swim out to.  Best thing about going swimming in Singapore is that the water is actually warm!  This island resort has beautiful beaches, spas, outdoor activities and theme parks like Adventure Cove Waterpark, S.E.A. Aquarium and Universal Studios!  I can’t wait to bring both the kids back here when they are a little bit bigger, as they will love it!

Info

Entrance Price: Sentosa Island is free to visit!  However you have to pay for the attractions on the island and also transport.

Opening Hours: Sentosa is home to many attractions that are open 24/7.

ArtScience Museum

The ArtScience Museum is anything but boring and Future World is a beautiful exhibition to visit.  This is a permanent exhibition that is basically a digital indoor playground for adults, where they can interact with the digital art installations on display.  However, the highlight is the Crystal Universe at the end. Within a small enclosed walkway there are thousands of lights that work together to create incredible effects that blow you away.

Info 

Entrance Price: The ticket for Future World alone is $19 SGD for adults ($22.94 NZD). 

Opening hours: 10am - 7pm for the main museum but Future World closes at 5.30pm.  Last ticket purchase at 4pm. 


Gardens By The Bay 

Not visiting the Gardens By The Bay during your trip to Singapore would be like not seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris, it just can’t be missed!  Gardens by the Bay has become the main tourist attraction in Singapore with 18 Supertrees that tower over you. These artificial trees collect solar energy to power a daily light show and their trunks are vertical gardens with more than 150.000 living plants.  It is a really fascinating place to explore and take in the new approach to creating a green area within a city as densely packed as Singapore.

It gets even better at night!  The super trees lit up at night look even better than during the day.  There is also a nightly light show at 7.45pm and 8.45pm which is well worth attending, and lasts 15 minutes.  You'll also find one of my favourite burger places at Gardens of the Bay, Shake Shack!  We don't have Shake shack in New Zealand yet so this was a real treat!

Essential Info

Entrance Price: Free 

Opening Hours: Gardens by the Bay is open from 5am - 2am. 


Cloud Forest

The Gardens at the Bay have several of the best Instagram places in Singapore, but the Cloud Forest may just be my favourite.  Within a huge dome they have grown a cloud forest, including a huge waterfall and numerous types of plants, our favourites of which were the stunning orchids.  The outdoor area of the Gardens by the Bay can be visited free of charge while you need to book a ticket and time slot online for your visit inside the Cloud Forest.  It comes as a combination ticket with the Flower Dome which exhibits plants from all continents.  The Flower Dome is also worth a short visit but definitely not as spectacular as the Cloud Forest.

Essential Info

Entrance Price: The Cloud Forest dome costs $28 SGD ($33.62 NZD). This also includes the entrance to the flower dome.  

Opening Hours: The Cloud Forest is open from 9am to 9pm.  Last tickets sold at 8pm. 

Singapore is the perfect stopover and the ideal reason to add another destination to our trip!  We love this city and I already can't wait to come back and visit again!

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