About City
Singapore
"The Quintessential Cosmopolitan"
Best described as a microcosm of modern Asia, Singapore is a melting pot of culture and history, and an extravaganza of culinary delights. Officially known as the Republic of Singapore, it is both a city and a country located in Southeast Asia. One of Asia's most visited destinations, Singapore is best described as an amalgam of a fast-paced life and an off-the-back-street inheritance.
Singapore is the quintessential cosmopolitan, having the highest religious diversity in any country. Spread 42 km (26 miles) east to west and 23 km (14 miles) north to south, today it boasts of the world's busiest port. Singapore has climbed to be one of Asia's hit-list destinations with its efficient and widespread transport system - whizzing in this country is just a matter of minutes!
The national pastime of Singaporeans is eating, followed closely by shopping. This 'City in a Garden' is a blend of cultures, combining different ideas, cuisines, new architectures going well with the gleaming hint of the old school. The incredible shopping malls, classy boutiques, departmental stores on Orchard Road, the exotic elements of Chinatown and Little India and the world-class nightlife span across the spotless land of Singapore.
Expensive with respect to South-eastern standards, the city offers a plethora of other options for entertainment such as Sentosa Island, Singapore Zoo, Singapore Botanic Garden, Marina Bay Sands, Tiger Balm Garden, and the Singapore Night Safari. With a picture-perfect skyline and city centre bustling with crowds of people, Singapore is one of the most popular travel destinations for a lot of reasons.
Things To Do In Singapore
1. Gardens by the Bay
A must-visit place in Singapore, Gardens by the Bay is a 101-hectare nature park and botanic garden. Home to almost 4,00,000 plants, it is famous for the awe-inspiring Supertree Groves, SkyWay, Flower Dome and the hypnotic Garden Rhapsody, the light and sound show.
2. Singapore Botanic Gardens
Singapore Botanic Gardens is the only tropical garden to feature as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 82-hectare garden houses more than 10,000 species of flowering plants and trees. The prime attractions are the National Orchid Garden, and Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden.
3. Universal Studios
Universal Studios Singapore is a theme park located in Resorts World Sentosa. With 28 thrilling rides, exciting attractions, spectacular shows, and divided into seven fun zones, it is a must-visit place in Singapore.
4. The Singapore Zoo
Regarded as one of the best zoos in the world, the Singapore Zoo is famed for housing the largest captive colony of Orangutans in the world. Another major highlight is the Rainforest Kidzworld, a technicolour play area for the little ones.
5. National Orchid Garden
The National Orchid Garden of Singapore is home to the largest display of tropical orchids in the world/. It currently houses over 60,000 orchid plants, out of which 1000 are pure species and 2000 are hybrids.
6. SEA Aquarium
The South East Asia Aquarium or the SEA Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world, home to more than 800 species of aquatic wildlife. The chief draw is the Open Ocean Tank - the world's largest viewing panel and the only aquarium in the world to house the giant oceanic manta ray.
7. Sands SkyPark At Marina Bay
Sands SkyPark is the observation deck located at the spectacular Marina Bay Sands. The humungous wooden deck lies atop the three hotel towers and seems to be floating above the city and all its skyscrapers. Situated on the 57th floor, Sands SkyPark provides a magnificent 360-degree bird's eye view of the entire city, all the way from the Marina South Pier to the Singapore Strait.
8. Sentosa Island
A tiny resort island off the southern coast of Singapore, Sentosa Island is home to themed attractions, sun-washed beaches, lush rainforests, amazing spas and some popular resort hotels. Packed with attractions, the tiny island is speckled with panoramic gardens including a butterfly garden, amusement parks, a breath-taking aquarium (Underwater World), beach clubs with live music, an ethnic village and the highlight of the island, a vast Merlion Statue.
9. Marina Bay Sands
Singapore's most iconic hotel, Marina Bay Sands is a resort complex, ranked as the world's most expensive standalone casino property. The 55-storey tower is home to the world's largest infinity pool and atrium casino. Other prime attractions include the Shoppes Mall, ArtScience Museum and Sands SkyPark.
10. The Night safari
World's first nocturnal zoo, Singapore Night Safari houses more than 130 species of animals. It uses open-concept enclosures or trams to take the visitors on a 45-minute commented tour of its nocturnal animals and habitats.
11. Jewel Changi Airport
Jewel Changi Airport is an entertainment and retail complex linked to Changi Airport, Singapore. The transportation hub is also a nature-themed shopping, dining, and recreational extravaganza with themes of Singaporean culture. This eco-infused multiplex’s centrepiece is the 131-foot-high Rain Vortex, the world’s largest indoor waterfall, amidst the tropical oasis of the Shiseido Forest Valley, featuring 61,000 trees.
12. Merlion Park
The picturesque Merlion Park is an iconic Singapore sight, housing two Merlion statues. Merlion is a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish and is considered an icon of the Lion City.
13. Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin is a 10.2 square kilometre island lying northeast of Singapore. Translating to Granite Island in Malay, it is one of the last two kampongs of Singapore - a place where one can truly enjoy and experience Singapore for what it used to be. The main attraction is the Chek Jawa Wetlands.
14. Cloud Forest
The Cloud Forest Dome, housed in Gardens by the Bay, is a greenhouse-like structure, re-creating the tropical montane climate found between 1500m and 3000m. The centrepiece attraction is a 35m high mountain with the world's tallest indoor waterfall.
15. Singapore Flyer
Singapore Flyer is Asia's largest giant observation wheel. An iconic thing to see in Singapore, the stunning view from the flyer is best experienced at dusk - view the iconic attractions like Singapore River, Raffles Place, and Merlion Park lit up spectacularly at night.
16. Jurong Bird Park
Jurong Bird Park is Asia's largest bird park housing over 5000 birds from around 400 varied species. Spread across 20.2 hectares, the major highlight is the Waterfall Aviary - the world's largest walk-in aviary.
17. Singapore Cable Car
The Singapore Cable Car is a gondola lift that facilitates an aerial link from Mount Faber to Sentosa’s resort island. It affords a bird’s eye view of the main attractions of Singapore like Mount Faber, Harbourfront, Merlion, Sentosa Island and the Universal Studios Singapore.
18. Bike Tours in Singapore
Offering access to the city’s major tourist attractions and charming back lanes, bike tours allow you to explore Singapore relaxedly. Riding past the F1 Racetrack, Merlion, Singapore River, Fullerton Bay, Victoria Concert Hall, Lao Ba Sai, and Nicoll Highway is a great way to learn how this multiethnic city fits together. The colourful historical neighbourhoods like Chinatown, Kampong Glam, Little India, Tiong Bahru, and Bugis Street are also worth exploring on bikes.
19. National Gallery Singapore
The National Gallery Singapore is an art museum showcasing the world's largest collection of colonial and post-colonial Asian and Southeast Asian art. Housed in the iconic former Supreme Court Buildings and the City Hall, it is the largest museum and venue for the visual arts in Singapore.
20. Chinatown / Street Food in Singapore
One of the most popular neighbourhoods of Singapore, Chinatown is all about hustle bustle and authentic Chinese food and culture. Often blending Malay, Chinese and Indian flavours, Singapore’s street foods are cheap yet vibrantly delicious. Kaya toast, Hainanese chicken rice, wanton noodles, char kway teow, nasi lemak, paratha curry, carrot cake, and laksa soup are well-loved by locals and tourists alike. Hawker centres like Chinatown Market, Maxwell Food Centre, Tiong Bahru Market and Little India are great for grabbing bak chor mee, prawn mee, satay, oyster and cakes, biryani, rojak, and sweets.
21. Cruise Tours in Singapore
Sailing the ocean and Singapore River that meanders through the city offers incredible views and experiences. Royal Caribbean is Asia's largest ship, featuring week-long vacation cruises past Singapore’s wonders. Romantic half and full-day sails, overnight stays and dinner party cruises are provided by Genting Dream Cruise, Symphony of the Seas Cruises, and luxury superyacht rentals starting at SGD 1,644. Dolphin-sighting cruises to Sentosa and Coney Islands are also popular among families.
22. National Museum
Home to a myriad of historical artefacts and exhibits, the National Museum of Singapore boasts of being the country’s oldest museum. The Singapore History Gallery is the chief attraction depicting Singapore's past through stories.
23. East Coast Park
East Coast Park is a 15km long stretch of seafront park, nestled along the southeastern coast of Singapore. Spread across 185 hectares of reclaimed land, it is a much-loved spot among the locals who flock here to windsurf, swim, kayak, picnic, swim, barbecue, bicycle, skateboard and eat.
24. OCBC Skyway
OCBC Skyway, located at the famous Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, is a 128-metre long aerial walkway connecting six Supertrees at the Supertree Grove. Situated at a height of 22-metres, with mesmerizing, panoramic views of and beyond the beauty of the Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay skyline that encompasses the area, the OCBC Skyway is one of the most ideal places to find peace and tranquillity. The stunning OCBC Skyway is the ideal place to witness the gob-smacking Garden Rhapsody (light and sound show) in all its glory.
25. Haw Par Villa
Formerly known as the Tiger Balm Garden, Haw Par Villa is an Asian culture theme park and Singapore's largest outdoor art gallery. Claimed to be the last of its kind in the world, this repository of Asian folklore and myths is famous for depicting the "Ten Courts of Hell" from Chinese folklore.
26. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a Chinese Buddhist Temple in Chinatown, Singapore. The five-storey temple is famed worldwide for storing the left canine tooth of Lord Buddha, recovered from his funeral pyre in Kushinagar, India.
27. Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds Singapore is the branch of the popular Madame Tussauds wax museum based out of London. Ite has life-like wax statues of notable personalities and global icons in the fields of art, music, movies, sports, and politics.
28. Little India
Little India is an ethnic neighbourhood of Singapore - a major hub of the Singaporean Indian community. Commonly known as "Tekka", the historic centre is known for the vibrant culture, buzzing nightlife, binge-worthy street food and world-class shopping.
29. Lazarus Island
One of Singapore's best-kept secrets, the Lazarus Island is nestled south of mainland Singapore. With its breathtakingly beautiful surroundings, the beach is a perfect sandy affair and an ideal spot to soak in the rays and have a picnic.
30. ArtScience Museum
The ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay is a premier exhibition space featuring touring exhibitions from art and science. One of the quirkiest buildings and things to see in Singapore, it houses ever-changing themes and displays across its 21 gallery spaces.
31. The Helix Bridge
Connecting Marina Central to Marina South lays the gorgeous Helix Bridge. Popularly known as "The Helix", it is a pedestrian bridge linking the city's existing CBD area with the newly developed Bayfront district. The stunning edifice shines dazzlingly at night by ribbons of LED lighting, turning it into a popular tourist attraction.
32. Arab Street
Arab Street is a neighbourhood in the Malay-Muslim Quarter of Singapore. It is known for its eclectic mix of exotic stores selling crafts, accessories, textiles, and home furnishing from the Middle East. The famous Sultan Mosque is also located here.
33. Orchard Road
One of the main shopping street of Singapore, Orchard Road is 2.2 kilometre long upscale shopping destination. Famous for luxury retail shopping experience, it is home to internationally renowned stores, coffeehouses and restaurants.
34. Mount Faber Park
One of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Singapore, Mount Faber Park is a hill rising up to a height o 94 meters and located within the Bukit Merah town. Overlooking the region of Telok Blangah, its peak can be accessed via the Mount Faber Road or the Morse Road but there are numerous trails leading right up to the top that has the adventurous tourists walk up the hill.
35. Clarke Quay
The Clarke Quay is a popular riverside quay in Singapore flanked by stylish restaurants, and high-end boutiques. Also lined up along the river are buzzing nightclubs, river cruise bumboats and floating cafes that make the place Singapore's major wining and dining area.
36. Siloso Beach
The Siloso Beach is renowned for being the hippiest of the three beaches of Sentosa Island. Home to some of the best bars and restaurants in the area, it is ideal for people who love the sun and the sand. Siloso Beach is well known for its outdoor activities as well, especially beach volleyball.
37. The Raffles Hotel
One of the most famous and iconic hotels in Singapore, the Raffles Hotel is on the top of almost every visitor’s to-visit list in Singapore. Located in the Colonial District of Singapore, it is claimed to be one of the world's last majestic 19th century hotels.
38. Asian Civilisations Museum
Ranked as one of the top museums in Asia, the Asian Civilisations Museum displays artefacts and relics depicting the cultures and civilisations of Asia. There are over 2000 artefacts spread across seven galleries on three levels.
39. Sri Mariamman Temple
The oldest temple in Singapore, Sri Mariamman Temple is located in Chinatown. The exquisite temple is dedicated to Goddess Mariamman, a Hindu deity known for curing illness, disease and epidemics. The ornate and elaborate detailing of the gopuram (tower) above the entrance is a sight to behold.
40. Changi Chapel and Museum
Narrating the story of Japanese occupation of Singapore, the Changi Chapel and Museum is dedicated to Singapore's history during World War II. It houses the photographs, personal objects, letters of more than 50,000 civilians and soldiers in Changi Prison.
41. Fort Canning Park
The Fort Canning Park is a historic landmark in Singapore having witnessed major historical milestones. Formerly known as the "Forbidden Hill", it houses 9 historical gardens and is a popular spot for hiking and artistic activity.
42. Southern Ridges
The Southern Ridges Trail is a 10-kilometre hiking route in southern Singapore. One of the most picturesque natural walks of the Lion City, the Southern Ridges Trail offers stunning views of the skyline waterfront and a stroll across fascinating natural and architectural marvels. Spread across four havens of exotic flowering plants and tropical animals – Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, and Kent Ridge Park, Southern Ridges also consists of the country’s highest pedestrian bridge, suspended at a height of 36 metres across two hills.
43. Formula 1 Grand Prix
The Singapore Grand Prix is an annual night race held at Marina Bay Street Circuit. A part of the Formula 1 World Championship, it is a great attraction for adventure junkies, motorheads, and racers. The races are spread over three days, with multiple practice sessions and qualifiers.
44. MacRitchie Nature Trail
Once in a while, we all need a quick getaway, an escape from the hustle bustle of our everyday lives, even if it is just for an hour or two. MacRitchie Nature Trail provides just the solace that you seek in a busy city like Singapore. Situated in MacRitchie Reservoir Park along Lornie Road since 1867, the lush nature trail is an escape to pristine waters and a dense, secondary forest in the heart of the city.
45. Bukit Batok Nature Park
The Bukit Batok Nature Park (BBNP) is a quiet, serene park near the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. The major highlight of the lush park is the quarry-turned-pond located right at the entrance. The 36-hectare park is perfect for jogging, walking or biking on the trails surrounded by the lush green beauty of the secondary forest. Many also prefer exercising at Bukit Batok Nature Park as it contains fitness areas and many bike trails of varying difficulty.
46. Esplanade - Theatres On The Bay
The Esplanade is a performing arts centre near the Marina Bay that focuses on international artists and has hosted over 37,000 shows. It is a 60,000 square meter expanse dedicated just to theatre and arts. Situated right at the mouth of the Singapore River, it got its name from the Esplanade Park, in which Theatres by the bay is located. The Esplanade stages new shows every few months and believe in providing opportunities to emerging artists and practitioners. In addition, the in-house programming team presents over 14 festivals and 20 ongoing series throughout the year.
47. Singapore River
The Singapore River is a major waterway that runs through the city of Singapore. A favourite nightlife district and tourist hotspot, the area around the river is abuzz with the excitement of buzzing bars, eclectic eateries, and charged clubs spread across Robertson Quay, Boat Quay, and Clarke Quay. The 3.2 kilometre-long river snakes through the middle of the city, passing through Old Singapore - with Victorian-era buildings and small communities - in the north, and the Central Business District with its swanky new buildings and complexes in the south.
48. VivoCity
VivoCity, the largest shopping mall in Singapore, is located at HarbourFront (close to the HarbourFrount MRT station). It is one of those very few shopping complexes that is famed for its open space. VivoCity also houses a large outdoor kid's playground on level two, along with a rooftop 'Skypark'.
49. Supertree Grove
Nestled in Gardens by the Bay of Sentosa Island, the Supertree Grove are artificially made, electronic tree structures. These trees are multifunctional that act as canopies and shade the area during the day and metamorphose into a dazzling exhibit of sound and light at night. These 18 steel-clad concrete structures, measuring between 25 and 50 metres tall, are adorned with around 162,900 plants. The vertical gardens come alive each night with the stunning Garden Rhapsody, a light and sound show.
50. Fountain of Wealth
One of Singapore's iconic sights, the Fountain of Wealth is the largest fountain in the world (listed in the Guinness Book of Records), located at Suntec City - one of Singapore's largest shopping malls. Towering at 13.8 metres, the Fountain of Wealth is built in accordance with the principles of Feng Shui, symbolizing wealth and life. The huge 66m bronze ring of the fountain is a symbol of oneness in spirit as well as the solidarity, equality and goodwill which exists between all races and religions in Singapore. The inward flowing water of symbolizes the retention of wealth in Suntec City.
51. St John's Island
St. John's Island is a stunning island known for its chequered past and the former prison feel, located approximately 6.5 km south off of the main island of Singapore. The mesmerising sight is visited for the small patch of mangrove trees and turquoise water beaches used by the families for picnicking. It is also frequented for a spot of fishing. This, as well as its closeness to the main island, has made St. John's Island an ideal day trip from Singapore.
52. Flower Dome Conservatory
Immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of plants and flowers from all around the globe under a single roof at Singapore's Flower Dome. The largest glass greenhouse in the world, Flower Dome is one of the two breathtakingly beautiful conservatories of Gardens by the Bay (the other being, "Cloud Forest"). The temperature and humidity levels inside have been regulated to replicate the cool-dry climatic conditions of the Mediterranean and different arid tropical climates such as those in Australia, South America and South Africa. With an area of around 1.2 hectares, the flower dome conservatory constitutes a total of eight gardens- Olive Grove, Californian Garden, Mediterranean Garden, South American Garden, South African Garden, Australian Garden, the Baobabs and the Succulent Garden. An awe-inspiring field of flowers is present right in the centre of the conservatory.
53. Chinatown Heritage Centre
Serving as a gateway into the rich history of the bustling neighbourhood of Singapore's Chinatown, Chinatown Heritage Centre is a group of restored shophouses that exhibits the furniture, artefacts and living arrangements of early Chinese settlers. Spread across six galleries, the heritage centre houses an extensive collection of photographs and paraphernalia dating as far back as 1819, depicting the daily lives of early Chinese immigrants who risked their lives to arrive in a new city, in search of a better life, after a long and perilous journey.
54. Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom
Established as an outdoor conservatory, the Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom is located at Imbiah on the Sentosa Island of Singapore and is home to more than fifty varieties of butterflies, beetles, macaws and a plethora of colourful insects.
55. The Battle Box
The Battlebox is a war bunker dating back to World War II, now converted into a museum. Located at Fort Canning Hill, this former bomb-proof command centre/shelter is regarded as one of the prime touristic spots in Singapore, also known as Fort Canning Bunker. It was inside the walls of Battlebox that the British decided to surrender Singapore to the Japanese. Now, the Battlebox museum unveils true causes that led to the disastrous and largest capitulation in British History.
56. MacRitchie Reservoir
Positioned at 181 Lornie Road, the MacRitchie Reservoir Park forms a part of the water catchment system of Singapore and is a Mecca for nature admirers as well as sports fanatics. Covering an area of 12 hectares, the park is a hidden gem located coyly amidst pristine surroundings and offering a respite to the Singaporeans who treasure it immensely. Since MacRitchie Reservoir is situated close to the city centre, it is a favourite spot where one can indulge in a variety of activities like bird watching, kayaking, canoeing and hiking as well.
57. Marina Barrage
Marina Barrage is both a flood-control rooftop dam and a stunning park with a gob-smacking skyline view of Singapore, located at the southern tip of the main island, and a short walk away from Gardens by the Bay. Although its primary function serves as a dam, Marina Barrage is rather popular for recreation on its green, roof-top expanse which is always scattered with local flying flashy kites.
58. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Home to around 40% of the native flora and fauna of Singapore, the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is one of the two ASEAN Heritage Parks in Singapore. This 400-acre natural wonderland, considered one of the largest remaining rainforests of the country, is found on Bukit Timah Hill, the tallest hill of Singapore. Established in 1883 as a forest reserve, the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is the perfect place for tourists to see the natural ecology of a humid, equatorial region such as Singapore, with its pristine charm preserved and maintained by the authorities.
59. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a Heritage Park at Kranji Way in Northern Singapore. Located at the banks of the Buloh River, this is Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park that boasts of a stunning diversity of flora and fauna spread across a 202-hectare wetland and mangrove ecosystem. With more than 230 bird species – including significant migratory populations, thousands of plant varieties and exotic animals, Sungei Buloh is a great place to learn about the bounty and conservation of nature.
60. Fort Siloso
Fort Siloso is Singapore's only preserved coastal fort converted into a military museum containing World War II memorabilia like guns, remains of fortified military structures and tunnels. The main attraction of Fort Siloso is the Skywalk. Eleven storeys high, it provides visitors with a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
61. Peranakan Museum
The first of its kind in the world, the Peranakan Museum is devoted to exploring the Pernankan cultures present in Singapore, the former Straits Settlements in Malacca and Penang, and other regions of Southeast Asia that are home to the Peranakan community. Housed in the iconic Old Tao Nan School Building, this classic museum once acted as an extended wing of the famous Asian Civilisations Museum which used to be located here, and is currently a sister museum to the same, specialising in tracing the origins and development of Peranakan culture.
62. Armenian Church
The Armenian Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator is the oldest Church in Singapore, locally referred to as the Armenian Church. It is located in a quiet place in the Hill Street vicinity and is one of the masterpieces of the Irish architect, George D Coleman. The Armenian community of Singapore regard this place as their spiritual abode, and the church now serves as a beautiful venue for couples to tie their knot in holy matrimony. The grand edifice is built in a British-neoclassical inspired architecture. This tranquil church is always a good option for an evening stroll.
63. Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery
The Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery is Singapore's largest Buddhist temple, sitting on 75,470 square meters of land. Built by Zhuan Dao in the early 20th century, this temple is located in Bishan and is considered to be a very sacred place by the Buddhists. The monastery is famed for housing one of Asia's largest Buddhist statues, located in the Hall of No Form. Made of bronze, this marvel is 13.8 meters tall and weighs 55 tonnes. Kong Meng San Phor Kark See is a must-visit for people interested in Buddhism and those wanting to learn more about the teachings of Buddha.
64. Kusu Island
Part of the southern islands, Kusu Island is a pristine island just 5.6 km to the south of the main island of Singapore. The pristine island is famous for its clear blue waters and a breathtaking view from the beaches. It also has a very rich history from which it also derives its name as Kusu means turtle or tortoise in Chinese. As Kusu Island is just a short distance from the mainland, it is extremely famous amongst the locals and is a place visited by many who wish to spend the day in complete relaxation that is attained by the calm atmosphere of the island. It can also be entirely covered by walking from end to end in 20 minutes.
65. Palawan Beach
The gorgeous Palawan Beach on Sentosa Island is one of the best family beaches in Singapore with fine white sand, the clear blue water and the warm, cosy atmosphere. Out of the three beaches in Sentosa - Siloso, Tanjong and Palawan - the latter is often considered to be the most relaxing and is the only one that is kid-friendly.
66. Tanjong Beach
Revered for its white sandy shoreline, the man-made Tanjong Beach is nestled pristinely on Sentosa Island of Singapore. It is less crowded as compared to the other two touristic beaches on Sentosa, and attracts people who come here to take a break from the chaotic life of the city.
67. Lau Pa Sat
Located at 18 Raffles Quay, Lau Pa Sat is a popular hawker centre, and what can be called as Singapore's version of the food court. Recognised as a national monument in 1973, this iconic landmark of Singapore metamorphoses food, architecture and history together. Also known as the Telok Ayer Market, Lau Pa Sat sees numerous footfalls from gastronomes all over the world.
68. Singapore Art Museum
The Singapore Art Museum (also called SAM) specialises in international contemporary art practices with an emphasis laid on Singapore and South-East Asia. The museum is conveniently situated in the heart of the city of Singapore. Previously known as Fine-Art museum, SAM aims to breathe art into life. They plan on having a stimulating space to think, feel, experience and imagine. The museum is housed in a restored 19th-century old school that adds to the vibes of its antiquity and contemporary atmosphere. SAM is home to some of the ancient classic and modern international art. It also collaborates with contemporary international museums of its like to curate and hosts contemporary exhibitions.
69. Science Centre
Science Centre Singapore, located in Jurong East, is a scientific institution having around a thousand exhibits spread over fourteen exhibition galleries. Formerly known as the Singapore Science Centre, this geeky science museum houses the largest collection of educational material related to science in the Lion City.
70. Civilian War Memorial
The Civilian War Memorial is a monument dedicated to the civilians that lost their lives during World War II. Located within War Memorial Park at Beach Road in Singapore’s Central Area, this memorial is a sombre reminder of the perils of the Japanese Occupation in the country and is a symbol of hope for post-war Singapore. The monument is an iconic heritage landmark in the Lion City today, frequented by locals and tourists alike.
71. Sultan Mosque
Majestically standing in the historic district of Kampong Glam, the Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan) is Singapore's largest mosque and focal point of the Muslim community in the Lion City. Seemingly pulled out of the Arabian Nights, the enchanting mosque is constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style, the highlight being the huge prayer hall topped by a shimmering golden dome. Both regarding its glorious appearance, and the sheer size, the Sultan Mosque is a must-visit if one is in the Kampong Glam district.
72. Raffles Place
Raffles Place is a commercial space located at the south of Singapore River. Known as the heart of Singapore’s Financial District, Raffles Place is occupied with skyscrapers like the UOB Plaza which is known to hold exhibitions, Change Alley where travellers can get their currency changed, and the Lau Pa Sat from where one can buy art and craft items and enjoy some cultural performances.
73. Suntec City
Suntec City is a commercial hub and shopping complex situated in Marina Centre. It houses a mall (one of the largest), an international exhibition and convention centre, a movie theatre along with a video arcade. Located at the centre of this humdrum is the famous "Fountain of Wealth" - the world's largest fountain.
74. Wings Of Time
Wings of Time is a permanent outdoor light show at Siloso Beach. This award-winning show is a magical spectacle of pyrotechnics, robotic water fountains, a thrilling soundtrack, lasers, and a compelling storyline.
75. Chek Jawa
Tanjung Chek Jawa, usually known as Chek Jawa, is an extensive wetland measuring 100 hectares, located to the South East of the Pulau Ubin island near the main island of Singapore. It is a vibrant mix of 6 diverse habitats, making it one of the richest ecosystems across the world. The visitors are amazed to find sandy and rock-filled beaches in close conjunction to a coral & seagrass lagoon as well as mangrove and coastal forests. Chek Jawa is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Singapore, especially for nature lovers, bird watchers and international tourists.
76. Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple
Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple is a Hindu Temple located on 555 Serangoon Road of Little India. It is dedicated to Vadapathira and Kaliamman deities, the female counterpart to the Brihadeeswarar Temple located in Thanjavur of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
77. Sri Sivan Temple
Situated at the Geylang Avenue in Singapore, the stupendous Sri Sivan Temple is a place of worship of the Hindu God, Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the temple. This magnificent temple can very well be considered as a modern structure, with the fusion of both South and North Indian architectural influences adding to the aura of this holy place. There are six main prayers held here on a daily basis, and the temple has a specific time for the performance of the same.
78. iFly
iFly Singapore is an indoor skydiving simulation venue near Siloso Beach Station. A franchise of the popular SkyVenture, iFly offers authentic free-falling simulations within an indoor wind tunnel, featuring a thrilling 90-second drop.
79. Dairy Farm Nature Park
The Dairy Farm Nature Park is a magnificent nature park located in the Upper Bukit Timah area of Singapore. Spread across a thriving 63-hectare land, it is famous for nature trails, hiking, and the quarry. At the south-western end of the park lies the Singapore Quarry, a relaxing wetland and picturesque spot, serving as a prime spot for freshwater flora and fauna including the critically endangered little grebe bird. Gain knowledge about the changing landscape of the dairy farm and explore the wonders of nature through varied exhibits at the Dairy Farm Nature Park.
How To Reach Singapore
The best way to travel to Singapore from India is through flight. The classy Changi Airport of Singapore is well connected to India through regular flights from various cities. Some of the major airlines that connect the two countries include Singapore Airlines, Air India, Tiger Airways, Jet Airways and Air India Express. The journey is 6-8 hours long depending upon number of halts in between.
Religion of Singapore
Being a multi-religious country, Singapore does not have a state-regulated religion which the citizens are supposed to follow. It is home to 10 religions, out of which Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity are the primary religions, while Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Sikhism, Jainism and others form the minority cluster. The Lion City is the ultimate melting pot, with the locals celebrating all festivals pompously, irrespective of the religion they follow.
Language of Singapore
There are four official languages of Singapore: English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese and Tamil. Yes, Singapore language is as diverse and multi-cultural as its people! English is the most widely spoken language (primarily by the population below the age of 50), and the medium of instructions in school. English is also the language of business and government in Singapore, based on British English.
A unique and widely spoken language in Singapore is the Singlish. It is primarily the colloquial form of English, having a distinct accent, and ignoring the basic standards of English grammar. Having a jumble of local slang and expressions of various languages and dialects of Singapore, speaking in Singlish is seen as a mark of being truly local!
The major portion of the literate population in Singapore is bilingual, with English and Mandarin being most commonly spoken. Interestingly, all the schools in the city teach the language of the child's parentage, along with English, to ensure the child stay in touch with the traditional roots.
Currency in Singapore
Singapore's unit of currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD), locally referred to as the 'Singdollar'. It is made up of 100 cents using coins of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, along with notes in the denomination of SGD 2, 5, 10 and 50, 100, 500 and 1000.
Cards: Almost all the major credit card brands are widely accepted in Singapore including Visa and MasterCard (although a 3 % surcharge may be charged by some shops, taxis may charge up to 15 %).
Traveller's cheques are usually not accepted, however, can be cashed at most of the exchange booths.
EZ-Link and Nets Flash Pay cards are valid in case of some convenience stores and fast-food chains.
ATMs: ATMs are widely available at banks, malls, MRT stations and commercial areas.
Best Time To Visit
July-September:While tourists visit throughout the year, the festive season is a great time to explore the many facets of Singapore, especially around July when the Great Singapore Sale and the Singapore Food Festival take place. Feb-April: The months between the summers and winters are quite pleasant.
