Sitting around 85 miles north of the equator, Singapore is one of the most exciting places to visit in the world. This city-state out in South East Asia is one of the busiest in the world and has people flocking to it, either to just see some of the amazing attractions Singapore has to offer or to do business. As well as attractions, nightlife, food and the multicultural atmosphere are all reasons why you might want to head out to Singapore.
Perhaps one of the most endearing things about this city-state is the local slang of Singapore, “Singlish.” Don’t be too surprised either if the Singaporeans refer to you as an “auntie” or an “uncle”. They tend to refer to older strangers in this quirky manner.
Below is a look at some of the best things to see and do in Singapore and why they make it such an attractive destination to visit (or even to live).
The Singapore Botanic Gardens
If there’s one thing you can’t leave Singapore without visiting, it’s the botanic gardens. Singapore’s famous botanic gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to the largest collection of orchids in the world and also to the national flower, the elegant-sounding Vanda Miss Joaquim. While in these beautiful gardens, you can feed the black swans at the swan lake and walk the Evolution Garden Walk, a landscaped plot that contains the fossilized remains of ancient trees.
Marina Sands Bay Casino
Marina Sands Bay Casino sits in the heart of Singapore’s entertainment and business district and is a real chance to get in on the glamorous side of Singapore. The casino boasts four levels of gaming space. If you’re into slots or electronic gaming, you’ll love this casino, which spoils you with a choice of more than 2, 500 slots and more than 250 titles.
If you fancy sitting down to gaming tables, again you have plenty of choice. The casino offers baccarat, poker, roulette and blackjack, all in different variations, and also craps and the dice game sic bo. You’ll find the games at the casino similar to games you can play with providers like 888 casino, so why not get some practice in on the app before you visit.
Singapore Zoo
Singapore Zoo is a terrific, family-friendly attraction that covers at least 28 hectares. There are more than 4,000 animals to see, and there are 11 different zones, such as the Primate Kingdom, Frozen Tundra and Wild Africa. One of the things you’ll enjoy most about this zoo is that it’s different to traditional zoos, as it was one of the first to implement the “open” concept in which the animals live in individually landscaped enclosures.
National Gallery
Singapore knows how to cater to art lovers. The National Gallery Singapore houses more than 9,000 works of art and is home to the largest public collection of modern art in South East Asia. The collection, which includes the gallery’s long-term exhibitions “Siapa Nama Kamu?” and “Between Declarations and Dreams,” is spread across two national monuments: the City Hall and the former Supreme Court. To avoid queues, it’s often a good idea to visit during weekdays and buy your tickets in advance online.
Singapore Flyer
If you want to soak up a mesmerizing view of the city, the Singapore Flyer is the way to do it. This inspiring 165 meter observation wheel rewards you with 360 degree views of Singapore, which you can enjoy for 30 minutes when you step into one of the wheel’s capsules. On a clear day, the view will stretch into neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia. Visiting this attraction is more than just about the view. As the wheel moves around, you can listen to the audio guide and view the interactive screens that provide insight into the past, present and even the future of Singapore.
Merlion Park
If you like sculptures, checking out Merlion Park is a must. This promenade that overlooks Marina Bay is the home of Singapore’s iconic 28 foot Merlion statue. The statue is a half fish, half lion stone carving that shoots water into the bay. It’s highly symbolic. The fish recognizes Singapore’s humble roots as a fishing village, whereas the lion is a reference to “Singapura,” (or “Lion City” as it is means in Malay). The sculpture came about in 1972 and has long been one of Singapore’s most popular attractions. It’s another must-see in Singapore really, so plan accordingly.
Singapore has so many different sights and attractions that if you don’t get to see them all, you might very well plan to come back. Other places of interest you might put on your itinerary include the bizarre Paw Har Villa outdoor art park, the Thiang Hock Keng Temple (Singapore’s oldest Buddhist temple) and the Southern Ridges recreational trail that connects five parks along Singapore’s southern ridge.