SingaporeTravel Guide

Shopaholics, look no further than Orchard Road. This retail mecca is an urban paradise. Staying here, right in the heart of Singapore, will give you immediate access to the countless stores, eateries, attractions, and facilities that Orchard Road has to offer. You can literally shop ‘til you drop because your room is right there ready to catch you. Big hotel brands here include Vacation Inn, Pac Pacific, Hilton, and Marriott.

Located just minutes from Orchard Road, Bras Basah Road accommodation offers a less frenetic place to stay that's still very much central. The world-renowned Carlton Hotel Singapore and Rendezvous Grand Hotel Singapore are both found here. When you stay on Bras Basah Road, many fantastic attractions will be within walking distance, including the National Museum of Singapore, the Peranakan Museum, and Fort Canning Park.

Chinatown is a thriving area full of markets, restaurants, shops, people, and some fascinating temples. You'll get great value on accommodation here, and delicious Chinese dishes will never be more than a short walk away. If you plan on spending some quality time in the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, Chinatown is a smart place to stay.

Keen to spend your vacation on exciting movie-themed rides, exploring aquariums, watching incredible shows, and relaxing on the beach? Sentosa Island is the fun capital of Singapore, so staying at a resort on the island makes perfect sense if an activity-packed vacation is what you're after. Start your getaway by ascending Tiger Sky Tower, then make your way to Universal Studios Singapore.

The accommodation options in Little India tend to be boutique and quirky, much like the area's shop houses with their colourful shopfronts. If you love Indian cuisine, you'll love being greeted by the wafting aroma of delicious food every time you step out of your hotel lobby. Hotels in this area tend to be quite affordable, and staying here gives you easy access to many of the city's best attractions.

The heart of downtown Singapore, the Colonial District is noteworthy for its architecture and for being the home of the world-famous Raffles Hotel (named after the city's founder, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles). This is a great place to stay in Singapore if you want to be close to everything. For example, the Asian Civilisations Museum and National Gallery will be within walking distance.

The sensational Marina Bay Sands is perhaps Singapore's most recognisable building. The ‘ship' upheld by the three main pillars is a sight to behold. Staying here gives you direct access to the massive casino, the classy Shoppes, and the largest rooftop pool in the world. You could also enjoy a daily stroll through the Gardens by the Bay, which are located just across the road from the Marina Bay Sands.

The Marina Bay Sands provides much more than luxurious accommodation and a 15,000m2 casino. With its incredible rooftop area and iconic architecture, it's also one of the most beautiful places in Singapore. Experience breathtaking views from the top, spend hours browsing high-end brands in The Shoppes, or just stay cool and relax in the Infinity Pool.

Comprised of seven distinct zones, Universal Studios Singapore is a magical place full of rides and shows based on your favourite movies and TV shows. Feel like a star walking through the Hollywood zone, have pizza for lunch in New York, then hang out with Shrek, Fiona and Donkey in Far Far Away. Prefer a different genre? Then meet dinosaurs in the Lost World zone, and jump aboard futuristic rides in Sci-Fi City.

Since 2008, this 165m Ferris wheel has been providing visitors with an incomparable bird's-eye view of Singapore. Walk through a brief museum about the wheel's history before hopping aboard the Singapore Flyer itself. The wheel rotates so slowly you'll barely realise it's moving and each 28-person capsule is air-conditioned and fully enclosed. Some are even equipped as dining cabins, but you'll need to book ahead for this special experience.

Take a trip to the Downtown Core and visit the National Gallery Singapore. With more than 8,000 pieces, this is the largest public display of contemporary Southeast Asian artworks in the world. Singapore has a rich, unique identity, and the National Gallery showcases the most visual representation of it. Exhibitions change frequently, so check the gallery's website to see what's on or just show up and let yourself be surprised.

What better place is there to get some insight into how Singapore came to be the thriving multicultural metropolis it is today? Dating back to 1849, this is the city's oldest museum. The Renaissance and Palladian architectures of the National Museum of Singapore are interesting in their own right. However, it's really the History Gallery, the ‘We Built A Nation' exhibition and other displays that will captivate you for hours.

Fort Canning Hill, which is now a park popularly used for events and festivals, has played an important role in the history of Singapore. You can take a tour of the ‘Battle Box', where the momentous decision was made to surrender Singapore to the Japanese during World War II. Other key sites include the Sally Port (a secret door into the fort) and the fort's wall and gate.

Sentosa Island provides an entire buffet of attractions including Universal Studios Singapore, Tiger Sky Tower, Madame Tussauds Singapore, three beaches, an adventure park, a water adventure park, an aquarium, night shows, the Trick Eye Museum, and even a K-pop (Korean pop) hologram theatre. No wonder this island is called the fun capital of Singapore! If you're not staying on Sentosa Island, you can get here via cable car or monorail from VivoCity.

Combined with the Night Safari and River Safari parks, Singapore Zoo offers the ultimate wildlife encounter. Watch cheeky chimpanzees climb through the zoo's treetops, meet some adorable red pandas, and see other animals from every corner of the world. Then come back to see what they get up to after dark (when it's also not so hot!).

Take a trip to the Downtown Core and visit the National Gallery Singapore. With more than 8,000 pieces, this is the largest public display of contemporary Southeast Asian artworks in the world. Singapore has a rich, unique identity, and the National Gallery showcases the most visual representation of it. Exhibitions change frequently, so check the gallery's website to see what's on or just show up and let yourself be surprised.

The first thing you'll inevitably notice about the ArtScience Museum is its extraordinary exterior. The building's design has earned it the moniker ‘The Welcoming Hand of Singapore'. The museum itself is indeed welcoming, especially if you come with a curious mind. Exhibitions rotate regularly, but they frequently touch on themes including the ancient world, nature, photography and art, and predicting what the future might hold.

Find this four-storey Buddhist temple is in the heart of Singapore's Chinatown. From the ornate Mountain Gate entrance with its fierce guardian statue to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda on the roof, there are several sacred items to discover. Meanwhile, the museum provides excellent information on the culture and history of Buddhism.

This is the ideal museum for immersing yourself in the culture of Singapore and Southeast Asia. Among the permanent exhibitions, you'll find sculptures illustrating ancient religions, contemporary art, remarkable ceramics recovered from a shipwreck, and more. Highlights of the Asian Civilisation Museum's collection include an ornately decorated octagonal cup, a spiritually enlightened Jina statuette, and a luminous tortoiseshell cabinet.

Chinatown and Little India are two of the best Singapore restaurant precincts and you can probably guess what kind of cuisine each is renowned for. For a wider range of delicious dishes (with an excellent view to boot), take a dinner-time trip to Clarke Quay by the river or Marina Bay. If you're staying on Sentosa Island, the main thoroughfare offers everything from South American eats to Korean cuisine.

When it comes to hawker centres, Singapore can't seem to get enough. That's quite alright, though, because neither can we! Whether you hit Maxwell Road Hawker Centre, Old Airport Road Food Centre, Chinatown Complex Food Centre, or just the closest centre to your hotel, dining at these bustling food hubs will inevitably be a highlight of your time here. Can't decide what to eat in Singapore? Trust the hawkers.

After the sun goes down, it's time to order a Singapore Sling – the city's favourite drink will really kick start your night out. Singapore bars and nightlife aren't just about pineapple-flavoured cocktails, though. Rooftop bars are also in fashion, especially in Marina Bay where they provide perfect vantage spots for seeing the nightly light shows. Orchard Road and Clarke Quay are both safe bets for a great evening too.

Wondering what kind of Singapore street food gets dished up at the hawker centres? As with almost everything in this city, there's a diverse mix. Depending on which centre you visit, you could treat yourself to laksa, nasi lemak, wanton with minced pork and prawns, kaya toast, or chicken rice – among many other options. If you're looking for Singapore's famous chili crab, however, you'll have more luck in ‘proper' restaurants

Located in Chinatown, Ann Siang Road is part of the acclaimed Ann Siang Hill district. The area is famous for its intriguing shops and exciting food scene, which combine to create the perfect shopping destination. Ann Siang Road is a wonderful place to enjoy a coffee and some excellent food between browsing vintage stores, particularly if you've already had a healthy dose of Orchard Road's hullabaloo.

Home to exquisite flea markets, street markets and department stores, Chinatown offers quite a diverse shopping experience. One moment you could be haggling with a street stall owner over a souvenir, the next you might be trying on big-name fashion in the comfort of a classy shopping centre. The OG Department Store is a particular favourite among locals and visitors alike.

For unique and boutique Singapore fashion, head to the quirky Haji Lane. Lined by tiny independent stores and Middle Eastern cafes, this colourful area is perfect if you're looking for an interesting shopping experience, but not looking to buy anything in particular. That's not to say you won't buy anything, though – the fascinating items and lively store owners will definitely tempt you.

Little India is a thriving retail area, but it couldn't be more different from the glamorous and oversized shopping centres of Orchard Road. Here you'll find the real Singapore markets, the quaint shopping centres preferred by locals, and street stalls selling authentic Indian wares. Mustafa Centre is a highlight, as is Sim Lim Square (especially if you're into your gadgets!).

Over 20 shopping centres line Orchard Road from end to end. Some are connected by underground passages, so you don't even have to brave the heat to journey from one mall to the next. Highlights include ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City, Wisma Atria, and Plaza Singapura. When you need to refuel, try Takashimaya's unfathomably large Food Village. A whole level of the shopping centre is dedicated to eating.

Despite the exorbitant cost of owning and operating a car in Singapore, the taxis here are rather affordable. Singapore taxis are comfortable and plentiful, particularly in well-trafficked areas like Orchard Road and Little India, and the drivers are typically friendly and knowledgeable. For short-to-medium trips, a taxi will often be your best option, and it won't leave a large dent in your vacation budget.

The Singapore government doesn't have a bike hire initiative like some cities in Australia do. However, some private businesses like The Bicycle Hut will provide you with bicycles to loan. The bike share app oBike is also available in Singapore. Unless you're an avid cyclist, it's easiest to stick to taxis and/or trains during your vacation.

Singapore's public transport system is impressive, especially the train system (signed as MRT and LRT). Simply work out where you need to go and head for the corresponding coloured line. Buying an EZ-Link card will make getting around Singapore even simpler. Just try to avoid going in or out of the city during typical peak times. Singapore is densely populated, so rush hour isn't the most pleasant experience.

Singapore is a beautiful city to explore on foot, but be prepared for sweltering weather and heavy humidity. If you're sensitive to the heat, it's best to travel by taxi or train and only rely on walking where necessary (e.g. when exploring the stunning Gardens by the Bay or the Singapore Botanic Gardens).

Sentosa Island is home to three of Singapore’s best beaches and Siloso Beach is the northernmost one. This beach (and the following two) were all made by reclaiming land and importing fine white sand from elsewhere. Siloso Beach is overlooked at one end by the impressive Shangri-La Sentosa, and the area surrounding the beach has a laid-back vacation vibe, with plenty of restaurants, cafes and beach bars. There’s also an almighty zip line, MegaZip, giving you the chance to make the 450m drop in from the tropical rainforest above.

Heading south, the next beach along the strip of Sentosa Island beaches is Tanjong beach. This beach has been formed from two linked coves, each with wide expanses of imported white sand and warm shallow water, sheltered by an offshore island. Tanjong Beach sits in front of the Tanjong Beach Club and Sentosa Golf Course.

Back up on Singapore island, East Coast Park beach is a lovely expanse of light, soft sand, dotted with palm trees and backed by East Coast Park—the largest and most-visited park anywhere in Singapore. This 15km stretch of beach is entirely man-made, created from land reclaimed from the Strait of Singapore—not that you’d know it. There’s always a gentle breeze blowing here, and this beach is popular for early morning tai chi classes, evening jogs, or just as somewhere to escape the hustle and bustle and take in the ocean view.

Named after Palawan island, Palawan Beach is also found on the southwest side of Sentosa Island, a little further south from Siloso Beach. Palawan Beach is generally regarded to be the most family- and child-friendly beach in Singapore and is connected to Palawan island by a chain-link suspension bridge. The pale sands give way to calm turquoise waters, with stand-up paddle-boarding and other water sports popular here too. This beach is patrolled by lifeguards.

While you’re in the southern Sentosa neighbourhood, note that there’s another beautiful beach on Lazarus Island. Around 35 minutes by ferry from Marina South Pier lies St John Island, and from here you can walk across the St John-Lazarus bridge in about 10 minutes. This island has crystal clear water, white sand and is undeveloped, so don’t hold out to buy water or sunscreen when you get there—you won’t find a shop or any amenities.

Featuring over a million plants across 101ha of land, the Gardens by the Bay are divided into three areas. Cloud Forest features the tallest indoor waterfall in the world, the Flower Dome will enchant you with its colourful ocean of flowers, and the Heritage Gardens reveal Singapore's culture through its plants. Feeling brave? Walk the OCBC Skyway 22m above the ground to explore the magnificent Supertree Grove.

Meet the Merlion, Singapore's iconic mythological creature which symbolises the city's history as a fishing village and the cultural strength and values that its people hold. A perpetual jet of water shoots from its mouth and if you head down to where the Singapore River meets Marina Bay — to Merlion Park — this is where you'll get to take photos with this 8.6m statue. There's also a smaller 2m ‘Merlion Cub' in the park.

Covering more than 15km of picturesque coastline and featuring palm trees complete with coconuts, East Coast Park is perhaps the most tropical place in Singapore. Try your hand at beach volleyball, hire a bicycle for the afternoon, or jump right into the various water sports available. When you need to replenish your energy levels, head to the neighbouring hawker centre for an appetising and affordable bite to eat.

Visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens and you'll soon understand why this is the only tropical garden in the world that is World Heritage-listed. For over 150 years, this has been the green heart of the city. The well-maintained grounds, plant displays, and statues will keep you spellbound and strolling for hours. The National Orchid Garden is particularly delightful.

Despite being only 12km west of Singapore's CBD, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is so serene and pristine that you'll think you've left civilisation far behind. The plants and animals here are as diverse as the people back in the city. Look for the distinctive tail feathers of the greater racket-tailed drongo. You might even get to see a Malayan flying lemur glide (not actually ‘fly') from one tree to another.

Ride a cable car to the top of this 105m hill and prepare to enjoy panoramic views of the city. There are also walking trails if you're looking for a tough but rewarding hike to add to your itinerary. At the top of Mount Faber is Faber Peak, which features excellent dining and bar options. Why not enjoy a cold beverage or a hearty dinner along with the view?