Singapore, or Lion City, is a beautiful island country that blends technological innovations with culture. Singapore is a city famous for its skyline, green spaces and local areas, which make it an exciting travel destination. From top attractions to beautiful parks and restaurants, this Singapore travel guide will take you on a tour of exploration and delight. Be it an adventure seeker, foodie or culture connoisseur, this metropolis has something for all. Whether you are a nature lover or a connoisseur there is something for everyone in The Lion City.
Location
Singapore lies in Southeast Asia, off the southern end of the Malay Peninsula. It borders the South China Sea to the east and the Strait of Malacca to the west. Small as it is, Singapore is the world’s capital of trade, finance, and tourism with millions of visitors coming to the country every year.
How To Reach
Photo: Masakatsu Ukon / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: Singapore is well-connected by air, with Changi Airport being one of the busiest and best airports in the world. Direct flights are available from major cities across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
By Road: Alternatively, you can reach Singapore via train or bus from Malaysia.
Ferries from nearby Indonesian islands also provide an option for travellers seeking scenic routes.
Places To Visit In Singapore
1. Marina Bay
Photo: Chensiyuan / Wikimedia Commons
Marina Bay is one of the best neighbourhoods in Singapore, flaunting the upscale version of Singapore. The Helix Bridge, the ArtScience Museum, and Marina Bay Sands are just some of the iconic things to see in this area. You can take a walk along the waterside promenade or witness the spectacular Spectra nightly light and water show. It also has exclusive retail and dining outlets at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. To get a 360-degree panoramic view of the city, the SkyPark Observation Deck offers spectacular views. You can visit Marina Bay to witness the futuristic charm of Singapore.
Location: Central Singapore
Best Time To Visit: Evening
2. Kampong Glam
Photo: Sengkang / Wikimedia Commons
Kampong Glam is Singapore’s ancient Malay-Arab neighbourhood with its street life and culture. The Sultan Mosque, with its golden domes, is a landmark of the area. Haji Lane is the district for cafes, small shops and street paintings; Arab Street is where you can buy traditional fabrics, carpets and handicrafts. For gourmands, the cuisine will offer real Malay and Middle Eastern dishes from nasi padang to kebabs. Kampong Glam is a mix of the old and new that gives it a vibrant look. Its cultural and artistic energy attracts everyone.
Location: Central Singapore
Best Time To Visit: Afternoon
3. Sentosa Island
Photo: Chensiyuan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sentosa Island is the playground of adventurers, beach bums and families. There is Universal Studios Singapore, where you can find adrenaline-pumping rides and shows. Surfers can unwind at Siloso, Palawan or Tanjong shores. For those who enjoy adventure, the Mega Adventure Park has zip-lining and rope courses. S.E.A. Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums on the planet with marine life. History buffs can go to Fort Siloso, an intact Second World War military fort. Sentosa’s beach clubs, resorts and kid-friendly attractions make sure that you’ll have a great time with your whole family.
Location: Off Singapore’s southern coast
Best Time To Visit: Morning to enjoy a full day of activities
4. Chinatown
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Chinatown is one of those cultural treasures that brings a sense of Singapore’s Chinese heritage. The area also boasts the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, an architecture-rich shrine. There’s also the Chinatown Heritage Centre, where you can follow the story of early Chinese immigrants. They fill the busy street with stalls selling herbal medicines, souvenirs and handicrafts. The local specialities in Chinatown’s hawker centres include char kway teow and Hainanese chicken rice. The region is particularly lively on special occasions, such as Chinese New Year, during festive displays and cultural performances.
Location: Chinatown, Singapore
Best Time To Visit: Evening
5. Little India
Photo: Bahnfrend / Wikimedia Commons
Little India is an artistic neighbourhood that is replete with colour, flavours and culture. It is also home to the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, with its elaborate sculptures dedicated to Goddess Kali. Mustafa Centre is a 24/7 shopping mall that sells everything from electronics to traditional Indian attire. The best place to try traditional Indian food like biryani, prata, and dosa is Tekka Centre. At festivals like Diwali, the streets fill with lights, flowers, and bazaars. As you stroll through Little India, you will be transported into India in a miniature form, where tradition and community run through every street.
Location: Little India, Singapore
Best Time To Visit: Morning
6. Clarke Quay
Photo: Chensiyuan / Wikimedia Commons
Clarke Quay is Singapore’s dining and entertainment district, located next to the scenic Singapore River. The old town is now a hub of colourful shophouses, which are home to restaurants, bars and clubs. The visitors can also take a river cruise to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city skyline. In the evenings, the place comes alive with music, street dancers and neon lights. The cuisine on Clarke Quay is an eater’s delight, where you will find both global and regional flavours. Clarke Quay offers an electrifying yet romantic vibe to splurge, feast, or just chill by the river.
Location: Clarke Quay, Singapore
Best Time To Visit: Evening
7. Orchard Road
Photo: Erwin Soo / Wikimedia Commons
Orchard Road is Singapore’s ultimate shopping spot for all budgets and tastes. Luxury stores such as ION Orchard and Paragon are located at luxury malls, while Ngee Ann City houses international and local stores. There are also art galleries, rooftop cafes, and landscaped walking paths in the area. In the winter months, Orchard Road lights up and lights up the streets. Apart from shopping, tourists can enjoy dining options in various places, from street food courts to Michelin-starred restaurants.
Location: Orchard Road, Singapore
Best Time To Visit: Afternoon
Where To Stay
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Singapore has a wide selection of rooms to fit any budget and preference. If you’re looking for luxury, the Marina Bay Sands and The Ritz-Carlton offer world-class services and a great location. Low-cost travellers have low-cost lodging in places such as Little India and Chinatown, small hostels and boutique hotels. For the whole family, Sentosa Island offers family-friendly resorts like Resorts World Sentosa. For those who love to party, Clarke Quay is perfect with its lively atmosphere and fashionable accommodations.
Where To Eat
Singapore is a foodie’s paradise, where you can find a greater diversity of dishes. Hawker centres such as Maxwell Food Centre, Newton Food Centre and Lau Pa Sat are ideal places to eat genuine local cuisines like Hainanese Chicken Rice, Laksa and Satay. There are hawker stalls in Chinatown where you can taste all kinds of Chinese food, and Little India is the place to go for scrumptious biryanis and curries. Restaurants such as Odette and Burnt Ends offer Michelin-starred meals. Kampong Glam is renowned for its Middle Eastern and Malay-inspired food, while Robertson Quay has riverside cafes and restaurants.
Other Factors To Consider
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- Public Transport: Use the MRT and buses for economical rides.
- Weather: Singapore is humid, so dress in light fabrics and carry water.
- Laws: Avoid chewing gum in public and follow strict rules to stay out of trouble.
- Local Currency: Keep some cash for hawkers and smaller shops.
- Pack Essentials: Bring sunscreen and a compact umbrella for sudden rains.
Singapore is a city of cultures, comforts and thrills like no other. From iconic monuments to undiscovered places, everything in the Lion City speaks for itself. So whether you’re travelling alone, with family, or as a couple, Singapore travel guide promises to make your trip one to remember. Now, grab your bags and plan a trip with with TripXL’s Singapore packages.
Cover Photo: Photo: Peter Nguyen / Unsplash