Singapore is a country that effortlessly combines multiple cultures with history, modernity, and nature.
This small yet mighty country attracts tourists from all over the world thanks to its colorful districts, excellent touristic infrastructure, delicious gastronomic delights, and enough events to fill up even the emptiest itinerary.
However, what really makes Singapore shine is its multiethnic identity. Three main ethnic groups call this country home: Chinese, Malays, and Indians. Each of these groups has contributed its own piece of culture to make up the unique fabric of Singapore.
If you’re ready to discover all that Singapore has to offer, be sure to apply for a SG Arrival Card, grab your luggage, and add these exciting places to your itinerary!
Changi Airport: Singapore’s Most Underrated Attraction
While it’s true that most journeys start at the airport, it’s a rare event when the airport is the attraction! However, Singapore’s Changi Airport proves just that.
Besides the usual airport check-in counters, lounges, and departure areas, there are many other things that are unique to Changi. For example, travelers can find various art exhibitions that are constantly changing, as well as a working cinema, various indoor parks and gardens, a 40-meter tall waterfall, and even a butterfly gallery with over 1000 colorful butterflies.
Gardens by the Bay
As the main tourist attraction of Singapore, the Gardens by the Bay are a must-visit during any trip to the ‘Little Red Dot.’
The symbol of the gardens are the 18 futuristic Supertrees, which are a great example of the synergy between ingenious human engineering and organic nature. Various vines and plants wind along the iron frames of the trees and are watered thanks to the collected rainwater.
Visitors can use the bridges between the Supertrees to get between the structures, as well as enjoy a panoramic view of the gardens below.
Besides the main attractions, Gardens by the Bay also has two greenhouses: the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. The gardens span more than 100 hectares and make for an excellent attraction to visit for a few hours or an entire day!
Family Fun at Sentosa Island
While mainland Singapore may feel like a concrete jungle, Sentosa Island is a great place to reconnect with nature.
Located just 20 minutes away from central Singapore is this fun island, which features various beaches, an aquarium with rare fish from different parts of the world, and tons of entertainment venues and parks.
One of the most famous attractions on Sentosa is Universal Studios. Similar to the eponymous park found in the United States, Universal Studios Singapore has 28 rides and zones based on the film studio’s most famous movies, including Madagascar, Jurassic Park, Transformers, and much more.
It is also worth visiting Sentosa Island in the evening, as there is a colorful light show after sunset. This performance combines music and lasers that project different animations onto the fountain’s water. There are even fireworks during certain weekends and holidays if you’re lucky!
Merlion: The Ultimate Symbol of Singapore
Travelers who have done their research may have noticed that the mythical Merlion is everywhere, from souvenirs to travel brochures, t-shirts, and even plushie toys! In fact, this statue is the ultimate symbol of Singapore, similar to the Eiffel Tower in France or the Statue of Liberty in the USA.
The Merlion is a statue of a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. The lion’s head is symbolic of fearlessness and strength, while the fish part speaks of the country’s connection with the sea — Singapore is, after all, an island nation!
Ethnic Districts of Singapore
Singapore is a cosmopolitan city and each neighborhood feels as if you’ve been transported to a new country. Here are some of the most interesting places worth visiting:
Little India — Despite its relatively small size, Little India packs quite a punch! There are various family-run stores that sell Indian goods like spices, jewelry, souvenirs, and clothes, while the local restaurants serve up some of the best curries outside of India. Last but certainly not least, keep an eye out for the dozen or so temples that are found throughout the neighborhood.
Chinatown is another popular area that is characterized by traditional pagoda-like architecture, splashes of red and yellow on the buildings, and paper lanterns adorning the streets.
Interestingly enough, many tourists come here to see the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, Sri Mariamman. The temple is located in the heart of the Chinatown district and is considered a monument of national importance for Singaporeans. Sri Mariamman Temple is sure to impress visitors with its architecture, beauty, and painstaking details.
Finally, Kampong Glam is known as Singapore’s Muslim Quarter. The streets are packed with trendy boutiques and traditional shops that sell jewels, Persian carpets, and much more. True to its heritage, visitors can find local delicacies from Lebanon, Sudan, and other Middle Eastern fare in local restaurants.
Especially worth paying attention to is the Sultan Mosque. This is considered to be one of the most important national monuments of Singapore, as it was built in 1826 and continues to impress with its grandeur and beauty.