The best things to do in Singapore
Photo by Mike Enerio
Singapore, often referred to as Lion City, is an ideal place to visit within Southeast Asia whether you are looking for adventure, culture, a sprawling metropolis, or tradition. There are so many things to do, you want to consider staying for at least a week. The weather is almost perfect, but you want to stay on top of the forecasts due to the 167 days it rains every year, especially hot days and the haze from Sumatra. This beautiful city will capture your heart.
Island Hopping to Pulau Ubin
One of the small islands to the northeast is Pulau Ubin. This lovely island will show you the Singapore of a few decades past. You will discover traditional villages and simple life. The inhabitants support their village through agriculture and fishing. You can explore the entire island by renting a bike. There are tokens of the country's lore, such as the German Girl Shrine.
You can take a ferry to the island at the Changi Point Ferry. If there is rain in the forecast, visit the island on another day. You can spend your time enjoying the sensational museums, local markets, and interconnected shopping malls complete with delicious food courts.
Marina Bay Sands
The Marina Bay Sands Boardwalk offers you the opportunity to see the famous and stunning skyline of Singapore. You will not find a better view anywhere else in the city. Make sure there is no rain in the forecast, then head out around 6:00 p.m. The sunset is magnificent, and the Sands SkyPark is an architect's dream. You can explore the observation deck, look at souvenirs, and learn about the history of the city through an audio guide.
The Gardens by the Bay
One of the best things to see in Singapore is the Gardens by the Bay. This is one of the most popular attractions. The Sun Pavillion, conservatories, and waterfront gardens showcase some of the most spectacular man-made structures imaginable. You can view the tallest indoor waterfall, walk across the OCBC Skyway for a phenomenal view of Marina Bay and stroll through the Supertree Grove.
There are eighteen vertical gardens in the Supertree Grove. One of them is almost twenty stories high. The best time to visit is during the evening. A must-see is the Flower Dome. The climate will make you feel like you have been transported to the Mediterranean.
The Singapore Zoo
Checking the weather forecast before heading to the zoo is important. Every year, smoke and haze come from the out of control agricultural fires in Sumatra, Indonesia. You want to be sure this pollution is not going to be at issue before you decide to spend your day at the zoo. A lot of people will tell you the best place to visit is the zoo, and they are not wrong.
The Singapore Zoo opened in 1973, covers almost seventy acres and houses more than 300 species. You can get around using a boat or tram. One of the best things to do is visit after dark. You can enjoy the Night Safari to watch the behavior of the animals once the sun goes down. This is the first nocturnal safari in the world. Your wildlife adventure includes the East Lodge, Fishing Cat, Leopard, and Wallaby walking trails.
The Hawker Centres
The best time to visit Singapore is in the spring because this is the dry season. With temperatures around 76 degrees Fahrenheit, you will be free to try the local cuisine. Try some of the specialties of the country, such as laksa and chili crab. You will find Chinese, Tamil, and Malay cuisine throughout the city. If you want the tastiest cuisine, follow the locals to a hawker centre. You can enjoy a meal for under $10.
Satay is crisp sticks of meat cooked in a sweet and spicy peanut sauce. This dish is so well-loved by the locals, it was available in food centers all over the city in the past. You can still find satay at almost all of the hawker centres. Nonya Kueh is sweet and savory snacks that are a tribute to the Peranakan culture of Singapore.
Photo by Adrian Jakob
Exploring the Cultural Neighborhoods of Singapore
The best place you can see is the cultural neighborhoods of the city. There is an extremely rich heritage in Little India, Chinatown and Arab Street. You can see the religious diversity of Little India by taking a self-guided walk or try a plate of incredible chicken rice. This is the best place to be if you enjoy Mediterranean food. You can watch the people and enjoy some shisha.
Visit Chinatown and spend some time in the Chinatown Complex. If the forecast predicts smoke from Sumatra or a lot of rain, you can be indoors enjoying more than 260 food stalls of Singaporean street food. Try the Char Kway Teow or the Hainanese chicken rice or a craft beer right on tap. The other levels are filled with sundry and market stalls. You may even catch an intense game of Chinese chess.
The Kampong Glam neighborhood is the Muslim counterpart to both Little India and Chinatown. The area is also filled with trendy watering holes and chic boutiques for the hipsters. Long before this area began attracting twenty-somethings on the weekends, this was where the residents came to live and worship.
Orchard Road
A must-see in Singapore is Orchard Road. This is the commercial avenue found in every modern metropolis. The moment you step foot on this road, you will hear neon lights humming, cars whizzing by, and the buzz of the electric boulevard buses. The name Orchard Road was derived from the 19th century. This was when the area was filled with pepper farms, nutmeg plantations, and fruit orchards.
This mile-long street is currently the home of numerous eating establishments and an amazing 47 shopping malls. You will find popular international retailers, high-end brands, and local shops. The main draw of the area is the ION Orchard complex. The fashionable patrons and designer names will pull you inside. This is an excellent time to go window shopping. Be careful of the price tags because they go from fair to obscene.
You are better off looking for unique souvenirs in Chinatown or Little India. Orchard Road also offers a wide variety of entertainment opportunities, including art galleries, clubs, and movie theaters.
Making Your Trip to Singapore Special
The many walking trails and green spaces throughout the city may surprise you. The reason the country is so green is due to all of the thunderstorms. Unexpected showers are common in Singapore. The average humidity is a minimum of 80 percent. There is even more rain during November, December, and January. November through January is monsoon season and the wettest months of all. Remaining informed regarding the weather is the best way to ensure your trip is special.
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