Unveiling the Best Hidden Gems: Top Places to Visit in Singapore

Unveiling the Best Hidden Gems: Top Places to Visit in SingaporeSingapore is an exquisite and diverse city-state that boasts of a blend of modernity and tradition. Singapore’s beautiful beaches, gardens, skyscrapers, and architecture appeal to everyone. It’s one of Asia’s most visited cities. There are many places to see in Singapore, whether you want a leisurely beach vacation or an urban adventure. From iconic landmarks to lesser-known gems, in this blog, we’ll explore some of the must-visit destinations in Singapore. Here are places to visit in Singapore.

1. Overview of Singapore’s transportation system

Singapore’s transportation system provides an efficient and convenient travel experience for both locals and tourists. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and bus networks cover most of the city’s popular attractions and offer scenic routes for passengers. All buses are wheelchair accessible and open strollers are allowed. Tourists can use the Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited travel or purchase an EZ-Link smartcard for cashless payments across the transport system. Visitors can also pay in cash on buses, but at a higher cost. Peak travel hours are from 8 – 9 am and 5 – 7 pm, so planning accordingly can ease travel during busy periods. Overall, Singapore’s public transportation system is a reliable way to navigate the city’s bustling urban landscape. 

2. Singapore’s reinvention as a 21st-century metropolitan destination

Singapore has undergone a remarkable transformation in the 21st century, reinventing itself as a top metropolitan destination. With its efficient airport, subway lines, and skyscrapers, the country has created a modern transport and architecture network that maximize the flow of people and capital. It boasts Marina Bay Sands, a triple-towered hotel and casino, and Gardens by the Bay, a park dominated by towering metal trees. Singapore is also home to restored shop-houses, a style of building that forms the city’s architectural fabric and was popular in the early 19th century. The five-foot ways, open-ended to create shaded colonnades, invite visitors to explore the city’s multilayered past. Singapore attracts millions of international tourists every year and continues to reimagine itself as a high-end tourist destination.  

3. Top 54 places to visit in Singapore

There are many tourist attractions to discover in the thriving metropolis of Singapore. There is something here for everyone, regardless of whether you enjoy the outdoors, good food, or culture. The top 54 places to visit in Singapore include well-known spots like Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Zoo, as well as lesser-known gems like Tanjong Beach Club and the Sri Mariamman Temple. Visitors can also explore Sentosa Island, which is packed with attractions like Universal Studios Theme Park and the Adventure Cove Waterpark. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to fill your itinerary with Singapore’s top sights and activities. 

4. Tourist attractions for nature lovers

For those who adore nature, Singapore has plenty of tourist attractions to offer. Chek Jawa, located at the eastern edge of Pulau Ubin, is a wetland area that is home to six distinct habitats and is perfect for spotting different types of biodiversity. Mount Faber Park, one of Singapore’s most famous nature attractions, offers stunning views of the parks and skyline. Visitors can cross the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore known as Henderson Waves to get an even better view. Gardens by the Bay, the most famous attraction in Singapore, is a floral wonderland featuring endless plants woven around sculptures. Finally, the Hindhede Quarry is the perfect spot for viewing elusive Southeast Asian animals, such as stork-billed kingfishers and banded woodpeckers. 

5. Gardens by the Bay

Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay is a must-see location because it provides a unique experience. The park is a showcase of horticulture and garden artistry, featuring more than 1.5 million different plant varieties and divided into three sections. The South Bay is the largest of all the gardens, with the Flower Dome as its main attraction. The Supertree Grove is an architectural masterpiece that will surely leave you in awe. The park also has a delightful lake ecosystem with Dragonfly and Kingfisher lakes. The serene gardens offer a tranquil section, where visitors can enjoy a nice evening stroll. The Flower Dome, one of the largest greenhouses in the world, is a must-see. Gardens by the Bay is the perfect combination of nature, technology, and innovative architecture. 

6. Singapore Zoo and other wildlife parks

The Singapore Zoo and other wildlife parks offer a unique opportunity to experience and learn about the wonders of nature. Home to over 300 species, including many that are threatened, the Zoo has established a strong reputation for its conservation initiatives and breeding programmes. Its open concept allows visitors to view animals in their natural habitats, and it has recently invested in a Wildlife Healthcare and Research Centre to better meet the healthcare needs of its animals. Other top wildlife attractions in Singapore include the Night Safari, where visitors can observe nocturnal animals in action, and the River Safari, which offers a fascinating journey through some of the world’s major river systems. With approximately 1.9 million visitors enjoying experiential learning journeys at the Zoo annually, it is undoubtedly one of Singapore’s most popular destinations. 

7. Sentosa Island attraction complex

Sentosa Island is the ultimate entertainment hub of Singapore. The man-made island is easily accessible via a small bridge and features Resorts World which offers many exciting activities suitable for families with children. Sentosa boasts the best beaches in Singapore and a free bus service to easily reach all attractions. There are many places to visit near Sentosa Island Complex, including Clarke Quay, a historically significant pedestrian mall, and the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a world heritage site and top park attraction in Asia. ION Orchard, a shopping mall, also offers a panoramic view of the city from its sky level. With all these exciting attractions, Sentosa Island is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking adventure and entertainment. 

8. Adventure Cove Waterpark and other water-based attractions

Adventure Cove Waterpark is one of the must-visit water-based attractions in Singapore. With seven thrilling water rides, such as Pipeline Plunge and Riptide Rocket, visitors will surely get their adrenaline pumping. For those who prefer a leisurely day out, they can float down the Adventure River and enjoy stunning habitats while drifting through a lush jungle garden and an underwater tunnel with a sea of marine life swimming overhead. Snorkeling enthusiasts can head to Rainbow Reef, a man-made reef filled with 20,000 friendly fishes, while those who want to interact with rays can wade among them in Ray Bay. Adventure Cove Waterpark also caters to younger visitors with features like Seahorse Hideaway, a shallow wading pool perfect for tots. 

9. Food and drink options in Singapore

When it comes to food, Singapore is a gastronomic paradise that caters to every palate. Visitors should not miss out on trying the local delicacies at the various hawker centers spread across the city. These food courts offer a plethora of options such as Chinese, Malay, Indian and Western cuisine. The food is freshly prepared and affordable, with prices ranging from USD 5 and under. Singapore is also known for its exotic fruits, especially the durian, which is a must-try for adventurous foodies. The famous chilli crab, listed as the 35th most delicious food in the world by CNN Go, should also be on every visitor’s list. With so many options available, visitors are sure to be spoilt for choice on their culinary journey in Singapore. 

10. Cultural and religious landmarks in Singapore

Singapore is a melting pot of cultures and religions, making it a fascinating destination for visitors looking to explore diversity. The city-state has plenty of cultural and religious landmarks that are not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful. One of the most famous landmarks is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, which houses a tooth relic of the Buddha and other Buddhist artifacts. The Thian Hock Keng Temple is the oldest Hokkien temple in Singapore and is a significant cultural and religious landmark. The Sri Mariamman Temple, which is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, is another must-visit landmark. Other significant landmarks include the Masjid Sultan, the Malay Heritage Centre, and the Chinatown Heritage Centre. Visitors can learn about the history and significance of these landmarks and experience Singapore’s cultural and religious diversity firsthand.