Words and pictures by Tian Li
Singapore is a fantastic destination for both Western and Eastern tourists.
We had a wonderful trip there this July, and it was very different from my last visit nearly 30 years ago in 1996. There were many new attractions, and even the old ones had changed.
We explored a lot, from sightseeing to food spots and other attractions. Although Singapore is a small country, it’s rich in diversity with its people, culture, and food.
Now, as a travel lover, I’d like to share five must-visit places with you.
No.1: Jewel Changi airport
Jewel Changi Airport, often referred to simply as Jewel, officially opened in April 2019. This iconic shopping mall features a wide range of attractions, with hundreds of retail stores, dining outlets, lush gardens, attractions, and the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex, located at the heart of Jewel.
Tip: Plan at least three hours to fully explore Jewel’s attractions.
Unique experience: Taking the metro from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3 offers a magnificent view of the waterfall.
No.2: Marina Bay Sands
Located in the heart of Singapore, Marina Bay Sands has been a modern icon since its opening in 2010.
Must Do: Visit during both day and night to experience different perspectives of the city. Marina Bay Sands offers luxurious shopping, dining at celebrity chef restaurants, and hotels with breathtaking views.
Skyline View: Don’t forget to book tickets to access the observation deck for stunning night-time views.
National Day Fireworks: If you visit during the six weeks leading up to Singapore’s National Day (August 9), you can catch spectacular firework displays on Saturday nights.
Nearby Attractions: The Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, and other amazing views are nearby. A nice slice of nature to complement Marina Bay Sands.
No.3: Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Mandai Wildlife Reserve is home to the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park, the Night Safari, which has won the Best Attraction Award in Singapore 12 times.
What to do: Hop on the Night Safari tram to explore the wildlife, and reserve time to walk along the Safari Trails to find your favourite animals. Don’t miss the Tasmanian Devil Trail if you are from Australia.
No.4: Sentosa
Sentosa is a must-visit for tourists in Singapore, packed with attractions like the renowned S.E.A. Aquarium.
Recommendation: Stay at Sentosa for at least one night to fully explore the island.
Experience: Ride the sky cable connecting Sentosa to the mainland for stunning views.
Tip: A daily ticket for the sky cable is a great option, allowing you unlimited rides throughout the day.
No.5: Food
Singapore’s diverse food culture – containing Malay, Indonesian, Chinese, and other international cuisines – ensures that delicious and affordable food is available everywhere. During our stay, we visited many places, and these were our favourites:
Chendol at Chinatown complex: This traditional dessert is a must-try.
Ice cream at Birds of Paradise Katong: Indulge in their unique botanical-inspired flavours.
Cocktail drink at the Skai Bar, the top of Swissotel the Stamford: Enjoy a cocktail with panoramic views from the tallest building in Singapore.
Featured image: A view of Marina Bay Sands at night. Photo: Tian Li