What to do in Singapore: 10 Memorable Experiences & Adventures

Tucked away to the south of Malaysia on an island all unto itself, is where you will find the thriving urban epicenter of Singapore. This unique place is known as both an independent nation and a metropolitan city and offers visitors a plethora of unique, sun-soaked adventures. Singapore boasts one of the healthiest economies in the world, and travelers who know exactly what to do in Singapore can partake in futuristic activities, while still paying homage to the history of the region. Looking for something upbeat, wild, or luxurious to do? Check out the 10 best things to do in Singapore.

Photo credit: @Tawtawing

1. What to do in Singapore | Orchard Road

Interested in shopping at luxury stores like Cartier, Dior, or Luis Vuitton, just to name a few? Visitors will be in for a world-class shopping experience when they venture through the stores found at Orchard Road in downtown. Orchard Road is the place to be for luxury goods, gourmet restaurants, and haute hotels. This outdoor shopping plaza encompasses dozens of stores in a distance of just over a mile.

Orchard Road is also home to four different movie theaters, including an IMAX center. The landscaping of the plaza adds extra extravagance to the experience.

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2. What to do in Singapore | Chinatown

Bursting with vibrant colors, exotic smells, and authentic Chinese goods, Chinatown is the place to be for those who want a real-life glimpse into the culture and traditions of China and its people. Chinatown is made up of compact streets that are loaded with boutique gift shops, small eateries with authentic Chinese fare, and markets where visitors can purchase ingredients, medicines, and more.

Chinatown is adorned in ornate buildings, historic temples, and galleries that showcase the artistic nature of the Chinese. While visiting, be sure to check out Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, which is home to a tooth that is said to be from the Buddha himself. The temple is located at 288 South Bridge Road and is open to the public from 9am-6:30pm daily.

Singapore City Gallery is also an interesting highlight of the neighborhood. The gallery features a fascinating 3D miniature model of the city. Singapore City Gallery can be found at 45 Maxwell Rd, The URA Center, and is open from 9am-5pm, Monday-Saturday.

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3. What to do in Singapore | Singapore Zoo & Night Safari

Filled with exotic animals from all over the world, Singapore Zoo and Night Safari is an expansive rainforest-themed zoo that is fun for the whole family. The zoo has several different zones, which showcases the habitats of each species and is one of the first “open concept” zoos of the world. Singapore Zoo and Night Safari can be found at 80 Mandai Lake Road. The zoo is open from 9am to 6:30pm daily, and the night safari runs from 7:15 pm to midnight.

The zoo and reserve encompasses over 69 acres of land space. Animals that call the zoo home include the popular orangutans, elephants, lemurs, African painted dogs, white tigers, and primates.

Early birds who arrive to the zoo before 10am can eat breakfast with the orangutans in the terrace. This is a fun way to observe these beautiful animals play and communicate while enjoying a morning meal. Night dwellers can head down to the zoo at 7pm for the Night Safari. The Night Safari tour includes a tram ride around the zoo with an expert zoo keeper who talks about the nocturnal animals while guests get to see them frolic and play in their habitats.

The Singapore Zoo also puts on several animal presentations during the week and has a wet play area for children.

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4. What to do in Singapore | Universal Studios Singapore

The ultimate theme park of the island, Universal Studios Singapore offers people young and old a place to play and use their imaginations. Universal Studios Singapore is located in the Sentosa neighborhood and features themed rides, an Ancient Egypt exhibit, an old Hollywood and futuristic New York City exhibit, a Sci-Fi city, colorful night tours, and more. Universal Studios Singapore is open from 8:30am-6pm daily.

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5. What to do in Singapore | Kampong Glam

Situated just north of the Singapore River, Kampong Glam is known as the Arabic neighborhood of Singapore. In Kampong Glam, travelers will find an abundance of authentic Middle Eastern restaurants, Islamic buildings, street markets, and boutiques. While in Kampong Glam look for the majestic Sultan Mosque, which was constructed in 1932. Stop in for a Muslim worship service or just to check out its beauty.

More Notable Attractions in Kampong Glam

• Malay Heritage Center
• Royal Fabrics
• Blu Jaz Cafe
• Haji Lane

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Photo credit: @lindomartinez

6. What to do in Singapore | 1-Altitude

The “high”-light of any trip to Singapore, 1-Altitude is a new age concept bar that is located on the high rooftop of Raffles Plaza, approximately 282 meters in the sky. This bar is considered to be the world’s highest alfresco bar and features award-winning service, gourmet Australian food, and artisan signature cocktails. Aside from the magnificent view at this bar, guests will enjoy a hip party scene, music by a professional DJ, and wild fluorescent lighting. The bar is open to the public all week long and has a special event space for weddings and private parties.

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7. What to do in Singapore | Suntec Fountain of Wealth

Welcoming visitors to the expansive Suntec Mall, Suntec Fountain of Wealth is a stunning water piece that ranks among the largest in the world. It sits in the center of the mall and calls upon visitors to investigate it a little further. Suntec Fountain of Wealth is there to wish each guest a life of health and wealth, and has a copper ring along the top that signifies equality and spiritual peace to all. Plan a trip to the mall to take part in the tradition of walking around the fountain three times while touching the water and also to get a front-row seat to the nightly laser show.

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8. What to do in Singapore | Lau Pa Sat Festival Market (Telok Ayer Market)

Proclaimed to be the most popular public market in all of Singapore, Lau Pa Sat Festival Market (Telok Ayer Market) is located in the downtown core in an ornate historic building. It first opened its doors in 1894 and has been continuously open 24 hours a day, seven days a week ever since. The market is located at 18 Raffles Quay, and is home to homemade food from all over the world, fresh produce, gifts, handmade crafts, house goods, and other interesting collectibles. Most of the market is located inside the building, so it is the perfect place to visit during all weather conditions.

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9. What to do in Singapore | Clarke Quay

Known as the heartbeat of the downtown nightlife scene, Clarke Quay is a vibrant harborside neighborhood where everyone has the freedom to show off their independent spirit. It is a place where travelers, as well as locals, can have a good time during the daylight and after hours. Take a boat ride down the channel, dine at some of the most coveted eateries of the region, and dance the night away at a laser-lit night club.

While visiting Clarke Quay, also take some time to stroll through the lawns of Fort Canning Park, which features a historic building and plenty of places for kids, adults, and dogs to wander and play.

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10. What to do in Singapore | Singapore River Cruise

Embark on a journey around Singapore and see it as never before by hopping aboard a boat and taking the Singapore River Cruise. Travelers will be able to experience the remarkable sights of the city in a whole new perspective while on this tour. It is led by an expert guide who will tell fascinating stories and regale the interesting history of this city/country.

Guests will board the boat at 1 North Bridge Road and can choose between a public tour ride or private charter. Admission for the tour is around SGD 38, depending on the exact tour chosen. Singapore River Cruise offers daytime cruises as well as nighttime dinner and light show cruises. These epic adventures are perfect for the whole family.

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Singapore Restaurants Worth Checking Out

Singapore is full of tantalizing restaurants that appeal to all taste buds! Travelers looking for world-class cuisine at affordable prices do not need to venture out far from their hotels to find something scrumptious to eat. From local watering holes that serve up generous portions of homemade ethnic food to 5-star gourmet delights, there is delicious food to be found down each street:

Burger Labo

Known for its juicy burgers and homemade fries, BurgerLabo is an independently-owned and operated casual diner that is located at 41 Malan Road, Gillman Barracks. The restaurant is open late nights Tuesday-Saturday and offers a variety of delicious American-style menu options.

Corner House

Inspired by nearby Singapore Botanic Gardens, Corner House is a fine dining restaurant where the ingredients are always fresh and vibrant. Corner House is located at EJH Corner House, 1 Cluny Road, and visitors must have a reservation to eat. When dining at this restaurant, guests can expect to see a small menu with great attention paid to all dishes. Meals cost approximately 100 SGD per person.

Sushi Kimura

Offering fresh and flavorful sushi and Japanese cuisine, Sushi Kimura is a restaurant for the discerning palette. It boasts an elegant but modern feel and can be found at 390 Orchard Road #01-07 Palais Renaissance. Experience the flavors of a Michelin Star restaurant at its finest!

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