Destinations, Travel tips, Festivals and Public Holidays
Museums
Holiday Destinations & Tourist Attractions in Singapore
Jul 20th
Where to go in Singapore? What are the popular destinations? What are the places of interest in Singapore?
We got asked these questions quite frequently.
Singapore is one of the most amazing places in the world to go on a vacation with incredible tourist attractions, great nightlife, awesome cuisines and wonderful spa retreats.
A lot of people like to go on a Singapore holiday in order to make the best of their vacations and have a great time with their friends and family. It is a shockingly modern city and a fantastic place to visit during the holidays. It has a great deal of almost everything to offer to its visitors. The major tourist attractions will leave you bewitched with its charm.
So to give you a bit of overview, here we compile a list of Popular Holiday Destinations & Tourist Attractions in Singapore
Sentosa Island
Sentosa island is the undisputed No 1 most popular holiday destination of Singapore. In brief, it is a whole island converted into an attraction park. It is big and will probably take you 1-2 whole days to explore everything. Sentosa Island is the answer of Singapore to Disneyland, and will be even more so with the opening of Universal Studio with the Integrated Resort (IR) next year.
Beach lovers can enjoy exciting games and sea sports along the 3.2-km long sandy beaches stretching across Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong.
Fort Siloso is the Singapore’s only preserved coastal fort stands as an important window to our colonial past and a poignant reminder of the war years.
What else to do ? Ride a movie (Cinemania) / Join the army (Fort Siloso) / Spot sharks without getting wet (Underwater World) / Admire butterflies / Erupt yourself (VolcanoLand) / Splash yourself (Fantasy Island) / Fall for dolphins (Dolphin Lagoon) / Climb the Merlion for a panoramic view / Walk on a dragon / Have a look at other countries (Asian Village) / Relax on spotless artificial beaches / Rollerblade on the alleys or rent a bike / Spot skeleton on a nature walk / Have a photo with a snake / Watch monkeys getting coconuts / Walk a suspended bridge / Admire a collection of shells / Cool off by one of the numerous fountains or manicured gardens (orchid, scented, spices,…) / Bike on water / Dream at the musical fountain / Stand on the southernmost point of the Asia continent / Ride the monorail around for free / Dance on the beach in swim suit at the two beach bars (regular foam parties as well) / Swim in the laguna
Orchard Road
From the world famous city, comes the world famous shopping destination – the Orchard Road Singapore. There are over 30 malls and shopping centers located in the stretch or road, closely connected to each other by pavements and underground pass. Here, you’ll find everything like the stylish Louis Vuitton, the exquisite Bergdorf Goodman, the elegant Tiffany & Co., the ever popular Prada, the immaculate Versace, Cartier, Fortunoff, Dior, Fendi, and Chanel. And the list goes on and on…
Ethnic quarters
As a multiracial country, Singapore host a number of unique destinations which celebrates the cultural diversity of the different races. Here are some places where you can experience the culture, customs and traditional festivals.
1. Geylang Serai
It was earlier known as the Geylang Kelapa; Geylang Serai was an abode to many of the Malay Kampongs. It is famous for the exquisite quality of lemongrass that grows here in abundance. There are traditionally made Malay-Kalimpong houses and a cultural museum as well.
2. China Town
China Town was historically the home to Chinese population who lived here. The place can be best explored on foot and can be marveled at the various interesting areas of Chinese worship. The main places of worship include the Thian Hock Keng temple, Sri Marimman temple and the Buddha Tooth Relic temple. The China Town market is very popular for its cheap bargains where you can buy a lot of stuff like the textile, medicinal herb and Chinese handicraft.
3. Little India
Little India is a district endowed with Indian culture’s ethnic elements. The most attractive features of here are Sri Veeramakaliamman temple and Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple. The latter is known more for its massive Buddha statue. Exquisite Indian silk, brassware, gold jewelry and trinkets can be bought from the exotic market. Little India’s cuisine and henna are also very popular.
4. Arab Street/ Kampong Glam
The colorful district of Kampong Glam got its name from a local tree, Gelam. It has a Malay Heritage Centre and Sultan Mosque. Also known as the Masjid Sultan, the mosque excels in architectural splendor. The textiles, fabrics and the baskets made of cane, straw and rattan of the market, trinkets, and perfumes are very famous here.
Nightlife
As for a taste of Singapore nightlife, some popular night spots highly recommended are Chijmes Singapore , Singapore Boat Quay, Mohammed Sultan Road, Singapore Robertson Quay and Holland Village Singapore. Arguably, some of the most popular party destinations currently are Zouk, St James Power Station (coal-fired power station turned into large entertainment complex), and MoS (Ministry of Sound)
Food
As a metropolitan where most of the population dines out, Singapore naturally has huge array of gastronomical offers. From posh five-star restaurants to economical food hawker centers, you can find and enjoy international as well as local food almost everywhere in Singapore.
Other destinations
You will never go wrong with the well-known Singapore tourist attractions such as the Singapore Zoo, Singapore Night Safari (Night Zoo), Jurong Bird Park and the Singapore Flyer etc.
Army Museum of Singapore
Apr 6th
| The Army Museum of Singapore (ARMS) was officially opened by Prime Minister on 27 Sep 2007. ARMS will present the story of our Army, chronicling its development from its formative years to the present.
Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm (Tuesdays – Sundays). Closed on Mondays. Getting There: By Car/Taxi: A quick 30-minute drive from the city, the PIE and turn off at exit no. 40 or AYE exit no. 20. |
Singapore Philatelic Museum
Apr 6th
| Both stamp and non-stamp collectors will delight in the extensive collection of local and international stamps, and first day covers housed in this quaint building dated back to 1907. Open: 1pm to 7pm (Mon), 9am – 7pm (Tue – Sun). Getting There: Take the MRT to City Hall Station (NS25/EW13) and walk towards Coleman Street. Click here to view MRT route map. |
Singapore Mint Coin Gallery
Apr 6th
| Love makes the world go round… or is it money? The Singapore Mint Coin Gallery houses an impressive collection of coins, medals and medallions from all over the world. Open: 8.30am – 4.30pm (Mon to Fri). Getting There: Option 1: From Clementi MRT Station (EW23), take SBS Transit Bus 154 from opposite Clementi MRT Station, outside MacDonald’s. Not counting the boarding bus stop, alight at the 7th bus stop on Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim. Option 2: From Jurong East MRT Station (EW24/NS1), walk to the bus stop for SMRT Bus 178 outside Jurong East Library, along Jurong Town Hall Road. Not counting the boarding bus stop, alight at the 4th bus stop on Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim. Option 3: From Boon Lay MRT Station (EW27), take SMRT Bus 178 from Boon Lay Bus Interchange. Not counting the boarding bus interchange, alight at the 12th bus stop on Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim. Click here to view MRT route map. |
Singapore Art Museum
Apr 6th
| Housed in a restored 19th century mission school, the Singapore art Museum (SAM) owns the largest public collection of over 7,500 20th century Singapore and Southeast Asian artworks in the world. Open: Mon-Sun: 10am – 7pm, Fri: 10am – 9pm Getting There: SAM is a 10-minute walk from City Hall MRT station. Click here to view MRT route map. |
SGH Museum
Apr 6th
| Housed in the Bowyer Block, an architectural landmark in the Outram Campus, the SGH Museum is a repository of artefacts and records, where visitors can trace the long and rich history of the Singapore General Hospital. Open: Tue – Sun 10am – 8pm (closed on Mondays and Public Holidays) |
Royal Selangor Pewter Museum
Apr 6th
| Pewter, an alloy combining tin, copper and antimony, is a speciality of Southeast Asia – commonly made into decorative and functional objects, with a fine attention to detail. Open: 9am – 9pm (daily). Getting There: Take the North-East line and alight at Clarke Quay Station (NE5). Click here to view MRT route map. By bus: Take 54 from Scotts Road or 32 and 195 from City Hall MRT Station. Also easily accessible by taxi. |
Republic of Singapore Navy Museum
Apr 6th
| Military and marine enthusiasts will be captivated by the exhibits at the Republic of Singapore Navy Museum – antique marine equipment, historic photographs, even details of sophisticated, high technology missile corvette vessels.
Open: 8:30am – 4:30pm (Mon-Fri), 8:30am – 12 noon (Sat). Getting There: Take the MRT to Sembawang Station (NS11), then take SMRT Bus 856. Alight at the bus stop after Sembawang Shipyard on Admiralty Road West. Obtain a gate pass before entering the camp. Click here to view MRT route map. |
Republic of Singapore Air Force Museum
Apr 6th
| For military and aviation buffs, the Republic of Singapore Air Force Museum is a must-see. Spread over 10,600 square metres of land, the museum comprises an outdoor gallery and two levels of indoor galleries.
Open: 8.30 am to 5 pm (Tue – Sun except public holidays). Getting There: Take SBS Transit bus 94 (except on Sundays and public holidays) from Eunos MRT station (EW7) or SBS Transit bus 90 from Toa Payoh bus interchange. Click here to view MRT route map. |
Peranakan Museum
Apr 6th
| This new museum aims to house the best collection of Peranakan artefacts in the world, and the first comprehensive display of Peranakan culture anywhere in the world.
Opening Hours : Mon 1.00 pm to 7.00 pm; Tue to Sun 9.00 am to 7.00 pm; Fri 9.00 am to 9.00pm Getting There: From City Hall MRT Station (NS25/EW13), walk towards Stamford Road and turn into Armenian Street at Stamford House. The museum is diagonally across from Stamford House. Click here to view MRT route map. |
