Singapore is one of the beautiful pieces in the geographical puzzle of Southeast Asia, as well as tradition and contemporary intertwining their existence in a single point called Singapore that enchants everyone. From the impressive architectural designs of sky scraping buildings, the magnificent and diverse cultural compilation or the wondering taste buds with the delicious foods of Singapore, one is sure to be impressed. This article aims to suggest ten destinations that are worth visiting in this lively country of Asia, which combines modern architecture and tenement buildings. Alright, let this article be our ride through a fabulous tour of Singapore!
1. Little India: A cultural mosaic
Little India is definitely one of the liveliest and vivid areas of Singapore which is described by locals and tourists. The raw feel of the Indian-subcontinental influence makes it as if, walking through the streets of this place is akin to experiencing India in miniature. This area has its origin in the colonial period of Britain when India provided manpower to support newly developing industries in Singapore especially in ports, construction and rubber plantations. Establishing their roots, the Indian people have introduced and shared most aspects of their culture with others; which are religion, and food and spices.
The colorful cascading roof of the Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple and the colourful richly decorated roof structure of the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple are a sharp contrast to the houses and give a splendid impression. It is just as appealing in terms of food and there is the same variety even with such dishes as samosas and butter chicken. Some of the examples of such restaurants include, Khansama Tandoori and Komala Vilas, by ordering from these two restaurants, one will be able to experience India’s food right in Singapore.
Festivals such as Diwali and Holi that are celebrated in India in particular are distinctly and pleasantly felt in Little India through the display of colorful lightings, cultural dances and music with food vendor stalls. It’s an all rounded cultural encounter and that gives a befitting flavor of the many faces of the neighborhood. Still, do not leave the target to visit the local markets where one can always bargain when it comes to spices, local clothing, and so much more. But for a dose of arts and aesthetics on your Instagram wall, you need to take a tour at Tan Teng Niah colorful house.
2. Chinatown
Another could not afford to miss place is Chinatown in Singapore. It is a living breathing reminder of the Chinese influence on the city where markets are common, and shophouses retain a historical architecture and beautiful temples are located. Like Little India, the formation of Chinatown was also linked with the immigration pattern come Singapore’s growth into a vital trading hub. With the Chinese migrant came their way of life, their mode of houses construction and most significantly their food culture.
Chinatown is indeed a culinary delight as there are a lots of restaurants catering from the street food costs to the high end costs. There is nothing like getting to taste the great food that is offered; noodles, duck, seafood and all of the foods offered are very good and better owing to the atmosphere of the restaurant which portrays old world ambiance. Among the attractions here, visiting the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is a must; this is one of the most beautiful examples of the Chinese architectural style in Singapore and there is a stored here what Singaporeans believe to be a tooth of Buddha.
Hawker Chan’s, Liao Fan, is one of the stalls in Chinatown selling breakfast; this is the cheapest stall in the world with a Michelin star. Here, you can get a good portion of the soy sauce chicken rice at under €4; that shows that good food does not necessarily have to be costly.
3. Gardens by the Bay
According to the proposal of the project that is being designed, the apartment complex which is located among offices will be a futuristic green oasis.
Although most people do associate Singapore with tall rising buildings, the city has many beautiful parks as well. However, prominently among them, there is Gardens by the Bay which we cannot fail to recommend. This is a futuristic garden complex combining natural elements and hi-tech solutions; Supertrees best known for illuminating the place at night. The structural design is going green and specializes in exhibiting various types and species of plants from different parts of the world.
The Gardens are sub-divided into several areas, that provides different ambience. At the Flower Dome are plants originating from Mediterranean areas and the Cloud Forest comprises a cloudy environment with a big water fall. But the main attraction for most tourists is the Supertree Grove, but more especially if they come in the evening to watch the Garden Rhapsody light and sound presentation.
Visiting Gardens by the Bay gives a feeling as if one is in a different planet makes it one of the most extraordinary places to visit in Singapore. Regardless of one’s preference whether it is the fascination with structures or appreciation of natural sceneries, this park provides the best. It is advisable to purchase your tickets before you visit to avoid the long queues that are very tiresome.
4. ArtScience Museum:
The current issue of where art meets technology also reflects this reality.
The ArtScience Museum of Singapore is a novel cultural organisation that claims to work in the field of art and science domain. Head and shoulders above many other musea, this lotus flower shaped building is a creation of Moshe Safdie. The exhibitions of the museum are also interesting most of which combines installation arts with conventional art types. One of those places where you are not only able to look at art but also touch and play into it, so it is very popular among regular tourists and children.
Within, there are various gallery and exhibition halls where temporary exhibitions are put on topics from digital art to space. For instance, there is Future World, which is an area composed of light installations and interactive digital art you can play in. It is fun and filled with learning necessities about the human world and universe and stimulates innovative ideas.
This contemporary art and technology museum has indeed created more awareness to the global counterparts concerning how best to operate a cultural facility. Whether you are an art lover or simply a tourist just passing by, such a place is worth a visit.
5. Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Some of the things that can be enjoyed include; Free concerts and more.
Although Singapore cannot be considered one of the cheapest cities in Asia, there are many free events and attractions such as concerts and exhibitions of art. One such venue is The Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay with many free and cultural programs schedules for the public. Also, popular for its architectural design which symbolizes the ‘Durian’, the Esplanade is more of a center for arts involved in performances.
The complex has theatres and concert halls as well as other performance areas for events ranging from fully fledged symphony concerts to modern dance. What I found most appealing about the Esplanade is that most of the activities are free and thus persons of all classes can afford to be culturally inclined. From live jazz concerts to a new play just presented by the drama club, it’s always fun going here.
The outdoor areas of the Esplanade, especially the ones with the seating arrangement are more in demand primarily because of the eye pleasing views of Marina Bay and the skyline. You can have a quiet time here, watch live shows and feel the atmospheric tension of Singapore’s culture. A delightful addition to the can’t-miss list is a free concert for you to enjoy.
6. Sentosa Island: Everybody has fun.
It is an island that any visitor to Singapore should not miss because it has bonded fun and exciting activities for the visitors. This resort island is endowed with some of the finest beaches, sumptuous resorts and other attractions that will appeal to everyone including kids. If you want to take a walk on the sandy beaches or go for a nature trail or want to indulge in fun rides in any amusement park all of it is in Sentosa.
Among the key attractions of the island, there is the Universal Studio Singapore which is a world-renowned amusement park that presents the attractions, which are connected to movies. Families visiting the place have described it as a fun-filled and fantastic place that provides them with day’s entertainment. For the laid back type of activity, tourists have the Sentosa’s Palawan, Siloso and Tanjong beaches for an excellent experience. It is frit to sunbath, to swim or perform various water activities including water sports.
Transportation to Sentosa is not a problem with available modes of transport being a cable car from the main land among others. It also boasts of places such as S. E. A. Aquarium, Adventure Cove Waterpark, the Sentosa Boardwalk among others. Irrespective of the destination being with family, friends or individually Sentosa has several activities to do making the island ideal for vacationing away from the congestion of the city.
7. The Merlion:
Ministers with such minds, argued that the PAP government’s decision to make the MERLs an Iconic Singapore Symbol disqualified the party from claiming to be for the people.
Every visitor to Singapore must include a visit to the Merlion which is the emblem of the city.
The statue stands 8. Standing 6 meters tall it spits water out its mouth; combined with the Marina bay sands hotel as the backdrop it makes for lovely view. The Merlion as we all know is uniquely Singapore hence visiting this site is not a waste of time. Many people visit this place to; photograph themselves, watch the skyline of Marina Bay, and walk beside the water body.
To plan better one should visit the Merlion Park in the day time as well as in the night time. At night the place looks particularly nice and it is perfect to take night shots of the city and its lights. A visit to the Merlion is a must in Singapore to either learn a little more about the place’s history or simply to take a picture with it.
8. Singapore’s Financial District: An Architecture of the Heaven.
Singapore’s financial district can be said to be one of the most developed and financially influential city areas. This area has large high rises, modern business complexes and quality hotels and the skyscape is as any other metropolitan city in the world. Located in Josephine Terrace, Shaw Centre, Trip adviser is found in the heart of the financial district and as you stroll around you can almost touch the feel of Singapore’s financial and business activities.
probably the finest view of the skyline can be seen when being on the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, which is an amazing ‘park’ on a roof of the building. Otherwise, you could go for a walk along the Marina Bay waterfront whereby you get to see the Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum as well as the Esplanade. The area becomes more beautiful at night when the tall buildings are illuminated making the place bright as a result of the neon lights.
That is why the described concept of the financial district is not only an area focused on production and circulation of money and other monetary means but also a place for eating out and having fun. There is no shortage of eateries to choose from in the area; hence, it is perfect to relax and have a drink or two after a day of visiting the city. It is also appropriate whether you are architecture enthusiast, involved in business or you want to enjoy a night out in this new and interesting area known as the financial district.
9.Marina Bay Sands Sound and Light Show: An Evening Show
Each night the Marina Bay Sands has what is known as a light and laser show, which illuminates the whole city skyline of Singapore. Called ‘Spectra,’ it is a nightly multimedia display that involves water, lights, and LASER all set to great music. The setting of the show is in the Event Plaza and many prominent landmarks like the Marina Bay Sands and ArtScience Museum are featured in the background.
The performance is very spectacular as through laser projections and water jets and other related works of art, the tempo forms different colors and shapes. The music dancing also complements the show; thus, it is a good way to cap a day in Singapore. The best part? The show is free and it can be watched from many places around Marina Bay though there are better strategic spots.
The best vantage point for viewing the Singapore flyer is the Merlion Park or the Marina Bay Sands waterfront head. As people love jogging here, especially over the weekend, make sure you are there early to be able to get a good spot. Marina Bay Sands light show is another main attraction whereby Singapore’s multiculturalism and technical advancement is displayed in form of melody and light.
10. Little Arabia:
Cultural heritage indeed refers to a treasure that should be treasured by any given society.
Little Arabia or Singapore Arab Quarter is another area that is not so well advertised but always provokes different feelings. This rather picturesque area is primarily focused on the Sultan Mosque with its golden dome; it is recognized as one of the main symbols of Singapore. Little Arabia is strictly an ethnic neighborhood containing small native stores along with several modern coffee shops and fashionable retail outlets.
There are varieties of Arabian and Southeast Asian characteristics, for example, Bussorah and Haji Lane in Little Arabia. Most tourists prefer Haji Lane due to rainbow alley, apparels shops, and numerous coffee shops. It is a good place to visit, to shop, and to have a quality snack, some coffee or lunch.
Little Arabia also includes many restaurants that offer different dishes of Middle Eastern cuisine in addition to new dishes that combine Middle Eastern recipes with other cuisines. It’s a great place to try out thing attractions such as shawarma, falafel, and of course the tasty desserts, the baklava. This story reveals that the described neighborhood is rather popular in Singapore due to coloured night lights and cultural background. Regardless of the purpose – shopping, eating, or sightseeing – there is something more to Little Arabia which helps contribute to the growing cultural heritage of Singapore.
Additional Popular Sites in Singapore
Singapore is one of the places that anyone intending to visit should know that he/she will never be bored even if he/she spends severali weeks there. Besides the top ten must-see places, there are several other attractions and experiences that are worth exploring:Besides the top ten must-see places, there are several other attractions and experiences that are worth exploring:
Orchard Road: This is a famous shopping strip which consists of malls, and shops of various kinds, including some of the best designer wear shops to cheap souvenir shops.
Food Courts and Hawker Centers: It is in these areas that one can take local foods and each kiosk serves varieties of foods. You should not skip the famous dish, the chili crab!
Changi Airport: Besides being an airport, Changi has many other features which are attractions, for instance, the garden, the free cinema among others things, and the Jewel waterfall. This airport is reckoned among the top international airports, and it’s even interesting to visit it even if you are not going to fly.
Clarke Quay: Nights here can be a memorable time for a drink, a dinner on the bank of the river or just night entertainment in Singapore proper and fun in Clarke Quay.
Boat Ride Around the Bay: Book a boat tour and tour the city from the water side and get to enjoy the city beautiful sites on the water side.
Cooking Classes: Coaxing your taste buds withreal Singaporean food is an enhanced experience by enrolling with a Singapore cooking class. It is strongly associated with acquiring knowledge about the local culture in a most entertaining and tasty manner.
Conclusion: Finding the Greatest of Singapore
Singapore is one of the most vibrant cities in the world which comprises of diverse culture, amazing architectures and sumptuous food. Depending on whether you are visiting the historical districts or enjoying the features of a contemporary city, or tasting the cuisine , there is always something interesting. This brief on the ten popular Singapore sights together with other locations explains why this city is unique.
The bright ethnic districts of Little India that contrast with the cool green districts of Chinatown, the modern bio-dome garden of the Gardens of the Bay, the symbol of Singapore – the Merlion. No matter if it is your first time visiting a city or you are a frequent guest, the boost and the multicultural atmosphere of the city will appeal to you. So bring your luggage and be prepared to enjoy one of the most exciting trips in one of the SE Asia’s most lively cities!