It may be one of the world’s smallest countries, but this Asian playground has plenty to offer.
Embark on a journey to Singapore, just a seven-hour flight from the UAE, where modern marvels and rich cultural heritage await at every turn. We have shortlisted our top 10 things to do when you visit.
Head up to Marina Bay Sands
The iconic five-star hotel is probably Singapore’s most famous landmark. It’s not just a hotel, it’s part of an integrated resort that includes the high-end The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands mall, a museum, large theatre, celebrity chef restaurants, two floating crystal pavilions and the world’s largest atrium casino. The crowning jewel of the resort is the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark located on the roof, which connects all three towers. It’s free for those staying in the hotel and around SGD30 (AED 80) for regular guests.
Go green in the Botanic Gardens
There’s a reason why Singapore is known as the garden city, and you can’t get much greener than a trip to the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The Gardens is the only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List and free to enter. The Gardens also have a great choice of dining options too such as Au Balcon at The Garage and the laidback multi-concept café Prive.
Awaken your inner child at Universal Studios
One of the great benefits about most attractions in Singapore is that they are not huge, so you never feel overwhelmed or get too tired exploring them. Universal Studios Singapore is the perfect example of this, with a good range of rides for thrill-seekers in a compact setting. It has fun worlds to explore such as The Lost World (dinosaurs), New York, Sci-Fi City and Ancient Egypt. Located on Sentosa Island, the popular theme park guarantees excitement for all the family, and will get your heart rate up.
Fall for Jewel
While it may be a shopping mall, this one is conveniently located within Changi Airport, making it an ideal destination upon arrival. You can store your luggage at the left baggage desk and explore the expansive mall, renowned for its breathtaking indoor waterfall. In addition to numerous restaurants and shops, the mall’s top level is devoted to adventure, featuring attractions such as a walking net, mirror maze, and real hedge maze in the canopy park.
Stroll down the famous Orchard Road
Explore Singapore’s main shopping district, a haven for enthusiasts of designer labels. Spanning 2km, this area features primarily upscale, compact shopping malls that allow for seamless navigation between them. Begin your journey at the striking ION Orchard, meander through the renowned Tang’s, proceed to Takashimaya mall, indulge in fine dining at one of Paragon’s exquisite eateries, and conclude your excursion at Istana, the majestic residence of Singapore’s president, Top of FormBottom of Form and often has open days for the public.
Play around in Sentosa
It may be a small, manmade island, but Sentosa is packed with things to do, a lush natural jungle, an old wartime fort and lovely beaches. Fort Siloso was built during World War Two and has been modernised with a sky walkway, while the underground tunnels remain intact. From Madam Tussaud’s to a luge and cable car ride, to the aquarium and Resorts World Sentosa, it is probably worth a return visit.
Wander around Gardens by the Bay
Spanning 260 acres in the heart of Singapore is the green oasis of Gardens by the Bay. You can wander around the nature park, cool off in the water play area and venture high up into its ‘super trees’ – man-made trees connected by impressive skybridges. The Gardens were voted one of the top attractions in Asia and include the Flower Dome, the largest glass greenhouse in the world. There are a wide range of restaurants, including two eateries from Michelin-starred Michael Wilson. It’s an active day out that gets you back to nature and your 10,000 steps in.
Step back in time at Raffles Hotel
If you want to step back in time, stay at the colonial landmark that is Raffles Hotel (named after Sir Stanford Raffles, who founded Singapore in 1819). Datingback to 1887, the hotel built a strong literary connection with many well-known writers staying there. The famous Singapore Sling drink was created in the hotel bar and some scenes from Crazy Rich Asian were filmed there. It reopened in 2019 after a major renovation and has a resident historian who has worked at the hotel for over 50 years.
Eat like a local at a hawker centre
Singaporeans are big foodies and love their street food. Hawker centres bring together a collection of food stalls under one roof and are dotted across the country, from big to small. While they more provide budget eats, don’t be mistaken for thinking the food is sub-standard. In fact, two hawker stalls have previously won Michelin stars. Dishes to try include chicken rice which is a favourite dish of locals while kway teow (stir fried noodles) and nasi lemak (a traditional Malay dish) are also worth a taste.
Indulge yourself at the three-Michelin starred eateries
Speaking of Michelin stars, Singapore has three, three-starred eateries. Housed inside Singapore’s stunning National Gallery, Odette is French themed, but infuses Asian influences. Les Amis was founded by a few like-minded friends who shared a love and appreciation for French culture and cuisine. While Zén is the Singapore stablemate of the much-vaunted Stockholm restaurant Frantzén. Described as ‘Nordic kaiseki’ its executive chef Tristin Farmer, trained at restaurants led by Gordon Ramsay and Jason Atherton in London, Hong Kong and Dubai.
Looking for more travel ideas and destinations within easy reach of the UAE? Discover more here.
DSCVR: Why Singapore should be next on your travel bucket list.
