12 Places to Explore in Singapore: An Insider’s Guide

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore 12 must-visit places in Singapore, ensuring seamless communication while uncovering the city-state’s hidden gems, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks with ease.

Singapore is an island of gorgeous contrasts: on one hand, you’ve got the futuristic buildings, neon-lit casinos, and tropical parks stretching for as far as the eye can see. On the other hand, there are the colonial areas, WW11 military tunnels, thick jungles, and abandoned quarries. What’s not to love, right?

With its futuristic architecture, lush gardens, and vibrant cultural enclaves, Singapore packs a world of experiences into 730 sq. km. If you’re wondering where to start, here are 12 places to see in Singapore that capture the essence of the Lion City.

1. Gardens by the Bay: A Futuristic Oasis

• Marvel at the 16-storey-tall Supertrees, vertical gardens that light up after dark

• Stroll through the misty Cloud Forest Dome, home to a 35-metre indoor waterfall

• Visit the Flower Dome, the world’s largest glass greenhouse

2. Marina Bay Sands: A Symbol of Modern Singapore

• Take in panoramic city views from the 57th-floor Sands SkyPark observation deck

• Shop and dine at The Shoppes, a luxury mall with a canal running through it

• Catch a Broadway show or concert at the Sands Theatre

3. Sentosa Island: A Resort Paradise

• Spend a day at Universal Studios Singapore, Southeast Asia’s first movie-themed park

• Relax on the sandy shores of Siloso, Palawan, or Tanjong Beach

• Get up close to marine life at S.E.A. Aquarium, one of the world’s largest aquariums

4. Chinatown: A Journey Through History

• Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, said to house one of Buddha’s teeth

• Sample local specialties like Hainanese chicken rice and chilli crab at hawker centres

• Shop for souvenirs and traditional crafts along Pagoda Street

5. Little India: A Riot of Colour and Spice

• Admire the vibrant murals and street art around Serangoon Road

• Visit the 24-hour Mustafa Centre for everything from electronics to Indian snacks

• Dig into authentic South Indian dosai and idli at Komala Vilas restaurant

6. Kampong Glam: A Bohemian Enclave

• Marvel at the golden domes of the Sultan Mosque, built in 1824

• Browse indie boutiques, cafes, and galleries along Haji Lane

• Learn about Malay heritage at the Malay Heritage Centre

7. Singapore Botanic Gardens: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Stroll through the National Orchid Garden, home to over 60,000 orchid plants

• Join a free guided walk to learn about the gardens’ rich history and flora

• Enjoy an outdoor concert at Symphony Stage on weekends

8. Orchard Road: A Shopper’s Paradise

• Browse over 5,000 brands across 22 malls and 6 department stores

• Explore ION Orchard, home to luxury flagships like Prada, Dior, and Cartier

• Refuel at Food Republic, a sprawling hawker centre in Wisma Atria mall

9. Singapore Zoo: A Rainforest Adventure

• Get up close to orangutans, elephants, and more in naturalistic habitats

• Enjoy breakfast with friendly orangutans at the Breakfast in the Wild buffet

• Explore the zoo’s walking trails to spot native rainforest species

10. Katong and Joo Chiat

• Neighbourhoods known for their Peranakan heritage, with colourful shophouses, boutique shops, and delicious local cuisine.

• Take a walking tour and immerse yourself in the area’s rich history and culture

10. Kampong Buangkok

• A traditional village that is the last of its kind, offering stark contrast to the modern cityscape.

• Wander through the narrow streets and get a glimpse into Singapore’s past

11. Pulau Ubin: A Step Back in Time

• Rent a bicycle and explore the island’s rustic trails and beaches

• Hike up Puaka Hill for panoramic views over the island and mainland Singapore

• Visit Chek Jawa Wetlands to see mangroves, coral reefs, and rare birds

12. Fort Canning Hill:

• The best sought out place for history buffs.

• Get to learn alot about the rise and fall of the empires that once ruled ‘Singapura’

• Also get to discover the secret underground command centre known as the ‘Battlebox’ where the decision was made to surrender Singapore.

   

When to Visit and Getting Around

Hidden Gems and Insider Tips

• For a quirky cultural experience, visit Haw Par Villa, a theme park with over 1,000 statues and 150 dioramas depicting Chinese mythology and folklore.

• Escape the city bustle at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, a 163-hectare tract of primary rainforest with hiking trails and native wildlife.

• Dig into a plate of Michelin-starred chicken rice at Liao Fan Hawker Chan for just Rs. 472.

• Sip on a Singapore Sling, the iconic pink cocktail, at the historic Long Bar in Raffles Hotel, where it was invented in 1915.

Stay Connected with Airtel in Singapore

To make the most of your trip, consider an international roaming pack from Airtel. With Airtel’s plans, you’ll get high-speed data, unlimited calling, and 24/7 customer support across numerous destinations. That means you can easily use Google Maps to navigate, make restaurant reservations on the go, and share your Singapore adventures on social media—without worrying about connectivity.

From futuristic gardens to historic enclaves, Singapore’s famous places offer a kaleidoscope of experiences. Whether you have a week or just a weekend, these top Singapore attraction places provide a window into the city-state’s rich tapestry of nature, culture, and innovation. Start planning your visit to Singapore’s best places today—you won’t be disappointed.