Sightseeing Guide to Singapore

Singapore is such a fantastic city to go sightseeing.  It has some incredible buildings, parks, shopping and nightlife!  There's something for everyone in your family to enjoy!  Here are some of the things I enjoyed during my four day stay in this lovely city!


MERLION PARK

The Merlion is the official mascot for Singapore.  It is half lion and half fish.  The fish part of the body represents the old Singapore which used to be the old fishing town Temasek which means "sea town".  The lion head represents Singapore's old name "Singapura" meaning "Lion City".

 It was created by Chinese sculptor, Lim Lang Xin between 1971 to 1972.  It measures 8.6 meters high and weighs 70 tons.

The symbol was designed by Erl Almocera for the Tourism Board of Singapore.  It has since become the brand and face of Singapore.  Its located at Merlion Park on the esplanade of the Fullerton Hotel.

I visited the Merlion twice. Once during the day and again at night to get the incredible photos of it lit up.  It can get crowded during the day.  Go early morning or late at night to avoid the crowds.

SUPERTREE GROVE

Supertree Grove was a real treat to see in person.  Seeing it in pictures doesn't do it justice.  Make sure you go up to the Marina Bay Sands Hotel elevator to the 57th floor where the Observation Deck is located, to get a birds eye view of the city before you head over to the Gardens.

Its located in the Gardens By The Bay.  I walked around the Cloud Garden before heading towards the trees to stake out a nice spot before the show started at 7:30pm.  Make sure you get there early to find a spot to sit as it starts to get crowded between 6:30 - 7pm.  I got my seat right under a Supertree.

The trees measure between 25 - 50 meters tall.  They are designed with a tree top canopy to give shade during the day and they come alive with lights and sound at night.  The Supertree Grove show is nightly and totally worth it.  The Grove is open between 5pm - 2am and its free admission!

CLARKE QUAY

If you are looking for nightlife, look no further than Clarke Quay.  With pubs, clubs and cafe's located all along the pier, you will definitely find someplace to sit and chill or dance the night away, if that is your scene.

Its also a great place to catch a bumboat river cruise!  If you are looking for Hooters, you also in luck!  It's located here too!  Make sure you give Clarke Quay a visit.  Great place to chill in the evening like I did.


CHINATOWN

Chinatown has so much going on!  My hostel was located across from Pagoda St, where the entrance to Chinatown is located.  On one side of the block you have every type of food you could possibly imagine cooking away. On the backside, you can wander the various hawker stalls filled with everything from souvenirs, yummy food, cultural items, pashminas and many more items!  The colors, smells and sounds of Chinatown stir your senses!

I had a great time here just walking around and trying the different cuisines.  It's also a great place to buy your souvenirs for cheap!

BHUDDIST TOOTH RELIC TEMPLE

This beautiful temple is located in the heart of Chinatown.  This temple has four levels.  The first thing you'll notice is the high ceilings and open courtyard when you walk in through the doors.  Every floor has something different to offer.

The first floor houses the bell and drum towers.  The second floor has a tea house where you will be served tea and a vegetarian cuisine.

The third floor is where the Sacred Bhudda Relics Chamber are kept.  The fourth floor houses the Inner and Outer Sacred Light Hall where the Sacred Bhudda Tooth Relic Stupa is located.

The roof of the temple houses a very large prayer wheel.

 If you'd like to take a tour of the Temple, they have free English speaking tours offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Its wise to book early for these tours as they fill up fast.

Please remember to dress appropriately at the temple.  No shorts, off the shoulder tops or mini skirts allowed. The temple is open to the public between 9am - 6:30pm.

LITTLE INDIA

Little India was a very surprising experience for me.  I normally don't like going into Indian shops for cultural outfits but I actually liked the experience here.  I was shocked to see how cheap everything was compared to back home.  I bought 5 kurtis (indian tops) and an indian Anarkali (dress), which I had altered next to the shop to fit me perfectly.

There were so many amazing and vibrant outfits for such a great price, I was starting to feel overwhelmed.  Overall, the shop keepers were great with helping me find what I was looking for.  Great experience shopping!  Make sure you stop by and check out the plaza!  So many great finds here!

Little India is made up of mainly Tamil Indian shop keepers.  Some will speak in Hindi as one did with me. Many South Indians came to Singapore to work for cattle traders and stayed. Some of their goods and service took off , thus leading the temples and mosques being built all around Singapore.   You'll find South Indian, North Indian and Malay food all along Serangoon Road.  Don't forget to visit the famous Mustafa Centre, a 24 hour shopping mall.  You can find anything from groceries, saris to goldsmith shops in the mall.


ARAB STREET (KAMPONG GLAM)

Arab Street if filled with chic bars and restaurants.  The Sultan's Mosque is the grandeur attraction on Arab St.  You'll find the best kebabs and middle eastern food here. The colours, smells and vibrant environment will keep you wanting more.  There are little gift shops lining the streets for your every souvenir need!

I had lunch at a Lebanese restaurant and had a lovely mint and lemon drink, which I found very refreshing, and a chicken shawarma to accompany it.  The upbeat Lebanese music coupled with the middle eastern decor made Sanobar Restaurant my pick to have lunch on the street.

Take an afternoon and bask in the middle eastern culture.  It may surprise you!


SRI MARHAMARIAMMAN TEMPLE

This particular temple, located in Chinatown, is a busy location.  As you pass by, you can't help but to hear the music playing inside and wonder what is going on inside.  If you're so inclined, you can take your shoes off and walk inside and have a look for yourself in the viewing gallery!

This is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore.  This temple serves the majority of the Hindu Singaporeans and Tamilians around.  The entrance was built in the Dravidian Style and embellished by 6 tiers of sculptures of Hindu deities as well as other ornamental decorations. 

PULAU UBIN

Pulau Ubin seems to be a well kept secret.  Its mainly used by the locals for day trips to have fun and relax.  Its thought to be the last "old village" left in Singapore.  Lots of locals brought picnics which they set up on the little beach before they rented bikes and went riding through the many trails on the island.  You can also ride up to and old Bhuddist temple.  I tried to get out there but the heat got the best of me while riding the bike.  I ended up becoming dehydrated no matter how many bottles of water I drank.

For my journey from Chinatown, I took the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) to Tannah Merah Station and caught the #2 bus to Changi Village, which takes you directly to the ferry terminal.  From there, I paid $3 SD ($2.86 CDN) to the boat driver and off we went to Pualu Ubin.  The boat will only leave when it has 12 people to ferry.  Otherwise, he will wait until he has 12 passengers before leaving.  I also had to pay $3 SD coming back as well.

SENTOSA

I do not own this picture

Sentosa Island is a man-made island with many different attractions and shows to keep you entertained.  Great place for families to go and spend some time.  I didn't get myself out there but had planned to do so if I had time.  However, my becoming dehydrated that day after Pulau Ubin, made that impossible.  Next time!

SINGAPORE ZOO

The Singapore Zoo was a great adventure.  Located outside of the city, I used my Grab App to be driven out to the zoo so early in the morning.  It takes about 45 mins to drive out there and about an hour and a half if I were to take transit.  I needed to be there by 9:30am for my breakfast with the Orangutans.

Singapore Zoo is an open zoo.  This means that it has hidden barriers, moats and glass between people and the animals.  It is currently under construction with the incorporation of the bird park next door.  There is a free wifi available.  This wifi is one that will automatically connect to your device.  You do not have to sign in or give any information about yourself to use it.  There is also a wonderful gift shop located by the entrance.  Pick up a magnet or a stuffy of your favourite animal for yourself or for your child.

There are many different zoo experience packages you can buy.  Make sure you do your research and buy the one that suits your needs.  I bought the Breakfast with the Orangutans Package.  I paid $35 SD  ($33.45 CDN) for zoo admittance and $35 SD for the Breakfast experience.  It was all worth it.

There are so many things to see and do in Singapore its so hard to put them all into one post but I hope I have given you some ideas on what you can do and enjoy in Singapore when you visit!