Top Tourist Places to Visit in Singapore – A Page from a Travel Diary

Whatever futuristic sights you’ve seen before will pale in comparison when you see the magnificence that stretches before your eyes at the Gardens by the Bay. With the inception of the Gardens by the Bay, Singapore redefined ‘futuristic’ for good; nothing comes close to it. The best part is that it’s not just about aesthetics or winning a race against other futuristic giants. Sure, it offers an experience that’s visually pleasing, but it also serves a purpose. Supertree Grove, for one, is a massive structure that’s stunning as well as sustainable. Inside the Cloud Forest Dome, you find the tallest indoor waterfall in the world. Next, the Bay East Garden is where you come upon a variety of plants and blooms.

A common misconception about Singapore is that it’s a concrete jungle. Now, it’s true that the city has a huge number of high risers, but it doesn’t mean there isn’t any greenery to be found. Visit Singapore Botanic Gardens, and you’ll find a series of heritage trees that does Singapore proud. It’s the first attraction in the city to receive a UNESCO nomination. While you’re here, make your way over to the National Orchid Garden. If you have more time to spare, the eco-lake, eco-garden, and bonsai garden will keep you happily occupied. The garden is only about 15 minutes from Grand Park City Hall, one of the hotels near Singapore City Hall.

Here's another attraction that dispels the misconception that Singapore is all concrete. Singapore Zoo, arguably the best rainforest zoo in the world, offers you just the thing when you feel disconnected from nature. Home to tigers, orangutans, zebras, mole rats, and meerkats, the zoo accurately depicts life in rainforests. You need at least three hours if not more, to explore the zoo – you no doubt would want to comb through every inch of it. While you’re here, you’ll be privy to animal feeding sessions – not something you see every day. There’s also a section of the zoo that provides a home for giant pandas. More encounters with the wildlife? The Singapore Zoo Breakfast with the Orangutans experience is right up your alley!

It’s all right if you want to spend the whole of your Singapore holiday in shopping malls – because only someone with great willpower could resist the pull of Orchard Road, a name synonymous with shopping in Singapore. There are more than 22 malls – one at every corner as it happens. Topping it all off, cafes and cosy eateries here offer delicious snacks and drinks for shoppers feeling peckish. Once your shopping spree is over, head to the neighbourhood cinema to catch the latest blockbuster.

A bustling hub, Clarke Quay was at the very heart of commerce during the 19th century. Today, it retains a similar gleam but with hints of the modern day. Once your expedition on Orchard Road has come to a satisfactory end, you can head to Clarke Quay for some delicious tucker with the added bonus of waterfront entertainment. Plus, the river taxis here will add to your already fun evening.

Just when you think Singapore can’t surprise you anymore, the city comes up with something even more inventive than all else. Singapore Flyer, the largest observation wheel in the world, brings you stunning views across not only the city but also Malaysia's Straits of Johor and the Spice Islands of Indonesia. With several ticket packages to choose from, Singapore goes all out as usual. A flight lasts for about 30 minutes, an experience you can enjoy from early morning until late in the evening.