Joanna James
For such a small city-state, Singapore offers an extensive list of things to do, especially for someone who visits for the first time. If you’re organising a trip, these are the best things to do.
One of the oldest and most interesting neighbourhoods in Singapore, Tanjong Pagar is where you’ll find a row of 18th-century shophouses now sharing space with bars, restaurants, and fitness studios. It’s not a large locale, but there’s plenty to discover. During the day, office workers come here to grab lunch, and in the evening, the atmosphere shifts as families, couples, and food lovers fill the streets. Nearby, you’ll find a few well-known tourist spots like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, but the real reason many visit is the food. This neighbourhood is at the heart of Singapore’s dining scene, which says a lot in a country where food means a great deal. There are elegant restaurants for a fine dining experience, but for something more authentic and more Singaporean, visit Maxwell Market, a hawker centre.
Singapore is a paradise for shopping lovers. From luxury shopping to market-style browsing and quick finds in little stores, the city promises a complete retail experience. Orchard Road is the most well-known shopping stretch. Here, you’ll find malls, boutique stores, as well as cinemas. Chinatown Street Market is perfect for picking up keepsakes like silk robes, tea sets, and more. If you’re serious about shopping, consider staying at a place like Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre, which offers ICON Link@ClubStreet. It’s also known as the best hotel for staycation in Singapore.
A part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Rainforest Wild Asia joins favourites like Night Safari, the Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise, and River Wonders. Even though it’s the second-smallest park, it’s still worth visiting. The park offers adventure-style experiences, such as exploring caves and walking across suspension bridges. With animals roaming freely in some areas, the layout makes the experience feel quite personal. Try the Canopy Jump for a thrilling experience – it’s a 65-foot drop that delivers a real adrenaline rush, although you may have to wait your turn in line. Don’t forget the Rock Cascade either, where you can enjoy seeing two Malayan tigers from elevated walkways.
Located inside an old building from 1912, which used to be a Chinese school, the Peranakan Museum focuses on Peranakan culture, art, and history. There are nine permanent galleries with over 800 objects on display. The collection includes beaded slippers, porcelain dishes, and hand-carved wooden furniture. One highlight is the large, gold-trimmed wedding bed that belonged to an old Peranakan family. It is said that the matriarch gave birth to several children on it.
Taking the cable car is a unique way to enjoy Singapore. It can be a family outing or a romantic experience. The ride goes from Mount Faber to Sentosa, with a stop at HarbourFront in between. It’s only about a mile long and takes just 13 minutes, but the views make it memorable. You get to enjoy the cityscape from above. The views make for great photos, too, so bring your camera. You can ride it in either direction, and even waiting in line is an exciting experience. You can buy tickets for each section separately, but the combo ticket is a better deal and only slightly more expensive. Plus, the view from Mount Faber, the highest point of the ride, is definitely worth seeing.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
