Photo: Heather Barnard/ Expat Travelingmom
After having company visit over the last three weeks, I think I found a great list of 10 fun things to do in Singapore, whether you live here or are just visiting.
1.Botanical Gardens
Take a break from the magnificent city life Singapore has to offer, and lose yourself in 183 acres of lush surroundings found in the Botanical Gardens.
Follow your nose to the smells of amazing tropical flowers, let your eyes witness the beauty of nature in many forms and allow your ears to listen to the beautiful songs of birds around you. It is open from 5 a.m. to midnight every day of the year, and does not charge an admission fee, except for the National Orchid Garden (a MUST see.) Perhaps one of the greatest features of this park is the S$7 million Children’s Garden, which features a water play area, a maze, a tree house with slides, a rope bridge, a café and learning centers.
2. Gardens by the Bay
Photo: Heather Barnard/ Expat Travelingmom
Gardens by the Bay is part of a strategy by the Singapore government to transform Singapore from a “Garden City” to a “City in a Garden.” Take a stroll through the wide-open lawns and themed garden areas, taking in the natural beauty while admiring the skyline of Singapore.
Focused on conservation, the Gardens’ most visited structures include the Cloud Forest, the Flower Dome (the first column-less glasshouse) and the Supertrees Grove which all showcase sustainable building technologies. Bring a sweater for the two glasshouses as we became chilled quite quickly!
3. Marina Bay Sands
Interesting fact! Did you know the Marina Bay Sands is a Feng Shui masterpiece? Its overall location and size sits at the “Dragon’s Mouth” of Singapore, protecting any negativity entering Singapore from the South China Seas, as well as keeping in all the prosperity and qi of Singapore.
Featured as the world’s second most expensive building at US$5.5 billion, a visit to this architectural feat is a must.
The structure has three tall towers containing the hotel, the platform on top providing an infinity edge pool overlooking the Marina Bay, a glamorous mall and casino, and the gem of it all, the lotus flower which is
Photo: Heather Barnard/ Expat Travelingmom
the Art Science Museum. Allow the kids to marvel at the wonders of this area, spending time running around on the promenade and watching the Rain Oculus, which collects rain water and dispenses it into a swirling vortex, dispensing into the center of the mall!
4. Orchard Road
The ultimate shopper’s paradise, featuring 22 malls! Orchard Road is not only the place to find anything and everything you might need in Singapore, it’s a feast for the senses. Street performers can often be found on the sidewalks at night, twinkle lights on buildings and trees light it up and you might even be lucky enough to experience one of the nights where Orchard Road blocks off vehicle traffic, allowing pedestrians to get together for various events.
5 & 6. China Town and Maxwell Hawker Center
Catch the lion dance every Saturday, at 6:45pm on Pagoda Street, shop to your heart’s content on Sago, Smith and Pagoda Streets and marvel at the amazing temple. You’ll even find a Tintin shop on Pagoda Street, where everything Tintin is at your fingertips! When you’ve shopped your heart out, take a walk down South Bridge Road and eat at the famous Maxwell Hawker Center known for its chicken rice.
7. Changi Airport (Sunflower Garden, Butterfly Garden and More)
Who knew an airport could offer hours upon hours of fun? Changi airport has a movie theater, various gardens to walk through (including a butterfly garden and a sunflower garden), gaming consoles, woodblock rubbing and a swimming pool to name a few ways to spend your layover.
Photo: Heather Barnard/ Expat Travelingmom
8. Singapore Flyer
The largest observation wheel until Las Vegas’ High Roller opened in March 2014, is a great way to see gorgeous sweeping views of Singapore. The wheel features 28 air-conditioned capsules, each able to hold 28 passengers. You can even walk through a mini rainforest at the base of the building, as well as gete a bite to eat.
9. Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay riverfront area is a lovely way to spend an afternoon in Singapore. Grab a tour ride on the river, uncovering the history of Singapore, while getting fantastic views of the Merlion, Marina Bay Sands and the beautiful skyline of the city. When you’re finished, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and bars in the Clarke Quay area and take a stroll along the riverfront, admiring the beautiful bridges and architecture in the area.
10. Sentosa Island
Looking for an entire day…or two or three… of activities for your family? Sentosa Island is the place to go. Here you’ll find Universal Studios, zip lining, a butterfly park, the Sky Tower, and the waterpark and aquarium just to name a few. You can’t go wrong here.
Photo: Heather Barnard/ Expat Travelingmom
