Singapore shines bright as a city of exceptional experiences. When the conversation turns to travel destinations, words like tallest, greatest, and most unique come into play, because Singapore takes pride in its vibrant attractions that go all out, ensuring visitors leave with countless memories to share.
From gardens featuring awe-inspiring ‘supertrees’ to lush rainforests adorned with breathtaking suspension and sculptural bridges, the cultural fusion showcased by colorful Peranakan shophouses welcomes exploration. Not to forget, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall awaiting at Jewel Changi Airport, a visit to Singapore guarantees captivating stories to bring back home.
For an unforgettable Singapore experience, explore these six remarkable spots that stand out from my multiple visits over the years.
Additionally, discover how businesses in Singapore are implementing top-notch hygiene and cleanliness protocols, providing peace of mind for travelers as the world slowly reopens.
6 essential places to explore in Singapore
1. Gardens By The Bay
Experience the refreshing mist from the 30-meter indoor waterfall in the Cloud Dome.
A must-see in Singapore is Gardens By The Bay. Don’t dismiss this as an option just because gardening isn’t your forte. The stunning collections present in this award-winning conservatory are something you simply can’t afford to miss.
This exceptional horticultural park is home to two magnificent conservatories, Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, alongside a spectacular man-made waterfall and a grove of solar-powered ‘Supertrees’ that come alive during evening light shows, dazzling like fireworks.
Find shade beneath the solar-powered Supertrees.
The enchanting Garden Rhapsody light and sound performance occurs at Supertree Grove nightly at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM.
Walking on the Skyway connecting two of the towering 50-meter Supertrees feels like entering a fantasy realm. Afterwards, unwind with a drink at the Supertree Observatory Cafe while soaking in panoramic views from the open-air deck on top of the tallest structure.
The park offers numerous food options, including a remarkably clean hawker center named Satay By The Bay, where you can relish satay sticks amidst scenic views of Marina Bay Sands.
Enjoy a feast of satay at Satay By The Bay.
Families will appreciate that the entire area is wonderfully accessible for strollers, with plentiful lift access, high chairs, and baby changing facilities. Plus, staff are accommodating, allowing you to store items at reception if you bring along bulky equipment like a car seat!
Explore more of Singapore’s stunning parks and gardens.
2. Jewel at Changi Airport
Home to the world’s largest indoor waterfall, Jewel is a must-visit.
Changi Airport unveiled Jewel in 2019, taking its worldwide acclaim to new heights. This spectacular hub features an unmatched indoor waterfall that you need to see to fully grasp its magnificence.
Situated in the heart of Jewel, the incredible 40-meter-high HSBC Rain Vortex generates rainbows during the daylight and transforms into a mesmerizing light and sound display at night, running from 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM at hourly intervals.
You can view the stunning waterfall from various levels.
While directly connected to Changi Airport (via Terminal 1 or a shuttle bus to the other terminals), entry is open to everyone, making it easy to add a whole day of fun to your Singapore itinerary.
Entrance is complimentary, with some exciting features like a Hedge Maze, Mirror Maze, Canopy Bridge, and Park on a ticketed basis available as add-ons.
Jewel is also perfect for passing time before a flight since many airlines permit early luggage check-in for added convenience.
For families with older kids (or energetic adults), exhaust some energy at the Manulife Sky Nets, a massive 250-meter-long net above the Canopy Park for a thrilling jumping experience.
The Sky Net ticket grants access to other enjoyable attractions in the Canopy Park, including Discovery Slides and Foggy Bowls, so you can keep the fun going while waiting for your flight.
Check out my guide to Jewel for more exciting activities to try.
3. LeVeL 33 Craft Brewery
Experience the world’s highest urban brewery that’s welcoming for families.
If you’re looking for a refreshing beverage with a stunning backdrop, LeVeL 33 Brewery is the perfect spot.
While CÉ LA VI SkyBar at Marina Bay Sands is a popular choice (with an entry fee redeemable on food and drinks), many feel it lacks something vital—unobstructed views of one of Singapore’s iconic structures.
To truly soak in sweeping vistas of the skyline—including the spectacular laser light show at Marina Bay Sands—LeVeL 33 is your go-to spot. Grab a seat in their restaurant or on the rooftop terrace for the best experience.
Admire the incredible view of Marina Bay Sands from LeVeL 33.
The highest urban craft brewery offers a tasting paddle and a menu that pairs perfectly with your cravings, ensuring a delightful dining experience. There’s no cover charge, and securing a table during the day is typically straightforward (even with a highchair).
As a tip, it tends to get busier post-6 PM—adjust your timing accordingly.
Discover even more delicious food encounters in Singapore in this post by Cook Sister.
4. TreeTop Walk at MacRitchie
Cross the MacRitchie free-standing suspension bridge, opened in 2014.
If you primarily explore the Marina area, it can be easy to assume Singapore is solely about skyscrapers and modern architecture. Venture to the MacRitchie Nature Trail & Reservoir Park, and you’ll find lush greenery that truly embodies the city’s nickname, ‘city in a garden’.
A 6 to 11 km walking trail loops through the reserve, including the awe-inspiring 250-meter-long suspension bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the forest canopy and its inhabitants, such as skinks, lizards, and various birds.
For a detailed guide to the TreeTop Walk walking trail, click here. Expect a 2-3 hour trek, so bring plenty of water to stay hydrated!
5. Henderson Waves
Located near Downtown, the stunning 274-meter-long pedestrian bridge known as Henderson Waves awaits exploration.
This whimsical wooden structure is the height of pedestrian bridges in Singapore, linking two parks in the Southern Ridges Walk that come alive with LED lights as dusk falls.
It offers a unique opportunity to experience the local feel, along with numerous photography prospects. (My shot from 2014 doesn’t quite capture its beauty!)
6. Peranakan Houses in Joo Chiat
Explore the vibrant pastel shophouses in Joo Chiat.
To delve into Singapore’s traditional architecture and rich cultural tapestry—blending European, Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences—visit the Peranakan Shophouses in Joo Chiat and Katong.
These colorful row houses have captured the hearts of Instagrammers, yet don’t overlook the surrounding shops and cafés filled with Peranakan craftsmanship, cuisine, and customs.
Attractions like private home museums, such as The Intan, display intricately crafted Peranakan wares, while Kim Choo Kueh Chang, established in 1945, offers an array of delectable foods and handicrafts.
Indulge in the delicious offerings available.
Adjacent Katong is a mini-food destination, boasting iconic spots like 328 Katong Laksa and Birds of Paradise Gelato Boutique, each worthy of the wait in line.
Finding accommodations in Singapore
During my recent visit, we enjoyed our stay at Hotel Indigo in Katong, conveniently surrounded by enticing laksa and gelato options. The hotel artfully blends retro Peranakan aesthetics with spacious bathtubs and a rooftop pool for relaxation.
Using the Grab or Uber app to travel to all mentioned destinations proved to be efficient and easy with a baby in tow. Traveling with our own car seat simplifies this process. For more travel tips, check out our baby travel essentials.
Singapore Airlines provides excellent stopover packages, allowing you to add hotel stays and one-way transfers to your flight booking for a mere $35 SGD per person. Find more details here.
Traveling safely in Singapore
Tourism in Singapore will gradually resume, with specific activities reopening in phases, depending on the implementation of necessary safety measures.
Health and safety for both citizens and visitors remains a priority. The SG Clean initiative, launched in February 2020, ensures rigorous hygiene standards across businesses.
Now, various tourism-related establishments—ranging from hotels to attractions and eateries—are being independently assessed, allowing visitors to easily identify those carrying the SG Clean quality mark for reassurance.
Singapore was my last destination before the global pandemic, and its proactive stance on visitor safety, combined with the array of exciting experiences available, makes it a venue I look forward to revisiting first.
Which of these spots in Singapore are you eager to visit someday?
Note: This post was written in January 2020 and updated as part of a collaboration with Singapore Tourism Board. My most recent trip to Singapore was self-funded, and all opinions are solely my own.
