Top 18 Most Enchanting Sites to Visit in Singapore

A heady mix of the modern and traditional with lashings of the exotic, the Southeast Asian island state has often been overlooked in favor of its neighboring rivals but is now gaining more popularity.

With pristine lush gardens, wide beaches, picturesque islands, a melting pot of cultures, a fascinating colonial past, and a thriving economy, Singapore draws more and more curious visitors. From my many trips, here are my all-time favorite spots that I think you shouldn’t miss…

1. Gardens by the Bay 

Not many people know just how much natural beauty and wonder there is in this island state! In my opinion, the Gardens by the Bay are a great place to start! It’s quite an extraordinary spot and offers unique natural sights, including the world’s largest indoor waterfall.

I suggest including a visit to Supertree Grove, which is also a must. Here, you’ll see futuristically designed structures performing environmentally sustainable functions, their nature, and the future.

Gardens by the Bay is a wonderland that celebrates nature’s biodiversity in all its forms. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, I highly recommend heading here! 

2. Singapore’s Southern Islands

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Southern Islands are well worth visiting; you can even tour many of them! This gorgeous collection of islands was once home to native Malay islanders and sea nomads (before they were relocated to the mainland). 

With many Islands to visit, there is something for everyone, the Kusu Island (also known as Turtle Island) being one of the most mysterious.

It’s home to a Chinese temple and many shrines telling the story of shipwrecked sailors saved by a turtle who lived on the Island.

The nearby Lazarus Island is also worth visiting; it features a beautiful beach and apparent waters. With so many islands to see, the south has plenty to offer. 

3. Singapore Botanic Gardens

These are other beautiful gardens that I would highly recommend visiting. Originating in 1859, I think it still has an old-fashioned kind of air, quite different from the more modern Gardens by the Bay. 

I particularly love the super-cute Victorian-style gazebos, the stunning foundations, the pavilions and the bandstand, and I would recommend spending a peaceful (and very photogenic!) afternoon here. 

3. Little India

Singapore celebrates Indian culture and cuisine with the sprawling Little India. With beautiful bright colors, excellent food, and great music, I think Little India is a perfect place to visit for a sensory treat.

The food court and markets are a must for authentic Indian cuisine. There are all kinds of shops, and you must see some of the fantastic street art.

Some hotels are nearby, so you can stay nearby if you love Little India. I would suggest trying as many restaurants as you can while visiting.

4. Clarke Quay

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clarke Quay was one of Singapore’s leading commerce sectors during the 19th century and still thriving today! With fantastic waterfront views, it’s a beautiful place to visit whether you’re shopping.

You can take a river cruise to see the magnificent structures in a whole new way, visit the Asian Civilization Museum, or even opt for a bungee jump for an adrenaline rush! There is something for everyone at Clarke Quay.

5. Raffles Hotel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It might seem strange to recommend visiting a hotel, but there’s plenty to see and do at Raffles without needing to stay there!

You can admire the beautiful architecture and even visit many tremendous onsite shops and restaurants in the hotel complex.

Whether you’re staying for a visit or want to see its wonderous architecture up close, the Raffle Hotel is well worth visiting.

6. Punggol Beach

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Singapore isn’t a beach location for most people, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few to visit. The Punggol Beach, Coney Island experience differs from your typical beach experience.

The Island is designed to be as natural as possible, and I think it is a fantastic place to relax and unwind. You can go hiking and cycling around the island, visit bird-watching settlements, and explore a tiny island forest.

Coney Island celebrates nature and allows you to experience a new side of the country.

7. Chinatown

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Singapore’s Chinatown is designed to offer visitors an authentic experience. You’ll find traditional mom-and-pop-style shops, fantastic street food, authentic Chinese restaurants, and more here.

You can visit the Chinese Heritage Centre and numerous ancient temples. The neighborhood also has free Wi-Fi, which is very handy for tourists.

8. Bukit Batok Hill

Bukit Batok Hill is home to the Bukit Batok Memorial, which was built by POWs to commemorate the dead who fought in the Battle of Bukit Timah.

The memorial was destroyed after the war, but the stairs and remnants of them still exist today.

It’s well worth visiting to see these alone, but the surrounding town of Bukit Batok is also worth seeing. The West Mall has everything you could want, including a library, cinema complex, restaurant, shops, and much more.

If you want a shopping extravaganza, then in my opinion, this is a great choice! 

9. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Chinatown, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is one of the newer attractions in Singapore. Built in 2007 and named after the left canine of Buddha, the temple and museum are the perfect places to spend a day.

The sacred Light Hall holds a stunning relic of 320 kilograms of gold. Although you can’t enter the relic chamber, there is a public viewing platform.

Cultural and artistic performances are also available. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is the perfect place to explore Buddhism more, but it also offers some beautiful examples of art, history, and culture.

10. Changi Beach

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changi Beach, located in Eastern Singapore, offers fantastic views across its 28 hectares. It’s one of the oldest beach parks in Singapore and still retains the village atmosphere of the 1960s and 1970s.

It’s got a very unique charm and is well worth seeing. It’s a popular picnic spot, and you can also enjoy onsite exercise equipment, barbeque pits, and a playground, making it perfect for families.

11. Tanjong Beach

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jong Beach is a relaxing and tranquil must-visit spot on Sentosa Island Tan! It’s a little patch of paradise with lush white sand, sparkling water, and beautiful coconut trees.

Further out, you’ll find some nearby bars and clubs that can be great spots to visit later. But this beach is known for its more peaceful, laid-back atmosphere, so I suggest just kicking back and taking it all in!

12. Labrador Nature Reserve

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Labrador Nature Reserve is another excellent opportunity to escape the city’s hustle and bustle and return to nature. You’ll find a great variety of trees, plants, and wildlife. You can enjoy listening to the insects and relax in any way, apart from everything else.

The nature park also has a lot of historical importance as it was one of the most critical defence points during World War 2. So, it’s a historic location, and it’s fantastic to see how it’s changed over the years.

You can also enjoy some brilliant skylines at night, which makes it the perfect spot for photographs. 

13. Sentosa Island

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sentosa Island offers many wonderful activities, including floorboarding, skydiving, exploring ancient tunnels, kayaking, dolphin swimming, and more.

So, if you plan to visit Singapore, I recommend stopping by Sentosa Island. You’ll find some fantastic beaches and even visit the famous Merlion statue! With the head of a lion and the body of a fish, it certainly isn’t something you see every day.

14. Henderson Waves Bridge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Henderson Waves Bridge is the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore! If that doesn’t make it worth visiting, wait until you see the views.

The bridge connects Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park and is the perfect vantage point for photographs and video recordings! You can see some fantastic views and visit twice, night and day!

The bridge lights up from 7 PM and transforms with some stunning lights. Whether it’s for the architecture, the scenes, or just a nice walk, the Henderson Waves Bridge is worth seeing. 

15. Pasir Ris Park

The Pasir Ris Park offers a quieter, more secluded location away from the crowds. The natural, undisturbed stretch of beach is perfect for long walks.

It’s also an excellent spot for families to rent sports equipment like volleyballs and barbe. There’s also available. It’s a quieter, more relaxed setting with its unique charm.

16. Granite Island (Pulau Ubin)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Officially known as Pulau Ubin, this North Eastern Island was known for its granite quarry, which used to support thousands of settlers. Nowadays, the Island is a popular tourist spot for Summer camps and outdoor activities.

The Check Jawa Cape is one of the most famous areas to visit; it features a natural rocky shore and supports numerous ecosystems.

The wildlife is incredibly varied all around the Island, and you can see the marine life up close! With some famous mountain bike trails, Granite Island is also the perfect place to visit for a long, relaxing ride.

17. Masjid Sultan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Masjid Sultan, also known as the Sultan Mosque, can be found in the Rochor district of Singapore. Construction was completed in 1932, and you can still enjoy much of its fantastic architecture today. So I highly suggest a visit! 

Exploring the interior of the Masjid Sultan will be a very enriching experience; every room is a work of art. Some fabulous authentic Mediterranean and Turkish cafes and shops surround the Mosque.

I recommend squeezing these in after seeing the magnificent Masjid Sultan up close! 

18. Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery is the perfect place to visit, whether you are spiritual or not. It offers fantastic scenery, with colorful Buddha statues decorating many great halls.

Behind the temple is a Koi pond with a small waterfall and a market, which are well worth visiting. The monastery can get very busy during religious festivals, and you must wear appropriate clothing.

But most of the time, the Monastery is a very peaceful and serene place to visit, the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.