Singapore has a lot to offer, yet is often overlooked as a vacation destination for many. Plenty of tourists pass through Jewel Changi Airport every month for an extended layover, just to realize that they should have stayed longer and missed out on a hidden gem. Go down this rabbit hole and explore the 23 reasons why Singapore should be your next vacation destination.
1. English is one of four official languages
Singapore is a relatively new country (fully independent since 1965) and is home to a very diverse population. This means that some of the older generations do not speak (much, if any) English, and instead, speak Mandarin, Malay, and/or Tamil. Keep in mind that there are also non-Singaporean expat-workers from all over Asia.
However, as a tourist you will have little issue with English, especially around the attractions and the city centre. You may just need to use your pointing skills at a hawker centre or market. The language barrier sometimes deters many people from traveling abroad, especially when the local language(s) is in an unfamiliar script – lucky for you, all street signs and other writing such as in public transport and in museums, is also written, sometimes exclusively, in English.
This is just the start of why you should consider traveling to Singapore for your next vacation destination!
2. Public Transport – Cheap & Easy to Use
Another bonus to Singapore being an amazing vacation destination is that getting around town is easy and affordable. The Singapore MRT and bus system will take just about everywhere in Singapore, plus it’s exceptionally easy to use, even for tourists.
This, to me, is such a win, since renting a car is impossible if you don’t have an int’l driver’s license, plus driving on the left side is a new experience for many. Singapore is my dream vacation destination also due to its reliable, clean, and fast public transportation system that runs during most hours of the day/night.
Learn more about the Singapore Tourist Pass (for public transport) and all things MRT here.
3. Centrally Located Attractions
When you thought that Singapore could not get better, many of its major attractions are located within the city centre, which is easily walkable or reachable via public transport. Centrally located attractions makes planning a trip to your dream vacation destination so much easier. Within the city centre near the Marina Bay, you can find the following attractions:
- Gardens by the Bay
- Marina Barrage
- The Marina Bay Sands (also the Shoppes @MBS and Promenade)
- ArtScience Museum & Red Dot Design Museum
- Singapore Flyer
- The National Gallery Singapore
- The National Museum of Singapore
- The Esplenade
- Merlion Park
- Clarke Quay
- Fort Canning Park
- Orchard Road
- Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre
- Little India
- Kampong Glam (Haji Lane, Arab Street, Sultan Mosque)
- Central Business District and much more!
Other nearby attractions are a short trip via the MRT such as the Botanic Gardens, Sentosa Island, and Mount Faber/the Southern Ridges. The Singapore Zoo (Mandai Wildlife Reserve) as well as the MacRitchie Treetop Walk are all located in northern Singapore. Jewel Changi Airport is located to the east.
4. Sightseeing & Instagram Worthy Places
Singapore is no stranger to stunning sights and instagrammable places. If you love taking amazing pictures, look no further than Singapore as your next vacation destination!
Some of the best views can be taken in from…
- SkyPark Observation Deck or at Cé La Vi at the MBS
- Singapore Flyer
- Faber Point
- Mount Faber Cable Car
- Fort Siloso Skywalk
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple Rooftop Garden
- Sky Garden at CapitaSpring
- Pinnacle @Duxton Skybridge
- SkyHelix Sentosa
- AJ Hatchet Skybridge
- Mega Adventure MegaClimb & Mega Zip
- Southernmost Point of Continental Asia
- Many rooftop clubs, bars, and lounges such as Stratos Rooftop Bar and Moon Rooftop Bar and Lounge
As for Instagram worthy places, a few of these include…
- Kampong Glam: Sultan Temple, Arab Street, Haji Lane
- Gardens by the Bay: Waterlily Pond, Floral Fantasy, Cloud Forest, the Supertree Grove (specifically the Supertree Observatory and OCBC SkyWay), and the Chinese Heritage Gardens
- Fort Canning Tree Tunnel, Sang Nila Utama Garden (Bali-style gardens), and the Fort Gate
- Old Hill Street Police Station (formerly known as MCI Building, MICA Building)
- Singapore Botanic Gardens: the National Orchid Gardens, the Plant House, the Sundial Garden, the Frangipani Collection, the Bandstand, the waterfall near the Ginger Garden, and the Bambusetum inside the Learning Forest, although the entire park is gorgeous
- Beaches on Sentosa Island, specifically the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia on Palawan Beach
- Japanese Cemetery Park
- Chinatown’s Pagoda Street and Kreta Ayer Square (Buddha Tooth Relic Temple)
- Thian Hock Keng Temple
- Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery
- Jurong Lake Gardens
- Toa Payoh Town Park
- MacRitchie Treetop Walk
- Inside the National Gallery Singapore
- Capitol Theatre
- The Selegie Arts Center
- Potato Head
- Tan Teng Niah
- Shophouses on Everton Road
- Peranakan Houses on Joo Chiat Road
- Future World Exhibit at the ArtScience Museum
- Rooftop of the Orchard Central Mall and Funan Mall
For more unique places to take photos, check out this architecture guide.
PS…the National Gallery Singapore and the ArtScience Museum are free to enter – you only have to pay admission for each gallery therefor you can take a ton of photos inside the atrium for free!
5. Architecture
Singapore is a fun vacation destination for scavenger hunters and adventurizers! There is no shortage of unique architectural works in the city, starting with unique buildings like the Marina Bay Sands and the ArtScience Museum. The city has a number of green spaces built into sky scrapers such as CapitaSpring and the Ocean Finance Centre, and not to mention the Oasia Hotel! Click below for the ultimate guide on amazing bridges and buildings worth photographing and exploring.
6. Blend of Cultures and Religions
Singapore is a country of immigrants from all over the world, but predominantly from India, Malaysia, and various parts of China. This makes this vacation destination a melting pot of cuisines, history, culture, and traditions, meaning you can enjoy Dosa for breakfast, eat Hainanese Chicken Rice for lunch, and devour a Sambal Stingray or Chili Crab for dinner. You can also opt for non-local treats such as steak, sushi, pizza, Korean BBQ, French baked goods, and much much more. Singapore has it all, even Mexican food! And I’m just talking food here…
The best way to enjoy the various cultures home to Singapore is by checking out the the heritage centres around town (very affordable):
- Indian Heritage Centre (5 Campbell Lane)
- Malay Heritage Centre (85 Sultan Gate) – Closed until late 2025 for renovations
- Chinese Heritage Centre (46 Nanyang Avenue)
- Eurasian Heritage Gallery (139 Ceylon Road)
You can also come to town during major holidays, such as Deepavali/Diwali (usually in the fall), Chinese New Year (January), Vesak Day (May), Thaipusam (usually in late winter), Hari Raya Puasa (Eid Al-Fitr; changes every year) for true cultural and religious immersion.
7. Cuisine
Some of the best vacation destinations are most memorable because of the food. Singapore is a food lovers hub. As mentioned above, there is no shortage of authentic Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisine as well as local classics such as Chili Crab, Fish Head Curry, and Kopi. Check out my Singapore Food Guide for the must try dishes while in Singapore! If you love roast meats, curry, satay, seafood, and rice/noodle dishes, you may want to come hungry.
8. Fine & Unique Dining Experiences
Just like with food, Singapore has some awesome one of a kind options in terms of unique dining. A vacation destination should include at least one night out or two that allows you to experience something you can only find here. There is no shortage of this in Singapore, with just a few unique places listed out here.
- 165 Sky Dining at the Singapore Flyer
- The Sunset in the Sky at the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck
- Cable Car Dining with Mount Faber Leisure
- Ocean Restaurant (dining beside massive aquariums)
- Cafe Monochrome (several locations around Singapore)
- Nox Dine in the Dark
- Absurdities (themed dining going from room to room in each course)
- The Dragon Chamber (unique Chinese dishes with stunning interior design inside the restaurant)
- Smith Marine Floating Restaurant (enjoy seafood while grilling at your table on a floating restaurant just off Pulau Ubin!)
- Andsoforth (dinner+live performances/shows)
- Riverboat Dining (Singapore River Cruise)
- Take a dinner cruise on the Royal Albatross (19th century-style sailing yacht)
For more details, click here.
9. Affordability
Singapore often gets a bad reputation for being expensive – and it can be, though it doesn’t have to be. Yes, it can get expensive, especially compared to its Southeast Asian neighbors, but there are great and more affordable options out there. The misconception comes from the many billionaires that live in Singapore such as TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew. Additionally, luxury shopping seems to be the national sport there once you visit Orchard Road. I’m certain the movie “Crazy Rich Asians” didn’t help either. Dining out is also expensive…but it doesn’t have to be!
However, once you visit Singapore, you will learn that this vacation destination is full of everyday people. Few Singaporeans drive nor own a vehicle (although motorcycles are common), and most do not live in a single family home. A majority of people reside in large apartment complexes and shop houses, most of which are public housing.
For cheap food, your best options are always hawker centres, food courts, street stands, and markets – grocery stores tend to be more expensive as many things are imported. As mentioned above, public transportation is cheap and reliable, no need to rent a vehicle, although renting bicycles could be fun. Also, you do not have to stay at one of Singapore’s many luxury hotels or resorts. There are plenty of budget options in and around the city centre.
Lastly, there are a ton of free and low cost attractions all around Singapore to include…(all of these are free)
- Singapore City Gallery
- Many shows at the Esplenade
- Visiting religious sites such as the Sultan Mosque, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, and more
- All public parks (NParks) to include the Botanic Gardens & its indoor attractions, the Southern Ridges, MacRitchie Treetop Walk, Fort Canning Park & its two museums, and the stunning and recently refurbished Jurong Lake Gardens
- Merlion Park
- Gardens by the Bay (most outdoor gardens and the nightly light show)
- The Marina Barrage
- Spectra Light Show at the MBS Promenade
- Kreta Ayer Heritage Gallery
- Fuk Tak Chi Museum
- Gillman Barracks
- NUS Museum
- Singapore Air Force Museum
- STPI Creative Workshop and Gallery
- Civil Defence Heritage Gallery (SCDF) & Emergency Preparedness Centre (EPC) at the Old Fire Station (Hill Street)
- Singapore Maritime Gallery
- Shimano Cycling World
- The Gem Museum
- The Singapore Mobility Gallery (MRT)
- The Istana Heritage Gallery
- Many Sentosa Island attractions like Fort Siloso + SkyWalk, many Sentosa Island Beaches. Learn more here.
- Many Jewel Changi Airport attractions, click here for more.
PS…the National Gallery Singapore and the ArtScience Museum are free to enter – you only have to pay admission for each gallery therefor you can take a ton of photos inside the atrium for free!
10. Nature & Green Spaces
Although a bustling city of over five million, Singapore takes great pride in their green spaces, gardens, parks, and nature reserves. Walking through the CBD you will notice a number of large buildings with gardens in an otherwise concrete jungle.
Some amazing and lesser known parks to visit include Yunan Garden, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio, the many parks along the Southern Ridges, and the Sembawang Hot Springs. These are great for hiking, watching wildlife, and taking in the wilderness.
I love Singapore as a vacation destination for its amazing greenery in high rises. Many of these include the Pan Pacific Orchard, Capita Springs, Oasia Hotel, EDEN Singapore, Marina One, and Park Royal Collection Pickering…just to name a few.
11. Sports
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With nature comes hiking and other outdoor activities. This is why Singapore is a great vacation destination; you get the city, you get remote nature, its a foodie town, rich in history, cultures, language, cuisine, religions, and traditions, and you even get a beach get away all in one.
Hiking is best done at the many parks in and around the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Central Water Catchment Nature Reserve and nearby Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Pulau Ubin, Coney Island, the parks at the Southern Ridges, and even on Sentosa Island.
Biking is another popular activity along East Coast Park, through the Botanic Gardens, at West Coast Park, and around the Marina Bay waterfront promenade. Yoga is also popular on the large stretches of grass at East Coast Park and West Coast Park.
Other activities such as rowing is often conducted at the many lakes inside the Central Water Catchment Nature Reserve and nearby Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, while kayaking is popular along the Singapore River and the Marina Bay.
Other water activities such as boating, floating obstacle courses/bounce houses, water bikes, paddle boarding, and banana boats are popular on Sentosa and Lazarus Island via Ola Beach Club or the Lazarus Sea Sport Centre. Ola Beach Club even offers jetblading while you can bungee jump at AJ Hatchet.
12. Great Adventure Seekers
Love seeing new things? Consider Singapore as a vacation destination for scavenger hunting and exploring the lesser known parts of the city.
At Gardens by the Bay, you can use this list of sculptures and this map to find all of its sculptures.
At the Botanic Gardens, you are able to use this list of statues and the park map to keep your kids busy during your visit.
On Sentosa Island, you can go off the beaten path by finding all three old forts or you can find the four wooden giants spread out on the beaches.
Check out the singing birds on Sundays at the The Kebun Baru Bird Singing Club, located between Mayflower Market and Food Centre & Ang Mo Kio Town Gardens West.
You can also explore wildlife, go birdwatching, and enjoy the scenery along the Southern Ridges and its many parks.
You can also visit Singapore’s last old-time village, Kampong Lorong Buangkok, by booking a private tour via LetsGoTour or Klook.
For architectural works all around the city centre, click here. For architecture in central Singapore, click here.
You can also opt for a more traditional scavenger hunt with teams by booking via Tripadvisor.
13. Animals
Singapore is a fun vacation destination if you are an animal lover! There is lots of wildlife you can spot; from monkeys to otters to birds, if you venture off into the national parks, you will encounter them. Otherwise, the Singapore Zoo (properly referred to as the Mandai Wildlife Reserve) features four separate parks filled with animals from all over the world, also being home to Asia’s largest bird Park. Read more on the zoo here. Sentosa Island also has the S.E.A. Aquarium, which is one of the world’s largest aquariums and home to over 100,000 different marine life species.
14. Tourist Attractions
Singapore has really built out its tourist forward attractions over the past 20 years, with Sentosa Island having been the de facto vacation destination for beach goers. However, the continuous investment in Gardens by the Bay and Sentosa Island have garnered a lot of attention beyond Southeast Asia. Additionally, many are intrigued by Singapore as its impressive airport, which has drawn more people beyond seeing only Changi.
Singapore loves its light shows; you can view three of the major ones for free (nightly). The Garden Rhapsody show is on nightly at 7:45pm and 8:45pm (SupertreeGrove at Gardens by the Bay), while the Spectra Light Show is on at 8pm & 9pm on Sunday-Thursday and Friday/Saturday at 8pm, 9pm, and 10pm (MBS Promenade; there may be more shows added, check official website). Every evening you can catch the light show at the Jewel Changi HSBC Vortex on Monday-Thursday 8pm & 9pm/Friday-Sunday/PHs/Eve of PHs 8pm, 9pm, and 10pm. There is also the bi-nightly Wings of Time water, light, sound and pyrotechnic show at the Beach Bazar at 7:40pm and 8:40pm (standard rate is S$19).
Arab Street, Haji Lane, and Clarke Quay are nightlife and photography hubs for many visitors, while others are happy in the stands of the annual Singapore Grand Prix. I am certain that the movie “Crazy Rich Asians” has also highlighted this city to many Westerners. The Botanic Gardens, its many museums and galleries, the good weather, as well as the vibrant waterfront city has its advantages. This vacation destination is great for young party animals and families alike as there are attractions for explorers, thrill seekers, or those who want a resort-style trip.
For a highlight of the major tourist attractions in Singapore, click here.
15. Workshops & Activities
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If you are looking to make some unique memories look no further than taking a workshop at this vacation destination. You can get your craft on by getting artsy doing painting, rug tufting, perfume and candle making, cooking & baking classes, jewellery making, pottery, and phone case design ~ it makes for a great gift/souvenir.
You can also delve into some one of a kind and true Singaporean workshops such as painting your own Peranakan tiles and/or lunch boxes, doodling on some sneakers, faux tattoo artistry, glass making, bonsai tree workshops, alcohol distillery, skincare making, and beekeeping. Check out my guide below for inspiration!
16. Museums & Galleries
Life long learners and history buffs can get a lot out of Singapore as a vacation destination as it features nearly 50 museums and art galleries, 17 of which are free for tourists! Amongst the most popular is the ArtScience Museum and the National Museum of Singapore.
There are art galleries, niche museums, toy exhibits, children’s museums, science forward interactive museums, history museums, and much much more! Check out my Singapore museum guide below for all things Singapore museums.
17. Seasonal Events
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Singapore is no stranger to seasonal events, one of the most famous being the Singapore Grand Prix every September, oddly taking place first weekend in October next year, 2025. Otherwise, the Singapore Night Festival usually opens end of August and extends into September before the crowds for the Grand Prix come to town. The Singapore Food Festival occurs every July. The Singapore National Day is celebrated with airshows and parades every August 9th. The Sentosa Grill Fest usually falls every year in November. Throughout the year you will encounter various light and lantern festivals as well as decor during Christmas time and New Year’s. Not to mention, there are constant pop-ups, expos, concerts, sporting events, and fairs that come through Singapore regularly.
As mentioned above, religious and cultural festival are just about year round for Singapore and its diverse population. To highlight just a few, Deepavali/Diwali is usually in the fall months, Chinese New Year in January, Vesak Day in May, Thaipusam is usually in late winter, and Hari Raya Puasa, also known as Eid Al-Fitr (the end of Ramadan) changes every year based on the Muslim Lunar Calendar. There are no shortages of celebrations at this wonderful vacation destination!
18. Beaches and Resorts
If you are looking for a tropical get away and beach vacation destination, Singapore has this as well. Most famously on Sentosa Island, where you will find long stretches of sandy beaches and lagoons as well as a number of resorts. There are more than just these three resorts on Sentosa Island, not to mention Resorts World, but these three stood out to me.
Sentosa Beach Resort is a stunning beachside resort featuring a waterfall and “natural” slides in the pool. This hotel right by Siloso Beach but tucked away in the jungle. Rooms start at S$168.
Considered one of the best hotel brands in the world, Capella Singapore is located right on Palawan Beach. Enjoy the luxurious spa, the pools, and the views of the island. Staying at this Singapore hotel will make you feel like you are no longer on Sentosa Island; it’s very quiet and tucked away though rooms start at S$1000+.
W Singapore Sentosa Cove is located on the eastern part of the island. Tucked into a harbour, this resort will make it feel like you’re in the Mediterranean; rooms start at S$449 for non-members.
19. Shopping
Singapore is home to over 170 malls across its only 741 square km/278 sq miles! If you love to shop, this is your vacation destination through and through. A good chunk of these malls are located on the famous Orchard Road, which features thousands of stores, as well as at Changi Airport, the Bugis Malls, and the various malls between the Singapore Flyer and the Esplenade (Suntec City).
Not to mention VivoCity and HarbourFront Malls which are really just one massive complex; I’m surprised there are no major shopping malls on Sentosa Island, although you will find luxury jewellery and watch stores inside Resorts World. Shopping at the airport has its tax advantages, so please be sure to read up on the differences between duty free, tax free, and GST relief (as well as refunds) here.
20. World’s Best Airport
Jewel Changi Airport is basically a small theme park, shopping hub, and a restaurant road. Many locals actually come here to spend their free time. Many school kids come to do homework at the Jewel’s many bakeries and coffee shops. Make this Singapore more than just a stop over at the stunning Jewel, but stay as the ultimate vacation destination.
However, you can enjoy many other activities at the Jewel and within the public areas of some terminals. The forest walk and rain vortex are just a few, not to mention the giant net you can climb or the free nightly light show that occurs Monday-Thursday 8pm & 9pm/Friday-Sunday/PHs/Eve of PHs 8pm, 9pm, and 10pm. Please click below for details on Jewel Changi Airport attractions, and click here for travel tips such as luggage storage, early check in, and more.
21. Golfing
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Golfing is a beloved sport worldwide and Singapore is no exception. If you want to golf in a tropical paradise vacation destination look no further than the several golf clubs around the island (the list below is not all inclusive). Please keep in mind that some of these require memberships:
- Laguna National Golf Resort Club
- SICC Millennium Golf Course
- Sentosa Golf Club
- Orchid Country Club Golf Driving Range
- Singapore Island Country Club
- Bukit Batok Golf Range
- Serapong Golf Course
- A handful of indoor/virtual golf facilities such as Premier Golf Singapore
22. Singapore is easy to get to!
Singapore is located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula and is not only a cool vacation destination but a common layover airport like Dubai. Singapore’s Jewel Changi Airport works with over 100 airlines to transport 37+ million passengers monthly. Other than *most of the Americas, there are many direct flights to Singapore from Europe, Africa, Australia, and of course from all over Asia. There are a few non-stop flights from the US to Singapore from Los Angeles, San Fransisco, and New York City, that are 16+ hours in length. Cruising to or out of Singapore is another option.
23. Family Friendly
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As you can probably tell by now, Singapore is a very family friendly vacation destination and also very child accommodating. You will find find stroller parking spots, children’s bathroom stalls, as well as separate family bathroom and baby changing facilities that feature hot and cold water dispensers. Many attractions will be free for young children under two or three years of age, kid’s tickets are usually available for those under 12 or 13. Additionally, you will find lots of playgrounds and splash pads around various attractions, so be sure be bring a kid’s bathing suit with you. To beat the heat, you can also go to an indoor playground such as the one at Marina Square Mall and East Point Mall. Dinoland in northern Singapore also looks very cool!
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Singapore has something for everybody. There’s no shortage of things to do and see as well as attractions to experience and take in. You too can explore Singapore without breaking the bank. Thank you for taking the time to read through my 23 reasons to consider Singapore as your next vacation destination. I hope I have convinced you!
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