The 10 things to do in Singapore

Visit Singapore: what are the best things to do and see in the island of the State, nicknamed the “city garden”?

Singapore is an independent city-state composed of 63 islands with lush but densely populated vegetation, south of the Strait of Johor, at the end of the Malay Peninsula. Its warm and humid equatorial climate throughout the year does not frighten the few 16 million tourists who come to visit Singapore every year. Singapore – one of the four Asian dragons (with Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea) – is a tax haven often praised for its economic success. Also, the state is among the most developed in the world. It is also a mosaic of cultures around the world: 5.535 million inhabitants composed of Chinese (75% of the population), Malay, Indians and various other nationalities.

But what about Singapore? On a trip or a stopover, expatriation or a holiday-work visa, here is our top 10 of the must-sees to visit Singapore.

1. Visit Singapore by boat

Here’s what some would call catch-to-tourists, but we’ll take on: boat cruises to admire the skyline from the Singapore River – Singapore River – could surprise more than one. From the water, you go by boat to contemplate various atmospheres: a skyscraper forest catering the clouds, the Marina Bay Sands, symbol of the fierce capitalism, adjacent to the boat Quay district, the old fishing port and its colourful Shop Houses.

2. Gardens By The Bay

Gardens By The Bay is a 101-hectare park in the centre of Singapore. The park is divided into three gardens, Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden and Central Garden . Here we know why the city-state is called "City-Jardin". He attracted 6.4 million visitors in 2014, while saying that he is very busy all year round. The aim is to make the city a lush garden, highlighting tropical horticulture. In the Cloud Forest , enjoy an imposing artificial cascade. Next door. Flower Dome honours the thousands of species of flowers.

3. Merlion

Merlion Park and its eponymous statue is a must in Singapore: created in 1964, the statue marks the entrance of the city to the mouth of the Singapore River. It is a sculpture at the head of the lion and the fish body, spitting water. Today it is a commercial emblem and symbol of the city present on all pictures and postcards. Photograph it, moreover, it’s the Singapore Eiffel Tower.

4. Marina Bay Sands

What to do in Singapore with unusual? At the top of Marina Bay Sands is the Infinity Pool, literally « swimming pool with overflows », you will have a breathtaking view of the skyline of Singapore. Careful, however, you have to be a guest of the luxury hotel so you can go swimming up there. The Marina Bay Sands is the strange building composed of three buldings with a curious tray, which cannot be missed unless you have blindness: it is a huge hotel complex of 2,560 rooms, a casino, a museum and the famous overflowing pool (146 meters) on its roof.

5. Singapore Flyer

Do you think the fairs of small cities in France are ridiculous or boring? Hop on Singapore’s great wheel, preferably at sunset to be worn at 165 meters high and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and perhaps even the islands of Malaysia. This is the biggest attraction in Asia so wait to see a lot of people there!

6. Visit Chinatown

And yes, even if Singapore is a Sinophone or three-quarter-populated Chinese, there is like in all the capitals of the world, a Chinese neighborhood. How to feel like in the Night Market in Taipei (Taiwan) or China under an equatorial climate? Chinatown in Singapore is like visiting Ali Baba’s cave: it’s one of the impossible to visit Singapore. These are silk shops, colored materials, technology clusters, Eastern food restaurants – the famous food court and a Hindu temple, Sri Mariamman. Close to the centre and the docks, many Buddhist and Taoist temples adjoin bars, restaurants and hotels in the neighborhood.

7. Visit Padang

The quarter of Padang is the one that has the most preserved old colonial architecture: as if the British had not left. There are many colonial buildings typical of the time of the British Empire: the Victoria Theatre, the C ity Hall, the former seat of Parliament, the Supreme Court, St. Andrews Cathedral and the Empress Place Building – pass through the museum of Asian Civilization. What to do in Singapore? Next to Padang, a plethora of museums, bars and hotels where to stay.

8. The Botanical Garden

The botanical garden of Singapore is a lush paradise of 63.7 hectares, open every day from 5am to midnight. This cultural site to visit Singapore includes six gardens: the national garden of orchids, a jungle, the garden of evolution, the ginger garden, the Gate of Tanglin, and a children’s garden “Jacob Ballas”. The gardens are home to a wide variety of landscape elements, plantations and historic buildings. Founded in 1859, it is an important plant research and conservation centre in South-East Asia.

9. Pulau Ubin

Pulau Ubin is one of the last unplanned areas in Singapore. The island welcomes thousands of tourists, attracted to the natural site of Chek Jawa, a few minutes’ boat from the main island of Singapore. Here, there is no concrete, no bulds and a dense jungle, with a small village in the mangrove: it is, truly, to visit Singapore from a wild and preserved angle! The island is very well by bike and offers beautiful walks in the middle of lush vegetation.

10. Bukit Timah Natural Reserve

Bukit Timah's nature reserve is often hidden from travel blogs. Yet it is a must-see in Singapore, as it is vast, natural and splendid. It extends over 164 hectares on the slopes of the eponymous hill and is covered with equatorial forest, offering beautiful walks in nature just 12 kilometers from the business district of Singapore.

How to go to Singapore?

A direct flight or with a Paris-Singa stopover cost an average of 700€, for a flight time of 12 to 20 hours. Depending on the season prices can swell but good plans are always possible. It’s up to you to be flexible on your dates. Other airlines such as Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, SriLankan, Emirates, British Airways, Cathay Pacific offer less expensive but longer flights. To find cheap flights to Singapore, you can search our partner's website Ulysses .

You will land at Changi International Airport. To reach the center, different ways exist like the bus, airport shuttles and taxis, but the simplest and cheapest way is to take the MRT: the Singapore metro ( Mass Rapid Transit ). The station is located under terminals 2 and 3. A ticket costs $3 S for an adult ($1.60 S for a child) to Orchard Rd (including $1 S for a refundable bond) and the journey takes about 45 min with a change to Tanah Merah (on the other side of the dock).

Where to sleep in Singapore?

If you visit Singapore for 4 or 5 days, the location of your hotel is not paramount. The choice of area where to stay in Singapore will depend more on your budget or preferences (neighborhoods that move, quiet area, central area...). Since the city is large enough, if you are only in Singapore for one or two days, it is best to stay in a central area. Note that Singapore is well served by the subway, which will allow you to move easily. You can find a cheap hotel in Singapore by searching for this Compare hotels .