Things to see in Singapore
Attractions
Night Safari
Singapore's award-winning Night Safari is a chance to see nocturnal animals in their natural habitat. Spread over 35 hectares (86 acres) of lush forest, over 2,500 animals live in seven zones recreating regions such as the untamed Himalayan Foothills to the swampy banks of Equatorial Africa. It's best to take a complimentary tram ride exploring all zones first, then enjoy the four walking trails to spot more nocturnal animals.
Address: , 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore, 729826Telephone: +65 6269 3411
Opening times:
Daily 1915-0000.
Website: http://www.nightsafari.com.sgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay are a welcome addition to the Marina Bay land reclamation project. Stroll around for free, but the two conservatories, Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, are worth paying for. Catch a light show in the evening (7.45pm and 8.45pm daily) as the magnificent Supertrees dazzle in multi-coloured lights.
Address: Marina Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore, 018953Telephone: +65 6420 6848.
Opening times:
Outdoor gardens: Mon-Sun 0500-0200, conservatories and OCBC Skyway 0900-2100 (last sale 2000, last admission 2030)
Website: http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sgAdmission Fees:
No (except for conservatories and OCBC Skyway)
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
National Museum of Singapore
Housed in a whitewashed Palladian mansion, this is one of Asia's best history museums with the excellent exhibitions charting the development of Singapore from a fishing village to the post-independence years. The venue also houses two cafés and a fine-dining establishment.
Address: , 93 Stamford Road, Singapore, 178897Telephone: +65 6332 3659
Opening times:
Daily 1000-1900.
Website: http://www.nationalmuseum.sgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Singapore Botanic Gardens
The perfect respite from Singapore's urban landscape, these beautiful and UNESCO-listed gardens date from 1859 and combine lawns, shrubs, elegant flowerbeds and primary rainforest with over 10,000 species spread across 74 hectares (183 acres). The National Orchid Garden has the world's largest orchid display. There are various free guided tours on Saturdays.
Address: , 1 Cluny Road, Singapore, 259569Telephone: +65 6471 7138.
Opening times:
Daily 0500-0000 (National Orchid Garden: Daily 0830-1900).
Website: http://www.sbg.org.sgAdmission Fees:
No (but charge for the National Orchid Garden)
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: Yes
River Safari
Nestled between Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, this river-themed wildlife park is home to 6,000 animals housed in five zones and it also boasts the world’s largest freshwater aquarium. The stars of this attraction include a pair of giant pandas, Kai Kai and Jia Jia, living in a biodome designed to simulate their natural habitat in the highlands of China.
Address: , 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore, 729826Telephone: +65 6269 3411
Opening times:
Daily 1000-1900
Website: https://www.wrs.com.sg/en/river-safari.htmlAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Chinatown
Chinatown dates back to 1819 when Sir Stamford Raffles established Singapore, designating areas for ethnic groups. Much of Chinatown has been restored with colourful shophouses line alleyways selling everything from chicken soup to Chinese herbal medicine. The street scene is lively and don't miss 'bak kwa' (barbecued pork) shops on New Bridge Road.
Address: , Chinatown, Singapore, 059962Telephone:
Opening times:
Daily 24 hours; Mon-Thu 1700-2300, Fri-Sat 1700-0100 (Smith Street hawkers)
Website: http://www.chinatown.sgAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Little India
Originally inhabited by Indian immigrants brought over by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819, Little India remains a thriving area for shopping, eating and praying. The goldsmith shops are intriguing, with many displaying lavish and intricately-designed pieces of jewellery used in Indian wedding ceremonies.
Address: , Little India, Singapore, 229900Telephone:
Opening times:
Daily 24 hours.
Website:Admission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Singapore Art Museum (the main building is currently closed)
This restored 19th-century boys’ school houses a brilliant collection of mainly 20th-century Southeast Asian artworks and from time to time, special exhibits featuring international and local artists. A second building, SAM at 8Q, presents interactive, community-oriented projects with free guided tours.
Address: , 71 Bras Basah Road, Singapore, 189555Telephone: +65 6589 9580
Opening times:
Sun-Thu 1000-1900, Fri-Sat 1000-2100.
Website: http://www.singaporeartmuseum.sgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Peranakan Museum
Nestled in a handsome old school, the museum wonderfully brings the Peranakan heritage to life. Peranakan refers to mixed-culture people, mainly Chinese traders who settled in Singapore in the 19th century and developed a unique tradition when they married local women and adopted local customs.
Address: , 39 Armenian Street, Singapore, 179941Telephone: +65 6332 7591
Opening times:
Sat–Thu 1000-1900, Fri 1000–2100.
Website: http://www.peranakanmuseum.org.sgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Sentosa Island
Home to a series of child-friendly attractions including Universal Studios Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark, S.E.A Aquarium and a luge playground, Sentosa is theme park central. Get there by Singapore Cable Car, train (MRT or Sentosa Express), bus or on foot along the Broadwalk. Free light-rail and buses serve the island.
Address: , , Sentosa Island,Telephone: +65 6736 8672
Opening times:
Daily 0900-1900, though some attractions run as late as 2200.
Website: http://www.sentosa.com.sgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Changi Chapel & Museum
Dedicated to the 50,000 soldiers and civilians killed during the 1942-45 Japanese occupation, this museum contains letters, drawings and personal effects of Changi Prison inmates. Highlights include a copy of the famous Changi Murals, painted by a prisoner of war, and a replica of the Changi Chapel. Guided tours and audio guides are available.
Address: Changi, 1000 Upper Changi Road North, Singapore, 507707Telephone: +65 6214 2451
Opening times:
Daily 0930-1700.
Website: http://www.changimuseum.sgAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Tourist Offices
Singapore Visitors Centre
Address: Orchard, 216 Orchard Road, Singapore, 238898Telephone: +65 6736 2000
Opening times:
Daily 0830-2130.
Website: http://www.visitsingapore.com/en/There are a few Singapore Visitors Centres with the main one on Orchard Road, next to orchardgateway@emerald. The other ones are at ION Orchard, Kreta Ayer Square (Chinatown) and Kampong Glam.
