1. Local Markets and Hawker Centres
Visit local markets and hawker centres - Explore the vibrant local food scene and experience the bustling atmosphere of hawker centres such as Maxwell Food Centre, Tiong Bahru Market, and Lau Pa Sat.
Singapore's hawker centres serve a wide variety of local and international dishes, making them a popular destination for foodies. Some of the most popular Singaporean hawker dishes include:
Hainanese Chicken Rice - poached chicken served with fragrant rice, chili sauce, and soy sauce.
Char Kway Teow - stir-fried noodles with egg, bean sprouts, Chinese sausage, and sometimes shrimp and cockles.
Laksa - spicy noodle soup with coconut milk, seafood, and herbs.
Satay - skewered meat (usually chicken, beef, or pork) served with peanut sauce.
Roti Prata - a type of Indian flatbread served with curry.
Nasi Lemak - coconut rice served with fried chicken or fish, sambal chili sauce, and various toppings such as peanuts, cucumber, and fried egg.
Chili Crab - stir-fried crab in a spicy tomato-based sauce.
2. Explore along the Southern Ridges
The Southern Ridges is a 10km park that stretches across the southern ridges of Singapore. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Singapore, with lush greenery, tropical rainforest, and stunning vistas of the city skyline and the surrounding islands. Iconic landmarks in the park include the Henderson Waves pedestrian bridge and the Forest Walk suspended walkway.
The park is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare bird species. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and photography.
The Southern Ridges is open daily and offers free admission. It's a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
3. Visit Cultural and Heritage Sites
Explore the city's rich history and cultural diversity by visiting sites such as Chinatown, Little India, and the Malay Heritage Centre.
Singapore is a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, and there are many ways to explore the city-state's rich cultural diversity. The ethnic enclaves of Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam are great places to experience Singapore's Chinese, Indian, and Malay cultures respectively. These areas are home to colourful temples, markets, and food stalls that offer a glimpse into Singapore's multicultural heritage.
The Esplanade, Singapore's performing arts center, showcases a variety of traditional and contemporary performances, including Chinese opera, Indian dance, and Malay theatre. The Singapore Art Museum and the National Gallery Singapore feature exhibitions by local and international artists, highlighting Singapore's vibrant contemporary art scene.
4. Mandai Wildlife Reserve
The Singapore Zoological Gardens is a world-class attraction that is home to over 2,800 animals from more than 300 species. The park features several zones, including the Fragile Forest, where visitors can walk among free-ranging animals, and the Primate Kingdom, which showcases various monkey species. The zoo also offers animal shows and interactive experiences, such as the Elephant Encounter and the Rainforest Kidzworld.
The River Wonders is an adjacent park that features freshwater exhibits and river-themed attractions. Visitors can take a boat ride through habitats such as the Amazon River, the Mississippi River, and the Mekong River, and see animals such as giant pandas, manatees, and capybaras.
The Night Safari is a unique experience that allows visitors to see nocturnal animals in their natural habitat. The park is divided into several walking trails and tram rides, and visitors can see animals such as tigers, lions, and elephants. There are also animal shows and cultural performances.
The Bird Paradise is another attraction that showcases various bird species from around the world. The park features exhibits such as the African Waterfall Aviary and the Penguin Coast, and visitors can see parrots, flamingos, and other birds in flight at the daily bird shows. From eight walk-through aviaries where visitors can get up close and personal with birds like macaws to a 20m-tall waterfall and play areas for children, including one with trampolines, here’s what visitors can look forward to.
5. Singapore River Cruise
The Singapore River Cruise is a popular way to experience the city of Singapore from a different perspective. The Singapore River flows through the heart of the city, and a cruise along its waters takes visitors past iconic landmarks such as Merlion Park, Marina Bay Sands, and Clarke Quay.
There are several operators that offer river cruises, including bumboat rides, which are traditional Singaporean wooden boats that used to ferry cargo along the river. Some cruises offer dining options and night tours, providing a unique and romantic experience. Visitors can also learn about Singapore's history and the role the river played in the city's development through commentary on board.
Overall, a river cruise is a great way to take in the sights and sounds of Singapore while enjoying a leisurely and scenic ride.