👉 National Museum of Singapore
- Location: 93 Stamford Road
- How to get there: Take the MRT’s Circle Line and alight at Bras Basah Station. From there, take a five-minute walk to reach your destination.
Art fanatics, history buffs, and culture vultures will have a good time at the National Museum of Singapore. Opened in 1849, it's Singapore’s oldest museum.
Inside, you’ll get a glimpse of how the progressive country came to be and how its people greatly value art and culture. From artifacts and memorabilia of the country’s past to digital installations and musical performances, there are certainly a lot of things going on in this museum.[2]
👉 Chinatown
- Location: 2 Banda Street
- How to get there: Take the MRT’s North East Line or Downtown Line and alight at Chinatown Station.
A large bulk of the Singaporean population is of Chinese heritage, so a Chinatown in this country shouldn’t come as a surprise. This neighborhood is popular for its quaint shophouses with distinct facades. Visit during the daytime to capture their charm in full color.
The immense Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is not hard to miss due to the traditional Chinese aesthetics. This sanctuary houses what the Buddhists regard as the left canine tooth of Buddha.[3] More than that, it keeps various sacred relics.
Hawker centers, or food courts that are truly Singaporean, are also worthy of your visit. If you’re in the area and craving Hainanese chicken rice or laksa, head to the Maxwell Food Centre right across from the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Alternatively, a three-minute walk from Buddha Tooth Relic Temple will take you to Pagoda Street where you can shop and dine.
Bonus tip: If you’re heading to Chinatown via the South Bridge Road, you may want to drop by ParkRoyal Collection at Pickering Street. Take a lot of snaps of the hotel’s façade, which is adorned by massive sky gardens and geometric ceilings.
👉 Little India
- Location: 60 Bukit Timah Road
- How to get there: Take the MRT’s North East Line or Downtown Line and alight at Little India Station. Alternatively, you can alight at Farrer Park Station on the North East Line.
Little India is a vibrant enclave that proudly showcases colorful Indian culture and the warmth of Indians. First on your list should be the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, which boasts a façade layered with ornate sculptures. Alternatively, you can head to the equally iconic Sri Srinivasa Peruma Temple, which was built in the late 1800s.
Don’t miss the House of Tan Teng Niah, which is a villa built in 1900 by a businessman named—you guessed it—Tan Teng Niah. With its kaleidoscopic exteriors, the colorful house looks and feels like it’s taken straight from a children’s storybook. Today, this house is used as a commercial space.
While you’re in the area, you may want to visit Haji Lane. This narrow alley is lined with vividly colored shops that will tempt you to do your shopping. At night, the alley transforms into a party zone teeming with food, booze, and fun. This will certainly remind you of the nightlife in Makati’s Poblacion.
👉 Lau Pa Sat
- Location: 18 Raffles Quay
- How to get there: Take the MRT’s Downtown Line and alight at Telok Ayer Station or Downtown Station. You may also alight at Raffles Place Station via the North-South Line or the East-West Line. From these stations, walk towards your destination.
Because of Singapore’s diverse cultures, expect its culinary scene to offer a wide variety of flavors and even fusions. Discover all of these at Lau Pa Sat, a massive and legendary food court located at the city center.
Built at its current location in 1894, the historic building used to be a market. Now, it’s one of the most popular Singapore tourist spots among foodies.
The giant hawker center serves both office workers and sightseers. From Halal seafood barbecue and biryani to chow mein and Pinoy tapa, there’s definitely something for everyone at Lau Pa Sat. You’ll also find Thai dishes, Korean fare, and Turkish cuisine here.
Read more: Going Abroad? Try These Hacks to Save Money on Food While Traveling
👉 Orchard Road
- Location: 437 Orchard Road, Singapore 238878
- How to get there: Take the MRT’s North-South Line or Thomson-East Coast Line and alight at Orchard Station.
If Orchard Road was in the Philippines, it would have earned a nickname as the country’s “Mall Capital.” After all, it’s home to some of SG’s biggest malls and names in retail.
Walk leisurely along the road or visit various malls to spoil yourself with finds from both mainstream and upscale brands. In case you’re with your significant other, take them on a romantic dinner date at the top of ION Orchard, one of the most distinguishable landmarks at Orchard Road. Aptly called ION Sky, the 56th floor of the mall-residential condo complex offers sweeping 360-degree views of the city.
Orchard Road isn’t only for shopaholics but also for bookworms. If you’re the latter, you can find your haven at library@Orchard. This government-managed library perfectly captures SG’s love of modernity, knowledge, design, and applied arts. It features a collection of about 100,000 titles spread across different zones.
You’ll find students, professionals, and big readers quietly going about their business. Ready your camera (and mute the shutter sound if possible) once you’re here because the interiors are just so lovely.
👉 Merlion Park
- Location: One Fullerton
- How to get there: Take the MRT’s North-South Line or East-West Line and alight at Raffles Place Station.
Any list of Singapore tourist spots won’t be complete without Merlion Park. The park’s mythical figure, which is half-lion and half-fish, represents the country’s humble origins as a fishing village and its original name Singapura, which means lion city in Sanskrit.
The park sits along the Singapore River and faces the Marina Bay Sands. Visit in the afternoon to catch the sunset colors glistening over the hotel complex.
You can also see other landmarks from this spot, such as the Esplanade and the Singapore Flyer. At night, these views become more stellar and overwhelming. Chill on the river steps or enjoy a splendid dinner at The Fullerton Hotel, which is just right behind the park.
👉 Singapore Botanic Gardens
- Location: 1 Cluny Road
- How to get there: Take the MRT’s North-South Line and alight at Orchard Station. If you’re using the Thomson-East Coast Line, alight at Napier Station. You may also take the Circle Line or Downtown Line and alight at Botanic Gardens Station.
Nestled at the center of towering concrete jungles is an oasis that is the Singapore Botanic Gardens. This spot, which is the country’s first UNESCO Heritage Site, offers you the respite that you need from the city’s bustling beat with its heritage trees, exotic blooms, and even a garden dedicated to children. Don’t forget to visit Swan Lake, which serves as a shelter for mute swans.
There are a lot of other things to do within the 82-hectare plot. Trek within the rainforest or enjoy a picnic on the verdant grounds of Symphony Lake. Never leave the park without taking a snap of the Bandstand, which is an octagonal gazebo built in 1930.
👉 Fort Canning
- Location: Surrounded by Hill Street, Clemenceau Avenue, Canning Rise, and River Valley Road
- How to get there: Take the MRT’s Downtown Line and alight at Fort Canning Station. You may also alight at Clarke Quay Station via the North East Line or at Dhoby Ghaut Station via the North-South, Circle, and North East Lines.
Another oasis in the city, Fort Canning Park merges both history and nature in one spot. Sitting on a hill, the 18-hectare park quietly chronicles the splendor of Malay royalties during the medieval times and the downfall of the British forces when they surrendered to the Japanese during World War II.
History buffs can check out some important spots, such as the Fort Gate, the Gothic Gates, and the nine-pound cannon. If you simply want to commune with nature, visit the different themed gardens within the park, such as Spice Garden, Artisan’s Garden, Raffles Garden, and more.
Get a like-worthy picture for the ‘gram at the Fort Canning Tree Tunnel. This is an underground channel with a spiral staircase leading up to the gardens. Look above from the base of the staircase to see the massive tree branches and the foliage covering the circular walls of the stairs.
Bonus tip: Not too far from Fort Canning are other points of interest. One of them is CHIJMES, which used to be a convent and is now a commercial complex. This former church served as the venue for Colin and Araminta’s memorable wedding scene in "Crazy Rich Asians." Drop by the colorful Old Hill Street Police Station, which is reminiscent of Wes Anderson's film aesthetic.
👉 Singapore Flyer
- Location: 30 Raffles Avenue
- How to get there: Take the MRT’s Circle Line or Downtown Line and alight at Promenade Station.
The UK may have the London Eye, but Singapore has the Singapore Flyer. This towering Ferris wheel is Asia’s largest giant observation wheel. Hop aboard one of its air-conditioned capsules and enjoy the magnificent views of the city as it spins around from the ground.
The Singapore Flyer offers a vantage point that will allow you to see iconic landmarks, such as the Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Merlion Park. The city lights at night will surely make a romantic treat for traveling couples.
👉 Clarke Quay
- Location: 3 River Valley Road
- How to get there: Take the MRT’s North East Line and alight at Clarke Quay Station. You may also take the Downtown Line and alight at Fort Canning Station.
In Singapore, the night is always young, especially at Clarke Quay. This bustling cosmopolitan neighborhood has a wealth of restaurants, bars, and stores where you can shop ‘til you drop.
You can walk around and marvel at its neon-lit beauty or go on a relaxing river cruise that will take you from this spot to Marina Bay, where you can see iconic Singapore tourist spots such as the Marina Bay Sands, the Merlion Park, the Esplanade, and the Singapore Flyer from a different perspective.
If you want a more relaxed night out with your friends, Boat Quay is just a stone’s throw away from Clarke Quay. Here, you’ll also find a selection of alfresco restaurants and bars just sitting beside the river.
👉 Jewel Changi Airport
- Location: 78 Airport Boulevard
- How to get there: Take the MRT’s Downtown Line or East-West Line and alight at Changi Airport Station.
Who would've thought that an airport could be one of the most memorable Singapore tourist spots? If you’ve just landed in the country, you’ll realize that Changi Airport is a great spectacle. It isn’t touted as one of the best airports (or the best airport) in the world for nothing.
Enter Jewel Changi, a lifestyle and entertainment complex within the airport. Here, you’ll realize just how much Singaporeans love nature. Stop by the Shiseido Forest Valley, which houses thousands of trees and shrubs.
At the heart of Jewel is the HSBC Rain Vortex, which is the tallest indoor waterfall. Running perpendicular to it is the track of the Changi Airport Skytrains, which carry passengers from one terminal to the other.
At the topmost level of Jewel Changi, there’s another nature spot called Canopy Park. This 14,000 m2 area is a creative garden that offers peace for adults and fun for kids.
Of course, you must also go on a shopping marathon while you’re at Jewel Changi.
Read more: Get That VIP Treatment: World’s Best Airport Lounges
👉 Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
- Location: 1 Esplanade Drive
- How to get there: Take the MRT’s Circle Line and alight at Esplanade Station. You may also alight at City Hall Station on North-South and East-West Lines.
The Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is a collection of performance venues. It’s not easy to miss, thanks to its imposing, durian-inspired exterior.
The Esplanade houses the Concert Hall, the Lyric Theatre, the Recital Studio, the Theatre Studio, and the Singtel Waterfront Theatre. On top of these performance venues, the complex also features impressive facilities, such as rehearsal spaces, hospitality places for private corporate events, a library dedicated to performing arts, and a mall.
👉 The Singapore National Stadium
- Location: 1 Stadium Drive
- How to get there: Take the MRT’s Circle Line and alight at Stadium Station.
The National Stadium is one of the most iconic public spaces in Singapore. Not only does it serve as a venue for sporting events but it also accommodates entertainment, lifestyle, and national celebrations.
The National Stadium is known for its capacity of 55,000 spectators. It also boasts a large retractable roof that protects visitors from heat.
This massive stadium has hosted the concerts of the world’s biggest artists, such as Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, Maroon 5, and Guns N’ Roses. It will also serve as the venue for two of the biggest acts visiting Singapore in 2024—Taylor Swift and Coldplay.
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Final Thoughts
A modern-day utopia, Singapore offers a lot of sights, tastes, and experiences that will surely delight your senses. With its sunny shores and vibrant cultures, it’ll always be close to Filipinos’ hearts which yearn for warmth and color.
A well-crafted plan for your travel to Singapore from the Philippines will help you make the most of your vacation. While you’re at it, protect yourself from uncertainties by getting a travel insurance policy.
If you’re looking for travel insurance to Singapore from the Philippines, compare various offers from the country’s top insurers via Moneymax. You can enjoy a worry-free trip abroad for as low as ₱300. Click the banner to learn more.
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