Singapore Bucklist!
The second half of my Asian Adventure lead me to Singapore. One of the world’s only city-states, it is a mecca for foodies, adventurists and all around explorers. Below is everything you must check off of your Singapore Bucket list.
Enjoy the world’s greatest airport-Changi Airport-The 40-metre tall Rain Vortex is part of the new Jewel Changi Airport, the SG$1.3 billion nature-themed mall and lifestyle complex.
Take a sunset walk along Helix Bridge-This bridge will take you from the ArtScience Museum to the Raffles Hotel
Have a Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel-Bartender Ngiam Tong Boon invented the gin-based cocktail in 1915. During this time women were forbidden to drink alcohol so he kindly added Grenadine and a cherry liqueur to give the cocktail a pop of pink. This “feminine” colour tricked people into thinking the drink was fruit juice so it became socially accepted.While this place is expensive the drinks are $31 it is definitely worthy it and a once in lifetime opportunity
Explore Chinatown-There’s a lot to do and see in Chinatown. Starting with the a mural by Yip Yew Chong thats on the Thian Hock Keng Temple: A 44-meter long mural painted on the rear wall of Thian Hock Keng Temple. It is painted by the famous Singaporean artist Yip Yew Chong. The mural is beautiful and tells the story of Immigrants to Singapore, from leaving China to arriving at their new home in Singapore. Start from the right end to “read” the mural.
Next check out the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple-A beautiful and huge five-story temple that has the left canine tooth of the Buddha. The tooth is kept inside a 420 kg heavy gold stupa on the 4th floor. The temple is packed with Buddha figures and has a nice rooftop garden. (opening hours: 07:00 – 19:00, free entrance)
Lastly stop by the Sri Mariamman Temple-The Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore's oldest Hindu temple. It is an agamic temple, built in the Dravidian style.
Visit The ArtScience Museum-You can walk from Chinatown or take the metro. It will take about 30 minutes to walk and you’ll catch a glimpse of the Marina Bay Sands. This museum combines Art and Science and tickets can be bought for $19 and you get a discount if you are staying at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel as well.
Check out the Street Art and Selfie Coffees at Haji Lane-From the funky Middle Eastern cafes to the mural covered walls, Haji Lane is a hipster magnet that is an ideal place to spend an afternoon if searching for things to do in Singapore for free. You could spend hours photographing the street art, browsing the boutiques or treat yourself to a selfie coffee.
Explore the Kampong Glam area & Visit the Masjid Sultan Mosque-Adjacent to Haji Lane you will find Arab street and the vibrant Muslim quarter known as Kampong Glam. Here you can visit Masjid Sultan also known as Sultan Mosque which is located on Muscat Street and North Bridge Road, but its unmissable dome can be seen from anywhere in the neighborhood.
Capture the Light Show at the Gardens by the Bay (make sure to visit during the day too) -From in front of the Shoppes at the hotel, secure your viewing spot for the world-famous Spectra light show which is one of the best things to do in Singapore for free. Spectra is a light & laser extravaganza like no other, reflecting across the water. The shows are Sunday to Thursday at 8pm and 9pm and Friday and Saturday at 8pm, 9pm and 11pm.
Cloud Forest & Flower Dome At Gardens By The Bay-However, no Singapore bucket list would be complete without a visit to the Gardens by the Bay conservatories The Cloud Forest & Flower Dome.The Cloud Forest is exactly that – a lush indoor mountain surrounded by manmade clouds and the world’s second tallest indoor waterfall (the first is now in Changi airport.) Next, relax in the company of world-famous floristry at the Flower Dome – the world’s largest greenhouse. Displayed over 9 gardens and a crazy 1.2 hectares, it is one of the best cheap things to do in Singapore.
Enjoy some Gin at the the Largest Gin Collection in the world at ATLAS bar. We spent New Years Eve here and it was truly incredible. ATLAS featured on Time Magazine’s 100 Greatest Places in the World and as soon as you step inside you’ll realize why. Not only is it home to the World’s largest gin collection with over 1000 varieties on offer but the décor is incredible – the Art Deco interiors are like a set from the Great Gatsby Movie.
If you’re really into Gin be sure to check out the Brass Lion Distillery . While a little bit out of the city this place is definitely worth a visit. They offer a make your own gin school, a distillery tour, and a tasting room. We did the gin school and it was one of the most unique experiences.
Spend the afternoon in Little India
Learn The History Of Little India At The Indian Heritage Centre-One of the first things to do in Little India is to visit the Indian Heritage Centre. This provides a fascinating insight into the history of Indian life in Singapore. The contemporary exterior of the building is worth visiting for alone.
Visit One Of The Oldest Temples In Singapore – Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple-This temple was built in 1881, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is named after the Goddess Kali who is known as the destroyer of evil. Inside the temple, there are even scenes of Kali adorned in a garland of skulls as well as more tranquil images of her with sons Ganesha and Murugan.
Photograph The Vibrant House Of Tan Teng Niah-Photographing the rainbow-colored exterior of the House of Tan Teng Niah has become one of the most popular things to do in Little India thanks to Instagram. It is one of the last remaining Chinese villas in Little India and due to its vibrant exterior, a world-famous backdrop for tourists.
Head to the Botanical Gardens of Singapore (around $6-8 USD for Grab) while this garden is free there is a $5 fee to get into the Orchid Garden (the hotspot for all the IG content). Take an hour to explore and then head to Haw Par Villa.
Visit the Weirdly Wonderful Haw Par Villa-One of the weirdest (yet most wonderful) free things to do in Singapore. The 8.5 hectare park is described as an “Asian Culture Park” – but in reality, it is a huge outdoor art gallery showcasing a unique collection of weird and wonderful creatures from goats to pandas, giant lobsters to a striking “crab lady.” The park is rarely mentioned in the usual Singapore Tourist guide but is one of the most unique free things to do in Singapore.
Take a dip in the infinity pool at the Marina Bay Sands-Or sip on a delicious cocktail at the rooftop bar. Staying at the Marina Bay Sands can cost at a minimum $500 a night, and staying at the hotel is the only way to access the infinity pool but to get the same view you can visit Lavo, an Italian restaurant located on the same floor.
Relax on the beach or go bungee jumping on Sentosa Island-Sentosa island has been created for tourists. It’s a sunny island, home to exciting events, lush rainforests, golden sandy beaches, luxurious hotels, and thrilling attractions. If you want to experience the beauty of Sentosa from above, you can take a ride on the cable car. It’s a great day to wind down of a day of exploring.
Check out the colorful Peranakan Houses-Located a 15 minute Grab ride to the Joo Chiat Road. The houses were located in a residential area of what I would assume to be the suburbs of Singapore. Families walking their dogs and expats having cups of tea on their porches was the vibe around these famous houses.
Eat at a Hawker Center-Have Chili Crab at Alliance Seafood (a Michelin Star food Stall at the Newton food center), Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle in the Chinatown complex, or Chicken at Rice at the Tian Tian Hainanese. No matter what you get at a Hawker Center it will be delicious and cheap! No joke we could have eaten at these food stalls for every meal! Delcioius and not to mention cheap.