As Singapore is the second smallest country in Asia, travelers often overlook it. But, missing out on visiting this unique island is one of the biggest mistakes you could make.
Despite its small size, Singapore has quickly become one of the most developed countries in the world, making it not only a great place to travel but to live. Let’s take a look at 30 stunning Singapore photos that will inspire you to book a ticket immediately!
Marina Bay Sands
We had to start our list off with the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel. This hotel is extremely well-known, thanks to its unique architecture. Sitting on top of the three hotel towers is a boat-like structure that houses the hotel’s rooftop bar, restaurant, and pool. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city while enjoying a Singapore Sling atop the hotel whether they are staying there or not.
If you are a hotel guest, you can enjoy the views from the world’s largest rooftop pool. Although a night’s stay at the Marina Bay Sands can be pricy, the luxurious rooms and amazing views you get are well worth the price.
As the Marina Bay Sands is centrally located, the area surrounding the hotel is fun to explore. During your stay, pop over to the Merlion fountain across from the hotel. The fountain has that name because the body is a mermaid and the head is a lion. Most importantly, the Merlion is a national symbol of Singapore, so it’s well worth a visit!
Gardens by the Bay
Behind the Marina Bay Sands is Gardens by the Bay. It is a huge 270-acre garden that contains the popular Supertree Grove. The supertrees are actually huge vertical gardens in the shape of futuristic trees. They light up every night and put on a coordinated light and music show called the Garden Rhapsody. Most importantly, visiting the garden and watching the show is totally free, so it makes for a great family trip!
In addition to the Supertrees, within Gardens by the Bay are two paid conservatories called the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. The Flower Dome is actually the world’s largest columnless glasshouse, and Cloud Forest houses the world’s second tallest indoor waterfall (the tallest is also in Singapore). These conservatories are air-conditioned and contain flowers and trees from all over the world. The Flower Dome changes its theme depending on the season or holiday, so even if you live in Singapore, there’s always something inspiring to see!
Other than Gardens by the Bay, the Botanical Garden, Singapore is a great place to simply enjoy nature. Visiting the Botanical Garden is totally free and easily accessible by public transport.
Chinatown
One of the best things about Singapore is how multicultural it is. For example, Singapore has four official languages: English, Tamil, Malay, and Mandarin, representing the most prominent races found in Singapore. These races are also represented throughout the city as there are unique districts for each culture, such as Chinatown.
Most major cities around the world have a Chinatown, but certainly nothing tops Chinatown, Singapore. In this district, you can find one of the most beautiful temples called the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. It is so named because it contains a tooth relic of Buddha, which visitors can view on the fourth floor. Even if you aren’t into the temple’s history, the architecture is stunning, especially around Chinese New Year when the building is decorated in lanterns.
Outside of the temple, you can find plenty of markets selling crafts, clothes, snacks, and much more. Grab a bite to eat at one of the stalls or restaurants around Chinatown and just enjoy the atmosphere.
Arab Street
Another great district in Singapore is Arab Street. Arab street refers to the whole district built up around the Sultan Mosque in the picture above. Around Arab Street, visitors can find delicious Middle Eastern food, unique wares like Persian carpets or Arabian lanterns, and even live music!
Moreover, on Haji and Bali lanes, restaurants and bars line the street with live DJs and artists almost every night. It is a great place to spend the day shopping and eating then singing along all through the night.
Jewel
Recently built outside of the already impressive Changi airport is Jewel. Jewel is attached to Changi Airport, and it hosts the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex. Every night, there is a light and sound show centered around the waterfall.
Jewel also has over 300 retail and dining outlets for visitors to enjoy as well as other attractions like Canopy park, a park made up of suspension bridges, glass floors, and mazes. Jewel is an entire day out on its own, even if you don’t have an upcoming flight from Changi!
Hawker Markets
As Singapore is so multicultural, there is an excellent variety of food to enjoy. You can do so at one of the many hawker markets throughout the city. One of the most well-known hawker markets is Lau Pa Sat, heavily featured in the movie Crazy Rich Asians. Grab a plate of chicken rice and sit down with the locals to enjoy. You won’t regret it!
Architecture
In conclusion, wherever you go in Singapore, there’s something beautiful to see! Singapore has such unique architecture as there are plenty of new skyscrapers, but just as many historical buildings as well. The juxtaposition between the two is amazing to see, so take a walk along the river to enjoy it; you may even see a wild otter or two!
But, if walking isn’t your thing, you can take a river cruise to enjoy the scenery from the water or go on a bus tour. No matter how you get around, we can guarantee that you’ll enjoy the view!