Singapore

What To Do

Go merlion hunting – Five statues scattered across Singapore depict the merlion – a fantastic beast with the head of a lion and the tail of a fish. A journey to find them all will take you to some of the highlights of the islands.

Hit the beach – Singapore isn’t just one island but a chain of sixty-three. One of the most famous is Sentosa Island, a resort complex featuring theme parks, a casino, shopping, dining and best of all, a sunny, sandy beach. Arrive via cable car from Mount Faber for a can’t-miss view.

Discover kampong life – Take a boat trip to Pulau Ubin, another one of Singapore’s scenic islands. Here, you can stroll down shaded forest paths and visit a traditional “kampong” (village), one of the last remaining in the country.

What To See

Gardens by the Bay – More than just some pretty flowers (though it has those too – thousands of them), this unique destination features modern art, stunning horticultural displays and both the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and its largest greenhouse. Towering above it all are the Supertrees, twisted sculptures of metal and greenery that rise 75 feet in the air and light brilliantly at night, creating a fantasy forest.

Xiao Guilin – Hidden just a short ways from the towers and offices of the city lies Xiao Guilin. This former quarry is now a picturesque park, where sheer rock cliffs meet calm waters to create a scenic escape from the non-stop bustle of urban life.

Haw Par Villa – Discover the history and legend of China at this colorful park. Painted dioramas depict religious stories, myths and scenes from traditional life. The park’s most famous attraction is the “Ten Courts of Hell” – an imaginative series of graphic sculptures and scenes that bring the afterlife to life. Not for the faint of heart.

Shopping

Orchard Road – Designer flagships and luxury shopping malls line this famous retail street. Bring your wallet to see and be seen in some of the world’s most exclusive showrooms.

Bugis Street Market – Singapore’s largest night market is a great place to people watch, grab a bite, and scour hundreds of stalls for the perfect souvenir.

Mustafa Centre – No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it at Mustafa Centre. This massive shopping complex in the Little India neighborhood is open 24 hours a day, and it’s the best place to find a bargain on pretty much anything.

Great Singapore Sale – Better than any coupon, this annual summer event sees retailers throughout Singapore offering steep discounts and exclusive offers.

Off the Beaten Path

Don’t trust your eyes – For vacation pictures that will make everyone jealous, check out the Trick Eye Museum. Share a lily pad with a frog, ride on the back of a merlion or go skydiving – each exhibit here is a carefully crafted optical illusion.

Let off some steam – Travel can be stressful, so if you’re overwhelmed by all Singapore has to offer, make an appointment at The Fragment Room. Select your weapon and a variety of breakable objects, then let the destruction begin.

Go fishing – Try prawning, where you can cast a line and catch your own dinner right in the restaurant. Once you’ve hauled in a plate, your fresh catch will be cooked in front of you.

Singapore With Kids

Singapore Zoo – Children will delight in this sprawling zoo, whose carefully designed habitats are home to hundreds of species, big and small. When the sun sets, experience the Night Safari, where visitors can catch a glimpse of rare nocturnal residents.

Universal Studios Singapore – Thrill rides, familiar characters and family-friendly fun can be found at this theme park on the resort island of Sentosa.