26 Top Things to do in Singapore
Top things to do in Singapore including directions, estimated costs, cheap accommodation in Singapore and other useful information on how to survive travel in Singapore.
Top Things to Do in SingaporeI enjoyed Singapore much more than I expected. Although it is more expensive than most other parts of Asia, there was lots to see and do and plenty of good food. A big bonus is that nearly everyone can speak English.
Anyway, here it is, my list of 26 top things to do in Singapore.
Top Things to Do in Singapore #1. Lurut Rd Swap MeetCost: Free (unless you buy stuff)
On the corner of Lurut Rd and Arab is a kind of swap meet. Seems to be mainly just a way for the sellers to past time in their retirement selling what looks like stolen stuff mixed with random junk. Good for a look although it did get me sidetracked from finding my accommodation from the airport.
Lurut Road has a daily ‘junk’ sale.
Top Things to do in Singapore #2. Little IndiaCost: Free (unless you buy stuff)
After checking in I went for a walk around the general area, with the purpose of finding Little India for a feed.
At the time I was there, the Pongol Festival was on in Little India.. although I’m not sure what the Pongol Festival is about.
It wasn’t hard to find and the Pongol Festival was on so I saw a few painted cows.
A painted cow for Pongol Festival
Top Things to do in Singapore #3. Sri Veeramakaliamman TempleCost: Free
On the corner of Belilios and Serangoon is the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. It was kind of surreal with the singing and a cool experience since I’ve never been to an Indian temple before. Can’t wait until I go explore India.
Top Things to do in Singapore #4. Victoria StreetCost: Free (unless you buy stuff)
Take a walk up Victoria Street for all your shopping needs. Not really my thing I understand how lots of people would love it.
Top Things to do in Singapore #5. Bugis Street MarketsCost: Free (unless you buy stuff)
This is more my scene as far as shopping goes. Bustling and full of tourist stuff, as well as my favorite… snacks.
Bugis Street markets has lots of things to buy and may favorite… snacks!
Top Things to do in Singapore #6. Kent Ridge ParkCost: Free
Kent Ridge park was nice, and although I didn’t actually see any, there is the chance of spotting monkeys and monitor lizards there.
My highlight was the canopy walk. I had forgotten how nice it is to just stare into the jungle, reminded me of my army days.
Just one of the many beautiful pieces of scenery at Kent Ridge
Getting to Kent Ridge ParkFrom the B88 Hostel (where I stayed) take the metro from Bugis to Paya Lebar (towards Pasir Ris).
Swap trains at Paya Lebar to the Circle Line heading towards Harbour Front. Get off at Kent Ridge. The journey took about an hour.
Take exit B and turn left. Turn left (East) on Science Park Drive for about 10 minutes until you hit the park on your right.
Look at monkey sign, then the map. Follow the red route (or whatever)
Top Things to do in Singapore #7. World War 2 Interpretative CenterCost: I don’t know
I didn’t go in but so I can’t comment on how good it is, but it is something to do none the less, and is probably pretty good especially if you are interested in WW2 history.
Top Things to do in Singapore #8. Toy MuseumCost $15SGD
The toy museum was pretty good. Consists of 5 floors of different toys, mostly TV and cartoon characters. One section that amused me was a bit of a time machine to back when the word Nigger was used very loosely in the United States (mostly the South I imagine). Wouldn’t get away with toys like those these days (and nor should they.. racist f*ks!)
Next door to toy factory is a good place to get Hianese Chicken Rice. Set me back $8SGD.
Getting to the Toy MuseumTake Circle Line 8 towards Dhoby Ghaut and get off at the Esplanade stop. Take exit F towards the Raffles Hotel. From Kent Park this took about 50 minutes.
Go NW on Bras Basah and then right on North Bridge Rd and then Right on Seah St.
Top Things to do in Singapore #9. Eat Singaporean FoodCost: I don’t know… how much do you eat?
Thanks to their diverse culture, Singapore is a melting pot of delicious foods from India, Malaysia, China as well as a good selection of western fare. I think you could find most things here.
You can check out all the food I tried in the Amazing Foods of Singapore post.
Top Things to do in Singapore #10. Check Out the EsplanadeCost: Free, unless you buy stuff
There’s a lot going on at the Esplanade, and I happened to be there during the arts festival. There was live acoustics at the concourse and they had a full calendar of free stuff. I expect this is true even when the arts festival isn’t on also.
Getting to the EsplanadeAs you walk out of the Toy Museum (#8 of the top things to do in Singapore), turn left (on Seah). Turn right on Stamford. Go past the war memorial, left on Beach Road, right on Esplanade Drive, through the underpass which seems to be just a general hangout with people dancing, praying, singing, sleeping playing badminton etc, and then take exit D to the Esplanade.
Top Things to do in Singapore #11. River CruiseCost: $25SGD
I’m not sure how I felt about this. There was some good information but not sure if it was worth the $25SGD. The cruise goes for about 45 minutes and you can get off and back on once.
Statues of boys jumping into the river along the river cruise.
Getting to the River CruiseTo get to the River Cruise from the Esplanade, just cross the bridge to the lion (Merlion to be precise) statue that is spitting water.
Unless you really have a hankering for coconut ice-cream, bypass it and get an ice-cream sandwich from on top of the bridge. It is basically a block of ice-cream sandwiched between 2 wafers and comes in 10 or so flavors including blueberry, mango, chocolate, mint, mocha, durian, red bean etc.
Top Things to do in Singapore #12. Clarke QuayCost: Depends on what you buy
Clarke Quay is an upscale area that is pretty nice to walk around. Lots of higher end restaurants and alcohol, although some of the menus I saw where still pretty cheap e.g. $15SGP for a slice of pizza and a beer.
Clarke Quay Nice to walk around with lots of restaurant and bars… a bit too upscale for my liking
Getting to Clarke QuayClark Quay was a stop on the river cruise, and you can easily walk there from the Esplanade.
Alternatively, catch the MRT to Clarke Key station on the NE Line. Exit C by stairs of E if you need an escalator.
Bus 2 and 12 also go there.
Top Things to do in Singapore #13. Marina Sands CasinoCost: Possibly your soul
The actual casino didn’t interest me much, nor did the upper class shopping center surrounding it, but I’m sure lots of people are interested. Also, there is a pretty good food court and some other good attractions around it.
The building with the big boat on the top… that’s the Marina Sands casino
Getting to the Marina Sands CasinoWalk there from the Esplanade, or the closest MRT is either Esplanade or Marina Bay.
Top Things to do in Singapore #14. Art and Science MuseumCost: $25SGD depending on what you see
An awesome concept combining Art and Science, maybe the only one of its kind in the world (don’t quote me on that).
At the time I was there, it was a Leonardo Da Vinci exhibition, who happens to be one of the few non-fictional characters I look up to. I spent a good amount of time in here. It was heavily air-conditioned… I got cold in a T-shirt.
On the 5th floor you can discover why it is shaped the way it is.. which I can not remember
After you see whatever exhibition is on, make sure you check out the 5th floor which tells you about the Museum and has some local art/science stuff. You have to either buy a ticket to an exhibition or the Singapore Eye to see the Art Science museum on the 5th floor.
This is what the Malaria strain looks like much larger and blown out of glass
Getting to the Art Science MuseumFrom the Sands Shopping Complex/Casino (#13), just follow the signs.
Top Things to do in Singapore #15. Singapore EyeCost: I don’t know. Probably around $20SGD
Singapore’s version of the London Eye. Possibly bigger. I didn’t do it, but it’s a major attraction none the less.
Possibly bigger than the London Eye
Getting to the Singapore EyeBuy tickets from the Art/Science museum ticket sales.
Top Things to do in Singapore #16. Gardens by the BayThe Gardens by the bay greatly exceeded my expectations!
It is kind of hard to describe but is a must see. The park is huge, and come nightfall there is a light/sound show with the ‘crazy trees’ (they have an official name, I just don’t remember what it is) which in my opinion, is better than the Hong Kong riverside laser show.
It reminded me of the Crazy House in Vietnam, but in a large Naturist sense.
Also has 2 conservatories open till 2100 (last ticket sales at 2030). The park itself is free and open from 0500 – 0200.
Walking along the bridge only costs $5SGP, but the line was atrocious
Getting to the Gardens by the BayThere are a few ways to get there, just follow the signs from the Sands shopping complex (#13).
I recommend going from the top level of the shopping complex.
Closest MRT is Marina Bay.
Top Things to do in Singapore #17. Pulau UbinCost: Bumboat is $5SGD return, bike hire optional from $5SGD
Pulau Ubin is an island just off the mainland. Pulau is the Malay word for island.
Bike hire is from $5SGD but the more expensive ones are 8. They have signs saying from $2 but I asked and they said 5 was the lowest. Maybe further up the road they do them for 2. No helmet so ride carefully. Pedals level!. Back breaks are on the right and don’t expect gears to work on the cheap ones.
There’s a few things to look at on the island:
Chek Jawa Wetlands. I saw monkeys and pigs on the way. be careful of the monkeys because they steal. Also, don’t get too close to them because they’re territorial.
Mangrove and coastal boardwalks. They are both loops which is good.
Coastal boardwalk. The mangrove boardwalk was closed for maintenance while I was there.
Camping. There’s several campsites about, and even a beach resort.
View from Mamman Campsite, which also has an orchid garden and cold drinks (which I did not check out, but they have a sign)
Sensory Trail. A trail with ‘fun facts’ about the plants and stuff along the way.
I spent about 2 and a half hours on Pulau Ubin in total. It’s well planned because everything is in loops. It’s good.
Lifes good for a pack of dogs on Pulau Ubin
Getting to Pulau UbinCatch MRT East West line towards Pasir Ris. Get off at Tanah Merah.
Go to bus station one i.e. when you come down the escalator from the MRT station, turn right.
Catch bus #2 to the Changi Village bus terminal. The journey takes about 30mins.
Turn left off the bus, through the carpark to the ferry terminal, or, walk through the food stalls to get some grub and then follow the signs to the ferry.
Boat costs $2.50SGD one way and takes about 10 minutes.
Bumboat to Pulau Ubin fits 12 passengers plus 2 crew
Top Things to do in Singapore #18. Joo ChiatCost: Free to stroll around
Joo Chiat is an area to the east of the city, which is nice for a look around.
Get Laksa from 328 Katong Laksa. It’s famous for it.
Koon Seng Road is between Joo Chiat and Still Rds. It’s a good looking set of houses.
Row of houses in Joo Chiat
Getting to Joo ChatFrom bus stop 2 at Tanah Merah take bus #12 to Roxy Square stop which puts you across the road from the Laksa place.
Bus 12 also leaves from Bugis, I think around Burger King.
Top Things to do in Singapore #19. GeylangCost: Depends on what your after.
Geylang is kind of known as the ‘seedy’ part of Singapore, which is probably why I am attracted to it. I don’t consider myself seedy, but I definitely feel more comfortable in seedy places that posh ones.
Lots of good food there, and at night all the prostitutes come out.
Note: I personally do not hire working girls, but I am not against prostitution, at least not legal prostitution (people that force girls into it are not good!).
As far as I am concerned, if the girl is doing it on her own accord, then good on her. Let her make a buck, after all, it is the oldest profession in the world.
In any case, there are many legal brothels in Geylang, meaning they have licenses (I think) and I suppose it also means the girls are tested (don’t quote me on that). You can tell the houses by the red numbers, usually found on the low numbered side streets of Geylang St e.g. Lorong 12
Top Things to do in Singapore #20. MacRitchie ReservoirCost: Free
MacRitchie Reservoir was much more than I anticipated with walking/running trails and some other things to do. I could easily have spent 4 or more hours there but I had lot of stuff I wanted to do that day so I decided just to do the treetop walk.
Unfortunately the treetop walk is 5km from the entrance making it a 10km round trip (simple math) which would be at least a 2 hour walk… probably closer to 3.
Instead I just got some Mee Siam from the cafe which set me back $4.50SGP. Watch for monkeys stealing your food… probably best not to sit on the outer tables.
According to Wikitravel.org/en/Singapore the Treetop Walk is open from 9am till 5pm Tuesday to Sunday. Maybe there’s an entry fee also.
MacRitchie Reservoir has lots of trails to explore and some other things
Getting to MacRitchie ReservoirGet to Orchard MRT station on the NS line. Take exit A to Scotts Rd. Cross the road and then catch bus 162 to MacRitchie Reservoir bus stop (Lornie/Thompson Rd).
Top Things to do in Singapore #21. Bukit Timah Nature ReserveCost: Free
I didn’t actually go in but I went past it on the bus. It seems like something I’d of enjoyed if I had a spare day.
Getting to Bukit Timah Nature ReserveFrom the MacRitchie Reseviour go to the other side of the road and catch bus #52 until you get to the Opposite Bukit Timar Plaza stop.
Top Things to do in Singapore #22. Chinese and Japanese GardensCost: Free. Optional $5SGD for live turtle museum.
This was something I nearly didn’t do, but I am really glad I did. In fact, it made it as my favorite of the top things to do in Singapore. It just beat the Gardens by the Bay (#16) because it was alot simpler with hardly anyone there.
The Chinese Garden is open from 0600 – 2300 and the Japanese Garden is open from 0600 – 1900.
In the Chinese Garden you can visit the live turtle museum, which boasts as being the biggest collection of rare turtles (and tortoises I suppose) in the world. I didn’t go in.
Getting to Chinese and Japanese GardensFrom the MacRitchie Reseviour (#20) go to the other side of the road and catch bus #52 to Clementine Metro Station, then catch the MRT to the Chinese Gardens station.
Top Things to do in Singapore #23. ChinatownA typical Chinatown. Lots to look at, buy and eat. Best at night.
Get food and beer from the 2nd floor of the Chinatown Complex located next to the visitors center and the stage. Lots of choice and cheap. I got Bak Kut Teh with You Tiao which set me back $6SGD. Good selection of Chinese style deserts which you can try also.
Note: Food from the Chinatown Complex closes earlier than the food street, I’m gonna guess around 8 or 9 ish. Beer still available until late. Food street is open till late… at least 11 (again, this is just a guess).
Chinatown has lots to see and do. Food street and markets are best at night.
Getting to ChinatownGet to Chinatown metro station on the NE or Downtown Line.
Come out of the station and walk towards the lanterns. Take a left where it says food street (there’s much more than food).
Top Things to do in Singapore #24. Sim Lim SquareIf you need/want anything electronic related, Sim Lim tower or Sim Lim square is where you want to go.
Sim Lim tower seems to be more for electronic parts and specialized equipment such as 2-way radios, where are Sim Lim square is more for for computers and other consumer electronics.
I need to get my laptop fixed. Whatever you need done, shop around. I got 3 quotes ranging from $30 to $50 SGP.
Getting to Sim LimGet to Bugis Street Station. From there go SW on Victoria St and then turn right onto Rochor Rd. Turn right on Jln Besar and then right onto Sungei Rd. You’ll see it.
Top Things to do in Singapore #25. Albert CourtCost: Depends what you buy.
Albert court is a pedestrian street with a couple of temples, fortune telling, massages, small stalls etc.
There is a good food court there. I ate Cantonese style shredded chicken porridge which also came with You Tiao. It’s kind of funny I chose to eat Cantonese food because I’ve been living in Guangdong (which is the Canton area of China) for the past year and a bit.
Albert Square. A pedestrian street offering Temples, some small shops, massage etc.
Getting to Albert CourtAlbert Court is opposite Bugis Street Markets (#5)
Top Things to do in Singapore #26. Get PamperedThe last thing on my list of top things to do in Singapore is to pamper yourself. Massages, facials, manicures etc aren’t as cheap here as in the majority of the rest of Asia but is still cheaper than say Australia, UK or America.
I got a pretty good Thai massage from a place called Healing Thai Massage. HealingThaiMassage.com.sg
Healing Thai Massage is strictly a massage… no ‘funny stuff’! For any guys that want a happy ending, just go into the places that advertise Health Spa and have windows painted so it is hard to see in. There are a few of these in Little India and Geylang.
Getting to Healing Thai MassageHealing Thai Massage is at 39 Jln Besar. From Bugis St Station head southwest on Victoria then right on Rochor Rd and then right on Jln Besar.
Other Useful Information About SingaporeHere’s some other useful information about surviving travel in Singapore.
Getting Around SingaporeBuy a Tourist MRT card. It is available for 1, 2 or 3 days and is unlimited travel on trains and buses for those days except on special routes.
It starts when you first use it, and ends at midnight of your last day. Also, if you return the ticket you get $10SGP back.
You can only buy/return the ticket from a ticket office. I’m sure there are a few of them but definitely at Bugis, Chinatown and the airport.
When I first arrived I bought a 3 day pass from the airport (MRT station terminal 2) for $30SGP. I then paid cash for my ticket to my accommodation in Bugis so I wouldn’t ‘waste’ a day of fares.
The single fare ticket from the Airport to Bugis was $2.30 SGP
Cheap Accommodation in SingaporeIf you need cheap accommodation in Singapore, I stayed at the Bugis 88 Hostel and I recommend it. It has pod beds so pretty private and includes personal locker with power point. Free breakfast with toast, fruit and cereal. Free tea and coffee all day and filtered water (although tap water is safe in Singapore. Also, good security and friendly staff. Rooms are air-conditioned and I never had to wait to use the bathroom.
They told me that they are doing upgrades in March 2015 so expect a gym, rooftop Jacuzzi and public bar.
Next Stop… AustraliaI’m going home to Australia for a couple of weeks.. haven’t been back in 3-4 years! First Melbourne for a couple of days then to Perth, my home town.
Well that’s it for this list of top things to do in Singapore. Got anything to add? Put it in the comments 
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