singapore

10 unforgettable ways to discover the island of Singapore

Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands is the most famous hotel in Singapore. With three iconic towers, it is hard to miss. The great part about Marina Bay Sands is the spectacular view when you go up to the top.

artscience museum

take in the views from the rooftop bar

singapore marina sands

When you enter the hotel, just go straight to the elevators on your right. There is a line by the elevators, but it is for drink tickets at the rooftop bar. Don’t waste your time in that line. The bar accepts cash so you don’t need tickets.  The view at the top is incredible, but you will not be allowed access to the pool area unless you are a hotel guest.

If you are afraid of heights then just walking around the hotel will be spectacular! There is a shopping mall on the 1st level and a casino hidden in the hotel.

There is also an underground walkway full of mirrors that takes you straight from the Marina Sands to the Gardens by the Bay.

photos in the singapore flier

The Singapore Flier is a great place to start your trip if you want to see all that of the city. You can see the Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, The Soccer Field on the water, and most likely your hotel! It is a great spot to take a few pictures of the scenery.

There are other flight options to make the experience even more unforgettable. Pictured above is a dining pod where people have appetizers and champagne around sunset.

The food court at the Singapore Flier is also delicious. You have to walk around the building to find it, but there are a bunch of local food trucks that serve the best noodles.

Tickets

The Singapore Flier Opens Daily: 8.30am – 10.00pm

  • Flyer Flight: 13 years+ = $33 | Under 13 years = $21
  • Sling Flight = $69
  • Premium Champagne Flight = $79 (3:00pm, 5:00pm, 7:00pm, 8:00pm and 9:00pm)
  • Full Butler Sky Dining per couple = $300 (Dinner: 7:30pm or 8:30pm)
  • Private Capsule = $2,000 (Up to 26 People)

Eat at a food truck park

singapore food truck

You can’t go wrong trying something new in Singapore. Be wary of the spiciness level though. They do not mess around!

  • We loved the street food under the Singapore flier.
  • A great spot to try for breakfast is Colony at the Ritz Carlton. It is a buffet style and allows you to taste all types of Singapore cuisine. 
  • Clarke Quay also hosts a plethora of restaurants and quick eat spots right on the water. 
  • Check out this blog for a list of things to eat in Singapore.

My Carry On Packing List

Check out my favorite international travel items I always pack in my carry-on.

Gardens by the Bay

singapore gardens by the bay

Supertree grove

Supertree Grove is the best attraction to visit at night. It is an area full of man-made supertrees that light up at night, and they also play light shows with music every night at 7:45 and at 8:45. 

Supertree Grove allows visitors to walk along the OCBC skyway towards the top of the trees. You can even watch the shows on them. The cost to walk on the OCBC skyway is $8 for adults.

The Flower Dome

The flower dome features flowers in all areas of the world, it also includes the wildlife that resides in each. You have to purchase tickets to enter the domes, but they are reasonably priced.

The CLoud Forest Dome

The cloud forest has spectacular features worth checking out. You have to purchase tickets to enter the domes, but they are reasonably priced.

Sentosa Island

sentosa island

take the gondola

singapore gondola

There are plenty of ways to get to Sentosa Island. You can take a taxi, express train, bus, or the gondola. The gondola goes to the mainland over the water and makes the boats underneath look tiny. You will have a spectacular view of the resorts on Sentosa Island and get an idea of the layout. The gondola will drop you off right at Siloso beach.

Visit Universal Studios

Universal Studios is a theme park that boasts movie magic as you ride on movie-themed roller coasters and other attractions like Battlestar Galactica (the world’s tallest pair of dueling roller coasters). Far Far Away Castle where you can experience a Shrek 4-D Adventure. There is also a Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure, Madagascar: A Crate Adventure, and Revenge of the Mummy. 

Adult tickets = $60

adventure cove water park

The main attraction at Adventure Cove Water Park is the coral reef with more than 20,000 fish. Every visitor is able to snorkel. You cannot bring food, drinks, or any flotation devices. There are 7 rides all with a height requirement. There is a high-speed water-duel (grab a mat), spiral whirlpool, dark water chute, cliff jump, wave pool, and the Adventure River for a pleasant ride, starting from a grotto and ending with a tropical jungle.

  • Summer hours are 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. 
  • Tickets cost $30 (4-12 years) and $38 for adults. 

Wave house

Learn to Surf and bodyboard without the need for ocean swells thanks to a wave machine at Wave House that pumps a thin sheet of water over a trampoline-like surface, recreating an endlessly breaking wave. My husband, fell a lot during his first-hour session. By the end of the first-hour session, most people can at least stand on the board. Sessions start from $35 on weekdays and $40 on weekends.

Ring the Bell of Happiness

singapore bell of happiness

When you ride the gondola from Sentosa Island, its final stop is Faber Peak. When you are up here you feel like you have stepped away from the busy city and into a jungle-like atmosphere with the best views of Singapore. There are a few lookout points that show the entire view of the city below.

There’s a little gift shop and a restaurant called Spuds & Apron, which is also worth a visit.

Ring the Bell of Happiness! The bell was originally presented as a gift to Sentosa in 1992. Today, it stands in Faber Peak’s garden of happy promises. Visitors and newlyweds believe when two or more ring it together, they would be blessed with everlasting happiness, peace, and harmony. Bring your own bell to add to the wishing bell fence!

See the Mini Merlion Statue at the highest point of Mount Faber, Faber Point. This Merlion is one of five official Merlions approved by the Singapore Tourism Board.

Clarke Quay

bar hop

singapore clarke quay
singapore clarke quay

If you are looking for a great dinner and drinks spot in Singapore, Clarke Quay is the perfect place. It is a square mile of bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops on the water. Every bar we has a live band and great atmosphere. You will be so happy you chose to go to Clark Quay for a night out. There is always something to do.

My Favorite Bars include

  • Chupitos Bar – Shots!! & all with their own theme..
  • Beer XChange Market – Inspiration from the New York stock exchange, as a certain drink is ordered the stats will change
  • The Pump Room – Huge secret bar with a dance floor & great music, shares a hallway with the Crazy Elephant Bar.
  • Prive – The food and atmosphere were some of the best. They have happy hours and have crowded all night.
  • Brewerkz – A microbrew with a gorgeous view of the river. Food is also delicious here!

ride the singapore river cruise

Most of the area is on the Singapore River, where you can take the Singapore River Cruise for only $25 and see the views of Clarke Quay, Marina Sands, and the Merlion Statue from the water! Make sure you go early enough to see the sun setting and all the lights coming on over the water.

Find Merlion Statues

singapore merlion

The Merlion is Singapore’s mascot if you will. You will see statues of this creature all over. If you happen to see one, be sure to take a picture with it! These pictures were taken right in front of the floating soccer field. 

The Float @ Marina Bay, 20 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039805 is the best place to take scenic pictures of Singapore’s most iconic structures including:

  • The Singapore Flier
  • Marina Bay Sands
  • Merlion
  • Downtown Singapore
  • ArtScience Museum

Souvenirs in China Town

China Town Singapore is massive. You will find anything you want to purchase here. You can walk the streets or go to one of the many malls.

Most of the street vendors only accept cash. Try to exchange currency before you go because they will accept US dollars, but the exchange rate is higher through them. Another note: If you spend over $200 in any one place you can claim it at the airport and have the taxes refunded to you when you leave the country.

Use the restroom before you head to Chinatown. They are difficult to find and we only found squatty potties. There are tons of places to eat in china town and I recommend trying something while you shop.