What to See & Do in Singapore: My Recommendations For Your First Visit

Before my first trip to Singapore, I’d heard a lot of mixed reviews from travellers. Many dismiss this Southeast Asian city-state as boring, sober, and expensive. But after three trips here, I can confidently say that I do NOT agree.

It didn’t take me multiple visits to warm up to Singapore. From the first moment I strolled into Chinatown, jet-lagged from a 17-hour flight from LAX, I knew I was going to love this city. While tackling all the fun things to do in Singapore, I found everything I’d ever hope for in an urban travel destination: architectural gems, cultural attractions, nature escapes, and, most importantly, delicious street food.

Here’s what I’d recommend carving out time to see & do on your first visit to Singapore…

Marvel at the Gardens by the Bay

I’ve visited over 50 countries in the past two decades, and I’ve yet to find any place on earth quite like Gardens by the Bay. Even if you’ve only got one day in Singapore, I would put this now world-famous attraction at the top of my Lion City bucket list.

Gardens by the Bay opened in 2012 to much fanfare as one of the world’s most ambitious and unique urban development plans. After only two years, it saw over 6.4 million annual visitors. And once I saw it for myself, I immediately understood why that number only continues to grow.

Spread out over 101 hectares, Gardens by the Bay is one of the most spectacular public spaces I’ve seen anywhere in the world. The park is ringed with biodomes and botanical gardens.

Gardens by the Bay is most famous, though, for its Supertree Grove.

(And I’d say it earns it.)

I’ll never forget the first time I walked into the Bay South Garden from Marina Bay Sands and caught my first glimpse of the Supertree Grove lit up below. As I walked among the 18 supertrees, I felt more like I was wandering around the set of a high-budget sci-fi flick than an urban park in a Southeast Asian city.

If you find yourself wandering around Marina Bay at night, don’t miss the nightly Garden Rhapsody light & music show. (It is, after all, one of the main reasons travelers walk down here.)

Every evening at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm, the Supertree Grove lights up in a calvacade of brilliant colours. It’s a fantastic experience, and one I always save time to catch whenever I’m in Singapore. (Even multiple times.)

To see the Supertree Grove from a different angle, I’d also recommend taking a jaunt along OCBC Skyway (S$14). On my first trip to Singapore, I loved walking along this 128-metre-long walkway, suspended 22 meters above the ground and sliding between six Supertrees.

(It’s almost doubled in price since my first visit, but I’d still gladly pay the current rate.)

The Bay South Garden doesn’t end at the Supertree Grove, though. It’s also home to two conservatories: the Cloud Forest Dome and the Flower Dome. These two gardens collect flora from around the world, separated into several climate-controlled biomes.

Both conservatories are well worth visiting, but the Cloud Forest Dome slightly edges out the Flower Dome, in my opinion.

The Cloud Forest Dome mimics the climate of the tropical highlands. I loved strolling through the mist along the two walkways—the Cloud Walk and the Treetop Walk—to see the different vegetation at different altitudes and enjoy beautiful views of the park outside.

The highlight of the Cloud Forest for me, though, was the central waterfall. As impressed as I was with the “Jewel” in Changi Airport, this 30-metre-high waterfall is the world’s largest indoor waterfall, and gives its more famous competitor a run for its money.

Getting there: The closest MRT station is Bayfront. Take Exit B and follow the underground linkway to the exit. Cross either the Dragonfly Bridge or the Meadow Bridge to find your way into the park.

Relax in Singapore Botanic Gardens

While I was impressed with the green spaces around Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Botanic Gardens might be an even better stop for plant lovers.

On my second, more extended trip to Singapore, I was able to finally squeeze this popular nature escape into my itinerary. Wandering through the relaxing greenery here offered me a nice reprieve from the busy city streets nearby.

Singapore Botanic Gardens sits about two kilometers west of the shopping mecca of Orchard Road. The 82-hectare grounds pack in over 10,000 plant species, spread across manicured lawns, Swan Lake, and Symphony Lake.

(If you’re visiting on a Saturday evening, the free outdoor concerts at the Symphony Lake stage are worth timing a visit around.)

The botanical gardens are also home to a rare primordial rainforest that managed to escape Singapore’s early development. The six-hectare rainforest predates the gardens themselves. Some of its trees were standing before Singapore was founded in 1819, with 314 plant species crowding the forest floor beneath a canopy reaching 50 metres.

While visiting Singapore Botanic Gardens, I’d also recommend checking out the National Orchid Garden. It’s the largest of its kind in the world, with over 60,000 plants calling the garden home.

Over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids are on display in the National Orchid Garden, including orchids named after Margaret Thatcher, Princess Diana, and Kofi Annan as part of Singapore’s long-running orchid diplomacy programme.

These named hybrids live in the VIP Orchid Garden, tucked behind the colonial-era Burkill Hall. It’s worth seeking out even if you walk past everything else.

Getting there: The closest MRT is Botanic Gardens Station. It’s on both the Downtown and Circle Lines. The station exits towards the northern edge of the park.

Empty your wallet along Orchard Road

I always had in my mind that Southeast Asia was a bargain-basement destination. That myth got debunked fast the first time I decided to take a stroll along Orchard Road, Singapore’s shopping high street.

Orchard Road is among the most popular places to shop in Singapore for locals. It’s stippled with air-conditioned malls and trendy high-end fashion boutiques, making it the perfect consumerist escape when exploring Singapore’s cultural attractions gets old.

(Not that I’ve ever actually felt that way.)

Not keen on dispensing with your entire travel budget in one glorious day of splurging? While exploring the area’s malls, I’ve also found some of the tastiest food in Singapore, from laksa and ramen to sushi and nasi lemak.

I’d start exploring the area’s shopping & eating options with these popular places to visit along Orchard Road:

• ION Orchard: This Orchard Road mall is a modern architectural masterpiece and a hotspot for high-end fashion. Besides its boutiques, the mall’s massive food hall features some of the tastiest restaurants I’ve tried in Singapore. One of the most popular is the Salt Grill & Sky Bar. It’s famous for delicious dishes crafted by the city’s top celebrity chefs.
• Ngee Ann City: This landmark shopping center is home to the famous Japanese department store, Takashimaya. Over 130 other top fashion boutiques like Christian Dior, Calvin Klein, and Gucci also grace its floors. The food court at Ngee Ann City delivers everything from quick snacks to fine dining, unsurprisingly with a Japanese focus.
• 313@Somerset: This mall is one of the most popular picks among younger Singaporeans. 313@Somerset features top fashion brands like Uniqlo, Levi’s, Zara, and Singapore’s own Century 21. (I really enjoyed the Guizhou-style noodle soup at Noodle Villa here, featuring a rich broth with deep Szechwan spiciness.)

Getting there: To experience the best shopping in the area, start your journey up Orchard Road from either Orchard MRT or Somerset MRT.

Find the city’s soul in Chinatown

Over three-quarters of Singapore’s population celebrates a Chinese heritage. So, it’s no surprise that I felt the beating heart of Singapore most in its eclectic Chinatown.

Compared to the glitzy malls in Orchard and the high-rises of Marina Bay, Chinatown couldn’t be more different. And as much as I love Singapore’s modern side, the city wouldn’t appeal me to me nearly as much without this cool historic district in the mix.

On my first visit to Singapore, I couldn’t get enough of wandering the streets of Chinatown, bursting with colorful, low-rise historic merchant houses. The heritage buildings house everything from cheap souvenir shops to museums to restaurants.

(And as I discovered over my three trips to Singapore, the latter, of course, serve up some of the tastiest dishes in the city.)

While admiring the historic architecture, I was also shocked to find several elaborate temples representing all of Singapore’s main ethnic groups, not just Buddhist ones as I would have expected. (Even Singapore’s oldest mosque resides in Chinatown!)

Need ideas for fun things to see & do in Singapore’s Chinatown? Here’s what I’d keep on the lookout for on a first trip:

• Buddha Tooth Relic Temple: This lovely 4-storey temple is one of the top tourist attractions in Singapore. It’s famous for its two-meter-high gold stupa, housing its sacred namesake relic. The halls of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple are quite the sight, but one of my favourite parts about visiting is getting to enjoy spectacular views over the city from the top floor.
• Sri Mariamman Temple: This 19th-century Hindu temple is one of Singapore’s main centers of worship for its Tamil community. Sri Mariamman Temple was built to honor Mariamman, the Hindu goddess of protection. The temple is one of the most colourful stops (and top photo spots) I’ve seen while exploring Chinatown.
• Thian Hock Keng Temple: This eye-catching Taoist-Buddhist temple was built in the first half of the 19th century. It honors Ma Zu Po, the Mother of Heavenly Sages. The delicately-painted doors and intricate rooftop dragons are a sight to behold. It’s located a few blocks from Chinatown proper in Telok Ayer, and it’s well worth a detour, in my opinion.
• Chinatown Food Street: Officially known as Smith Street, this street hosts some of the tastiest street food I’ve found in Singapore outside of a hawker centre. Chinatown Food Street is known for several Singaporean delights. On your visit, I’d recommend searching for char kway teow (stir-fried noodles), satay (skewered meat sticks), and hokkien mee (egg and rice noodles in a flavourful prawn broth).
• Chinatown Heritage Centre: This center is one of the coolest museums I’ve visited in Singapore. The Chinatown Heritage Centre occupies three restored merchant houses on Pagoda Street. The museum details the entire history of Singapore’s Chinese culture & community. Its interesting interactive exhibits and immersive galleries are a notch above most historic museums I’ve popped into in East Asia.

Getting there: Hop onto the MRT. Take the Downtown Line or the North-East Line to Chinatown MRT Station.

Get a taste of Malay culture in Kampong Glam

Cultural diversity is one of the most interesting features of the Malay Peninsula, in my opinion. In Singapore, nothing gives this more credence than a walk through Kampong Glam,  the city’s Malay enclave and a bastion of Arabo-Islamic culture in the city-state.

Kampong Glam was once little more than a small fishing village and port. Now, the colourful district sheds Singapore’s upscale reputation, flashing, instead, its Malay heritage. It gives the area a feel like no other place I’ve visited in the city.

Walking among the old merchant houses in Kampong Glam is one of the coolest things to do in Singapore on a first visit. Whenever I’m embarking on a Singapore itinerary, I love slipping over here to check out the area’s boutique shops, cultural centers, and mosques. (And, of course, its restaurants.)

Here are a few Kampong Glam attractions I’d recommend to first-time visitors:

• Haji Lane: This narrow, two-block-long walking street pierces through the center of Kampong Glam. It’s among the most colorful corners I’ve seen while walking around Singapore. Haji Lane is loaded with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants, giving it a strong reputation among the city’s hipsters. (Just a warning that the crowds here can, in my experience, get a little stifling at times.)
• Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan): This early-19th-century mosque is Singapore’s largest. With its characteristic golden domes, the Sultan Mosque is one of the most eye-catching landmarks I’ve spotted in the city-state. Just look up while wandering around; you can’t miss it! 
• Arab Street: This lively street is the focal point of Singapore’s Muslim community, offering up some of the city’s most Instagrammable moments. Along Arab Street, vivid shophouses hide the city’s finest Middle Eastern restaurants. I also saw plenty of cool boutique shops strewn about, selling everything from Turkish lamps to rugs.

Getting there: The quickest way to start exploring Singapore’s Malay quarter is via Bugis MRT Station. From the station, it’s about a 5-minute walk to Sultan Mosque via Victoria Street, Ophir Road, and North Bridge Road.

Chow down at a hawker center like Chinatown Complex Food Centre

When I planned my first layover in Singapore, I didn’t have much of a plan other than to spend oodles of time scoping out the city’s hawker centres. 

Given my fascination with Netflix food shows, I already knew Singaporeans were obsessed with their city’s culinary scene. But it wasn’t until I entered the Chinatown Complex Food Centre and Maxwell Food Centre on my first day in the city that I understood how entwined this obsession is with local culture.

My favourite part about Singapore’s hawker centre scene is that no matter where you find yourself in the city, you’re never far away from one. Grabbing a delicious, cheap (and maybe life-altering) meal at one of these cultural hotspots is always within grasp.

I found amazing local dishes at every single food court I visited in Singapore. Here are a few of my favorite Singapore hawker centres I’d suggest looking out for on your first trip:

• Chinatown Complex Food Centre: The biggest hawker center in Singapore was the first one I visited, and the one I returned to most often. As expected with its location, Chinatown Complex Food Centre leans towards Chinese-inspired dishes. A few of my favorites I always search for here include char kway teow, wonton noodles, and laksa.
• Maxwell Food Centre: Sitting on the edge of Chinatown, this food court has got a little of everything to please every palate. The most famous dish at Maxwell Food Centre is the chicken rice at Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, anointed by both Anthony Bourdain and Gordon Ramsey as a must-eat while in the city. I also found a ton of other delicious options here, like Cantonese-style congee, chee cheong fun, and oyster omelettes.
• Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre: After a recent renovation, this is one of the newest and cleanest hawker centers I’ve visited in the city. Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre makes for an excellent introduction to the scene, with Singapore classics like lor mee, prawn noodles, and wonton noodles with premium char siu. Besides the second-floor food stalls, there’s a first-floor wet market selling fresh produce.
• Old Airport Road Food Centre: Popular among locals, this classic hawker center is further afoot than the others. If you find yourself in the area around Old Airport Road Food Centre, check out the famous soya beancurd from Lao Ban Soya Beancurd or 51 Soya Beancurd.

Dazzle at the evening skyline at the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade

Even without the dazzling light show at Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay is my favourite part of the city to explore in the evening. And as the evening sun starts to set, the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade is the place to be.

On all three trips to Singapore, I made a point to come down to this popular walkway at least once to soak in the lovely cross-bay view of the central business district and its skyscrapers.

After admiring the sunset at the boardwalk, I always find plenty of other fun things to do in Marina Bay, like:

• The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands: The obvious stop for luxury shopping in the area, with over 170 brands and an indoor canal you can ride in a traditional sampan. Unless you’re here for big brands, I’d skip the shopping and head straight to dinner at Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay or Waku Ghin by Tetsuya Wakuda.
• Red Dot Design Museum: Singapore’s only museum dedicated to contemporary design, showcasing over 500 award-winning concepts along the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade. I went in expecting a quick look and ended up staying far longer than planned.
• Merlion Park: The half-lion, half-fish statue spouting water into Marina Bay to a backdrop of skyscrapers is as photogenic as every travel photo suggests. It’s a two-minute walk from the financial district. There’s no real excuse not to stop by on a first visit.
• LeVeL33: Sitting 149 metres up on the 33rd floor of Marina Bay Financial Centre, LeVeL33 holds the Guinness World Record as the world’s highest microbrewery. I’d aim for a weekday late afternoon. The sunset views over Marina Bay are the draw here, and on weekend evenings, it’s overpacked to the gills.

Getting there: The closest MRT stop to the Marina Bay Promenade is Downtown on the Downtown Line. Walk out Exit A to get to the bayfront.

See the city from above on the Singapore Flyer

Feeling like you’ve spent too much time at ground level? I’d make it a point to tackle my fear of heights at the iconic Singapore Flyer.

Soaring at 165 meters high, this giant Ferris wheel is the largest in Asia and the second-tallest in the world. The observation wheel offers the finest bird’s-eye vistas I’ve found anywhere in Singapore.

(Yes, maybe even topping the nearby Sands Skypark Observation Deck at the Marina Bay Sands, which, in my opinion, is also a must-see for first-timers!)

Besides delivering superb views, the Singapore Flyer’s 28 observation capsules are air-conditioned for a much-needed break from the humidity & heat.

(Believe me, this is a bigger deal than it sounds.)

Getting there: By public transportation, the quickest way to visit the Singapore Flyer is by MRT. Travel to the wheel via Promenade Station (Downtown Line & Circle Line). From the station, it’s about a 5- to 10-minute walk from Exit A.

Find an after-dark adventure at the Singapore Night Safari

If I were visiting Singapore with kids, one of the first spots I’d take them to is the Singapore Night Safari.

Founded in 1994, the Singapore Night Safari was the world’s after-dark zoo. It’s become one of the most popular family-friendly activities in Singapore and a hit with tourists and locals alike, with over 1.1 million visitors per year.

The park is divided into six geographical zones. The zones spread out over 2,500 animals, spanning 130 different species. Among the stars of the show are Malayan tapirs, Asian elephants, Malayan tigers, and leopards. Also, keep an eye out for Indian rhinoceroses and Malayan flying foxes.

The Singapore Night Safari only opens at night, between 7:30 pm and midnight, seven days a week.

Getting there: The wildlife park is north of the city center. It’s located seven kilometers south of the Malaysian border, next to the Singapore Zoo. To get there, take the MRT to Choa Chu Kang Station (North-South Line) and board Bus 927 to the safari. Otherwise, alight at Ang Mo Kio Station (North-South Line) and take Bus 138.

Watch the silver screen come alive at Universal Studios Singapore

Fancy a visit to Hollywood? No need to backtrack over the Pacific. Instead, opt for a day at Universal Studios Singapore. Located on Sentosa Island, Universal Studios is one of the must-do activities for families traveling to Singapore, with plenty of fun for kids and adults alike.

The theme park is carved out into seven distinct areas: Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, Lost World, Far Far Away, and Madagascar. Each zone features action-packed rides and attractions inspired by Hollywood hits, including Jurassic Park, Transformers, The Mummy, Battlestar Galactica, and Sesame Street.

As a retro-gaming geek, I’m most excited about the upcoming addition of Super Nintendo Land. The idea has been in the works since 2019 and was scheduled for completion in 2025. That date already sailed, and we’re still (eagerly) waiting for completion.

Getting there: The theme park is located on Sentosa Island, south of the city’s downtown core. The quickest way I’ve found to the park is to take the MRT to Harbourfront Station (North East Line). From here, transfer to the Sentosa Express Monorail. Take the monorail south. Alight at Waterfront Station, located at the park’s entrance.

Sip on a Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel Long Bar

Okay, I realize this recommendation is a tourist trap extraordinaire. But on my first trip to Singapore, I loved the experience of pulling up a chair at the legendary Raffles Hotel Long Bar.

The draw here is, of course, to cool off with a sip of the bar’s now world-famous cocktail: the Singapore Sling. Now that the hotel’s seemingly never-ending renovation is over, the good ol’ historical Long Bar at Raffles Hotel is back up serving its signature drink.

In 1915, it was at this very bar where bartender Ngiam Tong Boon first mixed up his concoction. The Singapore Sling mixes together pineapple juice, lime juice, curaçao, and cherry liqueur. Over a hundred years later, it’s still one of the world’s most famous cocktails.

Unfortunately, I have some bad news for budget travelers: Sipping on this slice of Singaporean history is gonna cost a pretty penny.

Even in a city as pricey as Singapore, S$44 for a cocktail is steep. But indulging in this classic cocktail in its birthplace, amid the rich wood-grain decor, is priceless, in my opinion.

(Let’s not forget the classic free-flowing peanuts, too.)

Getting there: Find your way to the Circle Line, taking the MRT to Esplanade Station. The hotel is across the street from the station exit.

Hit up the beach on Sentosa Island

One thing I did not expect when I first visited Singapore was its green spaces. As much as I loved hanging around the city’s parks and botanical gardens, checking out Sentosa Island was a different experience altogether.

Don’t get me wrong: I wouldn’t exactly label Sentosa Island as an idyllic nature escape.

Sentosa Island is located just south of the city center and is the destination of choice for city-dwelling locals to unwind on their sunny days off. It’s one of the most popular day trips from Singapore, and is full of family-friendly attractions that number among the city’s most popular.

It’s hardly a surprise that when I showed up on Sentosa Island, I wasn’t exactly alone.

Despite the crowds, I found a whole ton of things to see & do on Sentosa Island. The island is home to theme parks, golf courses, and the most beautiful beaches in Singapore.

If you’ve only got time for one destination on Sentosa Island, I’d make it Palawan Beach. Located on the southern side of the island, this beautiful stretch of coastline is fringed by white sand and blue-green water.

And the beach itself is only half the fun.

Take a walk on the rope bridge to the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia. Climb up the three-level observation towers to enjoy views over the golden sands of Palawan Beach and Sentosa Island.

Getting there: Take the MRT to Harbourfront Station on the North East Line. Walk into the VivoCity Mall, heading up to the 3rd floor. From here, follow the signs to catch the Sentosa Express Monorail (S$4 for a day pass), which will take you to the island.

Make new furry friends at the Singapore Zoo

Of all the things to see & do in Singapore for kids, none will get the little ones more excited than the Singapore Zoo. This world-class zoo sprawls over 26 hectares and is home to 300 animal species, spanning everything from primates to reptiles to birds.

On your Singapore Zoo adventure, stroll through 11 distinct habitats to spot animals from all around the world, including kangaroos, elephants, flying foxes, orangutans, and meerkats.

What’s unique about the park is its use of natural barriers to contain the animals. Unlike traditional cages, the barriers blend into the environment. It creates both a more comfortable & natural home for the animals and a better viewing experience for visitors.

If I were traveling with younger children, spending a day at the Singapore Zoo would be near the top of my list. The park offers a barrage of kid-friendly attractions.

Start the young ones off with the Keeper Encounter, an interactive exhibit that teaches children about all the duties of a zookeeper. Kids will also love the Rainforest Kidzworld, an animal-inspired amusement area.

Getting there: The park is located to the north of the city center. You’ll need to use public transportation to get there. By MRT, navigate to Ang Mo Kio MRT Station (North South Line) and take Bus 138, exiting at the zoo’s bus stop.

Shop & eat at Bugis Street Market

While I can’t say it was my favorite spot in Singapore, I’d still pencil in a quick visit to Bugis Street Market to round out my appreciation of the city. This busy street market is located north of the downtown core, not far from Little India and Kampong Glam. If you’re coming to or from either, Bugis is an easy, quick addition to an itinerary.

Like Keong Saik Road in Chinatown, Bugis was once one of Singapore’s red-light districts. While it still feels a tad “sketchier” than other areas in central Singapore (well, barring Geylang), it’s still as safe as anywhere else in this (famously) safe city.

On my way through, I’d spent a little time browsing the stalls at Bugis Street Market. The two times I wandered through the market, I spotted everything from cheesy Singapore t-shirts to cheap brand-name knock-off fashion goods. If you needed a few souvenirs for the crew back home, this is where you’d find ’em.

It’s not the focus, but I also saw a handful of food vendors spread throughout Bugis Street Market serving tasty treats like fresh fruit, sweets, and bubble tea. (The latter is almost always in my hand by mid-afternoon.)

Getting there: Bugis Street Market is located steps away from Bugis MRT on the Downtown and East-West Line.

Immerse yourself in Chinese folklore at Haw Par Villa

Haw Par Villa is one of Singapore’s strangest cultural attractions. And I mean that as a compliment.

Built in 1937 by the brothers behind Tiger Balm (yes, that magical stuff), the 8.5-hectare park features over 1,000 statues and 150 dioramas to guide visitors through Chinese folklore, mythology, and moral teachings.

It sounds dry. But it’s anything but.

The main draw at Haw Par Village is Hell’s Museum, which expanded its original Ten Courts of Hell exhibit into a full 3,800-square-metre complex in 2021.

The Ten Courts depict (in quite graphic detail, I should add), the punishments awaiting sinners in the afterlife: dismemberment, boiling, and being ground between stones. The museum wraps this with a broader context on how different cultures, from Taoism to Islam to Day of the Dead traditions, understand death and what awaits in the afterlife.

On that note, this is not a destination I would slide into my itinerary if I were travelling to Singapore with young kids. The Hell’s Museum exhibits are not subtle and are likely to frighten little ones.

The wider park is partially closed for maintenance as of late 2025, but Hell’s Museum remains open.

Getting there: The park lies north of Haw Par Villa MRT Station on the Circle Line.

Get attuned with nature at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

At 200 hectares, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve sits near the geographic centre of Singapore and protects one of the last remaining patches of primary rainforest in the country.

Together with the neighbouring Central Catchment Nature Reserve, the park supports over 840 species of flowering plants and 500 species of fauna.

(These are remarkable numbers for a forest you can reach by MRT, if you ask me.)

The hiking trails to the 163-metre summit, the highest point in Singapore, range from a straightforward paved main path to steeper, muddier routes through dense forest.

As you hike any of these trails, you’re bound to run into long-tailed macaques, who call the rainforest home. (Keep an eye on them. After traveling around Southeast Asia a few times, I’ve learned the hard way that these little beasts can be very untrustworthy.)

Other activities at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve include mountain biking.

NOTE: The 6.5-kilometre-long mountain bike trail is a separate loop from the hiking trails. Hikers caught on it face a S$200 fine. Stick to the marked paths.)

Getting there: Take the Downtown Line to Beauty World MRT. From Exit B, walk north along Cheong Chin Nam Road. The reserve will be about an 8-minute walk.

Browse Southeast Asian art at the National Gallery Singapore

Art lovers visiting the Lion City for the first time shouldn’t miss the National Gallery Singapore. Opened in 2015, this art museum houses the world’s largest collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art.

The National Gallery of Singapore has over 8,000 works spanning the 19th century to today. It’s set inside two buildings in the Civic District that witnessed some of the most defining moments in Singapore’s history: City Hall, where the Japanese surrender was signed in 1945, and the former Supreme Court, where Singapore’s first Prime Minister was sworn in.

(The contrast between the buildings’ history and the contemporary art inside is one of the things I found most striking on my first visit to the art gallery.)

The Ng Teng Fong Rooftop Garden on Level 5 is free and open to all visitors. It’s got beautiful views across the Civic District. (I think this is worth the trip alone.)

National Gallery Singapore is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 7 pm, and until 9 pm on Fridays.

Getting there: The gallery is located within a 10-minute walk from several MRT stations. The closest is City Hall MRT. Exit to St. Andrews Road and walk 300 metres south.

Take a peek at Singapore’s WWII history at Fort Canning Park

After grabbing lunch in Clarke Quay one day during my second trip to Singapore, I decided to check out the city’s greener side with a visit to Fort Canning Park. While I went expecting one of the city’s most relaxing green spaces, I left the park with a quick lesson in Singaporean history.

Out of all the parks I’ve visited in Singapore, Fort Canning Park would be the one I’d send history buffs to first. The park has been everything from a royal site to the last stand for defending armies.

During WWII, Fort Canning Park was the site of the British surrender to the Japanese. Walking through the park, I stumbled upon some of its WWII-era attractions, including the Battle Box. This old military bunker served as a British command center during the Battle of Singapore.

Even if its history doesn’t interest you, Fort Canning Park is still worth a stroll. Walk along its hilltop trails to unwind. Keep your eyes peeled for its Spice Garden and the ASEAN Sculpture Garden.

After finishing up at Fort Canning Park, I’d definitely head back down to explore Clarke Quay and enjoy some post-hike refreshments. I’d recommend ducking into Little Saigon (3E River Valley Rd, #01-02) for spring rolls and their refreshing, lemongrass syrup-infused Hanoi Martini.

Getting there: Hop onto the Downtown Line and travel to Fort Canning MRT. From here, it’s a two-minute walk across River Valley Road to the park entrance.