Singapore is one of Asia’s top tourist destinations and it’s not hard to see why. This vibrant state is diverse, developed and dynamic. There’s a plethora of things to do, whether you’re on a brief layover or plan to hang around for a while. Oh and did we mention, the food’s delicious too! If you’re looking for inspiration, here at Mundana we have come up with six compelling reasons to visit Singapore.
The city contains an impressive array of architecture
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The Singapore skyline has evolved over the years and the 21st century city wows with a range of architectural styles and landmarks. A good place to start is at the Marina Bay Sands hotel, whose Sands Skyway tops its three iconic towers. It’s home to the world’s largest public cantilevered platform and a fabulous infinity swimming pool. Also worth checking out is the clever design of the Helix Bridge. The lotus flower shape of the adjacent ArtScience Museum has been described as the “Welcoming Hand of Singapore”. It’s not the only building in the city to have been inspired by nature. Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay bears a resemblance to the durian, the fruit notorious for its pungent smell. Elsewhere in the city, check out what started life as Singapore’s first skyscraper, The Cathay. Its historic facade has been preserved while the rest of the building has undergone a dramatic rebuild to create a cinema, shopping and residential complex. And check out Singapore’s neighbourhoods like Kampong Gelam, Little India and Chinatown, where the distinctive architecture is just one aspect of the rich cultural heritage.
It’s surprisingly green
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We may think of Singapore as a city but around half of its area is devoted to green space. It’s a delight to explore its many parks and gardens. The Singapore Botanic Gardens has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015 but traces its history back to the 19th century. The highlight for many is the chance to wander through its National Orchid Garden. This is home to a collection of thousands of species of orchids in a jaw-dropping array of colours and varieties. Of course, Singapore’s most famous trees are artificial. By day, nature lovers will appreciate the plants, trees and flowers of the Gardens by the Bay. Check out the Kingfisher Wetlands, Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. But after dark is when the magic happens. Thousands of LEDs light Supertree Grove, forming one of the most breathtaking sound and light shows on the planet. Make sure you have a ticket – you won’t want to miss this.
You can go island-hopping
Here’s a fun fact for you: Singapore comprises 64 islands. Many would-be visitors will have heard of Sentosa Island, long a favourite with fun-seekers. But other islands such as St John’s and Sisters’ Island are far less famous. If you’re keen on history or nature pursuits, then Mundana’s experts suggest adding Pulau Ubin to your Singapore itinerary. Located north east of Changi Point Ferry Terminal, it’s just a fifteen minute ride to get there. Once you step off the boat, this island sanctuary is a world away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Learn about the island’s granite quarrying heritage, visit fish farms and coconut plantations or take a look at Singapore’s only surviving kampong (a traditional village). As you tour the island, you’ll notice its mangroves, beaches and seagrass lagoons, not to mention otters, crabs, fish, birds and dragonflies. Consider renting bicycles to cover more ground. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Ketam Mountain Bike Path offers a challenging yet thrilling descent.
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There’s a night zoo
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Singapore Zoo is one of the city’s most popular visitor attractions. Across in the Mandai Wildlife reserve, its pioneering night safari was the first of its kind – the world’s first nocturnal zoo. It’s home to more than 900 animals representing 100 or so different species. The design team faithfully recreated their habitats, from Himalayan hills to South East Asian rainforests. Many of the creatures you see here are threatened in the wild, and the zoo supports vital breeding and conservation programmes. Access this unusual attraction by tram or if you prefer to explore on foot, there are four walking trails. The zoo’s Evening in the Wild package is a unique dining experience hosted in a tipi tent. Why not splurge and treat yourself?
It’s a year-round destination
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Sometimes, timing a visit to a place can take a little thought. After all, there’s no point in turning up to a ski resort after the snow’s melted for the season or planning a beach vacation in the middle of rainy season. Singapore’s not like that. It’s position very close to the Equator means that the weather you’ll experience changes relatively little throughout the year. Rainfall totals are highest between December and February, while the summer months of June, July and August typically see lower humidity and drier conditions. Spring tends to be sunniest, making it ideal if you’re planning to head to the beach at Sentosa Island. Nevertheless, rain showers are to be expected at any time of year, though they tend to be short-lived. Singapore’s myriad indoor attractions and air-conditioned shopping malls, restaurants and hotels mean that the weather shouldn’t impact any holiday plans you make.
Even the airport is impressive
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One of the best reasons to visit Singapore is the chance to fly there. Changi Airport is truly something out of the ordinary. This remarkable airport frequently tops industry and consumer polls. For many years, it has been much more than a place to switch planes. Book a free themed city tour and treat yourself to a taster of what Singapore has to offer. Travellers need to have a qualifying layover – between 5.5 and 24 hours – and fit in with pre-determined tour times. If your flight times don’t work, there’s plenty to keep you amused within the airport itself. Don’t worry if you need to move around the airport – getting between terminals is a breeze. While other airports have followed its lead, the sheer range of activities sets this head and shoulders above the rest. For instance, you can admire the world’s largest indoor waterfall, grab a selfie in a sunflower garden or bounce on a suspended trampoline. If you’re passing through, talk to the Mundana team about extending your layover, while if you’ve been based in Singapore, you’ll want to get to the airport well before your scheduled departure time.
Whether you’ve decided to stopvover in Singapore en route to your final destination or are tempted to take a holiday there, Mundana’s experts will be happy to make the arrangements for you. Why not give us a call?