Singapore Urban Oasis

Marina Bay is the gleaming centerpiece of modern Singapore. Dominated by the iconic boat-shaped roof of Marina Bay Sands, this area is a testament to the city's ambition and engineering prowess.

Behind the hotel lies Gardens by the Bay, a massive nature park featuring the futuristic Supertree Grove—towering vertical gardens that light up at night. Purchase tickets to enter the two massive climate-controlled conservatories: the Cloud Forest, featuring a massive indoor waterfall, and the Flower Dome. Return to the Supertrees at 7:45 PM or 8:45 PM to lay on the grass and watch the free Garden Rhapsody light and sound show.

Singapore's Hawker culture is inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. These massive, open-air food courts are where the entire city eats, offering some of the best (and cheapest) food in Asia.

Skip the high-end restaurants for lunch and head to Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown. Join the line for the famous Hainanese Chicken Rice at Tian Tian, or try an oyster omelette and a cold Tiger beer. Later in the evening, visit Lau Pa Sat, a Victorian cast-iron structure in the financial district that transforms into a massive outdoor satay street market when the sun goes down.

To understand Singapore's multicultural foundation, you must step away from the modern skyscrapers and explore its historic enclaves.

Start in Little India, where the air smells heavily of jasmine and spices. Visit the ornate Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and shop the 24-hour Mustafa Centre. A short walk away is Kampong Glam, the historic Malay-Arab quarter. Here, the golden dome of the Sultan Mosque overlooks Arab Street and Haji Lane—a narrow alley completely covered in vivid street art, packed with indie boutiques and hip coffee shops.

Escape the urban bustle and head to Sentosa Island, a dedicated resort island featuring sandy beaches, luxury hotels, and world-class theme parks like Universal Studios Singapore. Originally a military fortress, the island has been completely transformed into a tropical playground.

Relax on the sandy shores of Siloso Beach, explore the historic coastal fortifications of Fort Siloso, or walk along the suspended sky bridge at Fort Siloso Skywalk for elevated views of the forest canopy. The island is also home to massive aquarium exhibits and lively beach clubs.

Visit the architectural masterpiece Changi Jewel, a dome-shaped complex connected to the airport terminals. The Jewel is centered around the spectacular Rain Vortex, the world's tallest indoor waterfall, which plunges seven stories through a massive glass dome surrounded by a lush indoor forest.

Explore the Canopy Park on the top floor, featuring mazes, bouncing nets, and glass-bottomed walking bridges suspended high above the ground. You can also walk through the terraced Shiseido Forest Valley, enjoying a peaceful hike right inside the airport complex.

Visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a 160-year-old tropical garden that is Singapore's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gardens feature a beautiful array of historic trees, peaceful lakes, and the spectacular National Orchid Garden, showcasing the world's largest display of orchids.

Stroll through the lush Ginger Garden and walk along the elevated boardwalks of the Rainforest section, containing rare tropical species. The gardens also feature a large amphitheater by the lake, making it a favorite spot for morning walks and peaceful picnics.

To keep your tropical city break seamless, keep these practical tips in mind:

• Tap to Pay Transit: You don't need to buy special tourist cards for the MRT (subway) or buses. You can simply tap your contactless credit card or Apple/Google Pay at the gantry.
• Beat the Humidity: Singapore is located just one degree north of the equator. The humidity is intense year-round. Do your outdoor walking early in the morning or after sunset, and use the air-conditioned malls and museums during the peak afternoon heat.
• The Changi Jewel: Do not rush through the airport when you arrive or depart. The Jewel Changi Airport features the world's tallest indoor waterfall (the Rain Vortex) surrounded by an indoor forest. Arrive at the airport 3 hours early just to see it.

Singapore proves that a city can be a garden. Enjoy the efficiency, eat everything you see at the hawker centers, and marvel at a metropolis designed for the future.

Looking for flights, hotels, and routes across all 6 destinations? Use the GoTripping search wizard to compare your options in one place.