Singapore isn’t an overly large country. However, it certainly has packed quite a delightful assortment of attractions across its island landscape. The country’s fascinating colonial history has shaped it into a tourist-friendly destination complete with museums, monuments, shopping malls, architectural marvels, and amusement parks. It is the very first country in Southeast Asia to boast a Universal Studios and museums like the Asia Civilizations Museum are the first of their kind too.
Universal Studios Singapore
One of the most visited attractions in all of Southeast Asia, Universal Studios Singapore is the first in the region, attracting thousands of visitors a week. There are amazing rides and plenty of things to do so you could spend an entire day here at least, if not two to see it all.
Address: 11 Sentosa East Mall, Sentosa Island, Singapore
Phone: n/a
Website: http://en.auschwitz.org/m/
Asian Civilizations Museum
Singapore’s list of top 10 attractions will always include this gem. The Asian Civilizations Museum provides a deep insight into the many civilizations around the contienent with a focus on cultures close to Singapore, including Malay and Thai. There are both temporary and permanent exhibitions, so you can keep coming back again and again. It is one of the only museums in Singapore that can be visited seven days a week.
Address: 1 Empress Place, Singapore
Phone: +65-6332-7798
Website: http://www.acm.org.sg/home/home.asp
National Museum of Singapore
The National Museum of Singapore was formerly known as the Singapore History Museum, as it does host an interesting collection of decades past. However, newly finished refurbishments have led to a refreshed museum, complete with an additional wing and upgraded exhibits. The Living Galleries are worth exploring and entry prices are relatively inexpensive, while an on-site restaurant provides great lunchtime meals.
Address: 93 Stanford Road, Singapore
Phone: +65-6332-3659
Website: http://www.nationalmuseum.sg/
Sri Mariamman Temple
This is the oldest Hindu Temple in the city of Singapore. Located within Chinatown, this site is definitely worth checking out for its intricately designed decor and peaceful serenity. There is a fire walking festival held a week before Divali in November which attracts thousands of temple-goers, but on regular days, it's a place for quiet reflection. When visiting, tourists need to still respect the religion, removing their shoes and staying relatively quiet.
Address: 224 South Bridge Road, Chinatown, Singapore
Phone: +65-6223-4064
Website: n/a
Singapore Zoo and Night Safari
Families will love the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari. One of the best in the world, the animals have extremely spacious enclosures and the facility has one of the cleanest and best safety records on the planet. Everything from monkeys to reptiles and African animals are on display. Located on a separate property, but still part of the zoo, the Night Safari is open from 7:30 p.m. until midnight, offering a tour in the dark. The park can be reached via the MRT Ang Mo Kio station.
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore
Phone: +65-6269-3411
Website: http://www.zoo.com.sg/
Merlion
The iconic symbol of Singapore, the Merlion is located upon Merlion Park, which overlooks Marina Bay and the Singapore River. It is a popular place to photograph as the Marina Bay Sands and Singapore CBD make for beautiful backdrops. The Merlion receives visitors 24 hour a day, all year round, so is certainly one of the more reputable landmarks in the city-state. It stands more than eight meters tall with a continuous stream of water gushing from its mouth.
Address: Merlion Park, Esplanade Drive, Singapore
Phone: n/a
Website: n/a
Marina Bay Sands
The newest addition to downtown Singapore’s skyline, the Marina Bay Sands is a beautifully modern hotel, casino and entertainment complex. It's a magnificent place to explore if you have the money. The place is very expensive, but it is home to one of the world’s most attractive roof top pools found on the 55-story high SkyPark. The casino is only the second in Singapore, but is certainly the more globally-renowned. There are also a host of restaurants and high-end shops available to peruse.
Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore
Phone: +65-6688-8868
Website: http://www.marinabaysands.com/
Underwater World
Located on the island of Sentosa, Underwater World claims to being the largest active aquarium in Asia. There are a plethora of marine species to explore inside the oceanarium and tunnels burrow through large tanks, providing spectacular views of the creatures from below. Be sure not to miss the dolphin lagoon.
Address: 80 Siloso Road, Sentosa Island, Singapore
Phone: +65-6275-0030
Website: http://www.underwaterworld.com.sg/