Two months into my Singapore exchange and I have certainly been blown away by some of the attractions this magnificent country has to offer! Did you know that you can fit 22 Singapore’s within the Brisbane Region? Yup, 22! So Singapore may be tiny, certainly when compared to Australia, but somehow they have managed to pack it full with some of the most amazing sights and activities in the World.
Working full-time doesn’t leave a lot of spare time to explore, but I’ve done my best, and wanted to briefly write about five of my favorite experiences thus far.
Gardens by the Bay
One cannot visit Singapore without wandering through the Gardens by the Bay. Over 1 million plants are spread out over 101 hectares of brilliant greenery, so no matter how many times you return, there will always be something that surprises you.
A word of advice, do not forget your phone or camera because it is physically impossible to NOT take a selfie as you stumble upon the super-tree grove. Now this is possibly the greatest highlight of the gardens with 12 mechanical tree-like vertical gardens looming 25-50 meters high. To top it off, 22 meters above ground is the OCBC Skyway, a walkway between the trees offering an unparalleled view of the gardens.
The Gardens by the Bay also have two observatories, Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. Whilst I haven’t entered these observatories yet, they are certainly on my ‘to do’ list as I have heard incredible things. Another item on my ‘to do’ list is to come back at night, for when the sun goes down the gardens come to life with a brilliant show of light and colour in the Garden Rhapsody, where the supertrees are by far the stars of the show… or so I’ve heard!
Finally, after walking around in the Singapore heat all day, you are going to need to refuel! I definitely suggest making the trek down to Satay by the Bay where you can indulge yourself in delicious satay skewers and other hawker-like goodies. The fruit juice stall is also a hit when trying to freshen up during the heat.
Singapore Zoo
If the Singapore Zoo isn’t on your bucket list – write it down! You will be absolutely amazed by the plethora of animals living in this zoo, ranging all the way from polar bears and monkeys to zebras and rhinos! I even got to see Wolverine… unfortunately not Hugh Jackman, but the actual wolverine animal. Plus naked mole rats – somehow they are both very cute and terribly ugly.
The most exciting thing about Singapore Zoo would be the fact that some ‘enclosures’ and actually not closed at all! You can get very up close and personal with some animals, such as the Cotton-top Tamarin, who I faced at a mere distance of less than 30cm, with no wire/fence/barrier between us! The tree-top trail will blow your mind even more though! As you walk along this trial, keep our eyes out for Siamang, just free flowing Tarzan-style through the treetops, and False Gavil preying in the waters below!
There is so much to do and see at the zoo, that I unfortunately did not get through it all! Luckily for me, I bought an annual pass so I can come back and watch all the shows. I’m particularly interested in seeing ‘Splash Safari’ and ‘Elephants at Work and Play’.
I am yet to do the famous Night Safari, as well as the River Safari and Jurong Bird Park, however, fortunately, they are included in my annual pass so I am sure I’ll have plenty of opportunities to make the trip! If you’re staying for a long-term trip – I would definitely recommend purchasing the annual pass!
Art Science Museum
Now this is a great place for adults, children, and adult-children – of which I believe I fall into the third category. If playing virtual Fruit Ninja while sliding down a slippery slide, or designing and trialing your own hopscotch track sounds fun – then you would have had a blast at the Future Work exhibit!
My personal favorite piece, was the depiction of space using thousands of LED lights hanging from the ceiling. I stood for over 30 minutes just watching as these lights created brightly colored patterns and planets to a musical background. It was amazing how something so simple could completely demand your unwavering attention.
If you are not prone to motion sickness, I would also strongly recommend participating in the immersive audiovisual installation “Crows are Chased and the Chasing Crows are destined to be Chased as well, Transcending Space”. As you stand in a room, you are transported into a breath-taking show of light and music, following a story of the Yatagarasu, a three-legged crow, believed, in Japanese mythology, to be the embodiment of the Sun.
Merloin Park
Selfie central. If your selfie/selfie stick game is not on point, then I certainly recommend going with a friend! This park is home to the infamous Merlion, the half lion, half mermaid, mascot of Singapore.
The large structure is backed by the most beautiful scenery, making it a photographers dream come true. With Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum and the DBS sailing boats in all their glory in the background, this is the place you can capture some of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks all in one picture! Plus there are a bunch of cute little food stalls around as well, in case you just want to admire the view whilst munching on some lovely brunch.
Haji Lane
Now this is the Insta-lovers dream. Nothing beats a cool pic with a street art backdrop, and if that’s what you’re after, Haji Lane can give it to you! This funky lane is practically designed for young adults wanting cool boutique clothes and food and restaurants that are Insta worthy, for sure. If you make your way right down the end, there is a cool bar with a black/white updo and at restaurant with a rainbow coloured abstract pattern – these places are the best to grab your cool street pic. Oh, plus there’s great food and good vibes in Haji Lane for after your all photo-ed out!