“If you can’t find happiness in Singapore, you’re probably at the wrong food stall.”
📖 10 minutes read time
The Jewel: Changi Airport
Whether you are traveling to Singapore or just transiting to your next destination, add an extra hour or even a few to explore Jewel Changi Airport. Jewel is a nature-themed complex made of shops, restaurants, gardens and much more. As suggested, it is part of Changi Airport, and in particular, a part of Terminal 1’s arrival hall. It’s easily accessible from every corner of the airport, just follow the big signs or ask the staff and then take a free shuttle or a Skytrain if necessary.
Right at the heart of this indoor paradise, a 40-meter (130 ft) rain vortex holding the title of the tallest indoor waterfall in the world cascades from the ceiling. Surrounded by live rainforest on multiple levels, it gives off proper jungle vibes. Trust me, after just a few minutes, you will forget that you are actually at the airport. I suggest exploring the rain vortex from different angles and on various levels. We tried it all and the best views were from the higher floors. If you can snap a photo or a video of a train passing by, that is even better. These go every couple of minutes and are free of charge. Keep in mind that it is not a tourist ride, and it’s mainly for airport passengers to transit between terminals.
There is also a place below ground level, where you can see under the vortex. However, the best views are undoubtedly from above, where the full scale and beauty truly come to life. Afterward, you can go shopping and sit down at one of the many dining outlets. There is a nice area with bars and attractions at the top, and you can also go on the Sky Bridge. This is a bit of an overrated attraction, but if you don’t mind spending extra money, it can be a nice addition and a final dot in your Jewel exploration.
TIP: You’ll need to go through immigration when visiting Jewel after landing in Singapore, as it is located on the landside of the airport. Drop your bags at the luggage storage upon arrival and take some time to stroll around. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the complex. It’s definitely worth trying some Asian cuisine and picking up a few souvenirs while you’re there.
Merlion Park & Marina Bay Sands
Probably the busiest place in Singapore is Merlion Park. With its iconic lion statues spitting water, it attracts tourists who often try to imitate the picture of catching water in their mouth. It offers great views of the Marina Bay Sands resort (three towers with a giant ship on top) and the ArtScience museum with its lotus-shaped design. From the park, you can walk along the water until you reach the resort and museum, and then go shopping in the mall. On the way, you can see the floating hemisphere-shaped iStore building and relax near the museum surrounded by water full of water lilies.
When in the mall, it is worth visiting Bacha Coffee, with its signature Arabica coffee in over 200 flavors and varieties, and a luxurious eye-catching setting. Accompanied by small pastries, it is a wonderful experience. Just remember to dispose of any rubbish if you decide to eat out in the open. Singapore has strict rules and policies about the cleanliness of the streets.
The Merlion is a symbolic creature in Singapore, blending the lion and the fish. It was designed to represent both aspects of Singapore’s identity: its historical origins as a fishing village (fish) and its development into a modern city (lion). The Merlion has since become an iconic symbol of Singapore, representing both its heritage and its future. Singapore’s name is derived from ‘Singapura,’ which translates to ‘Lion City,’ a nod to the island’s legendary origins.
Gardens By the Bay
Now onto my favourite attraction, a nature park full of “Supertrees” with a futuristic design. This place looks straight out of a movie and resembles Avatar trees in the land of Pandora. Even though not directly linked to the movie, the place hosted an Avatar event and is often mentioned in the same context. Entry to the outdoor areas of the gardens is completely free, but there are also several paid attractions in the park.
The one we purchased was an entry to OCBC Skyway. It is a 22-meter-high walkway on Supertrees offering panoramic views of the gardens and Marina Bay Sands. This was absolutely worth it and I would highly recommend going. The trees look absolutely stunning from above, and it easily beats the view from the ground. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or on site, directly under the bridge where the walkway starts. There is an elevator inside the tree that takes you up to the bridge and another one that goes down, located at the end of the walkway.
Besides the OCBC Skyway, the park offers admissions to Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, Floral Fantasy, and also features a light show. The light show is completely free of charge and runs at 7:45pm and 8:45pm. Aside from the main attractions, you can stroll around the park and check out interesting sculptures and lakes. When you finish exploring the gardens, you can enjoy local cuisine at the Jurassic Nest Food Hall, a dinosaur-themed food hall located in the area which features several dining options associated with Michelin recognition.
CapitaSpring views
CapitaSpring is a modern oasis and the second tallest building in the city, offering a variety of spaces designed for both work and relaxation. The calm atmosphere is enhanced by a regulated number of visitors, ensuring that each floor remains quiet and comfortable. For the general public, reservations are required to visit the Sky Garden, and these slots can fill up quickly, often booking out a week in advance. While you can try to reserve online for free, access policies are primarily designed for tenants and residents, making it a bit challenging for tourists.
If the free spots are unavailable, you can try to book one with a complimentary drink for around 10 SGD (Singaporean dollar), and enjoy the incredible views from the 51st-floor bar. This can also be arranged at the reception. Just ask about availability, and they may find a spot for you. As a tourist, the main reason to visit CapitaSpring is for the stunning city views. However, if you have time, it’s also worth exploring the other floors to fully experience what the building has to offer.
Fort Canning Park & Tree Tunnel
Fort Canning Park features tall trees with lianas hanging down, a reflection of Singapore’s rainforest roots. The park has a calm, slightly wild feel. You’re still in the city, but surrounded by this natural setting, it’s easy to forget that for a while. A nice spot for a slow walk, some shade, and a bit of green tucked into the middle of everything. It is a peaceful escape in the heart of the city, where history and nature come together. Wander through gardens, explore remains of old fortifications, and discover historical sites that reveal the area’s rich past. The park offers a perfect blend of nature and culture, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to explore Singapore’s heritage in a relaxing setting.
There is one specific spot in the park that stands out and is getting more attention than anything else: the Fort Canning Tree Tunnel. This hidden gem, though not so hidden anymore due to all the Instagram influencers, is always packed with people waiting for the perfect photo. Make sure to wake up early if you want to pose for a picture. We arrived around 9am and only managed to snap a photo of the tunnel. If we wanted to pose, we would’ve had to wait at least an hour, and I’m sure it gets even more crowded later in the day. Keep in mind, this was during the low season as well. But don’t get discouraged, as the place is worth the visit, and the atmosphere is truly enchanting.
Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island is a resort island just off the southern coast of Singapore. Besides white-sand beaches and luxury resorts, amongst its top attractions is none other than Universal Studios Singapore. It isn’t a coincidence that it’s often referred to as the “State of Fun”. There are plenty of other attractions on the island, ranging from an aquarium and waterpark to nature walks, discovering its rich fauna and flora. You can visit the island at any time of the year, and you will always find a way to enjoy it.
To get to the island, I recommend taking the Sentosa Express Monorail. It departs from VivoCity Mall (Lobby L, Level 3) and stops at several Sentosa stations. It is a cheaper and faster alternative to the cable car, but offers only limited scenic views. You can purchase the roundtrip ticket at the mentioned mall station, as well as various attraction packages.
Harry Potter: Visions of Magic
The one attraction that caught our eye and made us consider visiting Sentosa Island in February, during the rainy season, was the magical world of Harry Potter. As a big fan, I was instantly hooked on this idea, and it was a great alternative to Universal Studios, which is directed mainly toward younger audiences. This is not a typical museum-style attraction but rather an interactive journey with live guides and rooms with special effects.
First, you’ll receive your wand along with instructions on how to use it. Make sure you know at least one spell, as they’ll be checking if you’re a worthy wizard. From there, a dedicated guide leads you from room to room, giving you time and space to explore the surroundings. You can use your interactive wand to uncover hidden stories and observe special effects and sounds. At the end of the journey, there is a souvenir shop full of magical items and creatures – a true paradise for a big fan like myself. Just note that it is on the pricier end. After all, you are in Singapore. Don’t forget to consider your luggage space as well.
Singapore is a great contrast to many other countries in Southeast Asia. With a focus on progress and quality of life, it stands out in the crowd. The streets are clean, people are warm and welcoming, and all the well-preserved greenery, even right next to the modern skyscrapers, is simply magnificent. You can get a glimpse of diverse cultures and religions, plus, if you add some good food, you have a wonderful mix of everything in one place.
Fun fact: Singapore has an innovative anti-mosquito system that combines community efforts, technological advancements, and strict enforcement to combat mosquito-borne diseases like dengue. This approach is especially helpful during the rainy season, making it easier to explore the city without worrying about pesky mosquitoes. So, fear not and go enjoy all that Singapore has to offer!
