Top 10 Places to Visit in Singapore
by Christina Brown (CFA, '20)
In spring 2019, Master of Science in Sustainable Design student Christina Brown (class of 2020) traveled to Singapore to study at University Exchange partner, National Univeristy of Singapore (NUS). Renowned for its architecture, landscape, and food scene, Singapore is the perfect place to study abroad for anyone who loves to go out on the town and explore. Check out Christina's list of the 10 best places to visit in and around Singapore!
- Visit Gardens by the Bay (both at noon and at night)
Gardens by the Bay is an incredible gardenscape in the center of the central business district (CBD). At noon you can visit the rooftop of the treetop restaurant for just the price of a drink, and at night they have regularly scheduled light shows that are essential to the Singapore experience!
- Hike through MacRitchie
Hike through the heart of Singapore, and experience some of the only primary forests left preserved in the world! We took a full 6-hour hike from 6 a.m. to noon to catch sight of the rising sun and bathe in the beautiful forest light. There are shorter hikes in the preserve, but personally, I recommend making a full day trip with several short hikes and food breaks. There is really nothing like experiencing hundred-year-old trees all around you and listening to the forest breathe.
- Take a day trip to Pulau Ubin
It's an island off of Singapore that is rich in nature, culture, and hidden gems. From beautiful views to secluded temples to hidden historical monuments, this island is worth the journey!
- Go to Palawan Beach (near Sentosa)
Enjoy the beautiful Sentosa beach without the resort entry fees. There is a view tower and endless water to swim in. Sometimes they have events and light shows as well.
- Dragon Boat on Marina Bay
NUS study abroad program provided the opportunity and it provided me a totally different way of seeing Singapore. Under the forever summer sun, you are in the water and rowing with a team while trying to splash other teams with water. Get ready to be soaked, but it's so fun and refreshing!
- Spend a day (or night) at the airport
Yup, the airport. Changi Airport is the #1 airport in the world, and for good reasons! The newly built Jewel has the largest indoor waterfall in the world, and so many fun activities are built into the airport as well. From free movie theaters to an accessible pool to a sunflower garden, you could spend days just exploring the airport before even stepping into the country!
- Try Michelin Star Food
Singapore is every foodie's heaven. You can get some of the cheapest Michelin Star food (like $4-5) in the world! Eat at Hawker Centers. They are the public food canteens and help provide a truly authentic experience. One Michelin Star restaurant is located in Chinatown, but you'll have to look for the exact location yourself.
- Visit the Art and Science Museum
It is a beautiful and fun museum that is located right at Marina Bay. The exhibits are very technologically driven and interactive, making for a fun photo op as well. After the museum visit, you can also walk through the promenade, go into Marina Bay Sands Mall, or walk across the bridge and explore nearby stores and cafes.
- Weekend Travel to Kuala Lumpur
KL is a quick 30-minute flight from Singapore but offers many more cultural sites such as temples and mosques. Batu Cave is a must when visiting KL. Though the stairs may seem daunting, the experience at the top is almost ethereal and worth the trek.
- Evening trip to the Night Safari
Personally I found a blog with hourly advice on how to explore the night safari, and my friends and I followed the advice precisely. From a narrated ride through the jungle, to a fire dance performance with dinner, to holding a large python snake on stage during the wildlife show, the experience was absolutely incredible.