Which tourist activities are actually worth doing in Singapore? Find out here as we reveal the top experiences you do not want to miss out on during your next trip to the Garden City.
For a series that is structured around avoiding touristy destinations, this one is a bit of an exception. Singapore is undoubtedly one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, and for good reason. Not only does Singapore have an incredibly rich cultural heritage, it is also among the most diverse travel destinations you can find. For a relatively small country, Singapore hosts an army of unique activities and attractions that are a fit for any traveler with any itinerary. Singapore is the place to go if you want to take a gap year, go to a beach bar, scream for your mom on a zip line, or take a mindful mini break strolling through the horticultural metropolis.In fact, I would go as far as to say that if there was one place on earth where I would advise you to lean into your inner tourist, it’s this one right here. However, we do have some recommendations! With so many activities available, it is easy to miss out on the best that the country has to offer. That is why we have listed the two experiences we feel are the most relevant and unique to Singapore. So, if you are in a time crunch, skip the overpriced observation deck and the Universal Studios theme park (if your inner child is strong enough) and check out these spots instead.
Are they touristy? Yes. Are they worth it? Absolutely!
Singapore Zoo
Singapore Zoo is a fantastic attraction in Singapore.Speaking as somebody who loves animals and for that reason finds herself torn between wanting to see animals and boycotting zoos, I was delighted to visit the Singapore Zoo, a park managed by the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. The zoo is one of four parks in Singapore managed by the wildlife reserve, and together the parks foster a home for approximately 19,000 animals that represent over 900 species. The organization also acts as a center for rescued local wildlife in Singapore. Their mission is to deepen people’s connection with the natural world and take positive action to protect wildlife. They also take constructive steps to ensure the future survival of threatened species in human care, and up to 25% of the animals under their care represent species threatened with extinction in the wild. The park is understandably immensely popular, ranking as one of the top tourist destinations in the country, so it’s not exactly a hidden gem, but a gem that we feel deserves more love regardless! Especially since a portion of every ticket sold goes toward wildlife conservation, ensuring that your visit to the park includes conservation.Pro tip! Unless you are blind as a bat, go during the evening and purchase the Night Safari, a great way to experience the atmosphere in an exciting and immersive way.
Gardens by the Bay
So I don’t know about you, but I think of myself as somewhat of a cultural savant. A no-nonsense traveler with a drive for intellectual pursuit (and a very normal-sized ego, surely). However, when I spotted this destination from my hotel window, I threw all of those notions about myself out of said window. At this point, I have to admit that the first thing that came rushing to my mind after laying eyes on the horticultural treasure that is “Gardens by the Bay” was not its cultural value as a source of national pride but rather a fairytale wedding, and no. I am not a love-struck woman desperate to get married. The reason for this was Crazy Rich Asians, a hit blockbuster movie that featured a grand wedding reception scene shot in this very garden and introduced this beautiful location to the mainstream international audience. This is because while Gardens by the Bay is one of the most renowned conservatories in the world, it can appear less known to the general public outside of Singapore if they don’t happen to foster a special interest in vegetation. While I have no doubt that this plant kingdom is familiar to many, what people might not know is just how accessible it actually is. When seeing the garden’s signature illuminated “supertrees” on the big screen, I automatically and foolishly assumed the location to be a very expensive and exclusive private garden somewhere. To my surprise, the location—Gardens by the Bay—was located in the heart of Singapore’s downtown. The garden is composed of three waterfront gardens, which are the Bay South, Bay East, and Bay Central, and together they house a diverse collection of over 1.5 million plants originating from every continent except Antarctica. Even the ticket prices are affordable, averaging around 15-20 euros depending on the area you choose to visit. And if you happen to be on a budget, there is no charge to admire the grounds of the gardens outside the conservation buildings.
So grab a drink from any of the cafes situated in the garden grounds and admire the high trees and the beautiful scenery because that is one of the aspects that makes Singapore so special. The respect and care they put into their community, nature, and habitats. Both humans and animals.