Discovering Singapore’s Top Attractions: A Journey Through Modernity and Culture

Welcome to Singapore, where a blend of futuristic marvels, cultural treasures, and natural beauty awaits. From iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay to vibrant cultural enclaves and lush green spaces, Singapore offers diverse experiences for every traveler. Known as the “Lion City,” it boasts delectable culinary experiences, cutting-edge accommodations, and a vibrant nightlife. With one of the world’s most efficient public transportation systems, exploring Singapore is quick and convenient. Explore the top attractions that define this dynamic city-state, revealing its rich heritage, technological prowess, and enchanting landscapes. Whether you’re captivated by architectural wonders, culinary delights, or serene gardens, Singapore promises an unforgettable adventure at every turn.

Top Attractions in Singapore

Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo is one of the most popular attractions of Singapore attracting about 2 million visitors every year. Spanning over 26 hectares, the Singapore Zoo is home to more than 2,800 animals from over 300 species, including endangered and rare species. Unlike most zoos, visitors to Singapore zoo are treated to meticulously designed habitats that mimic natural environments, thereby ensuring that the animals thrive in environments that closely resemble their wild counterparts. From interactive feeding sessions with giraffes and orangutans to educational wildlife presentations, visitors can be assured of memorable encounters with nature. The highlight of the Zoo however is the Orangutan enclosure and are definitely worth a visit. Other exhibits include the Rep Topia,Tree Tops Trails, Wild Africa, Primate Kingdom, Tortoise Shell-ter Kidzworld etc. Also available within the zoo premises are arious dining and shopping outlets.

Zoo timings & Tickets

The zoo is opened from 8:30am – 6:00pm daily. Ticket prices range from S$20 (for senior citizens above 60) to S$49 for adults. Kid’s tickets (3-12 years) are priced at S$34. Also included in the tickets are complimentary tram/shuttle service.

Book Your Singapore Zoo Tickets

How to reach the Zoo

Reaching the Singapore Zoo is convenient and straightforward, thanks to the city-state’s efficient public transportation system. Here’s how you can get there:

1. Taxi or Ride-Hailing Services.
2. Self-Drive: If you’re driving, you can reach the Singapore Zoo via the Pan Island Expressway (PIE). Take Exit 7B onto Mandai Road and follow the signs to the zoo. Ample parking is available onsite.
3. MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): Take the North-South (Red) Line and alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT Station (NS16). From there, transfer to Bus Service 138 or 927, which will take you directly to the Singapore Zoo. The bus ride from Ang Mo Kio MRT Station to the zoo takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
4. Direct Bus Services: If you prefer a direct route, you can take Bus Service 138 from Ang Mo Kio Bus Interchange or Bus Service 927 from Choa Chu Kang Bus Interchange. These buses have specific routes to the Singapore Zoo. You can alight at bus stop #48131 (Singapore Zoo/Night Safari)

To know more, visit the Singapore Zoo website.

Night Safari

One of the four wildlife parks at Mandai Wildlife Reserve who operate the Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise and River Wonders , the Night Safari is the world’s first nocturnal zoo housing around 900 animals across 100 species, 41% of which belong to the threatened species. The Night Safari is an entire open air zoo set in a humid tropical forest that opens only at night. Popular trails include East Lodge trial. Fishing cat tail. leopard trail, and the Tasmanian Devil trail.

Night Safari Timings & Tickets

The Night Safari operates year-round with safari timings from 7:15 pm to 12:00 am (last entry at 11:15 pm), and dining and retail outlets open from 6:30 pm. Ticket prices range from S$20 to S$56. To attend the Creatures of the Night Presentation, you must book your seats at least two hours before the show. Show timings are 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm, and 9:30 pm, and a valid park admission ticket will be required to book the show.

Getting to Night Safari

Getting to the Singapore Night Safari, located adjacent to the Singapore Zoo, is straightforward and convenient.

• MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and Bus:
  • Take the North-South (Red) Line and alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT Station (NS16). Transfer to Bus Service 138 from Ang Mo Kio Bus Interchange. The bus will take you directly to the Night Safari entrance. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
  • Alternately, you can reach the Khatib (NS14) MRT station, from where you can take the Mandai Khatib shuttle that ply every 10-15 minutes.
• Direct Bus Service:
  • If planning to come by bus, then take Bus Service 927 from Choa Chu Kang Bus Interchange, which also goes directly to the Night Safari.
  • If coming from the Thompson East Coast Line, get down at Springleaf MRT Station (Te4) and take Bus Service 138.
  • You can also take Bus Service 171 which plies the road along Mandai Road and not into the zoo.
  • Make sure to alight at bus stop #48131 for Night Safari.

For more details on how to reach visit Mandai Night Safari

Bird Paradise

Spread over 42 acres, Brid Paradise is one of Asia’s largest bird park. The park has 8 aviaries which houses around 3500 species of birds. Some of the popular exhibits include the Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove, the Kuok Group Wings of Asia, the Hong Leong Foundation Crimson Wetlands , Amazonian Jewels , Shaw Foundation Australian Outback, Nyungwe Forest-Heart of Africa, Lory Loft, Songs of the Forest, Mysterious Papua and, the Winged Sanctuary. The major highlight of Bird Paradise however are its  educational programs that provide insights into the fascinating world of birds.

Bird Paradise Timings & Tickets

Ticket prices remain same as that of Singapore Zoo from S$ 20- S$49. Timings are from 9:00am – 6:00pm (Last entry at 5:00pm). Peak season are from April to October and it is advisable that you enter the park before 10:00am or after 3:00pm to avoid crowds.

How to reach Bird Paradise

Reaching Bird Paradise is easy as it is located not far form the Singapore zoo. You can take the same bus to reach Mandai Wildlife Reserve, but make sure to alight at at bus stop #48111

For more details on how to get there ,visit the Bird Paradise website.

River Wonders

River Wonders is Asia’s first and only river-themed wildlife park. The park is one of 4 parks of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, the others being the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Bird Park. Spread over 30 acres, the park’s main highlights are its freshwater exhibits and a river safari. Other popular exhibits include the Yangtze River, River Gems, Nile River, Mekong River, Mary River, Ganges River, Congo River, Amazon Flooded Forest ,Amazonia Encounters and the Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest. Each of these exhibit offers a unique perspective on global ecosystems.

River Wonders Timings & Tickets

River Wonders is opened from 10:00am – 7:00pm (Last entry at 6:00pm) throughout the year. Ticket prices range from S$20-S$43.

Do note that you are planning to attend River Wonders’ Once Upon a River presentation, then you have to book your seats at least 2 hours before presentation time. Seats can be book on the Presentation Booking Portal. Timings for the Once Upon a River presentation are 11:30am, 2:30pm & 4:30pm and you need to a valid park admission ticket before booking a presentation on the day

Getting to River Wonders

River Wonders is located close to the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari so you can take the same MRT and bus to reach the destination.

For more details visit River Wonders website

Note: One of the best way to navigate these parks is via their Mandai app, so make sure that you download that before you go.

Singapore Flyer

The world’s third largest Ferris wheel, the Singapore Flyer towers 165 meters above the city. Its observation wheel which is 30 meters higher than London’s eye is Asia’s largest and provides some fascinating views of the city, the sea, and the surrounds from one of 28 capsules. You can even see parts of Malaysia and Indonesia (Batam and Bintan). Each flight (a complete rotation of the wheel) last 30 minutes.

The Singapore Time Capsule is another major highlight where you get a glimpse of Singapore’s past, present, and future.

Dining options are available and one can even book a private capsule for those special moments

Singapore Flyer Timings and Tickets

Singapore Flyer + Time Capsule: Its open daily, including public holidays, from 10am – 10pm (last admission at 9:30pm) except for inclement weather

There are several tickets prices for various occasions. However for the Singapore Flyer + Time Capsule, the ticket price range from S$25-S$40.

Visit Singapore Flyer for more details

Reaching Singapore Flyer

The nearest landmark is the Marina Promenade. If coming by MRT,  board from any station on the Circle Line or Downtown Line get down at Promenade Station, Exit A and from there its a 8-minute walk from Promenade MRT (CC4 / DT15).

The nearest bus stop is at Ritz Carlton (Bus Stop 02171). And the buses that ply include 36, 36A, 36B, 70A, 70M, 97, 97e, 106, 111, 133, 502, 502A, 518, 518A, 857

Gardens By The Bay

The Gardens by the Bay is one of Singapore’s and Asia’s best known attraction. Spanning over 260 acres, it houses an impressive collection of over 1.5 million plants from around the globe. Divided into three sections—Bay Central Garden, Bay South Garden, and Bay East Garden—the park offers a horticultural treasure trove for visitors to explore. Highlights include the striking Supertree Grove, which illuminates at night, the Cloud Forest with its indoor waterfall, and the Flower Dome showcasing diverse plant species.

The Gardens by the Bay Timings and Tickets

Timings: The timings for the parks vary as per the sections. Though most of the them open up by 9am/10am and are opened till 9 am. Active Garden is opened from 5am-2am while the Bay East Garden is open 24 hours.

Best time to visit are the weekdays when there is less crowd and in late afternoon/evening for sunset views.

Tickets: Operating hours vary by section, generally opening around 9 am or 10 am and closing at 9 pm. The Active Garden operates from 5 am to 2 am, while Bay East Garden remains open 24 hours. Weekdays are ideal for quieter visits, especially in the late afternoon for stunning sunset views.

Entry to some areas like Active Garden, Bay East Garden, and others is free, while tickets are required for attractions such as Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, and Supertree Observatory. Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online via the Gardens by the Bay website or platforms like Viator and GetyourGuide.

Note : Before purchasing tickets, it’s advisable to check the event schedule, as Gardens by the Bay hosts various events throughout the year and closes monthly for maintenance.

Getting to The Gardens by the Bay

Accessing Gardens by the Bay is convenient via MRT, bus, or car/taxi. Bayfront MRT station is the closest, with Marine Gardens Drive serving as the nearest bus stop (routes 400, 402, and 403).

Sentosa Island

Located South of Singapore city center is Sentosa Island. A theme park like recreation island spanning 500 acres, Sentosa is a combination of themed destination, tropical resort, and, nature park. Often dubbed as the “State of Fun,” the island is a premier island resort gateway in Singapore, offering a diverse range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. It is renowned for its pristine beaches, world-class resorts, theme parks, and entertainment options.

Attractions at Sentosa Island

A few popular attractions include

• Universal Studios Singapore: A world-class theme park with thrilling rides, shows, and entertainment zones based on blockbuster movies.
• S.E.A. Aquarium: One of the largest aquariums in the world, showcasing marine life from various habitats.
• Adventure Cove Waterpark: Water slides, wave pools, and marine encounters for water enthusiasts.
• Skyline Luge Sentosa: Exciting downhill rides on a unique gravity-powered luge cart.
• Beaches and Nature Trails: Relax on pristine beaches like Siloso Beach, or explore nature trails and viewpoints.

Accommodations at Sentosa Islands

Sentosa Island boasts a variety of accommodation options catering to every preference. Resorts World Sentosa offers luxurious stays paired with comprehensive entertainment and dining choices. Across the island, diverse hotels and villas provide comfortable accommodations conveniently close to attractions. For those seeking a beachfront experience, resorts lining the island’s shores offer scenic views and direct access to the beaches, ensuring a relaxing stay. With its extensive range of leisure activities and entertainment options, Sentosa Island promises unforgettable experiences for families, couples, and adventure enthusiasts alike.

Sentosa Island Timing and Tickets

Sentosa Island is open daily, with operating hours varying by attraction. Most attractions open around 10 am and close around 7 pm, but timings may differ, so it’s advisable to check specific timings in advance. Entry to Sentosa Island itself is free, but individual attractions may require admission tickets, which can be purchased onsite or online. Combination tickets and package deals are available for multiple attractions.

How to reach Sentosa Island

There are several convenient ways to reach Sentosa Island:

• By Cable Car: To enjoy a scenic journey to Sentosa Island via the Singapore Cable Car, you can board from either Mount Faber or HarbourFront Tower 2. The cable car operates daily from 8:45 am to 10 pm, offering breathtaking views of the island and the city skyline. Ticket prices vary depending on the route taken, ranging from $10 to $35.
• By Monorail: Ride the Sentosa Express monorail from VivoCity (HarbourFront MRT station) directly into Sentosa Island. Train timings are from 7am -12 pm and entry fees range from $2- $4
• By Car/Taxi: Access via the Sentosa Gateway vehicular bridge or through the Sentosa Gateway Tunnel from the mainland.
• By Bus : To reach Sentosa Island by bus, you have a couple of options. You can take the direct bus 123 to Sentosa Island. Alternatively, transfer to RWS8 and board buses 10, 30, 57, 61, 65, 80, 93, 97, 100, 123M, 124, 131, 143, 145, 166, 188, 855, or 963 from various points in Singapore to get to VivoCity (Bus stop 14141), Opposite HarbourFront Int (Bus stop 14121), or Before Seah Im Rd (Bus stop 14139), where you can connect to Resorts World Sentosa.