It seems like everyone (at least from the people I know) has gone to Singapore in the past few years, so I decided to get the details while they are fresh for my own trip (which I hope will happen someday). This is by no means a full list, but it's a good start for anyone planning to go.
Where to Stay
- It has been recommended to stay in the Marina Bay area because it's central and most of the attractions are around that area.
- Chinatown was also recommended for the temples and great food.
What to Do
- Marina Bay Sands - or in other words, the boat! There is an observation deck that you can go to, but instead it's been recommended to go to the rooftop restaurant Ce La Vi for the views. This way you can enjoy drinks and food, look at the infinity pool and wish you were one of the hotel's guests. Go around sunset, or just before, to see the views during the day and at night. This is an upscale place, so dress accordingly.
- Sit on a patio near Marina Bay Sands at night for the light/sound show. The Lantern Hotel Bar at the Fullerton Hotel is an amazing restaurant/patio on the water with a fantastic view of the Marina Bay Sands for the light show.
- Walk around the Gardens by the Bay to see the super-tree grove. This is a must see during the day AND at night.
- Explore the Bio-domes at Gardens by the Bay; one is a flower conservatory and the second is a cloud forest.
- 1-Altitude rooftop bar. This bar has 360 degree views of Singapore and is higher than the Marian Bay Sands.
- See the Merlion statue. The entire marina area at night is amazing. Walk around at night and take in the views (it might be too hot during the day).
- Orchard street - huge shopping street with an indoor mall and shops outside.
- Clarke Quay - great for restaurants and nightlife. Fun to walk around at night.
Tip: You can walk around the gardens for free, but have to pay to go into the bio-domes.
- Singapore offers a Night Safari. It is not a must see if you are limited for time but it is a cool experience.
- Sentosa Island - not a must see, but this island has beaches, activities, universal studios and other entertainment.
- Arab Street is full of culture. You can visit the mosque and stop by the food market right beside the mosque. This street is full of middle eastern restaurants and boutiques.
- Explore Haji Lane. This street has great shops, restaurants, murals and bubble tea.
- Singapore Botanic Garden.
- ArtScience Museum.
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple - this temple is in Chinatown, close to Maxwell Road (see Where to Eat/Dink section below). It is beautiful.
- Singapore Changi Airport - yes it's strange to have an airport as part of "What to Do" section, but check out the waterfall located inside the airport. It is the world's tallest indoor waterfall and is incredible!
Where to Eat/Drink
- Marina Bay Sands - Ce La Vi restaurant
- There is a night market close to the Gardens by the Bay called Satay by the Bay if you get hungry
- The Lantern Hotel Bar - for the light/sound show
- 1-Altitude rooftop bar
- Hawker Centre - Hawker Centres are everywhere. It might be best to do a quick google search to see what the best ones are as you are planning the trip.
- Lau Pa Sat is the most popular one.
- Maxwell Road (in Chinatown) is another one recommended by friends. There is a famous chicken rice place called Tian Tian. Keep in mind there is no air conditioning here. It does get very hot; however it does open early in the morning so you can come here for breakfast (if chicken rice for breakfast is your thing).
- Arab Street has plenty of restaurants:
- Zam Zam - go to the second floor. This place is excellent for Muntaba (a Malaysian pizza dish - best with chicken and comes with curry). Try muton and chicken meat.
- UDMC Long Beach - a seafood restaurant, great for chili crab and black pepper crab - authentic Singaporean dish.