Gardens by the Bay

You’ve probably heard of it Gardens by the Bayand (of course) its temperate biodome with indoor waterfall, sky walks to take in views across the city, restaurants atop ‘giant tree’ installations and much more. But these paid activities are not all that is offered. Admission to the gardens is actually free, and here you’ll find yoga pavilions, gorgeous winding paths (that kids will love to explore), bridges and boardwalks, lakes, a perfect playground for kids, and fascinating landmarks. flora and fauna (We hung out with wild chickens during the rest break). You’ll find all of this on the giant site that doesn’t require you to spend a dollar.

Wander around Chinatown and Little India

While Singapore is known for its soaring skyscrapers, its more humble and eclectic beginnings can still be seen in the cultural districts of Chinatown and Little. India. Pop into the low-rise buildings and narrow, pedestrian-friendly streets to sample the diverse ethnic dishes Singapore is famous for. You’ll also be able to visit temples and old shops, buy a souvenir or three, and marvel at how Singapore’s many cultures and backgrounds live harmoniously side by side.

Art Science Museum

Art Science Museum, Development of Marina Bay Sands You can sign up for a free Sands Lifestyle membership to receive a 30% discount on tickets to this magnificent and intriguing museum (as well as the famous hotel, casino and mega shopping mall). Tickets for premium and limited-time exhibitions can still be expensive (there’s no permanent collection) but our kids spent hours at one of the available exhibits The World of the Future: Where Art Meets Scienceinteracting with light shows, climbing through tunnels, hurtling down slides, and climbing over obstacle courses. Perfect Instagram fodder.

Sound, light and water show

If you visit the Art Science Museum in the early evening, have a snack there. Food Court or you can head to one of the restaurants in the Shoppes at the Marina Bay Sand Shopping Center opposite before strolling along the beautifully manicured beach. Evening is a great time to admire the river and city lights in cooler weather, and at 8pm and 9pm you can enjoy a free 15-minute sound, light and water show called ‘Spectra, which tells the story of Singapore in quarters’. actions’.

Follow the monkeys and fly over the water from Mount Faber

Take a (slow) hike up Mount Faber from the top to reach the smaller island of Sentosa, crossing the water by cable car, which is both a fun activity and form of transportation, as well as providing excellent photo opportunities. On the way, you may come across wild monkeys wandering among the greenery on the roadside. By visiting on a weekday, you’ll avoid the weekend crowds and increase your chances of seeing new animal friends (don’t feed them!). Mount Faber Park is also part of the Southern Ridges Trail, which offers 10 km of parks and trails connected by bridges, stretching from Harbor Front to Kent Ridge Park.

Pedal through East Coast Park

Singapore’s goal is to be not just a garden city but also a ‘city within a garden’, and evidence of the success of this mission is everywhere. Many parks, gardens and park connectors stretch across the island, and one of the original (and best) is East Coast Park.

Built on reclaimed land and with man-made beaches, sports fields, fishing spots and (of course) hawker centres, East Coast Park is perfect for a day out on two wheels. Rent a bike from one of the various bike rental places in the park, or even bring a street bike. each wheel – Singapore’s local bike sharing service – Enjoy the sea breeze from city to pond along the 15km coastline.

go to the beach

Singapore may be busy, but it’s also surrounded by small island reserves with beautiful beaches. Take a short ferry ride to Lazarus Island (via St John Island and a short walk) or Kusu Island to hang out in a quiet desert island oasis with white beaches, palm trees, jungle and a break from the noise. There is even a turtle sanctuary in Kusu that is home to hundreds of turtles. A nice contrast to the bustling skyscrapers of central Singapore. Take the ferry from Marina South Pier, which you can reach by MRT.

Get the Singapore Sling from Raffles

I can’t afford to stay inside famous Raffles Hotel? This icon of Singapore’s colonial architecture and history is worth a stop. Head to Long Bar, where the famous Singapore Sling cocktail was invented, and have a refreshing drink in an old-school setting. Long Bar is probably the only place in the country where littering is encouraged; customers are invited to brush peanut shells directly onto the floor.

Don’t forget the Merlion

Singapore is known as the Lion City (in Malay, ‘singa’ means ‘lion’ and ‘pura’ means ‘city’) and its symbol is the merlion; half lion, half fish. The story goes that in 1299, the emperor of the Srivijayan Empire, which included all of Malaysia, Singapore, and Sumatra, wanted a new capital for his empire and set out to find one by sea. After some difficulties he landed in Singapore and saw a lion in the forest, which he considered a good omen and renamed the place formerly known as Temasek (ancient Javanese sea town) Singaporea or Singapore. See the famous statue at the mouth of the Singapore River in Merlion Park.

checklist

SINGAPORE

GETTING THERE

Fly non-stop from Auckland to Singapore Singapore Airlines in about 11 hours.

DETAIL

visitssingapore.com/en