Discover 1971 tours and activities in Singapore
Singapore may be known for its cosmopolitan city vibe, yet it's not short of green spaces and show-stopping foliage. Combining plant life with modern technology, the Gardens by the Bay are a mesmerizing display of nature and light.
Situated down by the Marina Bay Waterfront, these extravagant gardens are a popular feature on Singapore tours. Millions of people have visited since it opened 2012, and there's nowhere else like it in the world.
The Gardens by the Bay have a futuristic feel, with towering "Supertrees" that have become the iconic symbols of Singapore. It's a photogenic spot and a must-see for first-timers visiting this island republic.
There are several gardens to explore, including colorful flower displays and the largest greenhouse on the planet. You can take in the sights from the Skyway and the Supertree Observatory or enjoy a 4D ride at Floral Fantasy. Don't miss visiting the Flower Dome to see the rare orchids or the Cloud Forest greenhouse for a slice of the tropics.
To gaze at the city from above, ascend to the Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck and prepare to be wowed. This dazzling hotel looms over Singapore, with its striking architecture standing out from the crowd. The Skypark Observation Deck is a highly anticipated stop on Singapore tours – the views from here can't be beaten.
From here, you can gaze out at the skyline and enjoy a different perspective of the city. The Gardens by the Bay are also visible from here. For added romance, come in the evening when the city is illuminated.
The Marina Bay Sands has a lot to offer besides the panoramas. Enjoy top-notch cuisine in the restaurant and sip cocktails as the sun goes down for an indulgent end to the day. The hotel also boasts the world's largest rooftop pool, which overlooks the Singapore cityscape.
Inside the hotel, you'll discover a whole world of entertainment options. There's a museum, a casino and even a shopping mall to experience. You can also take in a theater show!
Escape the bustle of the city and soar like a bird with a cable car ride over Singapore. This is one of the best attractions on the island, so pre-booking your ticket is advisable.
On these aerial Singapore tours, you'll enjoy 360-degree views across the island. There are two lines to experience: the Mount Faber Line and the Sentosa Line. The former takes you up the mountain while the latter keeps close to the coast.
You'll pass some of the most recognizable sights in the country, including Universal Studios Singapore, Keppel Harbor and the local beaches. Keep your camera out, you'll be constantly snapping away as you ride. Singapore cable car trips can be taken during the day and in the evening – on the later trips you'll be treated to sunset.
For an extra special experience, book a private cabin with your friends and tuck into a meal on board. Talk about dinner with a view! Everything from four-course meals to Singaporean tapas and Champagne is on offer.
Sentosa is one of the most visited islands in Singapore. It sits just off the southern coast and is home to attractions, beaches and restaurants. You can reach Sentosa by road, or to add a bit of fun to your trip, head there by cable car or monorail.
For the adrenaline junkies, there are flumes to ride at Adventure Cove Waterpark and ziplines to zoom along at Mega Adventure Park. Meanwhile, families will love visiting 4D Adventureland, Madame Tussauds and the S.E.A. Aquarium.
You can also explore the island by bike or enjoy the views from Fort Siloso Skywalk. Take things to the next level with the SkyHelix Sentosa – it's the highest open-air ride in Singapore. Let your legs dangle while you enjoy a drink and soak up those panoramas.
After all that excitement, head to Palawan Beach and refuel at the food stalls and bars that line the golden sand. For something a bit quieter, venture across the suspension bridge to Tanjong Beach for palm trees and peace.
When it comes to theme parks, Singapore has it nailed. There's plenty to keep the whole family entertained with the unique island offerings.
First up is Universal Studios, which you'll find over on Sentosa Island. This movie-themed attraction has 28 rides and shows operating in several different zones. Dive into the world of Hollywood as you take on the roller coasters, watch live performances and meet famous film characters.
Wildlife fans should pay a visit to the S.E.A. Aquarium. This is also over on Sentosa Island, so you'll be able to fit several attractions into your day. Discover the mysterious marine kingdom as you explore the aquarium and come face to face with sharks and manta rays.
Adventure Cove Waterpark is another firm favorite among visitors of all ages. It's the perfect place to cool off on a hot afternoon, with water slides and lazy rivers to enjoy. There's everything from rip-roaring rides to more relaxing pools which makes this park fun for the whole family.
Singapore tours on two wheels are a fun way to explore the city. You'll be joining a group of like-minded travelers on an expedition around some of the most iconic sights. Your guide will show you some secret spots too, away from the main tourist trail.
The Kampong Glam district will be one of the highlights of your ride. This is the city's Muslim Quarter where you'll find 19th-century architecture, trendy stores and lots of restaurants. The fusion of culture in this area gives it a unique flavor, with plenty of pretty photo stops on offer.
You'll also pass by the National Museum, which is well worth a look if you're interested in local Singapore culture. Inside, you'll discover everything from futuristic art to historical artifacts.
During your bike excursion, you'll cycle along the Singapore River and take in Marina Bay. It's a gentle ride so you don't need to be super fit. Some tours stop at a traditional coffee shop for drinks and snacks to help you on your way.
Food is the key to understanding a destination, so why not book a Singapore street food tour and discover what makes this island nation tick? Just make sure you arrive hungry as you'll be eating lots.
One of the most popular areas to explore on a food tour is Chinatown. Here, you'll learn about the city's hawker culture as well as taste authentic Chinese cuisine. Savor the smells as you stroll through this ethnic neighborhood, stopping to sample local delicacies at different eateries along the way.
Little India is another point of call on many Singapore food tours. This colorful district is packed with street food stalls, buzzing markets and stunning temples. It's easy to get drawn into the way of life here, and you'll be eating with locals at various food courts and cafés.
If you've enjoyed getting to know the local food culture, you can have a go at recreating some of the dishes yourself. There are several Singapore cooking classes that offer an immersive experience.
One of the most leisurely ways to explore the city is on a river cruise. These Singapore tours take you past several iconic sights on a journey through the heart of the island. You'll have a unique perspective from your seat and the ride will help you get your bearings.
The city is a labyrinth of skyscrapers and colonial-era dwellings, which means it can be a little confusing to navigate on foot. By venturing down the city's waterways on a boat trip you'll take all the stress out of sightseeing.
As you pass beneath the iconic bridges, heading deeper into the city, you'll begin to understand a little more of Singapore's history. The river played a major part in the city's evolution and was once a hub of trading activity. Today, it's used mainly for tourism.
Top sights along the riverbanks include Parliament House and the Asian Civilizations Museum. Keep an eye out for Merlion Park, which is named for the mythical creature that has become the symbol of Singapore.
Once you've had your fill of city wonders and fancy a dose of the wild, then kayaking in Pulau Ubin is the answer. Don't worry if you haven't kayaked before, your guide will show you the ropes. Tandem kayaks are used so you can paddle with a friend or guide.
The island of Pulau Ubin lies northeast of the mainland. It's home to dense forests, lush hills and traditional villages called kampongs. Known for its granite quarries and birdlife, the island feels a world away from the city.
After crossing over to the island by boat, it's time to get kitted up and begin your adventure. All equipment and personal floatation devices will be provided. You'll also have a short briefing and the chance to try out a few techniques before you head off.
As you glide stealthily through the mysterious mangroves that surround the island, you'll be fully immersed in nature. Keep watch for kingfishers, herons and eagles as you paddle through the calm water.
If you're crazy about animals, then you'll love visiting Singapore Zoo. The rainforest setting is the perfect place to get up close and personal with the residents – you'll feel like you're in the wild. Over 2,500 animals live here, so there's plenty to see.
Whether you want to meet a monkey or encounter elephants, you can't go wrong with Singapore Zoo. There are 70 acres to explore, with naturally built enclosures keeping the experiences intimate. Don't miss the orangutans – they're the largest captive colony on the planet.
Singapore is home to several other wildlife attractions, so be sure to visit more than one if you have time. At River Wonders, you'll come across a whole different ecosystem and its inhabitants. Go on a river safari and discover everything from manatees to catfish.
Meanwhile, Night Safari offers after-dark adventures and is the world's first nocturnal park. Spot creatures of the night like tapirs and leopards during your visit. Bird Paradise is fun too with all the macaws and flamingos you can handle.
The Republic of Singapore is an island country sitting just off the south coast of mainland Malaysia. Singapore is made up of about 60 islands, some of which can be explored on a boat trip or even an overnight stay. Yet most visitors tend to stick to the main island which is where many of the top attractions can be found.
Singapore is known for being a global financial center as well as a leader in both electronics and pharmaceuticals. It's a glitzy place to visit, with a huge range of luxury hotels, but there's plenty of appeal for the budget traveler too.
Culturally, Singapore is one of the most diverse places in the world – the population here comprises Malay, Indian, Chinese and Eurasian communities. It's this social heritage that gives Singapore its unique flavor, with tradition sitting comfortably alongside modern development in a high-tech environment. There's a lot to take in, but its fun trying.
It's easy to reach Singapore, with flight connections reaching out across the world. Singapore Airlines has its base here, but other providers are available too. Many visitors use Singapore as a jumping-off point for exploring Malaysia and Indonesia thanks to the extensive travel network in place.
When it comes to accommodation, first-time visitors will love staying in the Orchard Road area. It's great for eating out, shopping and accessing the city. Another good option is the Marina district, where architectural hotels and waterfront activities are at your fingertips.
To travel around Singapore, the extensive subway system is your best bet. The line connects points across the city, taking in all the major neighborhoods.
A fun way to explore the city is by booking one of the Singapore hop-on hop-off bus tours. You can visit some of the top attractions and use the journey to get your bearings on your first day.
The Singapore Flyer City Pass can be a cost-effective way to explore if you plan on visiting certain attractions. It includes the Captain Explorer DUKW Tour, which takes in major city sights by land and water. The sweeping views from the observation wheel are the highlight.
Singapore Changi is one of the world's most famous airports – with a huge range of facilities, it's an attraction in itself. It even has a botanic garden and waterfall! If you're arriving by air, be sure to schedule some time to look around the airport before continuing into the city.
You can't visit Singapore without taking in the Gardens by the Bay, riding the cable car or enjoying the views from the Marina Bay Sands. Sentosa Island is a must too, especially if you're traveling with family. Yet once you've ticked off all the main Singapore tours, there's still a lot to do in the city.
Green-fingered visitors will enjoy a trip to the Singapore Orchid Garden, to see an abundance of these exotic blooms. For something a bit different, segway tours will have you rolling around the city in style. Meanwhile, day trips to Batam from Singapore are up for grabs if you fancy taking in Indonesia too!
There are plenty of free experiences to enjoy in Singapore. You can walk along the Rail Corridor, which takes you through lush landscapes and past old train stations. Then head to Siloso Beach for the light and sound show or visit the Edible Garden City for a slice of urban farming life.
Free walking tours in Singapore are another option and a great way to keep an eye on your spending. There's no charge for these experiences, you just tip the guide at the end according to how much you enjoyed the excursion.