Singapore has established itself as one of the world’s premier tourist destinations. With so much to see and do, we’ve put together a list of absolutely essential activities for a family visiting Singapore.
There is no better way to grasp a new city than to view it from the air, and the world’s largest observation wheel is no exception! The 165m, 360° panorama boasts views of Marina Bay skyline, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Singapore is also known as the Garden City and boasts a fantastic array of beautiful parks and gardens which can be enjoyed for next to nothing. Entrance to the stunning Singapore Botanic Gardens is free and while there, pop into the National Orchid Gardens for just S$5 for adults (kids under 12 get in for free), where you can enjoy the sights and scents of over 1000 species and 2000 hybrids. For an equally enchanting and affordable experience, visit the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve or the Spice Gardens at Fort Canning Park.
Measuring between 25 and 50 metres tall, these iconic tree-like vertical gardens are designed with large canopies that provide shade in the day and come alive with an exhilarating display of light and sound at night.
Home to nearly 800 shops, Bugis Street is the place to try out your bargaining skills. With everything from fashion and jewellery to leather goods and souvenirs, this is a destination not to be missed by lovers of retail therapy.
The cultural centre of Singapore, Chinatown is a maze of streets and alleyways, crowded with shops and street vendors day and night. Here you’ll find traditional Chinese herbs and medicines, exotic foods, handicrafts and fortune-tellers. Visit the Chinatown Night Markets for unique gifts to bring home, sample authentic Chinese favourites at Chinatown Food Street or learn how the Chinese migrants lived at the Chinatown Heritage Centre. It is located just a short walk from Outram Park MRT Station.
The bustling street market–covering Pagoda Street, Trengganu Street, Sago Lane, Smith Street and Temple Street, and comprising hundreds of stalls–is open every day and are particularly popular come evenings. Contemporary items such as bags and bracelets sit side-by-side with traditional wares like Feng Shui or geomancy-related products, Chinese calligraphy, artwork and handicraft, as well as customary Chinese wedding items including traditional “dragon and phoenix” candles.
Chinese New Year is celebrated for 15 days during late January/early February. There are a multitude of special events held in this period and each night Chinatown is spectacularly lit-up.
The renowned East Coast Seafood Centre is host to several exceptional restaurants, all with outdoor seating and magnificent views over the Straits of Singapore. Dine with the locals and indulge in Singapore’s unofficial national dish: chilli crab (hard-shell crabs smothered in a zesty, chilli-spiked gravy and often served with Chinese buns to mop up every last bit of delicious sauce). Other delicious favourites include the black-pepper crab and ‘drunken’ prawns.
Similar to America’s Halloween, the Chinese have the Hungry Ghost Festival, a time when the souls of the dead are believed to roam the earth. According to tradition, offerings must be made to these spirits, otherwise bad luck and untold mischief will occur. If you’re in Singapore during July and August you’ll notice metal bins full of offerings – including food, money and material goods – throughout the neighbourhoods. These are later burned to appease dead relatives, and shows and performances are also put on to entertain the dead and living alike.
Each year shopaholics worldwide flock to Singapore to take advantage of this island-wide shopping extravaganza. The mega-sale promises discounts of up to 70% off on both Singaporean and international brands throughout the majority of their malls. Visitors are warned to come armed with a fighting spirit to beat the dizzying crowds. The sale lasts for two months between June and August.
This is one of the world’s largest bird parks, home to 5000 birds of some 400 species. Take the guided tram ride through the Park or stroll along the footpaths and admire these beautiful creatures at your own pace. The Bird Park also offers unique dining-amongst-the-animal experiences such as the ‘Lunch With Parrots’.
Originally a fishing village, this district is now the heart of Singapore’s Malay community. Visit Arab Street to peruse the colourful market stalls and fossick for bargains, or if you’re shopping for something a bit more luxurious head to the colourful Haji Lane and browse the row of boutiques and cafes.
The area is also known for its delicious local fare such as nasi padang and Malay kuih. And don’t miss the beautiful Sultan Mosque, famous for its impressive dome!
As the focal point of Singapore’s Indian community, Little India‘s spice-scented streets beckon all. Breakfast on Roti Prata before hunting for a gift with a difference in the endless sari shops, Indian goldsmiths, spice stores and ayuverdic wellness shops along Serangoon Road.
Singapore’s first 24-hour department store, Mustafa, is located in Little India and showcases a plethora of products under one roof. The kids will love discovering what their futures hold by having their fortunes read the traditional way – by a parrot!
As Singapore’s national tourism icon, this half-fish, half-lion statue symbolises Singapore’s humble beginnings as a fishing village and its name Singapura (Lion City), given by the Prince Sang Nila Utama. Today, it is located at the head of the river at Merlion Park overlooking Marina Bay, spouting water from its mouth. The statue stands at 8.6 metres and weighs 70 tonnes. Merlion is visited by over one million people each year, having become one of the most recognisable landmarks in Singapore.
Singapore’s first flight simulator wasted no time in establishing itself as a world-class attraction. With 180° views and over 20,000 airports to choose from, young aviators will be amazed from start to finish.
This activity is an adrenaline rush for the whole family. Situated in the stunning Bedok Reservoir Park, this aerial course is built with ladders, bridges, swings, nets, trapezes and giant zip lines. With courses differing in length and complexity, children of all ages will love their day at Forest Adventure.
With exhibits ranging from space, climate change, the human body and the solar system, it is no wonder the Science Centre won the Best Enrichment Experience award in both 2010 and 2011. Children will love the interactive nature of the exhibits and the 50 life-size dinosaurs are sure to please even the most hardened child traveller!
Singapore Zoo was the deserving winner of the ‘We Welcome Families’ award in 2011 – the world famous ‘Open Concept’ plan allows children to witness the 3000 animals in their natural spacious habitats. Additionally, the ‘Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife’ will delight children of all ages.
The world first Night Safari offers a unique and seldom-seen peek into the jungle in the midnight hours. The park is home to over 900 animals from approximately 100 exotic species (of which almost 41% are threatened) including cape giraffes, hyenas and the rare one-horned rhino. It has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Singapore and receives approximately 1.3 million visitors a year.
Sentosa, in Malay, means ‘peace and tranquility’. This is Singapore’s pleasure island, easily accessible via a causeway from the main island. Waking up in a Sentosa hotel and looking out your window at the sunrise is an enchantment as you gaze at palm trees, little man-made islands, an aquamarine sea and ships of all nations anchored off the coast of Singapore. The S.E.A. Aquarium in the Resorts World Sentosa complex includes an 83-metre long tunnel you can stroll through while schools of fish, eagle rays and sharks glide all round you.
This fort built by the British in the 1880s and now a restored military museum, offers underground tunnels, artillery nests and bunkers for public viewing. Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom is another Sentosa winner. Sigh at exquisite butterflies like Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing – considered by many butterfly fanciers to be the world’s most beautiful species. Then confront rhino beetles, giant spiders and other creepy-crawlies in a 70-metre-long cave, guided by fireflies. Screech! You can touch giant scorpions, beetles and stick insects. Not for everyone, but a lot of fun for some!
Singapore’s clean and efficient MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) subway ties in well with its SBS bus network. Some 2400 public transport buses run 192 routes. Shopping – for adults and for kids – is justly renowned. Be warned, Singapore offers no fewer than nine Toys R Us stores! Wherever you head, you’ll have no trouble with food. Dining is diverse and delicious – everything from cheeseburgers to traditional Malay fare like nasi padang (rice served with vegetables and fish, chicken or eggs).
You can read our complete family-friendly guide to Singapore here.
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