Hanging out with pygmy hippos, wandering through exotic orchid gardens, visiting magical islands, entering the exotic world of the Madagascar movie…it’s all in a day’s work for a traveller in Singapore. A hot multicultural melting pot, the island offers a heady, addictive mix of urban and natural environments, and a range of multi-sensory experiences. Here’s a hand-picked selection of activities and attractions you shouldn’t miss.
Accommodation
Before we go on, let’s just make sure you’ve got your accommodation sorted. Between long-haul layovers and special events, it is an in-demand destination, so if you want to stay in serviced apartments in Singapore, reserve yourself a place sooner rather than later.
Get close to nature
The easiest way to inject a sizeable dose of greenery into your day is to wander into the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Catering to both early risers and night owls, they’re open between 5am and midnight, and won’t cost you a cent. Visit over 314 plant species across 64 acres and, for an especially lovely adventure, check out the 1,000 orchid species blooming in the three-hectare National Orchid Garden.
If you have time for a wilder experience, add Bukit Timah Nature Reserve to your itinerary. Despite Singapore’s extensive urbanisation, this special area, comprised of 3,043 hectares, is home to virgin rainforest. It’s also where you can climb the island’s highest hill (163.63 metres). Expect to meet more than 500 animal species and over 840 plants.
Hop between islands
For a teeny-tiny slice of paradise, pop over to Pulau Hantu, also known as the ‘island of ghosts’, on account of the local belief that Malay warrior ancestor spirits wander there. You’ll discover secret beaches, still-as-a-mirror lagoons, crystal clear water and plenty of spots to swim, fish, snorkel and dive.
There are even more of those at Kusu Island. Plus, it’s home to several sites of sacred significance. So if you happen to find yourself there during the ninth lunar month, you’ll come across thousands of people partaking in the annual Kusu Pilgrimage. Da Bo Gong, built in 1923, is the most famous temple.
Hang out with pygmy hippos
For one of the cutest sights in the animal world, check out the pygmy hippos at Singapore Zoo. While you’re there, take the opportunity to ride an elephant, feed a kangaroo or watch a show starring live animals. The Zoo’s 26 hectares are organised as geographical regions, such as ‘Wild African Grasslands’ and ‘Ethiopia’s Great Rift Valley’, so it’s a bit like experiencing a microcosm of Planet Earth.
Visit your favourite movie
Even wondered what life’s like on Madagascar or how Shrek spends his leisure time? At Singapore’s Universal Studios, you can visit seven themed sections, each committed to a film or famous location. Think ‘Hollywood’, ‘Ancient Egypt’, ‘Far Far Away’ and ‘The Lost World’. Watch daredevil displays, ride a raft through wild white-water, test your skills in 3D battles and get an adrenaline hit on a rollercoaster.