Singapore at a glance
Most travelers treat Singapore as a quick layover on their way to Southeast Asia or Australia. This multicultural city-state deserves more than just a passing glance. With its blend of futurism, deep-rooted traditions, and a distinct cultural mix, Singapore packs a lot into a small footprint.
Nature and modernity
Gardens by the Bay is the city's most recognizable landmark. These massive urban botanical gardens have a surreal, space-age feel. It serves as the metropolis's green lung, offering 50 hectares of parkland where you can wander between exotic flowers and towering, metallic supertrees. Keep the momentum going at the Singapore Zoological Garden. This 40-hectare park houses thousands of animals, some of which roam within open enclosures. You can even book a night safari for a closer look at nocturnal behavior. For a break from the concrete, visit the Bukit Timah nature reserve or the Central Catchment area, where you can walk across a suspension bridge high above the canopy.
A journey across cultures
Walking through Singapore feels like standing at the intersection of several different worlds. Little India will transport you straight to Mumbai with its fragrant spices, vibrant textiles, and the Sri Mariamman temple, which dates back to 1827. Shift gears to the Far East in Chinatown, a favorite for both locals and visitors. Chinese culture, which forms the background for three quarters of the population, is on full display here. Between alleys draped in traditional lanterns and local craft shops, you can dive into the past at the Heritage Center.
A journey through time
Singapore is a constant tug-of-war between the past and the future. At the Raffle Hotel, you can still find the grandeur of the British colonial era. The hotel houses a high-end shopping gallery and feels like a time capsule of its former high-profile guests. The city also features museums that explore past civilizations and modern art, including the Singapore Art Museum, the Peranakan Museum, and the National Gallery Singapore. Return to the present by taking a spin on the giant Ferris wheel, heading into the central business district to see the skyscrapers, or visiting one of the city's massive shopping malls. End your trip with a drink on the rooftop of the Marina Bay Sands and the Sky Park. Maybe even take a dip in the infinity pool.
When to go
You can visit Singapore year-round, as the climate remains steady between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. To minimize your chances of rain, aim for the dry season between May and September. In June and July, you can catch events like the Great Singapore Sale and the Singapore Food Festival.
Getting there
The international airport is about 12 miles from the city center. Expect to pay between 1,000 and 1,150 SGD (about $750 to $860) for a round-trip ticket from the US, with flight times typically exceeding 20 hours including at least one stop. You can also arrive by bus, train, or ferry from Malaysia.
Here is a tropical archipelago that has turned into a megacity, with skyscrapers, lush plantations, ocean air, heat, and humidity. It is surprising!