Best for Families
DUCKtours. An amphibious craft transports you around the Civic District before splashing into the Singapore River. For more information, click here.
Wild Wild Wet. Thrilling water-based adrenalin-pumping rides for the fearless and young at heart. For more information, click here.
Jurong Bird Park. The region’s leading bird park has some 400 species of birds. Don’t miss the four walk-in free-flight aviaries. For more information, click here.
Night Safari. Clever lighting and realistic habitats make you feel as though you’re in a tropical jungle at night. For more information, click here.
Singapore Science Centre. Everything you need to know about science is found here in its 1,000-plus exhibits. Kids will have fun with the interactive galleries. For more information, click here.
Singapore Zoo. More than 300 species of wildlife are presented in their natural environments. Not to be missed are the animal shows, animal feedings and Rainforest Kidzworld. For more information, click here.
Sentosa. An island retreat that has everything for the family: the Universal Studio theme park, Marine Life Park, Underwater World, beaches and more. Plan to spend a full day. For more information, click here.
East Coast Park. Kayak out to sea, frolic by the beach or rent bikes or roller blades. For more information, click here.
Singapore Botanic Gardens. Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is Asia’s first children’s garden, where kids under 12 can appreciate plants and nature through play and exploration. For more information, click here.
Kids are well catered for at Sentosa.
Lukasz Kasperek/STB
Best Festivals and Events
Chingay Parade. Celebrated as part of Chinese New Year, the city’s biggest street procession sees decorated floats and acrobats parading down the street. January or February. For more information, click here.
Great Singapore Sale. A retail blowout that offers steep discounts all over the island. From late May until early July. For more information, click here.
Singapore International Festival of Arts. Five weeks of dance, music and theatre by some of the world’s most innovative performers. Aug–Sept. For more information, click here.
Singapore Food Festival. This month-long festival celebrates Singaporeans’ favourite pastime with food tours and food-related events. July. For more information, click here.
Thaipusam. Male devotees bear the kavadi, a heavy metal arch with spikes on a procession between two temples. Usually takes place in January. For more information, click here.
Thimithi. Hindu devotees demonstrate their faith, courage and endurance by walking across a bed of burning coals at the Sri Mariamman Temple. Usually in October or November. For more information, click here.
World Gourmet Summit. Some of the world’s best chefs cook up a storm at top restaurants during this two-week event. Mid-April. For more information, click here.
The dazzling Chingay Parade.
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Best Markets
Campbell Lane. Fresh produce, jasmine garlands, aromatic incense, Bollywood CDs and statues of Hindu gods are all found here. It becomes especially lively in the evening. For more information, click here.
Tekka Centre. Some of the freshest seafood and herbs are sold in this bustling market. Stallholders are friendly and knowledgeable about their produce. For more information, click here.
Chinatown Complex. Start early in the morning and head to the basement to see a “wet” produce market. The fishmongers at work make for great photography. For more information, click here.
Chinatown Night Market. Every evening Trengganu, Pagoda and Sago streets close to traffic and vendors set up carts selling souvenirs and gifts. For more information, click here.
Clarke Quay is a nightlife hub.
Singapore Tourism Board
Best Bars and Clubs
Attica/Attica Too. This ultra-hip multi-venue bar/lounge/club at Clarke Quay is one of the city’s hottest nightspots. www.attica.com.sg
Ice-Cold Beer. This wildly popular bar at Emerald Hill continues to draw regulars and ex-pats thanks to its chill-out ambience and, yes, plenty of chilled beer and excellent pub grub. www.ice-cold-beer.com/Welcome.html
St James Power Station. The city’s largest party venue, with nine entertainment spots – pick from jazz, karaoke and more – under one roof. https://en-gb.facebook.com/StJamesPowerStationSG
New Asia Bar. The drinks are easily overshadowed by the stunning floor-to-ceiling views of the city from its 71st-floor perch at the Swissôtel The Stamford hotel. www.swissotel.com/hotels/singapore-stamford/bars/new-asia
Zouk. Where serious clubbers head to for cutting-edge dance music and a wild party atmosphere. High on the “be-seen” scale. www.zoukclub.com
In Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Marklin Ang/STB
Top Parks
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. The number of plant species here exceeds that found in the whole of North America. For more information, click here.
Gardens by the Bay. This lush new park sitting on reclaimed land is marked by its SuperTrees and two beautiful cooled conservatories: the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. For more information, click here.
Pulau Ubin. The last bastion of rural Singapore has flora and fauna aplenty. Explore the island on a rented bike. For more information, click here.
Singapore Botanic Gardens. Singapore’s oldest national park is a living museum of tropical plants. Picnickers, t’ai chi and yoga practitioners are a common sight. For more information, click here.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Noted for its diversity of bird life, the park has hides to allow you to birdwatch. Don’t miss the walk through the mangrove forest. For more information, click here.
Chinatown is bustling at night.
Dreamstime
