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Leisure activities in Singapore

leisure in Singapore
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Published on 06 January 2014
Updated byAnne-Lise Mestryon 05 June 2024

Singapore is an international hub with a truly cosmopolitan population. Despite its size, it's home to a fascinating array of eateries, bars, nightclubs, and sights. To top it all off, Singapore has an exciting and dynamic feel that combines East and West wonderfully.

Singapore attracts millions of tourists every year. The tiny country has built an unrivaled reputation for hospitality and is also located in one of the most exciting parts of the world.

It wouldn't be fair to limit leisure activities in Singapore to Singapore itself. The country is well served by a range of airlines, including low-cost ones that can take you to a pristine beach in Malaysia in under an hour. If you don't want to fly, the ferry station is a short taxi ride away and is a gateway to the beautiful beaches of Indonesia. But before venturing away from Singapore, make sure to enjoy the temples, parks, and immaculate neighborhoods of this fascinating country.

A wealth of experiences

Singapore comprises 64 islands and is often referred to as the Garden City despite its high level of urbanization. The country is home to several parks, botanical gardens, and landscaping, allowing visitors and residents to experience a generous serving of green. You'll also find zoos offering safaris and an amusement park that has one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the world.

There's a lot to indulge in, whatever your preferences are. The Botanical Gardens are home to an impressive collection of orchids, but if islands are your thing, the beaches of Lazarus and Sisters' Islands are only a short ferry trip away. Art lovers will find fulfillment at the National Gallery of Singapore, which houses local artists and offers exciting temporary exhibitions. Finally, one of the country's major landmarks, the Merlion, can be found at the waterfront, where you can enjoy inspiring views of the Marina Bay Sands hotels and of the financial district of Singapore.

However, Singapore isn't all about modernity. The country boasts a rich history, which becomes apparent as you walk through the city and enjoy the views of the parliament and of the Raffles Hotel, whose British architecture never fails to impress. Sentosa is also a great place to visit. It's an artificial sand beach with artificial rocks and can be accessed by cable car, which affords unrivaled views of Singapore.

Understanding Singapore

If you want to explore and better understand the different historical and cultural aspects of Singapore, you can visit the Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Islamic, Taoist, and Jewish religious monuments and places of worship in the country. The Sri Mariamman Hindu temple, which is the oldest and largest temple in the region, the Kong Meng San Phor Kark, and the St Andrews Anglican Cathedral are also famous and central to the religious history of Singapore. You'll also find many historic buildings and museums in the district of Bras Basah, without forgetting the Asian Civilizations Museum. Singapore celebrates numerous cultural festivals and is decorated accordingly for each of these events, which include the Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Good Friday, Eid El Kebir, and Vesak, among others.

Dining and shopping in Singapore

Cheap eats, high-end restaurants, and bars; Singapore can disappoint on many fronts, but never on food and drink. There are few places in the world that offer such a rich collection of food options. Neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little India, and Orchard Road are home to popular eateries but also offer great shopping options. This includes duty-free shops that allow you to reclaim taxes upon leaving Singapore, trendy designer stores, and electronic shops offering the latest and coolest in terms of phones, TVs, cameras, and all manners of gadgets.

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Eating options

Party venues

Bars

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.

About

Anne-Lise studied Psychology for 4 years in the UK before finding her way back to Mauritius and being a journalist for 3 years and heading Expat.com's editorial department for 5. She loves politics, books, tea, running, swimming, hiking...

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Comments

  • Guest
    Guest8 months ago(Modified)

    In Singapore, visitors can enjoy a diverse array of activities, from exploring the futuristic Gardens by the Bay and iconic Marina Bay area to experiencing the cultural heritage of Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. The city-state offers world-class shopping along Orchard Road, delicious cuisine at hawker centers, and opportunities to learn about its history and art at museums and galleries. Nature lovers can explore the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari or relax in the lush surroundings of Gardens by the Bay. With its mix of modern attractions, cultural experiences, and natural beauty, Singapore promises an unforgettable journey for travelers of all interests. **moderated - no link to personal website please**

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All of Singapore's guide articles