4D3N is not enough for these top 10 exotic Singapore attractions!
I had a hard time short listing the attractions as it seems like 4 days 3 nights is just not enough. I had to be selective by assuming that travellers like to see the most unique and exotic side of Singapore. For theme parks, please check out the other post for families.
1) Sentosa- SEA Aquarium
Price: $38 for adults, $28 for kids
Opening hours: 10am to 6 or 7pm depending on season
Check out my review here.
2) Marina Bay Sands Skypark
Prices: $23 for adults, $17 for kids
Opening hours: 930am to 10pm, 11pm on Fri, Sat, Sun
Singapore's highest view at 57 floor will not disappoint you, it is even taller and better than the Singapore flyer. Besides the 360 degrees scenery, you can also pass by the rooftop swimming pool which will definitely entice you to stay there next time. To get the bang out of your bucks, be there during sunset to catch the lovely colours.
How to get there
Nearest MRT is Bayfront, opposite the casino and convention centres. Sands skypark entrance is at hotel Tower 3, B1.
3) Helix Bridge
Prices: Free!
Opening hours: Never closed!
How could anyone not come to take a look at the world renowned 280m architecture of the helix bridge?! You could also pop by to take a look at the majestic chandelier in the casino. Otherwise, just walk by straight to the helix bridge for the scenery and a quick photo.
Do catch the free laser show at 8 and 930pm every night. There is another show at 11pm every Fri and Sat. The show can be viewed on the promenade (See map below).
How to get there
Nearest MRT is Bayfront (Orange line, CE1), take exit B, C, D, E
4) National Museum of Singapore
Prices: $6 for adults, $3 for students with valid ID
Opening hours: 10am to 6pm
Singapore's oldest museum dating back to 1840 depicting our past 700 years history from a humble fishing village to the cosmopolitan city it is today. Guided tours are highly recommended. My absolute favourite is their Night Festival with outdoor performances. It is mostly free of charge and oh-so-interactive. Too bad it only happens once a year.
How to get there
Nearest MRT is Bras Basah (Orange line CC2) and Dhoby Ghaut (Red line NS24, Purple line NE6, Orange line CC1). Ask the MRT staff to point you in the right direction for a 5 minutes walk.
5) Singapore Art Museum
Prices: $10 for adults, free from 6 to 9pm on Fri
Opening hours: 10am to 7pm, 9pm on Fri
How to get there
Nearest MRT is Bras Basah (Orange line CC2) and walk like 2 minutes to get to Queen Street.
6) Haji Lane / Bugis Street
Prices: Free!
Opening hours: 11am to 10pm
Haji Lane is well know for cafe hop, shisha smoking and authentic vibes and architecture. It has many indie boutiques and malay textiles shop. You can take a stroll and come here for lunch before heading to Bugis Street for shopping of souvenirs.
How to get there
Nearest MRT is Bugis (Green line EW12). Exit B for Haji Lane, Exit C for Bugis Street.
7) Southern Ridges
Prices: Free
Opening hours: Never closed but go during the day for the scenery
Prices: Free!
Opening hours: Never closed!
Legend has it that this Merlion, with head of a lion and body of a fish was found roaming in ancient times so they named the city Singa (Lion) Pura (City). Fast forward to today, it is an icon of Singapore and tourist are always seen opening their mouths to pose with the water sprayed out.
How to get there
Nearest MRT is Raffles Place(Green line EW14, Red line NS26). However, I always like to go from Esplanade (Orange line CC3) as you get a nice view of the whole Singapore River and a good stroll to the Merlion.
9) Clarke quay
Prices: Free!
Opening hours: 6pm to 10pm for shops, 2am for pubs
Definitely more for the night crowd, and to unwind and grab some cold beers, you can also get some dancing and let your hair loose if you want. Most hen's and bachelor's parties like to be held here and if you come during halloween, most of the costumes will be paraded here too.
How to get there
Nearest MRT is Clarke Quay (Purple line NE5), walk out of the shopping mall towards Burger King direction. Walk towards a huge bridge which is outside Ellenborough cafe and cross it. Walk straight down and you are in the heart of this place.
10) Pulau Ubin
Prices: $2.50 for the ferries, at least $10 depending on the quality of bicycle
Opening hours: 530am to 9pm for the ferries
For me, I like less touristy place and some place more authentic and off the beaten track. It will be a long ride from most hotels to Pulau Ubin so it better be worth it. The main highlight is to cycle along the trails and reach Chek Java swamps. Don't be afraid of getting lost, there are many other cyclists around and the trails are quite clear cut. However, some of the cycling trails are quite steep so please take care of yourself. Take a rest and grab some ice cold coconut drinks ($5) if you pass by, I normally have 2 at a go as it's just so thirst quenching! Must also try a seafood dinner near the bicycle rental shops once you alight the jetty, it's cheap, good and fresh!
How to get there
Nearest MRT is Tanah Merah (East of Green line EW4). Take bus 2 to the last bus stop that stop at Changi Village Bus Interchange. Walk to Changi Point ferry terminal, the ferry will depart once there is enough people of around 12 per ferry.
Bonus: Botanic Gardens
Prices: Free!
Opening hours: 5am to 12mn
National Orchid Garden: $5 and open from 830am to 7pm
Tripadvisor has the National Orchid Garden located within Botanic Gardens in the Central Core as the top attraction in Singapore. It is surely very pretty and distintive and a tranquil place, so you can understand why orchids are our country flower, specifically the Vander Miss Joaquim (weird name right). They also name orchids after celebrities and royal families.
How to get there
Nearest MRT is Botanic Gardens (Orange line CC19)
Basic 4D3N itinerary (For 3D2N, just remove Day 4)
Day 1: Head to Sentosa first to catch the SEA Aquarium and have a quick stroll on the Siloso beach. Then head to Marina bay to go up to Sands SkyPark. Walk around Helix Bridge and finish off with the laser show.
Day 2: National Museum first and then Singapore Art Museum. After which, head to Merlion Park and walk from Esplanade to Fullerton Hotel. Then go Clarke Quay to grab a drink.
Day 3: Explore Southern Ridges first, go Vivocity for lunch. Then head to Bugis Street before having your dinner at Haji Lane.
Day 4: Pulau Ubin. You can go Orchard Road (See other post) to shop before you leave.
Extra: Botanic Garden
Prices for 2 adults
SEA Aquarium + Sands SkyPark: 38 + 38 + 23 + 23 = $122
National Museum + Singapore Art Museum: 6 + 6 + 10 + 10 = $ 32
Pulau Ubin: 2.5 + 2.5 + 10 + 10 = $25
Total: $179
Extra: Botanic Gardens Orchid Park = 5 + 5 = $10
For cost conscious travellers, skip Sentosa and head to Marina barrage (See other post). Visit Singapore Art Museum on Friday from 6 to 9pm for free entry.
1) Sentosa- SEA Aquarium
Price: $38 for adults, $28 for kids
Opening hours: 10am to 6 or 7pm depending on season
Check out my review here.
2) Marina Bay Sands Skypark
Prices: $23 for adults, $17 for kids
Opening hours: 930am to 10pm, 11pm on Fri, Sat, Sun
 |
| Rooftop pool with spectacular bird's eye view! (Source: Wikipedia) |
Singapore's highest view at 57 floor will not disappoint you, it is even taller and better than the Singapore flyer. Besides the 360 degrees scenery, you can also pass by the rooftop swimming pool which will definitely entice you to stay there next time. To get the bang out of your bucks, be there during sunset to catch the lovely colours.
How to get there
Nearest MRT is Bayfront, opposite the casino and convention centres. Sands skypark entrance is at hotel Tower 3, B1.
3) Helix Bridge
Prices: Free!
Opening hours: Never closed!
 |
| Helix bridge beside Marina Bay (Source: Wikipedia) |
How could anyone not come to take a look at the world renowned 280m architecture of the helix bridge?! You could also pop by to take a look at the majestic chandelier in the casino. Otherwise, just walk by straight to the helix bridge for the scenery and a quick photo.
Do catch the free laser show at 8 and 930pm every night. There is another show at 11pm every Fri and Sat. The show can be viewed on the promenade (See map below).
How to get there
Nearest MRT is Bayfront (Orange line, CE1), take exit B, C, D, E
4) National Museum of Singapore
Prices: $6 for adults, $3 for students with valid ID
Opening hours: 10am to 6pm
 |
| NSM (Source: Wikipedia) |
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| Night Festival 2011 |
How to get there
Nearest MRT is Bras Basah (Orange line CC2) and Dhoby Ghaut (Red line NS24, Purple line NE6, Orange line CC1). Ask the MRT staff to point you in the right direction for a 5 minutes walk.
5) Singapore Art Museum
Prices: $10 for adults, free from 6 to 9pm on Fri
Opening hours: 10am to 7pm, 9pm on Fri
 |
| The colonial style museum (Source: Wikipedia) |
Artsy Fartsy in a creative yet non-art students can appreciate. They are normally interactive exhibits that encourage viewing art in a different perspective. I prefer this museum the most as it is less dull but it is also the smallest.
How to get there
Nearest MRT is Bras Basah (Orange line CC2) and walk like 2 minutes to get to Queen Street.
6) Haji Lane / Bugis Street
Prices: Free!
Opening hours: 11am to 10pm
 |
| Bugis street is budget shopping! (Source: Wikipedia) |
How to get there
Nearest MRT is Bugis (Green line EW12). Exit B for Haji Lane, Exit C for Bugis Street.
7) Southern Ridges
Prices: Free
Opening hours: Never closed but go during the day for the scenery
 |
| Henderson waves (Source: Wikipedia) |
It's the closest we can get to something like Central Park right in the city. However, Southern Ridges is more like a trekking route that takes more than 5 hours for the full tour. It's quite a scenic walk with wave-like structures, bridge that cuts across the forest and links at least 4 parks together. Good for prams, great for a run, excellent for family bonding!
How to get there
This is for the accelerated tour that takes less than 2 hours. Nearest MRT is Harbour Front MRT (Purple line NE1, Orange line CC29), Exit B. Head towards a sign near the escalator pointing to the bus stop. Turn left and follow the bridge, head down the steps and to the bus stop, take Buses 61, 97, 100 or 166. (The bus will head straight for 4 stops, turn right and alight at the 3rd stop = total 7 stops or tell the bus driver you are heading to hort park). The end point will be back at Harbour Front MRT which is also besides the biggest shopping mall in Singapore, Vivocity.
8) Merlion Park Prices: Free!
Opening hours: Never closed!
 |
| The Merlion - the mascot of Singapore (Source: Wikipedia) |
Legend has it that this Merlion, with head of a lion and body of a fish was found roaming in ancient times so they named the city Singa (Lion) Pura (City). Fast forward to today, it is an icon of Singapore and tourist are always seen opening their mouths to pose with the water sprayed out.
How to get there
Nearest MRT is Raffles Place(Green line EW14, Red line NS26). However, I always like to go from Esplanade (Orange line CC3) as you get a nice view of the whole Singapore River and a good stroll to the Merlion.
9) Clarke quay
Prices: Free!
Opening hours: 6pm to 10pm for shops, 2am for pubs
.jpg&ei=_ZFuVbmcM8KxuATI14DoBg&bvm=bv.94911696,d.c2E&psig=AFQjCNGTWW2ySVBr5OAFwAU5X1eE_LbfAA&ust=1433396062526095) |
| Beautiful night view and good to chill here (Source: Wikipedia) |
Definitely more for the night crowd, and to unwind and grab some cold beers, you can also get some dancing and let your hair loose if you want. Most hen's and bachelor's parties like to be held here and if you come during halloween, most of the costumes will be paraded here too.
How to get there
Nearest MRT is Clarke Quay (Purple line NE5), walk out of the shopping mall towards Burger King direction. Walk towards a huge bridge which is outside Ellenborough cafe and cross it. Walk straight down and you are in the heart of this place.
10) Pulau Ubin
Prices: $2.50 for the ferries, at least $10 depending on the quality of bicycle
Opening hours: 530am to 9pm for the ferries
 |
| Bicycle rental everywhere (Source: Wikipedia) |
For me, I like less touristy place and some place more authentic and off the beaten track. It will be a long ride from most hotels to Pulau Ubin so it better be worth it. The main highlight is to cycle along the trails and reach Chek Java swamps. Don't be afraid of getting lost, there are many other cyclists around and the trails are quite clear cut. However, some of the cycling trails are quite steep so please take care of yourself. Take a rest and grab some ice cold coconut drinks ($5) if you pass by, I normally have 2 at a go as it's just so thirst quenching! Must also try a seafood dinner near the bicycle rental shops once you alight the jetty, it's cheap, good and fresh!
How to get there
Nearest MRT is Tanah Merah (East of Green line EW4). Take bus 2 to the last bus stop that stop at Changi Village Bus Interchange. Walk to Changi Point ferry terminal, the ferry will depart once there is enough people of around 12 per ferry.
Bonus: Botanic Gardens
Prices: Free!
Opening hours: 5am to 12mn
National Orchid Garden: $5 and open from 830am to 7pm
 |
| Main stage for performances at the botanical gardens |
Botanic gardens is really well developed over the years. It used to be a boring park with nothing much and now, its a huge park where you do not know where to start. For the price and enormous variety, it should be more worthwhile than Gardens by the Bay. |
| You can also find some celebrity named orchids (Source: Wikipedia) |
Tripadvisor has the National Orchid Garden located within Botanic Gardens in the Central Core as the top attraction in Singapore. It is surely very pretty and distintive and a tranquil place, so you can understand why orchids are our country flower, specifically the Vander Miss Joaquim (weird name right). They also name orchids after celebrities and royal families.
How to get there
Nearest MRT is Botanic Gardens (Orange line CC19)
Basic 4D3N itinerary (For 3D2N, just remove Day 4)
Day 1: Head to Sentosa first to catch the SEA Aquarium and have a quick stroll on the Siloso beach. Then head to Marina bay to go up to Sands SkyPark. Walk around Helix Bridge and finish off with the laser show.
Day 2: National Museum first and then Singapore Art Museum. After which, head to Merlion Park and walk from Esplanade to Fullerton Hotel. Then go Clarke Quay to grab a drink.
Day 3: Explore Southern Ridges first, go Vivocity for lunch. Then head to Bugis Street before having your dinner at Haji Lane.
Day 4: Pulau Ubin. You can go Orchard Road (See other post) to shop before you leave.
Extra: Botanic Garden
Prices for 2 adults
SEA Aquarium + Sands SkyPark: 38 + 38 + 23 + 23 = $122
National Museum + Singapore Art Museum: 6 + 6 + 10 + 10 = $ 32
Pulau Ubin: 2.5 + 2.5 + 10 + 10 = $25
Total: $179
Extra: Botanic Gardens Orchid Park = 5 + 5 = $10
For cost conscious travellers, skip Sentosa and head to Marina barrage (See other post). Visit Singapore Art Museum on Friday from 6 to 9pm for free entry.
Jes
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Some other ideas:
ReplyDelete1. MacRitchie nature trail (12 km) - free.
2. Tree Top Walk from Venus Drive (7 km) - free.
3. Sungei Buloh Wetlands (and Boardwalk) - free.
Hi Lizardo,
ReplyDeleteCool ideas! I find these 3 not so exciting though.. Maybe it's just me but too much greenery in 1 tour is just overkill!
Appreciate your suggestions nevertheless!