6 Places to Visit in Singapore

It has been about 10 years since my last visit to the Lion City, Singapore. I was lucky to re-visit her for a business trip, just to find out she hasn't been really changed much. If you plan to visit Singapore, here are a few places you can consider.

1. The Orchard Road

It is the ultimate shopping heaven. I enjoy taking a stroll here as it is landscaped with flowers and greenery, creating pockets of cool, natural calm amidst the hectic urban sprawl. There are plenty to see and feel even if you are not into shopping much. The luxurious boutiques offer tax refund at the airport, so be sure to get the tax refund form and receipt from them.

2. Chinatown

It changed quite a bit, more hawker stalls and eateries now but majority are run by people from China. However, you can still find some local hawker stalls slightly further away from the Chinatown centre. Alternatively, you can take the MRT to Telok Ayer and walk about 5 minutes to the newly re-opened Lau Pa Sat for more choices. You can choose to visit the museum, Hindu temple and the famous Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum.

The beautiful overhead bridge to the Chinatown

Hindu temple in Chinatown

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum in Chinatown

Local food at the hawker stall is very affordable

3. Bugis

Bugis Junction is one of the malls found in Bugis. There is a market right opposite of the Bugis Junction where you can find souvenirs, clothes, fruits and food.

4. Marina Bay

Land reclamation was carried out in Marina Bay, forming what it is today. Multiple attractions here - the Casino, Marina Bay Sands hotel and its well-known Skypark and Gardens by the Bay. Personally, the Skypark and Gardens by the Bay are worth paying a visit. It is also a good choice to stay at the Marina Bay Sands hotel as you get to access the Skypark observation deck and the infinity pool for free, a very happening place at night.

On the way to the Marina Bay Sands hotel (behind me).

There are observation deck, infinity pool, restaurants and bars in the Skypark, a very happening place at night.

The Infinity pool at Sands Skypark, exclusively for hotel guests only.

The infinity pool stretches 150m across the Skypark, 57 storeys above the ground. The hotel guests can swim at the pool and enjoy the scenery with a drink.

Overlooking the Gardens by the Bay

5. Clarke Quay

Many restaurants and bars can be found at Clarke Quay. It's never a quiet place at night.

6. Sentosa Island

There are a few ways to get to the Island - cable car (expensive), Sentosa Express (S$4 per entry) or even by foot (S$1 on weekdays, free on weekends).

There are a lot more changes in the Sentosa Island since Resort World makes multiple attractions available here, like the Casino (bring your passport if you would like to enter), Universal Studio, Marine Life Park, S.E.A. Aquarium, Adventure Cove Waterpark, Dolphin Island and Trick Art Museum.