It’s finally been a week since I came back from my Asia trip, and, now that I’m all settled and caught up on accumulated work and emails (oh THAT took a while), I can finally take the time to write this post for you guys and list my favorite and most Instagram-worthy places in Singapore (which was, btw, my highlight of the trip).
Singapore is a really small place. I was kind of expecting that, but I had no idea of how actually, incredibly small it is. You could totally explore the whole city and see everything in just one day if you want to. Since I have friends there, though, I got to spend three days there and was able to take some time to explore the city in a very chill way, bar hop at night, and stay at three different hotels to get my complete Singaporean experience – I actually put aside a whole day for the Marina Bay Sands pool, to be honest.
I also think it’s totally valid to write a post that’s entirely dedicated to the incredible bars and restaurants that the local expats go to, since my favorite experience there was to bar hop at night with my friends.
So let’s get to our list…
1 – Gardens By the Bay
That’s definitely the most well-known postcard from Singapore and located a very short walk away from the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. When going, make sure you go up to the OCBC Skyway, which is the runway that goes across the supertrees.
2 – Cloud Forest
Also located in the Gardens By the Bay ‘complex’, is the Cloud Forest, which is a whole climatized ‘forest’/garden with a huge artificial waterfall. So worth the Instagram moment.
3 – Marina Bay Sands Surroundings
The area surrounding the Marina Bay Sands hotel (and mall) offers an amazing view to the CBD (business district), the Arts science museum, and the MBS itself. Very Instagrammable.
4 – Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool
If staying at the MBS fits in your budget, it’s definitely worth it, even if just for one night, so you can enjoy the pool and the view, since this area is exclusive to guests.
We took an entire day just to chill there and it was amazing. I recommend getting to the pool earlier, since after 12 pm it can get a bit crowded. Also, try to find a spot in the adults-only area. Trust me on that!
5 – Ritz-Carlton at Millennia
I know this one is not in everyone’s budget, but, once again, if you’re looking for Instagram-worthy views of the city, this is definitely the place. I was just in awe when I saw this bathroom view online and felt like I just HAD to spend some time in this place. Hotel experiences are such an important part of my travels and, let me tell you, this one was SO worth it.
6 – Masjid Sultan
Singapore is such a diverse place, so I couldn’t leave the Masjid Sultan (mosque) out of this list. Although I couldn’t get myself in the picture because I was out exploring on my own that day, can’t you totally see yourself in that picture?
7 – Little India
Little India was a bit tricky for me, since I was also there on the day I was alone. It was honestly the only place in Singapore where I didn’t feel 100% safe because men were REALLY staring. But if you have company, it’s a cute and picturesque area to take some cool shots!
On another note…
I’d love to also point to you guys the places that I went and didn’t love my experience (and also some general tips), such as…
The Singapore Flyer
The Singapore Flyer is that giant Ferris wheel that’s really hard to miss and very central and close to Marina Bay Sands. I went there during the day and thought the whole ride was very boring and slow. It might work for your group, but it just didn’t for me – also, I got a tip from a follower saying it’d better to go by night.
Want bubble tea? Better carry some cash
That might seem like a very random tip, but, believe me, when you’re walking from MBS to Little India under the Singaporean sun and humidity, you WILL crave some iced bubble tea at some point. Although Singapore is such an evolved country in terms of payment methods, I’d say 90% of bubble tea ‘joints’ will only take cash. So be prepared.
Try bar hopping at night and enjoying the best views of the city from one of the many rooftops
Rooftop hopping was the great highlight of my trip and I’d recommend you guys do the same. You just can’t go to Singapore and miss the sunset and night views.
If you’re a woman traveling alone, avoid Little India
I know how harsh that sounds, and, in a place like Singapore, it’s very unlikely that something will happen to you – especially during the day. But let me tell you: if you’re a young woman going alone to LI, be ready to be REALLY stared at and to hear sexist jokes.
I really hope you guys liked this post, and let me know here if you followed any of the tips!
xoxo
What do you think?