Singapore is a city-state in Southeast Asia, serving as both country and capital at the same time. The destination is known for its cleanliness, good infrastructure and clear division into districts, each with its own character. It is also one of the cleanest countries in Asia. Modern urban development here merges with cultural influences from China, Malaysia and India.
During a vacation to Singapore, you get to experience a compact city that is easy to explore. Sights are relatively close together and public transportation is well organized. This country is often visited as a short city break, stopover or as part of a longer tour through Asia. On this page you will find practical information on what to do in Singapore, complemented by tips on dining, shopping and other relevant issues for a well-prepared Singapore vacation.
What to do in Singapore
While staying in Singapore, there are several activities you can put on your schedule! With many varied activities, this special country has something fun for everyone.
Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is a large natural park in the center of the city that combines greenery with modern architecture. The park is best known for the Supertrees, tall structures that provide shade during the day and are part of a light and music show at night. From the Supertree Observatory you have views of Marina Bay and the skyline.
There are also indoor sections such as the Flower Dome, with plant species from arid and Mediterranean climates, and the Cloud Forest, a cool greenhouse with a large indoor waterfall and walkways along vegetation at altitude.
Universal Studios Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore is located on Sentosa Island and consists of seven themed areas based on famous movies and series. Each area has its own layout and type of attractions, making the park conveniently arranged.
- Hollywood - The entrance area of the park, with shows, stores and a classic movie studio atmosphere.
- New York - Inspired by the streets and skyline of New York, with live entertainment and attractions.
- Sci-Fi City - Futuristic themed area with larger attractions, including Transformers: The Ride.
- Ancient Egypt - Shaped around temples and desert landscapes, with the roller coaster Revenge of the Mummy.
- The Lost World - Based on Jurassic Park and WaterWorld, with water attractions and shows.
- Far Far Away - The Shrek-themed area, aimed at families with younger children.
- Minion Land - A colorful area around the Minions, with family-oriented attractions.
Singapore Zoo
The Singapore Zoo is known for its spacious and open layout. Animals reside here in natural surroundings with no visible fences. Walking through the green and shaded paths, you will discover animal species from all over the world, from elephants and giraffes to tigers and orangutans.
Singapore Night Safari
The Night Safari focuses on animals that are especially active in the evening and at night. The park consists of open habitats designed to show the natural behavior of the animals. Visitors explore the area after sunset by streetcar or via lighted walking trails. The Night Safari is located next to the Singapore Zoo and is often combined with a daytime visit.
Adventure Cove Waterpark
Adventure Cove Waterpark is located on Sentosa Island and focuses on water recreation for different age groups. The park features slides, pools and a tranquil lazy river. A special feature is the snorkeling area, where visitors can swim among tropical fish and rays in a controlled environment.
Singapore Oceanarium
The Oceanarium is a large-scale aquarium with exhibits on ocean life. Several zones highlight marine areas and ecosystems, focusing on fish species, sharks and rays. The layout is uncluttered and combines visual presentations with educational information about marine wildlife and sustainability.
Other sights
In addition to the main activities, there are several places that provide insight into urban construction, history and cultural diversity.
- Helix Bridge - Pedestrian bridge at Marina Bay, designed in the form of a double helix and best known as a connecting route and viewpoint.
- Singapore River - Historic river that played an important role in its development as a trading town, with walking trails along former warehouses.
- Chinatown - District with temples, markets and traditional shophouses, where Chinese heritage is visible in the streetscape.
- Little India - Cultural district with Indian influences, characterized by temples, stores and eateries.
Sentosa Island - Recreational island with beaches, attractions and hiking areas, accessible from downtown.
- National Museum of Singapore - Museum highlighting the country's history and social development through permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Food and drink
The food reflects the cultural makeup of the country. Influences from Chinese, Malay and Indian cuisine are evident in ingredients, preparation methods and eating habits. Many meals are consumed outdoors.
Hawker Centres form the basis of the local food culture. These are indoor dining venues with dozens of permanent stalls, each specializing in one or a few dishes. Centers such as Maxwell Food Centre and Lau Pa Sat are very popular with both tourists and locals. Here you will eat Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, char kway teow, nasi lemak and various noodle soups, among other dishes. The dishes are often simply composed, but strong in flavor and based on traditional recipes.
In addition to Hawker Centres, there are many (international) restaurants, food courts and other eateries. Due to clear hygiene regulations and strict controls, food safety is well regulated. This makes it easy for travelers to eat at different places without much preparation.
Shopping
For shopaholics, this city-state also has plenty to offer. The selection is wide and convenient. Most major shopping centers are located along Orchard Road, which is known as the main shopping street. Several shopping areas are also located around Marina Bay, HarbourFront and along the Singapore River. Many centers combine stores with restaurants and other amenities.
Price differences with the Netherlands are limited, so buying electronics or luxury products usually brings little benefit. Custom-made items, such as a tailored suit, can be interesting, though. From late May through July, the Great Singapore Sale takes place, with many stores offering temporary discounts.
Combine with a cruise
Singapore is frequently used as a starting or ending point for cruises through Asia. The city has a modern cruise port and is easily accessible by international flight, making it easy to combine a stay with a cruise in the region. People often choose to spend a few days in the city prior to or after the cruise.
Florivida's offerings include cruises with the Disney Adventure, with Singapore serving as the embarkation point and the itinerary continuing on to other Asian destinations, including Hong Kong. This combination makes it possible to visit multiple cities and countries within one trip, without intermediate flights, with Singapore as a convenient and convenient starting point.
View here this combination trip!
Practical Tips
Singapore is convenient and well organized, but it also has clear rules and practical concerns. By taking these into account in advance, a visit usually goes smoothly and without surprises.
- Time in Singapore - Singapore operates one time zone and has no summer or winter time. The time difference with the Netherlands is six hours in winter and seven hours in summer.
- Public transportation - Public transportation consists of subway, buses and cabs and is reliable and convenient. Virtually all sights are easy to reach without a car.
- Language - English is an official language and is widely used in everyday life. Communication in hotels, restaurants and public transportation is therefore smooth.
- Climate - The climate is hot and humid year-round with frequent short showers. Light clothing is recommended.
- Pay - Pin cards and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Cash is especially convenient for smaller purchases and markets.
- Haggling - In malls and regular stores, prices are fixed and haggling is not common. In local markets, bargaining is sometimes possible, but limited.
- Travel documents - Entry requires a passport valid for at least six months upon arrival. No visa is required in advance for tourist stays.
- Overnight - Sentosa Island is a popular location for overnight stays, mainly because of its resorts, beaches and recreational facilities. The island is a short distance from downtown and is easily accessible. Check out our recommendations here!
Would you like to receive more tips or information? Please feel free to contact on with one of our travel experts!
Vacations to Singapore with Florivida
A vacation to Singapore is often combined with other destinations in Asia or used as a stopover. Florivida advises on suitable itineraries, length of stay and combinations, tailored to personal travel plans.
In doing so, you benefit from substantive destination knowledge, customization and support in practical preparation, so that the trip is logically structured and fits well with the rest of the itinerary.
View our tours To Singapore!
Plan a (online) appointment in to put together your own trip!