Discover Why Singapore Is More Than a Stopover Destination

Thanks to its major international airport and proximity to many Southeast Asian countries, Singapore is considered one of the world's best stopover destinations. But it's actually so much more than that! One of only three city-states in the world, Singapore is a cultural hub that hosts many iconic attractions, beautiful greenspaces, thrill-seeking adventures and culinary delights. No matter what your travel style is, you could easily spend your entire vacation exploring the sights and sounds of this incredible land.

• Savour the flavours
• Discover iconic attractions
• Immerse yourself in culture
• Experience all the thrills
• Explore tranquil greenspaces

Singapore has a multitude of cuisines, each boasting its unique flavour and cultural heritage. From the flavorful Singapore Chili Crab to the ever-popular Hainanese Chicken Rice, there are dishes for every palate.

There is a large collection of Michelin-starred restaurants, Hawker centres (open-air complexes with vendors that sell a variety of affordable meals) and unique eateries to choose from. Mustard Seed, Labyrinth and Rempapa feature traditional Singaporean food and are a small selection of the 55 Michelin-starred restaurants in the city. 

If you’re interested in the Hawker experience, there are over 100 options to choose from. These open-air complexes offer a wide variety of good food at very affordable prices and are an indispensable pillar of the Singaporean way of life. Some popular Hawker centres include the Newton Food Centre, famously featured in the movie Crazy Rich Asians; Lau Pa Sat, which is the go-to spot in the Central Business District; and Maxwell Food Centre, located in Chinatown and famous for their chicken rice and dim sum. 

For a more unique experience, try Breakfast in the Wild at the Singapore Zoo, eat on the Singapore River aboard a dining cruise, take in the views on a Cable Car Sky Dining ride or catch your own dinner at Smith Marine. 

If you’re a cocktail connoisseur there are plenty of options to quench your thirst. The bustling nightlife of Singapore is full of exceptional bars and beverage experiences. From Atlas, a grand lobby and bar, to secret speakeasys like The Dragon Chamber, discovering your next favourite drink is easy to come by. You could literally spend days dining and experimenting with new cuisine and cocktails in Singapore. Eat, cheers, sleep, repeat. 

Art galleries, museums, unique architecture and more await in Singapore. Starting at the Jewel Changi Airport there is something for everyone. From alternate reality dinosaur quests and the Shiseido Forest Valley to hedge and mirror mazes, there’s endless entertainment at the airport alone. 

From there, explore art galleries such as the Old Parliament House (known currently as the Arts House) or the National Gallery of Singapore. The Marina Bay Sands®  is a landmark destination like no other, boasting the world’s largest rooftop Infinity Pool perched 200 metres in the air. While you’re visiting, be sure to check out the iconic ArtScience Museum™, as well as the scenic Gardens by the Bay. 

For family activities full of fun, check out some of these hot spots: the Museum of Ice Cream, the S.E.A. Aquarium, the Science Centre Singapore or the Children’s Museum! The Mandai Wildlife Reserve also hosts several family-friendly attractions including Bird Paradise, Night Safari and the Singapore Zoo. 

For more unique architectural wonders, visit CHIJMES, a converted convent and orphanage featuring several Colonial and Anglo-French Gothic architectural components — with a vibrant food and beverage scene. 

If getting outdoors is more your fix, visit the iconic Merlion Park and view the sculpture of Singapore’s national icon, the mythical Merlion. Another great outdoor activity is to take a stroll down the unique Helix Bridge, the longest pedestrian bridge in Singapore. Modelled after the double helix structure of DNA, it symbolizes “life and continuity, renewal and growth.”

Singapore is a cultural hub like no other. Derived from an assortment of religions, cultures and communities, there are countless temples, mosques, churches and synagogues to be explored. Not only are these sites rich with Singaporean history and culture, but they are also architectural marvels. 

Explore the converging cultures of the Peranakans (persons of mixed Chinese and Malay/Indonesian heritage) in Katong-Joo Chiat. As you wander through the lively neighbourhood, see the unique architecture of shophouses, shop in charming retail stores and indulge in Nyonya cuisine at Peranakan restaurants.  

Over in Little India, the Sri Mariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore and is intricately adorned with sculptures of deities and mythological figures. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Mariamman, known for her power to cure illnesses and diseases.

Discover the historic district of Chinatown and explore the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum, a beautifully designed Tang-styled Chinese Buddhist temple. The museum’s wide range of exhibits and workshops tell stories of thousands-year-old culture. 

In the Kampong Gelam district, the Sultan Mosque is a must-visit place of worship. Get a spiritual glimpse into the Singaporean Muslim community at one of the country’s most impressive religious buildings. This mosque has gigantic golden domes, decorated with glass bottle ends, and a huge prayer hall.

There are so many adrenaline-filled activities to get your blood pumping in Singapore. Sentosa Island and the main city centre have plenty to offer for the thrill-seeking traveller. 

Water, theme and adventure parks await on Sentosa Island. Adventure Cove Waterpark™ is an aquatic adventure park featuring exciting water rides, marine-life encounters and so many fun activities to cool down on a hot day. Universal Studios Singapore offers six unique themed zones for adrenaline seekers and families alike. 3D experiences, intense roller coasters full of flips and turns, and the Canopy Flyer are just a few of the dozens of rides and attractions. To get sky-high, the Mega Adventure Park is the place for you. From ziplining and aerial ropes courses to bungee trampolines, the adventure park has it all and is family friendly. Or if skydiving is more your thing, experience it indoors at iFly Singapore. This is a fun way to get that skydive experience without jumping out of a plane. 

If you prefer to lounge by the beach, there are many beautiful beaches dotting the coasts of Singapore. Siloso Beach, Palawan Beach and Tanjong Beach are on Sentosa Island and host restaurants, parks and tranquil spaces. The East Coast Park and Beach is also a scenic paradise on the main island perfect for family fun. 

Slow down from the hustle and bustle of the city and be sure to check out some of the tranquil parks and gardens Singapore has to offer. The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a great place to start and a must-see stop on your vacation. This 60-acre UNESCO World Heritage Site is the home of Swan Lake, the National Orchid Garden (featuring the world’s largest collection of orchids), the Learning Forest and several other stunning gardens. 

Gardens by the Bay offers unparalleled natural beauty. From the Cloud Forest to the Supertree grove, this horticultural paradise is worth exploring. Stick around at dusk and see the magical Garden Rhapsody and watch the Supertrees light up the sky. 

There are many great trails to hike and explore in Singapore, too. The Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve, Henderson Waves and the MacRitchie Nature Trail and Reservoir Park are just a few to mention. Trek through kilometers of unique natural wonders in each of these greenspaces.

This sponsored story was written by Flight Centre Canada on behalf of the Singapore Tourism Board.