Why I love Singapore

“What I love most about Singapore are the sharp and constant contrasts: smoky temples in the shadow of skyscrapers, luxe condos backing onto jungle, old-school shophouses housing secret cocktail dens. I can travel the world without ever leaving the island. One minute I'm in the 'Hong Kong' wet markets and malls of Chinatown, the next the 'Mumbai' street scenes of Little India, the next the red-light 'Patpong, Bangkok'...” Read More

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Cristian Bonetto
Writer

Top experiences in Singapore

Recent articles

Neighbourhood watch: five Singapore micro-'burbs on the rise

Already know your way around central Singapore? Just a stone's throw beyond, a clutch of bustling neighbourhoods home to quirky shops, trendy eateries and cool bars are just waiting to be explored. So head out and experience the up-and-coming areas of Singapore that won't stay a secret for long.

Mountains of spices, dried fish and condiments on sale in a traditional Tiong Bahru grocer's shop © Andrew Too Boon Tan / Getty Images
Ria de Jong
Lonely Planet Writer

Durian 101: everything you need to know about Southeast Asia's ‘King of Fruits’

In Southeast Asia, you don’t need to go looking for durian. The powerful odour of this boulder-like fruit will find you. Many travellers lose their appetite when the boisterously ripe whiff of durian stings their nostrils. But hold your nose: sampling the iconic ‘King of Fruits’ is a rite of passage and allows you to tap into intriguing aspects of Asian food cultures.

After all, it’s not just the nutritious qualities of durian that make them so highly prized. The fruit’s significance is also reflected in idiom: in Indonesia, unexpected windfalls are compared to ripe durian toppling from a tree. Selecting and eating durian is part science, part art-form, and marvellously sociable. Here’s everything you need to know about this most notorious of Asian delicacies.
Anita Isalska
Lonely Planet Writer

Singapore's best bars with a view

Peppered with futuristic skyscrapers such as the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel, the Singapore skyline is truly a sight to behold. As the sun begins to set and the temperature drops, head up to one of these sky-high bars to experience this city from its best angle – drink in hand.

Sip a cocktail at Cé La Vi, perched on top of Singapore's iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Image by Kylie McLaughlin / Lonely Planet Images / Getty Images
Ria de Jong
Lonely Planet Writer
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Travel guides

Starting at $13.99

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Singapore adventures

$3049 Small group tours

Bangkok to Bali on a Shoestring

Slurp down rice noodles under the streetlights of Bangkok and wander the paddies and temples of Java – this epic adventure covers the best of Southeast Asia. Party in chaotic Bangkok, bliss out on stunning beaches, and gaze out across the "sea of sand" from Mt Bromo’s summit at sunrise. While this tour includes a knowledgeable CEO, accommodation, and a variety of local transport, it also leaves plenty of free time for you to do what you want.
$28.36 Sightseeing tours

City Sightseeing Singapore Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

With great views from the top of the bus, strategically placed stops and an interesting commentary, this City Sightseeing tour is the best way to see the sights of Singapore. Explore Singapore with this 24- hour ticket aboard an open-top double-decker bus. See all the main sights as you hop on and hop off 22 conveniently located stops around the city.
$71.71 Nature & wildlife

Singapore Super Saver: Night Safari and River Safari

Explore the world’s freshwater rivers and nocturnal habitats on this combo tour of River Safari and Singapore Zoo Night Safari -- winner of the Singapore Tourism Awards Best Leisure Attraction Experience! Encounter more than 300 animal species at the river-themed wildlife park, from the manatees of the Amazon Flooded Forest to the Yangtze River zone where giant pandas dwell. Then take a tram through a night jungle and spot nocturnal mammals, including shy inhabitants and forest predators, before getting up close to more creatures on a guided walk. After your guide picks you up from your Singapore hotel, get ready to explore more than eight river habitats at the 30-acre (12-hectare) River Safari, home to 5,000 animals that represent more than 300 animal species. Along the way, learn about the ecosystems, unique cultures and biodiversity of the world’s iconic rivers.As you walk through Asia’s only river-themed wildlife park, discover freshwater exhibits and learn about their amazing flora and fauna. Enjoy the unique sights and sounds of each river zone, and chance a rare encounter with some of the creatures living there. See the critically endangered Mekong giant catfish, as well as giant river otters, the Chinese giant salamander and the giant freshwater stingray.Visit the Yangtze River zone’s Giant Panda Forest to see the largest panda exhibit in Southeast Asia. Observe Kai Kai and Jia Jia as they eat, play and sleep in a simulation of their natural habitat amid lush plants, boulders and water features. In the Amazon Flooded Forest, the world’s largest freshwater aquarium, you can view more than18 animal species on display – including the manatee and arapaima. Travel by boat down the ‘Amazon River’ on the Amazon River Quest, keeping a lookout for the jaguar, Brazilian tapir, capybara, giant anteater and red howler monkey.After your river tour, your guide will transport you to the Singapore Zoo, home of the world’s first nighttime zoo safari. From the safety of your open tram, roam through 98 acres (40 hectares) of secondary jungle enhanced by subtle moon-glow lighting. Experience the thrill of traveling through the grounds after dusk, when the mystery and drama of the tropical jungle awakens. When you’ve spotted exciting wildlife, disembark from your safari vehicle and follow your guide along a walking trail for a chance to see more animals at closer quarters. You'll pass a large reservoir and weave through habitats specially designed to replicate the natural environment, from the Himalayan foothills to the Southeast Asian rainforest and the Indian subcontinent.Your tour ends with return transport to your hotel in Singapore.

$28.69 Guided tours

Singapore's Colonial District Walking Tour

Go back in time and discover Singapore’s colonial past on this Colonial District Walking Tour. Learn about the long-lasting effect Britain has had on Singapore’s governance, religion and entertainment as you visit cathedrals, walk historic streets and enjoy a rare view of the cityscape from atop the Supreme Court Viewing Deck! Modern-day Singapore is known for its fusion of the East and the West due to its colonial legacy. As a former British colony, Singapore reeks with British influence. On this walking tour of its colonial district, you’ll step back in time to the days of Sir Stamford Raffles, the British officer who founded Singapore in the early 1800s.Start off by visiting the Singapore Supreme Court. Walk up to the viewing deck for fantastic views of the city. Next, explore the 150-year-old Saint Andrew’s Cathedral, a place of worship for colonial British officials and a casualty station to care for the wounded during the Japanese invasion. Head to the Armenian Church – the oldest Christian church in Singapore – to discover the history of Singapore’s Armenian community and enjoy the beautiful architecture amid the verdant tropical fauna. At CHIJMES – a beautiful former Catholic convent that is today an entertainment, shopping and dining center – listen to stories about French missionaries. Finally, re-live the nostalgia of the Golden Era of Travel at one of Singapore's last remaining grand bungalows, now better known as the Raffles Hotel.

$28.36 Sightseeing tours

City Sightseeing Singapore Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

With great views from the top of the bus, strategically placed stops and an interesting commentary, this City Sightseeing tour is the best way to see the sights of Singapore. Explore Singapore with this 24- hour ticket aboard an open-top double-decker bus. See all the main sights as you hop on and hop off 22 conveniently located stops around the city.
$123.35 Sightseeing tours

5-Day Singapore City Pass: Night Tour, Marina Bay Tour and Universal Studios Singapore®

Make the most of your visit to Singapore with this 5-day city pass that gives you access to the city’s most popular attractions and activities. Enjoy sightseeing tours all over the city, including the Night Adventure Tour and the Marina Bay Hop-On Hop-Off Tour, all giving you lovely views of city sights on board either a retrofitted amphibious vehicle or open-top bus! As a bonus, your pass includes local discounts and admission to three of Singapore’s exciting attractions including Universal Studios Singapore.
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