A Tourist Guide to Singapore

Singapore is one of the most popular destinations in Asia. Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, this vibrant and bustling city-state is a melting pot of cultures, with a wide array of attractions, activities and experiences that make it a great destination for first-time visitors. With its unique blend of modernity and tradition, Singapore is a city where East meets West, making it home to some of the most beautiful and iconic sights in the world.

A Brief History of Singapore

Singapore has a long and rich history that stretches back over 600 years. In the late 14th century, Singapore was an important trading post for the Sumatran kingdom of Srivijaya, as well as for other kingdoms in the region. The British arrived in Singapore in 1819 and established it as a trading port. Over the following decades, Singapore developed into a hub for trade and commerce in Southeast Asia, with increasing numbers of immigrants from China, India and the Malay Archipelago. During World War II, Singapore fell to Japanese forces in 1942, but was liberated by Allied forces three years later.

In 1959, Singapore achieved self-government and joined the Federation of Malaysia two years later. In 1965, it withdrew from the federation and gained full independence, becoming the Republic of Singapore. Today, Singapore is widely regarded as one of the most prosperous countries in Asia, with a strong economy and highly developed infrastructure. It is also known as one of the world’s major financial centers, with a bustling business district, modern shopping malls and an exciting nightlife.

What to See in Singapore

Singapore is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for world-class museums, cultural attractions or outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone here. Here are some of the top things to see in Singapore:

The Gardens by the Bay

The Gardens by the Bay is one of Singapore’s most iconic attractions and a must-see for any visitor to the city. Located in Marina Bay, this 101-hectare park features a variety of stunning gardens and attractions, including two conservatories – the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest – that host a diverse range of plants from around the world. Other highlights include the OCBC Skyway – an elevated bridge that provides stunning views of the gardens – as well as Supertree Grove – a collection of towering “trees” with spectacular light displays at night.

Sentosa Island

Located just off the coast of Singapore is Sentosa Island, home to some of the city’s best attractions. A popular destination for locals and tourists alike, Sentosa Island features a variety of attractions, including Universal Studios Singapore – a world-class theme park – as well as Palawan Beach – a family-friendly beach with crystal-clear waters and plenty of activities. Other highlights include the S.E.A Aquarium – one of the largest aquariums in the world – as well as Adventure Cove Waterpark – an exciting waterpark with thrilling slides and a lazy river.

Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo is one of the city’s most beloved attractions. Located on 28 hectares of rainforest, this sprawling wildlife park is home to more than 2,500 animals representing over 300 species. Highlights include daily animal shows – featuring performances by otters, sea lions and elephants – as well as a variety of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to get up close and personal with some of nature’s most amazing creatures.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is another popular destination for visitors to the city. Set on 74 hectares of rainforest, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features a variety of stunning gardens – including a National Orchid Garden with more than 1,000 species of orchids from around the world – as well as an array of attractions, such as sculptures and a stunning lake filled with fish and turtles.

Popular Tours in Singapore

Singapore offers a variety of tours that are perfect for first-time visitors who want to explore all that the city has to offer. Here are two popular tours that are sure to be an unforgettable experience:

Singapore City Tour

Discover all the highlights of Singapore on this comprehensive tour that takes you to some of the city’s most iconic attractions, such as Chinatown, Little India and Marina Bay. The tour includes stops at key landmarks such as Merlion Park – home to Singapore’s famous Merlion statue – as well as Gardens by the Bay – where you can explore two spectacular conservatories filled with exotic plants from around the world. During your tour you will also have plenty of opportunities to shop at local markets and sample delicious local cuisine. Book a Singapore City Tour here.

Singapore Night Safari

Take an evening journey into Singapore’s wild side on this popular tour that takes you on an adventure through one of Asia’s largest nocturnal wildlife parks. During your tour you will get up close and personal with some of nature’s most amazing creatures – including tigers, elephants and leopards – as you explore 40 hectares of lush rainforest. Along the way you will also learn about the local flora and fauna, as well as get an insight into traditional culture and beliefs. Book a Singapore Night Safari here.

Conclusion

From its iconic sights to its unique cultural attractions and experiences, Singapore is truly one of Asia’s top destinations for first-time visitors. Whether you’re looking for world-class museums or outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone here. From exploring The Gardens by the Bay to taking an evening safari through one of Asia’s largest wildlife parks, there are plenty of experiences to be had in this vibrant city-state. So grab your camera and get ready to explore all that Singapore has to offer!