The ultimate things to do in Singapore

You can’t miss Singapore’s National Museum, its eye-catching dome seemingly coated with hundreds of silvery fish scales. It could do with a few more artefacts, but among the most memorable items in the museum include 14th-century gold jewellery and the mysterious Singapore Stone, all that remains of an inscribed monolith that once stood near the mouth of the Singapore River.

Forming the core of downtown Singapore is the Colonial District, where British residents used to promenade. Each surrounding enclave has its own distinct flavour, from Little India with its aromatic spice stores to the tumbledown backstreets of Chinatown, where it’s still possible to find calligraphers and fortune-tellers, or Arab Street (Kampung Glam), whose cluttered shops sell fine cloths and perfumes.

A visit to the Botanic Gardens is one of the most pleasant things to do in Singapore, what with its 1930s bandstand, mini-rainforest and over 10,000 species of plants. Needless to say it’s also an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and definitely counts as one of the loveliest spots in all of Singapore. The star attraction, however, is the National Orchid Garden, where some of the hybrids are named after visiting film stars.

In the Mandai area of northern Singapore, bordering on a reservoir, are three significant zoos: Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and River Safari (combination tickets available). What makes the Night Safari one of the best things to do in Singapore, though, are the animals you might spot, including giant fruit bats, Asian elephants and incredibly cute fishing cats. You can take a tram that trundles through two-thirds of the site, otherwise you can get up close by exploring by foot, although some of the zones are off-limits.

Wondering what to do in Singapore where you can really let your hair down? Just off Singapore’s southern coast is the small island of Sentosa, home to high-profile attractions like Resorts World and Universal Studios Singapore (and a Madame Tussauds). The island is covered with fun activities for all ages, ranging from water parks and beaches to luxury hotels and golf courses - there’s something for everyone.

Just east of the Padang is the start of downtown Singapore’s newest district, Marina Bay. Make time for the Esplanade Theatres, nicknamed ‘the durians’ due to its spiky roof. Nicknames aside, it forms part of the Marina Centre, a district of shopping malls, hotels and conference venues. Marina South is home to the iconic, three-towered Marina Bay Sands hotel, and you can round your whole Marina Bay experience off with incredible views from the SkyPark. Make sure you swing by at night, when a 15 minute light show lights up the surrounding area.

Whichever Singapore holidays you’re looking at, tasting the local cuisine of the city-state is a delicious affair - and doesn’t have to be an expensive one, either. Hawker centres and food courts are filled with stalls and vendors where you can choose from a mix and match of Asian dishes, fast-food style, at really low prices; you can eat like a king for S$8. Otherwise, there’s a whole range of restaurants to visit, ranging from no-frills, open-fronted eating-houses and coffee shops to swanky establishments serving any cuisine you can think of. One of the best old-school hawker centres on the island has to be Little India’s Tekka Market Food Centre. It’s generally steamy, hot and busy there: the Indian and Malay stalls are especially worthwhile, and look out for exceptional Indian rojak (assorted fritters with sweet dips).