Best Museums in Singapore 

By Alex Birungi

Wandering the galleries and halls of a well-curated museum is a wonderful way to while away the hours. Lucky for museum lovers, Singapore is packed with blockbuster art galleries, top-notch museums, and one-of-a-kind cultural institutions. From contemporary art and natural history to thought-provoking science and technology - whatever your interests, there is a museum in Singapore to explore. Here's our list of the best museums in Singapore.

National Museum of Singapore

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The National Museum of Singapore is the oldest and largest museum in the city and should be your first port of call. Opened in 1887, the museum is housed in a stately 19th-century Neo-Palladium-style building with a beautiful glass rotunda. Take a moment to admire the exquisite architecture – it’s a work of art in itself.

The museum houses two main galleries - the Singapore History Gallery and the Singapore Living Galleries. Start in the Singapore History Gallery and learn the intriguing history of Singapore from its humble beginnings in the 14th century to the present day. Interactive and immersive exhibitions highlight Singapore’s development into a global powerhouse.

Your next stop is the Singapore Living Galleries where you’ll exhibits themed around food, fashion, film, and photography. Don’t miss the museum's permanent exhibition, Story of the Forest, which brings the treasured William Farquhar Collection to life through a fantastic digital presentation. Use your pass to gain access to this fantastic museum.

Opening hours:

Daily: 10AM – 7PM

Singapore Art Museum

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If you’re a lover of contemporary Asian art, the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is a treat! The museum exhibits artworks in multiple spaces, including a satellite space at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, and the main building along Bras Basah Road. This is the one you want to visit not only to marvel at the beautiful architecture of the heritage buildings but to see some impressive art, too.

The main wing of the museum is housed in the former St Joseph’s Institution – the oldest Catholic boys’ school in Singapore. With a striking design that harkens back to the European Renaissance, you’ll be amazed by its beauty before even seeing any art.

The museum’s extraordinary collection of 20th-century Asian art is exhibited in small and unusual gallery spaces. Nooks and crannies hold impressive works across various mediums and around every corner is another delight.

While the museum has never presented blockbuster exhibitions due to its size, it does take part in the Singapore Biennale, and if you’re around for that, it’s well worth visiting.

Opening hours:

Mon – Thu: 10AM – 7PM

Fri: 10AM – 9PM

Sat - Sun: 10AM – 7PM

National Gallery Singapore

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Another luminary in Singapore’s art world, the National Gallery Singapore is huge! The largest visual art gallery of its kind in the city, it's packed with the world’s largest collection of Southeast Asian art from the 19th century to the present. And there are interactive installations and exhibits for the kids too, so make a day of exploring this glorious behemoth.

Housed in the former Supreme Court and City Hall building, the sprawling museum building is an architectural wonder in itself. Inside, vast galleries display over 8,000 modern Southeast Asian artworks. Wander around the airy exhibition spaces and admire works by pioneer Singaporean artists like Cheong Soo Pieng and Georgette Chen. You’ll need more than a few hours to explore the entire museum.

Head to the Keppel Centre for Art Education where the kids can get creative with a range of artful and active learning activities. When you need to re-energize, the museum has several casual cafés and fine dining restaurants. Head up to the rooftop cocktail bar, Smoke and Mirrors, for a quiet drink and spectacular views of the city.

Don’t forget to use your pass to get free access to the National Gallery Singapore. Your pass also allows you to join complimentary tours like Highlights of the Gallery and Building Highlights

Beyond their exhibitions and programs, National Gallery Singapore houses a range of art-inspired shops and restaurants, including the three MICHELIN-starred Odette, and one MICHELIN-starred Art.

Top Tip: Avoid long queues and visit on a weekday and book your tickets in advance.

Opening hours:

Mon – Thu: 10AM – 7PM

Fri: 10AM – 9PM

Sat - Sun: 10AM – 7PM

ArtScience Museum

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No matter what your age, visiting Singapore’s ArtScience Museum is a must! Based in a striking building overlooking Marina Bay, the museum brings together culture and technology in fascinating ways. Wander around internationally acclaimed exhibitions that explore the fusion of art and science with some amazing interactive multimedia.

You can’t miss the museum building. Designed by Israeli architect Moshe Safdie, it looks like a gently unfurling lotus flower. Inside, the art continues with a variety of world-class exhibitions. Marvel at works by Eames, Dalí, Warhol, and Van Gogh or travel back in time to the world of dinosaurs and Genghis Khan. You’ll also find film sets and props from blockbuster films like Harry Potter and Titanic. Don’t miss the interactive journey of lights, digital art, and magic show designed by Japanese arts collective teamLab.

The ArtScience Museum is part of the luxurious Marina Bay Sands complex. Why not head up to the CÉ LA VI SkyBar on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands for a drink against a backdrop of breathtaking vistas. Use your pass to enjoy a complimentary drink and kick back and enjoy the views.

Opening hours:

Daily: 10AM – 7PM

Asian Civilisations Museum

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Singapore is a cultural melting pot and one of the best places to delve into its rich multicultural roots is at the Asian Civilisations Museum . You’ll find the museum at the stunning Empress Place, fittingly located at the mouth of the Singapore River, once the center of global trade.

Meander around the galleries boasting thousands of artifacts relating to different cultures from around the continent. Gain an integrated perspective of pan-Asian cultures and civilizations and discover how they have come to define Singapore as it is today.

When you are done, relax over a coffee at the museum café and take in the beautiful views of the Singapore River and city skyline. Visit the museum store and pick up a few stylish Singaporean design gifts. Remember to use your pass to gain free access to this museum.

Opening hours:

Daily: 10AM – 7PM

Fri: 10AM – 9PM

Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum

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The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is a treasure trove of natural history and museum that needs a few hours of exploration. An impressive collection of more than 2,000 specimens of Southeast Asian fauna and flora is spread across two floors and 15 zones. You’ll find a wealth of fascinating finds from the skeleton of a sperm whale to 150-million-year-old dinosaur fossils.

Apollonia, Prince and Twinky - three humungous dinosaur skeletons greet you in the main atrium of the museum and your journey through the history of the natural world begins. Wander through themed galleries of fungi, plants, and mammals; get up close to dinosaur bones, and see the largest species of turtle ever recorded.

Take a stroll through the museum’s beautifully themed gardens from mangroves to dryland swamps and marvel at the cliff-like façade and living museum of local plants on the front of the building.

Opening hours:

Thu - Sun: 10AM – 5PM

The National Design Centre of Singapore

A nexus for all things, the National Design Centre of Singapore is a design lover's paradise. Housed in an art décor building in the trendy Bras Basah-Bugis arts and culture district, the center hosts design exhibitions and events that draw Singapore’s coolest crowd.

Discover the evolution of Singaporean design at the permanent exhibit, 50 Years of Singapore Design, or attend one of the many art-centric events promoting Singapore’s design scene. Check out Hong Kong-based cult lifestyle and design boutique, kapok NDC for stylish apparel. After all that browsing and shopping, put your feet up and enjoy a cocktail at Tanuki Raw.

Opening hours:

Daily: 9AM – 9PM

Indian Heritage Centre

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The Indian Heritage Centre may not be up there with the big guns, but it’s a great little museum that focuses on Indian and South Asian history and is well worth a visit.

Located in the heart of the Little India Heritage District, the four-story Heritage Center features chronologically arranged themed galleries that explore the distinctive Indian cultural heritage of Singapore. Activity spaces and interactive displays add an element of fun and special gallery houses touring exhibitions.

You can use your pass to visit this fascinating museum, and don’t forget to swing by the museum shop to pick up a souvenir or two after your visit.

Opening hours:

Tues - Sun: 10AM – 6PM

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What would a visit to a major international city be without popping into Madame Tussauds?

Head to the Singapore outpost at Imbiah Lookout at Sentosa for a few selfies with the stars. Mingle with the usual coterie of international celebrities in the A-List Party section like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. You’ll also see local superstars like Gurmit Singh, Jack Neo, and Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong.

Hop on the Spirit of Singapore Boat Ride for a multi-sensory journey through Singapore's rich culture. Sing and dance with some of Bollywood's top celebs and enjoy a 4D experience with your favorite superhero.

Bear in mind you can use your pass to gain free entry into the wax museum and enjoy all the extras at no extra cost!

Daily: 10AM – 6PM

Tues: 10AM – 5:30PM

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Cycling Singapore
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Best Cycling Routes in Singapore

By Mia Russell Beautifully green and pristinely clean, Singapore is a city that begs to be explored. And what better way than on two wheels? While there are myriad ways to explore the ‘Garden City,’ hopping on a bike and riding around on its Park Connector Network (PCN) is a great way to experience the city and get active at the same time. Home to spectacular gardens and parks, beautiful beaches, and awe-inspiring architecture, the ‘Lion City’ is packed with incredible places to explore. Feel the wind in your hair as you meander past beaches and wind your way through gardens. You’ll find plenty of places around the city that offer bike rentals. Use your pass to rent a Gogreen Bicycle and hit the road. Remember to keep your pass handy to gain entry to many of the city’s top attractions along the way. Let’s take the road less traveled and discover the city’s hidden secrets on these top cycling routes in Singapore. Southern Ridges Loop Difficulty level: Moderate Distance: 9 km The Southern Ridges are a beautiful part of Singapore and are ideal for exploring by bike. Spanning 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), the Southern Ridges comprise five parks and lovely green spaces crisscrossed with a network of trails. Start at South Buona Vista Road and make your way towards the Alexandra Arch, an 80-meter-long pedestrian bridge known as the ‘Gateway to Nature.’ Meander along the Forest Walk and take in the tranquil beauty of the dense secondary forest of Telok Blangah Hill Park. Stop at the famous Henderson Waves, the architecturally-striking 274-meter-long pedestrian bridge that connects Telok Blangah Hill Park to Mount Faber Park. Keep an eye out for rare birds such as the Drongo and Yellow Oriole. Make your way up to Mount Faber for some spectacular views of the bay and the bustling waterfront district of Harbourfront. Treat yourself to hill-top dining against a backdrop of stunning views and if you don’t feel like riding back, hop on the Singapore Cable Car with your pass and soar over Singapore’s skyline to Sentosa. Mandai Loop Difficulty level: Moderate Distance: 35 km (21 miles) This inner-city cycling route will take you through the Mandai Reserve, home to the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and River Safari, and past the Old Ford Factory. Start your ride at Rats Corner on Orchard Road and head north towards the Mandai Reserve. The reserve has several renowned mountain bike tracks, including the famous Track 15 (T15), one of the easiest trails in Singapore. Have some fun on the dirt tracks or use your pass to gain free entrance to the Singapore Zoo. Spend a few hours meeting the 300 species that call the zoo home. When you are done at Mandai, complete the loop southwards towards the city, along Bukit Timah Road. Make sure to swing past the Old Ford Factory, the historic site where Singapore surrendered to Japan in 1942, before returning to Rats Corner. Eastern Coastal Loop Difficulty level: Moderate Distance: 20 km (12 miles) to Changi, 27 km (16.7 miles) to Marina Bay Escape the city with an adventure along the East Coast of the island on this fantastic cycling route. Connecting East Coast Park and Pasir Ris Park, the Eastern Coastal Loop will take you past beautiful beaches, dense rainforests, lush wetlands, and awe-inspiring coastal landscapes. Begin your journey at East Coast Park and ride to Changi Beach Park, one of the oldest coastal parks in Singapore. Located at the northern tip of Changi, the 28-hectare beach park still retains the kampung atmosphere of bygone days and is a fantastic place to have a swim and relax. Grab a delicious meal of Goreng Pisang (banana fritters) and nasi lemak (coconut rice) at the Changi Village Hawker Centre. Make your way back to East Coast Park. If you haven’t had enough, continue riding in the opposite direction and wind your way through Gardens by the Bay. Marvel at whimsical sculptures, gigantic high-tech trees, and misty biodomes in this fantastical world of green. Use your pass for admission to the Cloud Forest home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and the Flower Dome. Northern Eastern Riverine Loop Difficulty level: Easy Distance: 26 km (15 miles) This incredible trail meanders for 26 kilometers (15 miles) through the spectacular parks and waterways of Punggol. Start at Punggol Park and make your way toward the Sungei Pinang footbridge and the Coral Plant. Cross the Sungei Pinang footbridge and admire the amazing views of the scarlet-colored Coral Plant. Head towards the Punggol Promenade and enjoy the greenery and biodiversity flourishing along the seafront as you pass by. Ride to the Lorong Halus Wetland, a scenic stretch of land on the eastern banks of the Punggol-Seletar reservoir that is home to shimmering ponds and thick reed beds. Detour past Punggol Waterway Park to see its beautiful reservoirs and impressive suspension bridges. Watch the sunset from Adventure Bridge and soak up some stunning views. Central Urban Loop Difficulty level: Moderate Distance: 36 km (22 miles) Explore the neighborhoods in the heart of Singapore and get a glimpse into the everyday life of Singaporeans. Begin your trip in Toa Payoh Town Park and make your way through Kallang Park and the Whampoa connector. Along the Whampoa Park Connector, stop by Balestier Road to sample some of the amazing food from the street hawkers. When you get to Bishan, take a break in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. Set on the banks of the Kallang River, the park is one of the biggest on the island and is the perfect place for a picnic lunch. Northern Explorer Loop Difficulty level: Moderate – Challenging Distance: 11 km (7 miles) Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and venture into Singapore’s Northernmost region to take in the beauty of Woodlands, Yishun, and Sembawang. Start from Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, a natural sanctuary of dense forests and tranquil waterways. Make your way through the five-kilometer (three-mile) Mandai Park Connector that runs alongside the beautiful Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Keep an eye out for cheeky, long-tailed Macaques who call the reserve home. The next stop is Admiralty Park, a lovely hilly park in Woodlands bisected by the Sungei Cina River. The 20-hectare park is home to a myriad of fauna and flora and offers some challenging hills if you are feeling energetic. Ride on to visit Woodlands Waterfront, one of Singapore’s longest coastal jetties, and end your adventure with a swim at the natural sand beach in Sembawang Park. Western Adventure Loop Difficulty level: Moderate – Challenging Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles) If you feel like an off-the-beaten-track adventure, then the Western Adventure Loop is perfect! This challenging route takes you through the wild west of Singapore. Start at Choa Chu Kang Park, a lovely green space with old fruit tree plantations, small streams, and an array of bird species. Cycle through the bucolic Pang Sua Park and along the Bukit Panjang Park Connector, keeping your eyes on the tree line to spot birds. Pass by the rugged terrain and untouched vegetation of Zhenghua Nature Park and cycle into the Dairy Farm Nature Park. This park is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and excellent hiking and rock climbing. Ride on to your final destination at Bukit Batok Nature Park where you’ll find a tranquil quarry pond surrounded by high cliffs. It’s the perfect place to end the day with a refreshing swim in the cool quarry waters. Coast-to-Coast (C2C) Trail Difficulty level: Moderate Distance: 36 km (22 miles) Experience all of Singapore’s diverse landscapes on this challenging 36-kilometer (22-mile) trail across the island. Beginning in the Jurong Lake Gardens in the west, you’ll make your way across the island to Coney Island Park in the northeast. The trail takes you through the Lornie Nature Corridor near the center of the island and some of Singapore’s most beautiful parks like Bukit Batok Nature Park and Hindhede. You’ll end your journey on the charming Coney Island.
Cara Merren
Singapore Spring
Blog

Things to Do in Singapore in Spring

By Mia Russell When Spring springs, Singapore sings with beautiful weather and a wealth of fun things to see and do. The vibrant, energetic city offers loads to do throughout the year, but spring is a particularly lovely time to visit as the rain has eased off, the skies are bright and blue, and temperatures are toasty. Singapore has so much on the go in spring, you’ll be hard-pressed to find time for relaxing. The city’s green spaces like Gardens on the Bay and Floral Fantasy burst into bloom and are a magical sight. The city comes alive with an array of events and festivals taking place. From the Singapore International Festival of Arts and Annual Fashion Week to the Singapore International Jazz Festival and Vesak Day, there are some amazing festivities to enjoy in the spring months. Why visit Singapore in the spring? Spring is a great time to visit Singapore if you want to avoid the worst of the heat and the rain. While temperatures are still warm (27°C / 80°F to 33°C / 91.4°F), it is slightly drier and less humid. You might experience the odd thunderstorm in the afternoon, but they are short-lived and offer a cool respite from the heat. From exploring the city’s spectacular green urban spaces to enjoying river cruises and sunset sails, let’s take a look at some of the best things to do in Singapore in spring. Hop around the city One of the best ways to see and experience Singapore is on a Big Bus Singapore tour. Use your pass to hop on of the many open-top buses and discover the sights and sounds of Singapore in a comfortable and relaxing. You can jump off at any of the stops and explore the area and hop back on when you are ready. It’s an easy, convenient, and super-flexible way of exploring the wonders of Singapore. Another fantastic way of exploring the city in the glorious spring weather is on a bike! Your pass gets you a spot on a Historical Singapore Bicycle Tour which will you take you to some of the city’s most popular sights. Explore all the hot spots like Chinatown, the Museum District, and the Clarke & Robertson Quays, as well as local markets and neighborhoods. Learn the story of Singapore and all its secrets from your expert guide and sample some of the city’s multicultural cuisine at various markets along the way. Wander around Singapore’s beautiful gardens Home to some of the most breathtaking gardens and green urban spaces in the world, Singapore (fondly known as the ‘City in a Garden’) is one of the greenest cities in the world. Make the Gardens by the Bay in Marina Bay your first stop. Here you’ll find misty biodomes full of tropical blooms, gigantic high-tech trees that light up at night, and whimsical sculptures. Use your pass to get into this fantasy world and visit the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. Top Tip: Hang around for the evening Garden Rhapsody show where the Supertrees burst into light. Next, head to the 82-hectare Singapore Botanic Gardens to meander around a tropical oasis of flourishing themed gardens home to more than 550 species. Don’t miss the National Orchid Garden and the botanical art gallery in the Gallop Extension. Celebrate the Chinese New Year This grand festival in Singapore shouldn’t be missed! Also known as the Spring Festival in Singapore, the Chinese New Year falls on the new moon day and celebrates Lunar New Year. The festival continues for 14 days with the Chinese cleaning their homes to get rid of bad luck and make room for good luck. Homes are vibrantly decorated in gold and red, and gifts are exchanged. Chinatown comes alive with dragon and lion dancing and other activities. Top Tip: Head to Chinatown to watch incredible performances by the fire eaters and lion dancers. Don't miss the wondrous Chingay Parade. See the city from the water The glorious spring weather calls for hitting the water and what better way to see Singapore’s city skyline than on a Singapore River Cruise. Use your pass to hop on a traditional bumboat and sail down the Singapore River, taking in the incredible skyline and learning the city’s history from local guides. Keep your camera handy as you pass famous sights like Raffles, the Esplanade, and the Old Parliament House. The cool breezes off the water are heaven on a hot summer’s day. Have some fun in the sun at Sentosa Park Sentosa Island is a fantastic place to enjoy the balmy spring weather with slides, rides, and tons of fun for the whole family. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, Sentosa Island boasts beautiful beaches, theme parks, an aquarium, and a subterranean casino. Hop on the Singapore Sky Cable with your pass for a thrilling ride to Sentosa Island from Mount Faber on the mainland. Take in the amazing views on the way and spend the day enjoying all the attractions on the island. Brave the exhilarating rides at Universal Studios, explore the SEA Aquarium don’t forget to use your pass), and sip cocktails at one of the swanky beach bars. Enjoy a spectacular multimedia night show at the Mount Faber Cable Car station on your return. Go on a kayaking adventure Kayaking in the calm waters around Singapore’s many islands is a fantastic way to spend a few hours. This fun, family-friendly activity is ideal for all fitness levels and ages, and you don’t need any sailing experience. Experienced guides will teach you the basics and show you some of Singapore’s secret spots along the coast. Venture to Pulau Ubin and explore the magnificent mangrove forest. Keep an eye out for wildlife like otters, mangrove lizards, and long-tailed macaques. Visit one of the island’s floating fish farms (kelongs) and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch of locally-farmed sea bass and mussels. You can even try your hand at kayak fishing and catch your own lunch! Use your pass to enjoy a Nature Kayaking Adventure at Pulau Ubin. Explore the beautiful coastline of Pulau Ubin and Pulau Ketam on this fantastic tour and soak up the spectacular natural scenery. Get Jazzy Calling all jazz lovers! Spring in Singapore is the best time for jazz music lovers to visit as the city hosts the Singapore International Jazz Festival. Held at the iconic Marina Bay Sands, this incredible three-day event features local and international acts such as Jamie Cullum, Earth Wind & Fire, and Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club. While you are at the Marina Bay Sands, head up to the SkyPark Deck on the 57th floor for some of the most incredible views of the city. Take a guided tour and learn about Singapore's history and enjoy a dip in the hotel’s famous infinity pool that seemingly floats over the city. Use your pass to enjoy a free drink from the CÉ LA VI SkyBar as you soak up the unbelievable vistas.
Go City Expert
Gardens by the Bay Singapore
Blog

How Many Days in Singapore is Enough

Find out how long you need in Singapore to experience the city's top things to do!
Adam Fraiel

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