Singapore Light Show

Free Things to do in Singapore

By Adam Fraiel

Singapore is an expensive, luxurious city, but there’s still plenty to see and do on a budget. You don’t need to break the bank to have an unforgettable Garden City experience. So, put your purse away and check out our favorite free things to do in Singapore!

Wander through Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay offers a magical experience with its lush greenery and mesmerizing nature. This multi-award winning construction is one of the most visited gardens in the world, housing the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and the largest greenhouse.

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The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are both cooled by a climate-controlled mountain mist system, meaning it’s a breath of fresh air during the hot, sticky Singapore days.

There are paid sections, however it’s free to explore a good portion of the gardens. Plus, if you time it right, you can treat yourself to a free light show in the evenings too.

Snap a selfie with the Merlion statue

The Merlion statue is Singapore’s most iconic landmark and a go-to attraction for both locals and foreigners. A mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, it’s by the waterfront and a great place for a selfie.

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Its fishlike body represents Singapore’s origins as a fishing village, while its head represents the city’s original name, Singapura (lion city) in Sanskrit.

It’s a popular spot for photographers, so try to get there early when it’s nice and quiet. You can find the statue in Merlion Park, just behind the Fullerton Hotel. Take the MRT subway to Raffles Place station or hop on bus 131.

Go green at the Singapore Botanic Gardens

Singapore’s Botanic Gardens is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Singapore and for good reason - the Gardens are blissfully serene, and many people visit the Gardens for their daily stroll through nature. The Gardens house hundreds of species of native and exotic plants, as well as a beautiful orchid garden, and serve as a home for animals such as snakes and turtles.

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Established in 1859 as a tranquil place to rest and recuperate for workers in the bustling port city, Singapore’s Botanic Gardens are accessible for all in the heart of the city. With a restaurant, cafe, as well as a playground for children, it’s the ideal spot for families, couples or just solo wanderers looking for some quiet time.

Watch the light show at Marina Bay

One thing you won’t be short of in Singapore is a light show. There are shows in the various gardens, Sentosa island, Faber Peak, and more.

Our advice: time your evening stroll so you’re around The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands just before sunset, and keep your camera handy.

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It only lasts 15 minutes, but the Spectra light show will stay with you forever. The waterworks combined with the lighting, combined with the backdrop of the Singapore skyline - perfection!

Another free light show well worth visiting is Garden Rhapsody at Gardens by the Bay. Lay beneath the Supertree Grove and soak in the heady mix of dazzling lights and orchestral soundtrack. Believe us, you’ll wish it lasted longer than just 15 minutes.

Have a day at the beach

Whatever your dream beach vacation - relaxing under a palm tree, cocktails and live music, or adrenaline-fueled watersports, you’ll find them all in Singapore.

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Sentosa houses several of the most popular beaches - Silosa, Tanjong, and Palawan being the most famous. They may be artificial, having the sand imported from Malaysia and Indonesia, but that doesn’t make them any less dreamy.

If you want to head a little further out, away from the immediate crowds, consider a trip to St. John’s Island. You can’t stay on the island, so take a ferry for a day trip from Singapore’s main Marina South Pier. With lagoons, caves, and mangroves to explore, be sure to pack a waterproof camera.

Stargaze at Seletar Rocket Tower

Dreaming of strange new worlds? Head to Seletar Rocket Tower for a spot of stargazing.

Seletar Rocket Tower is a rocket launch pad in Singapore. Built in 1961 by the Royal Air Force, the tower is now used as an observation tower for stargazers.

Built on a hill, the tower is 120 meters tall (about 400 feet) and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding areas. It’s accessible by stairs or by lift; however, the stairs are steep. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, try the spiral staircase that leads to the topmost platform of the tower.

On clear nights, you can see the moon, stars, and even constellations. The best time to go is during the summer months, from April to September, when the sky is clearest but, even if it’s cloudy, you’ll still get a spectacular view of the city.

Take a hike

For the more active travelers out there, Singapore is full of various hikes and walking routes, catering to a gentle stroll with kids up to a 39km, 12-hour coast-to-coast hike.

While the 39km route might be a little extreme, the shorter routes are a nature lover’s dream. The MacRitchie Reservoir has the perfect mix of shorter, more accessible boardwalk trails and longer, more advanced hikes.

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Whichever you choose, you’ll be wandering through the rainforest with the chance to spot monkeys, lemurs, and rare exotic birds. There’s even a treetop walk across a suspension bridge 25 meters high.

It’s free to enter, opening daily from 6AM until 7PM.

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Adam Fraiel
Go City Travel Expert

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Woman looking across the water to the Singapore Flyer
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Singapore for Adults - Activities and Attractions

Singapore is one big amusement park for grown-ups, with hundreds of fun and unusual things to do, from night safaris to Singapore Slings and slurping zingy chili crab with black pepper from hawker stalls. Add world-class galleries and museums, dizzyingly high observation wheels and platforms, gardens bursting with colorful blooms and bone-white beaches so pristine we swear you’d eat your dinner off them if it wasn’t for all that pesky sand. No list of Singapore activities for adults can ever claim to be truly comprehensive and nor does ours. Here, instead, are 10 of our favorite things to do in Singapore for adults, including... Dinner on the Singapore Flyer A Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel SkyPark views at Marina Bay Sands An authentic tea-tasting experience Sizzling Sentosa island A hike through the treetops The best street food in Singapore Get Snap-Happy in the Gardens by the Bay You’ll recognize the Gardens by the Bay from their much-photographed Supertree Grove: soaring tree-like structures that light up at night and are connected by an elevated walkway. Grab your camera and beat the Instagram influencers at their own game, then mosey on over to the veritable explosion of color and scent that is the Flower Dome, only the biggest greenhouse on the planet. Cooler and more misty inside, the neighboring Cloud Forest conservatory also makes for some atmospheric snaps (assuming your lens doesn’t fog up). Follow the sound of the world’s tallest indoor waterfall through a forest of vines, ferns and aromatic orchids. Sip a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel Raffles and its signature gin cocktail are as synonymous with Singapore as skyscrapers and orchids, making this colonial-era 19th-century icon a must-visit on any trip to the Garden City. And it would be remiss while there not to sample their Singapore Sling, a tropical blend of gin, cherry brandy, pineapple, grenadine, lime juice and bitters first concocted by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon here in 1915 and a favorite of visitors to the hotel’s Long Bar – including literary giants like Hemingway, Kipling and Greene – ever since. National Gallery of Singapore Anyone with even a passing appreciation of fine art will find much to admire at Singapore’s National Gallery in the Civic District. Focusing primarily on modern and contemporary artworks from Singapore and southeast Asia, its collection of over 9,000 pieces dates from the late 19th Century to the present day and (a common theme in this supersize city!) is the largest of its kind in the world. Don’t miss Singaporean Choo Keng Kwang’s oil paintings and woodcuts, and Georgette Chen’s evocative series of family portraits. Night safari Operated by the same group that runs the wildly popular Singapore Zoo, the Night Safari is the world’s first park that’s devoted solely to creatures of the night. Expect crepuscular critters and nocturnal beasts galore inside an 86-acre reserve that’s home to over 2,500 animals including Malaysian tapirs, Asian elephants, white African lions and the critically endangered (and ferociously cute) Sunda pangolin. Explore on foot or hop aboard the complimentary tram for an informative audio commentary as you meander through themed zones including fishing cat and wallaby trails. Marina Bay Sands You’ve heard Singapore can be expensive, right? Well, trust us when we say nowhere will zap your bank balance quite as rapidly as the Marina Bay Sands resort. Here, Michelin-star dining, achingly cool (and painfully pricey) cocktail bars, designer boutiques and, yup, even a casino, all vie for your wallet’s attention. Head 56 stories up to the SkyPark observation deck for sweeping views of the Singapore skyline and down to Supertree Grove and the huge hothouses in the Gardens by the Bay below. You’ll have to be a guest to access the quite unbelievable rooftop infinity pool (the world’s largest, natch) that straddles the resort’s three soaring towers. As good an excuse to book a room in this luxury resort as any, if you ask us. Feel Like Royal-Tea If you’re going to go tea-tasting in Singapore, you might as well do it at the city’s most storied tea house, right? Previous guests of Tea Chapter, a lovingly converted three-storey pre-war shophouse, include no less than Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Queen Elizabeth II herself! So you’ll be in fine company as you allow time to slow down while you're schooled in the noble art of tea appreciation. Relax with a cup of delicate Imperial Golden Cassia that’s literally fit for a queen inside this zen haven of elegant Eastern furnishings, ornate Chinese architecture, traditional Chinese classical music and perfect tranquility. Take a Day Trip to Sentosa Take the scenic route aboard the cable car to Sentosa or hop aboard the speedy Sentosa Express to get you there in under five minutes. Back on dry land, you’ll discover this sunny island resort has enough activities and attractions to keep you entertained for days on end. Hit the golden sands at palm-strewn Siloso Beach, where you can swim in the sea, ride an enormous swing and walk the SkyBridge 154 feet above the sunbathers below. Then head over to Imbiah Lookout where amazing views across Sentosa to the Southern Islands are already par for the course. The SkyHelix ride supercharges those vistas by taking you even higher, ascending to a dizzying 260 feet above sea level. Other attractions on the island include Universal Studios Singapore, the vast Luxury Fashion Galleria mall and the S.E.A. Aquarium. Savor the Singapore Foodie Culture Singapore’s hawker centers are the stuff of legend. There are over 100 of these open-air food courts around the city, meaning delicious, cheap, freshly cooked Indian, Malay and Chinese cuisine is at your fingertips. The noise and heady aromas – oh lord, those intoxicating aromas! – can be overwhelming at first. Our tip: look for the longest queues (indicating the most popular stalls) and get in line. A world of zingy coconut noodle soups, chili crab and spicy peanut satay awaits. Try the Old Airport Road Food Centre and Ghim Moh Market for some of the very best. Ride the Singapore Flyer Soaring to a knee-knocking 541 feet, the Singapore Flyer stakes its rightful claim as one of the tallest observation wheels on the planet. Steel your nerves for the 30-minute flight as you board at Marina Bay, with ticket upgrades that include a Singapore Sling, a glass of champagne and even a four-course dinner for two. Don’t worry: you get to stay on for two rotations with the dinner package, so no need to wolf down those profiteroles like your life depends on it! Included with all tickets, of course, are life-affirming views over Singapore and Sentosa island; even, on clear days, as far as Malaysia and Indonesia. Tiptoe Through the Treetops If the hustle and bustle of the city all gets too much, fear not! There are plenty of opportunities to escape into the great outdoors amid the plentiful lush vegetation of this tropical paradise. Pedal yourself silly on the epic Round Island bike route, or hit the Park Connector Network, which links major parks, gardens and nature reserves across the island. For those who prefer to explore on foot, the scenic Southern Ridges Trail is a breathtaking elevated walkway through the treetops of the hills south of the city. Cross Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridge and see if you can spot banded bay cuckoos, red-whiskered bulbuls and myriad other colorful bird species flitting through the canopy. Save on attractions and activities for adults in Singapore Save on admission to Las Vegas attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Pair of lorikeets at Bird Paradise in Singapore.
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Bird Paradise Guide Singapore – All You Need to Know

Hey, do you like birds? Yes you! Sure, leviathan creatures of the deep are cool, and land-loving critters can be cute, cuddly and ferocious in equal measure. But birds are the connoisseur’s animal of choice; a feathered favorite of poets, painters and romantics down the centuries. After all, what other beast can sing as sweetly, or make potential suitors swoon with their flamboyant displays of technicolor plumage? We know, we know: meerkats are pretty entertaining too. But have you ever seen one fly? No, dear reader, you have not. And, now we’ve reeled you in, here’s all you need to know about Bird Paradise in Singapore, an awesome tropical aviary that's among the very best in Asia. Bird Paradise: the Lowdown Part of Singapore’s epic Mandai Nature Reserve, which also includes the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and River Wonders attractions, Bird Paradise is the 21st-century successor to the country’s long-running Jurong Bird Park. Indeed, the majority of Bird Paradise’s 3,500 or so inhabitants were painstakingly relocated here from the nearby Jurong site during 2022 and early 2023. Bird Paradise opened its gates in May 2023, welcoming bird enthusiasts and Instagram addicts eager to get up close and personal with its highly photogenic stars, among them vibrant scarlet ibises, pretty pink flamingos, majestic Philippine eagles, infectious laughing kookaburras and almost comically ostentatious Andean cocks-of-the-walk, with their brilliant orange crests. In other words, this is an attraction that more than lives up to its (very literal) name. You can easily spend a whole day exploring Bird Paradise, with a whopping 400 species to discover across 42 acres, and 10 distinct zones that include awesome walk-through aviaries, rainforests, wetlands and even a penguin habitat. Pitch up for feeding times with the pelicans, turacos, lories and lorikeets and don’t miss the daily presentations that let you experience the awe-inspiring sight of some of the world’s most successful winged predators, including white-bellied sea eagles and harris hawks, in full flight! Bird Paradise Guide: the Zones Amazonian Jewels – this authentic South American rainforest setting is where you’ll find the aforementioned Andean cock-of-the-walk hanging out with its colorful toucan, cracid and green oropendola pals. Shaw Foundation Australian Outback – say g’day to giant emus, tawny frogmouths, laughing kookaburras and other feathered critters from Down Under. This cool outback setting features aboriginal cave paintings, termite mounds and eucalyptus trees. Nyungwe Forest Heart Of Africa – Inspired by Rwanda’s dense Nyungwe Forests, this is the park’s largest zone, and fairly teems with African species. Around 80, in fact, including flamingoes, bee-eaters, grey parrots and punky turacos. Get an, ahem, bird’s-eye view from the observation tower. Hong Leong Foundation Crimson Wetlands – roseate spoonbills, American flamingoes and scarlet ibises ensure this authentic wetlands zone (complete with gushing waterfall) more than lives up to its colorful name. Kuok Group Wings of Asia – you’ll find some of Bird Paradise’s more prehistoric-looking critters here in these lovingly created Balinese bamboo groves and rice terraces. We’re talking rare black-faced spoonbills, Papuan hornbills, Australian pelicans and more. Lory Loft – hit up the Lory Loft for your kaleidoscopic fix of parrots, lories and lorikeets. Look out for the aptly-named fiesta of colors that is the rainbow parrot and try not to be hypnotized by the ice-cool stare of the blue-eyed cockatoo. Mysterious Papua – replicating the coastal forests of lowland Papua, this zone features viewing pavilions influenced by the traditional homes of the Korowai tribe, from which to view the resident southern cassowaries, palm cockatoos and colorful Nicobar pigeons. Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove – there’s an underwater kelp forest and rocky beach to explore at this, one of the world’s largest sub-Antarctic cold saltwater penguin habitats. Check out king, gentoo and Humboldt penguins, alongside feisty northern rockhoppers, with their ultra-chic punk crests. Songs of the Forest – if bathing in a symphony of birdsong is your bag, then this is the zone for you. Here’s where you can hear endangered species including straw-headed bulbuls, Bali mynahs and laughing thrushes in full throat. Bird Paradise Guide: shops and dining Now you know everything you need to know about the residents of Bird Paradise, you’ll also want to know where you can refuel and snag some souvenirs on your visit. Good news: the park has several dining outlets, including the Bird Bakery for your coffee and pastry fix, and the Egg Splash Café with its eggs-cellent menu and fun activities for kids. Food Central is on the plaza and offers a range of local favorites, like Hainanese chicken rice, in a casual setting. Alternatively peckish punters can take in spectacular views of the wetlands waterfall from the Crimson Restaurant, or join the penguins for lunch in the Cove restaurant or café. No, not literally, but you’ll be able to see them swimming through glass walls that border the underwater kelp forests. The Penguin Cove Café has a shop, too. Penguin plush toys, penguin tees, penguin stationery, penguin mugs... if you like penguins you’re going to be in clover here. It’s joined by chick-inspired merchandise at the Egg Splash Café and a plethora of bird-related souvenirs ready to fly off the shelves in the main Bird Paradise shop. Bird Paradise Tickets and Opening Hours An attraction pass from Go City includes general admission to Bird Paradise and saves you money when visiting multiple attractions in Singapore. Choose an All-Inclusive or Explorer Pass for entry to Bird Paradise plus Singapore Zoo, Gardens by the Bay, Madame Tussauds and many more top Singapore attractions, tours and experiences. The park is open daily from 9AM to 6PM, with latest entry at 5PM. The easiest way to get there is on the Mandai Khatib shuttle bus from Khatib MRT station. The shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes and costs S$1 each way. Check the Bird Paradise website for more ways to get to the park. Save on attractions and activities in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Two Sentosa Express monorail trains passing each other on Sentosa island
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Getting Around Singapore

Potential visitors to Singapore, that densely populated megacity at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, could be forgiven by feeling somewhat daunted by the prospect of navigating the bustling streets beneath its gleaming, futuristic skyscrapers. Good news though: getting around the Garden City is actually remarkably straightforward thanks to an efficient mass transit system, dedicated cycling paths and, yes, even cable cars and monorails. Read on for our guide to the best ways to get around Singapore. Getting Around Singapore on Foot Downtown Singapore is made up of several distinct districts, from the atmospheric sights, scents and sounds of Chinatown and Little India to leafy Dempsey Hill and the skyscraping shopper’s paradise that is Orchard Road. These are fairly compact neighborhoods and it’s perfectly possible to explore and even navigate between them on foot. Orchard Road, for example, is just over a mile end to end, and it's a similar distance from Chinatown to the Padang. However, hot and often humid conditions mean many visitors (and locals!) prefer to shuttle to their destinations via air-conditioned public transport which, you’ll be pleased to hear, is plentiful, cheap and easy to use. How to use Public Transport in Singapore Getting Around Singapore by Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Singapore’s fully automated and driverless MRT subway system comprises several lines and major interchanges that provide good coverage of most of the island, with the exception of the forested Central Catchment Nature Reserve, rural northwest and Sentosa Island. Hop aboard to whiz to major attractions including Marina Bay, the Botanic Gardens, the Singapore Flyer observation wheel and Orchard Road. Note that Singapore is one of the most densely populated islands on the planet, so expect train carriages to be packed much of the time, but especially during commuter rush hour when it’s strictly standing room only. A Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) is the most cost-effective way to travel if you plan to use public transport to get around the island, with passes for 24–72 hours available at selected TransitLink ticket offices and a few other outlets. The pass also covers use of some bus and Light Rail Transit (LRT) services to more rural and residential neighborhoods. You can also pay as you go by tapping in and out of stations and buses with a contactless debit or credit card. Getting Around Singapore by Bus and Taxi Buses in Singapore are every bit as efficient as the MRT, but the sheer proliferation of routes can be a little dizzying, even to locals. It’s certainly a more scenic way to travel though, with routes that cover most of the island, weaving you through the island’s lush greenery and elegant architecture to your destination. Don’t forget to tap on and off using your debit or credit card at the electronic reader on board. Cabs are easy to find and can be picked up by flagging down or queuing at a taxi rank. All are metered and provide a fairly cheap and convenient way to get around in a hurry. Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours The Big Bus tour of Singapore provides a fantastic introduction to the island city and really helps newbies find their bearings. Two main routes cover a wealth of major attractions and allow you to hop on and hop off as many times as you like throughout the day. The red line takes in the iconic Raffles Hotel, Singapore’s National Gallery, Chinatown, Little India and the Gardens by the Bay, while the Yellow Line adds the Singapore Flyer, Botanic Gardens and Orchard Road. The more aquatically inclined may prefer to ride the Singapore River Cruise bumboat past Raffles, the Old Parliament House and Marina Bay Sands. Or take the amphibious DUCKtours vehicle for a spin around Marina Bay harbor and the downtown Civic district. Cycling in Singapore Cycling infrastructure in Singapore is pretty good, with hundreds of miles of dedicated cycle paths across the island, from commuter paths that connect to MRT stations, bus stands and malls to major out-of-town networks. Cyclists should observe the same road rules as motorists and wearing a helmet is a requirement here rather than a recommendation. The speed limit is 15km/h. Novices may wish to dodge the busier downtown areas where motorized traffic can be intimidating. Two-wheeled adventurers can get off the busy city streets and onto major bike-friendly routes including the epic Park Connector Network, which links major parks, gardens and nature reserves across the entire island. Hit the Central Urban Loop for a 36-kilometer round-trip through leafy suburban neighborhoods that include the tranquil waterways of Punggol Park and lush woodlands of Ang Mo Kio Town Garden West. Bikes are available to rent throughout Singapore and there are a number of guided cycling tours included with the Go City Singapore pass. Bonus: the island is pretty flat so you won’t even require all that much pedal power along most routes. Getting to Sentosa Island The island resort of Sentosa is located just off the southern tip of Singapore and is connected to the city by cable car, monorail, road and a pedestrian boardwalk with a cycle lane. Cable car is hands-down the most scenic way to arrive on Sentosa, if not the fastest. The 30-minute ride departs HarbourFront cable car station and cruises across the harbor at around 100 feet above the sea below. Book round-trip tickets online in advance for the best prices. Once on Sentosa, you can walk to Imbiah station for cable car connections to other parts of the island. The quickest way to get to Sentosa is via the Sentosa Express monorail which you can board on level three of the VivoCity shopping mall above HarbourFront MRT station. Tickets are cheap and the journey takes just 3–5 minutes depending on your final destination. Monorail and cable car stations are close to most of Sentosa’s main attractions, while a free beach shuttle operates between the resort’s sandy Palawan, Tanjong and Siloso beaches. Save on attractions in Singapore Save on admission to Las Vegas attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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