Singapore’s neighbourhoods have evolved so quickly over time that it’s hard to know where to go. We’re revisiting the top spots to go in Singapore, from old favourites to places brand new.
Standing strong: Fort Canning Park
The amount of history that sits on the green hill above City Hall, Dhoby Ghaut and Clarke Quay is incredible. Sir Stamford Raffles built Singapore’s first botanical garden here back in 1822 – you can find a replica of his garden at the Spice Garden, with clove, nutmeg and curry bushes. The Battle Box was a bomb-proof command centre built during the Malayan Campaign during the World War II – and now hosts a museum you can visit to learn more of the bunker’s final days during the Battle of Singapore. There’s a bit of artillery lying around as well, like the 9-pound cannon. The large grassy area of Fort Canning Green is a staple home for music concerts, festivals and outdoor cinema screenings.
Always fresh: Singapore Botanic Gardens
Being crowned Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 2016 is just the icing on the cake for the botanic gardens. A large oasis of green flanked by the bustling streets of Singapore, the 74-hectare park is gorgeous both day and night. When the sun is up, picnic-goers will find solace under the shades of tropical trees. By night, the cooler air and warm-coloured lights transform the jungle to a peaceful place to take a stroll. What makes Singapore a special place is feeling safe walking around a park as vast as this one. There is a constant stream of concerts at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage, and the scenery never gets old.
New to the game: Gardens by the Bay
When the Marina Bay Sands first opened up, you had the choice between a room facing the city and a room facing the soon-to-be garden – otherwise known as a giant construction site. With the Gardens by the Bay finished and its plants fully grown in its new 101-hectare home, there’s a huge draw towards the highlights. Supertree Grove, a towering collection of 25 and 50-metre high metallic trees, is a sight to behold at night – especially if you take the elevator up to the OCBC Skyway – twinkling in sync to a soundtrack every night. The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are amazing glass greenhouses showcasing a plethora of stunning flora – and is absolutely refreshing after being in the hot sun outside.
