Singapore is a city-state, one of the world’s financial centers in the South Asian region. It is a multicultural city with residents from all over South Asia. The state occupies the island of the same name, separated from the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula by the Johor Strait. Singapore is often associated with Buddhism, with notable sites like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown, which has housed one of Buddha’s teeth since 1820.
If you find yourself with a short amount of free time in this country, it’s best to spend it exploring the sights of this beautiful city-state. Here is an optimal list of what to see in Singapore in one day on your own.
How to Get from the Airport to the City Center
For any independent traveler with some understanding of English, finding out how to get to the city center is very easy. Arriving passengers pass through four terminals: T1, T2, T3, and T4. Inside, signs indicate how to get to the city center. For example, entry to the metro is only from terminals T2 and T3.
From the airport to the central district, you can take the green MRT line. From T1 and T4, you can get there by a free shuttle bus. Follow the signs “Train to city” or “MRT” to reach the metro platform. Alternatively, you can take bus number 36. Stops are available at all four terminals, just follow the signs “Bus to city.”
Buses run regularly from 6 am to midnight every 8-12 minutes, taking no more than an hour. You can also use the shuttle bus service, which is convenient for two passengers. To order a shuttle, contact the Ground Transport Desks in the arrival hall. A more expensive option is to order a taxi at the same GTD counter.
Changi Airport
The main airport of any country serves as a kind of business card for the state. Authorities, remembering this, have done everything to ensure that its air gates impress guests arriving on flights with their perfection and abundance of entertainment and shopping options. You can spend an entire day here without leaving the transport hub.
Changi Airport is the main and only civilian airport in the country. According to a published ranking, it was recognized as one of the best airports in the world by the British consulting company SkyTrax in 2019. It was ranked 3rd and awarded 3 out of 5 stars as one of the largest aviation enterprises in Southeast Asia.
The most interesting place here is undoubtedly Changi Jewel, a covered park with a waterfall and shopping complex, which is the main attraction of Changi. Many locals and numerous tourists visit the park, butterfly garden, cinema, and video game salon.
Passengers with long flight layovers of more than 5.5 hours are offered free tours of the country’s center lasting 2.5 hours. Tour buses depart 7 times a day.
Marina Bay Sands Hotel
A hotel with a breathtaking infinity pool on the roof. It is also the most expensive hotel complex. However, experienced travelers recommend splurging and staying at the hotel for at least one night. Many travelers do this to take stunning photos and videos from the observation deck and the pool, which offers a magnificent panorama of downtown and its surroundings.
The iconic landmark is commonly referred to as Marina Bay. The hotel began construction in 2006 after 16 hectares of extremely expensive land in the center were sold at auction. Construction was completed in a record 5 years.
The hotel complex consists of three 55-story skyscrapers connected at the top by a pool shaped like a giant gondola. At a height of 210 meters, it occupies an area of 12,000 m². Here you will find a garden with live trees, an observation deck, and the world-famous giant artificial pool. Only hotel guests can access the pool using a chip card — an electronic room key. The same card is used to activate the elevator.
In addition to 2,560 rooms, the hotel has a huge casino, exhibition center, museum, two large theaters, seven restaurants, and two ice rinks. Booking a room online is cheaper.
Singapore Flyer
Installed in 2008, it is comparable in height to a 55-story building — 165 meters. Until March 2014, it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world until the one in Las Vegas surpassed it by 2 meters. The attraction is located in the southeastern part of the Maritime Center.
The 150-meter diameter wheel is integrated into a three-story building of a shopping and entertainment complex with shops, bars, and restaurants. From the highest point of the attraction, you get a breathtaking panorama of the city center and its surroundings up to 45 km around.
On clear days, you can see the Indonesian islands of Batam and Bintan and the Malaysian city of Johor. All 28 air-conditioned cabins can accommodate 28 passengers each. The wheel completes a full rotation in half an hour. An interesting event occurred on August 4, 2008, when the wheel’s rotation direction was changed following the advice of Feng Shui experts.
Marina Bay Street Circuit
This is a Formula 1 city circuit laid out on the streets of the city-state. Since 2008, the Marina Bay has hosted the Singapore Grand Prix. It is a unique and spectacular event. The full name of the track is Marina Bay Street Circuit. Unlike other racing routes, the Singapore circuit runs through the city’s streets, allowing drivers to reach speeds of up to 300 km/h on three sections.
The uniqueness of the track lies in its special asphalt surface, developed by scientists and engineers specifically for the circuit. They assured that the new surface would provide high tire-road grip and last for decades. The road surface was laid overnight, using 15,000 tons of asphalt, making it an incredible and unique event in Singapore’s life.
Before the races, the track is fenced off with special safety barriers. 2,000 temporary barriers are installed along Marina Bay and dismantled within 3-4 hours after the Grand Prix. The highlight of the races is the night lighting system, which provides effective daylight for night competitions.
Fountain of Wealth
The world’s largest fountain, according to the Guinness Book of Records. The water structure is located inside the Suntec City Mall in the Civic District. The fountain was built in 1995 according to all the rules of Feng Shui philosophy.
Its inexhaustible water streams symbolize the source of wealth and abundance. The five buildings of the shopping center surrounding the attraction represent the fingers of one hand, while the fountain is on the palm. The bronze ring in the form of a huge torus (colloquially a bagel) rests on four curved columns representing Singapore’s four main ethnic groups.
The ring symbolizes the universe, unity of the world, equality, and harmony of all races and religions according to Buddhist interpretation. The water flowing down collects in the center and, according to the teachings, attracts wealth.
The structure is 14 meters high and occupies an area of 1,683 m². The circumference of its base is 66 meters. The total weight of the metal structures is about 90 tons. During the day, the fountain is turned off for the “touch of wealth” ceremony. Visitors walk along a path to the center of the fountain to throw a coin into a mini-fountain.
Following this, they must perform a ritual to attract wealth by walking three circles around the mini-fountain clockwise and touching the water with their hand while making a wish. In the evening, from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm, the Fountain of Wealth becomes the center of a fantastically beautiful laser show. The ring and columns, as well as the water streams, are illuminated with colorful lights to lively music.
Esplanade Theatre
Built in 2003 near the famous Marina Bay waterfront, it is not only a masterpiece of modern architecture but also an international arts center. Its two buildings are designed as two glass and steel semi-spheres. Both halls can accommodate 1,600 and 2,000 spectators, respectively. The complex also includes two theater studios, a shopping center, and an open-air stage.
The Esplanade project was created in a competition between two studios — a London and a Singaporean company. The local architects won. Here, concerts of various genres and theater performances are held regularly. The Esplanade is often used as a venue for international negotiations, conferences, and exhibitions.
The exhibition hall covers more than 200 square meters, hosting exhibitions of traveling art galleries from different countries. There is also a library with over 50,000 items in electronic and print formats, including reference books and encyclopedias.
Merlion
This mythical creature, with the body of a fish and the head of a lion, is the symbol of the city. Its name consists of two English words: “mermaid” (sea) and “lion,” which can be understood as “Sea Lion.” The fish body represents the city’s close connection to the sea, while the lion’s head symbolizes the city’s strength and bravery.
Legend has it that the ancient city on the island faced great danger from invading enemies. A sea monster with the body of a fish and the head of a lion emerged from the sea and destroyed the invaders with its gaze. There are other interpretations, but they all converge on the image of a mythical protector. The Merlion figure is depicted on the city’s coat of arms.
The state symbol was embodied in a fountain statue, installed on September 15, 1972, on the bay shore opposite Marina Bay Sands on the other side. The structure was built according to the project of sculptor Fraser Brunner, commissioned by the Tourism Board. The figure was cast from concrete, standing 8.6 meters tall and weighing 70 tons. A stream of water flows from the lion’s mouth straight into the bay.
1-Altitude Gallery & Bar
The best observation deck is located on the roof of the country’s tallest skyscraper, One Raffles Place, where the 1-Altitude Gallery & Bar is situated. The bar stands 282 meters above ground level, providing a 360-degree view. From here, you can see the bay, city center, and all its surroundings.
1-Altitude is considered the highest open-air bar in the world. There are many tables against a rich interior backdrop, a luxurious bar counter, and an equally luxurious menu. The bar is quiet during the day but bustling in the evening when the city is lit up with night lights.
Visitors flock to enjoy the spectacular panorama of the night city. The illuminated trees and buildings, particularly the Ferris wheel, the Fountain of Wealth, and the glowing Marina Bay Sands hotel, are especially impressive. The atmosphere of fun and good mood reigns here all night.
Helix Bridge
A pedestrian bridge connecting the opposite shores of Marina Bay. It is an architectural marvel resembling a DNA molecule, acclaimed as the most beautiful bridge by architects worldwide. It is 280 meters long. After its opening in 2010, the bridge immediately became one of the city’s main attractions.
During the project development, architects faced the challenge of creating a structure meeting the Feng Shui Committee’s requirements. The bridge had to be light and beautiful while protecting pedestrians from wind and rain. Additionally, it had to be reliable and sturdy to ensure the safe passage of many people. The architects successfully met these challenges.
The Double Helix Bridge attracts tourists, especially in the evening. At dusk, it transforms into a stunningly beautiful structure due to its skillful lighting. The giant letters C, G, T, and A, representing the first letters of the primary amino acids in the DNA molecule (cytosine, guanine, thymine, and adenine), are illuminated. The spiral bridge structure is made of approximately 650 tons of duplex stainless steel and 1,000 tons of carbon steel.
ArtScience Museum
Located on the Marina Bay waterfront, it is the only scientific institution in the world dedicated to studying the impact of creative processes on science and art. The museum building is considered a city-state’s calling card due to its original shape resembling an open palm or lotus flower.
The concrete petals rest on ten columns, converging into a unified structure, giving the impression of a floating building. In the center of the bud is a small pond with bright fish and many lotus flowers.
The museum has 20 exhibition halls and one large room for large exhibits. The exhibitions amaze visitors with the most famous and incredible scientific and technological creations by humans. Examples of the latest advances in nanotechnology and robotics are displayed here. Adults and children are particularly attracted to the interactive dinosaur exhibit, exquisite jewelry masterpieces, and the Titanic exhibition.
Gardens by the Bay
Covering 101 hectares of land near Marina Bay, the gardens connect three waterfronts: Bay South Garden, East Bay Garden, and Bay Central Garden. The largest garden is Bay South Garden, covering 54 hectares. This large tropical park is famous for its futuristic landscapes, built over five years and opened on June 29, 2012.
The park is open to everyone for free. However, to enter the conservatories, a ticket is required. This attraction consists of two massive domes, equal in size to four football fields. Under the Flower Dome are plants from the Mediterranean. Under the Cloud Forest Dome, visitors find lush plants from the wet equatorial climate, including a 35-meter waterfall.
The park operates from 5 am to 2 am. The conservatories are open from 9 am to 9 pm. Gardens by the Bay have no holidays. Children’s tickets are discounted, and an audio guide is available for a fee.
Level 33
The world’s highest urban microbrewery with a view of Marina Bay in Singapore is known as Level 33 bar-restaurant. This unique rooftop restaurant solution shows guests what a microbrewery is and how beer is brewed.
Each local beer variety is brewed in limited quantities, ensuring the product’s constant freshness. The beer is reasonably priced as it is served directly without expensive packaging. Additionally, the establishment offers guests original dishes of modern brewery cuisine.
The bar is open daily from noon to midnight and is also the city’s highest observation deck. Located on the 33rd floor, it offers a scenic panorama of the metropolis and Marina Bay with all its attractions from 156 meters above ground level. The bar-restaurant LeVeL33 is designed in a modern style, dominated by amber wood textures.
SPECTRA Light and Water Show
One of the most delightful entertainments is the unique light and music show called “SPECTRA.” It runs for two sessions at 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm from Sunday to Thursday, with an additional session at 10:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Each session lasts 15 minutes, during which viewers enjoy fantastically beautiful installations created by laser beams passing through a prism and water mist sprayed by fountains over Marina Bay.
A 15-meter glass prism, encased in a stainless-steel frame, is the centerpiece of the spectacle. The glass is coated with special materials with high reflectivity. Laser beams passing through the prism project bright images on surrounding objects up to 50 meters high.
During the light show, the perfect synchronization of music with light effects and water streams is noted. This is especially felt during the final act of the SPECTRA laser show.
