It’s my first time traveling abroad and my first time in Singapore. I was in awe, like I want to live on this country. I love the vibe, the well organized city, the world class infrastructures, the cleanliness, the amazing train system, and I spotted few “kababayan” that worked here. Singapore is a small country, but they are one of the fast growing country in terms of technology and Singapore is widely recognized as a global technology and innovation hub, especially in Asia.
We do a DIY Singapore tour, it’s doable and I prefer to do it on our own pacing because I want to take time wandering around. A lot of walking in here so make sure you wear comfy shoes. We got a train map and the list of sites to visit in Singapore. Just follow the map, the tourist attractions in the city are just walking distance.
Places to Visit in Singapore Mainland
Merlion Park
A lot of tourist flocked in here taking photo opening their mouths to have a photo that looks like water from merlion goes directly to their mouth. So it’s funny looking everywhere with their mouths open, ha! And we tried that one too actually, well it’s boring not to do the same!
The Helix Bridge
Singapore is known to have a world class infrastructure, the Helix Bridge is popular among tourist as it has a unique architectural and design structure. The structural design of the Helix Bridge was inspired by the double-helix structure of DNA which symbolizes life, continuity, and the dynamic nature of growth and innovation. It symbolizes Singapore itself!
The Helix Bridge connects from Marina Centre to Marina South in Marina Bay. To check out the bridge, start by going to the Esplanade or the Promenade in Raffles Avenue, then walk passed the bridge will direct you to the exit point in Marina Bay Sands where you can see Art and Science Museum or exit in Bayfront Avenue.
SkyPark, Marina Bay Sands
Taking the Helix Bridge will exit to a next great infrastructure – the SkyPark in Marina Bay Sands. The design looks like a surfing board to me but it actually symbolizes Singapore’s skyline. It’s a 3 tower building with the SkyPark at the top. In SkyPark, Marina Bay Sands, you can find luxurious hotel with infinity pool, convention centers, casino, shopping malls, restaurants and the ArtScience Museum.
Down from the bridge, you can see the famous in Singapore, the Gardens by the Bay.
Gardens by the Bay – Supertree Grove
Gardens by the Bay is one of the iconic tourist attraction in Singapore. I was in awe looking by these giants, signifying a nature blended well with technology. Different plant species grow in those solar powered giant trees. Singapore nailed it! We spent more time in there from late afternoon to night to witness musical light show – it’s truly amazing! Ticket to visit Supertree Grove is free.
Gardens by the Bay – Cloud Forest
Garden by the Bay in Singapore is large enough to accommodate more tourist attractions. One is the Cloud Forest. It is a paid tourist attraction within the Gardens of the Bay. It is an indoor conservatory of different species of exotic plants. You can see here a man made mountain with waterfalls, enclosed on a dome it look like a misty forest. A worth to visit and explore!
Tickets to Cloud forest, for non residents is as follow:
Adult: SGD 46
Kids: SGD 32
Kids below 3 yrs old is free
Gardens by the Bay – Flower Dome
Another attraction within the Gardens by the Bay is the Flower Dome. The Cloud Forest are more in plants, greens and the Flower Dome is so pretty and beautiful. With different varieties of flowering plants separated and enclosed on a dome for conservatory too. The Flower Dome is included on the Guinness World Record as the World’s largest glass greenhouse!
Tickets to Flower Dome, for non residents is as follow:
Adult: SGD 46
Kids: SGD 32
Kids below 3 yrs old is free
Gardens by the Bay – Flower Fantasy
Don’t miss this one too – the Flower Fantasy. It you were amazed by the Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, then you’ll fall in love with the Flower Fantasy! From the word “fantasy” it truly described that well. Inside the Flower Fantasy dome, you’re like in a different world living with fairies!
Tickets to Flower Fantasy, for non residents is as follow:
Adult: SGD 24
Kids: SGD 16
Kids below 3 yrs old is free
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Another tourist attraction in Singapore is the Botanic Garden located near Orchard Road. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning it gives great value to humanity. You can see great landscapes and different plant species too. No entrance fee.
Clark Quay
Include the indulging Clarke Quay to visit in Singapore. It’s best to visit Clarke Quay at night to a colorful and buzzing nightlife. Experience a scenic view of the river in Singapore where reflection of lights looked so amazing.
Chinatown
Check Chinatown at night and enjoy the busy streets with lots of restaurants, shopping, souvenir items. We enjoyed our dinner here with Chinese foods like Cantonese and Hainanese chicken rice. Sometimes we look for a Michelin star restaurant too if we do food splurge.
Little India
In terms of population and different races, you can find many people here with different nationalities like from India, Malaysia, Chinese, Eurasians and expats. Came from different cultures, races and religions but they all live together in Singapore peacefully and harmoniously. You can find here the Little India. Visiting this place, it feels like you’ve been to India a well, as you can witness Indian culture in here and experience authentic Indian cuisine. I like Indian cuisine and my favorite is Chicken or Mutton Biryani, Tandoori Chicken and garlic or plain Naan. Some doesn’t like it because of strong smell of spices and the way they cooked it.
Other places to see when roaming around Singapore Mainland
We enjoyed the entire day and night roaming around. Seems like every corner is a good spot for picture taking! And we saw lots of buildings with amazing architectural design.
What to Do in Sentosa Island
Iconic Universal Studio
Who loves Disney? I do! A Disney fan or not, you must try the Universal Studio in Sentosa Island, Singapore. Enjoy the world class Disney theme park where your childhood favorite Disney character brings to life. Universal studio offers extreme rides, 3D shows which are perfect for all ages. To go there, just take a train to HarbourFront Station, exit to HarbourFront VivoCity Mall and take the Sentosa Express monorail.
Universal Studio Admission Rates
One-Day Admission:
- Adults (13–59 years): SGD 84
- Children (4–12 years): SGD 64
- Kids below 3 years old are free
- Seniors (60+ years): SGD 44
Two-Day Admission:
- Adults: SGD 168
- Children: SGD 133
Skyline Luge and Skyline Gondola in Sentosa Island
Skyline Luge is located in Sentosa Island and brings fun and thrilled go cart rides! I don’t know how to drive but it’s actually easy to maneuver and it’s addicted! You’ll enjoy riding from a curved and downhill road which are perfect for all ages as well.
2 Ride Combo (Luge rides and the Skyride chairlift) is SGD 30. We booked this ahead via Klook.
Check out our video! We’re having fun with Skyluge in Sentosa Island, Singapore
Madame Tussauds
The real looking wax figure of Hollywood stars and Singaporean personalities are a must to see in Madame Tussauds, located in 40 Imbiah Road, Imbiah Lookout, Sentosa Island, Singapore.
Practical Travel Tips in Singapore
- Don’t liter everywhere, you can get fined if caught
- Don’t spit everywhere, there’s a fine for that
- Don’t smoke everywhere, you can get a fine for that as well
- Cross the pedestrian lane and wait for the time signal
- When taking MRT, don’t eat inside or bring water bottle or drink inside the train, doing so, you can get a fine for that
- Buy a train card, load it and get a train map for easy navigating around Singapore
- Wear comfortable shoes, you’ll do a lot of walking
- Many can speak English, so communication is not a problem
- Map out the places you will visit, so you wont waste a penny going back and forth via train.
- From Singapore, you can cross border to Bintan, Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Singapore-Sentosa Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – Singapore arrival + Singapore mainland city tour
Day 2 – Sentosa Island – Universal Studio
Day 3 – Sentosa Island – Sky Luge and airlift + Madame Tussauds
Day 4 – Gardens by the bay + Clarke Quay
Day 5 – Singapore mainland tour (if you haven’t completed all spots in Day 1) + Chinatown
Day 6 – Cross border to Bintan Indonesia
Day 7 – Cross border to Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Travel Documents Required to Visit Singapore for Filipinos
- Passport – Must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of departure.
- Valid IDs to support passport if needed
- Confirmed return or round‑trip ticket
- Confirmed booking of accommodation in Singapore
- Confirmed booking of tour activities
- Travel Itineraries
- Bank Statement
My Singapore Travel Reflection
They said technology can ruin nature but Singapore proved that it’s not. In fact nature can protect technology. It depends on how we use the technology. Singapore is widely known for the best infrastructures, technology and innovations but they preserved nature as well, blended it with the technology. I witness that too in Jewel Changi airport, the airport infrastructures are great and they incorporate nature on it.
Singapore is a country I would love to return to again and again. I was planning to move here actually! I love their vibrant different culture, amazing food, and the modernity they had. My Singapore visit is worth the penny and truly unforgettable.
Check my 6 countries travel preparation including Singapore. This might inspire you to visit other ASEAN countries as well.
Nice! Thanks for this very detailed post!
Thank you so much!