First time in Singapore? Start with these 7 places

If you are the kind of traveller who wants to experience both classy places and be close to nature, then Singapore is your playground. You will feel instant gratification, and encounter places that feel simply unreal.

Here are 7 must-visit spots that prove this city has more than you can imagine.  

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Marina Bay Sands Skypark 

Starting with the most iconic place in Singapore, which showcases the city to the world, because once you see the view from up there, you will understand why. The Glass Skypark sparkles like a galaxy, boats flow across Marina Bay, and the city lights up as the sun goes down.

The infinity pool is definitely the main attraction, and it's jaw-droppingly beautiful, just as it appears in the picture. Imagine floating 57 storeys above the ground. It is really dreamy, something you will never forget.

Even if you do not want to swim, you can just book a reservation on the deck during sunset and enjoy the view until dark and let the city do its magic. You will see how Singapore is showing off its beautiful view from that height and understand how it’s earned the right. 

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Gardens by the Bay

Next is the place which feels like you have walked into a sci-fi movie, except for the fact that it’s real and the whole place smells like orchids. After dark, when the light and music show start, the Supertree Grove looks like a visual drama. The whole vibe is so loud, colourful, and surreal in the best way possible.

The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, with a massive 35-metre indoor waterfall and cool mountain air which controls the ecosystem, are just like a scene from the Avatar movie. This is where Singapore proves it can balance nature and innovation side by side.

The whole thing is designed to impress, relax, and experience something new and different. Stay until evening for the Garden Rhapsody, where the tree branches with light and music turn the whole landscape into a glittering concert. It’s one of the most Instagrammable spots in Singapore.

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Sentosa Island & Universal Studios

Sentosa Island is Singapore’s “no excuses” playground. Beach? Check. Theme Parks? Check. Cable Cars? Luxury Resorts? You name it, and you will find everything on the island. Sentosa is that kind of place where you plan to stay a few hours, but end up spending one whole day there.

We all know about Universal Studios, which has a site for every tourist’s itinerary plan. So, starting the day at Universal Studios, it will take a whole day to roam around the place; after that, spend the afternoon at the beach and end the day with a beautiful sunset by the sea.

You can enjoy Sentosa without the chaos, but relax without feeling dull. If you want a break from city life without leaving the city, then Sentosa is definitely your type of place. 

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Pulau Ubin

Pulau Ubin is another quiet escape from the city, where Singapore slows down, which feels like a deep breath. You just have to take a short bumboat ride and reach the soft and calmer side of Singapore that many tourists miss.

No big malls, no skyscrapers — just wooden houses, greenery, and paths which pull you to wander. First things first, rent a bicycle and visit places like Ketam Mountain Bike Park, Jelutong Bridge and the quieter mangrove areas. 

Pulau Ubin reminds you that travel does not have to be chaotic, hectic, and busy. Sometimes, you just need to choose peace and let the island do its magic.

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Haji Lane & Kampong Glam

Haji Lane is tiny but quite unforgettable to tourists. The narrow street is very vibrant, full of life, characters, and creativity. The streets are filled with cute cafes, indie boutiques, bold street art, and music playing softly in the background, which feels effortlessly cool and expressive.

Prices are very reasonable, vibes are friendly, and every corner is very Pinterest-y. Grab a coffee, spend an afternoon hopping shops and enjoy the vibe. Tourists visit Haji Lane but often miss the soul of Kampong Glam.

Walk beyond the colourful streets of Haji Lane to explore the Malay Heritage Centre surroundings, quiet side alleys and traditional perfume shops. Visit Sultan Mosque during non-peak hours for a quiet, calm, and meaningful experience.

The cafes here feel very intimate and local, not touristy, because people rush in for photos and leave without fully experiencing the culture.

Haw Par Villa

Another hidden gem, which is recommended by one of the locals, is Haw Par Villa. Haw Par Villa is not a typical tourist attraction, and that’s why you need to know about this. This place is surreal, cultural, and unforgettable. It is filled with Chinese folklore, moral tales, and mythologies in the most visual way possible.

The Ten Courts of Hell is bizarre, but something eye-catching and fascinating. It’s free to enter, not very crowded, and perfect for people who want to explore history and culture. Haw Par Villa proves that Singapore is not just classy and modern; it also has a mystical side.

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Chinatown

Lastly, Chinatown in Singapore is where the cool side comes out to play. It’s colourful, chaotic, and fully packed. The streets are buzzing, smell of food all over the place, and they are filled with souvenir shops. Chinatown is the place where tradition and modern life mix very naturally.

You do not need to plan an itinerary here; you just have to roam around, explore, and eat. At night, the streets light up with lanterns and neon lights, which makes the vibe effortlessly cool. Try different types of local dishes, browse shops, observe the place — no rush.

Chinatown feels alive in a very addictive way, which is perfect for travellers who want to feel the city’s rhythm. It is very tourist-friendly, and full of moments that make a trip memorable.

Singapore is not just a pin on a map; it’s a whole other experience that makes you feel awed, close to nature, and filled with culture at the same time. The country is very safe, clean, and designed very thoughtfully. You can take a short trip without feeling rushed and tired.