If it's your first time visiting Singapore, here's a guide to the places you need to visit in the lion city.

Merlion Promenade

The official mascot of Singapore is the Merlion, a half fish half lion "mythical" creature, which represent the country's roots as a fishing village and the lion (Singa in Malay) from it's name. At Merlion Promenade, a statue of the Merlion spouts water into the Singapore river facing the famous Marina Bay Sands. This gives plenty of photo opportunities to showcase the icons of the country. Check out also the Esplanade nearby which is a performing arts center designed with aesthetics inspired by the king of fruits, Durian.

Orchard Road

Most major city will have it's iconic shopping streets to satisfy your retail hunger as well as to capture the hustle and bustle of city living. In Singapore, it's Orchard Road where you have a number of shopping malls along this road. Visit Takashimaya, the largest shopping mall in the city, for some retail therapy sessions. Visit also the ION Orchard, a new shopping mall with a futuristic design and an observation deck to capture the skyline here.

Kampung Glam

The Malay community's culture is showcased mainly in Kampung Glam, with the Sultan Mosque, as the centerpiece. You'll be stepping back in time as the rows of shops here are still in its old shape and form. The food scene here is also amazing with many restaurants catering for the different taste buds. Local, western or even hipster cafes are abundance here. Also check out Haji Lane, a small lane where graffiti art decorates the walls of the shops here reminiscent of Hosier Lane in Melbourne.

Marina Bay Sands

One of the newer attractions that has shaped a new skyline for Singapore is the Marina Bay Sands. If you can afford it, stay at the hotel and get access to the epic rooftop infinity pool. Alternatively, you can visit the Sands SkyPark observation deck on one end of the rooftop area to get a beautiful view of the city. There's also a rooftop bar to enjoy the view and satisfy your appetite.

Gardens by the Bay

Behind the Marina Bay Sands is a massive garden called Gardens by the Bay. Main attraction of this garden is the Supertree Grove which consist of huge tree shaped structures. You can admire there structures from the ground or the elevated walkway. Nearby the grove are 2 large domed attractions to check out. Flower Dome is a large greenhouse that has a massive collection of plants and trees, including showcases of flowers from around the world. The Cloud Forest dome features a tall waterfall as you enter. Behind it features a "forest" as well as a walkway up to the peak of the waterfall.

Clark Quay

If you're looking for a night out on the town, Clark Quay fits the bill as there are a number of bars and restaurants to choose from. You can also enjoy the colorful view of the quay from the other side of the river.

Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island is the centre of entertainment for Singapore. Best way to arrive is by cable car which gives you amazing view of the harbor and city centre from afar. Visit Resorts World Sentosa, which consists of hotels and attractions for all ages, including Universal Studios Singapore to satisfy your adrenaline rush and Madame Tussauds Singapore to meet famous celebrities across the world. There's also the SEA Aquarium, Adventure Park and even beaches for some fun time. Also, a much larger Merlion can be visited here if the one at the promenade was not big enough.


You've barely scratch the surface of this beautiful city after visiting these amazing places. I'm sure there's many more things to see in this city that should be highlighted. What do you think of these places?