Must Know Travel Tips for Singapore What I Wish I Knew Before My First Trip

Hi I am Martijn and welcome to Singapore. A vibrant city-state where modernity meets tradition. And every corner tells a story. Join me when I explore the top attractions that make Singapore a must-visit destination. From the gardens by the bay, this architectural marvel, to the coolest neighborhoods, local food and everything in between. If this Singapore travel guide has given you new travel tips or maybe you just like it please give a thumbs up or leave a comment under the video. That's the way you can help so other people can discover the video as well and I get to create new travel guides for you in the future. Let's start the Singapore travel guide with Gardens by the Bay. An urban oasis spanning over 100 hectares. It opened in 2012 and it is a perfect combination of nature and modern technology. And it's also one of the most recognized landmarks in the city. The park is home to two stunning conservatories. The Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. The Flower Dome, the world's largest glass greenhouse, showcases a diverse collection of plants from Mediterranean regions. Including olive trees and tulips. In contrast, the Cloud Forest offers a cool misty environment with a 35 meter tall indoor waterfall and lush vegetation from tropical mountain areas. Adding to its charm is the iconic Supertree Grove. Towering vertical gardens that come alive each night with a dazzling light show at 7.45 and 8.45. And you can enjoy the light shows free of charge. An architectural marvel is the Marina Bay Sands. It opened in 2010 and it's home to a range of attractions including a hotel, shops, restaurants and a casino. And there is also the Sky Park with a breathtaking view around the city. Perched 200 meters above ground, the Sky Park observation deck offers one of the most spectacular views in Singapore. The deck stretches across the top of all three towers. It's a perfect spot for stunning photos and enjoying the beauty of Singapore from above. You can visit the observation deck daily and a ticket costs around 24 euros. And it houses also the largest rooftop infinity pool in the whole world. While access to the pool is reserved only for hotel guests. Next to the Marina Bay Sands the Art Science Museum is located. Over here you can explore art, culture and technology. In a moment you will see Singapore from the water. But first Chinatown. A bustling and vibrant neighborhood rich in history and culture. You can say that it is a combination of old world charm and modern developments. Originally the hub for the Chinese immigrant population and it has evolved into one Singapore's most iconic neighborhoods. The streets of Chinatown are lined with traditional shophouses, decorated temples and bustling markets that overflow with local food, souvenirs and cultural treasures. At the heart of Chinatown lies the beautiful Sri Mariamman Temple. Singapore's oldest Hindu temple founded in 1827. It's a striking architectural gem and a spiritual sanctuary. It offers a peaceful escape from the busy streets outside and stands as a symbol of Singapore's rich multicultural heritage. You are welcome to explore the temple grounds but please check the opening hours before your visit. In a moment you will discover another lively neighborhood and a place for breathtaking views around the city. But first it is time for a boat ride on the Singapore River. The river was once the heart of Singapore's trade and commerce and the cruise offers a with commentary sharing stories of the early days of Singapore's development. As you cruise along the river you'll pass key attractions such as the famous Marina Bay Sands and the Merlion Park, home to Singapore's iconic Merlion statue. The cruise departs from Clarke Quay and a ticket costs around 20 euros. It's time to visit one of the largest observation wheels in the world, the Singapore Flyer, with a breathtaking view around the city skyline, the Marina Bay and on clear days also the surrounding countries. And it's 165 meters high. I booked a regular ride and the capsule moves really slowly so you have enough time to see everything. And for the best experience my advice is to download the Flyer 360 app with all the points of interest. A vibrant and bustling neighborhood is Little India, celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and colorful atmosphere. This lively area is where the city's Indian community has flourished for over a century. Today it remains one of Singapore's most dynamic and diverse districts. One of the must-visit landmarks is the Sri Veeramakariyamam Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali, offering a glimpse into the area's spiritual heritage. In a moment you will know an island that was a military base until 1972 and also a perfect place to visit during the evening and night. But first the Botanical Gardens, a peaceful green space in the heart of the city center. And when you are a nature lover or just want to relax in both cases it's a perfect place to visit. And it's one of the few gardens that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the highlights of the garden is the National Orchid Garden, where you can see over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids. Some of which are very rare. The garden also features a large collection of tropical trees, beautiful lakes and plenty of open spaces for picnics, walks and jogging. Entry to the Singapore Botanical Gardens is free but you need to buy a ticket for the National Orchid Garden. A popular destination in the city is the island Sentosa. It's located just off the southern coast of Singapore and connected to the mainland by a bridge and a Originally used as a military base, the island was transformed into a recreational area in 1972. It offers a wide range of attractions, from the world-renowned Universal Studios Singapore and a large aquarium, to a water park, serene beaches and luxury hotels. There is also a short hiking trail that leads to the beach. A lively area is Clarke Quay. It's located along the Singapore River. It's well known for the bars, restaurants, shops and nightclubs. During the day it's a perfect place to walk around, to shop or to eat and drink something. But this area really comes alive during the evening and nights with colorful lights and music. Located in the heart of the city is the National Museum of Singapore. It stands as the oldest and most iconic museum and was established in 1886. The museum exhibits take you on a journey through Singapore's transformation from a humble fishing village into a modern global city. The collection includes artifacts, photographs and multimedia presentations that narrate the story of the nation's past. And there is also the National Gallery Singapore. It houses the largest collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian modern art. It's located in two iconic buildings, the former Supreme Court and the City Hall. Don't forget that the city is full with local food markets where you can enjoy the local cuisine. A famous one is located in a financial district and is called Lau Pa Sat. It is housed in a Victorian era building and it is renowned for its Satay Street, where vendors grill skewers of meat over open flames in the evening. At night the street is transformed into a lively dining area where you can enjoy your meal right on the street. Singapore is really a shopping paradise from the high-end designer brands to local products. One of the most famous streets to shop is Orchard Road, a street lined with shopping malls, department stores and boutiques. Over time it changed from a quiet residential neighborhood into a bustling commercial district. The transformation began in the mid-20th century with the development of shopping complexes and infrastructure. And today it stands as a testament to Singapore's rapid urban growth and economic success. If you are looking for more local stores, my advice is to visit Bugis Street or Haiji Lane. Bugis Street is one of the city's most famous shopping destinations, known for its bustling atmosphere and affordable fashion, accessories and souvenirs. Haiji Lane offers a striking contrast. This narrow alley is known for its colorful street art, independent boutiques, trendy cafes and bohemian charm. A lush historical landmark located in the heart of Singapore is the Fort Canning Park, offering you a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage and urban tranquility. Once known as the Forbidden Hill, this iconic green space is stepped into a history dating back more than 700 years. The hill has served several important roles over the centuries, from being the seat of the Malay royalty in the 14th century, to a British military base during the colonial times. The city is served by Xiangyi International Airport and it's located around 20 kilometers outside the city center. To travel to the city you can use the MRT, the mass rapid transit, and the journey takes around 30 to 40 minutes. Taxis are faster between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on the traffic and your final destination. And there is a bus service, line 36, and the bus stop is, for example, on Orchard Road. What's the best time for a visit? I think the dry season between February and April. This period has the least rainfall, so perfect to explore the city and the outdoor activities. Please give a thumbs up, thank you so much, when you like this Singapore travel guide. 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