The 7 Best Beaches in Aruba: Our Favorite Beaches & Hidden Gems
August 13, 2026
Content
Singapore, often seen as a stopover during a tour of Asia, stole my heart. For me, too, it was a short stop during my trip through Southeast Asia. Still, Singapore had been on my list for some time. The city, with its unique contrasts, offers a combination of culture, modern architecture and nature that you won't find anywhere else in the world. Since Singapore is not very big, you can visit many of its highlights in 2-3 days. These are my tips for the best things to do in Singapore!
1. Visit the imposing Marina Bay Sands
A visit to the metropolis of Singapore is not complete if you are Marina Bay Sands cannot cross off your list. The architectural masterpiece with a total cost of 5 billion euros must be seen. It includes a hotel and mall with luxury stores and several restaurants and bars. Ideally, of course, you would stay overnight at the hotel. In fact, this iconic hotel has one of the most spectacular infinity pools in the world. If this is not within your budget, I recommend having a drink at the rooftop bar and window shopping. All the luxury designer brands can be found here. And how about boats sailing through the mall? Nothing is too crazy in Singapore.
Keep in mind that if you want to visit Marina Bay Sands by subway, get off at the Bayfront subway station instead of Marina Bay. This saves another bit of walking, although in this city this is by no means a punishment!
2. Feast your eyes on Gardens by the Bay
Next to Marina Bay Sands you will find Gardens by the Bay, one of the most beautiful sights in Singapore. You can actually think of Marina Bay Sands as a kind of state-of-the-art city park with a strong display of landscaping and technology. Nature and art come together here in an original way!
Gardens by the Bay really comes alive at night. Every evening, the Supertree Grove offers the Garden Rhapsody: a spectacular light and sound show. Be sure to get a seat on time, because punctually at 7:45 p.m. you will be immersed in a beautiful symphony of music, lights and water.
Supertree Grove
The Supertree Grove is undoubtedly the most striking part of Gardens by the Bay. These huge, artificial trees, ranging from 25 to 50 meters tall, are covered with exotic plants and mosses. The Supertrees serve not only as vertical gardens, but also as renewable energy sources, as they collect solar energy and collect rainwater. The OCBC Skyway, a walkway connecting the Supertrees, offers spectacular views of the garden and Singapore's skyline.
Admission to the Supertree Grove and the Garden Rhapsody light show is free. For the OCBC Skyway, you pay 7 Singapore Dollars (in 2024).
Cloud Forest and Flower Dome
The Cloud Forest is one of two impressive domes at Gardens by the Bay. This ecosystem simulates the conditions of a tropical mountain forest and contains the world's tallest indoor waterfall, which plunges from 35 meters down. A revamped exhibit focusing on the conservation of mountain forests worldwide opened in 2024, with interactive displays and an educational trail highlighting the impact of climate change.
The Flower Dome, the other large dome in the garden, is the largest glass greenhouse in the world and houses plants and flowers from Mediterranean and semi-arid climates. Every few months, the Flower Dome changes to a new seasonal theme, with flowers and plants matching holidays such as Chinese New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival and Christmas.
You pay admission for the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome. You can buy a combination ticket. Prices vary due to exhibitions and events. Current prices can be found at the Gardens by the Bay website.
3. Have fun on Sentosa Island
Did you know that the country of Singapore is made up of several islands? One of the most popular islands is Sentosa. Located south of Singapore city, it is the third largest island in the country. You can reach it from the city in just 20 minutes by cable car on Mount Faber.
Originally a military base, Sentosa has been transformed into a luxury leisure island since the 1970s. Thus, you will find beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts and theme parks such as Universal Studios Singapore and the S.E.A. Aquarium. For the daredevils, there is also the revamped Skyline Luge and Mega Adventure Park.
Other attractions and recommendations on Sentosa Island include Fort Siloso and Sentosa Nature Discovery. Fort Siloso offers insight into Singapore's military history. A new interactive exhibit that tells the story of Singapore during World War II opened in 2024. At Sentosa Nature Discovery, learn about the island's natural flora and fauna through interactive exhibits, educational walking trails and ecological tours.
The most beautiful beaches on Sentosa Island
Sentosa is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in Singapore. By the way, the beaches on Sentosa Island are artificial, but that doesn't make a beach day any less enjoyable. In fact, every effort has been made to make the beaches look as tropical as possible. The three main beaches are Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach and Tanjong Beach.
Palawan Beach is ideal for families, with shallow water and a suspension bridge leading to the southernmost point of continental Asia. The second beach, Siloso Beach, is known for its friendly atmosphere and is popular for water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach volleyball. You will also find many nice beach bars and restaurants here. The last beach, Tanjong Beach, is quieter and more secluded. It is a great beach if you are looking for a relaxing day in the sun. It is also the place to be for cocktails at sunset.
Where to stay in Singapore?
Singapore is one of the most expensive places in the world to live. As such, you will find insanely beautiful hotels with infinity pools and equipped with every amenity. But there are also affordable options available to stay in the city. For an over the top experience, we recommend Marina Bay Sands to, but a good second choice (and a bit more affordable!) is Hotel Indigo Katong.
Do you want the cheapest possible accommodation in the city? Then it is advisable to stay in a hostel. The cheapest neighborhoods to stay in are Little India, Chinatown and Lavender. Simple but fine accommodations are River City Inn and Rucksack Inn.
4. Be amazed by the mix of different cultures
Singapore offers a unique blend of cultures. Want to be surprised by the city? Compare the contrasts of the different neighborhoods in Singapore. For example, you have the busy, touristy Chinatown, the colorful and cheerful Little India, the "over the top" Marina Bay and South Pier and the hip Arabian Kampong Glam.
Each neighborhood has its own attractions, places to eat and drink, and historic buildings. Those who thought Singapore is only office buildings and shopping malls are wrong. In fact, the city is bursting with culture and beautiful temples, such as the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple in Little India.
Of all the different neighborhoods in Singapore, Kampong Glam was a highlight for me. This cultural district, with its main streets Haji Lane and Arab Street, is incredibly colorful and features plenty of cute boutiques, restaurants and spots that will make your camera work overtime. You can find many narrow streets with colorful street art.
5. Visit the National Museum of Singapore
The National Museum of Singapore is a major cultural landmark in Singapore. In addition to permanent exhibits on Singapore's history, there are now new interactive exhibits highlighting the country's rich culture and heritage.
The entrance fee to the National Museum of Singapore is 10 Singapore Dollars per person.
6. Wander through the Singapore Botanic Gardens
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Singapore Botanic Gardens offers an oasis of tranquility in the city. Established in 1859, this magnificent garden covers 82 acres and houses an impressive collection of plants and flowers, including the world-famous National Orchid Garden with more than 1,000 species of orchids. As you stroll through the winding paths, you'll discover serene ponds, historic buildings, and shady spots.
7. Experience the vibrant nightlife in Clarke Quay
Located on the banks of the Singapore River, Clarke Quay is the place to be to experience Singapore nightlife. This lively neighborhood is all about fun at night! You will find chic cocktail bars, accessible pubs with live music and trendy clubs. The colorfully lit quaysides and historic warehouses create a unique atmosphere.
8. Explore Singapore by subway and (wander) through the city
One of the best ways to explore Singapore is by MRT. Buy a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited subway and bus travel. The card costs 17 Singapore Dollars (in 2024) and can be purchased online and at subway stops. Public transportation is cheap and very well regulated.
During my stay, I traveled to various metro stations in Singapore on spec. I am an absolute coffee lover, so I love looking for coffee bars and patisseries in an unfamiliar city. Highly recommended, as it is of course nice to follow a recommendation, but sometimes even nicer to just "end up" somewhere that looks good!
9. Go shopping in Singapore
Singapore is absolute heaven for anyone who loves shopping. In the previously described Marina Bay Sands mall, you will absolutely feast your eyes, but also Orchard Road, Singapore's largest shopping street is worth a visit. The 2.2-kilometer-long street is full of shopping malls (such as the popular ION Orchard and The Paragon), familiar and unfamiliar stores and places to eat and drink.
What is the best time to visit Singapore?
Singapore has a year-round tropical climate. The best time to visit the city is from February to April, when the weather is slightly drier.
Naomi van Hagen
Curious, creative and passionate about travel, I’m always on the lookout for unique destinations where culture, gastronomy and adventure come together. As a travel blogger, I share personal stories and insider tips from countries like Brazil, Greece, Indonesia, Thailand and Peru, from hidden gems and rich traditions to unforgettable culinary experiences. My blogs are based on real travel experiences and in-depth local knowledge. Ready to plan your own adventure? As a personal travel consultant, I’ll help you create a tailor-made trip that perfectly suits your travel dreams.
