- National Museum of Singapore
- The Singapore River
- Thian Hock Keng Temple
- Sultan Mosque
- Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
- Singapore Botanic Garden
- Singapore Zoo and Night Safari
- The Singapore Flyer
- Raffles Hotel
- Sentosa
1. National Museum of Singapore
Opened in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, the National Museum's colonial splendour reflects the most confident side of the British Empire. After Singapore gained independence in 1965, the building was developed as a monument to the country's history and culture. The modern wing is located behind the original building. Its glass and steel structure contrasts with the original restored building. The gallery creatively uses design, lighting and interactive exhibitions to tell the story of Singapore.
2. The Singapore River
Flowing through the warehouses of the 1920s, the bars and restaurants of Clarke Quay and the skyscrapers of the Financial District, the Singapore River has always been at the heart of city life. The river formed a natural harbour that first attracted Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the town's founder. A stroll along the riverbank is the best way to see Singapore's iconic sights. Better yet, hop on a small boat that used to travel near Boat Quay. Since an intensive clean-up operation in 1987, the river has become the city’s emotional heart. It may no longer be the main artery of commerce, but it has moved on from its frenetic and polluted heyday.
3. Thian Hock Keng Temple
This is one of the oldest Chinese temples in Singapore, built in 1839. It was built by sailors in honor of the goddess Mazu, who is said to have sacrificed her life to allow the sailors to pass safely. Funded by individual donors such as Fujian leader Tan Tock Seng, the temple was built in the southern Chinese style. It is arranged along a traditional north-south axis and is dedicated to several deities. The temple was renovated in 2000.
4. Sultan Mosque
The Sultan Mosque is the heart of Singapore's Muslim community. It is located in the community allocated in 1819 to the Malay Sultan of Johor and the Tenmangong (Chief) of Singapore. The mosque on the original site was built in 1824. Partly funded by the East India Company, it resembles a typical mosque in Southeast Asia, with a low, two-story roof like a pyramid. A century later, the old mosque fell into disrepair and plans to replace it began. Design for this structure was entrusted to Denis Swan, an Irish architect with Swan & McLaren, the local architecture firm responsible for many landmark buildings.
5. Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
In the mid-19th century, Indian workers who settled in what is now Little India built a Hindu shrine there. The original temple was a small, unremarkable building that was demolished in 1983 to make way for the temple that stands here today. It took three years to build with high cost and artisans from India. Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, which is why Hindus worshipped here come home with red ashes; white ashes are for those who pray to male deities in the temple. This is one of the oldest temples in Singapore and is still popular with local Indians.
6. Singapore Botanic Garden
This sprawling park is one of the best botanical gardens in Southeast Asia. Trails meander through the tropical landscape, showcasing the area's natural habitats and species. There are avenues of frangipani and scarlet lipstick palms, and wide sloping lawns adorned with trees and sculptures. On weekends, the garden attracts families, joggers and dog walkers. During the week, it is an oasis of calm in the city. The park was founded in 1859 as a pleasure garden. It has also played a role in the production of cash crops, including spices and rubber.
7. Singapore Zoo and Night Safari
One of the island's most popular attractions, the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari offers the chance to see over 3,200 animals living in spacious enclosures that mimic their natural habitats. They are often grouped with other species with which they coexist in the wild. The zoo is very sensitive to conservation and environmental issues and is now focusing on animals best suited to Singapore's climate. Interactive exhibits, shows, programs and information signs, all in English, educate visitors about animals and their behavior.
8. The Singapore Flyer
The city's newest attraction and the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, the Singapore Flyer (center) offers 360-degree views of the city and surrounding areas, including neighboring Indonesia and Malaysia. Each of the 28 air-conditioned cabins of the Ferris wheel can carry up to 28 passengers and reach a height of 165 m. On a clear day, you can see nearly 48 kilometers away. According to Buddhists the round shape of the wheel is auspicious for Singapore and its motion is positive feng shui. The following sights can all be viewed from the top of the wheel.
9. Raffles Hotel
Behind the famous façade of Singapore's most magnificent old lady is a labyrinth of tropical courtyards and verandas. Raffles Hotel was founded in 1887 in a seaside bungalow by the Armenian brothers Sarkies. It was rescued from the city's constant modernization when it was declared a national monument during its centennial. After a multi-million dollar renovation, the hotel is once again the epitome of colonial splendor. With an array of restaurants, boutiques, galleries, bars and its own museum, Raffles is more than the sum of its elegant parts. It is a destination in itself.
10. Sentosa
Sentosa is Singapore's Pleasure Island - a local resort dedicated to leisure. Though derided as "Disney-like," it's a well-planned getaway with a variety of attractions. The beaches may be man-made, but they are clean and pleasant, with many bars, restaurants and amenities nearby. The island was originally called Pulau Blakang Mati, meaning “death from behind,” possibly because of the pirates that once attacked its shores. It was later renamed Sentosa, which means “peace and tranquillity.”
