There is so much to like about Singapore. I can see why it’s the chosen home of so many ex-pats.
- It’s wildly green. I’ve seriously never seen such a green urban center.
- The architecture is incredible and wacky and singular. It feels like the future.
- The hints of its old world charm. Despite being incredibly futuristic, you can find yourself on a quaint street with traditional art and architecture.
- It’s home to the most insane airport. It was my first time I ever wished I could spend more time in the terminal before boarding.
Gardens of the Bay
Let’s start with perhaps the most recognizable part of Singapore. This insane park was created to increase the quality of life for residents. It’s also a hugely popular tourist destination.
It’s 250 acres of plants, crazy structures and art instillations.
Marina Bay Sands
Another iconic site is the Marina Bay Sands. It’s a resort, casino and beloved landmark, built in 2010. The three towers holding up the ship-like structure were inspired by card decks.
Cloud Forest
Believe it or not, this is one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfall pouring off the top of a fabricated mountain covered with plants from across the globe. The suspended walkway up top offers some pretty incredible views.
The ArtScience Museum
Is that one of the craziest buildings you’ve ever seen or a lotus flower? Well, it’s both. And it’s also referred to as the “Welcoming Hand of Singapore.” It opened in 2011 as home to exhibitions that combine art, science, culture and technology.
The Helix Bridge
And this molecular looking structure is The Helix, also opened in 2010. The swirling glass and steel provide shade and viewing platforms give a peak at some of the other nearby sites.
The Merlion
This guy, with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, is the mascot of Singapore. The fish represent’s the city state’s beginnings as a fishing village and the lion pays homage to the area’s first name: “Kota Singa” which means Lion City.
The old shophouses found scattered around the city are a mix of Chinese, Malay and European elements. They are colorful, charming and covered in intricate designs.
Parkroyal Collection Pickering
Designed to be a hotel within a garden, this very well be my favorite building in Singapore. The tiered gardens are self-sustaining with solar panels and harvested rainwater.
One Shenton Way
And these shiny gold buildings are luxury apartments. They were designed by Carlos Ott and intend to capture maximum sea views for residents.
Sri Mariamman Temple
The intricate building to the right in the photo below was the first Hindu temple in Singapore.
Dragonfly Lake
At night, you’ll spot the mysterious floating eggs aglow in front of Marina Bay Sands.
The Supertree Grove
Sunset in the grove isn’t something to be missed. These 18 living sculptures turns into a lighted concert. The grounds are flooded with people laying in the grass as they watch the otherworldly display.
The Rain Vortex
And lastly, the most impressive airport I’ve ever seen–Jewel Changi. It’s most popular attraction is the Rain Vortex. This indoor waterfall is surrounded by trees and visible from the many floors that wrap around its atrium. One second, you’re convinced you’re in the jungle. The next, a train whizzes by.
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