🌴 Lion City Sparkle: Discovering Singapore!
by Cross River
Apr 19, 2025
I've visited Singapore over five times. Aside from my first trip, which was a planned trip, the others were either layovers or day trips. Since Singapore isn't large and offers visa-free travel to many countries, here's a quick rundown of the must-see attractions for your first visit!
🕘 Morning | First impressions of the city's landmarks
🦁 Merlion Park: This truly is Singapore's most iconic landmark. The Merlion fountain and Marina Bay backdrop are a perfect photo spot. Even though I've been to Singapore many times, I still always snap a picture before leaving. I especially recommend visiting early in the morning when there are fewer people and the light is softer, making for the most beautiful photos.
🛍️ The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands: About a 30-minute walk from Merlion Park, you can stroll along the lakefront. Once inside the department store, I recommend stopping by to admire the indoor waterways and high ceilings—perfect for photos. They also offer a variety of high-end restaurants and a cool escape.
🕑 Afternoon | A fusion of nature and culture
🌺 Gardens by the Bay: This futuristic garden landmark features the Supertrees and conservatories (Flower Dome and Cloud Forest). The Cloud Forest Skywalk is a must-see! It's like stepping into a rainforest paradise.
🌈 Haji Lane: Afterward, head to Haji Lane, a colorful art alley lined with cafes and hipster shops, perfect for strolling, taking photos, and shopping for souvenirs. Visiting in the afternoon offers the best light and a lively atmosphere, and you can enjoy a cup of coffee before continuing your next trip.
🍲 Song Fa Bak Kut Teh: A must-try restaurant every time I visit Singapore! The rich, peppery broth is paired with tender pork ribs. Free refills are available, making it the perfect spot to fuel up on a quick itinerary.
🕔 Evening to Night | Classic Neighborhoods and Nighttime Surprises
🏮 Chinatown: A microcosm of Singaporean Chinese culture, home to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, traditional herbal medicine shops, and souvenir shops. There's also a wide selection of dinner and snacks, and you can even buy souvenirs to take home.
🦓 Night Safari: Finally, for first-time visitors to Singapore, I highly recommend planning a visit to the Night Safari. This world-first nocturnal zoo showcases the nocturnal lives of animals in their natural habitats. Take the park tram and easily spot lions, rhinos, giraffes, and more. The unique atmosphere is completely different from typical zoos and is the perfect way to end your day!
✨ Trip Summary
Landmarks: Merlion, Marina Bay Sands → Must-see photo opportunities
Nature: Gardens by the Bay → Experience a futuristic vibe and vibrant greenery
Culture: Haji Lane, Chinatown → Experience Singapore's diverse charm
Food: Song Fa Bak Kut Teh → A delicious, peppery treat
Finale: Night Safari → The world's only nocturnal walking tour
#singaporeguide #localguides #travelcoolexperiences #travelinspiration #SingaporeAttractions #flashtrip
Post by Jamiesayshi | Oct 12, 2025























