Top 10 Singapore Must-Sees!

You know the feeling when you've already been to another country before and you practically know what to expect on your next visit? That's what I felt during my third trip in Singapore some two years ago. The streets, the stores, the attractions- they were all the same as I remember them way back. Except for some ongoing constructions that heralded the hope of new things to come..

Two years from then, I found myself in this country again. But this time I was ecstatic! Singapore now promises new entertainment, shopping and tourist destinations which are truly world-class. I have always associated Singapore with shopping because of the famous Orchard Road where all the high fashion brands and enormous shopping malls are located. But now I have other reasons why I just love this country and will never have second thoughts of coming back!

Know why people started flocking to this boosting tourist spot as I unravel my Top 10 must-sees in Singapore! Going to visit soon? Get your pen and paper and take note of these places that captivate the heart of every human soul- young or old, local or tourist. Enjoy!

p.s. the first three on the list are the newest attractions which opened just last year.

1. Universal Studios Singapore

The first Universal Studios in Southeast Asia, USS has attracted tourists from all over the world since its opening in March 2010. Although I have been to Universal Studios Hollywood and was pretty much familiar with the rides and attractions, I still couldn't stop the little kid in me and try everything over and over again!

We went here on January 2, 2011 and since it fell on a weekend and it was during its Super Peak season, the ticket cost varied. One Day Weekday Pass for adults (aged 13-64) costs 66 SGD or 2,254 Php, 48 SGD or 1,640 php for Children (aged 4-12), and 32 SGD or 1,093 Php for seniors (65 and above).

If you don't want to stay hours in queue for a ride, you can get the Universal Express ticket which has a separate line the rides and are always prioritized. You can use that for all the rides but only once for every ride. It's convenient but I think is not advisable since not all the rides were operational and it was pricey. Prices are: 30 SGD (off peak) 48(peak) and 68 (super peak).

Who ever said adults will not enjoy this place? There were just a lot of attractions to choose from! For daredevils like myself, I recommend The Canopy Flyer (see leftmost picture) which we patiently line up for like 2 hours, but the less than 5 minute ride was worth it. Your feet will be hanging so you'd really feel the intensity and speed of the ride. For small children and those of you afraid of heights, Dino-Sauring and Shrek 4-D adventure (2nd and last frame in the picture) would be some of the best options. For daredevils, Revenge of the Mummy will surely leave you breathless with the unexpected twists and turns inside this extremely dark indoor roller coaster. See the third frame from the left, everyone just had their jaws dropped!

My ultimate faves (but we weren't able to go to because of sudden downpour but I've tried in Hollywood) are Waterworld and Rapids Adventure. Too bad though, I had high hopes of trying out Battlestar Gallactica but it is still temporarily closed due to technical problems.

And my next favorite part is..shopping! Upon entering USS, your eyes would be in for a feast! I didn't know where to begin! The alley that greeted me just had every store imaginable..so surreal! It was like walking into your favorite cartoon fairytale and I didn't want to wake up! Every attraction had their own boutique stores featuring their characters. you'll never run out of things to buy, whether for yourself, your kids or for pasalubong (gifts from a trip). Keith (my boyfriend) and I just love our Shrek and Fiona character pillows that we spent a lot of time taking pictures of ourselves with it (some guests even took pictures of us, too!).

2. Marina Bay Sands Sky Park

Never leave the Lion City without setting foot on this architectural masterpiece, one of their newest tourist spots (barely a year from its opening on June 2010), for more reasons than one. Not just a grand hotel and casino resort strategically located as the heart of Marina Bay, it also boasts a giant Observation Deck for a panoramic view of the Singapore skyline, home to top notch casual or fine dining restaurants with six celebrity chefs (Mario Batali and Wolfgang Puck included!), and features the world's longest elevated swimming pool (imagine 200m in the sky!).

To go to SkyPark Observation deck, take the escalator outside Hotel Tower 3 to purchase your tickets. Ticket prices are SG$20 (php 686) for adults, SG$14 (Php480) for children between 2-12 years, and SG$17 (Php583) for senior citizens aged 55 years and above.

For a more informative touring experience, viewers can listen to the audio touchpoints on the Observation Deck

The elevated infinity pool are exclusively for hotel guests but visitors can take pictures on the porch behind it. Now that's a hotel experience you would want to try, right?

Ever saw a Ferrari or Lamborghini? How about driving or riding in them? Ultimate Drive (see http://www.ultimatedrive.com), which has one of its offices right inside Marina Bay Sands, gives you a chance to have that 12-30 minutes of adrenaline rush in your dream car but with a high price tag attached, of course. Now that's what you call luxury living!


3. The Singapore Flyer

From the largest Observation Deck, we go to the largest Observation Wheel in the world (Oh yes, 30 meters higher than the famous London Eye!). This was part of my supposed itinerary but shopping took much of our time that I regret failing to try this. Reaching to 42 stories high, each of the 28 air-conditioned capsules with 28 pax capacity promises a spectacular view of Singapore and even the neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia. Singapore Flight, which is a 30-minute complete revolution of the capsule costs S$29.50 (Php1,011) for adults and S$20.65 (Php708) for children.

Singapore Flyer.. at night

and during daytime
(Photo credits: www.singaporeflyer.com)

view from Marina Bay SkyPark Observation Deck

4. Sentosa

This may have been one of the "classic"world-class tourist attractions in Singapore..simply because no matter what your age is, you'll surely have fun in this island! There's just soooo many things to do here that it seems impossible to finish it in one day. With four attractions consisting of Imbiah Lookout, Siloso Point, the Beaches and Resorts World Sentosa, you can decide which places you would want to go and each attraction will have a separate entrance ticket. It is advisable to plan beforehand your points of interest so as to maximize your time and budget the costs (maps are available in hotels and in the internet).

Among those that I've tried in the past, I recommend Jewel Cable car Ride, Skyline Luge, The Merlion and Tiger Sky Tower (Imbiah Lookout), Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon (Siloso Point), Songs of the Sea (Beaches) and of course Universal Studios (Resorts World).

Our first stop in Siloso Point

what's that at your back Keith?

feels like I'm in Avatar!

fishy fishy!

that's a big one!

dare to feed the sharks? :)

who wants to see pink dolphins? we do!!

patiently waiting for the show to start

1..2..3..jump!

pink-bellied!

Bry, don't worry, they don't bite :)

feeding the stingrays.. brave boy!

free shuttle bus to your next destination!

enjoying the view of the entire island

watch out for the completion of Resort's World!

oohh..i wish we were able to try the Skyline Luge & Sky Ride..found out below why we didn't..

Family Picture! Everybody just looks so oily here!

and then it rained..boohoo! :(

wacky shots with the Merlion!

5. Orchard Road

Need I say more? :) This is Singapore's version of Hong Kong's Canton Road, but even better. The huge shopping malls lined up from each side of the road not only host the best high and mid level fashion brands, they are also a state-of-the-art modern infrastructures in themselves. Below are my favorite premier shopping malls..time for some cash burning!

313@Somerset

get ready for some endless shopping experience!

get this: 4 floors of Forever 21 and 3 floors of Zara!

313@Somerset at night

Orchard Central has international art pieces inside

Orchard Central at night

walk walk walk..I don't mind!

find out in my next article how we got these cute umbrellas :)

Orchard Road is always a sight to behold at night

Ion Orchard's LED display is just so jaw-dropping!

but of course, Ngee Ann City!

Beauty pit stop at Sephora

I want my own box soon! ;)

Coco is love!

Don't forget to buy some Singapore souvenir shirts!

take your pick

6. Clarke Quay

Pronounced as Clark Kee, this is Singapore's nightlife hub, with numerous restaurants, hip bars and colorful nightclubs making it a spectacular dining experience. You can choose to dine at restaurants nestled along the Singapore River and enjoy the view of the riverside along with the occasional River Cruise boats passing by.

Our very own bar in SG?

Interesting (and funny) furnitures and concept of this Clinic Bar

View of the restaurants alongside the river

Cheers!

Happy New Year!

Ahem!!! These guys are already taken!

G-Max Reverse Bungy Jump

video taken in 2002 when we went to Singapore- Ysabs

7. Bugis Street

If cheap shopping finds thrill you, then Bugis Street is just the right place for you. To get here, just take the MRT and alight at Bugis Station, but you have to find your way from the mall and cross Victoria Street before you can find it. You can find anything here from clothes, shoes, bags, souvenirs to street food and refreshments. Piece of advice, you get what you pay for..so the stuff they sell here is just commensurate with the price, and as I've experienced, they would last only after a few times of usage. Nevertheless, this is the best place to buy pasalubong (small gifts from a trip) like the 18pieces keychains for SG10 (Php343)!

A taste of Singapore street food

I'm addicted to milk teas!!!

Tadah!! Hoarding at its finest :)

8. Funan DigitaLife Mall

If you want to get the latest electronic gadget on the market, consider paying this place a visit. On my previous trips to SG, our first stop would always be in Funan so that we can purchase their newest camera models and use it for the duration of our trip. Cameras, laptops, cellphones..name it, they have it! What's more is that they always have the latest and most updated products (even models not available in Philippine market yet) with very competitive prices.

Several stories of IT stores

9. Singapore Night Safari

Another world's first is this nocturnal wildlife zoo which features more than 1000 animals, some of them are even threatened species. What makes it a totally unique experience are the naturalistic rainforest where the animals sprawl around, intended to imitate their actual habitat with a genuine adaptation of natural dim lights. There are no cages in sight but natural barriers as well which separates them from the tram. Visitors, however, can choose to strike out on their own along the walking trail or sit back in a tram ride with an entertaining tour guide. It also has other shows and attractions and restaurants to satiate your hunger. It opens 7:30pm to 12mn daily with tickets priced at S$32 (Php1097) for adults and S$21 (Php720) for children.

Visitors on a tram..no flash photography please!
(Photo credits: www.destination360.c0m)

10. Little India, Chinatown, Haji Lane

Artistic array of stores
(Photo credits: www.grabyourfork.com)

Triple tie! Except for Haji Lane which I was not able to go to during my recent trip last January, I was able to go to Little India and Chinatown during my previous trips. I recommend them for those who wants to try other bargain shopping alternatives. Haji Lane is a quaint street that is a budding fashion hotspot and a total must-see for the local retail one-of-a-kind shops. Now there's another reason for me to come back! :)