An island city in South East Asia, Singapore has grown exponentially over the years, and with so much to see and do, there is no chance whatsoever that you could ever be bored here. From the spectacular beauty of the Botanic Gardens to the unforgettable flavors of the local street food, these are some of the sites that you definitely should not miss out on when in Singapore.

Singapore Botanic Gardens
The Singapore Botanic Gardens was founded in 1859, making it almost 160 years old. It is the only tropical garden in the world to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and showcases a wide range of tropical flora and fauna. The prized jewel of the Botanic Gardens is the National Orchid Garden, which boasts over 3000 different orchid and orchid hybrid species, and is always a spectacular sight to see, even for those who are not usually interested in flowers.

Hawker Centres
Singapore is known for being a gastronomic delight, and the hawker centers that can be found just about everywhere around the island, are the best places to sample true Singaporean cuisine. There are a number of local dishes that everybody should try, including Char Kway Teow, Hainanese Chicken Rice, and Chilli Crab.

Chinatown
To truly immerse yourself in some of Singapore’s heritage, a visit to Chinatown is a must. While British colonization may have driven away some of the Chinese population that has lived here for over 700 years, the architecture still remains, giving you a fantastic insight into the city’s past and contrasting magnificently with the skyscrapers looming in the distance. From temples and mosques to night markets and roadside stalls, this is a vibrant part of the city that is always fun to explore. There are also a few museums here worth visiting, such as the Chinatown Heritage Centre, the Peranakan Museum and the Asian Civilizations Museum.

Orchard Road
Stretching out for over 2km, Orchard Road is the most famous shopping street in Asia, and with good reason. From luxury brands to local labels, this area really is a shopper’s paradise, and would take quite a few days to fully explore. If you are short on time, the two local department stores, Robinsons and TANGS, are likely to be able to provide everything that you need.

Sentosa
The island of Sentosa can provide as much entertainment, from beachside bars to rainforest walks to theme parks to sprawling casinos. The best way to get there is by cable car, as this gives you a gorgeous view, and, once there, the options seem almost endless. For those who want to see more than what they can fit into a day, there are a number of luxury hotels and resorts on the island where you can spend the night.

With over 15 million tourists visiting the island each year, Singapore can often seem quite crowded and busy, but this is where the city’s exciting energy comes from. A melting pot of influences from all over the world, Singapore is a one-of-a-kind destination, providing you with a vacation like no other.