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We've compiled the best of the best in Singapore - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
This wide, sandy beach is a hive of activity thanks to the concentration of beach clubs, water-sports centers, and nearby attractions such as the Mega Adventure Park. There are a number of casual eateries along the stretch of sand, and in-line skaters zoom up and down the promenade. For swimmers, there are red and yellow flag markers (swim here), as well as beach patrol officers if help is required. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; sunset; swimming.
Also known as Hong Lim Park, this spot was declared a "free speech zone" by the government in 2001. It looks like nothing more than a small patch of grass, but from 7 am to 7 pm on some days, you may be able to catch carefully crafted words and speeches from people with an opinion to share. Those who wish to speak need to register with the police at the park station or online. This was intended as a place for people to express their opinions freely, but it hasn't been very successful: you can't address religious or racial issues, and having to register means that your presence has been noted.
Also known as Chettiars' Temple, this southern Indian temple, a national monument that's home to numerous shrines, is a replacement for the original, which was built in the 19th century. The 75-foot-high gopuram, with its many colorful sculptures of godly manifestations, is astounding. The chandelier-lighted interior is lavishly decorated; 48 painted-glass panels are inset in the ceiling and angled to reflect the sunrise and sunset. The temple is the main gathering point for devotees during the Tamil festival Thaipusam and a sight to watch, as attendees pierce their bodies with metal spikes and hooks and walk over burning coals as part of the festival's pilgrimage.
Shaped like a numeral three from above, this stretch of beach is busy on weekends thanks to the always vibing beachfront Tanjong Beach Club. It's also popular with dog owners and their water-trained pooches. Come on a weekday if you fancy having the beach all to yourself. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; swimming solitude.
Sentosa Island isn't all fancy hotels and beach bars—there's also the natural, biodiverse area of Tanjong Rimau. Located at the far end of Siloso Beach, it is home to many creatures like red egg crabs, hairy crabs, sea snails, and occasionally, octopuses that can be spotted at low tide. For an experiential journey led by volunteer guides, join the Siloso Headland Intertidal Programme. The closest amenities are at Fort Siloso Skywalk or Silver Shell Cafe. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; walking.
Built in 1826 by Teochew Chinese from Guangdong Province and dedicated to the goddess of the sea, this is one of Singapore's oldest Taoist temples. It's also known as Wak Hai Cheng Bio Temple, which means Temple of the Calm Sea. Traders and travelers returning from China visited the temple on disembarking—believe it or not, Philip Street was then very close to the water—to offer their thanks for a safe journey. It has been maintained by the Ngee Ann Clan Association since 1845 and was rebuilt in 1895. Inside, there's an imperial signboard presented by Qing Dynasty Emperor Guang Xu in 1907. Each of the structure's twin wings can be accessed by its own entrance, each of which has different ornamental features. Besides dragons and pagodas, human figurines and scenes from Chinese operas are depicted on the temple's roof.
