What comes to mind when you think of Singapore?

Perhaps its the movie ‘Crazy Rich Asians’, the tall buildings, the food, the heat, or the seemingly crazy laws we have over here that foreigners may deem to strict. 

But Singapore offers more than just high-end shopping malls and food. There is also a vibrant history and rich, diverse ethnic quarters to discover, along with many family-friendly attractions and public spaces that make visiting this slightly futuristic city worthwhile.

So if you are visiting Singapore, here are some of my personal recommendations on what you should see and do : 

1. Gardens by the Bay

Singaporeans could’ve seen me suggesting this from a mile away. What is a visit to Singapore without visiting the gardens? Plus there’s a good chance You may have seen shots of the garden on your Instagram ‘explore’ page, or when you search the hashtag #singapore.

Gardens by the bay is every nature-lovers’ dreams. The 250-acre green haven is filled with huge, flora-wreathed towers connected by ‘skyways’ and two enormous conservatories. 

Gardens by the bay was opened in 2012 by the Singapore government as part of a drive to bring more greenery into Singapore, aka project ‘City in the Garden’.

The gardens are free for guests to explore but you'll need an admission ticket for access to the flower domes that house rotating floral exhibitions.

2. Universal Studios Singapore

I’ve been here before and this is definitely a place you should check out while in Singapore. Plus, this theme park is located on Sentosa island, which is a small island to the south of Singapore that is popular with tourists. It gives you a chance to explore Sentosa and see for yourself the exciting attractions they have there. 

Some notable and must try rides include :

• Transformers: The Ride

• Battlestar Galactica (try both RED and BLUE rides!!)

• Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure (bring extra clothes to change into because you’ll be soaked!)

• Revenge of the Mummy

3. Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands has 2,500 rooms, which is makes it the biggest hotel in Singapore.

Not only that, the 2,500 rooms at this hotel offer views of Marina Bay and the Singapore skyline, and is a favourite during the F1 Singapore Grand Prix. 

However, your visit here is not complete unless you also visit the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark. Non-hotel guests have to pay ($23 for adults, $17 for children) to enjoy the breathtaking view of Singapore - but it’s definitely worth it!

But be wary though, that Instagram post of you atop the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark is sure to make your friends back home jealous.

4. Orchard Road

For shopaholics, this is one place you should not miss. Orchard Road is Singapore’s premier shopping belt, home to the top retail brands in the world. It is also over two kilometres long, and shopping malls line up both sides of the street, so be prepared to do some serious shopping. Oh, and get your cash/credit card ready as well because you’re gonna be using it alot. 

5. Makan

‘Makan’ means eat in Malay, one of Singapore’s 4 main languages. It is also a word every Singaporean is familiar with, since eating is Singaporeans’ favourite past time. For food, I suggest going to local coffeeshops and food centres to try out local delights that you can only get here in Singapore (ok, and maybe some parts of Malaysia).

Some places you should try out : 

- Adam Road Food Centre for local delights

- Chomp Chomp Food Centre for local delights

- Killiney Kopitiam for a local breakfast

- 328 Katong Laksa for local Laksa

- Karu’s Indian Banana Leaf Restaurant for Curry Fish Head

- Haron Satay for some delicious Satay (skewered, marinated meat grilled on open fire)

- Rochor Original Beancurd for beancurd tofu (trust me, it tastes a lot better than it sounds)

- Ah Seng Durian (for Durian obviously. Only try if you are adventurous with food)

- Thasevi Jalan Kayu Prata - for some of the best roti prata in Singapore

Just enter any of the above places in Google Maps/Waze and you’re good to go. Or you can also ask your friendly cab/grab/gojek driver on recommendations.

So that’s about the 5 places I would recommend you to try, if you are in Singapore. By visiting/doing these 5 things - you would have covered only about half of what Singapore has to offer, but still these are my top 5 picks for anyone new to the country.