For years some travelers have dismissed Singapore as overly tidy, excessively efficient and, worst of all, boring. On backpacking circuits through Southeast Asia I’ve often heard the island nation at the tip of the Malay Peninsula derisively called “Singabore.” Those judgments, however, rarely survive a real visit.
Take the rooftop infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands Hotel as a counterargument. Not only is the pool immense—about three times the length of an Olympic pool—but its setting is unforgettable: perched atop the resort’s three 55-story towers, roughly 650 feet above the harbor, it offers a shimmering ribbon of water that seems to float above Singapore’s skyline.
While backpackers may not find the resort’s opulence ideal, Marina Bay Sands is an excellent choice for families. The resort’s shopping complex features an indoor canal where visitors can ride in traditional sampan boats, and the Sands Theatre hosts large-scale productions such as The Lion King. The SkyPark that links the towers includes landscaped gardens, observation decks and the remarkable rooftop pool—appealing even to younger, tech-savvy travelers.
At a construction cost of $5.7 billion, Marina Bay Sands is the most expensive hotel ever built and a bold symbol of Singapore’s rise as a major business and leisure hub. “Boring” is no longer an apt description for this vibrant city-state, and families visiting will likely struggle to fit everything into one trip.
Founded as a British trading post in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles, Singapore occupies one main island and about 62 smaller islets between Malaysia and Indonesia. With roughly 5 million residents and about 42 percent foreign nationals, it is one of the most densely populated places on earth and has long been a crossroads of cultures and commerce.
The Singapore River is a natural starting point for first-time visitors. Historically the city’s trade lifeline, the river is now an attractive, redeveloped corridor. A ride on a traditional bumboat with Singapore River Cruise & Leisure from Raffles Landing Site is an excellent way to orient yourself and appreciate the river’s transformation from a bustling cargo route to a scenic waterfront lined with skyscrapers and lively dining spots.
Some preserved warehouses remain—most notably at Clarke Quay, where old buildings have been converted into restaurants, bars and shops—but much of the riverbank is now modern development. Close by, the Padang—the historic cricket ground at the heart of downtown—retains colonial-era charm. It is surrounded by elegant 19th-century landmarks such as City Hall, the Old Supreme Court, St. Andrew’s Cathedral and the Singapore Cricket Club.
Raffles Hotel, a short walk from the Padang, remains a refined reminder of the colonial past. Its Empire Café evokes a 1920s coffee-house atmosphere and is an appealing spot for a mid-morning break; note the smart-casual dress code.
For a very different kind of attraction, the Night Safari at the Singapore Zoo, opened in 1994, was the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park. Covering 98 acres and home to over 1,000 animals, the park is organized into eight geographic zones that visitors can explore on foot, by tram, or in a guided buggy. Opening at 7 p.m., the Night Safari is a lush, tropical experience—cicadas call in the warm, humid air, and the vegetation smells vividly of the nearby jungle.
One unexpected offering in this tropical city is Snow City Singapore, an indoor snow facility where about 150 tons of manufactured snow create a wintery slope. In a nation where natural snow is unheard of and the lowest recorded temperature is still warm by many standards, Snow City provides a playful novelty, complete with rentals and lessons.
Adjacent to Snow City, the Science Centre Singapore celebrates curiosity and technology with interactive exhibits and regular hands-on events. The complex also houses the Omni Theatre, an IMAX-style venue for immersive films.
When the city feels crowded, it’s easy to escape to Sentosa Island by cable car, road or train. Sentosa, marketed as “Asia’s Favorite Playground,” is a 1,200-acre resort island with family-friendly attractions including Universal Studios Singapore, Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon, Tiger Sky Tower’s panoramic observation deck, the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom, Sentosa 4D Magix, and Fort Siloso, a museum detailing the island’s role in World War II.
Sentosa also offers two miles of sandy beaches for relaxation and a mile-long nature walk through forested interior that introduces visitors to Southeast Asia’s jungle habitats.
On the mainland, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve preserves Singapore’s last tract of primary rainforest and provides a surprisingly wild contrast to the city. Local folklore includes sightings of the so-called Bukit Timah Monkey Man, but wildlife experts believe many such accounts are misidentified crab-eating macaques, a common large monkey in the area.
One of Singapore’s greatest appeals is how quickly you can move between contrasting environments: within half an hour you can go from dense tropical forest to gleaming downtown malls. The blend of modern infrastructure, cultural history and unexpected nature experiences makes Singapore far more dynamic than dismissive nicknames suggest. Not “Singabore,” then, but Singamore.
Info To Go
Most visitors arrive at Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN), consistently honored as one of the world’s top airports since it opened in 1981; the terminal complex even includes a butterfly garden. Changi is about 12 miles from the city center and is well connected by taxi, shuttle bus and Metro.
Lodging
Hard Rock Hotel
Located on Sentosa Island, this lively option features lavish rooms that channel a rock-star vibe. Resorts World, Sentosa Island, tel 65 6577 8888, $$$
Marina Bay Sands
A landmark resort with around 2,500 rooms, extensive family amenities and the iconic rooftop SkyPark and infinity pool. 10 Bayfront Ave., tel 65 6688 8868, $$$$
Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
Set within 15 acres of tropical gardens, this elegant hotel is convenient to downtown attractions; serviced apartments are available and suit families well. 22 Orange Grove Road, tel 65 6737 3644, $$$$
Dining
The Banana Leaf Apolo
A popular Indian restaurant where meals are traditionally served on a banana leaf. 56/58 Race Course Road, tel 65 6297 1595, $$
Raffles Creamery
Custom-made ice creams from over 30 flavors and countless add-ons—perfect for cooling off in Singapore’s heat. Raffles Hotel, 1 Beach Road, tel 65 6412 1816, $$$
Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant
Part of the Night Safari experience, this open-air restaurant overlooks animal enclosures and often features evening Bornean tribal performances for added atmosphere. Night Safari, 80 Mandai Lake Road, $$–$$$