Gardens by the Bay is a nature park spanning over 101 hectares in the central region of Singapore. As you enter the park, you will be greeted with the famous SuperTree Grove, which comes to life at night with a light and music show. You can also explore the two large air-conditioned conservatories, the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, which house diverse plant species from various regions around the world. Entrance to the park and the outdoor areas are free, while admission to the conservatories has a fee.
Merlion Park is a popular tourist destination that houses the iconic Merlion statue, Singapore's national emblem. The park is situated at the mouth of the Singapore River, with a picturesque view of Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer. The Merlion statue itself spouts water from its mouth and is lit up at night, creating a fantastic photo opportunity. Entrance to the park is free.
Clarke Quay is a riverside development known for its lively atmosphere, diverse dining options and nightlife spots. Clarke Quay consists of five blocks of restored warehouses, making it a perfect place for a leisurely stroll. You can also take a river cruise that lasts for 45 minutes and gives you a different perspective of the city. Entrance to Clarke Quay is free, while the river cruises have a fee.
Haw Par Villa is a unique theme park that exposes visitors to Chinese culture and mythology. The park is filled with over 1,000 multi-coloured statues and dioramas depicting stories from Chinese mythology, folklore, and history. Some of these are quite graphic with gory depictions of Hell's punishments, cautionary tales, and moral lessons. Entrance to Haw Par Villa is free of charge.
The Southern Ridges is a 10-kilometer long trail that offers great views of Singapore's skyline, lush greenery, and stunning architecture. It connects several parks and gardens, including Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, and Henderson Waves. The last stop on the trail is Kent Ridge Park, which houses the Fusionopolis building and a World War II history trail. Entrance to the Southern Ridges is free.
Marina Barrage is a dam built across the mouth of the Marina Channel that provides water supply, flood control, and a venue for various water-based recreational activities. The rooftop of the building offers panoramic views of the Marina Bay skyline, while the interactive exhibits in the Sustainable Singapore Gallery educate visitors about the importance of sustainable practices. Entrance to Marina Barrage and its outdoor areas is free, while entrance to the Sustainable Singapore Gallery has a fee.
If you have additional time, you can add these popular attractions to your itinerary, such as the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, Chinatown, Sentosa Island, or the National Gallery Singapore. These places do have a fee to enter. For those interested in learning Singapore's history, the Singapore City Gallery offers a free interactive exhibit on Singapore's urban planning, sustainability initiatives, and a miniature replica of the city-state. If you want to take a break from the bustling city, you can visit one of the many urban parks that are free to enter, like the East Coast Park or the Singapore Botanic Garden.