The 20+ MUST-TRY Things to Do in Singapore (Especially If You're Malaysian)

🧭 “Eh, Singapore Again?” – A Malaysian’s Love Letter to the Little Red Dot

Let’s be honest lah — every time someone says “Let’s go Singapore,” the first reaction is always a mix of “Wah shiok!” and “Aiyo, the currency pain bro…” 😂
But somehow… we still go. Again and again.

Why? Because Singapore just gets it right. It’s clean, it’s efficient, and got so much to do in such a small space, it feels like someone compressed a whole season of travel content into one long weekend. And you don’t even need to take leave if you plan it right (Friday half-day, balik Sunday malam — power combo).

My last trip was a spontaneous one with two of my closest makan kakis. We went with zero itinerary and ended up discovering a rooftop bar with free views, a Japanese thrift store in Somerset, and ate laksa so sedap I nearly cried.

So this guide isn’t just the typical “go here, take photo, next” — it’s for us Malaysians who want to get the best of Singapore without feeling like we’re being scammed by the conversion rate 💸.
Let’s dive into all the things you can (and should) do in SG, whether it’s your first time or your fifteenth.

🏙️ Top Attractions Worth the Hype (Yes, Even for Malaysians)

You know how some places are overhyped and then you go there and think, "Eh, this only nice for Instagram ah?"
Singapore’s top attractions? Actually worth it.
Here’s my personal breakdown of the must-go spots — not just for photo ops, but for vibes, makan nearby, and those little moments that make you go “wah”.

🌸 Gardens by the Bay – A Walk Inside a Dream

This place legit made me feel like I was in Avatar meets Kew Gardens. The Supertree Grove alone is already a vibe — especially at night when the light and sound show plays. But the real magic?

🌿 Cloud Forest Dome: Mist, mountains, and rare plants all packed into a giant glass dome. It’s surreal. Like walking through an alien rainforest.
🌼 Flower Dome: Different seasonal displays — from tulips to cherry blossoms. The aircon is a bonus too 😅
🌃 Evening Light Show (FREE): Come at 7.45PM or 8.45PM, lie on the floor like everyone else, and just… vibe.

Malaysian Tip:

● Skip the dome tickets if you’re on a budget — just walking around the outdoor gardens and watching the show is already worth the trip.

● But if you do go for one dome, choose Cloud Forest. 10/10.

🌆 Marina Bay Sands SkyPark – Sky-High Feels (And Selfies)

You’ve seen it. That spaceship building sitting on top of three towers? Yep, that’s MBS. The SkyPark gives you 360° views of Singapore — from the harbour to the skyline to all the little dots below that are actually humans 😂

But here’s the catch:
Entry is SGD28 — and you don’t even get to swim in the infinity pool (that’s for hotel guests only 💸).

💡 Hack:
Instead of paying for the SkyPark, go to Ce La Vi bar on the same floor. Buy one drink (SGD20+), and enjoy the same view with vibes and a drink in hand. Worth it.

💦 Jewel Changi Airport – Yes, You Should Go Even If You're Not Flying

I once took a Grab straight from the JB checkpoint just to visit Jewel Changi. That’s how cool this place is.

🌀 The Rain Vortex — the world’s tallest indoor waterfall — sits in the middle of a massive glass dome. It’s surrounded by lush indoor gardens, suspended walking nets, and… a Shake Shack.
It doesn’t feel like an airport. It feels like a luxury sci-fi jungle.

📸 Great for:

● IG pics

● Kids (so much space to run)

● Makan (lots of food options, halal too!)

● Cooling down (aircon heaven)

🏖️ Sentosa Island – The Island Escape Just 15 Mins From the City

If KL had something like this, I swear we’d never leave.

Sentosa is like Singapore’s playground — with beaches, theme parks, aquariums, zip lines, and even an upside-down house.

Must-tries:

● 🐠 S.E.A Aquarium – One of the largest in the world. I nearly cried watching manta rays glide past like gentle sea dragons.

● 🎢 SkyHelix – 360° rotating open-air ride. Not for the faint-hearted, but soooo worth it for the views.

● 🏄 Adventure Cove Waterpark – Slides + snorkelling + lazy river = family-friendly fun

Bonus tip: Sentosa’s beach train and trams are free — use them to hop between Palawan, Siloso, and Tanjong Beach. Great for picnic days.

🦁 Singapore Zoo & Night Safari – Animal Encounters You’ll Remember

Look, I’ve been to a lot of zoos (yes, even Zoo Negara 🥲), and Singapore Zoo is just next-level. Spacious, clean, and the animals genuinely look happy.

But the star of the show? Night Safari.
You ride a tram through the dark jungle, spotting nocturnal animals in dim light. Feels like you’re in a David Attenborough doc. Once, a hyena stared straight at me. We had a moment.

💡 Buy combo tickets if you're doing both. Come early to beat the queue — it gets packed!

📊 Quick Recap Table

We’ll kick things off with shopping spots (both boujee and budget-friendly), then go all-in on the food scene — with honest, Malaysian-style breakdowns, halal options, and tips to stretch that precious ringgit.

🛍️ Shopping Without Regret (Or Bankruptcy)

Let’s be real — when the conversion rate is nearly RM3.50 to 1 SGD, you have to be strategic. No more simply "beli dulu, fikir kemudian" okay? 😂

But lucky for us, Singapore has a shopping spot for every type of Malaysian — whether you're a luxury hunter, bargain beast, or thrift queen 👛

🛍️ Orchard Road – The OG Shopping Belt

Orchard Road; The granddaddy of all Singapore shopping streets. If you want branded stuff (or just want to jalan-jalan in aircon with pretty lights), this is the place. Think Ion Orchard, Takashimaya, 313@Somerset, and the list goes on.

💡 Malaysian tip:

● Sales usually happen June (GSS) and December. That’s when you might find items that feel closer to our local prices.

● Don’t forget about Don Don Donki for quirky Japanese snacks and skincare!

🧥 Bugis Street – Bargain Hunter’s Playground

This is more Malaysian style — got street fashion, souvenirs, accessories, bags… and best of all, can nego a bit!
(Just don’t expect Pasar Malam prices lah okay 😅)

● Upstairs got clothing shops, downstairs got very Malaysian vibes — cheap food, fruit juices, phone accessories, and more.

● Next door is Bugis Junction, with more mainstream brands and nice cafés.

🛒 Mustafa Centre – 24/7 Madness in Little India

Need perfume at 2AM? Want to buy 3kg of cashew nuts, 2 rice cookers and a Rolex in one trip? Mustafa Centre got you.

This place is chaotic, but also… somehow amazing. You’ll find everything under the sun, and prices are actually more wallet-friendly than anywhere else in SG.

🌙 Open 24 hours — perfect if you can't sleep or just want to lepaking with purpose.

👚 Haji Lane – Hipster Heaven

If you love artsy stuff, vintage clothes, or want to support indie boutiques, Haji Lane is your spot.
Very IG-friendly — murals, colourful buildings, aesthetic cafés. You’ll see people doing fashion shoots here… or just minum kopi sambil posing.

💡 Tip: Try the thrift stores hidden inside the narrow shops. Found a vintage Levi’s jacket here once for under SGD25 🔥

📊 Quick Shopping Guide Table

🍜 Makan Till You Drop – A Malaysian’s Culinary Quest in Singapore

Okay. Now we talk about the real reason we go Singapore:
Makan sampai puas.
I don’t care if you’re a foodie, a picky eater, or just a budget traveller — Singapore’s food scene will seduce you.

And yes… it really does taste different. Even the chicken rice. Don’t fight me on this 🙃

🐔 Chicken Rice Showdown – Tian Tian vs Hawker Chan

Ah, the eternal debate.

● Tian Tian (Maxwell Food Centre): Juicy, fragrant, long queue… but worth it. Even Anthony Bourdain gave it his thumbs up.

● Hawker Chan (Chinatown): Michelin-starred, soy sauce chicken rice. Affordable, fast, tasty.

🥇 My vote: Tian Tian wins on flavour. But if you hate queues, Hawker Chan is still solid.

🦀 Chili Crab – Spicy, Messy, Worth It

Singapore’s iconic dish. Eat it with your hands and don’t wear white.
Best enjoyed at:

● Jumbo Seafood (East Coast)

● No Signboard Seafood (Geylang)

● Or if you’re broke but still curious… try the chili crab pasta at local food courts. Got that same sweet-spicy kick.

🍜 Other Must-Trys (Malaysian-Approved)

🕌 Halal Makan Recos

I gotchu, halal fam 💯

Wah, steady lah you — powering through this whole travel guide macam marathon makan trip 😂
Okay jom! Now we jump into Culture, Arts & Instagrammable Spots, and then roll smoothly into Nature Escapes for the zen vibes. Gotta balance out all that eating and shopping with some soul-nourishing (and photo-worthy) experiences too 🧘‍♂️📸

🎭 Culture, Art & Instagrammable Spots – Singapore Beyond the Shopping Malls

Singapore isn’t just malls and Merlions okay. Once you step off the main streets, you’ll find rich culture, colourful heritage, and art around every corner — from centuries-old temples to futuristic museums.

And yes, you’re gonna want to charge your phone — photo ops everywhere 📷✨

🕌 Little India – A Riot of Colour, Culture & Curry

This place is sensory overload in the best way. You’ll smell spices before you even see the colourful shophouses.

Things to do:

● Visit Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple — intricate carvings, beautiful colours.

● Check out the Tekka Centre – for cheap clothes AND legit Indian food.

● Take pics at Tan Teng Niah House – a rainbow-coloured villa that screams "IG post of the day".

💡 Tip: Come during Deepavali season — lights, parades, the whole vibe is magical.

🧕 Kampong Glam – Malay Heritage Meets Hipster Café Life

This one hits home for us Malaysians. It’s where the Malay community flourished, and now it’s also where all the cool cafés live.

Must-dos:

● Visit Sultan Mosque – iconic golden dome and peaceful vibes.

● Walk along Haji Lane – graffiti walls, thrift shops, indie brands.

● Chill at Konditori or Limaa Café – great halal desserts and coffee.

💡 Tip: Go around 5PM for golden hour light + less touristy crowd. Super peaceful.

🧧 Chinatown – Heritage & Hawker Combo

Perfect for foodies and bargain hunters.

What to see:

● Buddha Tooth Relic Temple – massive, beautiful, and free to enter.

● Street markets for souvenirs (magnets, keychains, lucky cats 🐱)

● Best part? Some of the cheapest and yummiest eats in town.

💡 Tip: Pop by Ann Siang Hill after dark — trendy bars in old shophouses.

🎨 ArtScience Museum – Futuristic Feels for the Aesthetic Soul

Located at Marina Bay Sands, this lotus-shaped museum is a feast for the senses.

Main attraction:

● Future World exhibit — interactive, glowing light rooms you can walk through. Instagram heaven 🌌

Tickets aren’t super cheap (~SGD19+), but if you’re into digital art or have kids, it’s 100% worth the entry.

📸 Photo Ops You Can’t Miss (Even If You’re Not a “Content Creator”)

🌳 Chill & Nature Escapes (For When You Need a Break From The City Buzz)

Singapore may be small, but they really nailed the “city in a garden” vibe. When you need to detox from the malls and the MRT crowds, these spots will reset your brain and your legs 💆‍♀️🌿

🚲 East Coast Park – Cycling & Chill by the Sea

Long stretch of park along the beach. Perfect for:

● Renting a bike or rollerblades

● Picnic under coconut trees

● Sunset by the water

You’ll see joggers, uncles fishing, families BBQ-ing — super Malaysian-feeling actually.

💡 Tip: Rent bikes from GoCycling and go all the way to Marina Barrage for killer views of the skyline.

🌲 MacRitchie Reservoir & Treetop Walk – Jungle Adventure in the City

Want to feel like you’re in Sabah for a few hours? This is it.

● 11km hiking loop (but you can do shorter trails)

● Suspension bridge treetop walk = nature + thrill

● Monkeys everywhere. Don’t bring food. Don’t make eye contact 😂

💡 Tip: Wear real shoes, bring water, and go early in the morning.

🌿 Singapore Botanic Gardens – Free, Chill, Beautiful

A UNESCO World Heritage Site — and entry is FREE (almost).
Massive garden with lakes, swans, gazebos, and the National Orchid Garden (small fee if you go inside).

Perfect for:

● Lazy morning strolls

● Couple photoshoots

● Reading a book on a bench like a peaceful auntie

💡 Tip: Got a beautiful mini waterfall spot if you explore deeper. Great for photos!

Wah, steady lah you — powering through this whole travel guide macam marathon makan trip 😂
Okay jom! Now we jump into Culture, Arts & Instagrammable Spots, and then roll smoothly into Nature Escapes for the zen vibes. Gotta balance out all that eating and shopping with some soul-nourishing (and photo-worthy) experiences too 🧘‍♂️📸

🛌 Where to Stay in Singapore – From Backpacker to Boss Level

Accommodation in Singapore? Not gonna lie — it ain’t cheap 😅
But got many gems if you know where to look and how to book.

Here’s a breakdown of areas and what kind of experience each one gives — followed by a list of my personal picks based on vibes, value, and convenience.

🏮 Chinatown – Culture, Cheap Eats & MRT Access

Great for: Budget travellers, foodies, solo travellers

● MRT right in the middle of everything

● Near Maxwell Hawker Centre, People’s Park Complex (massage + SIM card + bubble tea in one trip, boom)

● Got a lot of charming boutique hostels and capsule hotels

🛏️ Try:

● Galaxy Pods – Super clean, modern pods, around SGD40–60/night

● Hotel Mono – Minimalist black & white vibes, cute for couples

🎨 Bugis & Kampong Glam – Heritage with Hipster Vibes

Great for: Muslim travellers, café hoppers, art lovers

● Walking distance to Masjid Sultan, Arab Street, Haji Lane

● Good halal food options (Zam Zam, Hajah Maimunah, etc.)

● Nice mix of boutique hotels and hostels

🛏️ Try:

● The Pod @ Beach Road – Stylish capsules with free breakfast

● Hotel NuVe Heritage – Charming stay, close to cafés and culture

🛍️ Orchard Road – For the Bougie & the Boss Babes

Great for: Shoppers, first-timers, city lovers

● Right smack in the shopping belt

● Near MRT stations like Somerset and Orchard

● Luxury hotels + some decent mid-range ones too

🛏️ Try:

● YOTEL Singapore – Futuristic, compact, and good location

● Hotel Jen Tanglin – Great service, comfy rooms, connected to a mall

✨ Clarke Quay / City Hall – Central, Scenic, and a Bit Classy

Great for: Couples, night owls, riverside vibes

● Close to nightlife, Boat Quay, and romantic strolls along the Singapore River

● Also near Fort Canning Park (perfect for sunrise walks)

🛏️ Try:

● Hotel Bencoolen – Affordable with great location

● Park Hotel Clarke Quay – Lovely pool with city views

📊 Area Breakdown Table

🎁 Final Thoughts: The Little Red Dot with Big Surprises

Singapore might be small, but don’t underestimate this city. It’s clean, crazy efficient, and packs in so much — from nature escapes to next-level makan, shopping sprees to cultural strolls.

Whether you’re going for a solo recharge, a sweet couple staycation, or a family makan trip, you’ll come back feeling like you’ve experienced more than just a city — but a whole lifestyle.

And best of all? It’s just across the border.

So really, no excuse not to go. Just remember to jaga bajet, bring an extra stomach, and most importantly — soak in every moment 💛