Singapore: Beyond the Cityscape

A city-state known for its high rises, high tech, and high finance, Singapore is well more than a central hub for global business. If you look beyond the cityscape, you’ll discover pockets of natural enclaves that remind you that this thriving city is in fact a tropical island at the end of the Malay Peninsula.

Pause for a moment and think beaches, rainforest, and sultry humidity. Yes, it’s hot. After all, Singapore is just 85 miles (137km) north of the equator. But with so many spectacular attractions to capture your imagination, you’ll find there’s more than meets the eye at this global urban hot spot.

1. Early morning at the Botanic Gardens

Open from 5:00AM to midnight, the free Botanic Gardens top everyone’s “must-do” list. The main draw is the National Orchid Garden, which features a colorful world of 1,000 orchid species and another 2,000 hybrids. But the Garden offers “intangibles” as well: shade enabled by mature trees, wonderful floral fragrances, and that communal buzz of runners and Tai Chi early-birds. The Rainforest Path is a particularly nice jogging route. You can get to the main board walk at Upper Palm Valley Road. If shopping Orchard Road is a must, you can arrive at this air-conditioned landscape of another sort within 10 minutes walking.

2. Afternoon on the “other” islands: the Southern Islands

You probably know the popular island Sentosa, which boasts the 131-meter Tiger Sky Tower for spectacular views over Singapore. It also is home of Universal Studios and an incredibly cool simulated wave pool, the Wave House. But where there are such attractions, there are crowds. Lots of them. Fortunately, there are two islands that just might come to your rescue, dropping you in a true paradise—an oasis amidst the bustling city.

St. John’s Island

Accessible by ferry via Marina South Pier, the hilly St. John’s Island is serene. See the Singapore skyline from its relaxing beaches. Plan ahead, and you can book an overnight stay at the Holiday Bungalows.

Kusu Island

Kusa Island provides another escape from the city. In addition to sandy beaches and lagoons, you’ll find and the Chinese Taoist Tua Pek Kong Temple (pictured), as well as a turtle sanctuary and holy shrines (kramats), one of which is 152 steps. The 40-minute ferry ride is worth the trip.

3. Late afternoon at a nature reserve

A 15-minute drive from downtown, the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve reminds you of Singapore’s geological past as an island rainforest. See macaque monkeys, but take note: They can be a nuisance as a result of human interaction. Keep your water bottles and snacks out of sight, as they have been known to grab them.

For even more adventure with Singapore’s natural landscape, amidst the shade of trees, how about hiking the rainforest treetops? The TreeTop Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir Park is an exhilarating 250m walkway that takes you to heights of up to 25m above the mature forest.

4. Evening: heat up with a world of curries

So you’re back in downtown Singapore. Embrace the heat by spicing it up—literally—with your preferred choice of curry cuisine: Indian, Malaysian, Thai. Or go for several to taste and differentiate the nuances of curries. If you want to hone in on Indian curry and add to the experience, consider dining in Little India. Huge cafeteria-style restaurants will send your stomach spinning with unlimited, amazing food choices.

5. Nighttime at the Singapore Zoo

When it comes to zoos, the Singapore Zoo got it right! Night Safari Singapore honors its nocturnal residents by sticking to their natural schedule and behavior. You can explore seven geographical zones, which feature about 130 animals. With the animals so alive at night, you’ll feel as if you’re walking through the unadulterated jungle. You can trek different trails depending on what you want to see, whether a Gir lion, Sri Lankan leopards, the Malayan tiger, spotted hyenas, red river hogs, and/or wallabies.

Once out of the zoo, you’ll continue to see lion-like creatures around the city: Merlions (pictured) , with the head of lion and body of a fish. Boasting the city’s iconic 8.6m Merlion, Merlion Park is close to the main business district.

Even with these compelling ways to accept Singapore’s oppressive heat, chances are high that you’ll be there on business. So prepare for your visit accordingly so you can make the most of the city proper as well:

Business Culture in Singapore

Cultural Etiquette in Singapore

Etiquette in Singapore

For foreigners visiting Singapore

*Kusu island photo by Danist Soh