Singapore: 20 places to see - Chinatown to Clarke Quay

Explore Singapore's diverse neighborhoods and landmarks across 20 key attractions, from the historic Chinatown and Buddha Tooth Relic Temple to the lush Singapore Botanic Gardens and National Orchid Garden. The route covers cultural quarters like Little India and Kampong Glam, waterfront destinations including Marina Bay, Clarke Quay and East Coast Park, plus nature reserves and island escapes to Pulau Ubin.

Mode
Places
Start
Singapore
End
Boat Quay
Stops
20
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Singapore — Southeast Asian city-state renowned for its ultra-modern skyline, multicultural heritage, and role as a major global financial and shipping hub.
  2. Singapore Botanic Gardens — Lush botanical gardens offering escape from urban heat with diverse plant collections and serene natural environment.
  3. Singapore Zoo — World-renowned zoological park set in forest setting, home to over 300 species including the world's largest captive orangutan colony.
  4. Chinatown
  5. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple — Sacred Buddhist temple in Chinatown providing quiet reflection and spiritual atmosphere in the heart of the historic district.
  6. Little India — Vibrant ethnic enclave cramming the colors, scents, and religious traditions of the Indian Subcontinent into a compact urban neighborhood.
  7. Kampong Glam — Historic Malay and Muslim quarter featuring streets filled with handicrafts and goods from the Arabian world and Islamic heritage.
  8. Clarke Quay — Historic riverside quay district transformed into a vibrant entertainment and dining destination with colonial-era warehouses.
  9. National Orchid Garden — World-class orchid collection within the Botanic Gardens featuring thousands of flowering species in spectacular displays.
  10. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve — Primary rainforest reserve offering jungle hiking trails and wilderness experience within urban Singapore's boundaries.
  11. Jurong Bird Park — Large bird sanctuary bringing humans and birdlife together for over 40 years with diverse avian species and interactive experiences.
  12. Bugis Markets — Bustling local street market offering bargain shopping and authentic cultural experience with everyday Singaporeans.
  13. Fort Siloso — Historic World War Two fortress at Sentosa's western tip serving as a reminder of Singapore's challenging wartime history.
  14. East Coast Park — Ten-mile recreational park with bike paths and beaches proving Singaporeans balance urban density with outdoor relaxation.
  15. Changi Beach — Eastern coastal beach serving as departure point for bumboat excursions to nearby island destinations.
  16. Pulau Ubin — Rustic island accessible by bumboat featuring quiet beaches, mangroves, and wetlands preserving vanished kampong village life.
  17. Raffles Hotel — Legendary colonial-era hotel where history's greatest adventurers and writers have gathered, home to the iconic Singapore Sling.
  18. Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay — Iconic waterfront district featuring futuristic Supertree structures, horticultural gardens, and the distinctive Marina Bay Sands hotel framing Singapore's skyline.
  19. Pagoda Street Market — Traditional street market in Chinatown offering good luck charms and local goods in a historic shopping destination.
  20. Boat Quay — Upscale dining and entertainment district along the riverside offering bright lights and fine dining experiences.

Useful for your trip

Tip
Singapore is compact; nothing in the city is more than an hour away from the central business district, making it easy to explore.
Food
Follow the satay smoke to the nearest hawkers center for an authentic Singaporean 'Makan' food experience.
Food
For upscale dining, head to Boat and Clarke Quays.
Tip
Visit Singapore Botanic Gardens and National Orchid Garden to escape the heat and experience a world of color.
Tip
Explore jungle paths at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve for a wilder nature experience.
Tip
Singapore Zoo is home to over 300 species, including the world's largest captive colony of Orangutans.
Timing
When cooling afternoon rains come, take advantage of shopping opportunities as this is when many locals indulge in retail activities.
Save money
Head to Bugis Markets to shop with bargain-hunting locals for a change of pace from upscale shopping.
Transport
Catch a 'bumboat' from Changi Beach to Pulau Ubin for a quieter island experience away from the bustling city.
Tip
Visit Pulau Ubin to experience 'Kampong Life' with quiet beaches, mangroves and wetlands that have largely vanished on the mainland.
Tip
Pick up good luck charms at Pagoda Street Market in Chinatown.
Tip
Visit East Coast Park, a 10-mile recreational park with bike paths and beaches where locals relax.

Video on this route

Singapore Vacation Travel Guide | Expedia

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