Bert Templeton

Singapore, a city where the skyline is as diverse as its cultural tapestry, continues to evolve, offering travelers an ever-expanding list of experiences. This extensive guide delves into the heart of Singapore’s latest trends, events, and attractions, with detailed transportation tips to ensure your journey is as seamless as it is memorable.

If you’re planning a visit to Singapore, you can find more ideas of where to stay, here.

Navigating Singapore: MRT and Bus Services

Singapore’s transport system is the backbone of efficiently exploring this island nation. The systems are spotlessly clean, safe, and easy to use:

• MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): The MRT system is clean, efficient, and punctual. Here are some pivotal stations:
  • Marina Bay – Access to Marina Bay Sands, Helix Bridge, and the iconic Merlion.
  • Dhoby Ghaut – A key interchange connecting the North-South, North-East, and Circle lines, near Orchard Road.
  • HarbourFront – For ferries to Sentosa or shopping at VivoCity.
  • Bishan – Close to Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park and Junction 8 mall.
  • Changi Airport – Now even more than just transit, with Jewel Changi Airport for shopping and the Rain Vortex waterfall.

• Bus Services: Buses in Singapore provide a great way to see the city at street level:
  • Bishan and Ang Mo Kio: Buses 13, 52, 88, and 162M are useful here.
  • East Coast Park: Buses 36, 48, and 196 offer access from Bedok or Marine Parade MRT stations.
  • Changi: Bus 2 from Tanah Merah MRT reaches Changi Village.

Latest Travel Trends in Singapore

• Eco-Tourism: With a push towards sustainability, visitors are increasingly drawn to natural reserves like Sungei Buloh for bird watching or the Southern Ridges for hiking.
• Cultural Immersion: There’s a growing interest in local experiences, from heritage walks in Joo Chiat to traditional workshops in Katong.
• Culinary Tourism: The culinary scene is vibrant with food tours becoming more nuanced, focusing on single-dish explorations like the plethora of hawker centres and Michelin-starred eateries.

Events in 2025

• Singapore International Film Festival (SIFF): Held from late April to early May, showcasing over 60 films across multiple venues with special guests and Q&A sessions.
  • MRT: Various, primarily around Dhoby Ghaut and Somerset.

• Singapore Night Festival: An annual event in August where the Bras Basah.Bugis area is transformed with light installations, performances, and interactive art.
  • MRT: Bras Basah, Dhoby Ghaut.

• Singapore Grand Prix: September sees the city turn into a racetrack, featuring not just F1 but also concerts, fan zones, and exclusive parties.
  • MRT: Promenade, City Hall for access to Marina Bay Street Circuit.

Venues and Attractions

Marina Bay Area

• Marina Bay Sands: Beyond its famous SkyPark, explore the ArtScience Museum, the Shoppes, and Sampan rides on the canal.
  • MRT: Bayfront Station.
  • Bus: 97, 106, 133, 502.
• Gardens by the Bay: A horticultural marvel with the Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, and nightly Garden Rhapsody light and sound show.
  • MRT: Bayfront Station.
  • Bus: 400, 97E.

Sentosa Island

• Universal Studios Singapore: Experience new 2025 attractions in Minion Land, immersive rides like TRANSFORMERS: The Ride 3D.
  • MRT: HarbourFront, then Sentosa Express to Resorts World.
  • Bus: RWS8 from VivoCity.
• S.E.A. Aquarium: Now the Singapore Oceanarium, with expanded exhibits showcasing marine life from around the globe.
  • MRT: HarbourFront, then Sentosa Express.
  • Bus: RWS8.
• Beaches: Each beach has its charm – Siloso for nightlife, Palawan for family fun, Tanjong for tranquility.
  • MRT: HarbourFront, then Sentosa Beach Shuttle.
  • Bus: Beach Shuttle operates within Sentosa.
• Adventure Cove Waterpark: Offers snorkeling with sharks, water slides, and a lazy river.
  • MRT: HarbourFront, then Sentosa Express.
  • Bus: RWS8.

Cultural and Historical Sites

• Chinatown: Dive into the past at the Chinatown Heritage Centre, followed by a feast at Maxwell Food Centre where you can try the famed Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice.
  • MRT: Chinatown Station.
  • Bus: 2, 12, 33, 63.
• Little India: A sensory overload with colorful murals, vibrant markets at Tekka Centre, and spiritual sanctuaries like Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.
  • MRT: Little India Station.
  • Bus: 23, 64, 65, 139.
• Kampong Glam: Offers a blend of Malay heritage with the Sultan Mosque, cultural shows, and trendy cafes along Haji Lane.
  • MRT: Bugis Station.
  • Bus: 7, 124, 145.

Neighborhoods to Explore

• Tiong Bahru: Known for its Art Deco architecture, it’s a hipster haven with indie bookstores, cafes, and the iconic Tiong Bahru Market.
  • Must-Visit: Try the curry rice at Hong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Mee.
  • MRT: Tiong Bahru Station.
  • Bus: 5, 16, 33, 63.
• Bishan and Ang Mo Kio: Residential areas with a community feel:
  • Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park: A modern park with a river theme, playgrounds, and a jogging track.
    • MRT: Bishan Station.
    • Bus: 52, 54, 56, 410G.
  • Hawker Centre: Bishan Market is where you’ll find local favorites like bak chor mee.
    • MRT: Bishan Station.
    • Bus: 52, 54, 56, 410G.
• Tampines: A bustling town with Tampines Mall and Century Square for shopping and dining.
  • MRT: Tampines Station.
  • Bus: 27, 43, 59, 72.
• East Coast and Changi
  • East Coast Park: Offers cycling paths, BBQ pits, and water sports rentals.
    • Bus: 36, 48 from Bedok MRT.
    • MRT: Bedok Station, then bus.
  • Changi Park: Ideal for a quieter beach day or to catch the sunrise.
    • Bus: 2 from Tanah Merah MRT.
    • MRT: Tanah Merah Station.
  • Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve: A nature reserve perfect for bird watching and educational tours.
    • MRT: Kranji Station, then bus 925.

Culinary Exploration

• Hawker Centres:
  • Lau Pa Sat: Known for its Satay Street, where you can enjoy skewers late into the night.
    • MRT: Raffles Place Station.
    • Bus: 10, 57, 70, 100, 130, 131.
  • Tiong Bahru Market: Dive into dishes like bak kut teh or the unique duck noodles.
    • MRT: Tiong Bahru Station.
    • Bus: 5, 16, 33, 63.
  • Old Airport Road Food Centre: A treasure trove of flavors from nasi lemak to durian desserts.
    • MRT: Kallang Station.
    • Bus: 2, 7, 12, 33, 100.
• Restaurants:
  • Candlenut: Singapore’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant, redefining traditional flavors.
    • MRT: Newton Station.
    • Bus: 5, 54, 124, 143, 162, 167.
  • Burnt Ends: A modern Australian BBQ experience with innovative techniques.
    • MRT: Tanjong Pagar Station.
    • Bus: 80, 145.
  • Labyrinth: Chef LG Han’s exploration of Singapore’s culinary history through a tasting menu.
    • MRT: Esplanade Station.
    • Bus: 36, 106, 111, 133.
• 328 Katong Laksa: Located in the heart of Katong, this stall serves one of the most beloved Laksa in Singapore, known for its rich, spicy coconut gravy with thick rice noodles.
  • MRT: Paya Lebar Station, then bus 155.
  • Bus: 155 from Paya Lebar MRT.
• Seafood at East Coast Park:
  • Jumbo Seafood: Famous for its Chili Crab, which has become a Singaporean food icon.
    • MRT: Bedok Station, then bus 48.
    • Bus: 48 from Bedok MRT.
  • Long Beach Seafood: Offers traditional seafood dishes with a view of the sea, especially known for their Black Pepper Crab.
    • MRT: Bedok Station, then bus 36 or 48.
    • Bus: 36, 48 from Bedok MRT.

Riverfront Areas: Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Robertson Quay

• Clarke Quay: A nightlife hub with riverside dining, bars, and clubs. The area comes alive at night with live music and entertainment.
  • MRT: Clarke Quay Station.
  • Bus: 32, 54, 186, 195.
• Boat Quay: This area offers a more historic ambiance with colonial architecture. It now hosts a variety of eateries with a view of the Singapore River.
  • MRT: Raffles Place Station.
  • Bus: 51, 63, 80, 124, 175, 197.
• Robertson Quay: Quieter and slightly more upscale, great for evening strolls or a relaxed meal by the river.
  • MRT: Fort Canning Station or Clarke Quay Station.
  • Bus: 32, 54, 195 from Clarke Quay.

Orchard Road

Orchard Road is Singapore’s premier shopping belt, but there’s much more to see and do:

• Shopping: From luxury malls like ION Orchard to budget-friendly deals at Orchard Central, there’s something for every shopper.
  • MRT: Orchard, Somerset, Dhoby Ghaut Stations.
  • Bus: There are numerous buses, such as 14, 16, 36, 77, 106, 111, 123, 124, 128, 143, 162, 167, 171, 174, 175, 190, and 518.
• Cultural Attractions: Visit the Singapore Art Museum’s Annex at Tanjong Pagar Distripark or enjoy the sculptures at Plaza Singapura.
• Entertainment: Catch a movie at The Cathay or enjoy a live performance at the Esplanade, just a short walk or MRT ride away.
• Dining: Your culinary journey here is diverse, from high-end restaurants like Les Amis to street food at Takashimaya’s Food Hall.
• Parks and Green Spaces: For a breath of fresh air, escape to the Orchard Road Green Corridor or Fort Canning Park.

New and Notable for 2025

• Live Nation Music Venue: With its modern acoustics and multi-stage setup, it is set to be a new beacon for music lovers.
  • MRT: Somerset Station.
  • Bus: 7, 14, 16, 65, 106, 111, 123, 124, 175, 502.
• Punggol Coast Mall: The latest addition to the Punggol waterfront, offering shopping, dining, and entertainment with direct MRT access.
  • MRT: Punggol Coast Station.
  • Bus: 84, 118, 136, 382G.
• Harry Potter: Visions of Magic: An immersive experience at Resorts World Sentosa, expanding with new magical exhibits for 2025.
  • MRT: HarbourFront, then Sentosa Express.
  • Bus: RWS8 from VivoCity.

Singapore in 2025 is a city where ancient traditions meet futuristic innovation, where you can sip on a traditional kopi one moment and watch the skyline from a rooftop bar the next. Whether you’re here for the food, culture, or simply to soak in the urban landscape, this guide ensures you experience the depth and breadth of what Singapore has to offer. Remember, every MRT stop and bus route is a gateway to another adventure in this vibrant city-state.