Even though Singapore is the smallest country in Southeast Asia, there are hundreds of things for tourists to do on the island. From expansive shopping districts to religious temples, it’ll be easy for travellers to select activities that pique their interests and create an itinerary that’s uniquely your own.
However, if you’ll be staying in the city for only a couple of days (or only a few hours for a layover), your options might be limited—even more so if you’re travelling with the whole family. Don’t worry, though, because Singapore still has you covered. Even if you don’t have a lot of time to spare, you’ll definitely have enough time to enjoy the following activities:
Explore What Jewel Changi Has to Offer
You don’t need to travel far from the airport to enjoy your time in Singapore. In fact, you and your family can do almost everything you want to do at Jewel Changi, locally known as The Jewel. This expansive nature-themed entertainment and retail complex is connected to the Arrival Hall (Level 1) of Terminal 1 of the airport, which means getting there will just be a quick walk. When you arrive, you’ll be astonished by the numerous shops, restaurants, attractions, and activities you can explore, making The Jewel the ultimate stop for travellers who want to experience Singapore the moment they arrive. There are also plenty of hotels near Changi airport, so you can take a break or freshen up when you need to.
If you want your family to make the most of your time at Jewel Changi, there are several must-sees and must-dos you can add to your short itinerary. Head down to the Heart of Shiseido Forest Valley and marvel at the HSBC Rain Vortex—the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. This attraction stands 7-storeys high and makes for a great background for your photos. The best time to visit, however, is during the evening so that you can enjoy the light show. Canopy Park is another Jewel Changi attraction you and your kids will surely enjoy. This recreational wonderland is located on the topmost floor and it features various zones where your children can run, climb, and play as much as they want before you move on to the next agenda of your itinerary.
Take a Pleasant Stroll in Gardens by the Bay
If you plan to step outside the airport during your quick Singapore adventure, an attraction you shouldn’t miss is Gardens by the Bay. Located by the Marina Bay Waterfront, this 101-hectare nature park features three incredible gardens: Bay South, Bay East, and Bay Central. Each garden offers a unique experience, and visiting each one can make your time in Singapore worthwhile.
Bay South is the largest of the three, and this is where you can find the award-winning cooled conservatories and awe-inspiring Supertrees. This area is also where most community events, festivals, and music concerts are held, so you might be lucky to catch some happenings during your visit.
Bay East is the second largest and it offers a tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. It also offers a stunning view of Singapore’s skyline, making it a great location to take memorable photos. Bay Central also boasts incredible views of the city, but what makes it stand out is that it lets you enjoy the scenery from its 3-kilometre waterfront promenade.
Hop on the Singapore Flyer
Add a bit of thrill to your Singapore itinerary by taking your family to the Singapore Flyer. As one of the world’s largest observation wheels, the Singapore Flyer provides you with breathtaking, panoramic views of Marina Bay. Enjoy both comfort and thrill as you stay in one of the Flyer’s spacious, fully air-conditioned glass capsules. As you reach the pinnacle of the observation wheel, you’ll get a chance to spot famous attractions, such as the Singapore River, Raffles Place, and Merlion Park, and appreciate them from a unique perspective. Singapore Flyer is located on Raffles Avenue.
Visit the Iconic Merlion Statue at Merlion Park
Your trip to Singapore wouldn’t be complete without visiting the iconic Merlion statue at Merlion Park at One Fullerton. This half-fish, half-lion statue is a local legend and the globally recognised icon of Singapore. It represents Singapore’s rich history, with the fish-like body symbolising the island’s origins as a fishing village and the lion head representing the city’s original name of “singa pura” or lion city in Sanskrit.
Taste the Local Flavours at the Nearby Hawker Centres
When you’re looking for a place to eat in Singapore, having a seat at any one of the city’s hawker centres is a must. These open-air complexes house a variety of food stalls that serve local favourites, like chicken rice, fried rice carrot cake, satay, and fried prawn noodles. The Lion City has around 110 hawker centres and each one has a unique atmosphere that will delight your senses. However, if you’re pressed for time and looking for centres that are located near or at the airport, Changi Village Hawker Centre and Singapore Food Street at Terminal 3 are great options.
Singapore is an excellent destination to spend quality time with your family, but if you’re only staying for a day or two, you might not be able to fully enjoy your trip. Fortunately, the island offers plenty of experiences that can be done in a few short hours, giving you and your family enough time to make long-lasting memories together.
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