For those of you who love to travel, Singapore is no stranger, especially to those of us in Batam. The Lion City is one of the most popular travel destinations for Indonesian travelers, especially for shopping.
For those of you who miss Singapore and are eagerly awaiting the day you can return, let’s reignite your travel dreams with a look at some of the attractions that are just as exciting as the iconic spots in Singapore.
Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is a must-visit spot for anyone. This vast garden, covering over 100 hectares, is too beautiful to miss when visiting Singapore. Upon entering, visitors are immediately greeted by lush greenery and beautiful flowers.
The Flower Dome, which is refreshingly eye-catching, is just the beginning. The water park is guaranteed to bring joy, especially to children who can run around and play in the water. Within the Children’s Garden, there are also hidden play areas to explore. After the tour, visitors can relax and enjoy a cup of tea with a selection of traditional Singaporean snacks at Café Aster.
Kranji Countryside
Singapore may be known for its modern tourism, but it also offers natural spots like Kranji Countryside, a favorite of actress Marissa Nasution and her daughter, Allie. Located in the western part of Singapore, Kranji Countryside is far from the bustle of the city, offering a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by farms and plantations.
With its sustainable and eco-friendly concept, this area is perfect for family trips, especially for children. You can visit places like Bollywood Veggies, which has been around for 20 years and occupies a 10-hectare plot. Here, you can explore farms, green forests, and a food forest with various types of vegetation. You can also enjoy farm-to-table dishes at the Poison Ivy restaurant, where the food is guaranteed fresh and delicious.
Other places of interest include Hay Dairies, Singapore’s only goat farm, and the Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum, where over 600 species of turtles and tortoises can be seen and interacted with.
Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island is a must-visit destination in Singapore. It’s home to Universal Studios and S.E.A Aquarium™, one of the largest aquariums in the world. The marine life displays in the jumbo aquarium are a fascinating spectacle for both children and adults.
With over 1,000 species of marine life, including sharks and manta rays, the Open Ocean Habitat offers a close-up view of these creatures in their natural habitat.
After exploring the aquarium, you can rest at The Barracks Hotel Sentosa, a great spot for a staycation before continuing to enjoy the beauty of the island.
Don’t forget to take the kids to Nestopia, an outdoor play area with two of the longest slides on Sentosa Island. Staff are available to assist children as they climb and explore. At the top of the slides, you can enjoy stunning views.
Sentosa Island is also famous for its three beaches: Siloso, Palawan, and Tanjong. Each beach has its own entrance and security checks, so visitors can choose the one that feels most comfortable.
Tiong Bahru
For those looking to hunt for cooking ingredients, plants, and various other items, Marissa recommends Tiong Bahru Market. This area is actually Singapore’s oldest residential district, dating back to the 1920s.
Tiong Bahru has transformed into a paradise for shopping for food and unique Singaporean and Southeast Asian cuisine, from traditional to modern. It’s no wonder Marissa included Tiong Bahru on her hidden gem list of Singapore.
Jewel Changi Airport
Changi Airport offers more than just a shopping experience it also has a must-visit attraction: Jewel. Inside, you’ll find the HSBC Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at 40 meters high.
Surrounded by a glass dome, visitors can enjoy lush greenery, making it feel like being in a rainforest. Canopy Park and Hedge Maze are fun attractions worth exploring too.
On the rooftop, visitors can experience one of Jewel’s most popular attractions, the Manulife Sky Nets Bouncing. However, if you’re afraid of heights, you might want to skip this one, as it offers a view 25 meters below through the nets where you stand. In addition to attractions, Jewel also has 280 restaurants and iconic shops.
Joo Chiat/Katong
Not familiar with the eastern part of Singapore? There are plenty of fun destinations to explore here. This area is full of Instagram-worthy murals, perfect for travelers who love to take photos or those looking for aesthetic shots.
Joo Chiat/Katong is a neighborhood rich in Peranakan culture. Visitors can easily find various culinary delights and accessories that reflect this culture, such as at Rumah Bebe, where you can see beautiful Nyonya kebayas and learn how to make traditional Peranakan beads, shoes, and bags.
A trip to the East wouldn’t be complete without a food walking tour, sampling dishes at every corner. From the famous halal street food at Geylang Serai Market to one of the best laksa restaurants in Singapore, 328 Katong Laksa.
You’ll also find The Red House, an iconic building in Katong. Once a famous bakery known as Katong Bakery & Confectionery in the 1920s, The Red House remains unchanged and continues to be one of the most renowned bakeries in Singapore.