After breakfast, let’s discover the Highlights of Singapore City. Wander through the colorful Kampong Glam (Muslim Culture), rich in Malay and Arab heritage. At Merlion Park, capture iconic waterfront views of the Lion City. Admire the intricate architecture of Thian Hock Keng Temple (Taoist Culture), a place to worship Mazu, the Chinese sea goddess. Visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a green sanctuary in the heart of Singapore’s urban landscape.
First, head to Kampong Glam, an excellent place to explore Muslim and Malay Culture. As one of the oldest streets in Singapore, this area used to be the center of activities for the Malay Royal Family and retains many historical buildings and cultural attractions, such as the Sultan Mosque, Arab Street, and Haji Lane.
Kampong Glam was a seaside village 200 years ago. In Malay, "Kampong" means "village." The village was named after the gelam trees, which once grew there and were used for shipbuilding and medicine. During Singapore's colonial era, Sir Stamford Raffles designated this area for the Malay, Arab, and Bugis communities in 1822. Today, its 19th-century shophouses host textile shops and diverse restaurants.
The Sultan Mosque is the landmark of Kampong Glam, known for its huge golden dome and towering minaret. Its architectural style is a fusion of Malay, Indian, and Mughal influences, epitomizing Singapore's multiculturalism. Built in 1824 by Sultan Hussein Shah, the Sultan of Johor, it can now accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers at the same time. (Note: To enter the mosque, wear long pants and sleeves out of respect.)
When visiting Kampong Glam, don’t miss Haji Lane, famous for its striking murals and graffiti created by local artists such as Yip Yew Chong (叶耀宗). Haji Lane is a photographer's paradise, packed with independent shops selling trendy fashion, vintage items, and quirky souvenirs. It's also a hub for hip cafes and bars, perfect for relaxing and people-watching.
Next, visit Merlion Park by driving past the Civic District, the historic heart of Singapore. From your car, you can view important landmarks, such as:
- The Padang, a historic field hosting national events.
- The elegant Singapore Cricket Club(founded in 1852).
- The colonial-era Parliament House(completed in 1827).
- The stunning National Gallery Singapore.
At Merlion Park, you’ll have a quick stop to see the Merlion Statue, a National Symbol of Singapore completed in 1972. The Merlion combines a lion's head and a fish’s body, representing Singapore's "Lion City" name and its history as a fishing village. According to legend, a brave prince saw a lion on the island and named it Singapura, blending strength and maritime heritage. As the smallest park in Singapore, Merlion Park is the perfect spot to take photos of the Merlion Statue (8.6 meters tall) and enjoy views of Marina Bay Sands and Singapore’s Central Business District (CBD).
Then, transfer to Thian Hock Keng, Singapore's oldest Hokkien temple and a symbol of local Taoist culture. Built in 1840 by early Hokkien immigrants, this temple is dedicated to Mazu (妈祖), the Chinese sea goddess who protected early Chinese immigrants during their perilous sea journeys. Located in Chinatown, it is a masterpiece of traditional Southern Chinese architecture, featuring intricate carvings, nail-less construction, colorful tiles, and a peaceful ambiance.
Finally, head to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, established in 1859. It has evolved from a British colonial-era tropical garden into a modern, world-class scientific institution focused on conservation and education. The gardens attract:
- Plant enthusiasts, who come to explore tropical plants and orchids.
- Bird watchers, who hope to spot species like the Oriental Pied Hornbill, Buffy Fish-Owl, and Stork-billed Kingfisher.
- Wildlife enthusiasts, eager to encounter otters, monitor lizards, plantain squirrels, and geckos.
Locals frequent the gardens for jogging, picnicking, or attending concerts at the Symphony Lake.
Did you know the Singapore Botanic Gardens played a pivotal role in the rubber industry, earning it recognition as Singapore's only UNESCO World Heritage Site? In 1877, the Gardens introduced the rubber tree to Singapore from Brazil via the Royal Botanic Gardens in the UK. This breakthrough led to the successful cultivation of rubber across Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand), transforming the region into a global hub for rubber production.
You won’t want to miss the crown jewel of the gardens - the National Orchid Garden! Step into a world of color and beauty, home to over 1,000 orchid species and stunning hybrids. Admire the Vanda Miss Joaquim (卓锦万代兰), the beloved National Flower of Singapore, and orchids named after global icons such as Lee Kuan Yew (李光耀), Jackie Chan (成龙), Princess Diana, Michelle Obama, and Singapore’s very own songbird, Stefanie Sun (孙燕姿).
Travel Tips for the Botanic Gardens:
- The iconic 150-year-old Tembusu tree, featured on Singapore's $5 note, is located near the Tanglin Gate entrance.
- The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a great spot to see Singapore's National Bird, the Crimson Sunbird, often found among flowers in forested areas.