For some Filipino travelers, Singapore is one of the top-of-mind tourist destinations in Asia, as it offers the perfect balance of a vibrant city life and the rich and colorful cultures of the Chinese, Malay, and Indian communities.
A four-hour flight from the Philippines is all it takes to reach Singapore. Plus, it’s visa-free for Philippine passport holders, so you don’t have to worry about the tedious visa process.
Traveling to Singapore may be a little bit expensive because it is, after all, among the world’s most expensive cities. But fret not! You can explore the beauty of the Lion City without breaking the bank because there are many tourist attractions that you can visit for free. Here are five of them.
Jewel Changi
A trip to Singapore is incomplete without going to Jewel Changi, located inside the Singapore Changi Airport.
Jewel Changi is a nature-themed entertainment and shopping hub with the Rain Vortex—the world’s tallest indoor waterfall—as its main attraction.
Jewel Changi is not hard to miss, as there are free shuttle buses from the terminals in the airport that will lead you to the famous site!
Chijmes Hall
Perhaps one of the most underrated attractions in Singapore is Chijmes Hall, located in the heart of the Lion City.
It is a historic site that started as a Catholic convent known as the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus Chapel. Boasting a rich heritage and stunning architecture, Chijmes was awarded the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2002.
A train ride going to City Hall station and a five-minute walk will lead you to Chijmes.
Fun fact: This is where the iconic wedding at the “Crazy Rich Asians” was filmed.
Fort Canning Park
A popular tourist attraction that you shouldn’t miss on your Singapore trip is Fort Canning Park.
Fort Canning Park is a historic and scenic park that features remnants of a 19th-century British fort, the Malay Heritage Centre, lush greenery, and walking trails. The park offers a blend of history, culture, and nature, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and exploration.
Inside the park is where you can find the Fort Canning Tree Tunnel, which is quite popular among tourists for its Instagrammable verdant views from the bottom of the spiral steps.
To go to Fort Canning Park, all you have to do is ride a train going to Dhoby Ghaut station.
Merlion Park
Of course, what’s a Singapore trip without seeing the iconic Merlion statue?
For first-timers in Singapore, Merlion Park is a must-see attraction in the city, as it symbolizes Singapore’s origins as a fishing village and its evolution into a modern city.
Situated along the Marina Bay waterfront, it offers spectacular views of the bay and nearby landmarks, such as the Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer.
To see this iconic statue, just ride a train going to Raffles Station.
Gardens by the Bay
Another must-see attraction in Singapore is the Gardens by the Bay, situated in the heart of Marina Bay.
Gardens by the Bay is a sprawling and futuristic garden complex known for its innovative design and diverse plant collections. It houses various attractions that tourists of all ages will enjoy.
Among these are the Supertree Grove, which offers a nightly light and sound show known as the Garden Rhapsody; the Cloud Forest, which offers a suspended walkway perfect for panoramic views; the Flower Dome, which is a vast conservatory showcasing a diverse range of plants from around the world; and the Heritage Gardens, a themed garden that reflects the cultural heritage of Singapore’s major ethnic groups, among others.
Aside from its attractions, it also offers a spectacular view of the Marina Bay Sands and the vibrant city life of Singapore at night.
— CDC, GMA Integrated News
