Marina Bay

Marina Bay is what most people think of when they think of Singapore. Big, shiny and developed, this is where you’ll find those futuristic “supertrees”, the F1 starting grid for Singapore’s famous street circuit, the ship-shaped roof garden of the Marina Bay Sands, and the awesome, innovative ArtScience Museum (and that’s just for starters). 

We like to start at the Gardens by the Bay, which are genuinely incredible. It’s not just the supertrees. It’s the biospheres packed with orchids, venus flytraps, tiny poison dart frogs and crazy giant flower arrangements. It’s the indoor cloud forest with its huge, crashing waterfall. It’s otherworldly night-time lighting that’ll make you feel like you’re in James Cameron’s Avatar (right down to the colonial undertones). You could get lost here for hours — but there’s more. 

From here, head to Satay by the Bay to feast on giant prawns, chili crab and (of course) delicious satay. Then, walk along the river, past picnickers and kite-fliers on the grassy roof of the Marina Barrage, until you get to the sea — and truly spectacular views of the city. Finally, there’s nothing for it but to hit up Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Eyesore or icon — either way, it’s unmissable. Bet it all on red at the casino, explore the incredible ArtScience Museum, then head to the roof for cocktails by the largest rooftop infinity pool in the world.