Are you one of those travelling couples that always appear glued together in awe-inspiring romantic photos? Or, are you more like us? That is, people who like their own space, but love doing things together. Either way, we found plenty of fun things to do in Singapore for couples.
A small island nation, Singapore is located just one degree north of the equator in Southeast Asia, off of the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It’s well known for modern architecture, hot and humid temperatures, and immaculately clean streets.
A fun city to visit, and we made it a romantic getaway.
Top 11 things to do in Singapore for couples
- Gardens by the Bay
- Little India
- Chinatown
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
- Food Playground cultural cooking class
- Singapore Botanic Gardens
- Kampong Glam (Malay-Arab Quarter)
- Night Safari
- Spectra sound and light show
- Garden Rhapsody sound and light show
- Sands SkyPark Observation Deck
Be inspired . . .
Gardens by the Bay
An icon of Singapore, these award-winning gardens are like nothing we have seen before. Encompassing 101 hectares, they include waterfalls, cooled conservatories, and towering vertical gardens viewed from multilevel walkways. We often found ourselves strolling hand-in-hand, able to mentally block out the crowds and enjoy the romance and beauty.
To be honest, we were a bit confused by Gardens by the Bay at first, as only portions require paid entry. However, it’s quite simple.
- Paid areas: Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, Floral Fantasy, and OCBC Skyway.
- Free areas: Supertree Grove, Children’s Garden, Garden Rhapsody sound & light show, and grounds including sculptures.
The Cloud Forest, a 35-metre tall “Cloud Mountain”, and the Flower Dome, a perpetual springtime with nearly 30,000 plants, are the two main conservatory attractions. Although onsite entry tickets are available to either or both, we had (and recommend) an advance purchase 2-conservatory ticket, as this skips a long ticket queue. ⇒ Reserve your 2 conservatory pass in advance and skip the queue (Cloud Forest and Flower Dome)
We opted not to enter the new Floral Fantasy or the Children’s garden. However, we did walk the grounds. The sculptures are a bit out of the way, but worth the effort. Our two favourites are the “Pamela Hat” by Manolo Valdés (on a six-month loan) and the permanent piece “Planet”, a floating baby by Marc Quinn. It weighs seven tons and balances on one wrist.
Little India
As the name implies, this vibrant Singapore neighbourhood is influenced heavily by Indian culture. Some of Little India’s highlights include the Tekka Market, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, and snapping a photo of Tan Teng Niah, which is a rainbow-coloured Chinese villa.
Pro tip: Watch your timing if you want to go inside the temple, as Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. Their opening hours can be found on their facebook page here.
Chinatown
The heartbeat of Singapore, Chinatown is an authentic mix of old and new, yet it has a uniquely different feel to it than other Chinatowns we have visited around the world. Fascinating to explore, we spent a day in this neighbourhood and could have easily spent longer.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Allow a bit of time to discover the many facets of this temple. Aside from all of the learning opportunities, and the beautiful gardens on top, we were mesmerized by the monk’s chanting.
Food Playground cultural cooking class
One of our personal Singapore highlights was a cultural cooking class at Food Playground. While cooking together is a wonderful family or couple activity, individuals would also enjoy these small group classes. Here, we learned about the intermixing of food and culture while we prepared and then enjoyed a three-course lunch.
If you can’t get to Singapore, they now offer online classes that are almost as fun. I made kaya in one I did.
Other Chinatown sights
- Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple
- Masjid Jamae mosque
- Chinese street markets
- Herbal and natural medicines
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Fragrant and lush, a stroll through Singapore’s Botanic Gardens can be quite romantic. Naturally shaded sections of this 32-acre rainforest area made the intense heat seem tolerable. The Botanic Gardens are Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. Don’t miss the famous National Orchid Garden, one of the many beautiful spots in Singapore.
Kampong Glam (Malay-Arab Quarter)
Another unique neighbourhood in Singapore, we headed to Kampong Glam for Haji Lane. Singapore’s narrowest street is filled with cosy eateries, boutiques, and offbeat shops.
Towering over Kampong Glam, the majestic Sultan Mosque was not open to visitors while we were there. However, we stumbled upon a live rehearsal of the night’s musical entertainment just outside of the Malay Heritage Centre.
Jewel Changi Airport
You will probably think I am crazy; however, I will risk it and recommend adding extra time on your departure to enjoy the airport. Jewel Changi Airport is home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, a 40-metre tall vortex surrounded by 2000 live trees and palms and over 100,000 shrubs. It all fills a 10-story 137,000 sqm complex.
More things to do in Singapore for couples
We couldn’t do it all. Here are a few more interesting top things to do in Singapore for couples:
- National Gallery: Home to the largest collection of modern art in Singapore and Southeast Asia.
- Singapore Zoo: Animals live in open and naturalistic habitats in this wildlife park, often considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
- Merlion Statue: Famous statue that is half fish and half lion.
- Fort Canning Park: A lush, green hilltop area filled with history.
- Orchard Road: Singapore’s famous shopping district.
- National Museum: Displays the history and culture of Singapore.
- MacRitchie Reservoir Park and Treetop walk: Tranquil nature reserve and locals’ paradise for daily walks, jogs, or watersports. There is also a 250-metre aerial free-standing suspension bridge through the treetops.
- Resort World Sentosa: more of a family place than a things do in Singapore for couples, Resort World Sentosa is too popular to leave off the list. It has an aquarium, waterpark, Univeral Studios, and more.
Photo Credit: Frank Zhang from Pixabay
Tour Singapore by day
We were 100% self-guided in Singapore and found it a very easy city to get around. This offers us full flexibility and is one of the ways we like to travel as a couple. However, if you prefer the added value that comes from a knowledgeable guide, here are a few options we recommend:
Lion City Highlights Half-Day Bike Tour: There is no question that one can see much more in less time on a bicycle, even moving at a relaxing pace as this tour does. It is 4.5 hours starting at 9 am, and visits many of the highlights we recommend above including Marina Bay, Merlion Park, Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam, and more. Keep in mind that Singapore is close to the equator and is therefore hot and humid during the day. Refreshments are included, but a reasonable level of fitness would be required. ⇒Reserve your half-day bicycle tour here
Private Customizable Tour with a Local Host: This is the ideal option for anyone who wants to see it all, or just a few key sites, but wants the added knowledge that comes from a local guide. This top-rated tour is flexible from 3-8 hours. You will get an opportunity to discuss and select the details of your tour with your guide the night before. ⇒Reserve your private customizable tour here.
Best things to do in Singapore at night
Night Safari
Who can resist the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park that is home to over 900 animals, representing approximately 100 species? The variety of animals is fascinating, and nearly half (41%) are classified as threatened. Most of these animals are part of a captive breeding program.
Night Safari can be explored on foot or via the 40-minute tram ride (the commentary focuses on wildlife conservation and it makes the tram ride worthwhile, even if you plan to walk the park). ⇒ Reserve your Night Safari jungle tour here
Located a bit away from the other spots we visited, Night Safari took about an hour to get to on public transportation. Importantly, Night Safari is very near the Singapore Zoo, so if you are headed there in the afternoon, plan to do them both on the same day.
Spectra sound and light show
The best place to watch Spectra is from the Event Centre steps along the Waterfront Promenade, outside The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.
This nightly free outdoor light and water show is both elaborate and spectacular, and technologically the most advanced I have seen. Spectra is at 8 pm and 9 pm, with an additional show at 10 pm on Friday and Saturday nights.
Garden Rhapsody sound and light show
If you time it right, you can easily see both spectacular light shows in one evening. The Garden Rhapsody is the dazzling light show in the Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay, a nightly event that has produced iconic photos that are quickly identified with Singapore. Garden Rhapsody is at 7.45 pm and 8.45 pm nightly.
Pro Tips: To see both shows on the same night, go to Garden Rhapsody at 7.45 and then relax and wait for the 9 pm Spectra show, or one hour later for both on Friday and Saturday.
Watch the sunset from the Sands SkyPark Observation Deck
Sands SkyPark observation deck boasts the spectacular 360-degree views you would expect from the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands Hotel.
In fact, it is the world’s largest public cantilevered platform. Cé La Vie SkyBar is also on the 57th floor and can be an alternative, offering visitors both a drink and the views. Although, the bar views are not as unobstructed as those from the observation deck. ⇒ Get a skip-the-line entrance ticket to Sands SkyPark Observation Deck here
Note: Only hotel guests are allowed in the infinity pool, which is also on the 57th floor.
Get a drink at one of Singapore’s impressive bars
We were so busy during the hot days and enjoying the other night activities above, we didn’t allow time to stop for a drink outside of our hotel. However, if we had, there is no shortage of great options in Singapore. These were recommended to us:
- The Long Bar, Raffles Hotel: Home to the original Singapore Sling, this is possibly Singapore’s most popular bar.
- Cé La Vie Skybar: On the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands Hotel. (see above section for more details).
- Manhattan: Ranked #3 on the World’s 50 Best Bars list in 2018, this New York-style Manhattan features classic art-deco decor.
- Atlas: Ranked #8 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list and on Time’s list of 100 Greatest Places in 2018, Atlas features an art deco atmosphere celebrating the 1920s and offering nearly 1,000 varieties of spirits.
- Gibson: Ranked #15 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, Gibson is full of class.
- 1-Altitude Rooftop Gallery & Bar: At 282 metres above sea level, 1-Altitude is the highest alfresco bar in the world. As expected, it offers an incredible 360-degree view of the city.
Tour Singapore by night
We explored Singapore on our own without issue. However, if you prefer a guided tour, we are comfortable recommending either of these top-rated tours:
Private Singapore night tour: Your tour guide will meet you at your hotel and take you by private vehicle to the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay, Little India for a trishaw ride, and Clarke Quay for a bum boat ride along the Singapore river. Reserve your private tour here.
Big Bus night tour: Tour the city in an open-top bus and see all the activity and buzz. Stop to see the food culture at Lau Pa Sat hawker centre, then on to the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show at Gardens by the Bay, and follow with a visit to the Clarke Quay entertainment district. Reserve your Singapore Big Bus night tour here.
Map highlighting things to do in Singapore for couples
Where to stay in Singapore for couples
I know there are lots of options in Singapore, but for us, there is only one. Ever since the first time I saw the architectural work of art and engineering masterpiece that is Marina Bay Sands, I have wanted to stay there. To my delight, it exceeded my very high expectations.
At 57 stories, the three towers of Marina Bay Sands Hotel support the world’s largest infinity pool, a bar, restaurant, spa, and more. Everything about the complex is a treasure and the floor-to-ceiling windows in our room offered spectacular views both day and night.
Comfortable bed, huge room, massive bathroom, extensive amenities, I could go on, and I did. Check out my full hotel review here or reserve your own room at Marina Bay Sands.
If this is your first visit to Singapore, we recommend reading this Singapore travel guide. We visited Singapore as our final port of a 15-night cruise that sailed from Hong Kong.
Save on your trip with these resources
These are our go-to companies when we travel. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.
- Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
- Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels) or VRBO (self-contained).
- Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
- Campervans or Motorhomes: we use Campstar where Albom Adventures readers get a 3% discount
- Private guides: we love the private guides at Tours by Locals
- Travel Insurance: we start at InsureMyTrip as they are the best option to compare plans and find the right coverage for you.
Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.
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Which of these things to do in Singapore for couples will you do first?
Disclaimer: We worked with the local tourism board, Visit Singapore, and Food Playground. Various entrances and other assistance were provided to aid in writing this page. The opinions expressed here are strictly our own.
Alex
Wow, that airport waterfall is incredible – I’ve never heard about it before. We’d love to visit Singapore, how many days would you recommend?
Rhonda Albom
We stayed three nights and didn’t see all that we would have liked but we spent a lot of time in the pool.
Rob+Ann
Love that first sentence. We are a couple that are constant glued to one another…but we can’t seem to pull off those romantic photos to save our skins. 😉 Singapore is one destination that we’d love to visit, but somehow haven’t prioritized. We are saving this list though – every single item gets checked for our Gotta Do That! list. Great resource, as always, Rhonda!
Keri | Ladies What Travel
Great guide! I did a lot of these things when I went with my other half a few years ago – love, love, love Singapore. Re the zoo, I nearly did the night safari but in the end decided I wanted to have breakfast with the orangutans even more. I highly recommend this too!
Janis
Some fantastic tips, very helpful. I’d love to visit Singapore, it’s been on my list for a while now (one day).
Wendy Maes
I was in Singapore several times and Marina Bay Sands was on my bucketlist too. Last time we stayed there for a few nights, but for me it was a big disappointment. Too crowded, non-personal and the pool was the biggest disaster. So many people in it. My son’s favourite quote: ‘expectation versus reality’. In February we are there again for a short stopover and this time we will stay in The Raffles. I hope it meets expectations.
Wilbur
Looks like you had a great time. Last time I was there was 1998 and it looks to have changed a great deal. I would like to take my wife there and Malaysia so thanks for the tips. My parents met & married in Singapore in 1957 and seeing the church where they married in Tanglin remains my travel highlight. Wilbur.
Erin Gustafson
Sing the praises of Singapore! Looks like a perfect place to explore for couples and everyone actually. Cheers from here.
Lisa | Handmade in Israel
Wow! The flower dome at Gardens by the Bay looks incredible, as does the light show. Love the pool you guys are sitting in in the last shot. Looks like an incredible place to visit.
Allison
The light show would be spectacular. And I always love botanical gardens.
Carol
So many fun things to do!
Rose Ann Sales
I haven’t been in Singapore, Garden bay sounds really great. Thanks for all the suggestions..!
Jeanna
I could use some good food and warm water right about now. Maybe I’ll check out our little botanical garden.
Laurie
Singapore is a place I have wanted to visit. Now I want to visit even more. Any place with the name “Food Playground” has my hubby’s vote for sure! 🙂 Thanks for all the great information. Saving this post.
Nancy
Singapore looks like an amazing place to visit!
Njkinny
Singapore has been on my travel list for sometime now. Saving your post for future reference. 😊
Marina
Cannot wait to visit next year! Those are awesome tips thank you!
rachel
These are awesome trips ! I would love to visit!
Garf
Yes, I am. Hubby doesn’t want me to go wandering by myself while on vacation. He gets worried I might get lost.
Andrea Peacock
Taking a cooking class with your partner while on vacation sounds like such a fun thing to do together! I like finding activities like that, where it’s a good bonding experience and something you’ll remember forever. It looks like there are so many beautiful places to explore in Singapore!
Elsa
I would love to experience cultural cooking class. It seems great. Thanks for the learning!
Tamara
I’ve only ever had layovers in Singapore but this has quite motivated me to at least have an extended stop over so I can do some sightseeing! I’m a sucker for a rooftop bar especially! Thanks for sharing.
Tamara
http://www.travellingtam.com
tweenselmom
We’ll be in Singapore soon and I got more excited about it when I’ve read your post.
Lydia C. Lee
I would also say hire bikes and ride around Palau Ubin – it’s like you’ve gone back in time – we were chased by wild boar!! You get a bumboat over there, but there’s not time table, so don’t do it on a day you have to be somewhere as it can take a while to get home. There are seafood restaurants there so you don’t need to take food. And Haw Par Villa is a must do for everyone in Singapore!
Little Zebra Dragons
I can’t wait until I am able to visit Singapore. Hopefully by that point I can do these things as a couple, but being single won’t stop me either.
Christopher Mitchell
When Bri and I were there, we just ate feverishly, and it was amazing! The food in Singapore is something else!
Celebrate Woman Today
FASCINATING! You pictures tell a powerful and very fun story of where you’ve been and what you’ve experienced.
WanderlustBeautyDreams
Singapore looks so beautiful! Would love to visit. This looks like a great destination for couples. Thanks for sharing these great suggestions!
Kevin Akidi
Great tips on the activities to do in Singapore. I love Singapore, always wanted to visit. Hopefully, I will get to it soon.
Maysz
Singapore is on my list I love their tourist spot places I would visit this place maybe next year or 2021 awesome photos!
Ryan K Biddulph
Everything sounds fun Rhonda. Especially the night safari. Perfect for Kelli and I because we too enjoy doing things together, but also, give each other space too. Only way to be sane for us circling the globe so much LOL.
Ryan
Erin
Thanks for this great list! My partner and I have always wanted to visit Singapore – I’ll keep this list in mind for when the time comes.
L. Diane Wolfe
Garden Rhapsody is just gorgeous.
Paul Pietrangelo
Wow, wow, wow. This place is amazing. After I saw you and your husband preparing to eat what you made, I was so hungry. That infinity pool was quite a picture. It appears that you both were going to go over like a waterfall. Beautiful photos Rhonda. See ya later my friend.
Cruisin Paul
Amy Franks
wow you guys are brave swimming in that pool at the top of the building, I’m scared of heights so not sure I’d be up there.
Sandee
Oh the garden. I would have enjoyed that very much.
An excellent job chronicling your fabulous trip. So much information.
Have a fabulous day and weekend, Rhonda. ♥
Zak
Singapore looks amazing! It looks like your trip was a lot of fun too! I can’t wait to visit in a couple years!
Chad
I don’t know what to say, Singapore is GORGEOUS!!! I would love to visit it one day, so so good.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
The gardens look amazing – and so does that indoor waterfall. At the airport. How weird! Light show looks amazing as well.