Singapore for free? Here are 10 attractions that cost nothing

Many people consider Singapore one of the most expensive countries in Asia. On blogs, in guidebooks, and among travelers, it is often seen as an exclusive destination that is not particularly budget friendly. But is that really true? Although some attractions can cost a fortune, Singapore also offers plenty of places that you can visit completely free of charge. Moreover, many of them are among the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Is the belief that Singapore is only for wealthy travelers actually true? See for yourself. Here are the 10 best free attractions in Singapore.

1. Gardens by the Bay

Everyone who has visited Singapore, or plans to visit, has probably heard of this place. The Supertrees, ranging from 25 to 50 meters in height, create a futuristic garden and have become one of the city’s most recognizable symbols. They combine nature with advanced technology, which makes the park look like something from another planet. Entry to the park is completely free. Only the attractions located inside require an additional ticket. The park covers an area of approximately 101 hectares. It opened in 2012 and quickly became one of the most popular places in the city. It’s hard to believe that the entire complex stands on reclaimed land. There is a reason why many people associate Singapore with Gardens by the Bay. The place is impressive during the day and even more stunning at night when everything lights up. This is a must see attraction!

2. Merlion Park

This is where you will find Singapore’s most famous symbol. The almost 9 meter tall sculpture shows a mythical creature with a lion’s head and a fish’s body, with water flowing from its mouth. The statue refers to the city’s name: Singapore, meaning the Lion City. Meanwhile, the fish body reminds visitors of the city’s former coastal roots. You will find this place on every postcard, magnet, and many other souvenirs. No wonder, because Merlion Park sits by Marina Bay and offers a great view of one of the city’s most famous skylines. It is worth coming here both during the day and after dark, when the area is beautifully illuminated. Entry to the park is completely free.

3. Spectra Light and Water Show

Lights, lasers, and fountains create an extraordinary show held at Marina Bay Sands. You can watch it daily at 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM, with an additional show at 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. For 15 minutes, Singapore dazzles with lights, music, and water effects. Everything takes place by the bay, with the city skyline in the background. You get an excellent view from Event Plaza at Marina Bay Sands and from the area around Merlion Park. It is worth arriving a few minutes earlier because crowds gather quickly at the best viewpoints. This is a free attraction that is truly worth seeing after dark.

4. Helix Bridge

You have probably never seen anything like this before! Helix Bridge is a 280 meter long bridge designed to resemble the structure of DNA. What an architectural masterpiece inspired by nature. It looks impressive during the day, but at night it is truly breathtaking. Once illuminated after dark, it takes on an almost futuristic appearance, while the views of the city skyline become even more spectacular. This is a place worth visiting both during the day and after sunset. Singapore proves at every turn that inspiration from nature can create something truly extraordinary.

5. Southern Ridges

A 10 kilometer recreational trail that connects several parks and nature reserves. This is the perfect place to escape the city’s hustle and enjoy a walk through a section of tropical rainforest. Besides walking and jogging, you will also find several attractions here, including Henderson Waves, a 274 meter long wave shaped bridge suspended 36 meters above the ground. Telok Blangah Hill Park is also worth a visit, where you can stroll along elevated walkways through the treetops. As a result, you will quickly discover that Singapore is not only about futuristic cityscapes, but also about beautiful green spaces.

6. MacRitchie Reservoir

The largest and oldest reservoir in Singapore. What makes it so special? Away from the city center, you can take a break from the noise. You can also go running, kayaking, or hiking. But that is not all! The reserve sits in the middle of a tropical jungle, so you can spot monkeys, monitor lizards, and exotic birds here. Not enough? Walk across the TreeTop Walk, a 250 meter long suspension bridge hanging 25 meters above the ground. Or maybe Jelutong Tower, which offers a panoramic view of the reserve? On top of that, there are more than 20 kilometers of hiking trails with different difficulty levels. Singapore can truly surprise you with its greenery, and this place shows it best. And all of this is free!

7. Fort Siloso

The only fully preserved British fort in Singapore. It is a colonial era reminder of the British presence in the country. Built in the 19th century, it was designed to protect the coastline and the harbor. Today, it houses a museum dedicated to World War II, where visitors can explore military exhibits, bunkers, tunnels, and artillery positions. This is an important part of Singapore’s history and a place that shows how the modern nation was shaped. Singapore is best known for its modern architecture; however, this site serves as a reminder of its wartime past. What’s more, entry to Fort Siloso is completely free.

8. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

A four story temple located in the heart of Chinatown. It is impossible to walk past this remarkable building without noticing it. Singapore is home to many impressive temples; however, this one is among the most distinctive. Inside, you will find a sacred relic of Buddha housed within a massive stupa containing around 320 kilograms of gold. The interior is filled with red and gold colors, while the richness of the decorations creates a truly unforgettable impression. The temple’s architecture was inspired by the style of the Tang Dynasty. In addition, the rooftop features a garden and a large prayer wheel, so it is worth exploring the upper floors as well. The temple is truly impressive, and admission is completely free. However, remember to dress appropriately, as this is a sacred place.

9. Thian Hock Keng

The Temple of Heavenly Happiness is located in Chinatown. It is one of the most important and oldest Chinese temples in Singapore. The Hokkien community built it on the site where the seashore once stood. If you look at the map, you will quickly realize how remarkable that fact is. In the past, sailors came here to thank Mazu, the goddess of the sea and patroness of sailors, for a safe return home. Moreover, the entire temple was built without using a single nail. It is beautifully decorated and full of remarkable details. Singapore is famous for its futuristic architecture; however, this temple reminds visitors of its centuries old heritage. It is an important part of Singapore’s history and, at the same time, a place that shows what the city looked like before modern skyscrapers appeared.

10. Botanic Gardens

This was my biggest surprise. It is hard to believe that such a beautiful and vast garden can be visited completely free of charge. It is one of the most famous and beautiful botanical gardens in the world. Moreover, it is the only tropical botanical garden on the UNESCO World Heritage List. If you are visiting Singapore, this is a place you should not miss. The garden serves a scientific purpose while also remaining a perfect place to relax. One of its biggest attractions is the National Orchid Garden, where you can see a collection of around 1,000 orchid species. This section of the garden requires an admission fee. Botanic Gardens also features numerous educational trails and Symphony Lake with its outdoor concert stage. You can even walk through a section of tropical rainforest and spot otters, monitor lizards, and exotic birds. This is one of those places that shows why Singapore has become a favorite destination for so many travelers. Just step inside and lose yourself among the greenery!

Planning to explore Singapore? Make sure to check out the other articles on the blog as well. You will find descriptions of the most interesting attractions, practical information, and useful tips that will help you plan your stay more effectively.

• In Singapore, you feel poor, lost, and amazed all at once – attraction guide with a map,
• Apps in Singapore That Actually Work – a list of useful apps,
• The City That Knows No Chaos: Transport in Singapore in Practice – a transportation guide,
• First Time in Singapore – The Most Important Information Before Your Trip – practical travel information.

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