A 158-year-old tropical garden located at the fringe of Singapore's Orchard Road shopping district. It is one of three gardens, and the only tropical garden, to be honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a 161-year-old tropical garden located at the fringe of Singapore's Orchard Road shopping district. It is one of three gardens, and the only tropical garden, to be honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Botanic Gardens has been ranked Asia's top park attraction since 2013, by TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards. It was declared the inaugural Garden of the Year, International Garden Tourism Awards in 2012, and received Michelin's three-star rating in 2008. /n The Gardens is the first and only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. It continues to play a leading role in the exploration and conservation of South East Asia's abundant plant diversity. If you love nature, you'll be right at home here.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Botanic Gardens is a must-visit for nature lovers.

The National Orchid Garden, located within the Singapore Botanic Gardens, was opened on 20 October 1995 by Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew. The Singapore Botanic Gardens has been developed along a 3-Core Concept. The three Cores consist of Tanglin, which is the heritage core retaining the old favourites and charms of the historic Gardens; Central, which is the tourist belt of the Gardens; and Bukit Timah, which is the educational and recreational zone. Each Core offers a different group of attractions.

National Orchid Garden is located within Singapore Botanic Gardens. It houses the world's largest orchid display, with over 60,000 plants and orchids. The garden is a must-visit for plant lovers, offering a stunning display of orchids in a variety of colors and shapes. /n The National Orchid Garden is divided into four color zones, each representing a different season. The garden also features a VIP Orchid Garden, where orchids named after important personalities are displayed. The National Orchid Garden is a testament to Singapore's commitment to conservation and biodiversity, and is a must-visit for anyone interested in botany.

National Orchid Garden is located within Singapore Botanic Gardens.

A hawker centre in Singapore is a type of food court offering a wide variety of inexpensive local food from hundreds of stall vendors. It's a unique cultural experience where you can taste traditional and authentic Singaporean dishes.

The Hawker Centre in Singapore is a vibrant and bustling hub of local cuisine. It's a must-visit for foodies, offering a wide variety of dishes at affordable prices. /n From traditional dishes like Hainanese chicken rice and laksa to fusion food and desserts, there's something for everyone. The atmosphere is lively and the food is delicious, making it a great place to experience Singapore's food culture.

A bustling hub of local cuisine, the Hawker Centre is a must-visit for foodies.

A popular island resort known for its beaches, theme parks, golf courses, and a marina.

Sentosa Island is a popular resort island in Singapore, known for its beaches, attractions, and entertainment options. It's a great place for a day trip or a weekend getaway. /n The island is home to Universal Studios Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and S.E.A. Aquarium, among other attractions. There are also plenty of dining and shopping options, making it a fun destination for all ages.

Sentosa Island is a popular resort island with beaches, attractions, and entertainment.

Underwater World, also known as Underwater World Singapore Pte Ltd, was an oceanarium located on the offshore Singaporean island of Sentosa. It was home to several marine species.

Underwater World is a marine life park and oceanarium in Singapore, home to various marine species. It's a great place for families and marine life enthusiasts. /n The park features a 83-meter long travelator that moves visitors along a submerged glass-windowed tunnel from which they can look at an array of marine life including a coral reef, stringrays, moray eels, turtles, sharks and others.

Underwater World is a marine life park and oceanarium with various marine species.

The Merlion statue is a famous landmark in Singapore. It is a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, symbolizing Singapore's origins as a fishing village and its lion-headed legend.

The Merlion statue is a famous landmark in Singapore, symbolizing the city's origins as a fishing village. It's a popular tourist attraction. /n The statue, which is half-lion and half-fish, stands at a height of 8.6 meters and is located at the waterfront Merlion Park. It's a great place to take photos and learn about the history and culture of Singapore.

The Merlion statue is a famous landmark and symbol of Singapore.

A nature park spanning 101 hectares of reclaimed land in central Singapore, adjacent to the Marina Reservoir. The park consists of three waterfront gardens: Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden and Bay Central Garden.

Gardens by the Bay is a nature park in Singapore, spanning 101 hectares of reclaimed land. The park consists of three waterfront gardens: Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden, and Bay Central Garden. /n The most famous features of the park are the Supertree structures, which are tree-like structures that dominate the Gardens' landscape with heights that range between 25 metres and 50 metres. The park also features two large conservatories, the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest, which are climate-controlled biomes. The Gardens by the Bay is a testament to Singapore's reputation as a 'City in a Garden', and is a must-visit for nature lovers.

Gardens by the Bay is a nature park in Singapore, known for its futuristic Supertrees.

A futuristic park with towering tree-like structures that offer a night light show.

Supertree Grove is a unique vertical garden in Singapore's Gardens by the Bay. These tree-like structures are a must-see attraction. /n The Supertrees are home to enclaves of unique and exotic ferns, vines, orchids and also a vast collection of bromeliads such as Tillandsia, amongst other plants. They are fitted with environmental technologies that mimic the ecological function of trees – photovoltaic cells that harness solar energy which can be used for some of the functions of the Supertrees, such as lighting, just like how trees photosynthesize.

Supertree Grove is a unique vertical garden in Singapore's Gardens by the Bay.

The Flower Dome is a part of Gardens by the Bay, a nature park spanning 101 hectares in the Central Region of Singapore. The Flower Dome is the largest greenhouse in the world as listed in the 2015 Guinness World Records. It replicates a mild, dry climate and features plants found in the Mediterranean and other semi-arid tropical regions.

Flower Dome is a large greenhouse in Singapore's Gardens by the Bay, showcasing plants from Mediterranean and semi-arid regions. It's a beautiful and educational experience. /n The Flower Dome replicates the cool-dry climate of Mediterranean regions like South Africa, California and parts of Spain and Italy. Home to a collection of plants from deserts all over the world, it showcases the adaptations of plants to arid environments.

Flower Dome is a large greenhouse in Gardens by the Bay, showcasing plants from Mediterranean regions.

A cool-moist conservatory that replicates the climate and vegetation of tropical highlands.

Cloud Forest is a mist-filled conservatory in Singapore's Gardens by the Bay, featuring a 35-meter tall mountain covered in lush vegetation and the world's tallest indoor waterfall. /n The Cloud Forest showcases plant life from tropical highlands up to 2,000 metres above sea level. It features a 35-metre tall mountain covered in lush vegetation, shrouding the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Visitors can go on a walk in the clouds for an aerial view of the canopy and mountainside below.

Cloud Forest is a mist-filled conservatory in Gardens by the Bay, featuring a 35-meter tall mountain covered in lush vegetation.

Experience the vibrant fusion of tradition and modernity in Singapore, a dynamic city-state at the heart of Southeast Asia. Marvel at the iconic skyline dominated by futuristic architecture, explore the lush Gardens by the Bay, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. Indulge in a gastronomic adventure at the famed hawker centers, offering a diverse array of local and international cuisines. Visit Sentosa Island for thrilling attractions and sandy beaches, or take a leisurely stroll along the Marina Bay Sands promenade. With its efficient public transportation, safe streets, and English-speaking locals, Singapore offers a seamless and enriching travel experience. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure-seeker, Singapore has something for everyone.

Botanic Gardens

National Orchid Garden

Hawker Centre

Sentosa Island

Underwater World

Merlion statue

Gardens by the Bay

Supertree Grove

Flower Dome

Cloud Forest

Start your day with a leisurely stroll around the Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the lush greenery and the Symphony Lake where you can often see swans. Don't miss the National Orchid Garden, which houses the world's largest orchid display.

Head to a local Hawker Centre for lunch. These food courts offer a variety of local dishes such as Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and char kway teow. Enjoy the bustling atmosphere and the delicious, affordable food.

Spend your afternoon at Sentosa Island. Here, you can relax on the beach, try out various water sports, or visit the Underwater World aquarium. Don't miss the Merlion statue, a symbol of Singapore.

For dinner, visit a seafood restaurant by the sea. Enjoy dishes like chili crab, black pepper crab, and grilled fish while taking in the sunset views.

End your day with a visit to the Gardens by the Bay. The Supertree Grove, with its futuristic, towering trees, is particularly stunning at night. You can also explore the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest.

A Day of Outdoor Activities and Relaxation in Singapore

UTC+8

Singapore's MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system is probably the fastest way to zip around the city. The extensive rail network means that most of Singapore's key attractions are within walking distance from an MRT station.

Singapore's bus system has an extensive network of routes covering most places in Singapore and is the most economical way to get around, as well as being a scenic route for sightseeing.

Taxis are comfortable and especially handy if you want to go to places not accessible by the bus or MRT. Cabs here are metered, but there may be surcharges depending on when, where and which company’s taxi you board.

Ride-sharing services such as Grab are widely available in Singapore. They offer a convenient and often cheaper alternative to traditional taxis. You can book a ride using their smartphone apps.

Bicycle sharing services like SG Bike and Anywheel are available for short trips around the city. You can rent a bike using their respective smartphone apps.

Trishaws, a type of rickshaw, offer a unique and traditional means of transportation in Singapore. They are mainly used for short trips around the central tourist areas.

River taxis, also known as bumboats, offer a scenic way to explore Singapore's iconic Marina Bay, Clarke Quay, and Boat Quay.

Renting a car in Singapore is a good option if you plan to drive around the city. However, it's worth noting that Singapore has an excellent public transportation system and heavy traffic can make driving a challenge.

Singapore is a compact city and it's possible to walk to many of the main attractions. The city is pedestrian-friendly with plenty of walkways and pedestrian crossings.

A dish adapted from early Chinese immigrants from Hainan province in southern China, Hainanese Chicken Rice is considered Singapore's national dish. It consists of succulent steamed white chicken cut into bite-size pieces and served on fragrant rice with some light soy sauce.

Hainanese Chicken Rice

One of Singapore's greatest culinary inventions, Chilli Crab is a must-try for seafood lovers. It's a dish where mud crabs are stir-fried in a semi-thick, sweet and savoury tomato and chilli based sauce.

Chilli Crab

A Peranakan dish that's a blend of Chinese and Malay cuisine, Laksa is a spicy noodle soup that's a staple in Singapore. It's made with rice noodles, coconut milk, and a variety of seafood.

Laksa

A popular noodle dish in Singapore, Char Kway Teow is stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, bloody cockles, Chinese lap cheong (sausage), eggs, bean sprouts, and chives in a mix of soy sauce.

Char Kway Teow

A South-Indian flat bread made by frying stretched dough flavored with ghee (Indian clarified butter), it is usually served with a side of fish or chicken curry.

Roti Prata

A dish of seasoned, skewered and grilled meat, served with a sauce. Satay is a popular street food in Singapore, with influences from Indonesian cuisine.

Satay

A stir-fried noodle dish that's a favorite in Singapore, Hokkien Prawn Mee is made with a mix of yellow noodles and rice noodles stir-fried with egg, slices of pork, prawns and squid, and served and garnished with vegetables, small pieces of lard, sambal sauce and lime.

Hokkien Prawn Mee

A pork rib dish cooked in broth popularly served in Malaysia and Singapore, Bak Kut Teh is a hearty and flavorful dish made from meaty pork ribs simmered in a complex broth of herbs and spices.

Bak Kut Teh

A dish where the head of a red snapper is semi-stewed in a Kerala-style curry with assorted vegetables such as okra and eggplants. It is usually served with either rice or bread.

Fish Head Curry

A popular dessert in Singapore, Ice Kacang is a mountain of shaved ice topped with sweetened syrups of various colors and flavors, condensed and evaporated milk, and small toppings such as red beans, sweet corn, and attap chee (palm seed).

Ice Kacang

A hot milk tea beverage which can be commonly found in restaurants, outdoor stalls and kopi tiams within the Southeast Asian countries of Malaysia and Singapore. Its name is derived from the pouring process of 'pulling' the drink during preparation.

Teh Tarik

Singapore's first locally brewed beer, Tiger Beer is a 5% abv bottled pale lager. It's a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.

Tiger Beer

New Year's Day

New Year's Day observed

Lunar New Year's Day

Second Day of Lunar New Year

Day off for Lunar New Year's Day

Good Friday

Hari Raya Puasa

Labour Day

Vesak Day

Hari Raya Haji

National Day

Election Day

Diwali/Deepavali

Day off for Diwali/Deepavali

Christmas Day

A theme park and resort that offers more than 70 interactive rides, shows and attractions.

Legoland Malaysia

A bustling city with shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Johor Bahru

A small island known for its beaches, nightlife, and duty-free shopping.

Batam

A tropical paradise with beautiful beaches and luxurious resorts.

Bintan Island

A historical city with a rich cultural heritage and colonial buildings.

Malacca

The capital city of Malaysia, known for its skyscrapers, shopping, and street food.

Kuala Lumpur

A vibrant city known for its colonial architecture and street food.

Penang

A popular tourist destination known for its beaches, temples, and nightlife.

Bali

The capital city of Thailand, known for its bustling street life and cultural landmarks.

Bangkok

A popular beach destination with a vibrant nightlife and water sports.

Phuket

Singapore is a city-state located in Southeast Asia, known for its multicultural population and high standard of living.

The official languages are English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. However, English is widely spoken and understood.

The currency used in Singapore is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand for smaller establishments or hawker centers.

Singapore is known for its strict laws and regulations. For example, littering, jaywalking, and chewing gum are all punishable offenses.

The country has a tropical rainforest climate with no distinctive seasons. The temperature usually ranges from 75°F to 89°F (24°C to 32°C).

Singapore is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+8). It does not observe daylight saving time.

Tipping is not customary in Singapore. It is often included in the bill as a service charge.

Singapore's public transportation system is highly efficient and includes the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), buses, and taxis.

The country is known for its cleanliness. Public toilets are generally well-maintained and clean.

Singapore's tap water is safe to drink. Bottled water is also readily available.

The country has a high cost of living compared to other Southeast Asian countries. Plan your budget accordingly.

Singapore is a food paradise. Don't miss out on trying local dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab, and laksa.

Singapore is a shopping haven, from luxury brands to local markets like Bugis Street Market.

The country has strict drug laws. Possession, consumption, or trafficking of illegal drugs can lead to severe penalties, including death.

Singapore uses the Type G plug. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

The country has an excellent healthcare system, but it can be expensive for tourists. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers health.

Singapore is generally safe, but it's always important to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

The country is very pedestrian-friendly, with well-maintained sidewalks and pedestrian crossings.

Singapore has a high humidity level year-round, so lightweight and breathable clothing is recommended.

The country has a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. Bribery and other forms of corruption are severely punished.

January is the wettest month in Singapore with heavy rainfall. Despite the rain, temperatures remain high, so pack light clothing and an umbrella.

February sees slightly less rainfall than January. It's still warm, so light clothing is recommended, but don't forget your umbrella.

March is the start of the hot season in Singapore. Expect high humidity and occasional thunderstorms.

April is one of the hottest months in Singapore. It's also the start of the Southwest Monsoon season, so be prepared for sudden showers.

May continues to be hot and humid in Singapore. Rainfall is less frequent but when it does rain, it can be heavy.

June is a hot month with occasional rain showers. It's a good time to visit indoor attractions or enjoy the city's nightlife.

July is slightly cooler but still hot. Rainfall is less frequent, making it a good time for outdoor activities.

August is similar to July with less rainfall. It's a good time to explore the city and its many attractions.

September marks the end of the hot season. It's still warm, but there's less rainfall compared to the earlier months.

October is the start of the Northeast Monsoon season. Expect more rainfall, especially in the afternoons and evenings.

November is one of the wettest months in Singapore. Pack an umbrella and plan for indoor activities.

December continues to be wet with high humidity. Despite the rain, it's a festive time to visit with Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Singapore, located near the equator, experiences a tropical rainforest climate with high humidity and abundant rainfall. The temperature usually ranges from 77°F to 89°F (25°C to 32°C) throughout the year. 

When planning your trip, it's important to note that Singapore doesn't have distinct seasons like summer, winter, spring, and autumn. Instead, it has two main monsoon seasons. The Northeast Monsoon occurs from December to early March and the Southwest Monsoon from June to September. During these periods, expect heavy and frequent rainfall.

Despite the rain, there's plenty of sunshine in Singapore. The city-state receives an average of 5.5 hours of sunlight daily, so don't forget your sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to protect yourself from the strong UV rays.

The high humidity, which can reach up to 80%, can make the heat feel more intense. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended. Also, stay hydrated and take breaks in air-conditioned places whenever possible.

Even though it's warm throughout the year, it's a good idea to carry a light jacket or sweater. Many indoor areas, like shopping malls and restaurants, are heavily air-conditioned and can feel quite chilly.

Lastly, always carry an umbrella or a raincoat, as rain showers can be unpredictable and sudden. Despite the rain, Singapore's weather is generally warm, so don't let it dampen your spirits or your plans. There's always something to do, rain or shine!

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1-Day Singapore Outdoor Retreat Itinerary for Local Couples

About Singapore