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9 of the Most Instagrammable Places in Singapore

July 29, 2017
11 min read
Singapore Skyline Panoramic View
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Singapore is most commonly otherwise known as the Little Red Dot — a reference to how the city-state is depicted as a red dot on many maps of the world. Small as it may be, the Lion City sure does have a lot to offer as a modern country with a rich diversity of cultural and ethnic traditions. Whether you're stopping by for a quick work trip, or as part of a larger tour of Southeast Asia, be sure to add these nine spots to your itinerary — your Instagram followers will thank you for it.

1. The Infinity Pool at Marina Bay Sands

There's no better way to enjoy the glittering city skyline than from 57 floors up in the world's longest and most coveted rooftop infinity pool. Whether you're relaxing under the shade of palm trees or standing by the edge of the pool, you'll be sure to incite travel envy in all your Instagram followers. While the pool is only open to hotel guests, you can still enjoy the breathtaking views from the rooftop bar or by paying an entrance fee of 23 SGD (~$17) to access the observation deck.

2. Inside the ArtScience Museum

Look indoors and you may discover one of Singapore's best Instagram spots yet — the ArtScience Museum. Taking up a quarter of the museum's total gallery space, the permanent exhibition, Future World, features 15 dazzling digital art installations that cleverly play with light, transforming the museum into an unrivaled avenue for the Instagram creatives.

3. The Helix Bridge

While some bridges are built purely for function, this one is definitely built with design in mind (Cox Architecture gets all the credit here). Inspired by the form of the curved DNA structure, this award-winning double helix bridge is a masterpiece in architectural intricacy and complexity. At night, a series of lights illuminates the structure, creating a special visual experience for visitors.

4. Gardens by the Bay

There's no better way to get close to nature in the stunningly green metropolis of Singapore than at Gardens by the Bay — a concept developed to transform her from a "Garden City" to a "City in a Garden." Of the three gardens that span across 250 acres of flora and fauna, be sure to check out the Supertree Grove for its 150-feet-tall tree-like structures that come to life at night with a light and music show. Flora enthusiasts should also pay a visit to the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest to see the wide variety of plants from different regions around the world.

5. National Gallery

National Gallery Singapore is the latest jewel in the country's art crown, housing an unparalleled collection of modern Singaporean and Southeast Asian art. Located within the former Supreme Court building, the national monument provides plenty of Instagram opportunities, from the black-and-white steps of the foyer to the Padang Atrium, where light shines through the patterned glass roof to form shapes on the wooden floor below. Equally Instagram-worthy are its rotating exhibitions, such as Yayoi Kusama's Life is the Heart of a Rainbow, which runs until September 9.

6. Haji Lane

If you're looking for colorful street art to pose in front of, head over to Haji Lane. This tiny lane, flanked by rows of narrow shophouses, is hidden in the heart of the Malay Quarter that is Kampong Glam. Here, you'll be amazed by the vibrant wall art and colorful graphic illustrations. Needless to say, this is a perfect hipster-friendly spot to add a bit of color to any Insta feed.

7. 1-Altitude Bar

Perched on the 63rd floor of One Raffles Place in the heart of downtown Singapore is 1-Altitude bar, the world's highest alfresco bar and one of Singapore's top watering holes. At 925 feet above ground, 1-Altitude is perhaps one of the best places to see the city from above thanks to its 360-degree panoramic views. Be sure to visit in the evenings to grab a drink and watch the sun set against the Marina Bay backdrop.

8. Joo Chiat and Katong

Color up your Instagram feed with these vibrant heritage shophouses in the Joo Chiat and Katong neighborhoods, once home to the Peranakans. The descendants of Chinese immigrants who came to the Malay Archipelago between the 15th and 17th centuries, the Peranakans are known for their brightly colored two-floor abodes, spotting decorative panels and carvings, porcelain and ceramic tiles, wooden jalousie (shuttered) windows and clay-tiled roofs.

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9. Marina Barrage

While Marina Barrage was built as a dam to alleviate floods and supply freshwater, locals have found a place on its green roof for some weekend family fun. About the size of four football fields, the landscape roof not only provides panoramic views of the city skyline and open sea, but also acts as a big, open space for picnics and sunset kite flying.

Are there any other Singaporean spots you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments, below.

Featured image by Getty Images

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  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
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Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants
TPG Editor‘s Rating
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Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
3XEarn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
2XEarn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
1XEarn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
  • Annual Fee

    $325
  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.