Singapore has one of the largest network of bicycle lanes of any urban area. Its Park Connector Network trails connect parks and nature reserves, and there are some brilliantly innovative routes, too. These include the Rail Corridor, a 14-mile bicycle and hiking route in the footprint of a former railway once used to shuttle goods to Malaysia. It’s lined with rewilding projects, and species spotted here include the rare Sunda pangolin. Hire a bike using the HelloRide bicycle sharing app or stay at a hotel offering guests complimentary bike hire–we recommend the Ibis Singapore on Bencoolen, which has a fleet of slick Bamboo Bikes.

Yes, tree-lined Orchard Road has more malls than you can shake a stick at, but Singapore’s 400 parks and nature reserves are often overlooked. At the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, visitors can hunker down in wildlife hides to spot crocodiles, otters, and rare birds, and at the MacRitchie Reservoir, there are troupes of macaque monkeys. Take time to explore Singapore’s islands, too. Pulau Ubin, a 15-minute ferry ride from downtown Singapore, has the wonderfully wild Chek Jawa Wetlands, while Lazarus Island has a stunning lagoon. It’s also now possible to spend the night there–in late 2023 five one-bedroom tiny houses were unveiled.

Singapore’s packed calendar of events means it’s worth thinking about timing, whether it’s to avoid massive events, which might send hotel rates through the roof, or to bag ringside seats at sporting extravaganzas such as the Singapore GP. During the Chinese New Year celebrations, street parades weave through Singapore’s downtown and lanterns illuminate Chinatown. Then there’s February’s Singapore Airshow, a biennale event first held in 2008. September’s Singapore Grand Prix is famous for its tight, twisting track, which is why safety cars make more appearances here than at any other race. 

In 2020 Singapore’s hawker culture–open-air food halls serving up delicious, wallet-friendly street food from all corners of Asia–was given UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status. Types of food sold here include Peranakan and Nyonya cuisines, which comprise Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian ingredients. Some of the best hawker centers include the Newton Food Centre, which was a backdrop for Crazy Rich Asians, and Little India’s Tekka Centre, which specializes in Indian delicacies (this is where you’ll find Singapore's best butter chicken).

Feeling brave? Try durian–the spikey, stinky fruit with a creamy, pungent flesh–just don’t forget that it’s illegal to eat it on public transport, and many hotels will have “no durians” signs in their lobby on account of the fruits’ incredibly strong odor, often compared to sweaty socks. Finally, plenty of fine dining is on offer in Singapore, too. Its swankiest restaurants include Odette, which which is regularly showcased on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, and Labyrinth, a Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by Singaporean chef LG Han, who serves up dishes inspired by the ones from his childhood.

Singapore is often painted somewhat unfairly as a destination where it’s all too easy to fall foul of draconian laws, and while the country has capital punishment, there are many destinations with much stricter laws, and in reality, if you don’t do anything stupid (or illegal) you’re unlikely to get into trouble. The strictest laws relate to drugs. Being caught with under a gram of cannabis can mean a fast-track ticket to jail or result in a sentence involving caning. Public disorder offenses can quickly land you with a hefty fine or worse. Smoking is banned in all public places, barring clearly designated outdoor areas and on private property. Chewing gum (barring certified nicotine gum and oral dental gum) remains illegal in Singapore, so bin it before you arrive. You’re unlikely to get in trouble if it’s found in your bag at the airport–you’ll just be asked to dispose of it.