The city of Singapore covers fewer than 30 miles, but it’s packed-full of exciting photo opportunities. A whopping 40 million images have been posted on Instagram, from exotic flora and fauna to heritage architecture in every spectrum of the rainbow. Whether you want to see street art or Renaissance art, the past or the future, Singapore is ready for its close-up. Here are six of the most Instagram-friendly attractions to immortalise.
ArtScience Museum
Part of the Marina Bay Sands complex, housed in a striking lotus-shaped structure, this museum presents a heady mix of art and science, as the name suggests. There are 21 galleries spanning a 5,000 square metres. Walk among walls decorated by Leonardo da Vinci, Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol, Vincent van Gogh and MC Escher, then explore halls dedicated to marine biology, cosmology and space exploration. This is the place to come for a sneak peek at the future, imagined by local and international artists, architects and film makers. For the must-have Instagram shot, head to the glittering Crystal Universe in the Future World exhibition. https://www.marinabaysands.com/museum.html
Joo Chiat
Colourful pastel-hued shophouses are the main attraction at Joo Chiat. Located in the east of Singapore, this heritage neighbourhood is an Instagram star, oozing nostalgic ambience from an era long before the app was ever invented. Today’s visitors come to capture the essence of its early Chinese settlers, Peranakans, known for their charming colonial architecture, and aristocratic airs and graces. You’ll find the best shophouses lining Koon Seng Road.
Little India
The former home of Tan Teng Niah is fussed over by photographers from all corners of the globe. Following a modern makeover somewhere over the rainbow, its traditional edifice flourished, attracting admirers who stop to stand in its glow. The sole-surviving Chinese villa in Little India, it’s a riot of colour. Located opposite Chinatown on the east side of the Singapore River, the area is a hotspot for budget foodies. Join the resident Indian-Singaporean community to sample the uniquely spiced fusion dishes of the region – a melting pot well worth sticking your spoon in.
Old Hill Street Police Station
Designated a World Heritage site in 1998, Singapore’s Old Hill Street Police Station was previously a jail. Today, instead of bars on the windows, there are multi-coloured shutters; their rainbow gradient revitalising the facade in a way that would no doubt have surprised earlier visitors – the Old Hill Street prisoners. Now, it attracts Instagrammers. There are 927 windows to stand in front of for your perfect picture. Take your pick and then stroll along to nearby Clarke Quay, a popular spot for drinks, to edit your bounty.
Street Art at Haji Lane
Eat, shop and play at Singapore’s Haji Lane. Home to fashionable eateries, buzzing bars and eclectic boutiques, what really put Haji on the tourist map was its cornucopia of vibrant street art. Often compared to the world’s most photographed hipster alleyways, including Melbourne’s Hosier Lane, the walls are kaleidoscope of colour, culture and symbolism. Pull up a seat at an outdoor cafe and enjoy the view.
Gardens by the Bay
Spanning 250 acres in the Central Region of Singapore, Gardens by the Bay is unmissable in every sense. Both day and night, this sprawling utopia has much to admire. Within its verdant maze, there are several distinct attractions, but those most often featured on Instagram are Cloud Forest, Flower Dome and Supertree Grove. Veiled in mist, Cloud Forest contains a 35-metre-tall mountain covered in lush vegetation, threaded with rare plants, shrouding the highest indoor waterfall in the world. Not to be outdone, Flower Dome is the largest greenhouse in the world. This magical glass palace is decorated with light and sculpture to create an exotic flower-filled utopia. Supertree Grove could be the set of an Avatar movie; after dark its towering electric trees are illuminated, shooting into the sky like fireworks frozen in time. https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en.html
