10 Must-Experience To-Do's in Singapore as an Exchange Student🇸🇬

published on 03 October 2023
Photo by Joshua Ang on Unsplash
Photo by Joshua Ang on Unsplash

If you're considering spending an exchange semester in Singapore or currently participating in one, you should feel excited for the blend of cultural diversity, modern city life, and excellent educational opportunities that this country can offer!

Singapore is a unique and exciting destination for exchange students; being a melting pot of diverse cultures and a hub for business, technology, and innovation, making it a great place to study and network!

Whether you're interested in exploring the city's vibrant nightlife, experiencing local cuisine, or immersing yourself in the city's diverse culture, here are some of the best things to do as an exchange student in this amazing city:

Visit the Gardens by the Bay + Supertree Grove

Photo by Paras Kapoor on Unsplash
Photo by Paras Kapoor on Unsplash

This popular, stunning garden complex offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern design.

The Gardens by the Bay features a variety of beautiful gardens and landscapes, including the Flower Dome, a conservatory filled with exotic plants and flowers from around the world, and the Cloud Forest conservatory, where you can find a huge indoor waterfall and explore a lush, indoor rainforest filled with exotic plants and animals!

Photo by Duy Nguyen on Unsplash
Photo by Duy Nguyen on Unsplash

It also is home to a number of stunning architectural features, including the iconic "supertrees" - giant vertical gardens that tower over the park and a variety of beautiful plant species from around the world. Visit at night and enjoy the light and sound show or head up to the OCBC Skywalk to stroll amongst the canopy and enjoy the views from the top!

It's a great place to relax and unwind, with plenty of green space and peaceful walking paths. It's the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and spend a leisurely afternoon!

Tips for exchange students: Better to visit during a weekday - less tourists!

Explore Singapore's Neighborhoods

Photo by Adrian Jakob on Unsplash
Photo by Adrian Jakob on Unsplash

From Little India to Katong-Joo Chiat to Kampong Gelam  to Chinatown, you'll surely be greeted by vibrant, bustling neighborhoods with rich cultural history, fun boutiques and delicious cuisine! Stroll through the colorful streets and browse the colorful markets, or stop by one of the many local temples!

Orchard Road

Photo by K8 on Unsplash
Photo by K8 on Unsplash

Of course, Singapore is also highly known as a shopper's paradise and Orchard Road has played a big role in that reputation! Located in the heart of Singapore, this bustling boulevard boasts dazzling shopping complexes, and plenty of fashion, entertainment stores and dining establishments!

Sentosa Island

Photo by Aparna Johri on Unsplash
Photo by Aparna Johri on Unsplash

This popular island resort is just a short ferry ride from the city center and a great destination for exchange students looking to relax, have fun, and experience the natural beauty of Singapore!

Photo by Ilyani Nasir on Unsplash
Photo by Ilyani Nasir on Unsplash

Sentosa Island is also home to a variety of world-class attractions, including the 7 adventure zones of the popular Universal Studios theme park, the S.E.A. Aquarium (the largest aquarium in the world), and the Adventure Cove Waterpark - perfect to spend with friends you've made along the way!

If you're seeking some more thrills, try out the Skyline Luge, sky dive at iFLY Singapore or the Giant Swing/the Bungy Jump at Skypark Sentosa!

Atlas

Credit to ATLAS Singapore
Credit to ATLAS Singapore

If you're looking to experience sophisticated and upscale dining and drinking experience in Singapore, Atlas might be a good choice!

Known for its extensive selection of gin and its beautiful Art Deco-inspired interior,  Atlas is a popular bar and restaurant; considered a great spot for cocktails and fine dining!

Tips for exchange students: Better to reserve beforehand, walk-ins might not be allowed.

National Gallery Singapore

Photo by Matt Briney on Unsplash
Photo by Matt Briney on Unsplash

The National Gallery Singapore is home to the largest public collection of modern and contemporary art from Southeast Asia!

It is located in the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings, which have been beautifully restored and now house a variety of galleries and exhibition spaces. The museum's architecture is a highlight in itself, and is worth a visit even if you're not particularly interested in art.

There are other awesome museums and galleries you might also be interested to visit, like ArtScience Museum, National Museum of Singapore, and Art Now (which is in the very picturesque Raffles Hotel).

Photo by bady abbas on Unsplash
Photo by bady abbas on Unsplash

Tips for exchange students: Book in advance and skip the lines!

Visit the Singapore Zoo

Source: Picasa Web Albums by Drew
Source: Picasa Web Albums by Drew

Home to over 2,800 animals from all over the world, the Singapore Zoo is a must-see for animal lovers. With its beautiful natural surroundings and wide variety of animals, the Singapore Zoo is the perfect place to escape the stresses of student life and enjoy some leisure time!

You can take a guided tour to learn about the animals or take a tram ride through the park to see the animals in their natural habitats!

If you have family members visiting you during your exchange semester, the Singapore Zoo is definitely a family-friendly destination and is a great place to spend some quality time together!

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Picture by Calvin Teo
Picture by Calvin Teo

The only tropical garden to be regarded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Singapore Botanic Gardens is a 164-year old park that is home to a variety of plants and flowers from all over the world. The gardens are divided into different sections, including the National Orchid Garden, the Ginger Garden, and the Evolution Garden.

There's even a Children's Garden perfect for small kids to play about!

Henderson Waves

Photo by Felix Fuchs on Unsplash
Photo by Felix Fuchs on Unsplash

If you're into quaint hikes and nature trails, you should try visiting this unique bridge!
Henderson Waves is a pedestrian bridge, known for its unique and distinctive design, which features undulating waves that resemble the hull of a ship. The bridge is 274 meters long and is the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore, standing 36 meters above ground level. It offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding greenery and is a popular spot for sightseeing and photography.

Changi Airport

Photo by Darren Nunis on Unsplash
Photo by Darren Nunis on Unsplash

Whether you've just arrived or on your way home, Singapore's Changi Airport is definitely a destination on it's own! Located within, Jewel Changi Airport is a popular destination for both travelers and locals, and is a great place to shop, dine, and have fun while at the airport

Aside from catching a glimpse of the Rain Vortex, the world's tallest indoor waterfall, you can also visit Canopy Park, a refreshing garden trail that will also give you access to a variety of interactive exhibits and attractions!

Conclusion

These are just a few of the many things to do in Singapore as an exchange student. Whether you're looking for adventure, culture, or relaxation, you'll find it all in this amazing city. So, make the most of your time in Singapore and have a great exchange experience!

Photo by Mike Enerio on Unsplash
Photo by Mike Enerio on Unsplash

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