Over the last decade+, the island nation of Singapore has caught the attention of American fans of themed entertainment. 2011 saw the opening of Universal Studios Singapore (which features some unique attractions, amongst them a full land dedicated to Shrek). Then in 2026, the nation became the home port for the Disney Cruise Line’s new ship, the Disney Adventure.
Emma and Quincy in Singapore
However, fans heading to the island nation for a Disney Cruise or Universal trip should also take the time to explore the country outside of those offerings, and these are some of the things you can do while spending a day in Singapore beyond Universal and Disney offerings.
Give Yourself a 2-3 Day Buffer
If you do find yourself heading to Singapore for a Disney Adventure cruise, we’d definitely advise arriving at least 2-3 days before your departure. For starters, you’ll want to work through your jet lag BEFORE your cruise. Beyond that, you’ll want a few days to explore the country before immersing yourself in the Adventure’s offering.
Make Sure to Follow the Rules
While you’re doing that exploring, be sure to “play by the rules” as it were. Singapore has some very… unique laws on the books regarding everything from chewing gum to littering, to eating on public transportation, to even flushing public toilets. While these restrictions may sound bizarre and maybe even comical to American ears, in reality, there can be some serious financial consequences (and possibly more) for breaking them.
Singapore
The Marina Bay Sands is Must-See
Since it opened in 2010, the Marina Bay Sands has become one of the best-known hotels in the world.
Marina Bay Sands Singapore
The resort includes a 1,850-room hotel, the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, a luxury shopping mall, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, which is home to numerous luxury brands, including a floating Apple Store (Yes, you read that right, floating), a massive casino…
… and an infinity pool. Can’t forget the infinity pool.
Infinity Pool!
Check out the ArtScience Museum
Also located in the Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum holds the title of the largest private museum in Singapore.
The ArtScience Museum
The complex has been home to a rotating selection of exhibits — including popular installations based on Harry Potter and the works of Vincent Van Gogh — however, it’s the museum’s one permanent exhibit — Future World — that we really enjoyed.
Future World at the ArtScience Museum
Grab a Meal in Chinatown
Chinatown — located in the Outram district in the island’s Central Area, Singapore’s Chinatown is a world-renowned center of culture and food. We had the area’s famous — and Anthony Bourdain-approved — Hainanese Chicken Rice and LOVED it.
Chinatown in Singapore
There’s a Lot Beyond Universal
If your day finds you visiting Universal Studios Singapore, keep in mind that the park is actually part of a larger complex, Resorts World Sentosa, an integrated resort on the island of Sentosa, which is located off the southern coast of Singapore.
Universal Singapore!
In addition to the park, other major attractions include a casino, the Adventure Cove Waterpark, the Singapore Oceanarium, the Maritime Experiential Museum, several hotels, and a massive scenic cable car system.
The gondola
End Your Day At the Merlion
The mythical Merlion – a creature with a lion’s head and a fish’s tail – is widely used as a mascot of Singapore, including as the official symbol of the country’s tourism board. While there are several Merlion statues in the country, the best-known are located at Merlion Park.
The Merlion
If you’re heading to Singapore for a Disney Cruise or Universal trip, be sure to take some time to explore what the country has to offer beyond those themed entertainment offerings. Stay tuned to AllEars for more on our travels!
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Are you considering a trip to Singapore? Let us know in the comments below!
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