For Insta fans, there are plenty of memorable photos you can take in Singapore – in fact, the city regularly appears on lists of the world’s most Instagram-friendly places. But don’t limit yourself to the one where your friend pretends to swallow the Merlion’s water spout… Try some of these locations in our list of top Instagram spots in Singapore.
New & Noteworthy
Jewel Changi Airport
Just say the words “Rain Vortex” and Instagrammers come running! Changi’s recently opened 135,000-square-metre transit area (and by transit area we mean massive shopping and entertainment precinct) is a new favourite on Insta feeds. And that’s especially true of the 40-metre HSBC Rain Vortex, the world’s largest indoor waterfall.
Get clicking: The Vortex is illuminated by five nightly light shows (on the hour from 7.30pm), but we like the daytime photo op just as much, to capitalise on the greenery of the surrounding Forest Valley.
Best for Views
1-Altitude
As dusk turns to night, is there any more breathtaking place to be in Singapore than here? Among the world’s highest open-air bars, 1-Altitude on the 62nd floor of One Raffles Place offers a 360-degree panorama of the island. What that means for photographers is endless angles for the ideal Insta shot! Plus, you can stay on and party the night away.
Get clicking: No sunrise pics here. 1-Altitude opens at 6pm, with a cover charge of $35, including two standard drinks.
MacRitchie Reservoir Treetop Walk
We love MacRitchie Reservoir, and the bird’s-eye view of the vast jungle canopy from the TreeTop Walk is a highlight of the whole park. The free-standing suspension bridge opens from 8.30am on weekends and public holidays, and 9am Tuesday to Friday. (It’s closed Monday.) We recommend getting there around opening to avoid the hottest part of the day. Gates shut at 5pm sharp.
Get clicking: Did you know we run regular Expat Living hikes in MacRitchie, including the TreeTop Walk? Keep an eye on our events page for the next gathering – and prime your phone for some snaps!
The Pinnacle@Duxton
Okay, it’s not as glamorous as some of the other high spots, but this 50th-floor sky garden in Tanjong Pagar packs a punch for the $5 entry fee. Winding walkways feature landscaped gardens, and the vistas are stunning. We particularly like the view straight down onto the orange-tiled roofs of Chinatown.
Get clicking: Because this is a private residence, a quota system restricts guest numbers at the lookout to 200 a day. Read about it here.
Other great vertical locations…
- CÉ LA VI / MBS Swimming Pool
- Marina Barrage
- Singapore Flyer
Colourful & Quirky
Haji Lane
Who needs a gallery to see great art? Haji Lane is covered head to toe with eye-grabbing graffiti, making it an online favourite and one of Singapore’s top Instagram spots. We recommend a slow trawl along the whole alley, so you can look for the colourful mural that particularly grabs your eye.
Get clicking: Haji Lane is a popular place. If you want a pedestrian-free photo, you’ll need to try your luck early in the morning. The only drawback is that none of the fab food spots or boutiques will be open. It’s your call!
Gardens by the Bay
A tourist favourite, Gardens by the Bay has plenty of eye-catching locations for your feed. These include the outdoor Supertree Grove (free access from the ground; $8 from the OCBC Skyway) and the indoor, mist-filled Cloud Forest ($28). Follow up with a few photos of tables laden with local food at Satay by the Bay!
Get clicking: Our favourite time for photographing the Supertree Grove is during the nightly Garden Rhapsody light show (7.45-8.45pm).
Shophouses of Joo Chiat
Among Singapore’s most famous architectural styles, shophouses are best viewed in the vibrant Joo Chiat neighbourhood. There’s one row of these pastel-coloured heritage homes, on Koon Seng Road, that’s particularly Insta-friendly.
Get clicking: Grab a shot of the whole street, then move in for a few close-up shots of the Peranakan tiles (keeping in mind that these are private residences).
Other great multi-coloured locations…
- Old Hill Street Police Station
- The House of Tan Teng Niah, Little India
- Helix Bridge
Culture Corners
Masjid Sultan
Close to Haji Lane (see above), Arab Street provides another great photo setting. And the gold-domed Masjid Sultan, or Sultan Mosque, built in 1928, is a worthy backdrop.
Get clicking: The most popular angle for a photo of the mosque is from the paved pedestrian area of Arab Street. But another good one is from the northern side – particularly while enjoying an early morning prata at famous restaurant Zam Zam (pictured at left, below).
Bukit Timah Railway
It’s too hot for an OOTD shot, perhaps, but you’ll still get some great snaps on the old railway line, which is best accessed from just next to the King Albert Park MRT. Trains stopped using these tracks in 2011, and the quaint Bukit Timah Railway Station was gazetted as a conservation building.
Get clicking: The iron bridge 250 metres north of the Station has some architectural features that make for fun and intriguing photos.
HDB Blocks
There are some striking buildings among Singapore’s countless HDB blocks, and they’re becoming a favourite for those on the hunt for a unique Insta shot. HDBs that shutterbugs shouldn’t miss include Tampines Street 41 Block 417, with its retro TV-themed artwork covering the walls. There’s also the dramatic curve of 34 Whampoa West, the popping colour scheme of Tech Whye Avenue, and the Tudor vibe of Tampines Avenue 9.
Get clicking: Don’t forget to look up! You can find some unusual and eye-catching views up to the sky from the ground floor of many HDB blocks.
Other great moody locations…
- CHIJMES Hall
- Central Fire Station
- People’s Park Complex
Follow our own Instagram feed @expatliving!
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