20 Most Instagrammable Places in Singapore in 2025 (With Secret Photo Spots) - Xplrverse

The Instagram Paradise of Singapore: My Personal Journey

The first time I visited Singapore in 2017, I made a rookie mistake. I arrived without a proper camera, thinking my old phone would capture the city’s beauty. Big mistake! By day two, I was frantically buying a new smartphone because Singapore is quite literally a photographer’s dream come true. After 15+ visits over the years (and thousands of photos later), I’ve curated this definitive guide to Singapore’s most Instagram-worthy spots for 2025.

What makes Singapore so special for photography is the mind-blowing contrast between futuristic architecture, lush tropical gardens, and preserved heritage areas—all within a compact, easily navigable city. And the lighting! As a photographer, I’ve fallen in love with that golden hour glow that bathes the Marina Bay skyline. Shiok! (That’s Singlish for “extremely good” or “delicious”—you’ll hear it everywhere).

Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning to update your Instagram grid with fresh perspectives, I’ve included exact locations, best times for photography, and insider shortcuts to help you capture those perfect shots without the tourist crowds.

Gardens by the Bay: Singapore’s Iconic Futuristic Forest

No Instagram guide to Singapore would be complete without featuring Gardens by the Bay. But after visiting during every season and time of day, I’ve learned there’s a world of difference between average tourist shots and truly spectacular photos here.

Supertree Grove: Timing is Everything

The 18 massive Supertrees (25-50 meters tall) are stunning at any time, but for that perfect Instagram shot:

Best time: Arrive at 7:00 PM for the free Garden Rhapsody light show (currently at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM in 2025)
Best spot: Lie flat on your back on the central lawn for a perspective that makes the trees seem to converge dramatically
Photography tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture multiple trees in one frame

Insider Tip: Skip the expensive OCBC Skyway tickets (S$10) and instead head to the SuperTree Food Hall rooftop for nearly identical views without the crowds—and you can enjoy a Tiger Beer (S$8) while shooting!

Cloud Forest & Flower Dome

Both conservatories offer incredible photo opportunities, but they’ve raised their combined ticket price to S$28 in 2025:

Cloud Forest: The 35-meter indoor waterfall is best photographed from the ground floor looking up (arrive at opening time at 9 AM to avoid other visitors in your shot)
Flower Dome: Visit during one of their seasonal floral displays—the Sakura matsuri (March-April) and Christmas Wonderland (November-December) are the most photogenic

I once made the mistake of visiting midday on a weekend—the crowds were so thick I could barely see the displays, let alone get a clean shot. Early weekday mornings are your best bet.

Marina Bay Sands & The Iconic Infinity Pool

The triple-towered Marina Bay Sands hotel with its surfboard-shaped SkyPark is Singapore’s most recognizable structure. After learning the hard way, I can tell you there are two approaches to photographing it:

From the Outside (Free)

Best vantage point: The pedestrian bridge at The Esplanade offers the perfect symmetrical view
Best timing: Blue hour (around 7:00-7:30 PM) when the hotel lights are on but the sky still has color

From the Inside (Requires Hotel Stay or Bar Visit)

The famous infinity pool is exclusively for hotel guests, with rooms starting at S$550/night in 2025. However, I’ve discovered two alternatives:

CE LA VI Skybar: Purchase a drink (minimum S$25) for access to portions of the SkyPark with similar views
Lavo restaurant: Book dinner (expect to spend S$100+) and request a window table for stunning city views

Money-Saving Insider Tip: Instead of paying S$29 for the SkyPark Observation Deck, head to Level 57 at Marina Bay Sands and visit the rooftop bar SPAGO. If you go between 4-6 PM, you can order their S$18 happy hour cocktail and enjoy nearly identical views for less—plus you get a drink!

Jewel Changi Airport: The Indoor Waterfall Wonder

Singapore’s Changi Airport isn’t just a transport hub—it’s a destination in itself, especially since the opening of Jewel. The centerpiece Rain Vortex is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at 40 meters.

After several visits trying to capture the perfect shot, I’ve determined:

Best view: Level 2, near the Tiger Street Lab restaurant
Best time: 8:00-8:30 PM for the evening light show
Photography settings: Use a slower shutter speed (1/15-1/30) to create that silky water effect

In my rush to photograph the main waterfall, I initially missed the beautiful Canopy Park on Level 5, which offers stunning overhead views of the entire structure. Don’t make my mistake—allocate at least 3 hours to fully explore Jewel.

Since its 2023 renovation, they’ve added new viewing platforms specifically designed for Instagram moments. The glass-floored walkway is particularly popular—arrive before 10:00 AM to avoid long queues.

The Colorful Heritage Districts: Authentic Singapore

Little India: Cultural Explosion

Little India remains my favorite neighborhood for vibrant street photography. The colors here are absolutely intoxicating—especially along these photogenic streets:

Kerbau Road: Home to the famous rainbow-colored houses (best photographed in morning light)
Campbell Lane: Shop houses with ornate facades (visit on Sundays when the street market is bustling)
Tan Teng Niah: Singapore’s most colorful Chinese villa, ironically located in Little India

The first time I visited, I made the mistake of walking around midday when the harsh sunlight created unflattering shadows. The early morning (8-10 AM) offers much softer light that makes the colors pop without overexposing.

Local Phrase: If a shopkeeper says “Can lah!” when you’re trying to negotiate prices, it means “Yes, it’s possible!” This Singlish phrase combines English with the Chinese particle “lah” that Singaporeans add for emphasis.

Chinatown: Heritage Meets Modernity

Singapore’s Chinatown has evolved dramatically since my first visit. While some areas have become touristy, I’ve found these photogenic gems:

Ann Siang Hill: Restored colonial buildings now housing trendy cafes (beautiful at sunset when the warm light hits the pastel facades)
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple: The intricate red and gold interior is perfect for dramatic architectural shots
Smith Street Food Street: For authentic food photography with local flair

Kampong Glam: Hip Heritage Area

Singapore’s Arab Quarter has transformed into one of the city’s coolest neighborhoods. I’ve spent countless afternoons exploring its photogenic corners:

Haji Lane: Narrow street with colorful murals and boutique shops
Sultan Mosque: The gold dome against blue skies creates a classic Singapore shot
Arab Street: Fabric shops with textiles in every color imaginable

I’ve found that late afternoon (4-6 PM) provides the most flattering light in this neighborhood. The small streets create interesting shadow patterns that add depth to photographs.

Since 2023, the area around Haji Lane has implemented a “pedestrian weekend” initiative where they close the streets to traffic from Friday evening through Sunday. These are the best times to visit for unobstructed photography.

Heritage District	Best Time for Photos	Must-Shoot Location	Nearest MRT
Little India	8-10 AM	Kerbau Road	Little India (Downtown Line)
Chinatown	4-6 PM	Ann Siang Hill	Chinatown (Downtown Line)
Kampong Glam	4-6 PM	Haji Lane	Bugis (East-West Line)

Singapore’s Hidden Instagram Spots (Off the Tourist Track)

After years of exploration, I’ve discovered several lesser-known spots that deliver incredible photos without the crowds:

Koon Seng Road: Peranakan Color Explosion

Located in Joo Chiat, this row of Peranakan shophouses features some of the most ornate facades in Singapore. The pastel colors and intricate details make for stunning photos. Visit early morning (before 9 AM) to avoid both harsh light and other photographers.

I learned about this spot from a local photographer I met at a cafe, and it remains relatively unknown to most tourists. The #69-77 houses are particularly photogenic with their ceramic tiles and elaborate motifs.

The Pinnacle@Duxton Skybridge

For just S$6, residents of Singapore can access this 50th-floor public housing skybridge with panoramic city views that rival any luxury hotel. The secret? Non-residents can visit too! Just use the visitor booking system at the ground floor.

Money-Saving Tip: Unlike the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark (S$29), The Pinnacle@Duxton skybridge costs only S$6 and offers equally spectacular views—but with a 200-person daily limit. Book online the day before to secure your spot.

The first time I tried visiting, I arrived at 2 PM only to find they’d reached their daily limit. Now I always go first thing in the morning (opening time is 9 AM).

Henderson Waves Bridge

This undulating wooden pedestrian bridge stands 36 meters above Henderson Road and offers both architectural interest and forest views. I’ve found sunset (around 6:30-7 PM) creates the most dramatic lighting as the wave structure casts interesting shadows.

Changi Coastal Boardwalk

Far from the city center, this peaceful wooden boardwalk stretching along Singapore’s eastern coast offers uninterrupted sea views and a different perspective of Singapore. The sunset here is magnificent, with planes from nearby Changi Airport often visible in your shots.

I visited during a rainstorm once (not recommended!), but discovered that the boardwalk is most beautiful around 6:30 AM when fishermen create silhouettes against the rising sun.

Singapore’s Nature Escapes for the Gram

While Singapore is famous for its urban landscape, some of my most liked Instagram posts have come from its lush green spaces:

MacRitchie Reservoir TreeTop Walk

This 250-meter suspension bridge hangs 25 meters above the forest floor, creating perfect opportunities for atmospheric jungle shots. After trying various times of day, I’ve found that arriving at opening time (9 AM) provides the best combination of good light and minimal crowds.

Be aware that the TreeTop Walk is a one-way path, and it’s a 4-5 kilometer hike to reach it from the main entrance. Wear proper walking shoes (I learned this the hard way when I showed up in flip-flops the first time) and bring plenty of water.

Sustainability Tip: Instead of buying bottled water (S$2-3), bring a reusable bottle to refill at MacRitchie’s water stations. This saves both money and plastic waste—Singapore’s tap water is perfectly safe to drink!

Fort Canning Park’s Gothic Gate

This colonial-era park features a white Gothic gate that has become increasingly popular on Instagram. The spiral staircase creates a perfect frame for portraits. Visit in the late afternoon when the sun creates dramatic shadows through the surrounding trees.

Since 2024, they’ve implemented a new lighting installation around the gate that makes evening photography particularly striking between a 7-10 PM.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

For wildlife photography, this northern nature reserve offers opportunities to capture monitor lizards, otters, and migratory birds. Bring a zoom lens and visit during weekday mornings when the reserve is virtually empty.

One January morning, I spotted a huge saltwater crocodile sunning itself near one of the observation decks—a rare sighting that made for an incredible Instagram story! The rangers told me they’re most visible during low tide.

Singapore’s Most Photogenic Architectural Marvels

National Gallery Singapore

Housed in the former Supreme Court and City Hall, this art museum features stunning architectural contrasts between colonial structures and modern additions. The highlight for photographers is the Supreme Court Terrace with its black and white checkerboard floor and city views.

Admission is S$25 for tourists, but I discovered free entry for everyone is available from 6-9 PM on Friday evenings. This timing also gives you beautiful blue hour light through the massive windows.

Helix Bridge

This DNA-inspired pedestrian bridge connects Marina Centre with Marina South. While it’s beautiful in daylight, it truly transforms after dark when illuminated with LED lighting.

Photography tip: Position yourself on the viewing platform at Marina Bay Sands side at 8 PM for a long-exposure shot that captures light trails from boats passing underneath.

The Interlace

This extraordinary residential complex designed by OMA features 31 apartment blocks stacked in a hexagonal arrangement. While it’s a private residence, visitors can access certain areas for photography, particularly the central courtyard.

I nearly got kicked out by security during my first visit because I wandered into residential areas. The proper approach is to enter through the main lobby and explain to security that you’d like to photograph the public areas only.

Singapore’s Stunning Rooftop Views

Singapore’s skyline deserves to be photographed from above. Beyond Marina Bay Sands, here are my favorite aerial perspectives:

1-Altitude Gallery & Bar

At 282 meters, this is Singapore’s highest rooftop bar. The entry fee (S$40) includes one drink and provides a 360-degree view of the entire city. I’ve found sunset (6:30-7:30 PM) to be the optimal time as you can capture both daylight and nighttime cityscapes.

Money-Saving Tip: Skip the expensive S$40 entry fee by visiting during their happy hour (Mon-Fri, 6-8 PM) when entry is reduced to S$25 with one drink included.

Mr. Stork at Andaz Hotel

Located on the 39th floor of Andaz Singapore, this rooftop bar features teepee-shaped seating areas that make for unique foreground elements with the city skyline behind them. The minimum spend is one drink (around S$25), but the photographs are worth it.

I’ve visited at various times, but found that the soft lighting about 30 minutes before sunset creates the most flattering cityscape photos.

ION Sky Observation Deck

Located 56 floors above Orchard Road, this observation deck requires a minimum spend of S$20 at ION Orchard mall to access for free (otherwise it’s S$25). Visit in late afternoon to capture the bustling shopping district below.

Since 2023, they’ve added a new golden hour photography session on weekends (5:30-6:30 PM) which allows tripods—something usually prohibited during regular hours.

New Instagram Hotspots for 2025

Singapore constantly evolves, and these are the newest photo-worthy additions that even frequent visitors might have missed:

Sentosa Sensoryscape

Completed in late 2024, this new 30,000 square meter sensory park connects Resorts World Sentosa with Sentosa’s beaches. The architectural features include elevated walkways with sweeping sea views and multi-colored light installations that make for dramatic night photography.

I visited during opening week and discovered the best views are from the central bridge at sunset, when the installation’s colored lights begin to activate.

Marina East Gardens

This new waterfront park opened in 2024 features several Instagram-worthy installations, including mirrored pavilions that reflect the skyline and a series of floating platforms that appear to hover over the water.

The park is still relatively unknown to tourists, making it perfect for unobstructed photos. Early morning (7-9 AM) provides beautiful light and reflections on the water features.

Jurong Lake Gardens’ New Wetland Boardwalks

The western region’s Jurong Lake Gardens completed its expansion in 2023, adding floating boardwalks through lily-pad covered waters. The red bridges against green vegetation create stunning color contrasts for photography.

What I love about this location is how it transforms throughout the day—morning mist creates ethereal scenes, while sunset bathes everything in golden light. I’ve gotten some of my most-liked photos here with minimal editing.

Conclusion: Capturing Your Perfect Singapore Shots

Singapore has transformed me from an amateur smartphone photographer to someone whose Instagram feed genuinely impresses friends. What makes this city-state so special is the incredible variety of visual experiences packed into such a compact area—from futuristic architecture to lush gardens, heritage districts to hidden neighborhood gems.

My biggest lesson after years of photographing Singapore? The early bird truly gets the shot. So many of my best photos came from setting that 5:30 AM alarm and arriving at locations before the crowds and harsh light.

Your 5-Step Action Plan for Instagram Success in Singapore

Plan around golden hour: Schedule your must-have shots for the hour after sunrise or before sunset when Singapore’s light is magical
Use the MRT strategically: Group your photo locations by MRT line to maximize efficiency (I’ve listed the nearest stations throughout this guide)
Carry the essentials: A portable charger, lens cleaning cloth, and small tripod will save your photoshoots in Singapore’s humidity
Beat the crowds: Visit popular spots (Gardens by the Bay, Jewel) first thing in the morning or during weekday evenings
Embrace the rain: Singapore’s sudden showers create stunning reflections—keep a small umbrella handy and use rainy moments for unique shots

Most importantly, don’t get so caught up in capturing the perfect shot that you forget to experience Singapore with all your senses. Some of my fondest memories aren’t the photos themselves but the laksa I devoured after shooting at Jewel, or the conversation with an elderly gentleman who showed me a hidden vantage point at Fort Canning.

Singapore rewards the curious photographer who ventures beyond the obvious landmarks. I hope this guide helps you discover both the iconic shots and those personal, unexpected moments that make travel photography truly meaningful. Shiok lah!

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time of year to photograph Singapore?

Singapore’s weather is consistently warm and humid year-round, but February to April typically offers clearer skies with less rainfall, making it ideal for photography. However, I’ve gotten some of my most dramatic shots during the “rainy” November-January period when storm clouds create spectacular sunsets. Just be prepared with weather protection for your gear.

Do I need a professional camera to capture Instagram-worthy shots in Singapore?

Not at all! While I use a mirrorless camera for some situations, many of my most popular Instagram posts were captured on my smartphone. Singapore’s excellent lighting and vibrant subjects look great even with phone cameras. If you’re only using a smartphone, I recommend bringing a small tripod for low-light situations and downloading a camera app that allows manual controls.

Are there any restrictions on photography in Singapore?

Singapore is generally photographer-friendly, but there are some restrictions to be aware of: military installations cannot be photographed, and some museums and private properties prohibit tripods or flash photography. Always respect signs and security personnel’s instructions. For popular spots like the Supertree Grove, be aware that commercial photography requires permits, but tourist photos are always welcomed.

How can I avoid crowds in my Singapore photos?

My three proven strategies: 1) Visit popular attractions at opening time (typically 9 AM) or within an hour of closing; 2) Photograph iconic locations on weekdays rather than weekends; 3) If you can’t avoid crowds, embrace creative angles—shoot upward, focus on details, or use long exposures to blur moving people.

Is it safe to carry expensive camera equipment around Singapore?

Absolutely. Singapore is one of the safest cities I’ve ever photographed in. I’ve wandered with my camera gear at all hours without concern. That said, basic precautions still apply—use camera straps, keep gear in sight at restaurants, and be aware of your surroundings in very crowded areas like markets.

How much should I budget for photography-related expenses in Singapore?

Beyond your accommodation and food, I recommend budgeting approximately S$100-150 for entrance fees to premium photography locations (like Gardens by the Bay conservatories, observation decks, and rooftop bars). If you’re selective and use the money-saving tips I’ve provided throughout this guide, you could reduce this to S$50-75.

What’s the best way to deal with Singapore’s humidity when photographing?

The humidity (often 80-90%) can be challenging for photography equipment. I always carry lens cleaning cloths, silica gel packets in my camera bag, and use a UV filter to protect my lenses. For smartphones, watch out for condensation when moving between air-conditioned buildings and outdoor heat—give your phone a minute to adjust before shooting.