These days, we are always looking for THAT pretty picture to post on our Instagram when we travel. I do the same when I take a local holiday too. Singapore has both rustic and modern Instagram spots, and many of them accessible to the public at low or no cost.
As someone who takes horrible photos and can’t be bothered to take photos well, I’ve shortlisted the ones that I’ve actually taken (with the help of my lovely friends and family) as proof that any noob (like me) can easily make it work cause the background is already pretty. You also don’t need to sweat too much, as the areas are near air-conditioned places or is already air-conditioned. I take coolness very seriously. So here it goes!
(Note: Instagram spots that are related to religious areas like Masjid Sultan or Temples are not included. I generally don’t like to parade myself in front of such landmarks.)
1. Gardens By the Bay
– Flower Dome/Cloud Forest/Supertree Grove
Because the dome attractions at Gardens by the Bay do change accordingly like sakura season, coupled with the seasonal outdoor exhibits like Winter Wonderland or interactive art installations (#futuretogether), it has an infinite number of Instagram hotspots. The park is pretty big, so a bit of walking is needed to get around. There are also trams, wheelchairs, and pram services available at a small cost.
Also keep a look out for the cute otter family! They are popular celebrities in the area.
Gardens by the Bay is also linked to Marina Barrage, which is another place to take in another great view, have a picnic, exercise, and even fly kites!
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
Opening Hours: Paid attractions like Flower Dome, Cloud Forest 9am – 9pm daily, Outdoor gardens like Supertree Grove 5am – 2am daily
2. Grasslands
Found this location thanks to an article on TheSmartLocal. The Grasslands is located at Lakeside Garden, a recreation spot. Families visit the area to relax or bring their dogs to the dog park, joggers abound. But what’s special is the presence of The Grasslands, a field that resembles a lalang field.
There were many types of photoshoots happening at the area – editorial, wedding, friends, and instagram hipsters. You need to have the patience to take photos and not be too paiseh to take your shot. There are some hills which you can climb to take ‘you against the world’ pictures or use the small spots of lalang fields to your advantage. You do have to venture in and out of the plants to get your shots, and bend here and there to fit your face in with the lalang. There are some man-made installations.
Address: 9 Japanese Garden Rd, Singapore 619228
Opening Hours: 24 hours
3. Jewel and Changi Airport
Our airline is number 1 or occasional number 2 for a reason – it’s for Singaporeans to enjoy too! There are plenty of places here to fill yourself with food, fun, fashion and photos. (We even have a Pokemon Centre yall. But i am rather thinking more about the food then the actual Insta spots.)
Don’t think my shots are the nicest as I was more inclined to have fun or was working when I visited. May be better to refer to this article for more Insta Spots in Jewel here.
Address: Jewel Changi Airport 78 Airport Boulevard Singapore 819666
Opening Hours: 24 hours (Most shops operate between 10am to 10pm. Selected shops have extended operating hours.)
4. Helix Bridge
Did my graduation shoot with my group of friends at the Helix Bridge, and it was wonderful! When it started getting hot, we just scrambled to MBS Shoppes, just beside it.
The bridge at night lights up with colours at intervals. If you Google ‘Helix Bridge Photoshoots’, you will see many beautiful couples lighted up with love at the Helix Bridge. Aww.
This is also a hotspot to catch fireworks during significant events like National Day and New Year’s. From here, you can visit many other beautiful places like Marina Bay Sands, Esplanade, Merlion Park, Singapore Flyer, and more!
Address: Linking between Marina Bay and Marina Centre, Singapore 03898
Opening Hours: 24 Hours
5. Universal Studio Singapore
While Universal Studio Japan is bigger with more bad-ass rides and detailed photo spots and activities, let’s give the one in SG some credit too yeah? Places like these will always make you happy, no matter how big or small, and that’s all that matters. Do note that this is a paid attraction.
Google ‘USS photoshoots’ to see the various photo spots at USS. Wished I saw these before I headed down to USS so I can attempt them, but alas, my main aim was to ride the only scary rollercoaster in SG and release the stress.
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, 098269
Opening Hours: 10am – 7pm
6. Old Hill Street Police Station
This colourful place is not only the office of the Ministry of Communications and Information, but also Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth. This was my first workplace, so I had a quick photoshoot with this building right before I posted out, with the help of my colleague. You can also take photos by the large window as well.
Tip: You have to be patient and wait periodically for the vehicles to clear, having big actions would help you to stand out in the picture, and wear WHITE! Based on the Instagram feed, the photos are generally nicer when the subject wears white.
You can also visit Clarke Quay which is on the opposite side of the road, Funan Mall to look at the Urban Farm, climb up to Fort Canning which is a good place to exercise and take photos as well. If you walk straight along the same road as the Old Hill Street Police Station, there is actually a Civil Defence Heritage Gallery, which houses some exhibits and history of fire fighting in Singapore. And fire fighters do still operate from there.
Address: 140 Hill St, Singapore 179369
Opening Hours: Office building so don’t bother trying to enter
7. Museums & Art Festivals
Museums
Museums are a great way to appreciate and put art into action. As exhibitions are always changing, Insta spots are endless too. Recommended Museums to go for picture ready photos:
- ArtScience Museum
- National Gallery of Singapore
- National Museum of Singapore
Here are some shots that I’ve taken over the years at Museums –
Art Festivals
I am a big fan of festivals, especially when it is well thought out with logical copywriting of each exhibit and installations. Alas, that just doesn’t attract crowds. I think that these festivals are now increasingly being geared towards ‘Instagrammable’ exhibits to make it more attractive. I have comments on that, but this is not the post for expression of thoughts, but rather of facial expressions.
Here are some that appear yearly or bi-yearly:
- Singapore Art Week
- Singapore Biennial
- Singapore Night Festival
- Light to Night Festival
- I Light Singapore
8. Esplanade
This is a considerably old photo spot before Instagram was born. You can head up to the rooftop terrace at the Esplanade, giving you an view of the Marina Bay Sands skyline. Think need some skills to make your photos nice here as my picture isn’t really proof that this is an easy Insta spot. But it is a very short walk to the air-conditioned Esplanade!
BONUS
There are some Insta spots that I have not explored yet, but the photos do look pretty. You might want to add it to you bucket list too. Have fun!
9. Library@Orchard
10. House of Tan Teng Niah
11. Fort Canning Underground Crossing
Uminsummer 
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