Nights in Singapore: A Photo Tour of the Lion City

Singapore: A Modern Paradise for Night Photography

For most people, ultramodern Singapore is synonymous with cleanliness, efficiency, and economic prosperity. Those familiar with the demographics of the metropolis would also highlight that the city-state, a mere 733 square kilometers large, is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, renowned for its multi-cultural harmony and food.

For photographers, the city-state is furthermore an exotic canvas incorporating the past and the present, the East and the West. Singapore at night is particularly enchanting, too, thanks to its numerous light-ups and festive celebrations throughout the calendar year.

Whichever month you’re visiting, you can be sure there is a wonderful night photography opportunity somewhere in the country.

1. Changi Airport Control Tower

The iconic control tower of Changi Airport is the first major Singaporean landmark most visitors encounter on arrival. Synonymous with the airport itself, the tower is a popular motif used in numerous murals and paintings within the country. It is also a symbol of pride for many Singaporeans.

More importantly, Changi Airport was officially opened in December 1981. While Singapore was already a regional transportation hub in the preceding decade, the 80s and Changi Airport marked the Lion City’s first steps toward becoming an international air transportation hub.

In a role befitting its structure, the control tower now acts as a futuristic beacon, welcoming visitors from all over the world.

2. Jewel Changi Airport HSBC Rain Vortex

Opened in April 2019 amid much fanfare, the toroidal Jewel Changi Airport is a futuristic conservatory at the heart of the Changi Airport complex. One that’s home to a verdant indoor forest valley and a man-made waterfall.

An architectural wonder that’s absolutely spectacular to behold, especially at night and during light shows, the abundant greenery is a celebration of the country’s decades-long reputation as a “garden city.” Simply put, no matter where you head to in Singapore, you wouldn’t be far from a garden or a park, or a leafy stretch of tropical green.

Like the lush indoor forest valley at Jewel Changi Airport, the Lion City is itself a metropolis built as a picturesque garden.

3. The Singapore River

Previously a chaotic spread of godowns, warehouses, and bumboats, the southern bank of the Singapore River is today, home to an assortment of F&B and commercial establishments. The area was completely modernized in the 90s.

Historically, this stretch was once the economic lifeline of Singapore too. Here was the heart of Singapore’s entrepot trade in the 1800s. Today, the country’s most important historical, civic, and financial landmarks still stand beside the river.

In other words, the Singapore River is the symbolic birthplace of modern Singapore. Without a doubt, the historical source of Singapore’s prosperity too. A gorgeous night photography wonderland every evening as well.

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4. Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles Statue at the Singapore River

Singapore’s journey to being a modern nation began in 1819 when Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles of the British East India Company stepped onto the island.

Though the man only stayed for ten days, Raffles successfully negotiated a treaty with local Malay chiefs, one that allowed for a British establishment in Singapore. A subsequent treaty in 1824 then permitted the entire island to be used by the British Empire.

Within years, Raffles’ choice of location for a strategic base in Southeast Asia proved to be immaculate. By 1836, a mere 12 years later, Singapore was the regional capital of the British Empire; eventually, part of the Straits Settlements too. By the end of the 19th century, the colony had also transformed from a small fishing village to a bustling port city with an international population.

Today, Raffles’ landing spot is marked by a polymarble statue at the northern bank of the Singapore River. And though there have been modern criticisms of Raffles’ true intentions, such as his desire to challenge the Dutch Empire, his name remains synonymous with the best in the country. For example, the top pre-university institution in Singapore is named after him.

5. Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall

By the arrival of the 20^th century, Singapore was the most important “possession” of the British Empire in Southeast Asia. To celebrate their colonization success, the British then built several monumental buildings in Southern Singapore. Many such buildings, such as the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, are meticulously preserved and remain in use today.

Jump forth to today, these preserved, colonial landmarks are illuminated several times each year for festivals, national celebrations, or spectacular light projection shows. Travelers who visit these monuments during any of these light-ups will furthermore be treated to a wide variety of art exhibitions and music performances.

6. Parliament of Singapore

Famously, or notoriously, Singapore has been under the rule of the same political party for over half a century. The People’s Action Party (PAP) has ruled unchallenged since the Lion City’s independence in 1965.

While lamented by some local activists as an outcome of authoritarian, socio-political suppression, it is undeniable that the PAP has mostly done a superior job since 1965, especially in the area of economic development.

Since 2011, opposition parties have also been gaining foothold in parliament and popular support. For example, in 2020, the opposition Workers’ Party won ten seats, an unprecedented victory in the history of Singapore.

It remains to be seen how Singaporean politics will develop down the road. Whether it will remain the one-party state it currently still is.

7. Singaporean Public Housing Blocks at Night

The phrase “public housing” often brings to mind images of crowded, squalid, and dangerous slums. This is not at all the case for Singapore, though.

Singaporean public housing estates, of which over 80 percent of locals reside, are clean, well-maintained, and serviced by many recreational facilities. Many estates also have sprawling parks, with the estates themselves all well-connected by the subway (MRT) system.

For travel photographers, a night shot of "HDB blocks" could thus be considered a must for any photographic portfolio featuring Singapore at night. On another note, the overall affordability and quality of such homes contributed much to the political popularity of the above-mentioned People’s Action Party. One could go to the extent of saying successful public housing is a cornerstone of the PAP’s sustained victories at the polls.

8. Downtown Residences

As mentioned in the introduction, Singapore counts among the most densely populated cities in the world. In most parts of the island, urban build-ups extend as far as the eye can see. As dreary as this might sound, at night, the city-state transforms into a sea of light that would thrill any night photographer. One that is mesmerizing when viewed from the right vantage spots.

9. Singapore Festive Lights

With four official ethnic groups and a plethora of tourism events, the Singaporean calendar is filled to the brim with festive ethnic events. Many such celebrations also involve light-ups at historical ethnic precincts. For local night photography enthusiasts, such illuminations are widely considered “must-attends.”

To give some examples, in the weeks before the Lunar New Year, the Chinatown district comes alive with festive lights. In September, the same district is again adorned with elaborate lanterns to welcome the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, i.e., the Mooncake Festival.

Elsewhere, the Geylang Serai District and the Little India Serangoon District are annually decorated with lights to welcome Eid al Fitr and Diwali respectively. (These festivals are locally known as Hari Raya Puasa and Deepavali)

Most famously, the entire downtown Orchard Road shopping stretch becomes a Christmas paradise every year-end.

Celebrations aside, these festive light-ups reflect the importance of ethnic and religious harmony in Singaporean culture. A merchant city since British colonial days, one that was a haven for migrants from all over Asia, the success of the Lion City has always depended on the willingness of residents to live and work together.

To put it in another way, these beautiful night illuminations are not just for pretty photos or tourism. They are also part of Singapore’s constant emphasis on social harmony. In local culture, there is no sin worse than ethnic or religious disrespect.

10. A Singaporean Eatery at Early Evening

Food has long occupied an esteemed place in Singaporean culture. For travelers, sampling the Lion City’s many ethnic cuisines is a delight that’s not to be missed.

With the country’s affluence, there are naturally many high-end establishments that offer the best of luxury and fine dining. However, if one is seeking local ambiance, the best places to head to are instead the hawker centers and “coffee shops” in residential districts.

In short, these open-air eateries do not just offer budget dining options. They are a glimpse into the social fabric of the country too. The sight of different races enjoying colorful ethnic food together is a beautiful visual summary of the cultural harmony that Singapore so deeply cherishes.

11. Marina Bay Landmarks

Despite its economic prosperity since the 1970s, or perhaps because of it, Singapore was once described as a “cultural desert.” A place where one can easily become materially rich, but is a drag to live in.

In response, the Singaporean government launched a series of initiatives aimed at improving the overall quality of life for residents. Many such initiatives then involved the building of arts and performance venues, particularly in the downtown Marina Bay district. (Now also frequently called the Civic District).

Jump forth to today, many of these venues have become the foremost travel attractions of the Lion City. The most photographed landmarks too.

At night, these landmarks illuminate the southern tip of Singapore like glowing gems. Whether or not they fulfill their original purposes of livening lifestyles, these landmarks have come to define the country. This is especially so for travelers.

12. Fireworks at Marina Bay

To end, a picture of stunning fireworks over Singapore’s Marina Bay during Lunar New Year celebrations. Would you like to visit the glittering Southeast Asian metropolis that is the Lion City?

© 2021 Ced Yong