📸 Photography Introduction

Best Photo Times

The best times for photography in Singapore often depend on your subject and the mood you wish to capture. For vibrant, well-lit cityscapes and nature shots, early morning right after sunrise and late afternoon during golden hour are ideal. Night photography in Singapore is exceptionally rewarding due to the city’s stunning illumination and relatively low light pollution.

Camera Settings Tips

To capture the dynamic range of Singapore’s urban landscape, use a lower ISO to reduce noise, especially in night shots. Aperture settings can vary; use a smaller aperture (higher f-number) for landscape shots to ensure everything from foreground to background is in focus. For dynamic street photography, a wider aperture (lower f-number) can help isolate subjects from busy backgrounds.

Photography Rules

In Singapore, it’s important to respect privacy and property. Always seek permission before photographing private property or commercial establishments. Note that tripods may not be allowed in crowded places like Orchard Road or on the MRT. Drones require permits for flying in many areas, so check the latest regulations from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore before your shoot.

🌅 Sunrise & Sunset Spots

Golden Hour Locations

Marina Bay offers a panoramic skyline that glows under the golden hour light, making it perfect for both sunrise and sunset. The Henderson Waves bridge is another breathtaking location, offering a high vantage point over the lush greenery and city in the distance.

Blue Hour Spots

For photographers aiming to capture the serene blue hour, Clarke Quay provides reflective waters and a colorful backdrop of illuminated shop houses. Another prime location is the Helix Bridge, where the transitioning sky creates a dramatic backdrop for the futuristic architecture.

Night Photography

The Gardens by the Bay with its Supertree Grove lit up at night makes for a surreal landscape. For an urban setting, try capturing the light trails along the bustling Orchard Road or the iconic Marina Bay Sands laser show.

🏛️ Architectural Photos

Historic Buildings

Raffles Hotel, with its colonial architecture, stands out against the modern cityscape and offers a glimpse into Singapore’s past. The colorful façades of shophouses in Chinatown also provide a vibrant palette for photographers.

Modern Architecture

The Marina Bay Sands, with its unique ship-like structure atop three towers, is a must-photograph for any architectural enthusiast. The ArtScience Museum, resembling an open lotus flower, is another iconic structure worth capturing, especially at night when it’s beautifully lit.

Street Photography

Little India and Haji Lane are bustling with activity and cultural flair, ideal for street photography. Capturing the interaction between people and colorful street art in these neighborhoods offers a lively urban narrative.

🌳 Nature & Landscapes

Parks and Gardens

The Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers lush greenery and a large variety of flora, making it a perfect spot for nature photography. East Coast Park provides a great seaside view, ideal for capturing sunrise or leisure activities.

Scenic Viewpoints

The Sands SkyPark offers a spectacular panoramic view of Singapore’s skyline, best photographed at dusk as the city lights begin to twinkle. Another great viewpoint is the Faber Peak, where one can get a scenic cable car ride shot with the harbor in the background.

Natural Landmarks

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve allows photographers to delve into Singapore’s native rainforest and capture its diverse ecosystem. The Southern Ridges trail provides elevated walkways among the treetops for unique perspectives of the city and nature.

📱 Instagram Spots

Popular Photo Locations

The “OCBC Skyway” at Gardens by the Bay not only offers a chance to photograph the imposing Supertrees but also the Marina Bay skyline in the background. The whimsically designed “Haw Par Villa” offers some of the quirkiest sculptures and scenes for a truly unique Instagram gallery.

Unique Angles

Try capturing the reflection of the Cloud Forest dome in the Dragonfly Lake at Gardens by the Bay for a mesmerizing effect. Another unique angle is from the top of the Pinnacle@Duxton public housing that offers a less common view of the city.

Best Times to Visit

Early mornings during weekdays are optimal to avoid crowds at popular spots like Merlion Park. Visiting during the mid-week can also help you capture clean shots of busy areas like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown without the weekend throngs.

For accommodations, consider the centrally located Heritage @ South Bridge (5.0★, from 62 USD) for easy access to many of these photogenic locations. Alternatively, Raffles Singapore (5.0★, from 583 USD) offers a luxurious stay right in the heart of this vibrant city.

🏨 Best Places to Stay in Singapore