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Home » Southeast Asia » Singapore » Itinerary

Check out our EPIC 4-Day Singapore Itinerary! (2024)

Singapore, the little island hub of energy just off the coast of Malaysia, is a beautiful place to spend your time in with its perfect blend of futuristic designs and natural gardens and parks. Whether you have a short layover, on your way to another destination, or you are arriving determined to spend a vacation in this multicultural city, you are spoilt for choice on things to do.

So spoilt, in fact, that it can seem impossible to properly plan a trip – there are so many things you can see and do, it can be quite overwhelming! You might also be asking yourself “how many days should I spend in Singapore?”

That’s why we’ve put together this Singapore itinerary! It will ensure you make the most of your time – however long or short that may be – and that you get to experience the best of the city.

A Little Bit About this 4-Day Singapore Itinerary

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singapore itinerary

Singapore is one of the most modern and culturally unique cities in the world. As a city-state, it is one of the smallest nations in the world, yet offers more than enough to fill out an itinerary.

Singapore is known for its melting pot of cultures, its towering skyscrapers, and its squeaky clean reputation. Backpackers visiting Singapore for the first time often do remark that it can be a little stifling, due to its extreme civil rules and sometimes sterile attractions e.g. theme parks.

But there is plenty to like about Singapore. Here, you’ll find some immensely unique sites and experiences, like the ethnic smorgasbords of Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam or the futuristic super trees at the Gardens by the Bay. Singapore is a city that looks to the future and strives to be different and, in a lot of ways, it succeeds.

4 days in Singapore will be plenty of time. One can see all of the city’s major attractions without being rushed. For those who want to see as much as possible with the time allotted could even fit in a bit more. We’ve made sure to provide a couple of extra suggestions at the end of our standard 4-day Singapore itinerary.

Traveling in Singapore is also made easy thanks to the MRT (or Mass Rapid Transit). It runs throughout the city and can connect you from one attraction to the next fast, efficiently, and without hassle. Most of the major attractions are a short walk from the MRT stations.

visit singapore blog

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4-Day Singapore Itinerary Overview

  • Day 1 in Singapore: Arab Street , Little India , Tekka Centre , Singapore National Museum , River Cruise , Rooftop Cocktails
  • Day 2 in Singapore: Esplanade Center , ArtScience Museum , Lunch , Gardens by the Bay , Biodomes , Supertree Grove Skywalk
  • Day 3 on Singapore: Sentosa , Skyline Luge , Palawan , Chinatown
  • Day 4 in Singapore: Treetop Walk , Adam Road Food Centre , Botanic Garden , Orchard Road
  • More Places to See in Singapore: Night Safari , Universal Studios , Marine Life Park

visit singapore blog

With a Singapore City Pass , you can experience the best of Singapore at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

where to stay in singapore

Singapore, although small, has many different areas for you to stay in. From bustling city centers to cultural hubs and even beach resorts, there’s a spot on this island for every kind of traveler!

Apart from Sentosa – a beach resort island just off the coast of Singapore – the districts are all quite close to each other. So wherever you stay, you won’t be far from the other great places on offer.

Places like Chinatown and Little India are fantastic neighborhoods in Singapore for experiencing the many cultures available in Singapore. While Orchard Road is a hub of activity during the day, it turns into shopping opportunities galore in the evening!

If you’re looking for the best place to experience Singapore’s nightlife, we suggest staying in Clarke Quay. It’s also the perfect place for travelers on a budget. Backpackers in Singapore can find great accommodation and there are happy hour specials on food and drinks throughout the day.

Alternatively, enjoy fine-dining at some of Singapore’s best restaurants in the Civic District. Immerse yourself into the culture as well by visiting the many art museums in the area, and relax in some of the large green spaces – great for picnics!

Best Hostel in Singapore – Fisher BnB

Singapore itinerary

Fisher BnB can be found within convenient distance from everything important in Singapore. Visitors can even walk to places such as Little India and Chinatown!

Offering ladies only, mixed and family dorm types, you can comfortably sleep with whichever group fits you best. With your comfortable bed, you’ll also get free WiFi and a scrumptious breakfast included in the rates.

Backpacker tip:  If you’re traveling Singapore on a budget, then check out our roundup of the cheapest and best hostels in Singapore !

Best Airbnb in Singapore – Attic Hideaway @ Heart of Town

Attic Hideaway at Heart of Town

Walking distance to Singapore’s hottest neighbourhoods and attractions, this clean and contemporary attic hideaway is the best Airbnb in Singapore. With modern amenities and a full kitchen, this one-bedroom condo comfortably sleeps up four people and is perfect for anyone looking for a place to stay in the heart of the city.

Best Luxury Hotel in Singapore –  Marina Bay Sands

Singapore Itinerary

Situated in Marina Bay, this iconic hotel has become a Singaporean landmark. It has 20 dining options inside its walls, and its own private, world-class casino.

Enjoy luxury rooms, which all have floor-to-ceiling windows, giving you breathtaking views of Marina Bay and its surrounds. There is also an infinity rooftop pool and a spa inside the hotel.

  • Best Airbnbs in Singapore
  • Best VRBOs in Singapore
  • Best Homestays in Singapore

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singapore day 1

Today we visit a few of the most interesting neighborhoods in Singapore including the Arab Quarter (Kampong Glam) and Little India. We’ll top off the day with a river cruise and perhaps a rooftop cocktail.

Every map that you see in this article includes a hyperlink to an interactive version on Google Driving. After clicking the map image, the interactive version will be opened in a new tab.

9:00 AM – Arab Street and Kampong Glam

Arab Street Singapore

Exploring Arab Street and the surrounding neighborhood of Kampong Glam is a very unique cultural experience. This is the beating heart of Singapore’s Islamic community!

Start your first day early by taking the MRT and hopping off at Bugis station, making your way to Arab Street. While you’re at it, consider having breakfast when you arrive as well. Check out all Things Deliciousere, which is arguable serves the best in the area.

Once you’re ready, just start walking around. As you do, you will find a hub of Islamic culture. From fantastic cafes to quaint boutiques, you will find fabrics, souvenirs, spices, and more than a couple of hookah bars to chill at. Haji Street is one of the best places to become familiar with Kampong Glam.

There are many stores that offer products not found in your local supermarket. There is also the Trippies and Little Children’s Museum, which shows life as a young child in Singapore during the ‘60s and ‘70s.

Once you’ve tasted and shopped your way down the street, be sure to visit Sultan Mosque. It opens every Saturday to Thursday from 10 am to 12 pm (and again from 2 pm to 4 pm). Fridays are only open from 2:30 pm to 4 pm.

Remember when visiting the mosque, as with most temples in Singapore, be sure to show the appropriate respect and ensure that you are correctly clothed – otherwise, you will not be let in.

  • Cost –  Just the cost of food and souvenirs.
  • How long should I stay here?  2-3 hours.
  • Getting there –  Bugis Street is the nearest MRT stop.

11:30 AM – Little India

Little India

Next is Little India, a bright and colorful neighborhood full of Indian culture, from shopping and food to friendly faces! Here, you will find an array of Indian-inspired shops, restaurants, and places of interest. Wind your way down the busy, colorfully decorated streets and experience the sights, sounds and delicious smells along your way!

In addition to the many food options – the Tekka Centre, which we visit next, has the most culinary options – you’ll find plenty of shopping opportunities, such as Mustafa Centre, a 24-hour shopping center.

Browse through the Little India Arcade and pick up Indian-inspired souvenirs to take home with you. Make a stop at the Jothi Store & Flower Shop, too, and you’ll find ethnic products spread over 5 floors.

Little India also has a collection of temples that you can visit. A definite not-to-be-missed is Sri Veeramakaliamman, the most beautiful temple in the area according to popular opinions. You can also visit the Indian Heritage Center, a four-story building blending Indian history and heritage with modern architecture – entrance costs $5.

  • Cost  – Again, free unless you give in to the shopping temptation.
  • How long should I stay here?  2-3 hours.
  • Getting there –  Ride two stops away from Bugis on the MRT to Little India or walk 30 minutes from Kampong Glam.

1:00 PM – Lunch in the Tekka Centre

tekka centre what to eat in singapore

The Tekka Centre is a cornerstone of the Indian community in Singapore and is probably the easiest place to find good Indian food in the city. There’s a pretty dizzying array of Indian food on offer here, from rich Southern fare to firey northern dishes and tandoori to roti to naan and every other type of Indian bread you can imagine. For lovers of curry and other Indian staples, it will be love at first sight.

One of the best cheap eats you can have in Singapore is biryani. It is a simple dish – essentially chicken, rice, and spices usually baked in a banana leaf – but packs a tasty punch.

If you’re not in the mood for Indian food, you can still find lots of other types of Asian cooking. Thai, Malay, Chinese, and, of course, Singaporean food are all on offer here.

  • Cost  – $5 per dish.
  • How long should I stay here?  1-2 hours depending on your rush.
  • Getting there –  The Tekka Centre is on the edge of Little India, near the Little India MRT stop.

2:30 PM – National Museum of Singapore

singapore national museum

It’s time to walk off all that food we had back at the Tekka Centre. The National Museum of Singapore is the perfect place to go to do just that.

The National Museum is the oldest museum in the city and features an impressive collection of art, crafts, and modern showcases. Its primary focus is the preservation and retelling of Singapore’s national history, for which it is not lacking for exhibitions, but there are also some pretty cool interactive exhibitions as well. The latter is usually temporary though so be sure to check on the official website for what’s currently going on at the museum.

If you need a bit more chill time before or after entering the museum, Fort Canning Park is right next to the museum as well. Feel free to find a nice spot of grass or a good tree to lean and just contemplate your navel. Photographers should also be on the lookout for the spiral staircase in the park; it’s one of the most Intragrammable spots in Singapore.

  • Cost  – $10 for adult entry.
  • Getting there –  From the Tekka Centre, it’s a 15-minute walk down Selegie Road.

5:30 PM – River Cruise

River Cruise

Why not enjoy a leisurely cruise along Singapore’s waterfront? Departing from Clarke Quay, you can enjoy exploring the streets a bit while you wait for your boat. Once you’re aboard the boat, you will then travel down the river to view the other quays, the Boat Quay and Robertson Quay, as well as many other landmarks along the way!

All through your trip, the captain of your boat will educate you on the history of the places you are floating by. Your captain will also know the importance of stopping long enough for you to get those perfect holiday photos! You’ll want to have your  travel camera ready for shooting  because you’re sure to want to take some of the memories home with you. From the water, you’ll also get a clearer view of some of these amazing landmarks.

You’ll go past attractions such as the Merlion, the Esplanade, and the Marina Bay Sands Resort. Getting a good look at these places is sometimes much easier from the water, further away than if you were to explore them on foot – and no foot traffic to compete with!

While on the boat, be sure to look out for the bronze statues dotted along the waterfront. You’ll find statues of children playing, olden-day cart-and-horses and other historical moments. Each statue is there to tell a story of Singaporean life long ago. There are also statues of animals exclusive to Singapore, such as the  Kucinta cats.

  • Cost  – $19 per adult.
  • How long should I stay here?  45-60 minutes.
  • Getting there –  There are multiple launching points on the Quay.

6:30 PM – Rooftop Cocktails

singapore 4 day itinerary

Let me be frank: alcohol is usually prohibitively expensive in Singapore. Most travellers visiting Singapore on a budget will only be able to afford cheap beers in Chinatown and most will find that even these are not worth the price.

But sometimes, the juice can be worth the squeeze.

There are several rooftop bars in Singapore that offer both amazing vistas and pretty damn good drinks. The views are so good in fact that a couple could even rival many of the city’s dedicated viewing platforms and those aren’t cheap to get in either. So why not pay for a view and a drink? Most bars will let you loiter, take photos, and soak in as much as you want for the cost of one drink.

For great views of Marina Bay and some good drinks, Smoke & Mirrors is a no-fail. If you’re looking for a more laidback vibe with a less expansive view, LOOF is a local legend in the city. There are lots more where this came from though – check out any one of these  awesome rooftop spots in Singapore .

After splurging on those cocktails, you may want to resort to some cheap eats. Head back to Kampong Glam and eat at the Golden Mile if you missed it before.

  • Cost  – $12-$20 per drink (yikes)
  • How long should I stay here?  As long as it takes to finish your drink and soak in the views.
  • Getting there –  Most of the best rooftop bars in Singapore are in the Central Area, which is right next to Clark Quay.

visit singapore blog

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singapore day 2

On the second day of our Singapore itinerary, we’re mostly going to hang around the Marina Bay District. This is where many of the most iconic places in Singapore are found, including the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, ArtScience Museum, and Gardens by the Bay.

9:00 AM – Visit the Esplanade Center

Esplanade Center

The Esplanade center is a large and busy art center, offering guests nearly 3000 performances each year. It is a non-profit center, run by a dedicated team of art professionals who have kept the center going for the past 16 years!

If you’d like to view all that the center has to offer, and a bit behind the scenes, take a guided tour for just $15 per person! Or go up to the third floor and get lost in the vast shelves of music, art and theatre books in the center’s library.

You can watch a free performance every day on the waterfront, giving you a taste of the magic that happens inside. If you’d like to purchase tickets to performances in the concert hall or theatre, you can do so online or at the center’s ticket box.

There are a number of shops available in the center’s ‘mall’, where you are able to shop as your heart’s desire. Stop off at one of the many eateries for a bite to eat. From Asian cuisine to delectable ice creams and crafts beers, you can find it all inside!

  • Cost  – Free to enter + free performances! A guided tour is $15.
  • How long should I stay here?  2-3 hours depending on if you shop or eat.
  • Getting there –  The nearest MRT stop is City Hall.

11:00 AM – ArtScience Museum

what to see in singapore in 4 days

The ArtScience Museum is one of the most iconic points of interest in Singapore . The building’s distinct lotus design is unmistakable and it’s location at the base of the even more imposing Marina Bay Sands Hotel make it one of the places that you simply can’t miss.

The outside of the building is worth seeing on its own and most people settle for a couple of photos in front of it. Inside the ArtScience Museum is just as cool though! Exhibitions here are a lot more futuristic and, as the name implies, technologically driven. There is often an infinity room featured as well, which seems to be all the rage these days. If you’ve wanted to take a photo inside one of these kaleidoscopic spaces, this is a good opportunity.

  • Cost  – $10-$24 depending on how many exhibitions you want to see.
  • How long should I stay here?  2 hours
  • Getting there –  The ArtScience Museum is just across the Bay from the Esplanade. It’s a 15-minute walk across the scenic Helix Bridge.

1:00 PM – Lunch

singapore Lunch

Lunch today is really up to you. There aren’t many hawker centres or cheap eats anywhere around Marina Bay unfortunately so your options might be limited. You can eat back at the Esplanade, inside the shops at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, or at a couple of restaurants inside the Bay Gardens. None of these will necessarily be cheap though.

If you want to save the most money on food during your second day in Singapore, pack a lunch or bring something to go.

  • Cost  – The offerings around Marina Bay will be more expensive
  • How long should I stay here?  As long as you need to.
  • Getting there –  Depends where and what you eat.

3:00 PM – Gardens by the Bay

place to visit in singapore in 4 days

The Gardens by the Bay is a large space in Marina Bay that has been designed as a natural oasis in the middle of the busy bay area. This futuristic botanical garden attracts many tourists and locals alike! It’s free to enter and explore most of the Gardens.

The Garden is a hub of ecological growth, and it is full of resources and educational information. Not only is it the perfect spot to go and enjoy an afternoon surrounded by nature, but it’s a great way to learn about plants, flowers, and wildlife from all over the world!

Inside the Gardens, you will find lush greenery and a variety of wildlife. Take a walk past Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lakes, taking in the beauty of nature around you! Spend some time in the Serene Garden, a Japanese-inspired zen garden. Enter the World of Plants and learn all about the many types of plants located in the Gardens.

Then, check out the Sun Pavilion, a desert-inspired space with over 1000 desert plants! Afterward, make your way to the Heritage Gardens and learn about the diverse history and culture of Singapore – told through plants, of course! You also don’t want to miss the Canyon, a large collection of sculptured rocks that lay across a 400-meter dragon’s tail.

Insider tip:  The Gardens is also home to more than 40 unique art sculptures! Find them along your walk through the Gardens.

  • Cost –  Free.
  • How long should I stay here?  1-2 hours.
  • Getting there –  The Gardens by the Bay is behind the Marina Sands Tower. You can either walk around the monolithic hotel or through the lobby.

5:00 PM – The Gardens’ Biodomes

The Gardens Biodomes

Once you’re done checking out the main Gardens, make sure you stop off at the Biodomes! These consist of a Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. Both of the greenhouses are made from a complex design of glass and a steel grid. They are the world’s largest columnless greenhouses!

The Cloud Forest dome houses a 35-meter tall mountain, which is covered in lush, tropical vegetation. It’s from the top of this mountain that you will be able to see the world’s tallest indoor waterfall!

The Flower Dome is the largest glass greenhouse in the world! This dome showcases flowers and plants that are found in the Mediterranean and semi-arid regions. Find African Baobab trees, desert succulents, an olive grove, and more.

  • Cost –  $21 per adult per dome.
  • Getting there –  The biodomes are a part of the Gardens by the Bay park and are located closer to the bay itself.

7:00 PM – Supertree Grove Skywalk & Garden Rhapsody Light and Music Show

gardens-by-the-bay-singapore

Finally, visit the Supertree Grove, where the movie “Crazy Rich Asians” takes place . The man-made “supertrees” are solar-powered structures that act as vertical gardens – with tropical flowers, various ferns, and other plant life found growing along their steel frameworks. You can view 12 of the 18 supertrees found in the Gardens!

The supertrees also act as air venting ducts, rainwater collectors, and solar power generators! Aside from their useful functions, though, they are also a sight to behold and provide an amazing show of light and sounds through the Gardens each night.

Take a trip up the 16-story high supertrees and experience the exhilarating skywalk for just $6 per person. Then, settle into a comfy spot on the grass and wait for the 8 pm Lights and Music Show, which shows off the beauty of the Supertree Grove!

When you’ve gotten your fill of the gardens, start thinking about dinner. There are a couple of places in and around the gardens that you can eat at: there’s Pollen, a Mediterranean restaurant located inside the Flower Dome or Indochine, a restaurant inside the tallest supertree. These will be expensive and you will probably need to book a table ahead of time.

If you have the time and energy, head over to Chinatown for dinner. We were saving this neighborhood for day 3 of our Singapore itinerary but you could easily visit it twice. Between the Maxwell Centre, Chinatown Complex Market, and everything in-between,  you will not be lacking for culinary options.

  • Cost –  $6 for the skywalk, the show is free.
  • How long should I stay here?  The show itself is short – stay as long as you like.
  • Getting there –  The trees are pretty unmissable. Look for them in the distance and start walking.

singapore day 3

Planning on staying longer than a weekend holiday in Singapore ? Time to take a vacation away from our vacation.

On the third day of our Singapore itinerary, we’re going to Sentosa Island and the beach! (Not a real beach per se as it’s man-made but, hey, a beach is a beach.) Afterward, we’re going to spend some time arguably the most delicious spot in Singapore: Chinatown.

10:00 AM – Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island

After spending your first day engaging in the cultural side of Singapore, take this second day to bring out your fun side – Sentosa Island being “The State of Fun”. Man-made beaches, water parks, roller coaster rides and so much more bring crowds of people to this man-made island!

Sentosa is full of fun and playful things to do. Whether you’re looking for a bustling day heaped with adventure or a more chilled day seeing the sights and lazing on the beach, you’ll find your perfect fit here! Once you have reached the island, there are a few stops you should definitely make, which we’ve mentioned below.

Be on the lookout for the large Merlion statue as well. The “Merlion” is a mythical creature with the body of a fish and the head of a lion. Merlions are such a big part of Singapore culture that you can even find them on the currency! There are many Merlion statues around Singapore, but the largest and most interesting is the one on Sentosa Island. This specific one is 15 stories tall, and you can walk around inside the statue!

Inside, you’ll find interactive games, videos, and other informational activities that give you the history of the Merlion. Climb up to the mouth and get a birds-eye view of Sentosa.

Insider tip:  Wondering how they came up with the Merlion? Singapore was originally named Singapura, meaning “lion city” and it used to be mainly a port and fishing city. So they took their lion and added ‘mer’ – meaning sea.

  • Cost –  $3 for Sentosa Express and entrance.
  • How long should I stay here?  4-5 hours in total
  • Getting there –  Take the MRT to the Sentosa Station at VivoCity Level 3, Lobby L, and from there take the Sentosa Express.

11:00 AM – Skyline Luge

Skyline Luge

Said to be one of the activities you absolutely shouldn’t miss, the luge and Skyride is the best way to end your Sentosa visit! Take a seated Skyride up to the top of the luge track, where you can then zoom down the track in a luge.

Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Singapore skyline as you slowly reach the luge track in your 4-seater Skyride seat. Once at the top, get into your luge and choose from their four tracks to go down.

The tracks are all around 1.6 miles long and all have tunnels, twists, and turns to make the ride down as exhilarating as possible! The greatest care has been put into making sure the luges are safe, and they are equipped with safety brakes and steering.

The company’s saying is ‘Once Is Never Enough’ and that seems true for the majority of their customers! Luckily, tickets are sold in pairs so you know you’ve got at least two rides to go.

After you’ve had your fill, grab some food. There are plenty of places to eat around Sentosa: Breadtalk has delicious and freshly-baked goods, Bikini Bar offers drinks on the beach and some bar snacks, FOC Sentosa is famous for its cocktails.

  • Cost –  $18 per person for two luges and Skyrides!
  • How long should I stay here?  1-2 hours
  • Getting there –  There’s a shuttle stop right in front of the luge.

1:00 PM – Palawan Beach

Palawan Beach

This beach is essentially Sentosa’s family beach. Great to bring kids to as there are safe, family-friendly spots to chill and adventures to be had. But it’s not just for families with kids; couples and even solo travelers are bound to find something to do here!

Stop in at the Animal & Bird Encounters and get to meet and interact with the island’s inhabitants. From monkeys to reptiles and birds, there are daily shows that take place and you should be just in time for the Parrot Encounter show at 3 pm.

From Palawan Beach, take a short walk across the rope bridge to reach the very bottom tip of Asia – a small islet. Here you can climb one of the two view towers and stand on the decks to overlook the seemingly endless Singapore China Sea! Watch as the ships float by on the water and get a good view of the beach as well.

  • Getting there –  You can take the shuttle to Palawan or you can walk from the Luge – the two are very close to one another.

5:00 PM – Chinatown

China Town

Now that you’ve gotten your fill of Singapore’s more “Disney” side, it’s time to wash all of that kiche down with a stop in the eclectic Chinatown! Much as the name suggests, it’s a hub of Chinese culture mixed with Singaporean life. It’s a  great place to find lots of shopping, with many temples and museums to explore!

There is, again, an abundance of things for you to do. There are many temples here, which you can visit during opening hours. The most noteworthy of the temples being the Buddha Relic Temple which displays Buddhism and religious relics.

The biggest attractions, though, are the many shopping malls. Shopping in Chinatown is an experience few would want to miss! Find everything from clothes to home decor, and gifts to take back home.

Start at the Chinatown Complex Market (home of  Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle ) and make your way through hawker stalls galore. You’ll be able to find many curious and gifts at different stalls. Then, navigate down the streets of Chinatown and explore the many boutique stores on offer as well. You really can shop ‘til you drop here!

For dinner, stop by the famous Maxwell Hawker Centre or return to the Complex Market. Both are among the best places to eat in Singapore.

  • Cost –  Free to explore.
  • How long should I stay here?  For the rest of the day if possible.
  • Getting there –  Take the Sentosa Express back to the mainland and then take the Northeast MRT line to the Chinatown stop.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighborhood in Singapore:

Marina Bay, Singapore

Perhaps best area to stay in Singapore for tourists. Located in the centre of the city, Marina Bay overlaps with the Central Business District, the Civic Quarter, and trendy Clarke Quay, so you’re never far from the action.

  • Take in the stunning views from the Sands Skypark, a platform perched 55 stories above the ground.
  • Marvel at the indigenous flora and the towering mechanical trees that make up Garden by the Bay. Visit at night for an awesome 15-minute light and water show.
  • Walk the Marina Bay Art Trail exploring the area’s best sites while seeing art and sculptures by world-renowned artists.

singapore day 4

We’re going to wrap up our 4-day Singapore itinerary with a series of parks and greenspaces, followed by a little shopping. We’re almost to the end so let’s get to it!

9:00 AM – Treetop Walk at the Central Catchment Nature Reserve

Central Catchment Nature Reserve

Visit the Central Catchment Nature Reserve and get to walk next to the high treetops. Right in the center of Singapore, the Nature Reserve spans over 2000 hectares of forest cover, with some of the world’s richest forests in terms of biodiversity!

It’s in this reserve that visitors are offered the opportunity to walk across a suspension bridge, nestled in the treetop canopies. This suspension bridge was built to help forest canopy researchers reach the canopies in order to study them.

The MacRitchie Reservoir Park is a popular starting point for those who are eager to do the Treetop Walk. The entrance to the bridge is at the ranger station, and the bridge only allows for one-way traffic. The bridge itself is only around 850 feet long, with the highest point being around 82 feet!

This walk is perfect for avid bird-watchers, or general nature lovers who wish to get a higher view of the park and hiking trails. The bridge is open from 9 am to 5 pm, but is closed on Mondays (unless it’s a public holiday).

  • Cost  – Free
  • How long should I stay here?  3 – 5 hours depending on your walking pace.
  • Getting there –  You’ll need to use the bus to get here. The 166 and 167 both stop right outside the park.

1:00 PM – Lunch at the Adam Road Food Centre

cheap places to eat in singapore

After a long walk in the park, refuel yourself with some good ol’ hawker centre comfort food. The most convenient centre near Central Catchment is the Adam Road Road Food Centre. Like most hawker centres, Adam Road has a pretty diverse selection of food options. Good time to get some traditional nasi goreng or satay if you haven’t already tried some.

If you’d like some suggestions on where to eat in the Adam Road Food Centre, Miss Tam Chiak has written on a guide on the local food stalls .

  • Cost  – $5 per plate.
  • How long should I stay here?  1-2 hours
  • Getting there –  The 165 goes directly from the park and stops in front of the Adam Centre.

3:00 PM – Singapore Botanic Garden

singapore botanic gardens

Following the underlying theme of this 4-day Singapore itinerary – that is, eat lots of delicious, unhealthy food at the hawker centres and then go for a walk – we next pay a visit to the lush Singapore Botanic Gardens, one of Singapore’s National Parks . These gardens are widely considered to be some of the most impressive in Asia and have even been declared a UNESCO heritage site. The Singapore Botanic Gardens are huge, well-kept, and are a testament to a city that strives to be one of the greenest in the world.

There are lots of places to visit in the Botanic Gardens, including several man-made lakes, greenhouses, and small natural exhibitions, like the orchid garden. Explore at a leisurely pace.

  • Cost  – $3.75 entry
  • Getting there –  The Botanic Gardens are literally across the road from the Adam Food Centre.

5:00 PM – Orchard Road

singapore 4 day itinerary orchard road

The shopping in Singapore is considered some of the best in the world and Orchard Road is the epicenter of it all. Here you’ll find Singapore’s megamalls, its clearance warehouses, and its superstores. You can buy just about anything here from designer brand clothing to electronics to cheap souvenirs. Considering that our 4-day itinerary for Singapore is over soon, this is a good time to pick up any gifts or gadgets that you may have had your eyes on so far.

TANGS is the oldest department store in the area is considered iconic by many locals. In contrast, the ION is the new, ultra-contemporary store on the street and makes for some cool abstract photos.

If shopping is not your thing, then there are plenty of places to eat and drink around Orchard Road. Lots of these offer happy hour as well, which by now should be a welcome sight given how expensive Singapore may have been so far. Alley Bar is a good place to duck into for a quick gin and tonic. Lovers of suds will also be glad to hear that there is a craft beer bar nearby called Takumi.

If you’re out late, grab some dinner or small bites while you’re at it or seek budget refuge in one of the hawker centres back in Chinatown or Kampong Glam.

  • Cost  – Depends on how much you shop and eat.
  • How long should I stay here?  As long as you want.
  • Getting there –  It’s a 15-minute walk from the southern entrance of the Botanic Gardens to Orchard Road, via Tanglin Road.

If you’re lucky enough to be spending more than 4 days in Singapore, here are a few more ideas on how you can spend your time.

Night Safari

Night Safari

Meet creatures of the night as you navigate through the wild enclosure with only nocturnal animals around! The Night Safari departs from the Singapore Zoo, and there are sideshows you can attend before and after your guided tour. There is a fire dancing show, which takes place every day (except for Wednesdays) at 7 pm, 8 pm, and 9 pm.

There’s also a Creatures of the Night show which you can watch, showing the many nocturnal creatures that inhabit the zoo, these shows can be seen every day provided the weather is good, at 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm, 9:30 pm, and 10:30 pm. The shows are included in your Safari ticket price.

The main event, however, is the guided tram ride, that will take you through all six geographical zones! The guide will provide live commentary as you go, giving you information on all the animals you see. You can, if you prefer, take a self-guided walking tour instead. This will take you along trails where you can see animals such as leopards, wallabies, tigers, and even hyenas!

Before you go, you can stop in at the gift shop and find many souvenirs to take home with you. Whether you want a plush version of your favorite night-dwelling animal or a simple keyring to carry around with you.

  • Cost  – $33 per adult for the Safari experience.
  • How long should I stay here?  2-3 hours
  • Getting there –  Buses 138 and 927 stop in front of the park but be aware that buses in Singapore usually stop running around midnight.

Universal Studios

Universal Studios

Situated on Sentosa Island, Singapore’s Universal Studios is a magical place to be. With 7 zones, all themed differently, you can enjoy a wide range of rides, sights, and attractions!

This theme park is a great hit for many visitors and it’s hardly one of Singapore’s hidden gems . Because of this, it gets quite busy and crowded, which means long queues and waiting times. This is why we suggest you plan this activity as the main part of your day.

If you have kids with you (or even if you don’t), you’ll love the meet and greet opportunities. Shake hands with the big names like the minions from Despicable Me, Sesame Street characters, Autobots, and even Jurassic Park dinos!

There are many shows available each day as well, such as the 4D Adventure with Shrek which is a hit with all Shrek lovers. As you walk through the park, you’ll come across many street shows as well. Look out for the Cruisers and the Madagascar Boogie!

If you need a slightly more adventurous experience, check out the bigger, faster, and slightly scarier rides. These include a 3D Transformers battle ride, the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure, and the Battlestar Galactica!

One thing that no one visiting the park should miss, is the Lights, Camera, Action Show, directed by Steven Spielberg! The show is a magnificent display of special effects, shown to the audience inside a boathouse.

  • Cost  – $79 for adult.
  • How long should I stay here?  As long as you like.

Getting there –  Take the Sentosa Express from the mainland to reach the island.

Marine Life Park – S.E.A Aquarium and Adventure Cove Waterpark

Marine Life Park

Start your day with a visit to the aquarium. There are more than 100, 000 animals that call the aquarium home, made up of over 1000 different species! These are spread across 50 habitats which can be viewed and visited while you are there.

At the aquarium, you can take advantage of the special experiences, such as walking with marine animals and swimming with sharks! Or simply enjoy watching the many sharks, fish, and other marine life from the outside.

  • Cost  – Entrance to both attractions costs $56.

Active Roots Security Belt

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

when to visit singapore

Singapore sits only 1 degree north of the equator: it is characterised by a hot and humid climate. Rainfall is very common and usually refreshing and won’t dampen too many traveling plans. Singapore is well prepared for rainy days.

There aren’t really any distinct seasons in Singapore – temperature and rainfall is pretty consistent year round. This means that there really isn’t a bad or good time to visit Singapore. The dry season is technically from February-April but the difference in rainfall is marginal.

Rain usually comes in the form of afternoon bursts. If it starts to rain, you’ll want to duck undercover quick before it turns into a downpour. Wait 10-15 minutes and all should be well.

Mornings are the best time to be outdoors in Singapore. It’s cooler, calmer, and more often clear.

Being one of the cultural and financial capitals of the world, there are lots of Singapore festivals going on year-round. Consider planning your trip to Singapore around one of these events if you want to make it a little more special.

Singapore benefits from a very effective and easy-to-use public transport system. Between the many bus and train options, you can get just about anywhere in Singapore.

The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and LRT (Light Rail Transit) are the two main forms of rail transport in Singapore and both interact flawlessly. Those backpacking in Singapore should definitely consider buying a commuter card (EZ-Link or Nets FlashPay) or a Tourist Pass, which acts as a temporary version of the former.

Note that fare is calculated based upon distance traveled and that these commuter cards are interchangeable e.g. you can use them on the MRT, LRT, and buses.

Is public transportation in Singapore safe

Buses are ubiquitous in Singapore and are conveniently available 24 hours/day on Friday and Saturdays. Should you be out late or burning the midnight oil, the bus will be your best option when it comes to public transport. Note that the night bus (officially called NightRider) does not yet accept tourist passes – you’ll have to use an EZ-Link card or change.

If you need to be more proactive about getting around Singapore, taxis are widely available. Taxi rates are affordable and drivers are usually very honest. Should you prefer ride-sharing, Grab is the most popular company in Singapore. Should you use Grab, you may even find yourself the passenger in “ driverless car .”

Renting your own car in Singapore is not a good idea as self-driving driving is completely unnecessary. Hitchhiking is probably a fruitless effort as well because a) it’s very illegal and b) public transport is cheap enough.

Walking is, of course, a very reasonable means of getting around as Singapore is a very pedestrian-friendly city. Biking is also becoming quite popular though bikers may feel threatened often by harsh weather and lack of bike lanes.

Since Singapore is subject to a tropical climate, you’ll want to make sure that you have the right clothing. Try to bring loose-fitting clothing when packing for Singapore but also bear in mind that you may need to dress more conservatively when entering temples. Anything that you miss you can buy when you arrive.

Singapore has very strict laws and takes a zero-tolerance approach to those who disobey them. For the most part, there is no great risk for travelers to Singapore, and even solo travelers have found it a pleasant experience.

We’ve created a dedicated safety guide filled with travel tips for Singapore and some of the (crazy) things you need to look out for. Here are a few common things you need to guard yourself against.

  • Pick-pocketing : It almost goes without saying that when walking in the streets you should keep your valuables close to you and out of reach of long fingers.
  • Scams and fraud: from fake taxi cabs charging you more than their worth, to men posing as female prostitutes in order to obtain money and gifts from other men with the promise of sexual favors later on. Many of these scams are easy to avoid if you know what you are looking for.
  • Breaking the law: certain offenses – such as possession of cannabis – can be punishable by the death penalty. As a foreigner, you want to make sure that you are accustomed to the stricter laws and ensure you obey them while you are visiting.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Singapore

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

visit singapore blog

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Singapore itinerary.

How many days are enough for Singapore?

With so much to discover, we recommend spending at least 3 full days in Singapore.

What should you include on a 4 day Singapore itinerary?

Don’t miss out on these top Singapore highlights: – ArtScience Museum – Supertree Grove Skywalk – Palawan Beach – Arab Street

Where should you stay if you have a full Singapore travel itinerary?

Marina Bay’s proximity to other areas makes it an ideal base for exploring Singapore.

What should you budget for a trip to Singapore?

Singapore is one of the more expensive destinations in Southeast Asia. Depending on where you stay and how many attractions you visit, you can spend anything from $50-$200 USD per day.

There sure is a lot to do with 4 days in Singapore but you should be ready to tackle everything now that you’ve read this itinerary!

Be sure to take lots of photos, Singapore is a city filled with sights you won’t often see anywhere else in the world! Enjoy the many cultural experiences, from religious buildings to food and even crafts – take it all in and embrace the journey. And, of course, don’t be afraid to try new things while you’re there, it’s all part of the adventure!

visit singapore blog

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Monique MacPhail

Monique MacPhail

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Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Singapore Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

The skyline of urban Singapore, featuring skyscrapers all lit up at night

Singapore is one of my favorite cities in the world. It’s a foodie’s dream, bursting with tasty hawker stalls, delicious Indian food, and fresh seafood. There are hiking trails where you can stretch your legs and beaches for chilling out and soaking up the sun.

Home to around 5.7 million people, Singapore is a cosmopolitan city-state that gained independence from the British in 1965. It is now one of the world’s leading economic centers in shipping and banking.

Because of its status as a global economic hub, Singapore is expensive by Southeast Asian standards, with everything costing almost double what it does elsewhere in the region. In fact, it consistently ranks as one of the most expensive cities in the world!

For this reason, visiting Singapore isn’t as popular with budget travelers compared to affordable destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, or elsewhere in Southeast Asia .

But while most people come here for a couple of days just to see the highlights, the city actually has a lot to offer and requires more time than you might think. Don’t rush your visit if you can afford it; Singapore can fill any schedule.

Use this Singapore travel guide to help plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to this lively multicultural metropolis.

Table of Contents

  • Things to See and Do
  • Typical Costs
  • Suggested Budget
  • Money-Saving Tips
  • Where to Stay
  • How to Get Around
  • How to Stay Safe
  • Best Places to Book Your Trip
  • Related Blogs on Singapore

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Singapore

The skyline of urban Singapore, featuring skyscrapers all lit up at night

1. Eat at the Boat Quay

Boat Quay is the place to go for dining and entertainment. The alfresco pubs and restaurants make Boat Quay ideal for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing. Try Wakanui for quality Japanese steak cooked over a white oak fire, or Kinara for reasonably priced North Indian cuisine.

2. See the supertrees at Gardens by the Bay

This urban landscaping project is a series of towering metal “supertrees.” There are roughly 200 species of orchids, ferns, and other tropical plants coating their structure. It’s free to walk through the outdoor gardens, but you have to pay 8 SGD for the canopy walk (which is worth doing!) as well as for the stunning Flower Dome and Cloud Forest biodomes .

3. Hang out (and party) on Sentosa

This little island is home to a nighttime light show on the beach and a host of bars, restaurants, and beaches to enjoy. Hang out at Bora Bora Beach Bar or splash out and try the cable car sky dining experience (it isn’t cheap). You can get to Sentosa via the Sentosa Express train (4 SGD). Entering on foot/bicycle is free.

4. Tour the Singapore Zoo

Spanning 70 acres, the Singapore Zoo is massive, boasting over 3,600 mammals, birds, and reptiles. There are lions, tigers, sun bears, Komodo dragons, primates, and much more! The zoo offers a night safari featuring over 900 different nocturnal animals (41% are endangered). Admission is 44 SGD and the night safari is 48 SGD.

5. Hang with the Merlions

The Merlion is Singapore’s mascot and has the head of a lion and the body of a fish. The original statute (and most impressive Merlion) can be found in Merlion Park, but the 37-meter-tall (121-foot) replica on Sentosa is also pretty cool to see. There is no entrance fee for Merlion Park.

Other Things to See and Do in Singapore

1. admire thian hock keng temple.

Thian Hock Keng (Palace of Heavenly Happiness) is one of the most photogenic buildings in Singapore. The temple originated as a small building that served the local Chinese population. It was expanded in 1840 and made from the finest materials available at the time, paid for by years of donations from the local community. It’s the oldest Chinese temple in Singapore, dedicated to Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea (Chinese immigrants came here to ask for safe passage before leaving to cross the South China Sea). The temple was designated as a national monument in 1973. Admission is free.

2. Explore Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Bukit Timah, located within Singapore’s only remaining stretch of rainforest, is the country’s premier eco-tourism attraction. On the hiking and biking trails, you’ll be able to get up close to the macaques, squirrels, flying lemurs, and various species of birds. The reserve covers over 400 acres and is 30 minutes from the city center. It’s open daily from 7am-7pm. The weekends get really busy, so come during the week if you want to avoid the crowds.

3. Wander around Chinatown

Chinatown encompasses two square kilometers of traditional Chinese life, nestled beside the modern Central Business District. This remains the place to get a real sense of Chinese culture within Singapore. The streets are filled with temples, craft shops, stalls, and restaurants and are a great place to pick up a bargain. Head down Chinatown Food Street to find some char kway teow (stir-fried noodles) or grilled meats. If you can, eat at Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle (aka Hawker Chan), the world’s most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice is another Michelin-starred hawker stall worth a visit. Like Hawker Chan’s, it’s located in the Maxwell Hawker Center.

4. Eat hawker food

Singapore’s hawker food scene is one of the best in the world. It has been recognized by Michelin in 2016 with the world’s first street food Michelin star and by UNESCO in 2020 with Cultural Heritage status. Whether you go to Newton Food Center (of Crazy Rich Asian fame), to the Old Airport Hawker (many locals’ favorite), or to one of the other 103 centers across the island, you won’t be disappointed and you can grab a cheap meal surrounded by locals. Don’t miss the chili crab, satay, dim sum (dumplings), or nasi lemak (fried chicken with coconut rice). If you’re not sure where to go or what to eat, take a guided food tour!

5. Take a trip to Pulau Ubin

This island lies off the northeastern coast. It’s incredibly different from the modern city; locals still use a diesel generator for electricity and fetch water from wells. Rent a bike and explore the sights, villages, and beaches of this island. To get there, hop on a bumboat from the Changi Point Ferry Terminal, which costs about 3 SGD and takes 10-15 minutes. There are no fixed departure times — just line up and wait. Very few tourists make it out this way; it’s one of the most off-the-beaten-path things you can do here.

6. Relax in the Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens lie close to the city and consist of 128 acres of gardens and forest. Founded in 1859, the main attraction is the National Orchid Garden, home to over 1,000 species of orchids. There is also a ginger garden, a rainforest, and various streams and waterfalls to explore. The Botanic Gardens are Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage site (and the only tropical botanic garden on UNESCO’s World Heritage List). It’s open daily from 5am-12am, and admission is free to everything except the National Orchid Garden, which is 15 SGD.

7. Eat in Little India

No trip to Singapore is complete without a visit to Little India, where you can get amazing, cheap, and delicious food, fresh vegetables, snacks, and souvenirs. Seek out local favorites like roti prata (pancakes) and teh tarik (“pulled” tea). Make sure you stop off at the Tekka Center, a hawker center with Indian clothing, groceries, and food. The food here is cheap and delicious and makes for an authentic Little India experience.

8. Learn about Singapore’s History

For a more cultural experience, visit the former British naval base of Fort Siloso located on Sentosa. It’s a decommissioned coastal artillery battery the only preserved fort on the coast of Singapore, providing a fantastic look into the city-state’s complicated history. You’ll get to see the coastal guns and the remains of tunnels under the fort. It’s a well-constructed, interactive attraction. Entrance is free.

9. Visit Sri Mariamman Temple

This extremely colorful, ornate temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, built in 1827 in Chinatown. It was constructed in what is known as the Dravidian style and is devoted to the goddess Mariamman, known for curing illnesses and diseases. During the post-war colonial period, it was a hub for community activities and was even the Registry of Marriages for Hindus. Admission is free.

10. Watch a free concert

The Singapore Symphony Orchestra hosts various free concerts at different venues around the country. You might just be lucky enough to catch one of their shows — just check their website for details during your visit.

11. Visit the MacRitchie Reservoir Park

MacRitchie Reservoir is Singapore’s oldest reservoir, dating back to 1868. Today, this beautiful and lush city park is a relaxing place to spend an afternoon. Walk the 8-kilometer (5-mile) treetop hike, with bridges suspended high above the forest floor, where you might see long-tailed macaque monkeys, squirrels, monitor lizards, owls, and even flying lemurs. In addition to the TreeTop Walk, there’s also a network of walking trails. Admission is free.

12. Visit the National Museum of Singapore

First opened in 1849, this is the oldest museum in Singapore . Learn about the country’s history, culture, and people through the various permanent and temporary exhibitions. There are gold ornaments, 18th-century drawings and artwork, the mace used by King George VI when he declared Singapore a city in 1951, and the Singapore Stone (an indecipherable stone with inscriptions from the 10th century). Admission is 15 SGD.

13. Admire the street art

Singapore has some really incredible street art to admire. While none of it is spontaneous (unauthorized graffiti is illegal), it can be found all over the island. Yip Yew Chong is probably the best-known artist as he has murals everywhere from Chinatown to the East Coast. His images depict scenes from days gone by and range from small pictures to entire walls. Kampong Glam, Chinatown, and Little India all have masses of art to look at, as does the east coast, but you can find it on random buildings in most areas. Take a walking tour if you want more detail, or Art Walk Singapore has three self-guided walks outlined on their website.

14. Marvel at the rain vortex in Jewel

Located adjacent to Changi International Airport, Jewel Mall is home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Cascading from the roof, the water falls seven stories (around 130 feet) to the basement through a huge tiered garden. At night it is lit up for a light and music show. There’s more to do at Jewel if you have time including two mazes, a canopy bridge, sky nets, slides, and a topiary walk. It’s free to see the rain vortex and prices range from 5-22 SGD each for the other activities. You can get bundles that work out cheaper.

15. Explore Kampong Glam

Also known by its most popular street, Haji Lane, and as the Arab Quarter, Kampong Glam is one of Singapore’s oldest neighborhoods. The shophouses here are now stores selling textiles, rugs, and Turkish homewares such as dishes and glass lamps. There are some great Arabic restaurants around here all under the shadow of the enormous golden-domed Sultan Mosque. There’s some street art around here and Haji Lane has some cool eclectic shops by day and a buzzing nightlife with outdoor live music by night. If you have time, check out the Malay Heritage Center (admission is 8 SGD).

16. Get spooked at Haw Par Villa

Hands down the quirkiest thing you can do or see in Singapore, Haw Par Villa is a huge outdoor art gallery. It was built in 1937 by Aw Boon Haw, a millionaire philanthropist one of the men behind Tiger Balm, for his younger brother. Once a theme park for locals, Haw Par Villa was also used as an observation point by the Japanese army during World War II. It’s filled with dioramas depicting Chinese mythology and has recently reopened after a 9-month refurbishment and renovation project. Entry to the grounds is free but the museum — called Hell’s Museum as it includes an exhibit depicting the 10 Courts of Hell — is 18 SGD.

Singapore Travel Costs

The skyline of urban Singapore, featuring skyscrapers all lit up at night

A budget hotel room with amenities like air-conditioning, private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and a TV starts around 65 SGD per night. Most larger chain hotels cost at least 80-110 SGD per night.

Airbnb is available in Singapore, with private rooms starting at 25 SGD per night (though they average closer to 60 SGD). Entire homes/apartments average 85 SGD per night.

Food – As a cosmopolitan hub, Singapore has food from all over the world, however, there is an abundance of Chinese and Indian food, which is usually around 8-9 SGD per meal. Rice or noodles are usually the backbone of most meals, and popular dishes include steamed chicken, chili crab, fishhead curry, satay, and nasi lemak (coconut rice cooked in a pandan leaf). The city’s hawker centers (large halls full of various food stalls) are one of the most popular and cheapest places to try Singapore’s vibrant cuisine.

As for Singaporean specialties, try the seafood, which costs around 20-35 SGD for a main dish. For drinks, beer is typically 8-10 SGD, a glass of wine is about 10-16 SGD, and a cappuccino is around 5 SGD.

There are also plenty of low-cost eateries around Singapore, with street stalls typically selling food for less than 6 SGD per meal. A fast-food burger is around 8-10 SGD while sandwiches at a café are around 11-14 SGD. There are many restaurants offering a set lunch menu for around 12-16 SGD, and a dish at dinner in most casual restaurants is around 20 SGD. After that, the sky is the limit.

If you want to cook your own meals, expect to pay 95 SGD per week for basic staples like rice, noodles, vegetables, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Singapore Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Singapore, expect to spend around 90 SDG per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, eating at the cheap hawker stalls and in Little India, cooking some meals, limiting your drinking, using public transportation to get around, and doing mostly free activities like walking tours and enjoying nature.

On a more mid-range budget of 175 SGD per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out for all your meals at cheaper hawker stalls, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting the zoo and the botanic gardens.

On a “luxury” budget of 300 SGD or more per day, you can eat out for all your meals, take taxis everywhere, stay in a hotel, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in SGD.

Singapore Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Singapore isn’t a super cheap destination so you’ll need to tread carefully if you want to avoid blowing your budget. Here are some ways you can save money during your visit:

  • Take public transit – Singapore’s public transit system is fast and efficient, making it the best way to get around. Unlimited travel on public transport is 10 SGD per day with a Singapore Tourist Pass. If you’re staying a few days, the pass gets cheaper per day, as a two-day pass is 16 SGD and a three-day pass is 20 SGD.
  • Eat on Smith Street – The stalls here offer food for less than 6 SGD and are a great place to sample local snacks.
  • Eat cheap – Save money on food by eating in Little India, Chinatown, or the hawker stalls throughout the city. Meals in these places cost only a few dollars and are some of the tastiest around!
  • Stay with a local – Use Couchsurfing to stay with a local for free. You’ll not only save money but you’ll get to connect with someone who can share their insider tips and advice.
  • Stick to happy hour – Alcohol is expensive in Singapore, so limit your drinking to save money. If you do plan on drinking, stick to the happy hours.
  • Avoid bottled water – The tap water here is perfectly fine to drink, so avoid buying water and just refill your bottle. It will save you money and it’s better for the environment! LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Singapore

Looking for budget-friendly accommodation? Here are some of my suggested places to stay in Singapore:

  • Dream Lodge
  • The Pod Capsule Hostel

How to Get Around Singapore

The skyline of urban Singapore, featuring skyscrapers all lit up at night

Like the MRT, Singapore’s bus system is extensive and efficient. You can use your Singapore Tourist Pass on the buses as well. You can also pay with cash, but it has to be the exact change. A single trip costs between 1.40-2.50 SGD.

Trishaws – Trishaws (like rickshaws) are less popular these days in Singapore, and now they’re largely used for guided tours that cost around 40 SGD for a 30-minute run. Trishaw Uncle is the only licensed trishaw tour operator in the city, offering various guided tours by trishaw.

Taxi – Taxis are comfortable and convenient, but they’re not cheap! All cabs are metered, but there might be surcharges depending on the company and where you’re going. For example, if you’re hiring a taxi from midnight to 6am there is a 50% surcharge on the total metered cost, while rides in the mornings and evenings carry a 25% surcharge. Prices start at 3.20 SGD and then increase by 0.22 SGD every 400 meters. Skip them if you can!

When to Go to Singapore

It’s always a good time to visit Singapore! The island is warm year-round with a tropical climate that boasts daily temperatures in the high 20s°C (80s°F). December to June is the busiest time to visit, especially during the Chinese New Year. February-April is the driest period with the most sunshine and least amount of rain.

Monsoons occur between December-March, with December usually being the rainiest month. The weather is windy, cloudy, and humid.

Late summer and early fall (July to October) are also a good time to visit if you’re hoping to avoid all the tourist traffic. The weather is still pleasant, averaging around 30°C (87°F) each day, and accommodation might be a bit cheaper during this time as well.

How to Stay Safe in Singapore

Singapore is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. In fact, it’s one of the safest countries in the world (it’s currently the 11th safest country).

Solo female travelers should feel comfortable here, though the standard precautions apply (don’t walk home alone at night, don’t accept drinks from strangers, etc.)

Be aware that penalties for breaking the law here are stiff. For example, you’ll be fined up to 1,000 SGD for things like littering, spitting, and smoking in public. Singapore is also notoriously strict on drugs. If you’re caught even with marijuana in your system you could do jail time. In short, say no to drugs here!

Scams are rare in Singapore, however, if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 999 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. If a taxi driver seems shady, stop the cab and get out. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

If you don’t do it at home, don’t do it when you’re in Singapore. Follow that rule and you’ll be fine.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Singapore Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Singapore Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Singapore travel and continue planning your trip:

The 5 Best Hotels in Singapore

The 5 Best Hotels in Singapore

The 4 Best Hostels in Singapore

The 4 Best Hostels in Singapore

Where to Stay in Singapore: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Singapore: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

18 Free and Cheap Things to Do in Singapore

18 Free and Cheap Things to Do in Singapore

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Ultimate 2 Days in Singapore Itinerary For First-Timers

Singapore itinerary

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Since visiting Singapore for a second time recently, it’s up there as one of my favourite cities in Asia . I’m going to share my Singapore itinerary in the hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. I’d recommend spending 2 days in Singapore to see the essential sights on day 1 then get immersed in the quirky and cultural neighbourhoods during day 2. Oh, and because in 2 days you can eat double the amount of delicious meals you can in one!

SINGAPORE ESSENTIALS Accommodation  – Booking.com / Hostelworld Activities: GetYourGuide / Viator Food tours: A Chef’s Tour Airport transfers: Klook SIM card: eSim data plan Guidebook : Lonely Planet Singapore Travel insurance:   True Traveller  (European travellers) /   Hey Mundo  (other nationalities) /   Safety Wing  (digital nomads)

singapore travel itinerary

How many days are enough for Singapore?

While you could easily spend longer, two days in Singapore is enough for a first visit. In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Singapore in 2 days including must-visit attractions and colourful neighbourhoods.

Best season to visit Singapore

December to June is the perfect time to visit Singapore as it’s slightly cooler than the humid summer months. Due to the optimum weather, January and February are the most crowded months. If you can handle the rain and humidity, visit July-November for cheaper prices and fewer crowds.

How to get to Singapore

Most people arrive in Singapore by air. The main airport is Changi Airport. I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. Use Klook to book your airport transfer. By bus: if you’re going to Malaysia before or after, consider arriving in Singapore by bus. It takes 4-5 hours to reach Kuala Lumpur and 3.5 hours to Melaka . Use 12go to book your bus .

How to get around Singapore

Subway: The MRT is efficient, clean and inexpensive. Tickets cost between S$0.90-$2 and can be bought at ticket machines in the station. Public bus: Singapore is well connected by bus. Simply use a contactless Visa or Mastercard to tap and pay. Taxi: Hail a metered taxi or call Grab using the app (similar to Uber). Bicycle: There are plenty of cycle paths and bike rentals in Singapore. Open-top bus: It may be the most touristic way to get around but it’s fun and scenic. Get your ticket . Cable car: Connecting Singapore with Sentosa, this cable car lets you soak up panoramic views as you travel. Get your ticket . The Duck Tour: Travel by land and water in the same vehicle thanks to the quirky duck tour of Singapore. See the sights while travelling in an old WWII vehicle. Get your ticket .

cloud forest

Is the Go City Explorer Pass worth it?

I didn’t purchase this pass myself since I’d seen many of the attractions on previous visits to Singapore. However, if you’re just here 2 days and want to pack in plenty of sights, consider the pass including 2-7 attractions or the full 35+ attraction pass . Transport options like the cable car, riverboat cruise and open-top bus are included from $50.

Staying connected

GetYourGuide offer a fantastic eSim data plan that lets you stay connected while exploring Singapore. You don’t need to collect it anywhere: they’ll email you a QR code which you can instantly activate and start roaming. Yay! Get yours here from $4 . You can also upgrade it to work in 10 other Asian countries including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam & China.

Where to stay in Singapore

Singapore isn’t a cheap city for accommodation but you have a few options. Here’s where to stay in Singapore …

  • Hostel – Stay at Dream Lodge for spacious pod bunks with personal lockers and reading lights. The hostel is located centrally within a 1950s-period property. Check availability from US$61 .
  • Budget hotel – Location-wise, you can’t do better than Hotel 1900 in Chinatown. Recently refurbished with modern facilities and spotless rooms, it’s an ideal base for exploring Singapore’s main attractions. Check availability from US$102 .
  • Mid-range – With a rooftop pool, an in-house restaurant, and a fitness centre, 30 Bencoolen is a top-rated hotel in the heart of Singapore. Check availability from US$190 .
  • Splash-out – If you want to stay in Singapore in style, then don’t miss Conrad Centennial Singapore , located within the iconic Marina Bay and walking distance from the city’s most famous sights. This six-star hotel features an outdoor pool, fitness centre and spa, plus three exquisite dining options. Check availability from US$383 .

Browse all Singapore accommodation on Booking.com and Hostelworld .

Singapore itinerary

So, how do you want to live? I loved eating $2 roti and paneer with my hands on the roadside while chatting with the Indian restaurant owners about their lives in Singapore. However, I love the modern and luxurious downtown core just as much. The futuristic Gardens by the Bay and the elegance of Marina Bay Sands temporarily convince me I’m a wealthy heiress, poised to tap my Amex for one more Singapore Sling. There are many different styles in which to explore Singapore but I hope this upcoming itinerary gives you a bit of both: street food, sky bars, culture, history and the must-see attractions for a first visit!

Cloud Forest Singapore itinerary

Singapore itinerary overview

  • Day 1 – Gardens by the Bay, Cloud Forest, ArtScience Museum, the Merlion, Gluttons Bay Hawker Market, Marina Bay Spectra light show, skyline drinks
  • Day 2 – China Town, Arab Quarter, Haji Lane, Little India.

Now for the details…

Day 1 – explore the core

Many of the glamorous sights of Singapore are positioned around the HarbourFront. Wander the area to discover the Merlion, Gardens by the Bay, the Cloud Forest and numerous impressive shopping centres (get used to Venice replica boats cruising inside them!). Here’s what to do in 2 days in Singapore…

The Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay

The Gardens by the Bay look like something from Avatar or a film set in the year 3000 ( not much has changed but we live underwater! – my millennial UK readers will get the reference!). They’re different depending on whether you visit during the day or night. I did both which is the best way to experience them to the fullest.

Not only do they look impressive, but they’re also doing Singapore a service. They provide a habitat for animals, act as a water filtration system and use solar panels. The plants and flowers growing up them give off valuable nitrogen to the urban city centre. Their sustainable efforts make me love them even more – but I would regardless! One of my favourite experiences was lying underneath them at midnight watching their twinkling bulbs. In the daytime, you can spend an hour or two wandering around them.

Entrance fee: the trees are free to view from the ground or you can pay S$8 to take the 22-metre high OCBC Skyway walk. Buy a skip-the-line ticket in advance . Opening times: 9am-9pm daily. Opening hours: You can walk around the grove from 5am-2am while the ticketed skywalk is open from 9am-9pm (last ticket sale 8pm).

The Cloud Forest

Cloud Forest

This is a must when spending 2 days in Singapore. During my first visit, I missed the Cloud Forest due to the S$45 price tag which in retrospect was an error. The conservatory is enormous with several levels and bridges to wander while admiring the flora and fauna. Make sure you time your visit around a ‘misting’ (or kill some time waiting for one) when the dome fills with mist like a tropical rainforest. It’s so atmospheric!   Entrance price: S$45 for the Cloud Forest alone / S$54 including the Flower Dome. Opening times: 9am-9pm.

The ArtScience Museum

ArtScience Museum itinerary Singapore

If you catch a skyline view of Singapore, you won’t miss the giant lotus-shaped building nestled on the waterfront. Inside is the ArtScience Museum . My motivation for visiting was the sparkly Digital Light Canvas (pictured above), though I don’t believe this is a permanent fixture. Everything was interactive including a light show using visual trickery to make you feel as if the walls and floors of the room were moving. Entrance price: S$14 including the exhibition. Buy a skip-the-line ticket in advance . Opening times: 7am-7pm daily.

The Merlion

Merlion at night

It may seem strange that an animal only found in Africa has become a symbol for Singapore. How? Rumour has it that many years ago a tiger was spotted in Singapore (presumably having swum over from Indonesia) and mistaken for a lion. Somehow this resulted in respect for the animals, and this statue was subsequently built as a tourist attraction in the 1980s. Swing by to visit this emblem of Singapore and snap a few photos. It’s particularly atmospheric at night. To get there , cross the Esplanade Bridge. Alternatively, take a Singapore riverboat cruise past it.

Dinner at Makansutra Gluttons Bay 

gluttons-bay-food-court

Although there are countless hawker markets in Singapore, one of the best is Makansutra Gluttons Bay , conveniently located near Marina Square and the Esplanade. Grab a seat at one of the outdoor shared tables and browse the many food stands before settling on what you want.

Read next: the best Singapore dishes to try

From chilli crab to laksa, satay and Hokkien mee (noodles with prawn and egg), your only problem will be deciding what to order! If it’s too much, take a hawker market tour with a local guide and try a ton of dishes.

Gawp at Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands is a famous hotel and resort with a distinctive boat-shaped roof with a pool on top (strictly for hotel guests only). If you haven’t got $400+ a night for a room, head up to the Sands Sky Park Observation Deck (between 9am-11pm) to admire spectacular views from the 57th floor. Tickets cost S$15 . This iconic part of Singapore is best visited in the early evening it’s beginning to get dark and the city lights are starting to switch on. At 8pm on weekdays (and 8pm and 9pm on weekends), the Spectra light show illuminates the area with dancing lights, music, sights and colours; a real Asia bucket list experience! No tickets are required; just show up at the Marina Bay Sands building and sit outdoors in the area known as Event Plaza. It’s free and lasts around 15 minutes.

Ce la Vi Bar Singapore itinerary

Saturday night – grab a skyline drink

During your 2 da y Singapore itinerary, take a trip to CÉ LA VI , the bar at the top of the Marina Bay Sands hotel where you’ll either purchase a drink at the bar or buy a S$ 20 token at the entrance (the system changes depending on how busy the evening is). Either way, cocktails are about S$20 so we opted for a Singapore Fling – a frozen version of the iconic Sling – and dragged out our time at the top. We got to see the city light show ( 8pm and 9pm each night) from above which was incredible.

More things to do in Singapore at night :

  • Drink a Singapore Sling cocktail in their birthplace, Raffles Hotel
  • Take a city lights dinner cruise finishing with fireworks
  • Watch the Garden Rhapsody light show at 7.45pm and 8.45pm at the Gardens by the Bay
  • Take a UNESCO hawker centres food tasting tour at 5pm
  • Experience the nightlife at Clarke Quay : here you’ll find plenty of clubs and bars that stay open ’til late. If you want to drink somewhere cheaper and more laidback, head to Boat Quay instead.

Day 2 – get your culture fix

Once you’ve seen the glamorous, futuristic centre of Singapore, a day of culture is on the cards. The diversity of Singapore is another thing I love about the city: the Indian, Chinese and Malay groups make Singapore a melting pot of religious temples and delicious ethnic eats. For the ultimate Singapore itinerary for 2 days, here’s how I’d recommend spending the last day .. .

Chinatown Singapore itinerary 2 days

Singapore’s Chinatown is the perfect place to shop for your souvenirs and eat absolutely everything. Food Street is just one of the many places you can do this. Tuck into dim sum, chilli crab, satay and much more. Wander the lantern-lined streets even if you’re not hungry – it’s a lively part of Singapore.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

We paid a visit to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple , an integral part of the community. Here you can give the world’s largest prayer wheel a spin or watch Buddhist monks chant during regular ceremonies. It’s thought that a tooth from the sacred Buddha himself is enshrined in the fourth floor’s relic room. It’s open from 7am-7pm daily. Entry is free . Don’t miss the chilled rooftop garden!

Haji Lane and the Arab Quarter

Haji Lane

Jump into a brand new culture as you visit this friendly, vibrant area of town. This was one of my favourite areas during my recent 2 days in Singapore. Grab a cheap lunch at the market stands by the mosque, or alternatively, dine at one of the stunning mosaic cafes serving quality Middle Eastern food. There are plenty of cafes and juice bars on Haji Lane but be prepared to pay inflated prices in this popular part of town.

Arab Quarter

While Haji Lane is geared to tourists, walk just one minute into Kampong Glam, just off Arab Street, to visit the Masjid Sultan (mosque) for free. Lining the walkways to the spot of worship are various food stands selling everything from jalebi and other Indian sweets to fresh fruit and savoury snacks. Masjid Sultan opening times: Visit from 10am-12pm and 2-4pm from Sat-Thurs and from 2.30-4pm on Friday.

Another attraction in Kampong Glam is the Malay Heritage Centre , a great place to learn about local history.

Little India

Singapore street art

Get ready to mix it up again as you say goodbye to the Arab Quarter and hello to the stunning Hindu temples of Little India. This neighbourhood is one of the most colourful in town and many tourists stop to pose on this famous corner.

Colourful houses Little India

Look out for all the Singapore street art in this part of town!

I feel I may have discovered my spirit home in this part of town, not least for the incredible street art and moreish food. I ate a very cheap and local murtabak (a fried roti stuffed with chicken and veg) on the street corner at Big Boss Bistro and a slightly more upmarket curry dinner at Banana Leaf Apollo . Both meals were fantastic (and about S$10 and S$25pp respectively including drinks). If you can time your arrival for early evening, it’s an atmospheric dinner spot for a Singapore two day itinerary.

Visit the Indian Heritage Centre on Campbell Street to learn about the community that call Little India home, and Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple to see a colourful and intricately detailed place of worship.

Hindu temple Little India

Budget for 2 days in Singapore

As I mentioned, there’s something for all budgets in Singapore. You can visit Singapore on a budget of $30 a day or splurge $300! Visiting the Cloud Forest (S$45 including the Flower Dome), the ArtScience Museum (S$14 for the exhibition) and a drink at Marina Bay Sands (S$20) likely be your most expensive day. However, during a day exploring Little India, the Arab Quarter and Chinatown you can get away with just buying food as all of the entrance costs are free.   Eat local food and you could spend less than S$30 during 2 days in Singapore but eat at the restaurants in Marina Bay Sands and you could spend hundreds. I noticed that alcohol in Singapore was relatively expensive compared to food: in hawker markets, you can pick up a main dish for S$4 but not a beer.  

Transport is very cheap in Singapore. Underground train journeys on the MRT tend to cost around 90 cents. You’ll want to get a cab to the airport as it’s a long journey on public transport – a metered taxi will cost around S$20 from Changi Airport or you can pre-book your airport pick-up .

Indian curry Singapore itinerary

Food experiences in Singapore

  • 13-dish food tour with a born-and-bred local (A Chef’s Tour)
  • Cooking class to make a 3-course Singaporean lunch
  • Historical bike tour with traditional snacks
  • Nightime hawker market tour with tastings

Got more than 2 days in Singapore?

If you have extra time, here are a few extra Singapore activities. If any of the below activities appeal to you more than the above, consider rejigging your Singapore itinerary to include them.

Koon Seng Road

Singapore’s most colourful street is Koon Seng, built by the Peranakan Chinese community. This vibrant part of town has a long history and also makes for a fantastic photo stop.

Read next: Koon Seng Road – a guide to Singapore’s most colourful street

Koon Seng Road

Near Katong neighbourhood, Koon Seng is best accessed by bus or taxi .

Orchard Road 

If you love to shop, don’t miss Orchard Road . After starting life as a humble orchard, it’s now Singapore’s premier retail area known for its many shops and department stores. TANGs was the first in the area and remains one of the most popular, styled like a Chinese pagoda. When you’re all shopped out, there are art galleries, restaurants and bars. Nearby you’ll find Emerald Hill , a historical street featuring more Peranakan houses and a range of cool coffee shops.

Botanical Gardens

botanical gardens

Singapore Botanic Gardens are a wonderful source of flora and fauna should you have time to visit them. Designated as the first UNESCO site in Singapore back in 2015, they’re a well-loved part of the city thanks to the National Orchid Garden and the Children’s Garden. Arrive into Botanic Gardens MRT Station, right beside the gardens. Entry is free . Opening times: 5am-midnight.

Sentosa Island

If you have a spare day or half-day, consider adding Sentosa to your Singapore travel itinerary. Singapore’s island resort is home to Universal Studio , S.E.A Aquarium , Madam Tussauds and countless other attractions. Since Sentosa translates as ‘peace and tranquillity’ in Malay, it’s only fitting that there are world-class spas and natural wonders including jungles and beaches. Finish your day by relaxing with a sunset beer on beautiful Palawan Beach. Sentosa is easy to reach from Singapore: take the road, cable car or monorail.

Thanks for reading my Singapore itinerary for 2 days

More Singapore blogs:

  • Singapore street art guide
  • What to eat in Singapore
  • How to spend 3 months in Southeast Asia
  • A complete bucket list for Southeast Asia
  • 101 tips for backpacking in Asia

See you next time for more adventures,

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2 day singapore itinerary

Singapore useful links Flights – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Stay connected with E-sim data plans that don’t require delivery or collection; just scan the QR code. In my opinion, Lonely Planet offer the best guidebooks. Get the latest Lonely Planet Singapore . For buses to Malaysia , I use 12GoAsia . The search feature allows you to compare prices and durations. I use Booking.com for accommodation. They have the best range of hotels and self-catering apartments, plus you can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. For activities, I use GetYourGuide and Viator as they both have a huge range of affordable tours. Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips!

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Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

12 thoughts on “ Ultimate 2 Days in Singapore Itinerary For First-Timers ”

visit singapore blog

I have to return to Singapore one day! When I was there I don’t think they had the Gardens by the Bay yet! I did visit Little India which I absolutely loved 🙂

visit singapore blog

I always thought Singapore was very expensive so it’s nice to know there are cheaper options! Thanks for the guide, Rose!

visit singapore blog

Hey Rose! Just finished reading this and I am in awe of the style of your writing! Keep it up Rose! Looking forward to roaming in the streets of Oxford with you as my perfect friendly guide. ❤️

visit singapore blog

Can’t wait to explore the city for myself next month! Thank you for the inspiration and tips. Your photos look beautiful!

visit singapore blog

Thank you for the awesome itinerary! My husband and I are here for 4 days so this is perfect 🙂 Very well written!

visit singapore blog

Great post ! I have 2 days to explore the city and you have helped me a lot! thanks for sharing and keep the great job 🙂

visit singapore blog

Hi Pam! Glad it’s helped and hope you enjoy Singapire!

visit singapore blog

Thank you Rose! We are a couple of 60+ roamers who love to get out and walk cities. Your 2 day Singapore itinerary was spot on and we followed it exactly. Had a brilliant time and all thanks to your ideas! Off home now though… boo!

Hi Shelia, really glad it’s helped, it’s such a fab city! Hope you had an amazing time and you’re planning the next trip 😉

visit singapore blog

Prices have increased massively! $45 for the Forest Cloud, and $54 for cloud + Dome.

Espectacular anyway x

Hi Ed, wow shocked to hear such a big increase! Thanks for letting me know, I have updated the post accordingly.

visit singapore blog

This was great. Lots of good info, laid out clearly with links and prices. Especially appreciated the sim cards tip and the link to the Asia Bucket List. Will be useful for my broader travel plans in Asia. Thanks!

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Super trees at Gardens by the Bay lit up at night Gardens by the Bay is Singapore’s latest prestige project and definitely worth a visit.

Singapore travel blog: When is the best time to visit Singapore?

ION Orchard-singapore2

Singapore is a beautiful tourist island country, where it is an ideal destination for travelers around the world. You can visit Singapore at any time of the year, but for your Singapore trip is the most memorable and most complete experience, you should go to the following times:

  • Thaipusam , a fascinating Hindu festival that takes place around February every year.
  • The Singapore Food Festival takes place in April. This is one of the best time to visit Singapore for travelers who want to learn and explore the culinary culture of this country.
  • The biggest sales season of the year is in June. There are a lot of fashion brands in the busiest shopping centers will simultaneously discount their prices at this time. Shoppers love shopping do not miss this unique opportunity.
  • In July and August , there are two summer months with fewer tourists, if you want to travel to Singapore with a low cost, then you should choose this time is very appropriate.

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Singapore travel blog: How to get to Singapore from Vietnam?

With direct flights from Saigon or Hanoi to Singapore less than 2 hours

Only takes 2 hours fly from Vietnam. There are many flights of many airlines from Vietnam to Singapore that you can choose, such as Cathay Pacific Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Jetstar, Tiger Airways … You should buy tickets before flying about 3, 4 months and stay tuned for the discount airlines. The average ticket price for a flight to Singapore will be around $90 – $140 for a round trip.

With direct flights from Saigon or Hanoi to Singapore less than 2 hours

To move between stations you can use the Skytrain (Changi Airport Skytrain), operating from 5 am to 2:30 am on the next morning. The service is free of charge with travel time between stations of about 90 seconds.

Changi Airport Skytrain

Singapore travel blog: How to get to city center from Singapore Airport?

Changi is not only a modern airport but also the most beautiful airport in Southeast Asia

Singapore’s international airport is Changi, is quite far from the city center. To getting from Changi to the city, the first, you must determine which terminal you are in. Changi has 4 terminals, of which:

  • T1 is usually for Jetstar’s flights
  • T2 is Singapore’s domestic airlines such as Singapore Air, Scoot, …
  • T3 is Malindo Air, Lion Air and some Singapore Air’s flights
  • T4 is Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, AirAsia

Terminal-1

MRT from Singapore Airport to city

how to get around singapore-transport

To know which Terminal you will arrival at Changi airport, you need to see in your airfare or boarding pass. If you arrival at T1 and T4 you will have to travel by Skytrain, or walking to T2, T3, because the MRT station is located between T2 and T3. To go to MRT, from T2 or T3 you follow the “Train to the City” signboard to the basement.

MRT_NetworkMap_May18

From Changi Airport, the train will go to Tanah Merah Station. Stopping at this station you can transfer to almost all other MRT branches to the your hotel. The earliest train depart from 5:31 am (Monday to Saturday) and 5:59 pm on Sundays and holidays; The last one at 11:18 pm.

Tanah Merah Station

Bus from Changi Airport to city

Credit image: singapore blog. Buses are also a cheap but good transport in Singapore

  • The bus station is located in the basement of each Terminal. The car does not stop for a long wait but will pick up passengers from the Terminal 3 -> 1 -> 2 -> 3.
  • From Changi Airport to Changi Business Park, you can getting to the Terminal 3 for free shuttle bus, which operates Monday – Friday except public holidays.

EZLINK Card

With bus and MRT, you can buy tickets for each station or recharge your EZ Link card for convenient transportation without having to stop to buying tickets. The price of this card is about SGD12 (of which SGD5 is the deposit) and it is available in any station or terminal.

If you want getting to the city by taxi, you go to the reception hall of the terminal is available taxi, to getting to the center will take about 30 minutes and from SGD20 – SGD40 depending on location and time. If you go on late night, you will have to pay a surcharge of SGD5–SGD10.

Taxis are quite expensive in Singapore so you need to consider carefully before use.

By bus, if you need to go to Johor Bahru (Malaysia) you can use the bus service at terminals 1, 2, 3. The bus will stop at Larkin Bus Station (Malaysia).

Singapore blog: How to get around Singapore?

getting around singapore

In Singapore there are three popular public transportation vehicles: taxi, bus and MRT. From the airport, you can getting to your hotel by all these 3 means of transport. Taxis are the fastest but most expensive transportation in Singapore. Buses are cheaper, but the way they operate is different from Vietnam. In Singapore’s self-sufficient travel experience (our Singapore travel guide blog), it’s best to travel with MRT, because this is the cheapest, safest, fastest and most convenient way to travel in Singapore.

Getting-around-Singapore-MRT-subway-train

Singapore Travel Card (NETS FlashPay)

To use the MRT, you can buy a ticket each time at each station or buy an EZ Card for multiple uses as mentioned above. Singapore’s MRT is most modern MRT in the world and passes through most famous tourist attractions. There are 4 main routes set in the moving direction of the train: The red (the North South), The purple (the North East), The green (the East West) and The Circle Line. MRT normally operating from 5.30am and stop at 23pm and the bus is 24pm, so please pay your attention to avoid misses and have to travel by taxi.

mrt-night-safari-singapore-tours1

Three extremely important notes when using MRT:

  • Name of station: Contains the abbreviation of the route name and station’s order number. For example, the name of the station you are going to depart is Little India (NE7) and the station name you must be down is Newton (NS21). You have to remember this if you do not want to mistakenly routes.
  • Name of direction: Recorded on the train body.
  • Interchange: There are some stations that are interchanges between the routes so you need to pay attention.

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Read more:  How to get around Singapore — 6 means of transportation in Singapore for tourists .

Singapore travel guide blog: Singapore travel cost (or trip cost)

Cost of accommodation.

  • Guesthouses/hostels: ranges from SGD24 to SGD33 per night.
  • Cheap hotels: an average of SGD55 per double room with fan.
  • Hotels: ranges from SGD110 – SGD135 per night.

Geylang room

A good travel experience for backpacker travelers is you should be stay in Geylang (if you rent a hotel) or Little India (if sleeping in dorm room) will have the best price.

Cost of moving

singapore mrt guide

There are many buses and taxis in Singapore, but for long distance and go through all tourist attractions you should use the MRT (Express Train).

bus-night-safari-singapore-tours1

  • MRT: Cost based on travel distance, normally you will spend SGD4 to move between stations.
  • Taxi: The opening price is SGD3.4, about SGD 0.55 per kilometer and SGD17.5 per hour.
  • Bus: costs from SGD0.65 depending on the route, be sure to bring penny cash because the bus driver will not pay excess cash for you.

Cost of eating out

Hainanese chicken rice singapore national dishes 1

  • Street Food: Great solution to save money with less than SGD6 / dish. For Chinese & Indian food, it costs between SGD8 – SGD10 per dish.
  • Restaurant: A full meal costs an average of SGD20 – endlessly (depending on your capabilities).

Cost of transportation

MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)

mrt system map

The MRT system in Singapore has 4 main routes: North South Line (sign NS – red), East West Line (sign EW – green), North East Line (sign NE – purple), Circle Line (sign CC – orange). MRT usually operates from 5:30am to 12:00pm. There are two important routes that you need to pay attention when traveling in Singapore.

  • East West Line: This is the route you will travel from Chang Airport and through many other transit stations.
  • Circle Line: This route passes many city attractions, some popular stations such as the Esplanade (Durian Theater, Duck Tour), Bayfront (Gardens by the Bay), Marina Bay, Dhoby Ghaut (Transfer station of CC, NS, NE routes).

singapore tourist pass

MRT cards are plastic cards, including used one-time cards (cost depend your routes from SGD1.1 – SGD2.6, buy at automatic machines, plastic cards), Singapore Tourist Pass card (Can be used in 1/2/3 days at a respective cost of SGD10/16/20) and EZ-Link card (can be recharged money, can be used many times for many types of vehicles: MRT, Bus, Monorail). EZ-Link cards are available at ticket counters (TransitLink Ticket Office) at the stations of Changi Airport, Orchard, Chinatown, City Hall, Raffles Place, Ang Mo Kio, HarbourFront, Bugis, Lavender and Bayfront.

Buses in Singapore are very nice and clean.

The bus system is very scientific and convenient, most of the buses are equipped with air conditioning. You can pay by cash (remember to bring excess cash), Singapore Tourist Pass or EZ-Link card.

Queueing for cab in city

It is quite convenient vehicle for you to travel to locations located far from MRT / Bus stations. Taxis in Singapore charge per kilometer, some firms may charge extra fees depending on the time / place of pickup. You should clearly ask the driver about this before going and remember to ask for a bill when paying. You can pick up taxis on the street or stand in front of shopping malls / hotels / attractions. Another simple way is to call 6-DIAL CAB (6342-5222) to connect to taxi call centers.

Singapore travel blog: Some tips on how to saving money for a budget trip to Singapore

Save money on hotels.

Little India Hotels

If you want to save the most money fof a budget trip to Singapore, you should choose stay Little India area ( Check rates Little India hotels at here ) . With the price per bed in dorm room costs about SGD20 – SGD60, single room from SGD60, and double room (cheap type) from SGD100. In addition, many travelers sleep right at the airport on the first and last night in Singapore to save more money. This is also true, because the cheap flights often arrive or depart at night. Moreover, Changi Airport is well known for its clean, safe and quite comfortable to sleep through the night.

dorm room

Save money on drinking water

Hogs-Bar

If you choose to go to bars in Clarke Quay, you can find bars hang discounted signboards or buy 1 get 1. In addition, some cheap bars but still style that you can try are Five Izakaya Bar (only SGD5 for a glass of beer, the price apply for all day) or Ice Cold B’s @ SMU (SGD10 for a big glass).

Pre-booking tickets for tours, activities

Long queues singapore travel

One of Singapore’s most self-sufficient travel experiences is pre-booking tickets for sights, tours and activities. The reason is pre-booking usually better price than buying directly, especially when buying online. Also, with the crowded attractions like Universal Studios Singapore, buying tickets in advance will save you time, avoiding queues too long.

Use public transport

Walking in Downtown Singapore2

MRT is a means of transport that anyone who has traveled to Singapore choose. This type of vehicle will help you to go to any famous places and also save money. Alternatively, you can also “imitate” local people and walk to discover the cleanest city in Southeast Asia.

Singapore travel blog: Where to stay?

Image by: marina bay area singapore blog.

  • Budget: Chinatown, Burgis, Little India, Geylang. Part of Geylang is the red light district, so if you are visit Singapore for the first time, do not stay here, it will be easy to ask by customs.
  • Average: Civic District, Bugis and Kampong Glam, Clarke Quay
  • Luxury: Sentosa Resort, Marina Bay Sands, …

Below are some best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

Marina Bay Sands (Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956 / Phone: +65 6688 8868), a 5-star hotel with room rates from $294/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Marina Bay Sands

YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road (Address: 366 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238904 / Phone: +65 6866 8000), a 4-star hotel with room rates from $97/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport (Address: 75 Airport Blvd, #01-01, Singapore 819664 / Phone: +65 6823 5300), a 5-star hotel with room rates from $157/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport

M Social Singapore (Address: 90 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238259 / Phone: +65 6206 1888), a 4-star hotel with room rates from $86/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

M Social Singapore

Hotel G Singapore (Address: 200 Middle Rd, Singapore 188980 / Phone: +65 6809 7988), a 4-star hotel with room rates from $84/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel G Singapore

Village Hotel Changi by Far East Hospitality (Address: 1 Netheravon Rd, Singapore 508502 / Phone: +65 6379 7111), a 4-star hotel with room rates from $82/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Village Hotel Changi by Far East Hospitality

Orchard Hotel Singapore (Address: 442 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238879 / Phone: +65 6734 7766), a 5-star hotel with room rates from $108/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Orchard Hotel Singapore

Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay (Address: 2 Magazine Rd, Singapore 059573 / Phone: +65 6589 8000), a 4-star hotel with room rates from $106/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay

Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel (Address: 392 Havelock Rd, Singapore 169663 / Phone: +65 6733 0880), a 5-star hotel with room rates from $109/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel

One Farrer Hotel (Address: 1 Farrer Park Station Rd, Singapore 217562 / Phone: +65 6363 0101), a 5-star hotel with room rates from $131/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

One Farrer Hotel

ibis Singapore on Bencoolen Hotel (Address: 170 Bencoolen St, Singapore 189657 / Phone: +65 6593 2888), a 3-star hotel with room rates from $84/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

ibis Singapore on Bencoolen Hotel

Hotel Jen Orchardgateway Singapore by Shangri-La (Address: 277 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238858 / Phone: +65 6708 8888), a 4-star hotel with room rates from $138/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Jen Orchardgateway Singapore by Shangri-La

Mandarin Orchard Singapore (Address: 333 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238867 / Phone: +65 6737 4411), a 5-star hotel with room rates from $162/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Mandarin Orchard Singapore

Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore (Address: 22 Orange Grove Rd, Singapore 258350 / Phone: +65 6737 3644), a 5-star hotel with room rates from $212/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore (Address: 1 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049178 / Phone: +65 6733 8388), a 5-star hotel with room rates from $211/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore

Village Hotel Katong by Far East Hospitality (Address: 25 Marine Parade Rd, Singapore 449536 / Phone: +65 6344 2200), a 4-star hotel with room rates from $88/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Village Hotel Katong by Far East Hospitality

You can find more, check rates, availability & booking for Singapore hotels on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

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Singapore travel blog: Singapore travel experiences — Points of interest, best places to visi, what to do and top things to do in Singapore.

Top amusement parks in singapore.

Universal Studios Singapore (USS): The largest and unique amusement park in Southeast Asia about movie theme. With dozens of adventure games, heartbreaking. Read more:  Universal Studios Singapore tips — Top 5 best tips for a wonderful trip to Universal Studio Singapore .

2 universal studio singapore tourist attractions opening hours address map guide (1)

Adventure Cove Water Park: The most beautiful water park in Asia, where you can find abundant water games, enjoy a relaxing day and have fun.

If you are finding the heartbreaking water slides, check in at Wild Wild Wet.

Wild Wild Wet: Singapore’s largest water park and one of Asia’s wonderful water parks, with its unique twist, winding, circle slides.

If you are looking for the heartbreaking water slides, check out Wild Wild Wet

Legoland theme park and water park: theme park and water park with the theme is the colorful Lego world.

legoland malaysia tourist attractions things to do map guide reviews opening hours (1)

Singapore Flyer: The giant Ferris Wheel with the largest cabin in Asia, where you can enjoy spectacular view of Marina Bay and vibrant city of Singapore.

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Singapore Itinerary 4 Days: My Singapore Travel Blog

This is an easy to follow 4 day itinerary for Singapore, based on my own trip there. See the highlights of Singapore at a relaxed pace with this Singapore itinerary 4 days guide.

Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore - an incredible view at night!

4 Days in Singapore

I visited Singapore in November as part of a planned 5 month trip around Asia with my girlfriend. Although I had visited Singapore briefly many years ago, everything was new to me on this trip.

With five months to play with, we had enough time to spend a little longer in Singapore than perhaps other people do. As such, we settled on 4 days in Singapore which we thought would give us enough time to see the places that interested us most.

Whilst many people seem to only stop by Singapore for a few days in between destinations, we were amazed at the amount of things to see and do there.

Even after four days sightseeing in Singapore, we hadn’t really completed our ‘wishlist’. In all honesty, our ‘wishlist’ would have barely scratched the surface in any case!

What to do in Singapore in 4 days

Still, there’s only so much you can do in limited time, and I think our 4 day Singapore itinerary was pretty good in the end. 

It took in the major attractions of Singapore such as the Gardens by the Bay, lesser visited places like the Red Dot museum, and even included an evening dinner with new Singapore friends!

Singapore Itinerary 4 Days

As such, I’ve shared our experience of 4 days in Singapore so that it might help you plan your own sightseeing itinerary. This is in no way meant to be a definitive guide. Consider it to be a realistic 4 day Singapore itinerary by real people!

This sample Singapore itinerary balances out our jetlag with enthusiasm, late starts with late nights, and includes a few interests that you may or may not share.

At the end, I’ve mentioned a few places we wish we would have seen, and some general travel tips to help your own experience of visiting Singapore go a little bit easier. Enjoy!

Singapore Itinerary Day 1

After arriving on our Scoot flight from Athens to Singapore  in the early hours of the morning, we had an hour or so to kill before the MRT (metro) opened. We used our time getting a coffee and buying a 3 day tourist card for the metro system.

When the metro system finally opened, we jumped on board and headed to our hotel.

Using the MRT in Singapore

A sign on the MRT in SIngapore

The MRT system in Singapore is very easy to use. There are various ticket options available, and we decided to go for the 3 day tourist pass. This provided unlimited travel on the Singapore metro system for 3 days, on a card we could claim a deposit fee back on later.

As we were on a 4 day Singapore itinerary, we had to put some extra money on the card for the final day. We didn't use all this money, and so were pleasantly surprised when we not only got our card deposit back, but also our unused funds back.

In retrospect, it would have been a little cheaper to buy a 1 day tourist pass and top it up for our remaining days there, as a one-way ride rarely seems to cost over 1 dollar and we never used the metro over four times on the same day as we ended up walking a lot.

Where to stay in Singapore

The city can be quite an expensive one when it comes to accommodation. What cheaper accommodation there is, tends to be of lower quality or less desirable areas.

Whilst it would have been lovely to have stayed at the Marina Bay Sand s, this was way out of our budget. Instead, we found an affordable place in the Geylang district in Singapore.

The Geylang area is well known as being a red-light district, and though we saw brothels on the streets, the area was hardly a dangerous one. Let's just call it interesting!

Related: Singapore Captions for Instagram

Fragrance Hotel Crystal

Our room at the Fragrance Hotel Crystal was not available when we arrived at 7 am, which was hardly surprising! So, we left our luggage in their locker room, and caught the metro to a nearby mall to grab some breakfast.

When we eventually checked into our hotel, we found it to be acceptable. Not great, not bad, just ok. For its price, we think it offered pretty good value for money. If you're looking for a similar place to stay in Singapore, you can check it out here – Fragrance Hotel Crystal .

Bugis Junction Mall

It was still early when we left our luggage at the hotel, so we jumped back on the metro and headed to Bugis Junction Mall. This acted as an intersection for the MRT lines in Singapore, and we also decided to have some breakfast here.

This was our first introduction to shopping malls in Singapore. Although nowhere near as grand as some of the other malls that Singapore is famous for, it was interesting enough to wander around and then eat at the food court.

Somewhat revived, and with the time getting nearer to 9 in the morning, it was time to get on with the sightseeing itinerary in Singapore! First stop, would be the Haji Lane and Arab Street areas.

Haji Lane 

A Haji Lane cafe in Singapore specialising in fruite juices

It was raining when we arrived at Haji Lane in Singapore. A bit of a shame, but not a lot that could be done! In addition, because it was still early, not many of the cafes, restaurants and shops in Haji Lane had opened yet.

We later stopped off for a juice at the place in the photo above, which was most welcome. That said, we were in danger of falling asleep because of the jetlag so we decided to move on as quick as we could.

Haji Lane looks like it would be a nice place to visit at night. We'll give it a go on our next 4 days in Singapore!

Bike Share Schemes in Singapore

A bright yellow bike from a bike share scheme in SIngapore

Walking along Haji Lane, we also caught our first glimpse of a bike share scheme in Singapore. These are most often unlocked with an app. You can then ride the bike, and leave it where you like.

In some parts of the world, notably China , bike share schemes have suffered to either vandalism or an over-supply of bike. In Singapore, the bike share schemes seemed to work fine. I'm sure a local might tell me differently though!

Arab Street

You'll often hear of Arab Street in Singapore. This actually refers more to the neighbourhood of which Haji Lane is a part. Due to the weather, we probably didn't give this neighbourhood in Singapore the time it deserves, but we had a good walk around all the same. 

Masjid Sultan Mosque

Masjid Sultan Mosque in the Arab Street, Singapore

This colourful mosque is arguably the centre of the Arab quarter in Singapore. If you would like to visit inside, you might need to check available times as they don't allow visitors at times of worship. Conservative dress and respect should be exercised when visiting the Masjid Sultan Mosque in Singapore.

Singapore Art Museum

With the weather showing no real signs of improving, we decided to choose an indoor activity as our next thing to do in Singapore. The Singapore Art Museum is a contemporary art museum, which always proves amusing!

Displaying rotating exhibitions, I'll be honest and say we visited more for my girlfriend's benefit than mine! Writing this article several weeks after visiting, I can't really remember what was on display here, and didn't take any photos. It did keep us dry for a while though!

Sri Krishnan Temple

Sri Krishnan Temple in Singapore

The Sri Krishnan Temple is a Hindu temple located on Waterloo Street in Singapore. It is elaborately decorated, and has recently undergone a renovation. The Sri Krishnan Temple is Singapore's only South Indian temple dedicated to Sri Krishna and his consort Rukmini.

Kuan Yin Thong Hood Cho Temple

Kuan Yin Thong Hood Cho Temple

Located just a couple of buildings down from the Sri Krishnan Temple, is the  Kuan Yin Thong Hood Cho Temple . This is a traditional Chinese temple, first built in 1884. I found this temple a curious one to visit, with its Buddhist statues, and worshippers using the fortune telling sticks.

The Kuan Yin Thong Hood Cho Temple in Singapore doesn't take long to visit, but I'd recommend just staying there and watching to see what goes on. You might even end up with some fruit given out to you!

Our first lunch in Singapore

At this point we were starting to flag pretty badly. We'd been up well over 30 hours, with only some sporadic broken sleep on the flight over from Athens to Singapore. Perhaps lunch would help rescue us?

We were pretty unadventurous when we headed to a shopping mall to find something to eat. Later of course, we would realise that shopping malls are an important part of life in Singapore!

And then we crashed

Inevitably though, tiredness beat us in the end. Admitting defeat, we headed back to our hotel in Singapore just after 14.30,  where we really didn't move for the rest of the day.

Singapore Tour Itinerary Day 2

Jetlag. You can't really predict it. Both of us have flown hundreds of times, and this was probably the worst we suffered with it.

Of course, the fact we'd been up for 36 hours without sleep, crossed numerous time-zones, and walked over 12 kilometres in Singapore the day before may have had something to do with it!

As such, it was a late start after lunch. My advice here, is when you are planning your own sightseeing itinerary for Singapore, don't go crazy packing a lot of things in. You never know how energetic you are going to feel when there!

Bus 63 to Bugis Junction

A traditional breakfast of runny eggs in Singapore

Deciding to mix things up a little, we took a local bus up to Bugis Junction. Our three day visitors cards covered the MRT and buses, so it was just a matter of scanning them as we got on and off the bus.

The bus journey was a little quicker than the metro, possibly due to one turning up straight away. Getting off at Bugis Junction, we went for breakfast. This consisted of runny eggs, coffee and toast, and was also very cheap!

Swapping over to the Singapore Metro, we then headed out to the Bayfront area.

Bayfront Singapore

The redeveloped Bayfront area of Singapore has become the modern symbol of the city. We would visit here over the next few days, admiring it both during the day, and at night which is when it is perhaps at its most spectacular.

Unfortunately for us, it was an overcast and rainy day, so we first decided to visit the Red Dot Museum. Entry here was free for us, as we had bought a cheaper ticket for the Domes at the Gardens of the Bay, and the Walkway via the Klook app. More about that later!

Red Dot Museum Singapore

Inside the Red Dot museum in Singapore

This museum is run by one of the largest design awards organisations in the world. Fun fact – I do some occasional work for one of their more exclusive rivals!

The Red Dot Museum in Singapore was interesting for me to walk around. Here, you could see winners in design categories such as concept and innovation. Some of the designs were quirky, and others I can't wait to see in the shops!

The Shoppes Mall at Marina Bay Sands

The Shoppes mall in Singapore

I'm not a shopping mall fan. I'm not a shopping fan full stop. But it's not often you visit a shopping mall with a canal complete with boats running through it.  

That, and it's big. I mean REALLY big!

We decided to pass through here, stop for lunch, and then continue on to the Gardens by the Bay. I wouldn't normally recommend a shopping mall as one of the things to do in a city, but you should really spend at least a little time at The Shoppes!

Gardens by the Bay

A short walk took us to the Gardens by the Bay. This was the top of my list of things to see in Singapore, and I'd been looking forward to it for a while.

We'd pre-booked some tickets on the Klook app that gave us admittance to the paid areas such as the Walkway and the Domes. It all worked out very well, and I'd recommend that visitors in Singapore also download the app just to check what deals are available.

What is the Gardens by the Bay?

The Gardens by the Bay in Singapore is a large, green area located near the Marina Bay Sands. Think of it as a futuristic version of an 18th century botanical garden!

Two sealed eco-domes house flowers and a rainforest, there are large green areas, and giant ‘supertrees'.

It's a fascinating place to visit, simply because ecological endeavours on this scale are so rare in the modern world. In fact any type of project on this scale is a rarity!

Flower Dome

The giant Flower Dome at the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore had a Christmas vibe when we visited in November.

There are two giant domes at the Gardens by the Bay, and the first we visited was the Flower Dome. If the photos so far have given you an idea of the scale of things in Singapore, you can take my word that the Flower Dome was no different!

Enclosing an area of 3 acres, and with a height of 38 metres, it is a giant, temperature controlled environment. Inside, flowers and trees from different parts of the world are displayed in segmented areas.

When we visited in November, the dome also had a Christmas feel. This gave it a weird, Disney vibe. Basically, it added to the surrealism of it all!

Cloud Forest Dome

The Cloud Forest Dome at the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore

Although smaller in total area covered than the Flower Dome, the Cloud Forest Dome is far taller. Inside, you can see a 42 metre high Cloud Mountain, a 35 metre high waterfall, and a walkway leading up, down, and in-between.

There's different areas inside the dome and the mountain itself. These include the Crystal Mountain, Lost World, and Secret Garden amongst others. This was by far my favourite dome of the two, and certainly worth the price of admission.

Things to do in Singapore at night

The Gardens by the Bay Lights Show in Singapore

If you only have one night free in Singapore, I'd strongly suggest you spend it watching the Gardens of the Bay Light Show . It's pretty amazing!

We'd timed this well with leaving the domes, as we only had an hour to fill before sunset. After sunset, the lights come on the Supertrees, and the countdown to the sound and light show begins!

Supertree Grove at Gardens of the Bay

After picking up some bright green and very tasty Pandan cake outside the domes, we wandered over to the Supertree Grove. Our Klook tickets included the OCBC Walkway between the supertrees, and whilst we could have gone up straight away, we decided to wait until after the tree lights came on.

Our cheesy selfie taken on the walkway between the Singapore supertrees at Gardens by theBay

Good decision! Although there was a small queue to get up to the walkway, it really was spectacular up there. The Supertrees were illuminated, and there were incredible views out over the Singapore Bay area. People with fear of heights might not enjoy it up here! For the rest of us, Singapore at night really is amazing!

Gardens of the Bay Light Show

The Gardens by the Bay Light Show is really spectacular, and because of the time of year, we saw one with a Christmas theme. For a better feel for it, check out the video above and the Singapore blog post I've already mentioned.

After leaving the Gardens, we had dinner, and then headed back to the hotel. Day 2 in Singapore was over!

Singapore Walking Tour Itinerary Day 3 

I'm not going to lie and say we had completely recovered from jetlag on day 3 in Singapore, but we were getting there!

Up and out at a reasonable time, we headed to the Chinatown area in Singapore.

Chinatown in Singapore

One of the streets in Chinatown, Singapore

I'm going to say that I wasn't blown away by Chinatown in Singapore. It's not that it didn't lack places of interest such as the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, but in a way as a neighbourhood, it just didn't stand out for me. Each to their own and all that though!

Here's a taste of some of the places we visited in Chinatown, Singapore.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Inside the Buddha Tooth Relic Museum in Chinatown, Singapore

This unique building stands in stark contrast to the modern metropolis being constructed around it. Inside, is a temple, and area which is said to house a relic of the Buddha.

Visiting the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple was interesting for me because of the museum. It helped explain some of the history of not only the temple, but this version of Buddhism. Walking around probably took around an hour.

Maxwell Food Centre

The menu from a hawker stand inside the Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown, Singapore

When hunger kicks in, it's always good to head to where the locals eat. In Chinatown, it's the Maxwell Food Centre. Organised hawker stands specialise in different dishes guaranteed to satisfy the taste-buds. We loved the laksa at the Old Nyonya stall.

Singapore City Gallery

The Singapore City Gallery probably doesn't feature in many people's 4 day Singapore itinerary. It might not have featured on our Singapore sightseeing itinerary had we not been right next door to it during a very rainy spell!

It's an interesting place though, documenting the development of Singapore over the years. It also gives an indication of how Singapore might develop in the future. Definitely worth a half an hour of your time when in Chinatown.

Sri Mariamman Temple

The Sri Mariamman Temple in Chinatown, Singapore

Yes, I know it's called Chinatown, but there's also a rather impressive Hindu temple there. As there was some sort of ceremony when we entered, we didn't really stay long. Overall, it's an interesting place to admire, even if just from the outside.

Esplanade Art Centre 

As the daylight drew to a close, we headed to the Esplanade area by the bay. At the art centre, there are rotating exhibitions, displays and live shows. Some of these are free, and others have a fee.

Whilst we visited, there seemed to be some sort of Indian cultural exchange program, as there were a number of Indian acts on. If you are looking for free things to do in Singapore at night, it would certainly be worth checking out what's going on here during your own visit.

Marina Bay Area in Singapore At Night

Marina Bay Area in Singapore At Night

And then it was time to head back to the hotel. The walk from the Esplanade, over the Helix Bridge and around the Marina Bay Sands area looks amazing. When we visited, we were even treated to a full moon! 

Singapore Itinerary Day 4 

And before we knew it, we were on to day 4 in Singapore, our last full day.

Before starting our trip, I had been concerned that there would not be enough to see in Singapore in 4 days. Now, I was aware that 4 days would not be long enough! I've included some of the places we'd still like to visit at the end of this Singapore blog post. For now though, let's look at day 4 in Singapore!

National Gallery Singapore

Minimalism exhibition within the National Gallery Singapore

The National Gallery Singapore was our ‘big' place to visit on this day. And yes, it was big! The gallery had a mix of permanent and rotating exhibitions, some of which involved an extra ticket.

When we visited the National Gallery Singapore, the temporary exhibition was a minimalism one which was good fun to see. There was also this art piece which I called the Vertigo piece!

The Vertigo display inside the National Gallery Singapore

Now, it must be said that the National Gallery is massive. There are seemingly endless rooms and galleries, and even after 3 or 4 hours we hadn't seen them all.

If art is your thing, you should check it out. Bring your own snacks and avoid the cafe though, as it's really expensive and not great quality.

Little India in Singapore

Little India in Singapore

Little India is another neighbourhood you should see in Singapore. Located to the east of the Singapore river, it's just across from Chinatown.

As you might expect given the name, this area is heavily influenced by the Indian population here. Expect temples, foods, colour and noise!

We spent an hour or two in Little India, Singapore. After which we then took the metro to meet some new friends.

Sengkang dinner at friends' house

Dinner at a friends house in Singapore at night

Back in Athens , Vanessa gives walking tours. Some of these are free, and others people pay for. This gives her the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, and a while back she met a couple from Singapore, Elena and Joanna.

As we were in town, they invited us over for dinner! It was much appreciated, as was the chance to learn a little about life in modern Singapore and see the inside of an actual apartment. They'd also travelled to some of the countries we planned to on this trip around South East Asia , so it was good to get some inside tips!

Once dinner was over, we had our first of what would be many Grab taxi experiences, and got back to the hotel. The next day, it would be time to fly out for 3 weeks in Thailand !

Singapore Travel Tips

Here are some travel tips that might make your life easier when spending time in Singapore. They'll either save you money, time or hassle. Sometimes, all three!

Klook 

This is a great travel app that offers discounted tours and services throughout Asia. We booked our tickets for the Gardens by the Bay domes and walkway through Klook, and it saved us quite a bit of money. A handy thing to have, as you can use it for suggestions about areas in Asia you are visiting.

Install Grab on your phone, and you'll have access to cheap taxi rides in Singapore. Again, Grab works through the rest of the South East Asia region as well. This is quite handy in terms of getting a set taxi price to avoid the haggling and overcharging that can happen otherwise.

Things we didn't have time to see but would like to in Singapore

As mentioned, we didn't get the chance to see everything in Singapore that we wanted to. As we'll probably fly back out of Singapore to Athens, we'll try to see the following places on our next visit.

  • Arts and Science Museum
  • Botanical Gardens
  • National History Museum
  • Asian Cultures Museum
  • Peranakan houses
  • East Coast Park

Planning to visit Singapore soon and have any questions? Leave a comment below, and we'll do our best to help you out!

Singapore itinerary FAQ

Readers planning a Singapore trip often ask questions similar to these:

Is 4 days enough for Singapore?

Singapore is a fantastic destination to visit, with attractions ranging from the awe inspiring Singapore skyline to the delicious food found in Hawker centres. When planning your first trip to Singapore, use my four days in Singapore itinerary as a guide!

How many days are required in Singapore?

It might be tempting to just give Singapore a couple of days before moving on, but a longer stay of 4 or 5 days will give you the chance to explore the Singapore botanical gardens, check out the Adam road food centre, enjoy the Marina Bay light show at night and much more.

What can you see in Singapore in 5 days?

Here's an idea of some of the attractions and places to visit if you're staying for 5 nights:  Art Science Museum, Singapore National Museum, Night Safari at Singapore Zoo, Jurong Bird Park, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands Sky Park, Sentosa Island, Singapore Clark Quay, and more!

What can you do in Singapore in 3 days?

If you only have 3 days in Singapore, consider including some of the following in your itinerary: Buddha Tooth Temple in Chinatown, Old Hill Street Police Station, Little India Arcade, Tan Teng Niah's House in Little India, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck, Merlion Park.

Singapore Travel Guide - A look at the top things to do in Singapore. This 4 day Singapore itinerary will help you plan your own itinerary, so that you can see all the best things in Singapore during your city break.

More Blog posts from this trip

If you enjoyed this Singapore itinerary for 4 days, here are some of the blog posts from other countries we visited on this trip you might also like:

  • Kapas Island in Malaysia
  • Day Trip to Pulau Kapas Malaysia
  • 2 Days in Bangkok Itinerary
  • Koh Lanta Travel Guide
  • Where to stay in Koh Lanta
  • Koh Jum Island in Thailand
  • 3 day Chiang Mai sightseeing itinerary
  • How many days in Chiang Mai is enough?
  • Is Chiang Mai all that special?
  • Best time to visit Chiang Mai, Thailand
  • Best things to do in Saigon, Vietnam
  • What to do in 2 days in Hanoi
  • Things to do in Phu Quoc, Vietnam
  • What we really thought about Phu Quoc
  • Con Dao Island in Vietnam
  • How to get to Con Dao in Vietnam
  • Things to do in Mandalay, Myanmar
  • Best things to do in Yangon, Myanmar
  • What to do in Inle Lake, Myanmar
  • Temples of Bagan travel guide

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Singapore

Singapore Travel Guide

Asia's smallest and most diverse country, where modern skyscrapers meet traditional temples and luscious rainforests.

Best time to visit Singapore

Travel insurance for singapore, best places to visit in singapore, 7 best things to do in singapore, map of singapore, weather in singapore.

Singapore has tropical rainforest weather for most of the year, bringing high humidity and temperatures. The monsoon season occurs from November to January, whereas June to August sees drier, hotter days.

How to Plan a Trip

How to travel safe.

  • Find Hotels via Booking.com
  • Find Hostels via Hostelworld
  • Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
  • Find Cheap Flights via Skyscanner
  • Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
  • Book Tours & Attractions via Viator
  • Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
  • Get a Visa via iVisa
  • How to pack light for your trip
  • How to plan your trip our tips

Why is Singapore worth visiting?

A fantastic blend of cultures, languages, traditional buildings, and towering skyscrapers exist in harmony in cosmopolitan Singapore! The jaw-dropping skyline, home to innovative architecture, is peppered with traditional Buddhist and Hindu temples — set against a backdrop of luscious rainforests.

Is Singapore cheap to visit?

There’s no doubt that Singapore is one of the world’s most expensive cities to visit. Luxury is in the air, with upscale hotels costing around $200-400 a night and hostels upwards of $25. Although it might not be a backpacker’s dream, there’s still a way to visit Singapore on a budget; head for the hawker stalls in the markets or Little India, where you can find cheap local eats from $5.

Can I drink tap water in Singapore?

Singapore has some of the best hygiene standards in the world, with exceptional water quality treatment. This means you can drink from the tap worry-free! Pack your reusable water bottle in an effort to reduce plastic and fill up at hotels and restaurants throughout your trip. 

Do I need a visa for traveling in Singapore?

Great news! Most tourists can enjoy Singapore visa-free for between 30-90 days, depending on your nationality. However, checking your country’s entry requirements in advance is always recommended, as some places are subject to stricter visa rules. 

What language do they speak in Singapore?

Singapore is a melting pot of different nationalities, meaning you’ll hear several languages spoken on the streets. Although Malay is the national language used for road signs and important documents, the primary language spoken by most people is Mandarin (you’ll also hear Tamil). Moreover, due to its colonial British past, most of the population also widely uses English, so you’ll always be able to be understood on your trip.

Do I need travel insurance for Singapore?

Travel insurance is your safety net for your vacation in Singapore, protecting you against unexpected events, whether that’s a flight cancellation, lost luggage, or medical care. Go indoor surfing or bungee jumping, get a bird’s eye view from the Singapore Flyer, or zoom around on Sinapore’s thrilling Formula 1 Circuit.

Is Singapore safe?

Singapore has strict laws designed to keep locals and travelers safe. The crime rate is extremely low, and cleanliness is paramount. In fact, it’s illegal to chew gum in order to keep the streets as clean as possible. As with all destinations, keep an eye on your belongings in case of pickpockets, especially if you find yourself in busy places like the subway, festivals, or events. 

What power plug type does Singapore have?

Singapore uses type G (the same as in the UK), a three-rectangular-pronged electrical plug. However, type C (European) plugs are also used throughout the nation, meaning it’s a good idea to carry an adapter. Don’t worry if you forget; you can always buy one at the airport or stores in the city.

Why do people love Singapore?

Singapore has a unique atmosphere that is hard to beat, teeming with people from all over the world who have chosen to call this tiny country home. This cosmopolitan city offers luxury vacation experiences for travelers with endless 5-star hotels, infinity pools, spas, and rooftop cocktail bars across the skyline. However, it’s also popular for backpackers who want to dive into its buzzing markets, street food, botanical gardens, and fantastic free activities like the Sky Garden.

Traveling in Singapore

A vacation in Singapore is second to none; you get all the benefits of exploring an entire country but with the compact size of a city! The incredibly safe and vibrant metropolis offers everything a traveler could want: dine on cheap street food and peruse bustling markets, sip on zesty cocktails in luxury rooftop lounges, or head into the neighboring jungle for nature adventures.

How to Plan Your Trip to Singapore

Follow our Singapore travel guide to plan your ideal city trip, where you’ll find all our top tips for cultural and gastronomical highlights. Singapore is often a stop-off point for travelers heading to Australia or other destinations in Asia , and as such, it caters excellently to those looking to relax and refresh. Luxury is found on every street corner here, where you’ll find five-star hotels with rooftop pools, endless cocktail bars, high-end restaurants, and spas aplenty. There’s even a rooftop pool at Singapore Changi Airport for those who want a quick dip before or after their flight! Discover all the best places in Singapore by following our complete travel guide.

Best Time to Visit Singapore

Looking for the best time to plan your Singapore holiday ? Find out about the climate in Singapore with this seasonal information.

Hot Season (June-August): Singapore is nearly always humid; however, June to August sees the lowest humidity and the hottest and driest months. During this time, temperatures soar to between 32-34 °C. Although this season is the warmest, it’s the most popular because of the lower humidity, attracting sightseers and those looking to escape the cooler temperatures in countries like Australia and New Zealand . This makes it the busiest season for tourism, with hotel prices rising and tours and accommodation getting booked quickly. 

Tip: Book a hotel with a rooftop pool to cool down after a morning of sightseeing.

Wet Season (November-Jan) : Singapores sees heavy rainfall during this time, but rest assured, it won’t last long! The wet season in Singapore sees short, heavy rains (generally accompanied by mesmerizing thunderstorms), so although you might have to shelter for a moment, you’ll be back out sightseeing in no time. This is also the best time for backpacking in Singapore as it’s the low season with fewer crowds and more affordable prices. 

Cool Season (December-February): Temperatures remain relatively consistent year-round in Singapore, but for the coolest temperatures, consider December to February the best time to visit Singapore. During this time, temperatures are milder (25 – 30 °C), making it an excellent time for exploring the city and making the most of outdoor activities in the city’s jungle fringes. Please note that Christmas makes December one of the most popular times to visit, and accommodation and tours can be more expensive, so book well in advance.

Coastlines and Beaches in Singapore 

Although Singapore is not known for its coastline, it is home to some beautiful urban beach spots. Sentosa Island, in particular, is deemed by locals as one of the best places to visit in Singapore , home to several lovely beaches like Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach, and Tanjong Beach. The island is mainly known for its water parks and beach clubs and is considered more of an entertainment destination rather than for beach relaxation.

East Coast Park is another popular spot, offering respite from the city and popular with families who flock to its shores for rollerblading, picnics, and BBQs. Although the waters aren’t the clearest, locals and tourists alike love the space for outdoor activities — it’s the perfect place to rent a bike and explore the unexpected natural surroundings of this sprawling urban jungle.

More natural experiences can be found in the jungle and nature reserves surrounding the city, which are just a bus ride away! Spend your vacation in Singapore spotting monkeys in the rainforest canopy in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, ride the cable car to the top of Mount Faber, or get your adrenaline pumping as you look for crocodiles and monitor lizards in the spectacular Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. 

Wherever you choose, the countless natural experiences in Singapore make it one of the most unique cities to visit in the world! There’s nowhere else where you can sip coffee under lofty skyscrapers in the morning and be immersed deep in a serene jungle landscape by afternoon. Zipline across Sentosa Island, gaze in wonder at the waterfalls of the cloud forest, and cross suspension bridges in the forest canopy at MacRitchie Reservoir —  Singapore is not to be missed!

Food, Culture, and Religion in Malaysia 

As a city-state with a long history of colonization and immigration, Singapore is one of the most incredible melting pots of different cultures and religions. Instead of these differences being divisive, the community is incredibly harmonious, with groups of people from all different backgrounds coming together to share and enjoy various traditions. This makes Singapore travel a truly fascinating experience. 

Religion: There is not one predominant faith in Singapore. Instead, the city sees the practice of Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, and the lesser-known Taoism (a philosophy indigenous to China). Because of the unique range of religions that co-exist here, travelers will find an incredible array of temples in the city, with some of the most famous being the beautiful red Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and the pristine white cathedral of St Andrews, which stands out among the contemporary skyscrapers of Singapore’s central business district. 

Food: The food scene in Singapore is iconic and is one of the main things to enjoy about a holiday in Singapore ! The city’s multiculturalism has created a haven of flavors, from the spices of authentic Indian food to the cheap and fragrant hawker stalls in Chinatown. Chinese and Malaysian influences come together to produce Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab, and Nasi Lemak. Alternatively, you can dine on the most delicious Roti and Biryani curry under the colorful facades of vibrant Little India. International dishes have also made their way to the city, with an upscale dining scene led by famous chefs from all over the world, each pushing new innovational recipes and gastronomical wonders. 

Experience a mix of everything; eat curry with your hands as you sit on stools on the street edge in Little India, sample a delicacy from each vendor in the busy hawker centers, or reserve a table at one of the Michelin Star restaurants, dining on regional delicacies while drinking in night time city views. There’s a dish and a restaurant for every traveler; enjoying the food is one of the best things to do in Singapore ! 

Tip: Make sure to try the Hawker favorite: Char Kway Teow, a delicious wok noodle dish from China (usually served on a banana leaf with a squeeze of lime!).

Culture: The culture in Singapore is vibrant, warm, and a testament to the harmony and cohesion of the community. With so many languages, faiths, and nationalities living together in the same area, the city offers a unique social landscape where blended families and friends come together to celebrate each other’s religious holidays, traditional plates, and dialects. In fact, the icon of Singapore represents precisely this: look out for the Merlion, a statue with the head of a lion and the body of a fish that represents the humble beginnings of Singapore as a fishing village and a fusion of cultures. On your vacation in Singapore , celebrate world-famous religious festivals like Chinese New Year and Deepavali, and learn more about the arts, such as Malay dance, Chinese opera, or Indian songs. 

The intermingling of religion , culture , and delicious food makes traveling in Singapore a multicultural feast for the senses!

Why You Should Travel to Singapore

A city of endless possibilities; that’s why Singapore is so infectious! Exciting contrasts meet you at every corner, from the fusion of cultures and religions to the juxtaposition between tradition and modernity. In no city can you find such a landscape of extremes, where a monkey-inhabited rainforest grows between innovative architectural wonders. With so much to explore and the addictive personality of this magical city, there’s always more to see on another vacation in Singapore !

Visitors are mainly drawn to Singapore for the luxury restaurants, hotels, and fantastic shopping in one of the world’s cleanest and most beautiful cities. But Singapore isn’t just about glamor – there’s ancient history and tradition to be found, too, among the numerous temples, colonial buildings, and authentic streets of districts like Little India and Chinatown. It’s something special that in 24 hours, you can wander under traditional lanterns and temples, see monitor Lizards in the wild, and dine on the most luxurious food — all in one place!

For a bucket list activity on your Singapore holiday , head to the unforgettable Gardens by the Bay, where you can see one of the most spectacular free light shows, accompanied by music that echoes from avatar-like structures. Or for those who like their days accompanied by a little adrenaline, ride the rollercoasters at Universal Studios, go ziplining at Sentosa Island, or be blown away by the G-force of the cars at the Singapore Grand Prix! 

Safety and Travel Advice in Singapore

Singapore is one of the safest countries to travel to, with the government working hard to ensure the security of travelers and residents. However, like any destination, it’s always good to exercise precaution on your travels. Use the following information to help you get the most out of your journey. 

Natural Disasters: Singapore is unlikely to experience any natural disasters. However, thunderstorms are frequent during the wet season (November to January). Always keep an eye on the weather, and take shelter indoors during storms. Stay informed by registering with your embassy to receive emergency updates on your trip.

Crime and safety in Singapore: Singapore has one of the lowest crime rates globally! Nevertheless, exercise caution by keeping valuables secure and leaving any important belongings at home. Like any destination, we recommend avoiding isolated areas at night, sticking to well-lit spots with more people, and being extra vigilant in crowded places and when withdrawing cash at ATMs. 

Learn more about travel safety

Traffic in Singapore: The infrastructure in Singapore is fantastic, and strict traffic rules keep people safe. The government has enforced high costs to own and drive a car in Singapore (to keep congestion low), so it’s unlikely you’ll drive on your trip. Rest assured, though, the public transport system is fantastic and is the best way to get around on your vacation in Singapore .

Cultural Sensitivity: Singapore has an incredibly diverse range of faiths, and everyone lives harmoniously and respectfully. Adhere to their customs and traditions by covering up when visiting places of worship, removing shoes before entering temples and people’s homes, and asking permission to take photos of local people. Please note that public displays of affection are often frowned upon.

Drugs and Drinking: Singapore has very strict drug laws and high penalties for possession. Always consume alcohol responsibly, bearing in mind that drunken and disorderly behavior is sanctioned and can lead to fines or even arrest.

Note: Chewing gum is not sold in Singapore (its sale is completely banned!). You can be fined for chewing, so avoid bringing it into the country. This is part of the government’s efforts to keep the city clean. 

Travel Insurance: One of the most important things you must do before your Singapore holiday is purchase travel insurance. This gives you assurance for unexpected accidents – for example, an injury, canceled flight, or lost baggage. Please note that Singapore has high medical care costs, so ensure you have comprehensive insurance covering high medical expenses. Check out these best travel insurances .

I Went Anyways

Singapore Travel Guide 2023

Last Updated on June 1, 2023 by Tina

The very first time I visited Singapore was in 2011. I stayed there for 7 days. The first 4 days were with my friend Violet and the remaining 3 were spent with me exploring alone, although I stayed at my friend’s apartment. She had work though so she couldn’t accompany me with the sightseeing. It was my first out-of-the-country trip that was not work-related and I didn’t prepare anything for that trip. I didn’t read any Singapore travel guide. I only relied on Violet for where to go and what to do.

Back then when I visit a place I don’t check travel blogs. I rely on recommendations from locals (usually the receptionist at the hotel) on where to eat, places to visit, and how to get to those places.

After that trip, I went back to Singapore a few times, and last year, I accompanied my mom there. I don’t mind going back to Singapore again and again, especially if it’s free. 😀 I remember after that first trip to Singapore I wanted to live there. Unfortunately, my profession is not fit for Singapore.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. However, it contains affiliate links. If you book through the links, I may earn a commission. This commission comes at no extra cost to you. The small income I make here will help in maintaining this blog. Thanks for your support!

Singapore may be a small country, but it has so many things to offer. I used to have a  plan of doing all the heritage trails, walking trails, and trying out all the hawker centers in Singapore and writing about all of these in my blog and maybe even writing a guidebook.

In the meantime, here is a detailed Singapore travel guide to make planning your trip easier, maximize your time and save you money on your trip to the Lion City.

Singapore Travel Requirements

Singapore arrival card / sg arrival card.

The SG Arrival Card is the electronic version of the paper disembarkation/embarkation card that is filled out and submitted for immigration clearance upon arrival in Singapore. It must be submitted within 3 days before arriving in Singapore.

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Valid Passport and Visa (if required)

Your passport must be valid for at least six months. As for a visa, depending on your passport, you may need a visa to enter Singapore.  To check whether you need a visa, check the  Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) Website .

Filipinos are eligible for visa exemption in Singapore. They are allowed to stay in the country visa-free for 30 days.

Best Month to Visit Singapore

Singapore has a typically tropical climate, with abundant rainfall and hot and humid all year round. Its temperature and relative humidity do not show large month-to-month variation. The relative humidity is always above 80% while the temperature is between 24 to 32 degrees Celcius. Based on climate station records from 1992 to 2020, December is the wettest month in Singapore and May is the hottest. February is the best month to visit as it has the least rainfall and the temperature is relatively cooler compared to other months.

Singapore climate

How to Get to Singapore

You can get to Singapore by air, land, or sea.

Singapore’s airport, Changi Airport is regularly voted the best airport in the world. It serves both domestic and international flights from different locations around the world. It connects Singapore to international destinations like Dubai, Delhi, Bangkok, Melbourne, London, and many more. Check below flight schedules to Singapore.

To get to downtown Singapore from the airport, you can either take a bus, MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), taxi, or a private transfer through Klook .

You can travel to Singapore from Malaysia by land through a public bus or by driving. I’ve experienced traveling to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from Singapore in 2013 by an overnight train. But it wasn’t a direct train. I took a bus from Woodlands to JB Sentral and boarded the train to KL there. I have read that there is no direct train from Singapore to anywhere in Malaysia other than Johor Bahru.

Passenger ferries run from Indonesia and Malaysia to Singapore.

Currency and Where to Exchange Money

The Singapore dollar (SGD) is the official currency of Singapore. Notes come in denominations of S$2, S$5, S$10, S$50, S$100, S$1,000, and S$10,000. Coins come in 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents and S$1.

There are money changers at the airport as well as in downtown Singapore. You can find them in Orchard, Chinatown, Little India, and other areas. The exchange rate at the airport when we were there last year was US$ 100 = S$ 132.40. In a money changer in Chinatown, it was US$ 100 = S$ 135.

Almost everywhere in Singapore takes credit cards.

Internet Connection and Where to Buy Sim Card

Free WiFi service is available in the public and transit areas of Changi Airport, in hotels, some shopping malls, restaurants, and cafes in Singapore.

If you want to stay connected to the internet all the time, I recommend buying a local SIM card. They are very cheap and you can buy a SIM card at the airport or in the malls and in any 7-11 in downtown Singapore. You can also purchase online through Klook for S$10 and pick up the sim card at the airport or in outlets in other parts of Singapore.

When we were there, the only SIM card available at the airport is the one that costs S$32 and it is a tourist sim card. I decided to buy the prepaid SIM card in 7-11 because the tourist sim card expires in a few days or in a month (I think). Also, I bought it for S$15 only. It comes with 8GB of data, an extra 100GB, and S$15 value (I was able to use it to call the hotel). The sim is valid for 120 days and will remain active as long as you top up before it expires. Mine is still active.

Where to Stay in Singapore

There are plenty of hotels to choose from in Singapore depending on your budget. However, compared to other countries in Southeast Asia, hotels in Singapore are more expensive. There are hostels too, but I haven’t experienced staying in one because I have friends there and I have never experienced traveling solo to Singapore. (I flew to Singapore alone in 2020, but it was to visit my then-boyfriend so I stayed at his place). I recommend that you stay in a hotel located near MRT Station. Below are some hotels recommended by other travel bloggers.

Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands

Raffles Hotel Singapore

Andaz singapore.

Andaz Singapore

Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre

Yotel singapore orchard road.

YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road

Hipstercity Hostel

Hotel supreme.

Hotel Supreme

During the trip with my mom, we stayed at Champion Hotel City . Although the room is quite small, the room’s layout was made in such a way that the space was maximized. It is very clean, reasonably priced, and a walking distance to Clarke Quay MRT Station.

Champion Hotel City

Getting Around Singapore

Mass rapid transit (mrt).

Singapore’s MRT system is very efficient, one of the cheapest, and is the easiest way to get around the city-state. The trains are clean and comfortable. Most of the popular attractions are a short walk from an MRT station. Operation hours of the MRT are from 5:30 AM to around midnight daily.

To pay for your ride, use a stored value card such as EZ-Link or NETS Flashpay. You can purchase a card at all MRT stations. Fares are charged based on distance traveled.

Download the Singapore Train System map and get around the city with ease.

Singapore Train System Map

Another cheap way of getting around Singapore is by bus. The public bus system covers most places in Singapore. Just like the MRT, you can pay for your ride using a stored-value card.

A more comfortable but more expensive way of getting around Singapore is by taking a taxi. Taxis are especially handy for places that are not accessible by bus or MRT.

You can hail a traditional taxi by the roadside at most places, or you can queue for one at a taxi stand. For ride-sharing companies such as Grab and Go-Jek, simply download their app and order a taxi through your smartphone.

Singapore has a well-connected network of cycling paths, and there are licensed operators where you can rent shared bicycles. Exploring Singapore on a bike is faster than walking, cheaper and greener than ride-sharing, and lets you enjoy the green spaces of the city-state.

How Many Days in Singapore

Singapore is not that big but there are a lot of interesting sights to see and things to do. If you have a limited time, four full days are enough to visit the major sights, but your days will be packed. But if you want to explore at a more relaxed pace, I’d say 5 days to a week.

Places to Visit in Singapore

Gardens by the bay.

One of the most visited spots in Singapore, Gardens by the Bay is a nature park located in the heart of Singapore’s downtown. Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, Floral Fantasy, and Supertree Grove are the must-visit attractions here.

Cloud Forest

The Cloud Forest is a cooled conservatory that is home to one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls.

The indoor waterfall at Cloud Forest

Flower Dome

The Flower Dome holds the Guinness World Record for the largest glass greenhouse. It has nine themed gardens- the Baobabs, Succulent Garden, Australian Garden, South African Garden, South American Garden, Californian Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Olive Grove, and Flower Field.

The Mediterranean Garden in Flower Dome

PURCHASE GARDENS BY THE BAY FLOWER DOME AND CLOUD FOREST TICKET HERE

Floral Fantasy

The Floral Fantasy is an indoor garden with a mix of over 15,000 fresh-cut, dried, and preserved blooms overhanging from the ceiling.

Nobu, the garden guardian at Floral Fantasy

PURCHASE FLORAL FANTASY TICKET HERE

Supertree Grove

The Supertrees are sustainable vertical gardens. They house plants of over 200 species and 7 of the Supertrees are designed to harvest solar energy. Twice nightly at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM, there is a light and sound show. You can watch the show for free.

A good place to watch the light and sound show is from the OCBC Skyway . It is a 128-meter-long aerial walkway 22 meters off the ground that connects some Supertrees. At the Skyway you are closer to the dancing lights, and you also get to enjoy a stunning view of the Singapore skyline and the futuristic forest of Gardens by the Bay. This attraction is not free though. You need to purchase a ticket for the OCBC Skyway. Each visitor is given 15 minutes at the Skyway.

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PURCHASE OCBC SKYWAY TICKET HERE

Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island is Singapore’s foremost leisure island with fun-filled attractions, resorts, and facilities for all ages. This is where you’ll find Resorts World Sentosa, Universal Studios Singapore, and the white sandy beaches of Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach, and Tanjong Beach. Just around the corner, you’ll find VivoCity, Singapore’s biggest mall.

Universal Studios Singapore

Universal Studios Singapore is a theme park packed with attractions that are specially designed for Singapore. It has loads of rides and activities that bring the joys of the silver screen to life.

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PURCHASE YOUR UNIVERSAL STUDIOS TICKET HERE

Trick Eye Museum

The Trick Eye Museum is a 3D art museum with a huge array of hand-painted art exhibits that use a special art technique, making 2D art-pop into 3D. There are no signs such as ‘Don’t Touch’ or ‘No Flash’ in this museum. Visitors are encouraged to touch and take photos of all displayed works.

Trick Eye Museum Singapore

Related Post: 7 Things To Do In Singapore With Kids (And Kids At Heart)

Kampong Glam

Kampong Glam started out as a village occupied by the Malay upper class. It was assigned to the Malay and Arab communities in 1822 and remains a central place for Singapore’s Malay and Muslim communities. You will find here the Sultan Mosque, one of Singapore’s oldest and most important mosques. Haji Lane can also be found in this area. It is lined with colorful boutiques, cafes, and chill-out spots and is famous among Instagram influencers.

Sultan Mosque

Little India

Little India is home to Singapore’s Indian community. It offers snapshots of life as it is on the streets of New Delhi and Mumbai. Located in Little India is the former house of Tan Teng Niah. It is a colorful house that is the last surviving Chinese villa in Little India. You will also find in this area the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Singapore’s first temple dedicated to the goddess Kali. Mustafa Centre, a department store selling everything from groceries to electronics, clothes, gold jewelry, and home appliances and is open 24 hours a day is located here.

Former House of Tan Teng Niah

Discover Chinese heritage in Chinatown. Centuries-old practices and traditions still thrive here. With plenty of food options, rich heritage, and interesting sights, it is one of the most visited places in Singapore. You will find in this area Sri Mariamman Temple, the most revered Hindu temple in Singapore. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, a Buddhist temple that houses a relic said to be a tooth from Buddha is also located here.

Sri Mariamman Temple

Marina Bay was once a basin where the Singapore River spilled into the Singapore Strait and is now home to Marina Bay Sands, one of the world’s most iconic buildings. The Esplanade, Merlion Park, and Singapore Flyer can be found in this area.

Instagrammable places in Singapore

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Home to thousands of tropical plants and a large collection of orchids, the Singapore Botanical Gardens is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Singapore.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Instagrammable Spots in Singapore

Singapore was named the most Instagrammable place in the world in 2022 by the travel publication Big 7 Travel. The city-state is full of photo opportunities from green spaces, interesting architecture, colorful houses, temples, beautiful street art, and even cafes and restaurants. I have a post on the 14 Instagrammable Places in Singapore , and here are some spots from that list.

Old Hill Street Police Station

Located in Central Area, it was constructed in the 1930s and served as a police station until 1981. It now houses the Ministry of Communications and Information as well as the Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth. The building’s brightly-colored rainbow windows and walls make it the perfect backdrop for photos.

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The Jewel at Changi Airport is a nature-themed shopping mall linked to three of the passenger terminals of the airport. Its centerpiece is the Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Light shows take place daily every hour from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM and at 11:30 PM.

The Jewel

The Future World Exhibition in ArtScience Museum

The Future World exhibition in ArtScience Museum features different installations that combine arts and technology. The exhibits are interactive and feature state-of-the-art technology, and look great on your Instagram feed.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tina dP @ I Went Anyways (@tnadeperalta)

Fort Canning Park Tree Tunnel

Fort Canning Park Tree Tunnel is an underground crossing with a spiral staircase on the edge of Fort Canning Park. When you look up from the bottom of the staircase, you see a tree. It is a very popular photo spot in Singapore.

Joo Chiat Peranakan Houses

Another popular spot for photos is Joo Chiat. It is a small neighborhood in Singapore with colorful Peranakan houses.

Where to Eat in Singapore

Cafe monochrome.

Cafe Monochrome is Singapore’s 2D-themed cafe located in Kampong Glam. It serves Asian-Western fusion mains.

Cafe Monochrome

Lau Pa Sat is a popular hawker center located in the central business district of Singapore. The Hokkien mee at the center of Lau Pa Sat is recommended by a friend (something to try when I go back to Sg).

Muthu’s Curry in Little India

Another recommendation from a friend, Muthu’s curry serves traditional dishes from both the Northern and Southern regions of India.

Balestier Bak Kut Teh

Bak kut teh is a pork rib dish cooked in broth that is popularly served in Malaysia and Singapore. Balestier Bak Kut Teh uses sugarcane to prepare their soup.

Boon Tong Kee

With 8 outlets in Singapore, Boon Tong Kee is the home of the famous chicken rice.

Ya Kun Kaya Toast

Ya Kun Kaya Toast is a chain of mass-market cafes serving kaya toast , a traditional Singaporean breakfast made of lightly toasted bread slices, slathered with a nice layer of kaya jam (pandan flavored coconut egg jam), and with a thin slice of cold butter. It is served with half-boiled egg and coffee or tea.

Kaya toast

Related Post: How to Make Kaya Spread and Kaya Toast at Home

Tiong Bahru Bakery

Tiong Bahru Bakery is an artisan bakery that serves freshly baked pastries and bread. It is famous for its croissants.

Other Useful Information When Visiting Singapore

Where to take a pre-departure test for your next destination.

For your next destination, you may be required to submit a negative RT-PCR or ART result. You can do it in most clinics and hospitals in Singapore. We had our test at The Testing Pro in Clarke Quay Central. It is near Love Locks Singapore. The ART costs S$ 25 and the result was sent to our email after an hour.

You can also have the test with Doctor Anywhere or Hidoc .

Attending Catholic Mass in Singapore

For Catholics who are planning to attend a mass while in Singapore, you need to register at https://mycatholic.sg/ and make a booking prior to the service.

Most Singaporeans are fluent in English. They also speak an additional language, usually Mandarin Chinese, Malay, or Tamil.

The standard voltage used in Singapore is 220-240 volts AC, 50 hertz. The power plug used is the three-pronged pin. Adapters are easy to buy and cost around SGD 1.5.

Smoking is not allowed in all air-conditioned areas such as restaurants and malls. It is also an offense to smoke in public buses, MRT trains, taxis, and elevators.

Postal Services

If you need to mail anything while in Singapore, you can do it via SingPost .

Hope this guide was able to provide you with all the information you need about traveling to Singapore. If you have other questions about travel to Singapore, or if there is information that you would like to correct or add,  feel free to leave a comment below or send me an email or DM me on my social media accounts.

Subscribe to my blog to get notifications of my new posts. And please follow my Facebook page @iwentanyways  and like my Instagram accounts  @iwentanyways  and  @tnadeperalta for updates.

5 thoughts on “Singapore Travel Guide 2023”

visit singapore blog

You have covered most of the useful things every traveler, whether a first-timer or a frequent visitor, wants to know about Singapore. This travel guide is very useful for all of them.

visit singapore blog

Having a vacation in Singapore is pretty expensive but it’s totally worth it. Thanks for your guide. I will surely use these tips when visiting Singapore again.

visit singapore blog

Thank you for sharing your blog! Very informative.

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Singapore Itinerary 7 Days (First-Timer’s Bucket List)

Table of Contents

If you’re trying to put together a Singapore itinerary for 7 days, I can help you out!

I traveled to Singapore for the first time a few years back. My mom was on a work trip there, so it was the perfect excuse for some mother-daughter time. I explored the city solo most days since my mom’s office expected her to work on this trip (the audacity!). 

The surprising part was that even with a whole week to explore Singapore, I still felt overwhelmed trying to figure out an efficient plan to see all the highlights. 

It’s a massive city-state. 

In the end, I’d do a few things differently next time (more on that later), but I found some fascinating museums, ordered hawker food like a pro, and discovered why the Singapore Zoo is best at night!

Here’s a detailed itinerary for how to make the most of a week in Singapore. 

If it’s your first time here, use my cheat sheet to plan your week.

  • Day 1 – Marina Bay
  • Day 2 – Chinatown
  • Day 3 – Little India & Haji Lane
  • Day 4 – Shopping!
  • Day 5 – Tiong Bahru’s cute cafes
  • Day 6 – Sentosa Island
  • Day 7 – Jewel Changi Airport

Nina and her mother posing in front of the Supertree Grove in Singapore

Day 1 – Explore Marina Bay

Morning – gardens by the bay.

On the first morning in Singapore, head over to Marina Bay and take a morning stroll through the iconic supertrees and other cool attractions in the area.

Almost every single Singapore travel blog mentions the Supertree Grove , and now I can see why. It ended up being one of my favorite experiences!

The purple metal structures have greenery winding its way up the trunks to form living, man-made trees that tower over the city of Singapore.

There’s a suspended walkway you can stroll along to get a closer look at these futuristic-looking trees.

Singapore

The Flower Dome is another fascinating part of Marina Bay – even if you have terrible allergies, like me. It’s spring year-round here, and you’ll easily spend an hour exploring the prettiest pathways of flowers.

The dome has air-conditioning, which keeps it at a reasonable temperature for the flowers and makes it more comfortable for visitors like me who want to escape the heat.

Cherry blossoms at the Flower Dome

You should also check out the Cloud Forest , a surreal indoor biodome next door. When you open the doors to the Cloud Forest, you’ll feel like you’ve left Singapore for the Amazon. There’s an 8-story waterfall!

I also noticed species from all around the world. I could spot the orchids and the ballerina flowers I’d come to love in New Zealand , but there were many flowers I’d never seen before.

Waterfall at the Cloud Forest

I recommend this all-in-one access pass to Gardens by the Bay

I find the Singaporean food scene so extra (in the best way). It’s so over-the-top that their hawker stalls are rated by Michelin, but it’s also very cool. 

Hawker food courts are a big part of Singaporean life. They offer a diverse mix of cuisines, including Chinese, Indian, Malaysian, Japanese, Korean, and Western.

But they can get overwhelming quickly, so I recommend starting with the tourist-friendly Jurassic Nest right at the center of Gardens by the Bay.

Lunch recommendations

  • Hawker Chan – world’s first hawker to get a Michelin star.
  • Tsuta – world’s first ramen stall to get a Michelin star.
  • Bismillah Biryani – Michelin-rated biryani.

Take this hawker food tour to learn more about Singapore’s hawker culture

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Afternoon – Marina Bay 

After all that food, you’ll want to take a walk to recover.

I recommend strolling along the Marina Bay boardwalk around the waterfront area to see the iconic Marina Bay Sands .

If you’re like me, you’ll somehow manage to get lost for 3 hours by taking a strange turn. But I’m guessing you’ll have a better sense of direction and Google Maps! 

For some trippy tech-inspired art, visit the ArtScience Museum . But if that doesn’t sound like your thing, you could also do more shopping near the waterfront at The Shoppes Mall. 

P.S. It gets super hot here, so plan time for indoor pit stops along your walk.

I recommend this customizable walking tour to get to know Marina Bay

Marina Bay Sands lit up at night in Singapore

Evening – Spectra Light & Water Show

The Marina Bay lights up every night in a stunning light show.

There are usually two shows each night at 8PM and 9:30PM. The show begins with laser lights, firework displays, and synchronized music over the water.

Marina Bay is known to be home to the world’s best restaurants. I recommend splurging a little and treating yourself to a fine dinner! Here are some of my top recommendations.

  • KOMA – otherworldly sushi bar serving up modern Japanese eats.
  • CUT by Wolfgang Puck – come here for excellent steaks.
  • Mott 32 – I hear the Apple-Wood Peking Duck here is the best in Singapore!

End the night with cocktails at Marina Bay Sands‘ rooftop bar. Yes, it’s way overpriced, but you’ll get an amazing view. You could even come here a little early and get the best seats for the evening light show.

Another option for nightlife is across the bay at Raffles Hotel . The famous Singapore Sling cocktail originated in their hotel bar!

Day 2 – More Famous Landmarks

Morning – the merlion.

Visiting the Merlion is a rite of passage in Singapore. It’s a half-fish, half-lion statue that serves as the city’s mascot.

The mythical creature holds a lot of significance. It became the national symbol back in the 14th century when the city-state was first named Singapura – Singa (lion) Pura (city-pura). The Merlion designer drew inspiration from this.

The main Merlion was under construction when I was there, so I had to settle for the mini version beside it, which you can see in the photo.

Merlion fountain

I recommend this customizable walking tour to get to know the Merlion

Fullerton hotel in Singapore

Afternoon – The Fullerton Hotel  

The Fullerton Hotel is one of the most historic places in Singapore.

In a city-state where almost everything is less than 20 years, that’s saying something!

Stop by this stunning hotel to see its art deco interior, adorable cafe, and small museum. You’ll learn about the former post office that once called the hotel home.

Then, have lunch at the cafe for a classy Singaporean meal, which is known for its cakes!

I also recommend dressing up for this stopover to take photos in their grand lobby. 

Seriously, the Fullerton is classy AF!

Book your stay at the Fullerton Hotel

IMG 4192

Evening – Explore Chinatown

After leaving The Fullerton Hotel, I got desperately lost (as often happens to me). But hey, getting lost is part of the fun with travel and sometimes leads to even more fun experiences than you could have planned. 

That was true in this case!

Thanks to my ability to confuse left and right, I wandered to Chinatown and discovered some unique places you can check out.

Cool things to see in Chinatown

  • Old Singapore architecture. I love seeing all the old shophouses.
  • Michelin-starred curry puff hawker stand (don’t laugh until you try it!)
  • Thian Hock Keng Temple – first Chinese temple in Singapore.
  • Buddha Tooth Relic Temple – Buddhist temple and museum. It looks so majestic!
  • Sri Mariamman Temple – Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple.

IMG 4209

I recommend this historic Chinatown tour

Once you start getting hungry, you should use this evening to try Singapore’s most famous dish – Chili Crab.

Chilli crab has Chinese and Malaysian roots but is utterly Singaporean. It’s served in the shell but cut into pieces. It’s sitting in a red sauce that I managed to cover myself to the elbows while devouring.

I even sliced open my index finger, trying to get the elusive bit of crab meat from the joint.

The sauce is a mixture of spices that bring on a pleasantly slow burn as you eat. It’s not overly spicy, but your lips will be tingling by the end of the meal.

There are plenty of chili crab restaurants in the Chinatown area. I went to JUMBO Seafood . It’s a chain restaurant, but it’s where the locals get their crab!

While you’re there, order some cereal prawns and black pepper crab. Their fried rice is also delicious!

Day 3 – Get to Know Singapore’s History & Culture

National Museum of Singapore

Morning – The National Museum of Singapore

I make it a point to visit museums when I travel to get to know the place better. I arrived at The National Museum of Singapore just in time for the free guided tour in English . 

The tour took an hour and a half. It covered the entirety of the museum and discussed all key points in history that make up the Singapore we know today.

Before arriving in Singapore, I hadn’t even realized it was a city-state. I’d assumed there were other cities inside it!

The two floors of the expansive museum would have been incredibly daunting to deal with on my own. Reading signs about the wars or schooling issues wouldn’t have been as impactful as hearing our guide recount his personal experiences with them.

On a side note, I found out that the church where they shot the Crazy Rich Asians wedding scene is a short walk away from the museum (and that it’s not actually a church but a nightlife spot !).

IMG 4224

Afternoon – Little India

Singapore is a multi-racial country, so you’ll find neighborhoods for every ethnicity living in Singapore .

Little India is a lively area with Bollywood music blasting from restaurants and shops. Each shop sells beautiful, shimmering things, from saree fabric to jewelry.

Cool things to see in Little India

  • Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple – a historic Hindu temple known for its grand five-tiered tower.
  • House of Tan Teng Niah – one of the last Chinese villas around. The rainbow-colored house makes for cute photos!
  • Indian Heritage Centre – showcases the history of the Indian community in Singapore.
  • Tekka Centre – stop at this market to see rare vegetables you’ve probably never even heard of before.

On your way to Little India, you should stop for lunch at Zam Zam. 

Zam Zam is the best place to have Murtabak in Singapore. They’ve been around since 1908, making it one of the oldest restaurants in the city. 

Murtabak is like a spiced, stuffed pizza. You can choose to have a chicken or mutton filling.

The side dish sounds a little weird, but apparently, it’s very Singaporean (and Southern Malaysian) to eat murtabak with a plate of cucumbers topped with sweet chili sauce.

Enjoy snacks along the way on this Little India Hawker Tour

Evening – Haji Lane

Haji Lane is a hip neighborhood southeast of Little India near the Sultan Mosque. 

You can head here later in the evening for lively nightlife and great food! Take your time walking down the small alleyways and checking out all the super cool murals.

It’s a great spot to shop at indie boutiques, sample local craft beer, and grab dinner.  Good Luck Beerhouse is an excellent spot for dim sum with drinks, and Blu Jaz Cafe is an eclectic bar with a massive selection of Singaporean and international food.

Try this walking tour to explore the Malay culture in Haji Lane and beyond

Day 4 – Shop Til You Drop

Morning & afternoon – shopping.

Singapore is well known for its luxurious shopping.

I may have been a budget solo traveler at the time, but I still wanted to shop at the local stores.

Whatever you plan to get, you’ll probably find it on Orchard Road. The street has a seemingly endless line of shopping malls, so set aside at least half a day to go through them all.

On a side note, I was hoping Singapore would have a few treats for me to add to my wardrobe of 8 shirts (yes, I only brought 8 shirts to New Zealand . It made for complicated laundry days.) It turns out that the treat Singapore had for me was body issues.

An XL in Singapore is about an XS in Canada . If I hadn’t gotten a size small shirt from H&M, I would easily have had some sort of body image meltdown .

Singapore Zoo at night

Evening – Singapore Night Zoo

I love zoos (which I now struggle with due to animal rights politics and my agreement with those politics).

But the night safari at the Singapore zoo was a big highlight on my Singapore 7-day itinerary.

My mom had been before, and she loved it. It’s pretty cool to get the chance to see nocturnal animals in action.

We decided to walk the trails, but I found it kind of creepy. The paths are pretty dark, and the jungle grows high on either side. Occasionally, a spider web or mosquito will brush against your leg.

The tram route passes different animals, so even if you’ve walked the trails, it’s still worth doing! 

During our visit, we saw almost every creature in the exhibits, from the heaviest-maned lions to stalking cheetahs to inquisitive owls. They were all awake and active. It made me feel like an excited kid again, spotting all my favorite animals!

Take the Singapore Night Safari tour

Day 5 – Coffee, Croissants & Parks

Morning – tiong bahru.

Another thing I love about Singapore is the buzzing cafe scene, and Tiong Bahru is home to some of the best spots.

It’s a cute little area with an old-world charm. It’s fun to check out the funky street art, art deco buildings, and cool boutiques.

For brunch, head to Tiong Bahru Bakery . The French bakery has some of the best croissants and kouign-amman outside of France. 

For fellow celiacs , don’t worry, though.There’s always TIANN’S . This fully gluten-free cafe serves a celiac-friendly take on all kinds of local pastries like the kaya butter toast. It’s a sandwich topped with butter and coconut curd.

Afternoon – Singapore Botanic Gardens

Walk off all those yummy treats with a relaxing stroll at this beautiful UNESCO site . The garden’s lush greenery makes it a great hideout from the city’s insane heat, and it’s free to enter. 

One of my favorite sections is the National Orchid Garden, which has the world’s largest orchid collection (Note – there’s an entrance fee to this section).

You should also stop by Swan Lake and the Singapore Botanic Gardens Heritage Museum to learn about the garden’s historic role as a plantation.

IMG 4419

Evening – Dinner at Michelin-Starred Peranakan Restaurant

Our family friend Kean decided to take us out of the city for dinner, and it was so fantastic that I couldn’t help but add it to my 7 days in Singapore itinerary.

Candlenut specializes in Peranakan food, a type of Malaysian cuisine. It’s a rich mix of Chinese and Malay cooking. Kean is from Malaysia, so he navigated the menu for us. 

My meal was above and beyond my expectations. I’ve had some pretty amazing food in my life (even just on this trip), but Candlenut blew me away.

Everything we got was like a bite of heaven.

If you don’t have your own Kean, I recommend giving the waiter complete control of your menu. Tell them how hungry you are and let them choose from their specialties.

IMG 4373

Day 6 – Soak Up the Sun in Sentosa

IMG 4482

Morning & Afternoon – Day Trip to Sentosa Island

For your last full day in Singapore, take the chance to soak up some sun away from the downtown crowds.

Sentosa is a small island packed full of entertainment. It has white sand beaches , a Universal Studios amusement park, resorts, and an extensive cable car track.

If we’d come to Singapore when I was 13 or younger, I would have had no interest in leaving Sentosa the whole trip. It’s such a fun place!

I recommend taking the cable car to the island of Sentosa and then walking back to the mainland. You’ll pass the beach, where you can pose with the Sentosa sign, like I did.

Bring your swimsuit and a towel to enjoy the water, or just relax on the sand and get something to sip on from the oceanfront resorts.

IMG 4491

Get your Sentosa cable car tickets

Evening – Dinner at Maxwell Food Center

Now that we’re coming to the end of our 7-day Singapore itinerary, it’s time to level up the hawker experience by going to an authentic, local-approved spot.

These hawker centers are essentially open-air food stands where you can buy a mix of different dishes simultaneously. Each vendor specializes in 1 to 3 dishes that they have perfected.

What’s good at Maxwell Food Center?

  • Tian Tian – Hainanese chicken rice (rocks a Michelin Bib Gourmand!). 
  • Ye Lai Xiang Tasty Barbecue – Singaporean-style chicken chops with a tangy sauce.
  • Fu Zhou Oyster Cake – super crispy fritters stuffed with oyster, pork, and prawns.
  • Danlao – Hong Kong-style scrambled egg rice.

Hawker Center Survival Guide

It’s hot, chaotic, and gets super overwhelming for first-timers. So here are some of the best tips I learned about how to have the best time here.

  • Have one person save a table. If you’re on your own, leave a napkin on the table to reserve it. Singaporeans often use tissue packets to do this.
  • Order an assortment of items at the same time. Go to different stalls to try the best eats.
  • If you’re unsure what to get, ask the owner to recommend something.
  • If you don’t know how to pronounce a dish, there are usually pictures you can point at.
  • Be prepared to pay in cash, as some stalls don’t accept credit cards.
  • If the market isn’t busy, it’s fine to hang out at your table after you’ve eaten. If it is, it’s polite to move along so others can eat.

Changi Airport waterfall in Singapore

Day 7 – Explore Jewel Changi Airport

Singapore’s Changi Airport is rated as one of the best in the world . It’s one of the few airports that you want to get to way ahead of your departure. It’s known for having incredible entertainment options!

Jewel Changi Airport has much to explore: an indoor waterfall, a butterfly garden, a trampoline park, a hedge maze, adult slides (yep, for adults), a movie theatre, and a fantastic food selection.

There are also a few transit hotels , so you don’t need to go through customs again if you have an overnight layover.

I had a super early flight back to New Zealand , so I never got to enjoy the airport properly. But next time, I hope to spend more time here!

Get lounge access at Changi Airport

IMG 4421

Tips for Spending 7 Days in Singapore  

  • The public transportation system in Singapore is efficient, extensive, and easy to navigate. You can get the Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited daily travel on the local bus, LRT, and MRT lines.  
  • If you’re up for it, you can explore most areas on foot. Singapore is very pedestrian-friendly.
  • It gets really hot and humid here! Dress in light, breathable clothing and be prepared to duck into the cool air-conditioned malls along your walks. 
  • This is a weird one but don’t bring chewing gum in your luggage. Chewing gum is banned in Singapore.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Singapore?

February to April is generally the best time to visit Singapore.

The city-state enjoys great tropical weather throughout the year, but the dry season between February and April means there’s less chance of rain and the humidity is lower too.

This period also has some of the best cultural festivals including Chinese New Year, Thaipusam, and the famous Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar.

If you’re looking for cheaper times to travel to Singapore, try the off-peak season between April and May.

I don’t recommend visiting Singapore in June and December. June is the school holiday season which means it gets overcrowded everywhere. December is when the monsoon season hits and your travel plans will very likely be derailed by heavy rain.

Where’s the Best Area to Stay in Singapore?

The best place to stay in Singapore is in the downtown business area.

This puts you close to all of the major attractions, and you’ll get iconic views of the Marina Bay light show every night. 

My favorite place to stay in Singapore is the Ritz Carlton Millenia .

The stunning hotel is just one street from Marina Bay, and each room has giant tubs to soak in after a long day walking around. I also loved the luxurious breakfast buffet. 

Read more about my experience staying at the Ritz Carlton Millenia to find out why you should book this hotel.

Want more hotel options? Here are some more recommendations

Best luxury hotels in the CBD area

  • Marina Bay Sands
  • Fullerton Hotel
  • Raffles Hotel

Best budget-friendly boutique hotels in Singapore

  • The Great Madras in Little India
  • Heritage Collection in Chinatown
  • The Sultan in Kampong Glam

Is Singapore Safe?  

As a solo female traveler , I felt very safe in Singapore. It was easy to get around, and I never felt in danger.  

But there are always risks associated with traveling overseas, and I feel a lot more confident when I have insurance. 

For my peace of mind, I recommend Safety Wing . It’s the most affordable, full-coverage insurance for traveling to Singapore. 

You don’t need the added stress of dealing with medical bills, lost luggage, or delayed flights when things go awry. You need a travel insurance provider you can trust to get you through the stress and be accessible 24/7.

I’ve always been able to rely on them when I’m sick abroad, have had flight cancellations, or have had something lost/stolen (these things happen!).

👉 Find out how much it costs to protect your trip today with Safety Wing travel insurance.

Singapore is a magnificent country with a ridiculous amount to do. Thanks to our family friend, we had a local guide who showed us the authentic Singapore.

Using this itinerary will allow you to see all of the major neighborhoods in Singapore (including some hidden gems), discover local culture, and enjoy delicious bites that many tourists miss out on. Also, if you want a luxurious place to stay, I cannot say enough about my experience at the Ritz-Carlton Milennia Hotel. Check out my full review of the Ritz-Carlton Milenia Hotel !

Fly to Singapore

Related posts:.

  • 10 Fun & Interesting Facts About Singapore
  • Where to Stay in Singapore: The Ritz-Carlton Millenia
  • Best Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tour: A Bucket List Adventure in Turkey

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Singapore 7 Days

Living Abroad Travel Planning Guide

🚑  Should I buy expat travel insurance?

100% YES!  — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Safety Wing!

🌎 What is the best country to live in as an expat?

It depends – the best country to live in as an expat will depend on your unique needs. I developed this free quiz to help you figure out where is right for you!

📍 How do I pick a country to live abroad?

It depends – picking a country to live in is hard. That’s why I developed this $7 course to share all of the steps I’ve taken when deciding to move to 20+ different countries, and how I handle homesickness when I get there.

Ultimately, making the choice of where to move is going to be hard. But the hardest thing is deciding to move abroad at all!

💼 How do I get a job as an expat?

You can find work abroad via local job boards or temp agencies. My favourite way to work is remotely, so I always look for jobs on FlexJobs.com when I live abroad. They hire for 100% remote roles only.

If you’re looking to teach English abroad, Premier TEFL has the best online course to get you great work!

💰 How do I open a bank account abroad?

Wise.com offers free global accounts, and the cheapest money transfers. Since it can be a headache to open bank accounts in different countries (it took me 2 months in the UK!), Wise.com is a great solution.

I actually use it as my primary bank now worldwide due to the multi-currency debit card. ( Read more )

👯‍♀️ How do you make friends abroad?

Meetup.com – Meet likeminded people who share a similar hobby with Meetup! It’s free to join, but some activities may cost money, like if you go to a cafe and get a coffee.

🙀 I don’t speak the language. Can I still live abroad?

Learn languages in no time with iTalki ! Moving abroad is an opportunity to learn the language. You don’t need to know it before you leave home.

💻 Do I need a VPN?

Yes! – VPNs allow you to access more of the internet. From US Netflix in the UK to social media sites banned in Asia. It’s a really helpful and cheap thing to ensure your online activities aren’t restricted.

🧳 What’s the best luggage for living abroad?

This is my favourite luggage set f or long term travel. You can read more about my review of types of suitcases for travel here .

🏡 How do I tell my friends and family I want to live abroad?

Take this $7 course and learn the exact script I used to tell my family I was moving abroad … and then when I did it again. I even include tips for prepping your family, and for how to handle family who aren’t supportive.

✈️  What’s the best site to buy cheap flights?

To find cheap flights, I recommend  Skyscanner . ( Read more )

🏨  What’s the best site to find cheap hotels?

To find cheap hotels, I recommend  Booking.com . ( Read more )

Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters!

🚗  What’s the best site to rent cars abroad?

To find cheap rental cars, I recommend  Discover Cars .

🚗  What’s the best site to find tours?

To find epic tours, I recommend  Viator .

Nina Clapperton is the founder of Nina Out and About. She has lived in 18 countries in the past 10 years, explored more than 30 countries, and has done most of it solo. A Canadian native, she also shares her favourite things to do in the True North. She helps over 100,000 people per month plan their expat adventures and Canadian trips.

Want to move abroad, but don’t know how to start?

Get an expert’s tips & tricks, pick which country to move to – and do it.

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Singapore Itinerary + Budget Travel Guide for first-timers

Singapore Itinerary + Budget Travel Guide for first-timers

Singapore is South East Asia’s most prosperous city and smallest nation by land area. In recent years, newly developed mega-attractions and casino driven integrated resorts had transformed this “all work” economic powerhouse into one of the region’s most popular destinations for leisure travel.

Because of its compact size, Singapore is very easy to travel and generally safe. It is a top choice for first-time international travel, family trips, and those seeking to indulge in metropolitan luxuries. While costs are significantly higher than the rest of Southeast Asia, a lot of people continue to visit Singapore because of its unique and top-notch attractions that cater to almost every type of traveler.

I honestly didn’t expect to travel to Singapore as often as I have, considering the high number of seemingly more “exotic” and adventurous destinations elsewhere in the region. Singapore was just too irresistibly accessible with so many direct flights to other cities all over the region as well as convenient border crossings to Malaysia & Indonesia.

Singapore continues to be a worthwhile jump-off point to Southeast Asia and a fitting “last stop” for indulging in urban comforts before the journey home.

Traveling to Singapore for the first time?  This detailed travel guide will make it easy for you to plan a trip, save money, and maximize your time.

Scroll down to read must-know travel tips before you go, followed by a sample itinerary + budget breakdown , recommended hotels/places to stay , things to do/places to visit and lots of extra travel tips.

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Singapore travel essentials

Click below to compare rates & read reviews:

Singapore Hotels Tours + discounts Flights Airport transfers WIFI Internet/Data SIM

See also: Singapore Itinerary , 33 Things to do in Singapore + Tourist Spots .

Popular tours & discounts booked by other travelers:

Universal Studios Singapore Admission Ticket

Legoland Malaysia Admission Ticket

Singapore 4G Data SIM Card (SG Airport Pickup)

SG Tourist Pass – Unlimited MRT/LRT Rides in Singapore

Klook Pass Singapore

Singapore Gardens by the Bay Admission Ticket

View all travel tips on: Singapore .

How to get to Singapore — Touchdown at Singapore-Changi International Airport, the gateway to Singapore and one of Asia’s largest transport hubs. From the Philippines, you can fly directly from Manila. Flights are operated by Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, Singapore Airlines & Scoot. Direct flights from Cebu & Davao are also operated by Cebu Pacific.

Search cheap flights

Book your hotel early  — Grab rock-bottom rates and avoid fully-booked rooms by booking online as soon as you know you’re going. Click below to compare discounts and read reviews by other travelers.

Cheapest rates Best hotel reviews

Check prices online and pre-book discounts  — Save money by checking discounts on tours, airport/city transfers & sim card/WiFi hotspots. Booking before you leave also saves you time by avoiding the hassles of bringing large amounts of cash & exchanging currency/money during your actual trip.

See top discounts

Singapore Cable Car Skypass

Visa-free travel for Philippine citizens  — 80% of all nationalities, including Filipino tourists, do not need to apply for a visa before arriving in Singapore for short visits. Scroll down to the extra tips for the list of things you might need to prepare.

Traveling on a tight budget is possible  — I’ve included a lot of money saving tips on this guide in case you are traveling on a limited budget. Spending less does not mean that you have to miss out on awesome travel experiences in Singapore. You can achieve cheaper expenses by knowing where to find and book the best travel deals.

Getting around Singapore  — Getting between different areas of the city is very convenient. Singapore has a small land area and the infrastructure is highly developed. It’s easy to go on a do-it-yourself (DIY) trip, even on your own. Plus all signs are in English and most Singaporeans can speak/understand English. Public transport is very efficient. It’s the best way to get around if you want to travel cheaply.

Singapore 3G/4G internet data sim card & pocket WiFi rental

Best time to visit Singapore  — Singapore gets little weather variations the whole year round. Any month is generally good to schedule your visit. If you just want to go sightseeing, however, you need to be aware of popular holidays and events, which usually happens from January-February, June-July, September-October. It’s super peak season for hotels. Book your accommodations well in advance.

Spend two days or more  — With a 2-day trip in Singapore, you can already see most of the major travel highlights. Though, I recommend spending three days or more, especially if you want to enjoy multiple theme parks/attractions and explore the different cultural districts. If you are spending a long layover at Changi Airport, don’t miss the free city tours for transit passengers.

See more blogs & travel guides

Singapore Itinerary

Singapore Travel Guide Blog

Singapore itinerary, singapore budget, where to stay in singapore.

Travel Tips Before You Go

Places to Visit in Singapore + Things To Do

More Travel Guides & Blogs

What to do in Singapore in 3 days?  Here’s a 3 days & 2 nights (3D2N) itinerary for your do-it-yourself (DIY) trip.

Day 1: Old & New Singapore

Day 2: universal studios singapore + sentosa, day 3: heritage & shopping.

If you only have 3 days to spend in Singapore, you can skip “Day 3” of the itinerary posted above

Go to the 4 days  Singapore itinerary  guide for the budget estimates, expenses breakdown, and step-by-step do-it-yourself (DIY) tips for the itinerary above. Scroll down for more budget & money saving tips.

Your travel expenses will largely depend on your traveling style and how much you plan to spend on activities, accommodations & food. To help you set your own budget, here are budget estimates if you follow the 3 days and 2 nights (3D2N) itinerary posted above. Make sure to review all discounts & online booking prices.

I’ve included backpacker budget estimates for food & accommodations to give you an idea of how cheaply you can do the trip. If you have money to splurge on hotels, food, and luxuries, simply use the expenses posted to calculate your own budget.

Book your stay near MRT train stations if you plan on getting around conveniently by public transport.

Clark Quay (Riverside), Chinatown, Little India & Bugis are the most popular places to stay for backpackers and budget travelers.

You can find most of the mid-range and luxury hotels in Orchard Road, Marina Bay, Promenade/City Hall area & Sentosa Island.

Check discounts See more

Click below to compare rates and Singapore hotel reviews within your budget.

Top-rated places to stay in Singapore

Marina Bay Sands ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Upscale / Marina Bay

JEN Orchardgateway by Shangri-La ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Upscale / Orchard Rd

V Hotel Bencoolen ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Mid-range / Bencoolen

Hotel 81 Bugis ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Budget / Bugis

Butternut Tree Hotel ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Budget / Chinatown

Galaxy Pods Chinatown ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Budget Backpacker / Chinatown

7 Wonders Hostel Upper Dickson ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Budget Backpacker / Little India

Where to book

Book your room through these trusted booking sites. I use them frequently to grab rock-bottom prices & enjoy convenient bookings. Click below to confirm the lowest prices:

Booking.com Airbnb Agoda

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Singapore Travel Tips Before You Go

How to get to singapore, how to find cheap flights to singapore, what to prepare for a trip to singapore, how many days is enough, how to get singapore dollars (sgd), when is the best time to visit, how to get around singapore, useful travel apps, get rent a pocket wifi or buy a mobile data sim card., where to book tours & attraction tickets, typical travel costs in singapore, money-saving tips.

Unless you’re traveling by land from Malaysia, flying to Singapore is the best way to get to Singapore. Many budget airlines, including AirAsia, Tiger Air, Jetstar, Cebu Pacific, fly to Singapore from all major destinations in Southeast Asia.

If you’re coming from the Philippines ,  Philippine Airlines ,  Cebu Pacific , and  AirAsia offers direct flights to/from Manila, Cebu, Clark, Iloilo, Kalibo & Davao.

The easy way is to search on airfare comparison sites that can show you the lowest fares on many airlines in one go.

Start your search on Wego , Momondo , and Skyscanner .

Check  Singapore promo  alerts several weeks or months ahead of your trip if you are planning your trip early. The cheapest promos are sold up to a year in advance of the travel/flight departure date & are often only available if you book directly with the airline.

To learn more, visit the guide on  how to book cheap flights .

Singapore Tourist Visa  — Tourists from around 80% of all nationalities do not need to apply for a visa or entry permit to travel in Singapore. If you are a citizen of one of these nations, you may be able to visit Singapore visa-free for a maximum stay of 30 days, to up to 90 days depending on the passport provided.

Go to the  Singapore Immigration website  to check if you need to apply for a visa before going on your trip. Foreign visitors from countries not listed in the “Assesment Level Countries” can visit Singapore visa-free.

If you are from a country that is not listed under the visa exception scheme, see if you are eligible to apply for a Visa on Arrival (VoA).

Travelers can enter Singapore through immigration checkpoints found in various international airports, seaports, and land border crossings. Including the Singapore-Changi International Airport, Singapore-Malaysia land border, and international ferry terminals.

Always remember that all countries have the right to refuse entry to any person. Even if you are eligible for the free tourist visa or already have one in hand at the border.

Make sure that you are able to provide the following:

Passport not expiring within 6 months.

Evidence that you are visiting for travel or holiday purposes only.

Evidence that you are able to fund your stay for the entire duration of your visit.

Have confirmed flight tickets back to your home country or an onward destination that you are allowed to enter.

Visa for Filipino citizens  — Philippines nationals can enjoy visa-free travel in Singapore, for up to 30 days.

Filipino citizens (Philippine passport holders) do not need to apply for a visa before arriving in Singapore granted that the purpose of the visit is for tourism or transit only. Simply show up at the immigration checkpoint and get your passport stamped. Filipinos usually get a maximum stay of 30 days in Singapore.

Singapore may be a small country but there’s a ton of interesting things to do that could keep most travelers busy for weeks on end. A shorter visit of three to four days is the tourist norm and is enough to get a feel of Singapore and skim through the main highlights.

For a weekend trip, squeezing most of the highlights in two full days is doable but depending on how many stops you make and how you choose to get around, there might not be a lot of time to explore each stop extensively or at a relaxed pace. Regardless, you can see a lot of the city in two days or even less. Though, taking three or more days is recommended to allow for time to explore Singapore at a more relaxed pace. Take an early morning flight to Singapore and a late evening flight on your return to maximize your stay in Singapore.

For travelers on connecting flights through the Singapore Airport, a long layover can provide a decent visit to one or two sites. The downtown area is just a 30-minute taxi ride away from the airport. There are many short tours that can be booked at Singapore-Changi International Airport.

To be safe, bring US Dollar bills if you already have them in hand. Money exchange stalls in Singapore, including those at the airport, accept a wide range of currencies and it’s not a problem if you bring other major currencies. Popular foreign currencies include USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, THB, MYR, TWD, PHP, CAD, AUD, NZD, INR, CNY, and HKD.

For convenience, carry enough cash to last the first night or two and then withdraw cash in SGD using your ATM card (bring a backup just in case). ATMs that allow international withdrawal are found all over Singapore. They accept ATM cards with a logo from major interbank networks (American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, and the like). Don’t forget to activate your card for international withdrawal before leaving your home country.

Philippine Peso  — Bringing Philippine Peso for your trip is possible since most currency exchange stalls in Singapore accept them. Exchange a small amount at the airport and then the rest at the city center for better rates. When exchanging large amounts or if you happen to be in the area, the stalls at Lucky Mall along Orchard Road are your best bet for favorable exchange rates.

Singapore gets little weather variations the whole year round. Any date is generally good to schedule your visit. However, if you are traveling from the second half of September to the first week of October, be mindful of Singapore Grand Prix (F1 Race) schedule. It’s a super peak season for hotels. Book your accommodations well in advance.

Singapore has a convenient, extensive, and affordable Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and bus network. From the airport, the MRT is the cheapest way to get to the city center. Train fares starts from SGD 0.95.

Buy an EZ-Link Card sold at Changi Airport station & many ticket offices around Singapore. This prepaid card can be used to pay for train and bus rides. Enjoy discount fares if you use this card. The cost is SGD 12 per card. Includes SGD 7 stored value and SGD 5 non-refundable card cost. You can top-up at any 7-Eleven store. Only 1 person is allowed per card.

You can also buy the Singapore Tourist Pass, which offers unlimited rides on non-premium trains and buses. The price is SGD10 for the 1-day pass, SGD16 for the 2-day pass & SGD20 for the 3-day pass.

Private airport transfers

Book airport transfers online for stress-free private transfers between Singapore airport and your city hotel. Cars can seat up to 3, 5 and 9 people.

See discounts

Taxi stands can be found at the Arrival levels of each Terminal. A ride to the city takes around 30 minutes and costs between $20 and $40. Better yet, avoid the taxi queue with the Grab app. You can book Grab vouchers online & enjoy additional discounts on your rides.

Google Maps — This travel app will make it a lot easier to navigate around Singapore on your own. The directions feature only works online. Available on iOS and Android.

MyTransport.SG — Useful information on MRT, LRT & bus services in Singapore. Available on iOS and Android.

XE Currency — Free & easy currency converter. Available on iOS and Android.

Stay connected online during your whole trip. Not only does it make it possible to share your travel moments instantly, you can also travel better by having access to all your favorite travel apps anytime.

Singapore Pocket WiFi Hotspot with 4G Unli Internet

As mentioned, booking online can save you money, time and let you enjoy cashless convenience. In case you want to see more discounts and options, here’s a list of sites that you can check.

Klook Kkday Expedia

Here’s a list of typical costs when traveling in Singapore. This country is one of the most expensive travel destinations this side of Asia. It is generally twice as expensive as Malaysia or at least three times more than traveling around other countries in Southeast Asia including Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Transport — One train or bus ride within the city typically costs between SGD 0.95 to 2. For a whole day of sightseeing, you may likely spend between SGD 5 to 15. The Singapore Tourist Pass, which offers unlimited MRT & bus rides, costs SGD 10 for a 1-day pass and SGD 20 for a three day pass.

Accommodations — Booking a room or bed in Singapore is noticeably more expensive than neighboring countries. A dorm bed in a backpacker hostel or guesthouse starts from SGD 20 per night and averages from SGD 30 to 40 per night. A room for two in a budget hotel would set you back SGD 50 to 90 per night. Most mid-range hotels offer rooms for around SGD 100 to 200 per night. If you are staying in a luxury hotel or resort, room prices usually start at SGD 300 to 500 per night.

Food — A meal at hawker centers costs around SGD 3 to 15. Hawker stalls are Singapore’s version of side street stalls and low-cost eateries. Mains at casual restaurants start at SGD 15 to 20.

Activities  — Admission fees may take up a huge chunk of your expenses if you plan on visiting many themed attractions, rides, and museums. Many museums offer free admission, while most usually cost SGD 10 or less. Entry to theme parks & attractions are priced between SGD 20 to SGD 70.

Eat at hawker centers & taste Singapore’s multi-cultural food  — Meals are cheap and the food is prepared in relatively high quality and sanitation. A long line of people queueing at a stall is usually a sign that it serves good food that is safe to eat.

Ride MRTs and buses  — This is the cheapest way to get around. Public transport in Singapore is quite efficient and safe. However, when traveling in a group, particularly in a group of 3 or 4, consider taking the taxi for short rides around the city center. The price difference (calculated per person) is not a big wallet buster. Your feet will thank you from the tiring walk to/from train stations, especially if you’re planning to spend the whole day sightseeing

Stay at hostels  — There are a lot of reliable hostels in Singapore that cater to budget-conscious travelers. They are not only cheap, but a good way to socialize with other travelers.  Boutique hostels in Singapore are particularly good. If you are traveling in a group of 3 to 6 people, consider getting a family room in hostels or guesthouses to save money on your stay.

Get a good map and explore the city on your own tour  — Go on a do-it-yourself (DIY) around Singapore’s different cultural districts if you want to save yourself from expensive admission fees at themed attractions. There are a lot of awesome things to do in Singapore that doesn’t cost a dime.

Check out these top tourist spots, best places to visit & things to do in Singapore.

1. Merlion Park

2. singapore riverside and civic district, 3. chinatown, 4. marina bay, 5. gardens by the bay, 6. singapore zoo, 7. sentosa island.

Merlion and Singapore Skyline

Pretty hard to miss anyway because of its prominent location at the mouth of the Singapore River. Not only could you get a good photo with the Merlion statue, Singapore’s most iconic monument, but there are amazing views to be seen of the Singapore Skyline, Marina Bay Sands, The Esplanade: Theatres by the Bay, and the Singapore Flyer.

Singapore River and Civic District

This relaxing promenaded riverside area is a short walk away from the Merlion Park. Take a stroll down memory lane and get acquainted with the city’s early development and colonial history. A happening nightlife scene can be experienced at Clark and Boat Quay.

Colorful lanterns at night

Experience Singapore’s multi-cultural diversity by taking a walking and food tour of Chinatown. Visit a church, a mosque, Indian and Chinese temples all in one walk. Go on a food adventure and try dishes from Singapore’s different cultural influences at affordable hawker centers of Chinatown.

Marina Bay Singapore at dusk

Marvel at Singapore’s new urbanscape by taking a walk around Marina Bay. Visit Marina Bay Sands, the Helix Bridge, Singapore Flyer, and Esplanade: Theatres on the bay. Amazing overlooking views can be seen from the Skypark of Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer.

Top discounts

48% OFF Marina Bay Sands Skypark + FunVee Hopper Pass

Super trees

An ambitious project set to transform Singapore from a “Garden City” to a “City in a Garden.” The main attractions here are the 25 towering man-made Supertrees and two equally extraordinary biodomes.

18% OFF Singapore Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome + Cloud Forest Admission Ticket

Singapore Zoo Elephant Show

An impressively maintained zoo where you can find a wide array of animals from around the world. The River Safari is also worth checking out.

16% OFF Singapore Zoo

31% OFF Singapore Night Safari

Palawan Beach, Sentosa

Spend a fun day on rides and themed attractions or relax at the beaches of Sentosa. The island is home to Universal Studios Singapore, the first theme park of its kind to open in Southeast Asia and the second in Asia after Universal Studios Japan.

11% OFF Universal Studios Singapore Admission Ticket

4% OFF Singapore Sentosa FUN Pass

42% OFF Singapore Cable Car Skypass

50% OFF Sentosa Wings of Time

Don’t Stop Here

Did you find this travel guide helpful? Share your Singapore experience & tag #detourista. Follow trip updates on: Instagram , Facebook & Pinterest .

See more Singapore blog tips & travel guides:

Check out these pages for more travel inspiration beyond Singapore:

Philippines Beaches

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August 22, 2015 at 3:25 pm

Hi there.. I will be traveling in Singapore this December 30-January 3 this year, I wonder is there a new year’s event in SG that we can attend. And where is the best place to welcome the new year and party? thanks….

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September 18, 2015 at 3:24 am

hi, can you recommend a budget place accommodation for a family of 5?

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December 17, 2015 at 10:47 pm

what is Free Tourist Visa Upon Arrival?

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December 17, 2015 at 10:58 pm

Free tourist visa on arrival means: (1) You do not have to apply for a tourist visa before arriving in Singapore. Once you’re at the airport, the Singapore immigration officer will just “stamp” your passport, which allows you to visit Singapore for a set number of days. (2) A tourist visa is granted for free, without a fee.

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January 22, 2016 at 4:17 pm

Hi Marcos! Great write-up.

A question though, what legal documents do I have to prepare as a tourist (aside from my Philippine passport)? My friends and I are planning a trip later this year. All of them have govt jobs however I am working online. I hope Hindi ako magka problema. Thanks for the help and happy 2016!

January 22, 2016 at 4:57 pm

All that’s required is a valid passport that is not going to expire within 6 months, and a return ticket to the Philippines. You should, however, be prepared to show the immigration officers proof that you have the capacity to travel to your destination and that you’re not going there for work. It would help a lot if you bring a copy of your bank statement and reservation on your accommodation, tours, etc… Like you, my work is also primarily based online, but it’s not such a big issue as long as you can satisfy the immigration officer’s questions.

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March 9, 2016 at 12:16 am

hi sir! what hostel can you recommend??

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March 11, 2016 at 3:38 pm

This posts was really helpful for first timers in Singapore. More so, being a tight-budgeted tourist makes the trip to be very challenging in making it still a memorable one. I agree that there’s nothing more fitting that to have a thorough research before making it to Singapore for a truly fantastic experience and stay that is within the budget.

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March 19, 2016 at 2:46 pm

This is really a big help since me and my family will be travelling to Singapore 3rd week of October to celebrate our daughter’s 10th birthday. Hope that you can still give me more info on how to save money during our trip.

Thanks a lot

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March 27, 2016 at 9:37 am

hi po.. I would like to ask pano kung ung purpose ko to travel as SG is about my internship.. is it considered as a job? hndi ba ko mahaharang ng IO? your reply is highly appreciated! happy Easter :)

March 27, 2016 at 11:19 pm

If the purpose of your visit is not for a holiday or a social visit to friends/family, then the visitor visa may not be applicable to you. The PH immigration officer will use his/her discretion to decide whether you will be allowed to board your flight. Likewise, the SG immigration officer may deny you entry to the country. I suggest that you obtain the appropriate visa for your stay in Singapore. You should check the SG immigration website ( http://www.ica.gov.sg/index.aspx ) and contact them for advice.

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March 30, 2016 at 2:48 pm

Thank you for the above info so helpful. I am scheduled to visit Singapore by end of August and its my first time ( cross finger,,..so scared haha ) . I’ like to ask for that Free Tourist Visa on Arrival (VOA) . Do I have to secure one?or is it ok if there’s no or I don’t have VOI? Who to approach?

Regarding ATM, thanks if they will dispense SG bills even using my Philippine ATM(peso).

Thank you for your quick response.

Regards, Jackie

March 31, 2016 at 3:17 am

cool Jackelyn! As written in the guide, Philippine passport holders do not need to apply for a visa before entering Singapore. When you arrive at Singapore Airport, the SG immigration officer will simply “stamp” your passport, which allows you to travel for, usually, 30 days.

First, make sure your ATM card has a Mastercard, Visa, or Cirrus logo. Then, and this is important, go to your bank and make sure that they activate your card for international withdrawal. I use a BPI Savings ATM card (only has the Cirrus logo) when I travel and I’ve used it in SG and other countries with little problems. I do not rely solely on my ATM card though. Make sure you have backup cash and other cards you can use in case you cannot withdraw using your main card.

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April 19, 2016 at 7:50 pm

Hi! My friend and I will travel this coming august to Malaysia then we decided to have a quick trip to singapore via Air. Is there any terminal fee and travel tax we need to pay at the Malaysian airport or Singapore airport?

April 20, 2016 at 3:46 pm

There are no departure (terminal) fees charged at both airports.

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April 25, 2016 at 2:51 pm

Ive been to Malaysia, HK, Macau and Singapore within 2 years. Me and my wife loves to travel. Best visited country is the Singapore and we both love the country. Best part was the top of Marina Bay Sands. We really love the view and the people there. I lost my lens cap there :( Sad.

And now we are both thinking which is the next, vietnam, thailand or japan? :) we are from PH by the way.

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May 5, 2016 at 10:25 am

Hi. We have a trip diz june wth my friends in singapore. But i dont have a job now. Posibly poh ba mahold ako?

May 5, 2016 at 4:22 pm

There are no laws/rules that prevent you to travel abroad if you are unemployed. You just have to tell the immigration officer that you have enough money to fund your travel and you are going to Singapore for a holiday, and not to look for work.

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May 18, 2016 at 2:46 pm

Hi.. im tess from PH.. i have something to ask to clear things.. i have plan to travel to australia his coming july me and my bf meet up to singapore airport and to explore some place in SG. Then travel together to australia as i have AU visa. What documents i bring nor gather for immigration counter check in SG before stamp my passport. I need to know what docu i bring to enter SG.. looking forward so bad your reply soon..thanks alot

May 23, 2016 at 8:54 pm

Hello Tess, if you’re a PH passport holder, you may need the same requirements posted on the article. If you are returning to the Philippines from Australia, you may have to present your return ticket back to the PH and AU travel visa.

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June 12, 2016 at 4:19 pm

20,000 philippine peso, is it enough to stay in Singapore for 3 days?

June 17, 2016 at 11:28 am

Yes, it should be :)

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August 16, 2016 at 3:41 pm

Hi Marcus, thank you for the travel guide you wrote. Me and my wife are planning to go to SG by the end of the month. I want to ask regarding booking of hotel, do I need to book it online, ahead of time? or we can just go walk in to the hotel?

and also my wife has a PH passport, and I have a USA passport, will I need a different document requirement?

Thank you and I appreciate your response.

August 16, 2016 at 4:09 pm

It is better to book your hotel online to make sure that you have a room available during your trip, and save yourself the hassle of looking for another hotel in case the place you want to stay in is fully booked.

As far as I know, USA & PH passport holders have ‘Free Visa on Arrival’ in Singapore. PH passport holders usually get 30 days stay, while USA passport holders may get up to 90 days. Best to check the Singapore Immigration website to confirm in case there are changes in SG’s visa policy. https://www.ica.gov.sg/page.aspx?pageid=96&secid=94

Enjoy your trip!

August 16, 2016 at 4:24 pm

thank you for quick response Marcos! any suggestion for website where I can book a hotel in SG? and also is there a bunch of free wifi around the country?

August 16, 2016 at 5:25 pm

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August 17, 2016 at 9:50 pm

Hi Marcos!! thank you for your DIY-backpackers guide in HK-Macau tour it was a big help, nasulit namin ang oras!! :) Help naman ulit,I am looking for your travel guide to SG na kagaya sa HK, un naka-indicate na kung anung uunahin naming puntahan, kung saan sasakay and approx. amount ng fare&tourist attraction. We’re heading to SG end of Aug, staying for 3days, sa Selegie,SG ang hotel namin. Pa-send naman ako ng link ng itinerary mo ng SG tour please. TIA!!

August 17, 2016 at 9:56 pm

Pwede mo magamit yung “Search” dito sa site para mag hanap ng mga travel tips. https://www.detourista.com/x/search/network/?q=singapore+itinerary .

August 17, 2016 at 9:57 pm

hi marcos, im looking for your SG itinerary blog just like the one you did in your HK-Macau tour, yung naka-indicate na kung saan ako magsisimula ng tour,tapos kung pano pumunta sa susunod na tourist attraction pati kung magkano ang fare, pa-share naman please.

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November 1, 2016 at 10:52 pm

I recently returned from a 5 day trip to Singapore. We did a lot a research before arriving (unfortunately I did not find this blog until after our return) and covered about everything you mentioned. We found the hawker centers to be the best places to eat for the most value. We stayed on Orchard Road, which was nice, but a little busier than we would have liked. However, if you are looking to spend time shopping for luxury goods, that’s definitely the place to stay. We payed for a couple tourist activities, but mainly just set out and explanatory the city ourselves. The MRT was very efficient; we bought a 3 day pass for SGD 28. If you return the pass within a week after it expires, you receive a SGD 10 credit. A majority of activities we did were free (i.e. Botanic Gardens, Chinese and Japanese garden, China Town, Haji and Arab streets, etc.). Our trip centered around food so much of our exploring was about finding a great place to eat!

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November 3, 2016 at 7:17 pm

Hi.. Im planning to travel to singapore next year maybe april 10 to may 4 .. is it okey ? or do i need a visa.. my boyfriend is working there so i plan to visit him next year..

thanks…

November 3, 2016 at 10:48 pm

Hi Maine, the answer is already posted on the article.

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January 4, 2017 at 4:26 pm

Hi, I will travel this coming April to India then we are decide to have a trip to Singapore via Air. Is there any terminal fee and travel tax we need to pay at the Indian airport or Singapore airport? And also tell me which currency should carry with during in this trip and which is the best currency exchange company in India.

January 4, 2017 at 9:13 pm

You don’t have to pay airport terminal fees at Singapore Airport. It is usually already included when you bought the ticket. Same is true with airports in India as I haven’t experienced getting charged terminal fees upon check-in at major international airports there.

I bring USD cash when I travel but only as a backup since I use ATM & Credit Cards most of the time. So, I’m not sure what currency exchange company is the best.

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January 25, 2017 at 4:41 pm

Hi Marcos! Thank you for sharing this kind of blog. Siguro ito na rin ang gagamitin naming itinerary namin ng mother ko papuntang SG this coming July. Ask ko lang kung meron kayang tulad ng MRT naten dito na mag loload ka ng 100php then pwede mo ng gamitin in every station? Tipong parang Stored Value na card? Para kung sakaling mag MRT nalang kami to go sa mga different places, hindi na magiging hassle.

January 25, 2017 at 4:46 pm

Yes, meron sila & I highly recommend you get one. It’s called an EZ-link card. You can buy one at the Airport LRT station. Just ask the ticket booth for assistance.

You can save a lot of time if you use the card rather than buying at the vending machine, each time you go on the train. PLUS, you get discount fares if you use the card :D You can also use the card on all public buses.

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February 18, 2017 at 1:49 am

Thanks for giving the information.This year i am planing to go Singapore with my friends.But i know that Singapore is costly country but you made easy to everyone to travel on an an affordable budget..I will sure follow this and i think this will be our memorable trip

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February 24, 2017 at 10:52 am

Hi,Marcos! Thank you for sharing this. I find it really useful in planning our trip to SG. Question: Is booking accommodation really necessary? Our plan is to stay at my husband’s cousin. Will it be a problem if we do not book any? We want to stay 3 days in SG and 3 days in Malaysia(where we will book a hotel). Thank you so much in advance!

March 9, 2017 at 5:05 am

You do not have to book a hotel room if you are staying with family/friends. The immigration officer might ask you to show a written/printed invitation. Better have it prepared. I would also bring a copy of your cousin-in-law’s work permit & employee card.

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March 17, 2017 at 3:44 pm

Hi. I’m always reading pinoy blogs. This coming October I think we want to go Singapore (first time) .My son is 11y/old .What can you advice to me. Thanks.

March 17, 2017 at 10:08 pm

Singapore is a great place to go when traveling with kids. Sentosa Island has a lot of fun attractions you might want to check out. Also, consider a trip to Singapore Zoo in addition to must-visit spots in Singapore.

https://www.detourista.com/guide/singapore-best-places/

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March 27, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi Marcos, i will bring my niece on my 5 days SG tour, does she still need affidavit of support from me? she’s still a student though not minor anymore.

March 28, 2017 at 12:29 am

Maybe not, if you are funding the trip yourself, and you are on the same flight with your niece (e.g. you will be present at the same time when clearing the immigration checkpoint).

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April 23, 2017 at 8:25 pm

Thank you so much for the info. My family are planning to have a tour in singapore this may. We already booked a hostel and plane tickets, how can we get an online booking for universal studio is it more cheap than getting the tickets in the hostel thanks! God Bless Sir!

April 23, 2017 at 8:59 pm

You can book cheaper Universal Studios Singapore admission tickets on Klook .

Just go to this page for more info: http://affiliate.klook.com/jump/activity/117-universal-studios-singapore/?adid=1242&af_wid=356

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May 24, 2017 at 2:01 am

Wow thats a lot of great info. Thanks for the post

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June 12, 2017 at 10:59 pm

For the singapore immigration checkpoint, is it ok if i don’t have hotel reservation? Coz i am planning to stay on my friend’s place (she’s working in sg). Besides am gonna visit sg for 4days only. Thanks! ☺

June 13, 2017 at 3:05 am

Yes, it’s fine. Be sure to prepare a letter of invitation from your friend. Even just an informal email-type correspondence. Plus, a copy of her work permit/employee ID in case they look for it. Though, I’ve only been asked to show it once, on my first trips.

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August 3, 2017 at 2:19 pm

I agree with Marcos. Also indicate in your friend’s invitation letter the address where will you be staying, the dates, and also an affirmation that your friend will be responsible for you during your stay in the country.

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July 12, 2017 at 4:19 pm

We’re a family of 3 and scheduled for a trip this sept. The thing is, we are coming from KL. May i just ask if there are trains from KL to Sg? Also, is it possible for is to go and visit changi airport even if we’re not flying? i mean, just to see what’s with changi being the top listed airport. Im hoping for your kindest reply. Thank you so much.

August 19, 2017 at 10:36 pm

1. I haven’t taken the direct train yet. Most travelers usually drop off at Johor Bahru and cross to SG by bus. At SG side, you can ride a train to the city center.

2. Yes, it’s OK to visit Changi but you can only roam until the check-in counters.

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July 14, 2017 at 3:21 pm

Hi…im planning to go travel for 3 days at SG how much is specific the Hotel rate per day in Peso rate if i book on line.. thanks

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July 31, 2017 at 1:03 pm

OMG!!! Thank you so much for the guide. I’ve learned so many tips I can apply for my trip in SG this coming Sept. 2017.

August 19, 2017 at 10:24 pm

Enjoy your trip to Singapore!

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August 6, 2017 at 8:10 pm

Hi Marcos, this will come in a handy, thank you! Just a few question, what are the chances that my flight will be cancel if I tell the officer that I’m actually going for a job hunting at SG during my 5 days stay. Also, is it okay if I don’t provide a return ticket as my stay might get extended?

August 19, 2017 at 10:19 pm

You will almost certainly get denied entry/boarding if you tell them that and/or if you don’t provide a return ticket.

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August 21, 2017 at 10:00 pm

Touring Singapore is really safe and easy even for first-time visitors. Many people think that vacationing in Singapore is expensive but you really don’t have to spend a lot as long as you budget your money wisely. I only spent 200 USD in my Singapore trip (including plane tickets and accommodation) :)

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September 26, 2017 at 12:33 pm

Great article about Singapore. One big difference I noticed i this article when comparing to other article about Singapore travel is your guide to travel the city in tight budget. really appreciated the effort. Lot of backpackers will find this article really helpful. Keep writing these. Cheers.

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September 26, 2017 at 10:58 pm

Hello. Me and my friends were planning to go to sg next month for vacation. Tanong ko lang po sana kung paano if I dont own an atm or credit card or something from a bank? But I have a job as an blogger. Magkakaproblema po kaya ako? Kasama ko po ang friend ko which is also my boss and sasagutin din niya ang ticket ko. Ano po kaya ang magandang advice niyo for me para di mahold ng IO? May tatak na din po passport ko from Japan. Is it a plus? Thankyou in advance.

September 27, 2017 at 5:59 am

Yung ATM or bank statement, it’s only to show that you have the finances to fund the trip. You can show them that you have enough cash to spend for your trip. So, you don’t need the ATM or credit card.

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December 3, 2017 at 6:32 pm

It’s a very good article and helpful. Me and my friend from USA(visited me few times in Phil’s), are planning to go for a 4day cruise that starts from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and end to Singapore again. I am a permanent government employee but I don’t have credit card and no big money in my bank. All my travel expenses will be shoulder by my friend, do I have a problem in immigration even if I show my travel itinerary and back and fort plane ticket and hotel accommodation paid by my friend? Thank you. Hoping Areana

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May 29, 2018 at 2:50 am

Hello there! JP here from PH, nice travel blog site you have here :) Is it more cheaper via DIY or go with those tour packages offered by Travel agencies ranging from 12k to 14k (3 days)? If I am to try the DIY, approximately how much will cost for 2 to 3 pax in we will visit major tourist spots, 3 to 4 days? Thanks in advanced! :)

June 4, 2018 at 10:10 pm

Hi JP. It really depends on what activities you plan to include (and what’s included in the tour package offered by travel agencies). You can check budget estimate above as a guide.

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June 14, 2018 at 4:40 am

HI! THANK YOU FOR THESE TIPS REALLY HELPFUL :). ME AND MY BOYFRIEND ARE PLANNING TO GO TO SG NEXT YEAR KAYA LANG NATATAKOT AKO MAG DIY PARANG MAS PREFER KO UN TOUR PACKAGE SA MGA TRAVEL AGENCIES LESS HASSLE. MAS COSTLY BA KAPAG NAKAPACKAGE KESA MAGDIY? AND KASYA NA KAYA ANG 25K PARA SA BUDGET 3DAYS PARA SAMENG DALAWA? THANK YOU SA PAG RESPONSE! GODBLESS!

June 18, 2018 at 5:23 am

Hi Jane, depends on what’s included in the tour package offered by travel agencies. Yes, pwedeng mag kasya ang P25K, but again it depends on activities/type of accommodations that you want to enjoy. Singapore is really easy to travel. Going DIY is easy and you can save a lot of money booking activities online. If you don’t want to bother with planning, then going with a travel agency might be a better fit for you.

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June 14, 2018 at 5:45 am

Awesome!!! Great and detailed. helps a lot!

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August 13, 2018 at 5:38 am

how much all your expenses in singapore total price and food?

August 14, 2018 at 7:45 am

Hi fatima. The breakdown of expenses is already included in the guide above.

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October 29, 2018 at 1:58 pm

I have lived here. I think you pay $ 10-15 for each meal.

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November 13, 2018 at 6:12 pm

I am very interested with your blog and I am so excited to travel. Actually we are planning to go to SG by next year, kaya I made some ressaech to know more about what will be or how much will it cost? Since we are 5. My husband and I, and our 3 kids (9 yrs. Old, 2 yrs. Old and 6 months baby boy). Tama po ba yung decision ko na wag na sa travel agencies kami makipagcoordinate? Feeling ko kasi mas mapapamahal kami.. This will be our 1st trip with my kids. Sana mahelp mo ako.

Your response is highly appreciated.

November 14, 2018 at 12:22 pm

I suggest na mag decide kayo based more on whether mas gusto mo: (1) Mag customize ng itinerary & organize yourself (2) Let the travel agency arrange everything for you

Madali lang naman getting around Singapore at mag book ng hotel/activities kahit kayo na lang. Mas maka less ka talaga kung mag book kayo ng mga discount prices (make sure to check yung mga na post ko sa guide).

Since you’re traveling with kids, pwede na sundin niyo na lang yung route/itinerary ng mga hop-on hop-off bus. Eto yung info/prices nila:

1. Singapore Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour (Open-Top) 2. Singapore City Sightseeing Bus Tour

Convenient din mag Grab sa Singapore. Pwede niyo ma check yung fares sa app kung gusto niyo ma estimate yung budget niyo.

Ok naman din yung public transport sa Singapore. Kaso if you’re traveling with kids, baka too much walking to/from the stations.

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December 7, 2018 at 7:44 pm

Very helpful guide and tip esp for a solo traveler just like me. I will take note all of this in my trip. Thanks

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January 5, 2019 at 9:58 pm

Hi. Im travelling alone on February 2019. Can you give me some tips upon arrivibg in Singapore? Do I need to show money to the immigration. And how much? Im staying there for 4days only. Thank you for answering

January 10, 2019 at 4:29 am

Hi Ems, SG immigration does not require show money… but you have to show them your ability to fund your trip. How much money will depend on your itinerary (i.e. attractions you plan to visit and hotel/s where you’ll be staying). You can simply show them hotel reservations and attraction tickets/tour that you’ve pre-booked online. PLUS pocket money. I think SGD100-200 (equivalent or more) should be enough.

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January 7, 2019 at 5:57 pm

Very nice and informative article, thanks to sharing it!

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January 17, 2019 at 9:32 pm

You wrote very well about Singapore Travel guide. I have found detail info here. Thanks very informative!

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February 10, 2019 at 7:22 pm

What if I have a place to stay in SG? What should I need to provide at the Immigration?

February 12, 2019 at 12:08 pm

Hi Anizah! If you have a host in Singapore (not booking a hotel). The first thing you need to provide is an address.

In case they ask about the details, you should be able to provide details about your host & staying arrangement. I suggest that you bring some sort of ID from your host… could be a SG Gov’t ID, work ID, work permit etc. AND, proof that you’ve been invited… maybe a written letter, printed copy of your invite conversation, or something like that.

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February 18, 2019 at 9:22 am

Hi. I’m about to visit SG this coming March. First time traveler and solo. I already had two way ticket, hotel reservation, pre-booked ticket in some attractions. I have credit card also. Do you think there’s still a chance for me to be an off load passenger/to be denied entering in SG?

February 18, 2019 at 10:31 pm

Hi Loi. I think you’re good to go! Make sure also your passport is not expiring within the next 6 months (on arrival in SG). Enjoy your trip!

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July 8, 2019 at 1:19 pm

Hi friend, i am planning to visit Singapore for 5 days. Can i use singapore tourist pass for more than 3 days as it only provide unlimited rides for 3 days. Also provide me an itinerary for 5 days. Thanks in advance.

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October 18, 2019 at 2:20 pm

Wow excellent blog article, very helpful for us to take a 3 day vacation trip in Singapore. A beautiful place to visit as you post ..

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May 14, 2020 at 7:48 pm

Singapore will always be one of my favorite countries i have set foot in. And Marina Bay Sands Casino were one of my unforgettable casino visits. Well, aside from the ambience, i had my biggest won in my entire casino winning.

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June 18, 2020 at 2:52 pm

I was totally amazed when I read the post. It was interesting and absorbing. I have read a similar piece of content before. When comparing both, I realized this one was surely on the top.

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February 4, 2021 at 7:48 pm

Thanks to the author for sharing such a great post. The article was very well written and providing detourista. It can be really great for people like me who are looking for grabbing more knowledge about it. I never thought will get to visit this Amoremotorlodge.co.nz oh, has some nice content for everyone

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September 9, 2021 at 3:37 pm

One month vacation

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October 30, 2022 at 2:27 am

very good blog for travel and enjoy holidays

we recommend morocco trips to explore africa

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February 9, 2023 at 4:17 pm

hi ask ko lng po, can we stay in malaysia and booked a hotel for 4nights even if our flight route is Manila-Singapore-Manila? Per checking hotels in Singapore is super exoensive than in Malaysia .is this possible?

February 14, 2023 at 1:02 pm

I don’t recommend po. Crossing the Johor-Singapore border & traveling between the border & Singapore City Center is time-consuming. Sayang lang sa oras.

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September 21, 2023 at 9:03 pm

Your passion for exploring beautiful places is inspiring. The way you have provided detail information about traveling to Singapore is a great advantage for Filipino citizens wanting to visit Singapore.

The Occasional Traveller

Need a vacation but you’re too busy to travel?

Jaclynn Seah is The Occasional Traveller, a solo female traveller from Singapore who knows what it’s like to balance work and wanderlust. Short on time? Here are my tips and stories to help you plan your own quick getaways and be inspired to travel more.

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Personal stories and detailed travel guides for the solo indie traveller

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SINGAPORE ITINERARY: 14 Best Things to Do & Places to Visit

By continuing to read this article, you agree to double check with the authorities or other concerned entities for the latest updates.

Singapore is a city-state composed of the main island, over 60 islets, and reclaimed lands. From one of the developing countries in Southeast Asia, it managed to catapult itself to becoming the most developed in the region. Aside from being a global hub for education, finance, entertainment, and business, it is also a transport and tourism hub, with direct connections to almost every major city in the world.

As a developed country, Singapore has mastered the art of public convenience, which is apparent in its efficient transport system, clean streets and public facilities, strictly-implemented laws, among others. As a tourist destination, it is easy to navigate (senior- and kid-friendly!), so getting to one attraction to the next is not a problem. Do you like shopping and dining? Are you into history and culture? Perhaps nature-tripping is your thing? Maybe theme parks? But whatever your reason for visiting Singapore is, it has something for everyone.

Here are some of the best things to do in Singapore with a sample itinerary!

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Sentosa Island

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If it’s your first time in Singapore, visit Sentosa, a resort island that is bursting with exciting adventures for the entire family. The countless activities you can enjoy here are pretty diverse. But some of the most popular are the Luge, Tiger Sky Tower, Sentosa Merlion, and Cable Car.

If you’re planning on spending a day in Sentosa, consider getting a Sentosa FUN Pass to skip the lines and maximize your time. It’s available in 3 types: 55, 80, and 120 tokens. Each attraction collects tokens. This serves as your currency in the island. For the list of attractions you may enjoy and the corresponding number of tokens, check this out.

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Universal Studios Singapore

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Located within Resorts World Sentosa on Sentosa Island, Universal Studios Singapore is the first ever movie theme park in Southeast Asia and second in the whole of Asia. The park has seven themed zones and more or less 28 rides, attractions, and shows dotting the 20-hectare of land. These are the themed zones: Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World, Far Far Away, and Madagascar. Each zone has its own themed restaurants, shops, characters, and rides.

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (M-F & Sunday) / 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Saturday) How to Get There: Board Bus 123, 188R, 963R, NR1 or NR6. Get off at Resorts World Sentosa bus stop 14519. Go inside The Forum and take the escalator to the first level. Turn left and continue walking. This will lead you to the Universal Studios Globe. Read more here: How to Get to Universal Studios Singapore Note: Free Wi-Fi inside USS Ticket Prices: S$79 (Adult, Age 13-59) / S$59 (Child, Age 4-12) / S$41 (Senior, Age 60 and above)

Discounted Tickets! Save time by booking in advance online. Klook offers one-day passes at a discounted rate inclusive of worth S$5 Meal Voucher (with a minimum spend of S$10) for adult tickets.

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Gardesn by the Bay

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One of the most popular tourist attractions in Singapore, drawing millions of visitors yearly, Gardens By the Bay spans 101-hectare of reclaimed land beside the Marina Reservoir. The nature park comprises three main areas: the Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden, and Bay Central Garden. The Bay South Garden is the largest and houses the famous Flower Dome, Cloud Forest (featuring the tallest indoor waterfall in the world), and the Supertree Grove (boasting the iconic 16-story manmade trees). Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are part of the conservatory complex and require tickets to enter, while the Supertree Grove is free for all.

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Flower Dome & Cloud Forest) / 5:00 AM – 2:00 AM (Outdoor Gardens) How to Get There: The nearest station is Bayfront MRT Station. From there, take Exit B and continue walking along the underground linkway. Cross either the Dragonfly Bridge or Meadow Bridge into Gardens by the Bay. Admission Fee: Flower Dome + Cloud Forest – S$28 (Adult & Senior) / S$15 (Child)

Discounted tickets are available at Klook!

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Marina Bay Sands Skypark

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The Marina Bay Sands SkyPark is a one-hectare roof terrace connecting the three 55-story hotel towers of the Marina Bay Sands. Aside from the observation deck that offers a panoramic view of the bay and the surrounding areas, the SkyPark also features the world’s longest elevated swimming pool (infinity pool). You can still access the SkyPark and Observation Deck even if you are not staying in any of the three hotel towers. Yay!

Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Monday-Thursday) / 9:30 AM – 11:00 PM (Friday-Sunday) How to Get There: Nearest station is the Bayfront Station (10-minute walk) and the Promenade Station (15-minute walk). If you are riding a bus, take Bus 97, 97E, 133, 502, 518 or 106. Alight at the bus stop “Marina Bay Sands Hotel” along Bayfront Avenue. Admission Fee: S$23 (Adult) / S$17 (Child, 2-21 y/o) / S$20 (Senior, 65+) / FREE (Below 2 y/o)

Discounted Tickets!

Save time and get good deals when you book with Klook!

You can get discounted tickets if you book with Klook! Klook offers a package inclusive of the single entrance ticket to the Observation Deck and 1 Day FunVee Hopper Pass.

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Singapore Cable Car

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Opened in February 1974, this is the first ropeway system in Singapore. Spanning the Keppel Harbour, it connects Mount Faber on the mainland to Sentosa and presents a panoramic view of the stunning landscape. As you ride the monocable gondola lift, it’s not hard to spot the iconic sites such as Mount Faber Park, Universal Studios, and Resorts World Sentosa.

Opening Hours: 8:45 AM – 10:00 PM (Daily) Last Ride Departure: 9:30 PM Routes: Mount Faber Station, Harbour Front Station, and Sentosa Station for Mount Faber Line / Imbiah Lookout, Merlion Station, and Siloso Point Station for Sentosa Line Admission Fee: Singapore Cable Car Sky Pass Round Trip – Adult S$35 / Child S$25

Discounted Pass!

You can score discounted tickets if you book with Klook. You may choose between these two options: Sky Pass only or Sky Pass + Meal.

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Singapore River Walk

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What better way to explore one of the safest countries in the world than by walking along the river. For those who don’t mind traveling on foot or save some bucks, this activity is for you. You may take Raffles Place as your jump-off point to these attractions: Merlion Park, Esplanade, Marina Bay Sands, and Gardens by the Bay.

Here are the other stops along this walking trail: Fullerton Hotel, One Fullerton, Asian Civilisations Museum, Makansutra Gluttons Bay, Helix Bridge, Art Science Museum, Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay. Note: This is best done in the late afternoon when the sun is not too harsh and you will see the city’s transition from day to night. This is a pretty long walk and can take long hours. Rest if you need to.

More info: SINGAPORE RIVER WALKING TRAIL DIRECTIONS

Singapore River Cruise

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Not really a fan of walking? The river cruise might be a better option for you to see some of the iconic landmarks and listen to the informative commentaries about them while sitting comfortably on a bumboat. For this 40-minute river cruise, indoor and outdoor seats are available.

Attractions and Landmarks to See: Clarke Quay, Read Bridge, Boat Quay, Fullerton, Merlion Park, Bayfront South, and Esplanade. You may alight at any of the stops, BUT you cannot board again unless you purchase another ticket. You may also reserve your slot and get a discounted ticket via Klook.

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Chinatown Tour

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Embarking on this tour will let you appreciate Singapore’s high regard for diversity in culture and religion. The Chinatown breathes life to different traditions and practices. It is also peppered with various temples, shrines, churches, and other religious structures. Here you will spot Chinese temples, a mosque, an Indian shrine, and a Methodist Church. If you want a DIY-style tour, here’s a more detailed walking guide: Chinatown Heritage Walk

Want to join a group tour?

Joining a group tour will give you a better understanding of the landmarks and structures as you will have a guide to tell you more about the place at every stop. Klook offers this tour. Gems of Chinatown Tour includes these highlights: Thian Hock Keng Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum, and Hawker Food Centers.

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Little India

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A quaint ethnic hub which showcases the culture of India. It’s a microcosm of rich and colorful culture that has somehow established itself in the country that embraces diversity. You can explore its nooks and crannies on your own, just like Chinatown. Satisfy your senses with the colorful sights and delicious cuisines. Marvel at the pre-war shophouses and streets lined with vendors and peddlers.

Want a better understanding of the place? A guided tour allows you to have a backstory about the places you will cover. Klook’s Little India Walking Tour includes these landmarks: Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Campbell Lane, Little India Arcade, and Tekka Centre.

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iFLY Singapore

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Have you ever wondered how it feels to go skydiving? iFly features the first themed wind tunnel in the world. Through the sport called “bodyflying”, it allows you to experience skydiving INDOORS. Kids and adults alike can enjoy this ride; however, age restriction applies. Only children seven (7) years old and above are permitted to try this. There is also a weight limit for participants –must weigh less than 120kg for those whose height is below 180cm and 140kg for those over 180cm.

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM (Daily except Wednesdays) / 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM (Wednesday) How to Get There: The nearest station is Beach Station. iFly is located beside Beach Station. From there, take a short walk (43 Siloso Beach Walk) at Siloso Beachfront in Sentosa Admission Fee: S$89 (The Teaser, for beginners aged 7 and above)

Save time and avoid the long queues by booking online. Klook offers discounted tickets.

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Singapore Botanic Gardens

This 74-hectare botanical garden is being considered for a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition; it’s application was submitted in December 2012. The top attraction here — the National Orchid Garden, which houses over 1000 species of orchids — collects a SGD5 admission fee, but the rest is accessible for free. Explore many of its other zones including the Evolution and Ginger Gardens for a refreshing time with our chlorophyll-colored friends!

Opening Hours: 5am-12mn Nearest MRT Station: Botanic Gardens (Circle Line)

Orchard Road

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Regarded as the retail and entertainment center of Singapore and one of the most vibrant shopping centers in Southeast Asia, Orchard Road is a busy belt of a good number of malls and shopping centers. Some of the malls here are:

  • Tangs – one of the earliest department stores here and is easily noticeable because of the building’s Chinese-style roof.
  • Ngee Ann City – the largest shopping mall in this Orchard shopping stretch.
  • Wisma Atria – has a 900-seat food court.
  • The Paragon – Very high-end. A lot of stores were having big sales, too.
  • Lucky Plaza – One of the more budget-friendly places in Orchard. There are also Pinoy shops here.
How to get here: From Chinatown, take the North-East line to Dhoby Ghaut Station then switch to the North-South line and take the train bound for Jurong East. Get off at Orchard Station.

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After undergoing a major overhaul that began in 1985, Bugis has developed into a buzzing retail district from being a red-light district in the 1950s until the early 1980s. Touted by the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board as the country’s largest street-shopping destination, Bugis is really living up to that title. Flanked by retail shops and food places, this area is really one of the busiest in Singapore, especially during weekends. Bugis is located east of the city center and is near another shopping district, Kampong Glam.

How to get there: The nearest MRT station is Bugis Station. Just take the train and get off at the station. You can also get off at Lavender Station.

Kampong Glam

Kampong Glam is situated north of Singapore River. As the oldest urban district, it breathes history interlaced with contemporary art and ethnic customs, giving the area an eclectic mix of culture. The majority of the residents trace their roots to the early settlers who are mostly merchants as this used to be a port town — Malay, Arab, Chinese, Indian, and Bugis. The most famous landmark is the Sultan Mosque, a marrying of Islamic and European architecture and design. Another prominent area is Haji Lane, a colorful commercial district where you can find bars, restaurants, cafés, boutiques, and fashion stores. If you like to bring home some traditional local products, you may head to Bussorah Street and Arab Street.

How to get there: The nearest MRT station is Bugis Station. The distance between these two points is 500m – 800m. From Bugis Station, you can take a 10- to 15-minute walk to Kampong Glam (Haji Lane) or you can take a northbound bus from Bugis (Victoria Road).

You can explore Bugis or Kampong Glam on foot, but if you want a different kind of getting around the district, you can take the Trishaw Uncle Guided Tours. Trishaw is a bicycle with a sidecar that can accommodate two passengers. The meetup point is at Albert Mall Trishaw Park on the right side of Albert Centre along Albert Street. The trishaw service operates from 11AM to 9PM. The tour duration is 30-60 minutes. You can book this tour through Klook.

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SAMPLE SINGAPORE ITINERARY

Here’s a sample Singapore itinerary. You may use it but make the necessary adjustments.

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN SINGAPORE, RIVER WALK TOUR, MARINA BAY SANDS 07:00 am – ETA Singapore Changi Airport 10:10 am – Check in: Hostel, Lunch 01:00 pm – Singapore River Walking Tour (Sightseeing: Fullerton, Merlion Park, Esplanade, Makansutra, etc) 03:30 pm – Gardens by the Bay 06:00 pm – Marina Bay Sands

Day 2: BOTANIC GARDENS, SENTOSA ISLAND 07:00 am – Singapore Botanic Gardens 10:00 am – Universal Studios Singapore 05:00 pm – Explore rest of  Sentosa

Day 3: CHINATOWN WALK, ORCHARD ROAD, SINGAPORE FLYER 07:00 am – Chinatown Heritage Walk 10:00 am – Orchard Road (Shopping) 03:00 pm – Bugis, St. Andrews Cathedral

Day 4: LITTLE INDIA, RETURN TO MANILA 06:00 am – Little India Walking Tour 10:00 am – Check out: Hostel, Proceed to Airport 02:20 pm – ETD: Changi Airport

You may also add several other attractions.

TOP SINGAPORE BUDGET HOTELS

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  • Hotel Bencoolen @ Hong Kong Street. Check Rates & Availability!
  • Hotel 1888 Collection. Check Rates & Availability!
  • 30 Bencoolen. Check Rates & Availability!
  • Hotel G Singapore. Check Rates & Availability!

Search for more Singapore Hotels

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A complete guide to visiting Singapore city!

Things to do in Singapore Singapore Travel Guide

A melting pot of global culture, hanging out on an island off the southern coast of Malaysia is the city-state of Singapore, or the Lion City - epitomised in the spirit of the land and immortalised in its name.

The island nation is known to be one of the safest and cleanest places to visit in the world, thus finding itself ranking quite high on the list of most popular travel destinations in the world. And once you’re here, let not the abundance of experiences overwhelm you.

With tons of attractions that cater to a universal crowd of all ages, Singapore has something for everyone. Colorful neighborhoods, delicious fusion food, historic temples, exciting wildlife reserves, luxurious shopping malls - it’s no wonder millions of people are flocking to this island nation each year.

4 reasons you should visit Singapore

View of Singapore from the Singapore Flyer

How to prepare for your trip to Singapore?

Visa requirements.

Citizens of most countries can get a 90-day visa on arrival, so long as your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter. Citizens of India, Myanmar, Armenia, Russia and several other countries will need to obtain a visa prior to arrival.In addition to the standard banned items, it is prohibited to bring in pornographic materials, CDs, DVDs, software or certain religious materials. For more information on customs regulations, you can refer to Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs .

Travel Tips

Singapore has a reputation for being an expensive city for tourists, however, it isn’t impossible to experience it on a modest budget. While there is a lot to do, there are also several ways to cut down on the ludicrous expenses that you can get caught up in during your stay. From finding the perfect place to stay to finding the top things to do in the city; our Singapore travel tips guide has you covered. If you're visiting Singapore for the first time,our list of 15 travel tips and hacks will come handy.

Best time to visit

Regardless of when you visit Singapore, you can expect the weather to be warm and humid climate throughout the year. February to April are the best months for sightseeing as they attract minimal rainfall and the weather is generally dry. They are also the best months for honeymooners. Any month is a great time to visit Singapore for backpackers. December to early February is festival and celebration time. June to August is the best period for those keen on shopping festivals in Singapore. Read our detailed blog on the Best time to visit Singapore.

Language English,Malay,& Tamil

Time zone GMT +8

Country Code +65

Socket Type G, 230V/50hz

Currency Singapore Dollars (SGD)

Top things to do in Singapore

When we say there's something new that crops up in the city every week or so, we are not exaggerating! Singapore never ceases to surprise and has something to keep everyone of all ages occupied. While there are over 500+ things to do in Singapore, here are the top 10 attractions you cannot miss out on!

Unmissable landmarks in Singapore

Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

Sentosa Island in Singapore

The island of thrill, luxury, and all things nice – Sentosa is a recreational getaway situated off Singapore’s southern coast. A favorite amongst Singapore tourists, Sentosa Island offers a stunning panoramic view of the city with a slew of fun activities. Whether you spend an evening loitering by the beach or spend a day out on an exciting sightseeing excursion, you'll leave the island with incredible memories. There's something for everyone in Sentosa, whether you're an animal lover, an adrenaline junkie, a history buff, or a beach bum! Things to do in Sentosa is a never-ending list because new attractions pop up every now and then. Here is your Guide To The 18 Best Things To Do in Sentosa Island Singapore.

Nature and Wildlife Activities

From wildlife reserves and nighttime safaris to alien-like gardens and thrilling shark-dives, check out our roundup of Singapore nature and wildlife.

Here are your top 15 Nature & Wildlife activities

Singapore Night Safari

Theme parks in Singapore

Here’s our take on the best theme parks in Singapore — the ones you simply must not miss out on.

Universal Studios Singapore

Getting around in Singapore

Singapore is a city-state adorned with modern skyscrapers, lush green parks, cultural landmarks, and a vibrant mix of cultures. To fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Singapore, walking is often the best way to explore. However, Singapore offers transportation options -

  • MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): The MRT system is the backbone of Singapore's public transportation network. It crisscrosses the entire island, offering efficient and convenient access to various parts of the city. With multiple lines spanning approximately 200 kilometers, the MRT is a reliable choice for getting around Singapore.
  • Bus: Singapore's extensive bus network complements the MRT system, providing comprehensive coverage across the city. Buses are equipped with air conditioning, making them a comfortable mode of transportation. They are especially useful for reaching destinations not directly accessible by MRT.
  • Public Bicycles: Singapore promotes eco-friendly transportation with its public bicycle-sharing programs, such as "oBike" and "SG Bike." You can rent bicycles from various stations and explore the city's parks and scenic routes along the waterfront.
  • Taxis: Taxis in Singapore are readily available and provide a convenient way to travel, especially if you prefer a door-to-door service. While taxis are more expensive compared to public transport, they are still a viable option for getting around, especially during late hours.
  • Trishaws: For a unique and nostalgic experience, consider taking a ride in a traditional trishaw, often found in heritage districts like Chinatown and Little India. Trishaw riders provide guided tours while pedaling you through the colorful streets.
  • River Taxis and Ferries: Singapore is known for its stunning waterfront areas, and you can explore them by taking river taxis and ferries. These water-based transportation options offer picturesque views of the city skyline and allow you to access islands like Sentosa.
  • Tourist Sightseeing Buses: Singapore offers hop-on-hop-off tourist buses that cover major attractions and landmarks. These buses provide informative commentary and flexibility, allowing you to explore Singapore's top spots at your own pace.

Best neighborhoods to stay in Singapore

For sightseeing, your first time, on a budget, for nightlife, for shopping, with family, where to stay in singapore for sightseeing - marina bay and orchard road.

Marina Bay: Staying in the Marina Bay area puts you in the heart of Singapore's iconic sights. You'll have easy access to Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Merlion Park. Luxurious hotels with stunning views of the city are available for those looking for a memorable stay.

Orchard Road: This central location is perfect for sightseeing. It's known for its upscale hotels and proximity to shopping malls like ION Orchard and Ngee Ann City. From here, you can explore popular attractions and dine at various restaurants.

Where to stay in Singapore for first-time visitors - Clarke Quay and Sentosa Island

Clarke Quay: If it's your first visit, consider staying in Clarke Quay. It offers a blend of nightlife, dining, and shopping experiences. You'll be close to the Singapore River, Boat Quay, and the lively Clarke Quay area.

Sentosa Island: For a unique experience, stay on Sentosa Island, where you can enjoy resort-style accommodations and easy access to attractions like Universal Studios Singapore and Adventure Cove Waterpark.

Where to stay in Singapore on a budget - Geylang and Little India

Geylang: Geylang is known for its affordable lodging options, including budget hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. It's a great choice for those looking to save money on accommodations and explore local eateries.

Little India: This vibrant neighborhood offers budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels. It's an excellent choice for travelers on a tight budget who want to experience Singapore's diverse culture and cuisine.

Where to stay in Singapore for the nightlife - Clarke Quay, Boat Quay and Marina Bay

Clarke Quay and Boat Quay: These areas along the Singapore River are famous for their nightlife. You'll find a plethora of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, making it an ideal choice for night owls.

Marina Bay: While it's known for its stunning skyline views, Marina Bay also has upscale bars and lounges where you can enjoy cocktails with a view. Staying here offers a mix of sophistication and nightlife.

Where to stay in Singapore if you love shopping - Orchard Road and Bugis

Orchard Road: This shopping paradise is lined with malls and boutiques, making it the ultimate destination for shopaholics. Choose from a range of hotels, including some attached to the malls, for a convenient shopping experience.

Bugis: Bugis is known for its street markets, shopping streets, and affordable fashion. You'll find budget-friendly accommodations and have easy access to Bugis Junction and Bugis Street Market.

Where to stay in Singapore for a family friendly environment - Sentosa Island, East Coast and Marina Bay

Sentosa Island: Sentosa offers family-friendly resorts and attractions like Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and Adventure Cove Waterpark. It's an excellent choice for a fun-filled family vacation.

East Coast: The East Coast area is known for its relaxed atmosphere and family-friendly parks and beaches. You can find accommodations with easy access to outdoor activities and seaside relaxation.

Marina Bay: While it's often seen as a business district, Marina Bay also offers family-friendly attractions like Gardens by the Bay and the ArtScience Museum. Many hotels in this area cater to families and provide a comfortable stay.

Hotels in Singapore

  • The Hive Singapore Hostel
  • ZEN Hostel Clark Quay
  • Beary Best! By a Beary Good Hostel
  • The Pod @Beach Road Boutique

Mid-range Hotels

  • Studio M Hotel, A Millennium Hotel
  • Concorde Hotel Singapore
  • Citadines Rochor Singapore
  • Resorts World Sentosa - Genting Hotel Jurong
  • Furama RiverFront Hotel

Budget Hotels

  • Ibis Styles Singapore Macpherson
  • Citadines Connect City Centre Singapore
  • Lyf Farrer Park
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Singapore Novena
  • Holiday Inn Express Singapore Orchad Road

Luxury Hotels

  • Marina Bay Sands
  • Mandarin Oriental Singapore
  • Shangri-La Singapore
  • Andaz Singapore, a concept by Hyatt
  • JW Marriot Hotel Singapore South Beach

What to eat in Singapore

1. Hainanese Chicken Rice A beloved Singaporean dish, Hainanese chicken rice consists of tender poached chicken served with fragrant rice and a trio of dipping sauces, including ginger paste, chili sauce, and dark soy sauce. Visit Chinatown or Maxwell Food Centre for authentic renditions.

2. Chilli crab A spicy and savory delight, chili crab features succulent crab cooked in a rich, tangy tomato-based sauce with chili and egg. Jumbo Seafood and Long Beach Seafood are renowned spots for this dish.

3. Char Kway Teow This stir-fried flat rice noodle dish is a local favorite. It's typically cooked with prawns, Chinese sausage, eggs, and bean sprouts, all infused with a smoky wok hei (charred aroma). You can find excellent versions at hawker centers like Old Airport Road Food Centre.

4. Laksa Laksa is a flavorful noodle soup that comes in two main variations: curry laksa and assam laksa. The former is creamy and coconut-based, while the latter is tangy and fish-based. Try 328 Katong Laksa or Sungei Road Laksa for a taste of these comforting soups.

5. Hokkien Mee A delicious stir-fried noodle dish featuring prawns, squid, and a savory seafood broth, Hokkien Mee is a must-try. Visit stalls like Tian Tian Lai Hokkien Mee at Kovan Market & Food Centre.

6. Satay These skewered and grilled meats, often served with a side of peanut sauce and rice cakes, make for a popular street food snack. Satay stalls at Lau Pa Sat and Newton Food Centre offer a delightful satay experience.

7. Kaya Toast For breakfast or a sweet snack, indulge in kaya toast. It consists of toasted bread slathered with kaya (a sweet coconut and egg jam) and butter, often accompanied by soft-boiled eggs and coffee or tea. Popular chains like Ya Kun Kaya Toast and Toast Box serve this classic dish.

8. Roti Prata This South Indian-inspired flatbread is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Enjoy it with a variety of dips, including curry, sugar, or condensed milk, at places like Mr. and Mrs. Mohgan's Super Crispy Roti Prata.

9. Bak Kut Teh A hearty pork rib soup flavored with a blend of herbs and spices, Bak Kut Teh is a comforting dish. Savor it with steamed rice and side dishes like dough fritters. Song Fa Bak Kut Teh is a renowned restaurant for this dish.

10. Ice Kacang Beat the Singaporean heat with a refreshing bowl of Ice Kacang, a colorful dessert featuring shaved ice, sweet syrup, red beans, jelly, and other toppings. Try it at dessert stalls across the island.

Singapore itineraries for every type of traveller

In this guide, we have created 3 itineraries that will help you plan your trip to Singapore. Depending on your duration, whether it's just a day or 5 days, you can go through our guide and plan your stay accordingly. To navigate to each list, click on the markers above and it will take you to its respective page where you can take an in-depth look into the curated itineraries. And find a readymade Singapore itinerary, tailored to suit all age groups!

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Top 10 Instagrammable Places in Singapore

Bonus: how to save money in singapore.

In comparison to its neighboring countries, prices in Singapore are more on par with European and North American standards. With that being said, there are a ton of ways to save money while traveling through the city-state.

Try these tips and hacks to cut costs, while still enjoying the best of Singapore.

1. Use the MRT Singapore’s MRT (subway) is the most efficient and cheapest way to get around the island. It’s also very punctual and exceptionally clean. Base fares start at S$1 (about $0.74). Maps showing the surrounding area are printed on the walls in MRT stations, making it extremely easy to use unlike other subway systems.

2. Avoid traveling during National Holidays Especially during Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb), prices for hotels, transport and other visitor-related activities skyrocket. It’s definitely a great opportunity to take in the nation’s culture, but if you’re on a budget, you might want to consider planning around these dates.

3. Take advantage of Happy Hour There a ton of great places to grab a drink in Singapore; but the city’s nightlife hotspots can come at a cost. If you’re on a budget, timing your cocktail time for Happy Hour will help minimize the damage on your wallet. Be sure to try the famed Singapore Sling - the island’s beloved gin cocktail.

Explore Singapore on a budget

Singapore is a captivating destination that offers a wealth of experiences, and you don't need to break the bank to enjoy them. With careful planning and smart choices, you can make the most of your visit to this vibrant city without overspending. Here's a guide to exploring Singapore on a budget.

What are somethings to do in Singapore?

There are many things to do in Singapore. You can visit the world-famous Zoo, take a ride on the Singapore Flyer, go shopping at Orchard Road, or take a walk through Chinatown.

What is the food like in Singapore?

The food in Singapore is a blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences. There is something for everyone to enjoy!

What is the nightlife like in Singapore?

The nightlife in Singapore is vibrant and exciting. There are many bars and nightclubs to enjoy, as well as live music and other entertainment options.

What are some of the important rules to follow in Singapore?

Be sure to not litter. Do not chew gum. Vandalism is a serious offense and can result in a jail sentence. And, it is considered disrespectful to walk around barefoot or shirtless in public.

All Singapore Guides

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Shaili Contractor

With a passport full of tales from around 30 countries, I love exploring each new culture I come across. A seasoned writer and editor with a deep love for travel, I can't resist the allure of Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and Indonesia - my favorites so far! I still have to take that trip to Japan, as I'm a HUGE Studio Ghibli fan, and love all sorts of pop culture! I also love history and am obsessed with anything that's connected to WW II. I want to visit Poland soon, just for this reason. Traveling has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in Bahrain during the Gulf War, and since then, I've moved to several different countries, exploring them as I go. I love airplane food, I enjoy airports more than one should and I love the journey as much as the destination. I write about history and culture, shopping, handy tips, city guides, my own travel experiences and so much more about places visited and less visited in the world. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, I'm here to help you plan your next adventure and make the most of your travels.

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It’s another Singapore Travel blog – Escapes from the Little Red Dot

About the author

My name is Yeo Zi Yi . I come from a tiny city named Singapore, known to some as the Little Red Dot. I have been living here since birth thus I often get the urge to escape from this dot from time to time. Getting away from the stress and the sea of people to see the world brings me great pleasure.

When I graduated in 2005, I took a 20ish days trip with a Contiki tour to Central Europe and bringing out wander-lust in me. Since then, I have been travelling at a minimum of 2 times a year if I can afford it. I travel usually with my wife, whom shares the same interest and we aspire to travel the world. We have been to many places but as we reminisce now, memories of some visits have started to become foggy. And so I started this blog to jot down interesting events that have happened. Hopefully this would be able to bring us back to the time when we were there, when we revisit these pages.

Why write another Singapore Travel Blog?

I wrote this blog as detailed as possible in order to remember the little interesting info and experiences that I picked up during my travel. Each page represented a day of the trip (if it was worth a page) and it might be a little confusing. If lost, always start back at Home and then to the Past Escapes pages.

I have included the itineraries that we have done for the trip and were trips from Singapore. Hopefully this would become not only a blog for me to ramble on but also a blog with itineraries for like minded travellers to refer to when planning for their travel.

Just like life itself, the itineraries started to change from being a couple only travel (BC – Before Child) to being more family friendly/oriented (AD – As Dad) post 2014. The trip also evolved and became more inclusive of our son’s interest as he grows up. Therefore, those without kids might find post 2014 lacking, shallow and even boring.

Last but not least…

Read if you enjoy, and comments are always welcomed! Have fun exploring! Follow me on Instagram @madyeomad for pictures. Reach out to me, while planning for that trip, by dropping a comment or email and I will try to help as much as I can remember!

©Escapes from the Little Red Dot – A Singapore Travel Blog

6 thoughts on “ Home ”

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Hello! We’d like to sponsor your post! Do you have a contact email we can reach at? tks!

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You can reach me at [email protected] Not sure what you meant by sponsor though

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Greetings from Singapore from a fellow traveller! 🙂 Stumbled to your website while researching on our upcoming Switzerland trip (Been there 10 years ago…revisit thus need planning again.. 🙂

We have added your blog to our list of Singapore Best Travel Blogs! http://discoverbooktravel.blogspot.com/p/singapore-best-travel-blogs.html

Have fun travelling!

Tommy Discover . Book . Travel

Thanks for dropping by and also placing my ramblings under your list of blogs! Hope you find something useful during this visit and enjoy your travels!

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Just dropping by to inform that we have moved to a new domain @ https://discoverbooktravel.com .

Your listing @ Our Singapore Best Travel Blogs has also been moved to https://discoverbooktravel.com/singapore-best-travel-blogs/

Thank you for your continued support! 🙂

Beautiful webpage! Thanks for the notice.

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Madman's Journey

Chinatown Singapore Guide 2023: Best Things to do & eat

mural paintings chinatown singapore, chinatown singapore guide, singapore budget travel guide

Chinatown was one of my favorite walks in all of Singapore . Away from the skyline, this hub of bustling markets brings a down-to-earth part of Singapore to light. Writing this Chinatown Singapore Guide took me back on a sweet memory lane to the evening here.

As someone who doesn’t like crowds, I was unsure of what to expect here. But the moment I witnessed the colorful lights floating over my head, I was glad! It was to be quite a chunk on my SG travel blog . There are tons of places for walking tours ( like Marina Bay ) in SG and Chinatown is a must! Here goes my Chinatown Singapore Guide.

Table of Contents

Self-Guided Walking Tour Chinatown Singapore

Most people talk of the must-try foods here which make up for most of the spot! But with Chinatown’s heritage since the country’s beginnings and lit markets, there’s a lot more. This Chinatown Singapore Guide shall take you through all the things to do here.

smith street chinatown singapore

What to expect

I visited Chinatown in the evening and highly recommend you do the same. The evenings are when the place comes alive; Get a small backpack along with a water bottle. Don’t carry too much luggage as you’ll need to walk around a lot.

Get some comfortable shoes on and begin! Unlike most attractions of Singapore like the Zoo or the National Gallery , you don’t need a ticket as such to enter or walk around. It’s a part of the everyday city.

But you’ll find paid tours that guide you around the heritage key spots of town. Now, should you get yourself a paid tour? Well, it depends on whether you’d prefer a paid walking tour or a self-guided walk.

oasis hotel chinatown

Chinatown Walking Tour Guides Singapore

To make sure not to miss out on anything important here, put in some time beforehand and get your itinerary checklist in place before you get here. But if that’s too much work for you and are willing to pay for a leisure walk, the walking tour guide is highly recommended!

It also avoids the self-guide hustle of holding the maps up every 20 seconds. I took a self-guided walk around the place but I missed out on a few spots. I wished I’d read more about the place beforehand.

The best part of guided tours is that even tours are out-of-the-box here to make history interesting! One is the Trishaw Uncle Guided tours (yes, they take you around with the trishaw). Something like the infamous Singapore River Cruise at Clarke Quay.

Another is the Murder Game tour where you’ll get around Chinatown while playing a history game! Find your preferred tour guide on Klook below and book before you miss out on great deals !

For self-guided explorers like myself, don’t worry! Keep reading this post for all the key spots before you visit. Thus this self-guided walking tour of Chinatown Singapore.

telok ayer street chinatown sg

Chinatown Singapore Guide: Best Things to do

The moment you land in Chinatown, Singapore, you’ll find yourself wandering away into amazing shops, colorful buildings, and aromatic food around. There’s so much detail you observe when you visit it physically – especially the cozy tiny streets you walk through.

In fact, I didn’t know the names of the streets that lured me in with their colorful air. I had to figure them out while writing this article.

Walking through Chinatown, you’ll come across all these places one after the other. Walk through the streets, take pictures, talk to people, and enjoy your tour! Here are all the best things to do in Chinatown Singapore Guide.

Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

This majestic landmark beaming between Chinatown’s bustling streets and skyscrapers was my first stop here. There’s no hard and fast on when to visit the temple. But if you’re visiting Chinatown in the evening, get there at least at 4 pm.

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple closes at 5 every day. Having an hour (or more if you’re too passionate) to tour the entire temple place is sufficient.

Another post for you to read: River Wonders Singapore Review: 5 Rare Creatures to Spot !

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Walk the Pagoda Street

Chinatown Singapore guide: Pagoda street is where you’ll go back in time to the colorful Chinatown markets. Running parallel to Chinatown Temple Street, this 250m stretch of the paved footpath is filled with shops and restaurants on either side and it’s ever-lively!

Even if you’re broke, I suggest you visit it for the street’s ambiance, lighting, and Instagrammable shots. Thank me later. Take a stroll till the end of Pagoda Street towards Shri Mariamman Temple.

Check out the Chinatown Heritage Center museum

Oh, you’re already on Pagoda Street? You might as well snuggle into Chinatown’s Heritage Center – it’s right on the way! I couldn’t visit this museum as it remains closed for the time period as it undergoes review.

But I hope it opens soon for your visit! When you do visit, expect to dive into the lives of early landers of Singapore. The laborers, traders, and immigrants and their stories of victories and struggles. If it opens up, I’ll be sure to visit it!

Another post for you to read: Universal Studios Singapore Guide: Perfect 1-Day Visit!

maxwell food centre chinatown singapore

Eat at the Maxwell Food Centre

A friend suggested me this place, the Maxwell Food Centre. And sure enough, the place is popular to be a landmark around here. The food center located by Maxwell Road is a large food court with a bunch of hawker stalls.

They serve a range of Chinatown delicacies including the popular chicken rice and dim sums! If you’re a foodie and looking to try every food place out here. I suggest eating to a minimum at Maxwell as there are still a ton of outdoor hawker stalls!

For small street hawker stalls, expect to spend around $4-6 SGD for a dish. But there are also bigger places with nice seating arrangements where it can cost between $8-10 SGD. For an authentic place, it’s worth the money as well.

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Try out hawkers at Complex, 335 Smith Street

For newcomers, it’s tough to figure out where to eat. Going around Chinatown’s Complex on Smith Street with a series of restaurants, it all comes to where you end up. At the end of this street, you’ll also find the infamous Hawker Chan restaurant which previously held a Michelin star!

I was too hungry when I arrived in Chinatown. So I plunged to the first hawker spot I found – the Tiong Bahru Chicken Rice. Not to mention, this place was popular among locals and a lot of people came in! I got a medium-sized Hainanese chicken rice with soup for myself and it was worth the S$ 3.5!

hawker stall chinatown sg

Take pictures at the People’s Park Complex

Find this name familiar from social media? Sure, it’s a beautiful picturesque spot. But the People’s Park Complex is worth the sight regardless of its distinguished structure. There’s a lot more to it than its looks.

The People’s Park Complex is very different from the skyscrapers you see in SG today. Built after Chinatown’s market fires in 1966 with millions of dollars in damages, it stood as one of its kind in Southeast Asia back in the day. The 40-year-old structure stood as the biggest shopping complex back in the day!

Another post for you to read: Bird Park Paradise Review – Ultimate 1-Day Trip in Singapore

people's park singapore chinatown

Visit the Shri Mariamman Temple

Though living near Singapore for almost a decade, never had I realized the Hindu Temple – Shri Mariamman Temple was around Chinatown’s corner. Though worlds apart from Chinatown’s streets, it’s a must-visit in Chinatown!

This temple is very similar to many beautiful Dravidian-style builds I’ve come across in India. Built-in 1827, it is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple! What I loved most about Pagoda Street and Mariamman Temple is how so many cultures come in together in a single place.

Right next to it is Masjid Jamae and the Buddha temple isn’t a far walk away either. It’s quite a wonder to see!

Take a stroll on Telok Ayer Street

Another gem of Chinatown Singapore Guide that I deeply regret missing out on is Telok Ayer Street. It’s a 500-meter walk from Pagoda street. Begin with walking the Telok Ayer Green park with its black metal sculptures and the Nagore Dargah museum at its corner.

With a series of restaurants similar to the rest here, Telok Ayer street stands apart with its appearance. The place blends today’s technology and development with remainders of old Singapore with its colorful shophouses. There are also some places to see here like the Thian Hock Keng Temple and the Singapore Musical Box Museum.

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kampung houses chinatown sg

Shop at the street markets of Chinatown

Remember those fancy lights around Pagoda Street? Right from Buddha Tooth Relic Temple’s Kreta Ayer Square, walk into the alleys of the street markets of Chinatown. It’s best to walk in the evenings. The bright hues come to life at night over your head.

Gift shops of all sorts become livelier than ever. Yet, the pavements remain clean and photogenic throughout with so many tourists flocking in. The gift shop items are equally alluring with their curious detailed works. I couldn’t help buying myself a hand fan embroidered with Chinese scripts and Pandas on it!

chinatown markets sg

Mural Paintings around Chinatown Singapore Guide

Another thing to look out for is street art – Chinatown’s Mural heritage or Chinatown Wall paintings. The picture at the beginning of this article? That’s one of them! Called the Labour of Love murals, you’ll find these amazing paintings in the alleys of Chinatown.

It’s hard to spot them with the bustle. But keep an eye on the alley walls, you’ll find them! These depict the histories of lives in old Chinatown and add up to the flavor of the place. Keep an eye out for them for I found only one! You can even book a tour just to spot all these amazing wall paintings. Here’s a great tour on Klook for the same:

Taste a pinch of Ya Kun Kaya Toast

People who live in Singapore know of the popular restaurants around here. But there are too many to count for tourists. Ya Kun Kaya Toast is another resto chain with restaurants across over a dozen countries.

However, I put it on this list because the infamous Ya Kun Kaya Toast empire began here – at Telok Ayer Street, Chinatown! Loi Ah Koon started it here at Telok Ayer in 1944 and today it looks to expand to Brunei, India, and Malaysia. Its ingredients are simple with bread, yet delicious with its kaya .

durian restaurant chinatown sg

Tailpiece: Singapore Chinatown Guide

That sums up for most of my Singapore Chinatown Guide to the best places to visit. I was glad I could visit most of Chinatown in the evening. Yet, I know I missed a good deal of stuff like the Ya Kun Kaya Toast and the top floors of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.

It’s not tough to fall in love with the place here. If you think you might, you will . Much sooner than you think. Keep half a day for a complete walking tour of the place. Another idea is to spend two evenings here instead and roam Singapore elsewhere during the day. With the MRT, it shouldn’t be hard getting around.

After getting around Chinatown, I sat down at Kreta Ayer Square facing the Buddha temple as dusk fell. It was time to head back to my cozy SpacePod at Lavender . Tired and weary, I needed a break from all the walk. Stallkeepers and workers were headed home. One Chinese old man came and sat down on the stairs beside me.

He smiled and I waved hi. We then talked for a good 15 minutes. Where we had come from and how we’d come here. Sounds pretty sweet, doesn’t it? Talk to people on your visit. Be friendly. It’ll make the trip worth it all!

Tell me how your self guided walking tour of Chinatown Singapore went in the comment section below. I’ll be happy to hear about it :)

buddha tooth relic temple

Manas Patil

Hi there! I'm a 22-year-old dude all the way from India, I love traveling and building itineraries! Sign up and get your FREE COPY of my travel checklist to get the best of your next vacation!

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Where the ordinary is made extraordinary.

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MADE IN SINGAPORE

Festival & Events

About Singapore

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Holidays. Made in Singapore.

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Discover the city’s natural beauty

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Experience the richness of our culture and heritage

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Explore Singapore’s unexpected charms

Vibrant neighbourhoods.

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Civic District

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Kampong Gelam

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Popular Places

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Gardens by the Bay

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Gillman Barracks

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Merlion Park

Food highlights.

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How to feed your food obsession

things to do and see

Chinese cuisines in Singapore

Singapore is steeped in culinary heritage, brought to our island from all around the world, including various regions of China.

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Best Chinatown restaurants in Singapore

New flavours and exciting culinary experiences are waiting to be uncovered in the cultural district of Chinatown.

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Singapore for vegetarians

Dietary restrictions won’t prevent you from experiencing the tantalising flavours of Singapore’s food scene.

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Ultimate Cooking Class for Foodies

Turn up the heat and unleash your inner chef with these in-depth cooking classes in Singapore.

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Go Shopping

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Discover Singaporean Brands. Made With Passion

Shopping on a budget in singapore.

Love shopping but don’t want to splurge unnecessarily? Budget-friendly shopping in Singapore is possible—just check out these places.

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Retail therapy at Changi Airport

Spoil yourself with the abundance of shopping options available at Changi Airport.

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Eco-friendly shops and tours

Explore, shop and eat while championing the environment. These eco-conscious Singaporean brands are worth checking out.

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Singapore with Retail Therapy: Orchard Road

From bespoke high-street to bargain buys, Orchard Road has something for everyone. Discover a shopping experience that matches every taste.

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Traveller Essentials

Travel Requirements for Tourists to Singapore

Getting to Singapore

Getting Around Singapore

Featured Itineraries

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Walking Trails

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  • In The Neighbourhood: Chinatown

Passion Made Possible

Singapore is more than its tourist attractions. It’s constantly evolving, reinventing, and reimagining itself, with people who are passionate about creating new possibilities. It’s not just about what you can do here, it’s about what you can be.

VISIT SINGAPORE: Travel Guide to Exploring the Lion City

Exploring singapore: the ultimate travel guide for first-time visitors.

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SINGAPORE TRAVEL GUIDE: Everything You Need to Know

Table of Contents

Singapore is worth considering if you’re looking for a vibrant and exciting destination for your next trip. Located in Southeast Asia, Singapore is a city-state that offers a unique blend of cultures, cuisines, and attractions. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s historic neighborhoods, trying out some of the world’s best street food, or experiencing the cutting-edge technology and architecture that Singapore is known for, there’s something for everyone in this dynamic city.

Visit Singapore

One of the great things about Singapore is that it’s easy to get around, with an efficient public transportation system that connects all parts of the city. From the bustling streets of Chinatown to the tranquil gardens of Marina Bay, you can easily explore all the different neighborhoods and attractions Singapore offers. And if you’re looking for a break from the city, there are plenty of natural and cultural wonders to discover just a short drive or ferry ride away, from the lush rainforests of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve to the colorful temples of nearby Malaysia and Indonesia. So whether you’re a first-time visitor to Singapore or a seasoned traveler looking for a new adventure, you’re sure to find plenty to see and do in this exciting and dynamic city.

Understanding Singapore

Understanding Singapore

If you’re planning a trip to Singapore, it’s important to have an understanding of the country’s history and culture. Singapore is a small island nation located in Southeast Asia. It is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities, with Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Western influences all playing a significant role in shaping the country’s identity.

The official languages of Singapore are English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. However, English is the most widely spoken language and is used in business, government, and education. This makes Singapore an easy place to navigate for English-speaking visitors.

One of the most unique aspects of Singaporean culture is its food. The country is known for its hawker centers, open-air food courts that offer a wide variety of affordable and delicious dishes. Some popular dishes include chicken rice, laksa, and chili crab.

Another important aspect of Singaporean culture is its emphasis on cleanliness and orderliness. The country has strict laws and regulations in place to maintain its clean and green image. For example, littering and smoking in public places are heavily fined, and chewing gum is banned.

Despite its small size, Singapore has a rich history and a thriving arts scene. The country has a number of museums and galleries that showcase its history and culture, as well as an impressive lineup of festivals and events throughout the year.

Pre-Travel Requirements

Before you embark on your journey to Singapore, there are a few pre-travel requirements that you need to be aware of. These requirements are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in Singapore, including visitors like you.

Visa Requirements

If you are a short-term traveler holding a passport or travel document from a visa-required country/region, you must apply for a visa to enter Singapore. Visa-required travelers can use the Visa-Free Transit Facility for fewer than 96 hours in Singapore if eligible.

Arrival in Singapore

Arrival in Singapore

Travel brochures and mrt map.

Upon arriving at Singapore Changi Airport, visit the Singapore Tourism Kiosk and get various travel brochures; it can help you decide where to go based on your interests and priorities. You can also get an MRT Map to help you navigate the local transportation system.

Buy Local Sim

The cheapest way to stay connected is to buy a local sim inside the airport at one of the Sim shops. Just present your passport and choose the package depending on how much data you need and how long your stay in the country will be.

There are several options for the best travel SIM card in Singapore. Singtel’s hi! Tourist SIM card and M1’s Prepaid Tourist SIM offer large amounts of data, with Singtel’s eSIM offering 5G network access. SIMBA is another option that offers 30 days of service, 100 GB of data, and unlimited talk time for just 7 USD. The most convenient place to buy a SIM card in Singapore is at Changi International Airport. Ultimately, Singapore’s best travel SIM card may depend on individual needs and preferences.

SG Arrival Card and Electronic Health Declaration

All travelers must submit the SG Arrival Card before arriving in Singapore, except for those transiting/transferring through Singapore without seeking immigration clearance and residents (Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents, Long-Term Pass holders*) traveling through Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints. The SG Arrival Card is an online form that collects your personal information and travel details. You will also need to complete an electronic health declaration.

Long-Term Pass

If you plan to stay in Singapore for an extended period, you may need to apply for a Long-Term Pass. This pass is for individuals wishing to work, study, or live in Singapore for over 90 days. The type of pass you need to apply for will depend on your purpose of stay and qualifications.

Immigration Clearance

Upon arrival in Singapore, you will need to clear immigration. You must present your passport, visa (if applicable), and any other relevant documents to the immigration officer. The officer may ask questions about your travel plans, so be prepared to answer truthfully.

Automated Clearance

If you are a Singapore citizen, Permanent Resident, or Long-Term Pass holder, you can use the automated clearance lanes at the immigration checkpoint. The automated clearance process is faster and more convenient than the manual clearance process. To use the automated clearance lanes, you must have a valid passport, a registered thumbprint, and an immigration pass.

Covid-19 Measures

Singapore is now open for all travelers, regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status! With the Automated Clearance Initiative , those from eligible countries/regions can breeze through immigration clearance at our checkpoints using the automated lanes.

Mask-wearing is not required on public transport, indoor and outdoor places. However, masks are still needed when interacting with patients in healthcare and residential care settings.

And the best part? Starting from 13 February, there are no entry approvals, pre-departure tests, on-arrival tests, quarantine, or COVID-19 travel insurance required to enter the country!

Your pre-departure checklist:

  • Secure tickets for any flight to Singapore
  • 3 days before arrival (including the day itself): Submit  SG Arrival Card  and e-health declaration via the official and free e-service on the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website

Getting There

Singapore is a well-connected city-state, and there are several ways to get there, depending on your location. The most popular modes of transportation are by air and by land. Singapore has one of the busiest airports in the world, and it is the most convenient way to travel to the city-state.

Changi Airport is Singapore’s main airport, located on the island’s eastern side. It is one of the most modern airports in the world, with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities. Changi Airport is connected to more than 200 cities worldwide and is a hub for several major airlines.

If you are traveling from overseas, you can book a direct flight to Changi Airport. Alternatively, you can take a connecting flight from a nearby city. The airport is easily accessible by public transport, and several bus and train services are available.

Traveling from Malaysia, you can enter Singapore through one of the two land checkpoints: Woodlands Checkpoint or Tuas Checkpoint. Woodlands Checkpoint is in the north, while Tuas Checkpoint is in the west. Both checkpoints are open 24 hours a day and connected to the Malaysian highway network.

If you are driving into Singapore, you must have a valid Autopass Card, which can be obtained at the checkpoints. You will also need to pay a toll fee at the checkpoints.

If you are traveling from nearby islands, you can take a ferry to Singapore. Several ferry services are available from nearby countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia. The ferry terminal is located at HarbourFront, which is easily accessible by public transport.

Singapore Currency

Currency and Banking

When traveling to Singapore, it’s important to understand the local currency and banking system. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

The official currency of Singapore is the Singapore dollar (SGD). It is denoted by the symbol “$” or “S$.” One SGD is divided into 100 cents. Notes come in denominations of S$2, S$5, S$10, S$50, S$100, S$1,000, and S$10,000, while coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as S$1.

When exchanging currency, it’s important to shop around for the best rates. You can exchange money at banks, money changers, and hotels. However, be aware that some money changers may charge higher fees or give you a lower exchange rate than others. It’s also a good idea to check the exchange rate before you go to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.

Singapore has a well-developed banking system, with a number of local and international banks operating in the country. Some of the major local banks include DBS Bank, United Overseas Bank (UOB), and Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC).

If you need to withdraw cash, you can do so at ATMs nationwide. Most ATMs accept international debit and credit cards, but some may charge a fee for foreign transactions. You can also use your credit card for purchases at most merchants, including restaurants, shops, and hotels.

When using your credit card, it’s important to keep an eye on the exchange rate and any fees that may be charged. Some credit cards offer better exchange rates and lower fees than others, so it’s worth researching before you go.

Singapore Transportation

Public Transport

Getting around Singapore is easy and convenient thanks to the city-state’s efficient public transport system. The system is made up of buses, MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) trains, and taxis, all of which are safe and reliable. Here’s what you need to know about Singapore’s public transport system:

Singapore’s buses are a great way to get around the city. The bus network covers almost every part of Singapore, and buses are frequent and reliable. You can pay for your bus fare using an EZ-Link card, which can be purchased at any MRT station or 7-Eleven store. Alternatively, you can pay with cash, but an exact change is recommended.

The MRT is Singapore’s subway system, one of the fastest and most efficient ways to get around the city. The MRT system has five lines, and trains run from 5:30 a.m. to midnight daily. You can pay for your MRT fare using an EZ-Link card, which can also be used on buses and some taxis. Alternatively, you can purchase a single-use ticket from the ticket machines at any MRT station.

Taxis are readily available in Singapore, and they’re a convenient way to get around if you’re traveling in a group or have a lot of luggage. Taxis are metered, and fares are reasonable. You can hail a cab on the street or book one through a taxi booking app like Grab or ComfortDelGro.

Public Transport Apps

Several apps can help you navigate Singapore’s public transport system. The MyTransport app, available for iOS and Android , provides information on train operating times, station exits, public bus services, and bus arrival times. The SG BusLeh app provides real-time information on bus arrivals and departures and estimated journey times. The Grab app can be used to book taxis and private hire cars.

Climate and Weather

When planning your trip to Singapore, it’s important to consider the climate and weather. Singapore has a tropical climate, which is hot and humid year-round. The temperature usually ranges from 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F) during the day, with the humidity often hovering around 80%.

Singapore experiences rainfall throughout the year, with the heaviest rainfall occurring between November and January. However, even during the rainy season, the rain usually comes in short bursts and does not last all day. It’s important to note that Singapore is also known for its thunderstorms, which can occur at any time of the year.

If you prefer cooler and drier weather, the best time to visit Singapore is between February and April. During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, with lower humidity and less rainfall. However, it’s important to note that this is also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.

On the other hand, if you don’t mind the heat and humidity, visiting Singapore during the off-peak season can be a great way to save money and avoid the crowds. The months between May and August are typically the least busy but the hottest and most humid.

Popular Attractions

Singapore is a city-state with much to offer for tourists and locals alike. If you plan a trip to Singapore, you’ll want to check out some of the city’s popular attractions. Here are a few of the most popular attractions in Singapore:

Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay is a nature park with stunningly designed green spaces, including the iconic Supertrees. These towering structures are vertical gardens that light up at night, providing a dazzling display. You can also explore the two biodomes, which are climate-controlled conservatories that house a variety of plant species.

Book a Ticket

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest gardens in Singapore. It’s a great place to stroll and enjoy the lush greenery. You can also visit the National Orchid Garden, which features over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids.

MacRitchie Reservoir

MacRitchie Reservoir is a popular spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. You can hike or a run on one of the many trails that wind around the reservoir. You can also rent a kayak or a canoe and explore the water.

Singapore Zoo

Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo is a world-renowned zoo that’s home to over 2,800 animals from over 300 species. You can see animals from all over the world, including lions, tigers, elephants, and orangutans. The zoo is also known for its innovative and immersive animal exhibits.

These are just a few of the many popular attractions in Singapore. Whether you’re looking for nature, adventure, or culture, Singapore has something for everyone.

Book a Ticket to Singapore Zoo

Food and Dining

Singapore is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse and vibrant food scene that offers something for everyone. From hawker centers to high-end restaurants, this city-state has no shortage of delicious food.

Singapore Laksa

One of the best ways to experience the local food culture is by visiting a hawker center, which is an open-air food court that offers a wide variety of affordable and delicious food. Singapore’s most popular hawker centers include Maxwell Food Centre, Tiong Bahru Market, and Old Airport Road Food Centre. You can try local favorites at these centers, like chicken rice, laksa, and char kway teow.

If you’re interested in learning how to cook some of these dishes yourself, many cooking classes are also available in Singapore. These classes are led by experienced chefs who will teach you how to prepare traditional Singaporean dishes like satay, curry, and chili crab.

  • Hokkien Cultural Cooking Class from Crawford Lane
  • Hainan Cultural Cooking Class in Esplanade
  • Cultural Cooking Class by Food Playground

Singapore also has a lively bar scene for those who enjoy a good drink. Whether you’re looking for a fancy cocktail or a cold beer, plenty of options exist. Some of the best bars in Singapore include 28 Hong Kong Street, Jigger & Pony, and Operation Dagger.

Shopping in Singapore

Singapore is a shopping paradise where you can find everything from luxury brands to affordable souvenirs. The city-state is famous for its modern shopping malls, boutique shops, and street markets.

Orchard Road

Orchard Road is the most famous shopping street in Singapore. The 2.2-kilometer-long road has shopping malls, department stores, and boutiques. You can find everything from fashion and electronics to housewares and souvenirs. Some popular shopping malls on Orchard Road include ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City, and Paragon.

Singapore Chinatown

Chinatown is a vibrant neighborhood in Singapore famous for its street markets and souvenir shops. You can find traditional Chinese products like silk, tea, and porcelain here. The Chinatown Street Market is a must-visit destination for tourists. The market is filled with stalls selling everything from clothes and accessories to handicrafts and traditional Chinese medicine.

Other Shopping Destinations

In addition to Orchard Road and Chinatown, there are many other shopping destinations in Singapore. Some of the popular ones include:

  • Marina Bay Sands Shoppes: This luxury shopping mall is in the iconic Marina Bay Sands complex. It features over 170 luxury and premium brands and a canal with gondola rides.
  • Bugis Street: This is one of the largest street markets in Singapore. It is famous for its affordable fashion, accessories, and street food.
  • VivoCity: This is the largest shopping mall in Singapore. It features over 300 retail and dining o ptions and a rooftop park and amphitheater.
  • Haji Lane: This is a trendy shopping street in the Kampong Glam neighborhood. It is known for its independent boutiques, vintage shops, and street art.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Singapore is not only known for its bustling city life, but it also offers a range of nature and outdoor activities for you to explore.

Singapore is often called the “Garden City” due to its greenery and parks. The Gardens by the Bay is a must-visit attraction where you can marvel at the Supertree Grove and the Cloud Forest. The Supertree Grove consists of vertical gardens that light up at night, creating a magical atmosphere.

The Cloud Forest is a gigantic indoor waterfall showcasing nature’s beauty. Besides Gardens by the Bay, other beautiful gardens exist, such as the Singapore Botanic Gardens and the Chinese and Japanese Gardens.

For those who love nature, Singapore has plenty of options to choose from. Take a day trip to Pulau Ubin and explore the island’s rustic charm. You can cycle around the island and enjoy the scenic views of the mangroves and the sea.

Another famous nature spot is MacRitchie Reservoir, where you can hike along the trails and spot wildlife such as monkeys and birds. If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve offers a steep climb to the highest point in Singapore.

Singaporeans love to exercise, and you can join in on plenty of outdoor activities. The Coast-to-Coast Trail is a 36km trail across Singapore, from Jurong Lake Gardens to Coney Island Park. You can cycle, jog, or walk along the trail and enjoy the beautiful scenery. For those who love water sports, you can try stand-up paddleboarding at Ola Beach Club or kayaking at the Kallang Basin. If you want something more thrilling, you can go bungee jumping at AJ Hackett Sentosa.

Budget Travel in Singapore

Singapore is known for being one of the most expensive cities in the world, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it on a budget. With some research and planning, you can experience the best of Singapore without breaking the bank.

Accommodation

One of the biggest expenses of any trip is accommodation, but there are plenty of budget-friendly options in Singapore. Hostels are a great choice for solo travelers or those on a tight budget. Prices range from around SGD 20 to 40 per night for a dorm bed, with private rooms available for a bit more.

Budget hotels and guesthouses are also available if you prefer a bit more privacy. Prices range from around SGD 50 to 100 per night for a basic room, with more luxurious options available for a bit more.

Singapore is a foodie’s paradise, with many cuisines available at all prices. Hawker centers are the best option for budget travelers, with a wide range of local dishes available for around SGD 5 to 10 per meal.

If you want to splurge, head to a local restaurant or café. Prices vary depending on the location and cuisine, but you can expect to pay around SGD 20 to 30 for a meal.

Transportation

Public transportation in Singapore is efficient and affordable, with a range of options available. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is the easiest and cheapest way to get around, with fares starting at around SGD 1.50 per trip.

If you prefer to travel by bus, fares start at around SGD 1.00 per trip. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available, but can be more expensive.

There are plenty of free and budget-friendly activities to enjoy in Singapore. Take a stroll through the beautiful Gardens by the Bay, visit the iconic Merlion statue, or explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Chinatown and Little India.

If you want to splurge a bit, head to one of Singapore’s many attractions. The Singapore Flyer, Universal Studios Singapore, and the Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck are all popular choices, with prices starting at around SGD 20 to 30 per person.

With a bit of planning and research, it’s possible to enjoy all that Singapore has to offer on a budget. From affordable accommodation to delicious street food and free activities, there are plenty of ways to experience this vibrant city without breaking the bank.

Singapore Travel Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the must-see attractions in singapore within 7 days.

If you’re visiting Singapore for a week, there are plenty of must-see attractions to add to your itinerary. Some popular attractions include Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island, Universal Studios Singapore, and Merlion Park. You can also explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam.

What is the best travel guide book for Singapore?

There are several travel guide books available for Singapore, including Lonely Planet Singapore, Fodor’s Singapore, and Frommer’s Singapore. You can choose the one that suits your needs and preferences.

Where can I find the best Singapore travel packages?

You can find the best Singapore travel packages on various travel websites such as Expedia, Travelocity, and Agoda. You can compare the packages and choose the one that fits your budget and preferences.

Where can I download a PDF version of the Singapore travel guide?

You can download a PDF version of the Singapore travel guide from the official website of the Singapore Tourism Board. The guide provides useful information about the attractions, accommodations, and transportation options in Singapore.

What is the best Singapore travel itinerary for a week?

A recommended itinerary for a week in Singapore could include Day 1: Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay, Day 2: Sentosa Island and Universal Studios Singapore, Day 3: Chinatown and Little India, Day 4: Kampong Glam and the Merlion Park, Day 5: Orchard Road and Clarke Quay, Day 6: Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, Day 7: Jurong Bird Park and Haw Par Villa.

What are the requirements going to Singapore from Philippines?

Filipino travelers need a valid passport and a visa to enter Singapore. They also need to provide proof of onward or return ticket, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for their stay. For more information, you can check the official website of the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore.

How much bank balance is required for Singapore tourist visa?

There is no specific amount of bank balance required for a Singapore tourist visa. However, you need to provide proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Singapore.

What do you need to know before going to Singapore?

Before going to Singapore, you must know about the local customs and traditions, the weather, the transportation options, and the currency exchange rates. You should also be aware of the local laws and regulations to avoid legal issues during your stay in Singapore.

Singapore Travel and Tour Packages

Avoid the hassle! Find the best places to stay in Singapore and book your accommodation with Booking and Agoda !

Want more updates about new package tours and tourist attractions in Singapore that you can add to your itinerary?

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Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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Blogs, Travel Guides, Things to Do, Tourist Spots, DIY Itinerary, Hotel Reviews - Pinoy Adventurista

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2024 singapore travel guide blog with a ₱10,000 diy itinerary, things to do, budget & expenses, travel tips and more.

NEW UPDATED SINGAPORE TRAVEL GUIDE BLOGS with DIY sample SINGAPORE ITINERARY AND EXPENSES, hotels, tour packages, things, to do in Singapore, and breakdown of expenses to guide in in planning your trip for the first time

Traveling to Singapore this 2024? Let this comprehensive Singapore Travel Guide Blog with sample DIY itinerary, budget and expenses, things to do in Singapore, best tourist spots, where to stay, travel tips, and more help you in planning an amazing Singapore adventure!

Are you ready to explore singapore let's get started, 2024 first-timer's travel guide to singapore with legoland malaysia day trip, now, let's get started..., quick facts about singapore.

  • Official Name: Republic of Singapore
  • Capital: Singapore City
  • Languages: English, Chinese, Malay, Tamil
  • Currency: Singapore Dollars (SGD / S$)
  • Weather: Tropical
  • Electricity: 220-240 V
  • Time zone: UTC+8 (Singapore Standard Time)

Singapore Budget Travel Guide

Visa Requirements for Filipinos to Enter Singapore

Important notice for married filipinas entering singapore, electronic arrival card, how it works.

  • Before they arrive, foreign travellers to Singapore can fill up their personal particulars and pertinent trip information such as their flight and accommodation details via the ICA website or a mobile app.
  • When they arrive in Singapore, they need to present only their passport for immigration clearance.
  • The electronic arrival card that they filled up in advance will then be called up by ICA's immigration system.

Singapore on a budget Travel Guide and Itinerary

How to get to Singapore?

From the philippines, alternatively.....

Singapore Budget Travel Guide

How to Get to Singapore City Center from Changi Airport?

Changi airport to city by private car transfer, changi airport to city by train, changi airport to city by bus, when is the best time to visit singapore, how many days to stay in singapore.

Singapore DIY Travel Guide Itinerary Budget

WHERE TO STAY: Hotels in Singapore

Hotels in Singapore

Hotel Re! @ Pearl's Hill

Top-rated hotels in singapore, hostels in singapore, cube boutique capsule hotel, footprints hostel, coller boutique hostel, meadows hostel, urban hostel.

visit singapore blog

Budget Hotels in Singapore

Hotel 81 (premier) hollywood, chang ziang hotel, fragrance hotel - balestier, aliwal park hotel, oxford hotel, hotel snow lavender, ibis budget singapore ametrine, value hotel balestier, arianna hotel, can't find the hotel that suits your budget and needs.

Singapore Travel Guide with DIY Itinerary and Budget

How to get around the city?

  • Singapore City Sightseeing - [ See Details Here ]
  • FunVee WOW Night Tour - [ See Details Here ]
  • FunVee Open Top Bus 1 Day Hopper Pass - [ See Details Here ]

Singapore Pocket Wifi Rental

How to stay connected in Singapore?

√ if the above option is not available, you may also rent a 4g lte wifi from manila that you could use in singapore. pick-up and return location is at ninoy aquino international airport (naia) terminal 3., where to exchange currency in singapore.

Singapore Travel Guide Blog 2018

Things to Do in Singapore + Tourist Spots and Attractions

Here are the top best tourist spots and attractions you should not miss when visiting singapore. i will also share to you our diy itinerary after..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) ???? (@pinoyadventurista) on Sep 8, 2018 at 5:34am PDT

Singapore Botanic Garden

2020 First Timers Travel Guide Blog to Singapore

  • Address: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
  • Opening Hours: 5:00 am – 12 mn, daily
  • Entrance Fee: Admission to the complex is FREE, but some of the gardens and attractions requires an entrance fee.
  • How to get there: Take the MRT to Botanic Gardens Station

Free Things To Do in Singapore

Gardens by the Bay Singapore

  • Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
  • Opening Hours:
  • Cooled Observatories - 09:00 am - 9:00 pm daily
  • Outdoor Gardens - 05:00 am - 02:00 am daily
  • OCBC Skyway - 9:00 am - 9:00 pm daily

How to get to Gardens by the Bay?

  • From Bayfront MRT (CE1/DT16), take Exit B and follow the underground linkway, exit and cross the Dragonfly Bridge or Meadow Bridge into Gardens by the Bay
  • From Tanjong Pagar MRT (EW15), take Exit C and head to International Plaza, Anson Road to bus stop 03223, take bus 400 and alight at bus stop 03371 along Marina Gardens Drive
  • From Marina Bay Sands Hotel, cross the overhead bridge (Lions Bridge), open daily from 8:00am-11:00pm or walk through underground linkway via Bayfront MRT

Singapore Tourist Spots and Attractions

Singapore Flyer

  • Address: 30 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039803
  • Opening Hours: 08:30 am – 10:30 pm, daily
  • How to get there: Ride the MRT to The Promenade Station (Downtown Line DT15 / Circle Line, CC4). Take Exit A and look out for blue pedestrian signs to Singapore Flyer.

Universal Studios Singapore

Universal Studios Singapore

Universal studios singapore (uss).

  • Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
  • Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm, daily or until 10:00 pm if there are scheduled events
  • How to get there: From the city, take the train to Harbourfront Station. Enter Vivo City Mall, go to the 4th floor, buy a Sentosa Fun ticket for $4 SGD and take the Sentosa Monorail. Alight at the first stop which is the Waterfront Station. From here, you just need to walk for about 150 meters (2 mins) to Universal Studios Singapore.

Singapore Itinerary Blogs

Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck

  • Soak in the panoramic views of Singapore's iconic skyline at Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck
  • Marvel at the city's most popular attractions like Gardens by the Bay, all while 200 meters above the ground
  • Capture beautiful photos on one of the largest observation decks in the world, perched above three towers
  • Catch the Spectra Light and Water Show once you get down at 8:00pm and 9:30pm or watch it from the Skypark!

Travel Guide 2019 Singapore Zoo and Night Safari

Singapore Zoo and Night Safari

  • Address: 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826
  • Operating Hours:
  • Singapore Zoo - 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Night Safari - 7:15 PM - 12:00 MN
  • Singapore Zoo (Php 1,305.00) - Book this activity via Klook!
  • Night Safari (Php 1,184.00) - Book this activity via Klook!
  • Point to Point Transfers (Php 2,049.00 per vehicle) - Book this via Klook!
  • Bus Transfers (Php 231.00) - Book this via Klook!

2020 Singapore Things to Do and Itinerary

Arab Street or Kampong Glam

2019 Singapore Things to Do and Itinerary

How to Get to Arab Street Singapore?

Little India Singapore

Little India Singapore

Little India Singapore

How to Get to Little India Singapore?

Chinatown Singapore Things to do 2020

Chinatown Singapore

Chinatown Singapore Things to do 2020

How to Get to Chinatown Singapore?

  • Bus stop at South Bridge Road: C2, 166, 197, NR5
  • Bus stop at Maxwell Road: 80, 145
  • Bus stop at Eu Tong Sen Street (People's Park Centre): 2, 12, 33, 54, 143, 147, 190, 520
  • Bus stop at New Bridge Road (Chinatown Complex): 2, 12, 33, 54, 63, 124, 143, 147, 190, 520, 851, 961, 961C
  • Bus stop at Eu Tong Sen Street (People's Park Complex): 2, 12, 33, 61, 63, 80, 143, 197, 961, 970, CT8, CT18, CT28

Singapore Tourist Spots 2024

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

Singapore Itinerary Blogs

Skyline Luge in Sentosa

Singapore Itinerary Blogs

Singapore Cable Car

  • 08:45 am - 10:00 pm, daily
  • Last ride: 09:30 pm
  • A one way trip takes approximately 15 minutes

Singapore Itinerary Blogs

Madame Tussauds Singapore

Other must-see attractions in singapore.

Singapore Travel Guide 2017 for first-timers

Merlion Park

Singapore Travel Guide 2020 for first-timers

Singapore River and Colonial District

Singapore Travel Guide 2024 for first-timers

Singapore River Cruise

Singapore Travel Guide 2019 for first-timers

Sentosa Island

  • Skypark Sentosa by AJ Hackett - Skybridge + Mocktail
  • Luge & Skyride 2 rides combo
  • Madame Tussauds Singapore 4-in-1 Ultimate Film Stars Combo (Does not include Marvel 4D Exhibition)
  • GoGreen Segway Funride 800m
  • Sentosa 4D Adventureland Choose 2 Ride
  • Trick Eye Museum Admission

Singapore Itinerary Blogs

Adventure Cove Waterpark

Singapore Itinerary Blogs

Singapore Trick Eye Museum

Recommended day tours from singapore:.

A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) ???? (@pinoyadventurista) on Sep 27, 2017 at 10:09pm PDT

LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort

Book your legoland malaysia tickets via klook.com you can choose from the following packages.

  • Day Theme Park - PHP 1,822
  • 1 Day Water Park - PHP 1,214
  • 1 Day Combo (Theme Park + Water Park) - PHP 2,380
  • 2 Day Combo (Theme Park + Water Park) - PHP 3,522

How to get to Legoland Malaysia from Singapore? For ultimate ease and comfort, you can to Legoland Malaysia either by shared bus or by private car transfer .

DAY TOURS FROM SINGAPORE TO JOHOR BAHRU MALAYSIA

Singapore to Johor Bahru - DIY Itinerary + Private Driver

  • Enjoy a fun-filled day just across the causeway in Johor Bahru, Malaysia
  • Sit in comfort in your vehicle while passing through the immigration
  • Go shopping, get a massage, cafe hop or eat your way through the city
  • Have your local professional Malaysian driver bring you where you want to go
  • With your own vehicle and driver, you are free to plan how you want your day to go

DAY TOURS FROM SINGAPORE TO JOHOR BAHRU MALAYSIA

Sanrio Hello Kitty Town & Thomas Town in Johor Bahru

  • Create and bring home your own Hello Kitty themed souvenir at Wishful Studio!
  • For a fairytale adventure, explore Hello Kitty in Oz and experience a story of bravery and friendship
  • Hop aboard Bertie the Bus, Harold’s Helitours, and even Colin Crane Drop at Thomas Town
  • Be a part of Bob’s Can-Do-Crew or even learn a few ballet moves at Angelina Ballerina’s Dance Studio
  • Chill out with Pingu and Barney at the fun play areas

WHERE TO EAT IN SINGAPORE: Best Food and Must-Eats

Where to eat in Singapore Best Food and Must Eats

Best Satay 7&8 in Lau Pa Sat

Chunky lobsters in singapore, founder bak kut teh in bugis, satay by the bay at gardens by the bay, the original katong laksa since 1950s (janggut laksa) in upper paya lebar.

A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) ???? (@pinoyadventurista) on Sep 30, 2017 at 12:44am PDT

5D4N: Sample DIY Singapore Itinerary (5 Days and 4 Nights)

Singapore budget trip and expenses: list of travel expenses in singapore.

  • Round trip Airport Transfers for 2 pax - 3,040.00
  • 5 Days Pocket WiFi Rental for 2 pax - 1,710.00
  • Food Expenses for 5 days per person - 3,000.00
  • 4 Nights Hotel Accommodation per person - 9,000.00
  • 4-days Singapore Tourist Pass per person - 1,520.00
  • Singapore Flyer and Gardens by the Bay Tickets per person - 1,976.00
  • Universal Studios Singapore Ticket per person - 2,520.00
  • Halloween Horror Nights per person - 2,318.00
  • Round trip City Transfers to Wildlife Reserves Singapore per person - 532.00
  • Singapore Zoo Ticket per person - 1,276.00
  • Singapore Night Safari Ticket per person - 1,163.00
  • Legoland Malaysia roundtrip transfers per person - 976.00
  • Legoland Malaysia (1 day theme park) per person - 1,840.00
A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) ???? (@pinoyadventurista) on Oct 4, 2017 at 12:36am PDT

Sample DIY Singapore Itinerary (3 Days and 2 Nights)

  • 08:00 AM - ETA in Singapore
  • 09:00 AM - Travel from Changi Airport to the City ( Book Airport Transfer Here or you could take the train to save on travel expenses)
  • 10:00 AM - Arrival at the Hotel; Check-in (Some hotels allow early check-in for free. In case you're not allowed to check-in early, you may just leave your bags and start exploring)
  • 10:30 AM - Go to Marina Bay, Helix Bridge, Merlion Park
  • 12:00 NN - Lunch
  • 02:00 PM - Singapore Flyer ( Buy Discounted Tickets Here )
  • 04:00 PM - Gardens by the Bay, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome ( Buy Discounted Tickets Here )
  • 08:00 PM - Dinner
  • 09:00 PM - Go back to the hotel
  • 10:00 AM - Depart for Universal Studios Singapore ( Buy Discounted USS Tickets Here )
  • 11:30 AM - Arrival at Universal Studios Singapore, Lunch
  • 12:30 PM - Enjoy Universal Studios Singapore
  • 09:00 PM - Depart for Singapore City Center
  • 10:30 PM - Arrival at the hotel
  • 07:00 AM - Check-ou of the hotel, leave bags at the reception
  • 08:00 AM - Go to Singapore Botanic Gardens
  • 11:00 AM - Go to Singapore River and Colonial District
  • 01:00 PM - Back at the hotel and pick-up bags
  • 02:00 PM - Depart for the airport ( Book Airport Transfer Here or you could take the train to save on travel expenses)
  • 03:00 PM - Arrival at the aiport, check-in, late lunch
  • 04:00 PM - Explore the airport, shopping
  • 07:00 PM - Depart for Manila

Singapore Budget Trip and Expenses: Sample Expenses for 10,000 Pesos Budget

  • You will be staying in a budget hotel worth 3,000 pesos per night and sharing the room with one companion.
  • You will be using a 3-day Singapore Tourist Pass worth 20 SGD or 774 PHP

3 Days 2 Nights Breakdown of Expenses

  • Hotel (2 nights) - PHP 3,000.00 per person
  • Food Expenses for 3 days - PHP 2,000.00 per person
  • 3-days Singapore Tourist Pass - PHP 774.00 per person
  • Singapore Flyer and Gardens by the Bay Tickets - PHP 1,976.00 per person
  • Universal Studios Singapore Ticket - PHP 2,520.00 per person

TOTAL - PHP 10,270.000 per person

  • Round trip airfare Manila-Singapore-Manila
  • NAIA terminal fee and travel tax
  • Budget for pasalubong and tips
  • Food expense for snacks

Singapore Travel Guide Blog Itinerary Budget Expenses

Singapore Travel Tips and Reminders

  • Travel time from Changi Airport to Singapore City Center by private car is around 30 minutes and around 45 minutes by train. Plan your trip accordingly.
  • You can exchange your Philippine Peso or US Dollars in the money changers at the airport or at the city center. Exchange rate at the airport is low, it's better to change your money at the city center. Alternatively, you can also withdarw money from the ATMs.
  • For electricity, most establishments and hotels use 3-pin square plugs and sockets at 220–240 V. Don't forget to bring a universal adapter.
  • If you're on a budget, avoid eating in restaurants. It's best to look for hawker stalls (like a food court) where you could eat a decent meal for around $3-5 SGD. The best hawkers that I could suggest are the ones around Chinatown area for its wide selection of tasty and affordable meals.
  • Weather in Singapore is most of the time hot and humid. It is suggested that you wear light and breathable clothes. Also, don't forget to bring an umbrella or raincoat for occasional rains and thunderstorms.
  • Singapore is a very walk-able city. When exploring the city, you will certainly walk a lot. It is best to wear comfortable footwear.
  • Taxis / Grab car/taxi are expensive. Choose a hotel that is near an MRT Station, so it will be easier for you to move around. With an MRT station near your hotel, it's cheaper to get to one destination to another, not to mention it's also faster.
  • Eating and drinking inside the bus and MRT is prohibited.
  • Chewing gum is not allowed in Singapore. Make sure you're not bringing-in any chewing gum when entering Singapore.
  • Cigarettes are too expensive in Singapore (around 400 pesos). You can bring cigarettes from the Philippines to Singapore, but don't bring too much. One opened pack and one sealed pack "may be" allowed.
  • GST refund can be availed by tourists on goods and services purchased in Singapore. Keep your receipts and refund it at the airport before your flight. This will save you more on travel expenses.
  • To save on travel expenses, book discounted tickets at Klook, join group tours, take the bus or the MRT, walk if you can, stay in hostels or budget hotels in Singapore , and take advantage of flight seat sales and promos .

Singapore Travel Blogs

  • Universal Studios Singapore Guide + Travel Tips - this travel blog focuses on Universal Studios Singapore. It provides important information on ticket prices, the park's opening hours, ride you should exprience and tips how to enjoy Universal Stuios Singapore.
  • LEGOLAND Malaysia Experience + Travel from Singapore - if you plan to visit Legoland Malaysia coming from Singapore, you must read this article. It contains all the information you need for a memorable and exciting Legoland Malaysia Day Tour from Singapore.
  • Gardens by the Bay Experience + Travel Tips - one of the iconic attractions in Singapore, a visit to the Gardens by the Bay is a must for every first time travelers to Singapore.
  • Singapore Zoo and Night Safari - one of the best zoos I've been to. This is an ideal activity for families, especially for the education of the kids about animals.
  • Breathtaking 360 Degrees View of Singapore from the Singapore Flyer - if you want to experience and see Singapore from above, a ride at the Singapore Flyer is a must-do activity.

I hope this Singapore Travel Guide Blog 2024 for first-timers helped you in planning a memorable and budget-friendly Singapore adventure. Please don't forget to leave a comment if you have any questions and SHARE this to your friends. Enjoy your trip and have fun in Singapore!

Follow my adventures on youtube @pinoyadventurista, 14 comments :.

visit singapore blog

Mervs nabasa ko yung SG post mo. Ano mas maganda Legoland o Universal Studios?

visit singapore blog

@KIKAYSIKAT TV - mas na enjoy ko ang Universal Studios. Pero for kids, okay din ang Legoland. Mas maraming attractions for kids and Legoland, plus yung resort nila.

Nice article :)

In case you want to travel to Singapore, continue reading in order to find. Singapore travel guide blog with budget, itinerary, top attractions and budget hostel and hotels, cheap Singapore tour packages. SINGAPORE TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG with sample ITINERARY, trip budget, tourist spots, recommended hotels, 3 days tour & more. Singapore boasts a blend of Malaysian, Indian, Chinese, Arab and English cultures. Here's my ultimate Singapore travel guide!

Pinoy Adventurista, may asthma ako at may dalang diskus (asthma inhaler) wherever i go. kailangan ko po bang ideclare yun sa sinasabing electronic arrival card? thanks

Hi Sir, Did the Philippine Immigration ask for financial capacity to travel for the first timer?

hi, planning DIY tri city this june 2019... do have same itinerary on tri city ( Singapore-malaysia-indonesia)

Hi po? I am booked to singapore this November 2019. Is there a 4D and 3 nights po iterinary?

Hi. Where can you advise us to stay? Burgis, little india or china town in order to be in the middle of everything on your 5D4N itenirary sample?

I have already set to go to Singapore and will be having a budget of 300 sgd pocket money. I have completed purchasing all my tickets to visit in Sentosa Island and Universal Studios, also I bought online ticket for Gardens by the Bay. I bought Tourist Pass and Sim Card also via Klook. Is 300SGD enough for 4 days and 3 night?

4 days and 3 night itinerary pls, couole kami 1 st time din lalabas.

From singapore, pwede ka na ba mag visit agad sa legoland for 2 days then balik nalang after para sa singapore experience. sa laki kasi ng legoland 1 days is not enough.

Ask ko din if kaylangan talaga na 6 months before expiry ang passport. mejo kalito ung part na yun or at least 6 mos. meaning pag bago passport bawal na mag enter?

Hi po I’m planning to go with my mom by Summer to Singapore, first time traveling outside curious lang po for 2 adults let’s say 6 days and 5 nights ilang budget kailangan mo including plane ticket, accommodation, food and commuting and entrances sa tourist spots?

Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.

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visit singapore blog

Discover the Gateway to Singapore, with SingaporeGuide

  • 6 hours ago

Your One-stop Solution to Apply for Visit Visa to Singapore from UAE

Singapore is a beautiful tropical island in Southeast Asia. There are four major communities residing in Singapore namely Chinese (majority), Malay, Indian, and Eurasian. Singapore offers a world-class infrastructure supported by a fully integrated island-wide transport network, a dynamic business environment, vibrant living spaces, and a culturally diverse & rich population. People visit Singapore for its diverse culture, cuisine, language, religion, and history. In addition to the above mentioned, the ease of living especially in the residence, governance, and transportation system are some of the factors which make Singapore a hot-spot destination to visit.

visit singapore blog

Understanding the visa requirements for Singapore can be a tedious task and people often end up spending more time running after visa processes than planning their travel itinerary. The result, they are not able to enjoy this wonderful holiday destination to its fullest. We provide you a one-stop solution to guide you through the entire visa cycle. With several decades of experience of handling the most complicated visa cases with ease, we are one of the top Singapore visa suppliers in the UAE. Our transparent and simple processes have made applying for Singapore visa from UAE quite easy for all applicants.

1.Applying for Singapore visa

US nationals and EU member countries nationals are exempt from a visa  prior to their arrival in Singapore. The citizens who require a visa for traveling to Singapore are classified as Assessment Level 1 or Level 2 nationalities.

·       Level 1 countries:

India, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, China, Myanmar, Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Travel Permit, Hong Kong Document of Identity holders, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Commonwealth of Independent States.

·       Level 2 countries:

Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Algeria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia , Iran, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Morocco, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran, Tunisia, Sudan, Jordan, Syria, Somalia, Temporary UAE passport holders, Palestinian passport holders and refugee travel documents issued by Middle East countries.

The processing time taken for a Singapore visa  online is usually 3 working days for Level 1 countries and 5 working days. Depending on your nationality and purpose & duration of stay, the processing of visa may be longer than the normal evaluation time. The countries which are not graded in Assessment 1 & 2 can obtain a visa on their arrival in Singapore. Only Assessment Level 1 nationalities can obtain an E-visa.

2.Types of Visa issued

Tourist visa:  The visa charges for a Singapore Tourist visa is 80 AED along with a service charge of 60 AED per application.

Business visa: The visa charges for a Singapore Business visa is also 80 AED along with a service charge of 60 AED per application.

Transit visa:  Issued to applicants who transit through Singapore on the way to a third country. A transit visa permits applicants to stay for a period of 1-3 days.

3.Documents checklist

Completed and signed visa application form (Form 14A)

Valid original passport with minimum 6 months validity from the date of travel to Singapore

Two blank pages for the visa stamp

Handwritten passports will not be accepted

Two recent passport size color photographs against a white background

It should not be older than 3 months

Incomplete application forms or documents may result in delay or rejection of visa

It should be without a border

Minimum front face coverage should be 70-80%

It should not be a scanned copy or used previously in any visa application

A copy of the biodata page

Confirmed return flight reservation clearly indicating the travel date and the travel itinerary

Confirmed hotel reservation booking or letter of invitation  from the local sponsor

Letter from the applicant’s employer or an NOC letter from the local sponsor

The local Singapore contact should issue the letter of introduction (Form V39A) which clearly indicates their details such as Full name, NIRC number, occupation, telephone number, full address along with the postal code. The local Singapore contact should be an adult (21 years or older)

Singapore visa holders are forfeited from indulging in any paid activity in Singapore

Applicants are requested to apply for a Singapore visa only 30 days prior to their travel date.

The visa fees is payable only in cash and once paid it is non-refundable under all circumstances including the service charges

Processing a Singapore visa is no longer a worry as we are your one-stop solution for all your visa requirements. Our visa experts are experienced and trained to match your needs and requirements and also stay updated with the latest regulation changes. Singapore is a wonderful destination with endless things to indulge in across all age groups. Spend your time in planning the itinerary and focus on your budget rather than running after visa processes. Leave all your worries and tensions about your visa to us.

Things to know when applying for a Singapore visa

14a form for the singapore visa application.

A 14A form is basically an application form for your Singapore visa. All visitors willing to travel to Singapore and obtain a Singapore visa must complete the 14A form. It is the form where you provide your personal information and travel details.

When entering the required information in the application form, please note that a single mistake on your Singapore visa application form may result in one of the reasons for visa rejection.

Photographic specifications for the Singapore visa

The Singapore visa authority outlines the rules for photographs that you need to provide when applying for a Singapore visa. Here are the Singapore visa photo requirements that you are required to meet:

·       The size of your photograph must be 45 mm by 35 mm.

·       It must be a colour photograph reflecting your normal skin tone.

The head in the photograph must measure 25 mm to 35 mm and must be centred, looking straight forward into the camera.

It must not be older than the last three months and be taken against a white background without alteration or filters.

Your face must have a neutral expression only. Avoid smiling in the photograph.

Your eyes must be clearly visible and open.

Glasses are usually not preferred, but if you have a medical prescription, you can wear them. Avoid sunglasses or shades that cover your eyes.

The head is allowed for only religious purposes. Avoid covering your face, as it might be one of the reasons for your Singapore visa rejection.

The provided photograph’s dimensions and pixels must not be more than 150 kb.

Keeping a beard is optional, but if you have recently gone for a clean shave or have grown a longer beard than usual, it is advised to take a new photograph.

Singapore visa rejection

Singapore visas have high chances of rejection, and if your visa gets rejected, the fees won't get refunded. There are several cases where Singapore entry approval gets rejected, but the reasons may be anything. It is okay to make mistakes, and sometimes we cannot change them. However, if you know what to do and how to do it, the visa process seems like an easy-peasy game.

Singapore visas get denied for several reasons, and some of the major ones include damaged or invalid passports, double applications, missing or false documents, not providing proof of return, criminal histories, and others.

Single and Multiple Journey Visa

A single journey visa can only be used once, which means it enables the holder to enter and stay in Singapore for one time, and once the visitor leaves the country, they cannot travel back with the current visa again, even if they have some remaining days.

A multiple journey visa allows you to enter and exit Singapore multiple times for as long as it is valid.

Overstaying in Singapore

Overstaying in Singapore is strictly prohibited as it is a breach of immigration law. You can stay and enjoy Singapore as long as your visa is valid; once it has expired, you are advised to leave the country. Overstaying in Singapore after the visa expiry may result in an unfavourable situation, or you may even end up paying heavy penalties.

Public Health Requirements for Singapore

No one wants to undergo tests and quarantine on the first day of their travel and to avoid such situations, travellers must comply with public health requirements.

Yellow Fever Requirements

Singapore requires travellers to produce an International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever. The terms include stating if you have visited any country at risk of Yellow Fever transmission in the last six days before arrival in Singapore. If you fail to produce the certificate of vaccination, you must serve quarantine for up to six days on arrival. Quarantine also applies to children aged one year and below and individuals with contraindications.

We hope you were able to gather information from this blog! Here’s wishing you a great stay in Singapore.

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  3. 9 Top Reasons You Have to Visit Singapore Now!

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COMMENTS

  1. The Ultimate Singapore Travel Guide • The Blonde Abroad

    Climate: Temperatures in Singapore are consistent all year. Typically, on any given day, you will see temperatures between 75-89 degrees Fahrenheit (24-32 degrees Celsius). The humidity level is high; the country sees an average of 167 days of rain per year, so bring that umbrella! Steph + Kaitlin Lez See the World.

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  3. Singapore Travel Guide (Updated 2024)

    Singapore Travel Costs. Accommodation - Accommodation in Singapore isn't cheap and most dorm rooms are on the larger side, with 12-18 beds. A bed in a large dorm costs around 25-48 SGD per night, while a private room costs 60-100 SGD. Most hostels include free Wi-Fi and free breakfast.

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    It's become synonymous with Raffles and a must-try for first-time visitors to Singapore. Be prepared for the hefty price tag though since a Singapore Sling at Long Bar will run you at least SGD 37. Hey, at least you can freely scatter your peanut shells all over the bar's floor. Photo by katushOK via Shutterstock. 3.

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    Sentosa Island, in particular, is deemed by locals as one of the best places to visit in Singapore, home to several lovely beaches like Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach, and Tanjong Beach. The island is mainly known for its water parks and beach clubs and is considered more of an entertainment destination rather than for beach relaxation.

  10. Singapore Travel Guide 2022

    Instagrammable Spots in Singapore. Singapore was named the most Instagrammable place in the world in 2022 by the travel publication Big 7 Travel. The city-state is full of photo opportunities from green spaces, interesting architecture, colorful houses, temples, beautiful street art, and even cafes and restaurants.

  11. Singapore Itinerary 7 Days (First-Timer's Bucket List)

    Here's a detailed itinerary for how to make the most of a week in Singapore. If it's your first time here, use my cheat sheet to plan your week. Day 1 - Marina Bay. Day 2 - Chinatown. Day 3 - Little India & Haji Lane. Day 4 - Shopping! Day 5 - Tiong Bahru's cute cafes. Day 6 - Sentosa Island. Day 7 - Jewel Changi Airport.

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    October 26, 2023 / Leave a Comment. This Singapore Travel blog was inevitable. I've visited Singapore more than a dozen times now and not long ago, I even made a 5-days solo trip to Singapore. Though I've visited most places in Singapore, I look forward to visiting again. Singapore's always got something new no matter how often you visit.

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    In 1998 he apparently did not feel that Singapore was a friend to Indonesia, whereas he pointed to a map and said: "It's OK with me, but there are 211 million people [in Indonesia]. All the green [area] is Indonesia. And that red dot is Singapore.". The whole "Little Red Dot" remark caused an outcry as it was seen as a dismissal of ...

  15. The Occasional Traveller

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    Gardesn by the Bay. Image by Klook. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Singapore, drawing millions of visitors yearly, Gardens By the Bay spans 101-hectare of reclaimed land beside the Marina Reservoir. The nature park comprises three main areas: the Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden, and Bay Central Garden.

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    What to eat in Singapore. 1. Hainanese Chicken Rice. A beloved Singaporean dish, Hainanese chicken rice consists of tender poached chicken served with fragrant rice and a trio of dipping sauces, including ginger paste, chili sauce, and dark soy sauce. Visit Chinatown or Maxwell Food Centre for authentic renditions. 2.

  18. Home

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  19. Chinatown Singapore Guide 2023: Best Things to do & eat

    Chinatown Singapore Guide Best Things to do. Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Walk the Pagoda Street. Check out the Chinatown Heritage Center museum. Eat at the Maxwell Food Centre. Try out hawkers at Complex, 335 Smith Street. Take pictures at the People's Park Complex. Visit the Shri Mariamman Temple.

  20. Visit Singapore

    Singapore is more than its tourist attractions. It's constantly evolving, reinventing, and reimagining itself, with people who are passionate about creating new possibilities. It's not just about what you can do here, it's about what you can be. learn more. Get inspired by the official destination website on what to see and do in Singapore.

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    Public transportation in Singapore is efficient and affordable, with a range of options available. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is the easiest and cheapest way to get around, with fares starting at around SGD 1.50 per trip. If you prefer to travel by bus, fares start at around SGD 1.00 per trip.

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    Skyline and architecture. Architectural eye candies are aplenty in Singapore. Jewel-toned Peranakan-style houses, sleek metal giants, and contemporary marvels vie for your—and your camera's—attention. Thanks to the city's compact size and well-regulated transportation system, you won't have to choose which to visit.

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