plan trip to singapore

The Perfect 4 Day Singapore Itinerary For First Time Visitors

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: November 29, 2023

Categories Singapore

Singapore is a city-state in Southeast Asia, small in size but so much fun to visit!

From colorful Little India to the beautiful views of the Singapore skyline, the lovely Gardens by the Bay, bustling Chinatown, hidden green pockets like the Mount Faber Loop, and much more.

Singapore has been one of our most treasured destinations for as long as we can remember, and we use this post as a tribute of our personal undying love for this magical place.

On our recent trip back to Singapore in spring of 2023, we managed to polish off all the details that were bound to change since the original version was written: That first stay in the City of Gardens blew our minds away, leaving us smitten with every nook and cranny of the green megapolis. So, get ready for the new and improved Singapore travel guidebook!

Read this 4 day Singapore itinerary with lots of tips to make the most of your first-time visit to Singapore!

Singapore itinerary

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Things to know when planning a trip to Singapore

If you are wondering when to visit Singapore: Singapore is a great year-round destination as it never gets cold. We visited in May when average temperatures are around 27 degrees Celsius. The average daily temperature in Singapore is very stable throughout the year and generally only fluctuates between 25-30 degrees Celsius. If you are looking to avoid the rainy season, stay clear of November, December, and January (when most of the rain falls).

For 80% of the world's countries, the answer is no, as lots of nationalities can visit Singapore for a period of 30 days or 90 days without a visa. More information can be found on the Singapore Visa information website .

The Singapore tourist pass includes entry to many of the most popular attractions in Singapore, including Universal Studios, Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Flyer, and many more! With a Singapore Pass, you can get a discount of up to 52% . That being said, it depends on your itinerary if the Singapore Pass is value for money. My recommendation is to make a list of the Singapore main attractions you want to visit and add all the entrance fees. Compare this amount with the cost of the Singapore Pass and you'll know if the Singapore Pass is worth getting. Click here to get your Singapore Pass .

Plan your Singapore trip like a pro with these tools: ✅ Get your Singapore tourist pass for a discount of up to 52% on Singapore's top attractions. ✅ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ✅ Book the best tours with Klook and Get Your Guide . ✅ Stay connected with a  Singapore SIM card . ✅ Plan your journey with the  Singapore Lonely Planet . ✅ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Is Singapore worth visiting?

Yes, wholeheartedly yes! While Singapore was very different than the other countries we visited in Southeast Asia ( Philippines , Vietnam , Cambodia , Thailand , Laos , and  Malaysia ), I loved our trip to Singapore.

You may wonder how Singapore is different from its neighboring countries. Well, just a couple of things off the top of my head… (and 21 things more in this article )

Singapore is very organized!

From the moment I arrived at the airport it became very clear that Singapore is extremely organized:

• Information is listed in 4 languages (English, Mandarin, Tamil, and Malay).
• Getting through customs and getting a passport stamp is effortless because of the ingenious system of automatically opening gates with red and green lights.
• There is a free shuttle train taking us to the terminal where the MRT (Mass Rapid Transport) departs to the city center. What a difference with Manila, where the absence of a free shuttle and a total lack of cash had me in tears .

Singapore is very clean!

Southeast Asia is great, really, I loved it! But it’s not clean… There is so much (plastic) trash lying next to the roads, floating in the water, and piled up on the city streets.

Not in Singapore though, the city is spotless! Bins everywhere, grass that looks so straight as if it has been cut with nail clippers (I wouldn’t be surprised if it actually is;-), clean and maintained buildings, the newest cars, and the shiniest shopping malls…

(Public) transport in Singapore is very reliable!

Everyone who has been to Southeast Asia knows that even though the driver of the minivan/bus/tuk-tuk/etc. says he’ll take you from point A to point B, you never know exactly where you are going to end up.

Like the time I bought a bus ticket from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng and was dropped off at Vang Vieng’s new bus station.

Which is ‘conveniently’ located 2km out of town. And obviously jam-packed with friendly tuk-tuk drivers willing to take you to the city center. For a friendly price that is…

Or the time I thought I booked transportation from Hue to Hoi An and it turned out to be a full-blown tour taking the entire day.

Or that time in the Philippines , when I booked a ticket with Roro bus that was supposed to be so many things and turned out the be the complete opposite of those things.

None of this ‘nonsense' in Singapore. In Singapore, there is the easy to understand-communicated-in-4-languages-always-on-time-super-reliable-MRT.

The MRT will get you to all Singapore tourist attractions without any hassle!

I could probably go on for a while, but let’s just say it was a nice change of pace. And funnily enough, I found myself missing the chaos of Southeast Asia after a couple of days in structured Singapore!

If you’re scared about navigating a vast metro system in a new and foreign country (although you don’t ever have to worry about getting lost in Singapore’s underground, it’s that easy to find your way inside MRT), we encourage you to stick with the good old Grab — one of the most vastly used taxi services in Singapore (and the most reliable, might we add). To give you the approximate rundown, our ride from Changi Airport to Chinatown cost us S$20, — from which you can gather that shorter inner-city movements will cost you much less.

Best hotels in Singapore

One of the most important things when planning your Singapore trip is finding the perfect place to stay.

As you will learn further down in the article, both Chinatown and Little India are perfect for a short stay in Singapore. They are practically overflowing with tourist attractions and top-notch eateries, and, thanks to MRT stations peppered in the neighborhoods, you can easily reach Singapore’s Downtown in record time.

During our last trip to Singapore, we decided to follow our own advice and stay in Chinatown. Our choice fell on one of the cheapest (but still well-reviewed) options in the area — Wink Capsule Hostel . The private room that we got had its issues (like zero wiggle room and thin walls, that can result in all kinds of noises disturbing your sleep), but the pros definitely outweighed the cons: The closeness to the MRT station, followed by a mere 5-minute ride to Marina Bay Sands, and the price of $85 per night compensated for a less-then-desirable sleeping experience.

Of course, if you look hard enough, you can manage to find great hotels with adequate pricing (adequate by Singapore’s standards, at least) in almost any neighborhood of the city . We have managed to create the list of our top recommendations for Singapore accommodation, and we’re more than happy to share it with you!

Note: Prices for these hotels depend on the time of year and how far in advance you book. Therefore, the prices mentioned above are a rough indication of the price per night to help you compare the different options. Use ‘click here' to see the latest prices on Agoda and Booking and book ahead to get the best deal.

Singapore 4 day itinerary with the best things to do in Singapore

There are so many places to visit in Singapore, you could easily spend weeks and not run out of places to see (or things to eat ).

However, I only spent four days in Singapore, involving a lot of sightseeing, walking, and sweating.

With temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius and a humidity of 90%, it is impossible not to sweat. Unless you stay indoors all day.

I guess this is actually quite possible because of the MRT and the countless air-conditioned malls. But that would mean you'll miss all the fun, so I say: walk, walk, walk!

If you don't want to (or can't) walk everywhere, have less than 4 days in Singapore or if you're traveling with small children, the best way to see many of the highlights mentioned in this post is by booking a (1 or 2 day) ticket for the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus .

What to do in Singapore in 4 days

• Singapore day 1: admire the Singapore skyline, visit Gardens by the Bay , marvel at the Marina Bay Sands ( click here to find out how much spending a night will cost you ),  stroll around Chinatown , visit the Singapore City Gallery, take a picture of the Merlion, and watch the Singapore skyline by night.
• Singapore day 2:  explore colorful Little India, check out the Raffles Hotel, and explore Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay, and walk around Fort Canning Park.
• Singapore day 3:   visit Sentosa Island , admire the views from The Pinnacle@Duxton and the Marina Bay Sands observation deck .
• Singapore day 4:  either hike the Mount Faber Loop, the Henderson Waves, Alexander Arch, and Canopy Walkway, or spend the day at Singapore Zoo. Alternatively, start your day off at Singapore Botanic Gardens and then finish it with the TreeTop Walk.

Below you can find all the nitty gritty details: where to go in Singapore, a Singapore tourist map, and pictures of all the highlights in Singapore.

Singapore itinerary day 1

Itinerary : Singapore Skyline by day – Gardens by the Bay – Marina Bay Sands – Chinatown – Singapore City Gallery – Merlion and Singapore skyline by night

Click here for the interactive map on Google

Now, we know that not everybody planning a trip to the Lion City is counting on staying in Singapore for four days straight, since layovers and short stays are so widely advertised and encouraged here. Because of that, you can actually take all the places we mention in this post and rearrange them to best suit your Singapore timeline.

However, why go through all the trouble of researching the itineraries yourself, when we went ahead and did it for you: Click to get the tried-and-tested One Day Singapore Itinerary that covers all the touristy bases, while also providing you with priceless information on how to get the most out of your stay in Singapore if you only have 24 hours in the city.

If you’re blessed with more time in Singapore (you lucky dog!), then follow along our Four Day Singapore Itinerary: It’s much more laid-back and comprehensive. So, without further ado, here’re the things to see during your day one (not to be confused with one day) in Singapore:

Singapore skyline

Singapore has one of the most famous skylines in the world which can be found in Singapore's downtown core. This should be one of the first places to go in Singapore! Day or night, the Singapore skyline is beautiful and impressive.

One of the best places to admire the skyline is from the Marina Bay Sands observation deck (more information can be found below).

Alternatively, if paying to witness the sprawling vistas of this wonderful city alone doesn’t cut it for you, you can always pop into CÉ LA VI SkyBar and add a boozy touch to the whole experience (a Mai Tai in hand (S$25) usually makes everything better).

Located on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands, this hidden gem of a bar has a terrific terrace with truly unbeatable views. The bar requires a general entry fee of S$30 that can be redeemed on food and drinks, but we have a handy tip for an average Scrooge descendant: At evening rush hour, the servers tend to get really overwhelmed, thus they can miss a couple of tourists who are only there for a photo and nothing more. So, you might get a spectacular free (if lucky) viewing experience. You didn’t hear it from us!

When it comes to a truly free viewing point to enjoy Singapore skyline, we can think of a stunning boulevard that connects two of the city’s iconic landmarks:

• The Helix Bridge — constructed to resemble a human’s DNA strand, the bridge is a destination in and of itself; and together with a few viewing platforms, it becomes one of the best places to enjoy the panoramas of the city;
• The Esplanade — durian-shaped theater on the bay that is considered the heart of Singapore’s art scene, with great shows and performances and unobscured views of the skyline.

Actually, there are SO many beautiful views in Singapore — both paid and free — that we've even come up with an idea of creating a detailed post about the best viewpoints in the city !

The Singapore Flyer

The Singapore Flyer is definitely one of the most famous Singapore attractions. Standing 165 meters tall, this is the world’s second tallest Ferris Wheel, offering great 360° views over Singapore.

A ride in one of the wheel’s pods is guaranteed to be the one for the ages, and the added combo access to Time Capsule — a multimedia exhibition that draws you into Singapore’s past, present, and future — gives a profound meaning to an otherwise superficial attraction.

The whole shebang will cost you S$40, and there are plenty of upgrades: If you want to add booze (either a flute of sparkling bubbly or a signature Singapore Sling), the experience will go up in price (S$79 for the champagne and S$69 for the iconic cocktail).

Click here to book a ticket online.

Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay is one of the best places to visit in Singapore. You could easily spend an entire day exploring this wonderful green oasis located in the very center of Singapore.

With an impressive 1.5 million (!) plants, it’s a dream of any nature lover. Every nook and cranny of this vast space has some unique green-adjacent attraction that can entertain children and adults alike. We’re here to highlight the parts of the gardens that you should absolutely never miss if you find yourself in this inexplicably verdant slice of Singapore:

• Supertree Grove — a grove of 12 supertrees (steel structures that resemble giant trees (and even act like them, collecting rain, water, and sunlight), with a free (!) entry and a spectacular light show happening each night (more on this later). The space is also home to a 22-meter high OCBC Skyway — a bridge that connects two supertrees. Because the point of view from up there is more unique, this attraction requires a fee of S$12 for a 15-minute experience. The Skyway activity is highly dependent on the weather, so if you see clouds starting to gather, hurry up before the rain comes: As soon as it begins to drizzle, visitors get escorted off the bridge, with no refunds in sight.
• Flower Dome Conservatory — one of the largest greenhouses in the world, a celebration of all plants: Both blooming and other, weirder, subcategories. An olive grove, a flower field, a succulent garden, and even bottle-shaped and bootylicious baobabs, — your camera roll will be boasting with color, that’s a guarantee!
• Cloud Forest Conservatory — our personal favorite part of Gardens by the Bay, this domed conservatory is home to the second largest artificial indoor waterfall (second only to the one inside Changi Airport). As you enter the space, you’re immediately hit with misty air, strongly affirming the “cloud” part of the attraction’s name. A tall luscious mountain in the center of the conservatory is clad with all kinds of ecosystems; you can explore them up close or from high above by doing one of the two walks: The Cloud Walk and The Tree Top Walk. A combo ticket to Cloud Forest and Flower Dome costs S$53.

Buy your tickets for Gardens by the Bay here.

Families should also check out the Children’s Garden, which is a great (and free) place in Singapore to visit with kids .

New attractions are the Floral Fantasy, a dream-like garden landscape, and the Serene Garden, which was inspired by the minimalist concept of Japanese Zen gardens. Don’t forget to also check out the giant Floating Baby structure that can be found on the hills of Gardens by the Bay.

Marina Bay Sands

You probably have seen pictures of the world-famous Marina Bay Sands , which was completed in 2010.

When looking at this iconic Singapore building, you'll find yourself wondering how one comes up with an idea like this. It wasn't cheap to build either, costing a whopping $8 billion (SGD).

The Marina Bay Sands complex houses a hotel, an upscale mall with indoor canals, two theaters, lots of fancy restaurants, and the world's largest atrium casino.

If that weren’t enough, on top of the building you can find a large infinity swimming pool. While incredibly sought-after, the pool is off-limits to anyone but the hotel’s guests (the rule is strictly enforced, so don’t think you’re one of the sly untouchable tourists that can wiggle in the place you’re not allowed).

Still, the panoramas opening up from the top floors of Marina Bay Sands are worth paying for: But you don’t have to be a Rockefeller to get the experience. Apart from the aforementioned option of going to a bar inside the hotel, you can also do the most touristy thing ever and buy a ticket to the SkyPark Observation Deck for S$30. The views of Singapore’s Skyline, with a massive green patch of Gardens by the Bay and the unique-looking Esplanade are worth every penny, that’s for sure!

Marina Bay Sands is one of the places in Singapore that should be on any Singapore sightseeing itinerary.

Book your observation deck ticket online to skip the queues.

Or, if you have something very special to celebrate, consider spending the night at the amazing Marina Bay Sands. Be warned, this doesn't come cheap…

Singapore's Chinatown

In Singapore's Chinatown, you will find quaint little streets, colorful houses, historic low-rise buildings, boutique shops, and many restaurants. Pictures of Chinatown are bound to take up at least half of your camera roll, and for good reason: It’s here that charming little houses built in Sino-Portuguese style sit beside soaring futuristic skyscrapers, creating a dichotomy that is so pleasing to the eye.

Don't try to follow a particular route, it's more fun to get lost in the maze-like streets of this great neighborhood in Singapore.

Alternatively, join this walking tour by a former Chinatown resident and listen to her wonderful tales about life in this vibrant neighborhood.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

A relatively young addition to Chinatown’s neighborhood (the temple is only 15 years of age), this Buddhist place of worship is an important landmark to visit when in the area.

It’s name is no joke: They say that the actual Buddha tooth is located within its walls. It’s technically available for public viewing, but it’s so small and shown in such an inconvenient manner, that you probably won’t catch a glimpse of this sacred relic.

Don’t worry though, there’s plenty more things to see both inside and outside the temple. It’s a five-story, grandiose structure that has the most inviting (and dare we say, embellished to a tee) interiors. Expect to see lots of gold and tons of Buddha statues!

The temple is a working place of worship, so please be considerate and dress modestly. And while the entry to the temple is free, it’s good to have a few coins on you to give out as donations.

The Sri Mariamman Temple

In Chinatown, you can find the Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore's oldest Hindu temple. Try to count how many people and animals are displayed at this intricate and colorful entrance!

You can enter the temple free of charge (remember to dress properly!), however, a small donation is requested if you want to take pictures inside.

Food in Chinatown

If you feel hungry after walking around the temple, head down to the (almost secret) Lian Xin Vegetarian Food Court, which is located just below the temple. Not a lot of tourists know about this quite tasty and affordable eatery, but still, avoid it at lunch hour: The lines will be long. However, if you come at around 11 a.m., you’re guaranteed all the vegetarian and vegan options to stuff your face with (you can’t even imagine what spin this restaurant places on their rice and noodle dishes — you will never be the same after eating here). One last thing to note is that the place closes quite early, at 2:30 p.m.

Speaking of food, Chinatown is “the” place to eat well and cheap. We understand the appeal of stumbling on a great place yourself, but unfortunately, if you have only four days in Singapore, the risk is not worth it (just imagine your disappointment of having a less-than-average meal instead of a top-notch experience in a tried-and-tested place). So, we went ahead and did all the dirty work for you, coming up with a short list of places you absolutely must visit to grab a bite in while in Chinatown:

• ☕ Homeground Coffee Roasters — located on a charming Teo Hong Road, this coffee shop serves the best breakfast experience in all of Singapore. Their coffee is roasted and brewed to perfection, so go ahead and get a hearty dish (like Homies Breakfast (S$28): Eggs, sausage, all the works) and pair it with your caffeinated drink of choice. You will have enough energy to last you through an entire day of sightseeing and exploring Singapore.
• 🍸Papa Doble — with an aura of exclusivity like nowhere else in Singapore, this speakeasy bar and restaurant has the most immaculate vibes ever known to man. Awarded a place among World’s 50 Best Bars, coming here won’t be a mistake. Take the edge off with one of their craft cocktails (their iconic Papa Doble (S$26) for the win) and definitely don’t drink on an empty stomach: Pulled pork burger or their delectable Basque cheesecake (whatever you’re in the mood for) will get your body through a little day drinking, as a treat!
• 🍦Apiary — a small-batch creamery that will play along with your sweet tooth cravings. Among the big variety of ice-cream flavors, we encourage you to go outside your comfort zone: Definitely try their lavender and blue milk ice-cream (and don’t forget to pair it with a freshly made waffle). A single scoop (S$5) definitely won’t be enough, so maybe forget about your diet for a moment and get a double (S$9) or a triple (S$12) scoop. And grab some kombucha for the road — Singapore’s hot and humid weather requires round-the-clock hydration!

The Singapore City Gallery

In the Singapore City Gallery, an 11-meter scale model of the city is on display.

You will be truly impressed by the amount of planning involved to maximize the use of the limited number of square meters available in this tiny country.

What’s even more exciting is that you get to learn all of the interesting facts that went into creating the urban background of the city (starting from its humble beginnings as a fishing village) for free! Even if you aren’t that fond of city planning, you will still appreciate the made-to-scale model of Singapore’s Downtown.

The Merlion

The Merlion is one of the Singapore landmarks you can't miss. This water-spewing stone lion with a fishtail is a bit weird and perhaps even a little ugly…

However, the Merlion is a Singapore icon and definitely one of the places of interest in Singapore.

The Merlion Park surrounding the statue (do not get your hopes up, it’s not a park-park, just a small piece of land with manicured hedges and clean pavement) has free entrance, so try and come here in the early hours of the day. That way, you won’t have to fight crowds of tourists for the chance to get the best shot of this mystical creature.

Singapore skyline by night

The Singapore skyline may look even more beautiful by night than by day! Be sure to time your visit so you can watch Spectra , a daily light show on the water happening right in front of Marina Bay Sands Mall.

Each night, there are two 15-minute long light and water shows (think lasers and water jets, but even more impressive than you could ever imagine!) starting at exactly 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, there’s an additional, third, show happening at 10 p.m. The spectacle is completely free of charge and can be enjoyed from various viewpoints (you can decipher the best ones by the amount of tourists hanging out in clusters). Though even ample viewing spaces still can get crowded, so try and call dibs on a good spot beforehand.

However, Spectra isn’t the only lightshow brightening up the Singapore skyline each night. Garden Rhapsody — another lightshow, this time at Supertree Grove, is just as exciting as the aforementioned spectacle. The giant trees come alive with thousands of rainbow-colored lights, and their movement (that is married to a music chosen for that particular show) makes the whole experience that much more mesmerizing: Hypnotic, even!

This performance is also free to all who want to watch it, and the best way to enjoy the show is by laying on the grass right beneath the supertrees and looking up at the colorful spectacle. Remember that plenty of onlookers come to watch the shows (there are two of them, starting at 7:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.), so claim your patch of greenery in advance.

The great thing about these two shows is that they’re located super close to each other. So if you can’t decide on what program to choose for your first day in Singapore evening viewing, then try these steps:

• Come to watch the Supertree show at 7:45 p.m., but not from the hill beneath them: Choose the viewing deck of Marina Bay Sands (otherwise it will take you close to an hour to reach your other destination).
• Then, before watching the Garden Rhapsody in its entirety, run on over to enjoy Spectra. Its four-part program hasn’t changed a bit since the first time we witnessed it (since 2018 — the simpler times!), but it still manages to leave you awe-stricken and amazed, every time!

This is pretty much it for you first day in Singapore (your legs are already sore, aren’t they?), but if you don’t have more days in the city, remember to consult with our post , where we give you a more packed one day itinerary (after that one, you’ll sleep like a baby after a shift at Bath&Body Works during Black Friday).

For all of you who allotted a little bit more time to explore this magical city, get a good night’s rest: You will need all the energy you can gather to take on our Singapore day two itinerary. Here we go!

Singapore itinerary day 2

Itinerary : Little India – Raffles Hotel – Boat Quay – Clarke Quay – Robertson Quay – Fort Canning Park

Little India

Little India is another neighborhood that should be on your Singapore must-see list. In this area, you can find one of the most colorful houses in the world (pictured above).

There are also many great restaurants (especially on Serangoon Road and Race Course Road), lots of tailors and jewelry shops, and the famous Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.

To highlight one of our favorite places in Singapore (food-wise), Komala Vilas Restaurant is, coincidentally, just a stone’s throw away from the aforementioned lavish Hindu place of worship — Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. The restaurant should be your ultimate go-to for some hearty authentic Indian dishes when in Singapore. Don’t forget to get some Masala chai to go with the giant portions of whatever it is you’re in the mood for: Be it curry, dosay, biryani, — all the works!

The Raffles Hotel

The famous Raffles hotel opened its doors in 1887 and has just been reopened after a thorough restoration.

Known as the place where the Singapore Sling was invented, this hotel was featured in several movies and hosted many celebrities (such as Charlie Chaplin, Ernest Hemingway, and even Michael Jackson) throughout the years.

What’s a Singapore Sling, you might wonder? It’s a gin-based, fruity, and rose-hued cocktail that was originally created so that the ladies could consume alcohol in public (since it looks like there’s no liquor inside, due to it’s color and general presentation).

There are many places in Singapore where you can give this drink a try, but the Raffles Hotel’s very own Long Bar (the birthplace of this national cocktail) is the way to go, hands down! Just be ready to spend S$39 (around S$47 after tax and service) for the Singapore Sling — after all, you’re not only paying for the drink, but also for the authentic experience!

Even if staying at the Raffles is above budget, it's one of Singapore's famous places worth passing by.

Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay

Visiting Clarke Quay is definitely one of the things to do in Singapore at night, as this area is famous for its riverside restaurants and bars.

However, this is also a popular Singapore activity by day as it's an area with lots of history. Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay have been the center of trade since the founding of Singapore.

While Clarke Quay takes the reigns as the most popular area with tourists compared to other two quays, it still doesn’t mean you should discard the lesser known ones from your Singapore itinerary altogether.

Boat Quay’s general area is home to one of the coolest-looking multi-use developments in Singapore — the CapitaSpring building. Not only does its façade catches your eye with all the sci-fi-esque green openings on what would otherwise be considered a normal wall of a skyscraper, but the building also provides one of the best free viewing points in Singapore!

The Sky Garden, which is located on the 51st level of CapitaSpring offers a spectacular (and pretty unique) view of the Marina Bay Sands and its surroundings. Note that the “free” part comes with an asterisk: The opening hours, when the garden is accessible to the general public, are quite limited. You can explore the venue Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and then from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

When it comes to Robertson Quay, apart from being the largest out of the three, it is also sporting a more upscale and grown-up aura, compared to young and fun Clarke Quay. You should come here for a leisurely walk along the river, followed by a dinner at a nice restaurant.

If, however, you’re still not ready to call it a night and want to grab a quick bite and a caffeinated pick-me-up drink, then Robertson Quay has just the place for you — Common Man Coffee Roasters. While this particular chain has plenty of coffee shops all throughout Singapore, the one near Robertson Quay is a true flagship store, the first one to be opened here 10 years ago! Pick up a cold brew (S$8.5) and dessert (their signature churros for S$14), and you’re ready to take on a few other Singapore spots to finish up the eventful and exciting second day in Singapore!

The area around the three quays features lots of Singapore sites, such as the colonial-style Central Fire Station, and a buzzing Raffles Place.

There are plenty of things to do here until the evening falls, which is perfect because you can enjoy dinner along the Singapore River at one of the excellent restaurants.

Fort Canning Park

A great place to end your day with: Take a walk along the neatly paved paths of Fort Canning Park after dinner you’ve grabbed at one of the aforementioned quays.

Fort Canning Park is an ultimate Singapore destination: It combines the beautiful nature with the rich history of the place. It was once home to royal palaces, then a fort and a base for British soldiers, and now it is the area tourists come when they want to hide out from the sun and learn a few interesting facts in the meantime.

While the remnants of the original fort are definitely all the rage with history buffs, the iconic Tree Tunnel is what draws hundreds of visitors to the park every single day. You’ve probably seen the coveted shot online: A person standing on a spiral staircase, with the crazy beautiful tree branches and a blue sky opening up above them.

Tree Tunnel is completely free, but you might want to come here very early in the morning: Otherwise, you will have to wait in line for the opportunity to get this one-of-a-kind (at least for you) shot.

Singapore itinerary day 3

Itinerary: Sentosa Island – The Pinnacle @ Duxton – Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck

Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island is the playground of Singapore. With artificial beaches, rain forests, the Adventure Cove Waterpark, and Universal Studios Singapore you could easily spend a couple of days on Sentosa Island.

If you only have a couple of hours, bring a towel and your swimwear and dip your toes in the fresh seawater. To do that, head on over to one of three of Sentosa’s artificial beaches (yup, you’ve read that right: They were created with the sand bought by Singapore from Indonesia and Malaysia):

• Palawan Beach, which is famous for being home to the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia — a small inlet connected to the beach by a bridge. A perfect spot to watch the sunset: It’s just you, the sun, and the open sea;
• Siloso Beach — the bigger one, also the most crowded beach;
• Tanjong Beach — the most remote beach, it’s here that you can enjoy the peace and quiet that is promised in the island’s name (Sentosa literally translates to peace and tranquility from Malay).

If you want to learn more about the plentiful attractions of the island (aquarium, casino, gold courses, — this place has everything) and the unique ways to get on it (a bus or a cable car ride, you decide), make sure to consult with our One Day in Singapore article , where we offer you an alternative to a usual city escape — a day spent on Sentosa Island.

Before you go to Sentosa Island though, you have to fuel up while on the main land: Grab a bite at Ya Kun Kaya Toast and support the long-standing Singaporean coffee and toast tradition. Personally, we recommend you try their Steamed Bread Set (S$6) — served with either regular butter or peanut butter, whatever you’re in the mood for.

To make the most of your time on Sentosa Island, it's worth checking out the Sentosa Fun Pass for (considerable) discounts.

Pinnacle @ Duxton

The Pinnacle @ Duxton is a residential building with the world's longest sky garden (500 meters) on the 50th floor. Residents of this building arguably have the best 360° views over the Singapore skyline.

The structure itself is unique and was a pretty grandiose undertaking by the architects: The construction consists of seven tall towers connected by two bridges on different levels.

However, you don't have to live here to enjoy these views, for a mere S$6 you can enjoy the rooftop terrace and accompanying views as well!

Listen up, because the steps leading up to the experience can be quite tricky: Locate the 1G Tower, take an elevator ride to its basement level, and then follow the markers to find a small office that sells tickets. Keep in mind that the S$6 you have to pay need to be in bill form, so get those notes ready! Only when you complete this little side venture, you can go up to the Sky Bridge located on the 50th level. Trust us, the views are worth the hoops you have to jump over to get up there!

If all the walking has made you hungry, pop into Nylon Coffee Roasters — we recommend you order a cold white (S$7) to beat the Singaporean heat and get energy at the same time.

The Marina Bay Sands observation deck

If you are a fan of bird's-eye views (like us!) you won't mind going from one tall high building to the next. If you time your visit right, you can watch the sunset from the Sands SkyPark Observation Deck. Located on the 56th floor of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, the space offers unmatched views of the Singapore skyline.

Remember that SkyPark Observation Deck ticket price is S$30, so budget your day accordingly.

Tickets can be bought online , I highly recommend booking ahead so you'll avoid the (sometimes very long) queue.

Of course, you cannot ever predict with certainty how your day in Singapore is going to turn out. If:

• it’s a rainy day (the odds of that happening in Singapore are higher in the period between November and January, or the monsoon season);
• it’s a cloudy or foggy day (high humidity really affects visibility in Singapore);
• you’re simply not excited about going to two viewpoints in one day,

then we have an alternative activity to close off your third day in Singapore with — Future World exhibition at the ArtScience Museum (yes, that quirky structure that resembles a lotus flower), located not too far from Marina Bay Sands. For that same price of S$30, you will get to experience a multi-sensory journey through time and space.

It’s easier to understand the scope of the exhibition when you learn that the team that created it (teamLab) was also behind Tokyo’s Planets: You’ve probably seen the videos of people walking through thousands of multicolored garlands in complete dark online. The vibes are the same in Singapore, but even more elevated (pun intended): Here, you will get acquainted with flying (!) through multimedia installations. We don’t want to spoil anything, you will just have to trust your gut and go in as open-minded as you can: You won’t regret it!

Singapore itinerary day 4

Day four in Singapore, in our opinion, should be spent doing whatever it is you feel like doing. You’ve already experienced all the major Singapore attractions, so why not take the time and fool around a little bit? We’ve decided to give you three options of Singapore’s fourth day, entirely laid-back, itinerary. Give your instincts a free reign: They’ll know how to finish your Singapore vacation strong!

Itinerary: Mount Faber Loop – Henderson Waves – Alexander Arch – Canopy Walkway — Singapore Zoo — Singapore Botanic Gardens – TreeTop Walk

The Southern Ridges Walk

First up, we can’t let you take on yet another day in Singapore on an empty stomach. Not too far from this first itinerary option sits the acclaimed Keng Eng Kee Seafood Restaurant @ Alexandra Village. We admit, it’s a weird breakfast choice, but traveling has its own rules (remember the two daiquiris you had at an airport lounge at 10 a.m.?), so suck it up and enjoy some seafood at dawn. For just such occasion, they serve Butter Cereal Squid (S$23). We didn’t have the guts to try it, but if you do, please leave your notes in the comments below!

If you are up for another day of walking, I highly recommend the Southern Ridges Walk. This easy 10-kilometer trail will make you forget you are still in a busy city.

Leading through Mount Faber Park and Hort Park you will walk through the tropical rainforest and even spot a monkey if you are lucky.

Notable sights along the way are the Henderson Waves, Alexander Arch, and the Canopy Walkway. Combine visiting all these places by joining this tour with a passionate guide – click here for more information .

Important: Singapore is hot and humid, be sure to bring enough water, sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat !

The closest MRT station is the Harbor Front station. Alternatively, you can take the cable car up (or down) from Mount Faber station.

Singapore Zoo

Located further in-land (in-island? we’re confused on the semantics here), Singapore Zoo is the ultimate family-friendly destination in Singapore.

Coined one of the best rainforest zoos in the world, Singapore Zoo certainly lives up to the hype! With many different zones and more than 4 200 (!) animals, this attraction can take up the whole day (especially if you count the time it takes to get to the zoo and back to your hotel).

The grounds of the zoo are vast, and there are plenty of markers and informational stands , so you always know where you are and what you’re looking at. And trust us, there’s plenty of curious sights to see here: A small otter playing with its favorite rock, a red-butted macaque showing you its crimson bottom, a giraffe pointing its long tongue at you in hopes of treats, — your camera roll is truly not ready!

The zones are plentiful inside the zoo, but our favorites certainly are the elephant enclosure and the reptile garden. And yes, we know that a lot of people feel strongly about zoos in general, but here, the animal habitats are tidy and spacious, and the animals look like they’re being nicely taken care of.

Plus, the zoo provides a lot of activities (like shows, feedings, and keeper talks) that are all aimed at bringing the knowledge about these animals closer to the general public. We know that your kids will learn more about the importance of conservation efforts here than online, since being in the actual presence of these creatures brings on a more powerful and pressing vibe to the learning process.

A one day entrance ticket (that includes a tram ride inside the zoo) will cost you S$48, so make the most out of your time here!

The closest MRT station to the zoo is Khatib, followed by a short ride on a Mandai Khatib Shuttle (S$1 one way); so the zoo, albeit located further away from all the city action, is still easily reachable.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Imagine Gardens’ by the Bay Flower Dome Conservatory, but on uppers. The gardens are sprawled over 82 hectares and are home to thousands of different plants. The attraction has been appointed a UNESCO World Heritage Site status, which can give you the scope of beauty and importance this natural oasis has not only to the city of Singapore, but to the whole world!

You can walk around the gardens’ premises by yourself (the walk can take hours if you get lucky with a slightly overcast day), or you can take one of free walking tours that are carried out by volunteers each Saturday.

Check out the on-site gallery and learn why the gardens played such a big part in the latex industry of the times past (a hint: It has something to do with rubber trees). The entry to the Botanic Gardens is free, but you will have to shell out S$15 or so to get into the coveted National Orchid Garden that is located on the premises (every 35 year old woman’s dream!).

Before heading over to your second location of the day, pop into Dempsey Hill — a revamped space containing countless shops and eateries. What were once British army barracks are now trendy places where you can relax and fill up your belly with good food. From upscale restaurants to simple hole-in-the-wall eateries, — Dempsey Hill has it all!

TreeTop Walk

A hiking trail at MacRitchie Reservoir, TreeTop Walk is one of the most unique ways to enjoy the views of Singapore’s greenery.

The TreeTop Walk suspension bridge stats are impressive: The free-standing bridge’s length is 250 meters, and the height is at 25 meters (at its tallest point). So basically, you’re at a tree canopy level and can see everything that is going on in the lives of its natural inhabitants (be it crazy monkeys or cute flying foxes, it’s just as exciting as ever).

If you want to connect with Singapore’s nature, then this walk is for you: Although challenging at times (the entire walk to and from the bridge takes about three to five hours, depending on your pace), it can be easily done by people with no previous training. Just remember to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and bug spray, and you’ll be okay!

Important info to remember: The bridge is supposed to have 30 trekkers on it at a time, tops; plus, it’s one-way traffic only, meaning you will have to complete the walk in its entirety and come back to ground zero on the forest level (which is great, as you get to experience all the different levels of the Singapore’s rainforest).

Top things to do in Singapore: printable PDF

Singapore best place to stay

There is no single best area to stay in Singapore, the most important thing is to find accommodation close to an MRT station. There are many nice neighborhoods in Singapore and accommodations suitable for any budget.

Where to stay in Singapore on a budget

Let’s address the elephant in the room right away: The overarching fact about Singapore’s hotels is that they are not exactly fit for budget-conscious travelers; as they are disproportionately expensive compared to lodging options in other cities of South-East Asia. However, there are some hotels in Singapore that are pretty accessible to people without a trust fund: From what we’ve gathered, the cheapest accommodation in Singapore can be found in Chinatown and Little India neighborhoods.

When we visited Singapore for the first time, we traveled on a tight budget and stayed at the Vintage Inn. Which happened to be the only dorm room we stayed in during our 5-month trip .

It’s not that I don’t like staying in dorms, but I found that traveling as a couple, prices for a private room are similar to or even cheaper than the price for two beds in a dorm.

During our last trip to Singapore, we’ve decided to try out a new budget-friendly accommodation, and our choice fell on the Wink Capsule Hostel . Located in the colorful and bustling Chinatown (super close to the MRT station), it was an excellent option for our short stay in the city. We got a private room here (there are dormitory-style options as well) for $85 a night.

We always forget about the hotel situation in Singapore (that being one of the most expensive in the world), so the price and the size of the room definitely shocked us at first.

After getting used to it though, we felt right at home there: Everything was clean and in working condition. The only downside were super thin walls (which is actually an upside for keen eavesdroppers), but a couple of ear plugs did the job.

Location-wise, it’s one of the best budget hotel options in Singapore. However, if you can afford something a little bit more upscale, consider trying one of the places we list below.

Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking

Good hotels in Singapore for a medium budget

If you are looking for medium-budget hotel rooms in Singapore, there are many good options!

Before you dive in, please note that the prices for these hotels depend on the time of year and how far in advance you book. Therefore, the prices we mention are nothing more than a rough indication of the price per night to help you compare the different options. Use ‘click here’ to see the latest prices on Agoda and Booking and book ahead to get the best deal.

The Carlton City Hotel

The Carlton City Hotel is an excellent value hotel. Singapore hotel rooms are generally quite small, but the Carlton City Hotel is a rare exception. The spacious rooms are much larger than the average Singapore hotel room.

There is a swimming pool (indoor and outdoor), fitness facilities, room service, and a bar and it's only a short walk (2 minutes) to the nearest MRT station (Tanjong Pagar).

You can take advantage of the location and have your meals outside the hotel, at Whole Earth — a vegetarian restaurant where chefs take plant-based food to astronomical levels. We recommend you start with simple olive rice or crispy golden oats, and work your way up to more exclusive (and thus weirder) dishes.

The Village Hotel Albert Court

Made up of restored historic shophouses, the Village Hotel Albert Court is a lovely Singapore boutique hotel in the Bugis area.

Rooms are modern with a touch of Chinese decor, there is an onsite (Indian) restaurant and this is one of the few hotels offering free parking.

However, the Rochor MRT Station is only a 1-minute walk so you'll be better off traveling by public transport!

When it comes to having an amazing breakfast, we advice you venture off outside the hotel (even though room service is so very tempting after a long travel day) to Apartment Coffee — get yourself one of their specialty brews and either relax before a packed day of exploring Singapore or get some work done if you fall more into the category of a digital nomad. The coffee shop’s minimalist interior is perfect for both scenarios!

Luxury hotels in Singapore

Just as with Singapore budget hotels and mid-range accommodations, there is no shortage of luxury hotels in Singapore!

Because hotel prices aren't cheap in Singapore in general, be prepared to pay for your luxury stay in Singapore.

That being said, Singapore does offer some splendid 5-star hotels that will guarantee an unforgettable Singapore travel experience.

Parkroyal on Pickering

The Parkroyal on Pickering hotel is located in Chinatown and boasts a beautiful design, a 300m garden walk, an outdoor swimming pool, and comfortable luxurious rooms.

From the Orchid Club rooftop lounge, you can admire the city skyline while enjoying a drink or two. Breakfast is extensive and there is an excellent onsite restaurant as well (LIME).

Fairmont Singapore

Another top hotel in Singapore is the Fairmont . This hotel has not one but six onsite restaurants plus a spa, a gym, a hot tub, AND a pool. Rooms have a private balcony, some with a view of the Marina Bay waterfront.

You can join the afternoon tea or play a game of tennis. Or you can simply relax in your comfortable 45m2 suite with a king-size bed and city view.

Regardless, you will feel like a princess (or prince) during your stay at the Fairmont.

How to visit Singapore on a budget

Let's make one thing clear: Singapore is not a cheap country to visit. At least, not compared to its neighboring countries in Southeast Asia.

However, a Singapore budget trip doesn't mean staying in a dirty hostel and eating a defrosted piece of toast for dinner.

There are a few ways you can significantly lower your spending when in Singapore:

• Since the majority of Singapore’s most notable tourist attractions are free to visit, you can fill your itinerary with simply walking around Singapore’s Downtown and looking up and around at the wonderful scenery and architecture the city is so blessed with (we see you, Supertree Grove and Marina Bay Sands);
• You also don’t need to shell out plenty of cash to enjoy the views of Singapore skyline, as there are a few free (or almost free) viewing points scattered all around the city (like Sky Garden at the top of CapitaSpring complex, or one of the viewing decks on the Helix Bridge);
• If your hotel is located in either Chinatown or Little India, you can easily bypass using taxis or any other type of public transport altogether (not that it’s very expensive in Singapore, but still, money is money) and walk on one of the many scenic routes connecting these neighborhoods to Singapore’s city center;
• When it comes to food, you should mainly rely on Singapore’s hawker centers for the majority of your meals: It’s here that you can get a hearty authentic meal for an adequate price. The city is rich with hawker centers and other types of street food spaces (food courts and the like), but our personal favorites are Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown (you absolutely must try the popular Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice — a stall so famous it has been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand title every year since 2016), Makansutra Gluttons Bay near the Esplanade, and Tiong Bahru Market;
• If you have a short layover in Singapore (more than 5.5 hours but less than 24 hours), then you might be eligible for a free tour of the city from the Changi Airport! You can pre-book your tour here , but keep in mind that apart from the time requirement, there’s a lot more that goes into planning this fun activity than meets the eye, so read the fine print closely. There are three city bus tours you can choose from (and a free walking tour of the Jewel — the most wonderful part of the Changi Airport), but you are eligible for just one of them (and you cannot go out of the airport twice, per the transition law). Anyway, it’s a unique opportunity, and if it’s something you might be interested in, you should take it!

Below you can find our Singapore trip budget, which includes all the activities mentioned above. So, you can visit many of the top things to do in Singapore without breaking the bank!

Our Singapore travel budget

If you are wondering ‘How much money do I need for 4 days in Singapore?' , in the infographic below you can see exactly how much we spent during our trip.

Budget for Singapore: the nitty-gritty details

The expenses pictured in the infographic are for me and my husband together and include all expenses of our four-day trip to Singapore.

In total, we spent 560SGD (€372/$400) during our 4-day trip in Singapore, which is an average of 140SGD (€93/$100) a day .

Prices are quoted in Singapore Dollars (S$) as well as € and US$. The S$ is a pretty stable currency, but of course, there are some variations in the exchange rate, you can find the latest rates here .

Singapore budget

Our Singapore expenses were divided between costs for accommodation, transport, food, and activities.

• Accommodation: 43% of daily costs
• Transportation: 9% of daily costs
• Food and drinks: 34% of daily costs
• Paid activities: 14% of daily costs

Despite the long list of Singapore's top attractions we visited, we did not spend much money on activities. The only paid activities in this Singapore itinerary are:

• The Pinnacle @ Duxton sky garden (6SGD per person)
• The observation deck of the Marina Bay Sands building (30SGD per person)
• The Singapore Flyer (40SGD per person)
• OCBC Skyway at Supertree Grove (12SGD per person)
• Gardens’ by the Bay Cloud Forest and Flower Dome combo (53SGD per person)
• Future World Exhibition at ArtScience Museum (30SGD per person)
• Singapore Zoo (48SGD per person)
• Movie ticket (10,50SGD per person)

These expenses are based on a 4-night stay in a budget hotel, eating at street food stalls and cheap restaurants, and exploring the city mostly on foot (except for larger distances).

How to get around Singapore?

The MRT in Singapore is extremely efficient and very cheap, check MRT info and map here . And if there is no MRT station close to your hotel, there is an extensive bus network as well.

The plus side of the bus is that you can some Singapore points of interest along the way, though it usually takes a lot longer to get somewhere by bus than by MRT.

More info about buses in Singapore can be found on this site.

What to eat in Singapore?

Singapore is all about food! There is a mixture of cultures and cuisines, ranging from typical Singaporean dishes like chili crab to Peranakan dishes like laksa and Chinese-influenced food such as Wanton Mee.

Though, I have to admit I ate a lot of Indian when I was there (which is yet another culture present in multifaceted Singapore).

I am ‘slightly' addicted to Indian food and there aren’t many places in my home country where you can get proper Indian so I ate as much paratha, dosa, and curry as I could find.

I also tried and really liked the previously mentioned laksa (a spicy noodle soup), but stupidly enough forgot to try out the famous Singapore chili crab…

Next time, definitely next time!

During our last trip to Singapore, we finally came around to trying out the food of the world famous hawker stall — Liao Fan Hawker Chan in Chinatown. It has long been on our radar due to the fact that it was the first hawker stall to be awarded one Michelin star (the outrageously long queues at any point of the day also added to the allure of this place). However, when we finally tried their noodles and chicken rice, we were thoroughly disappointed: The food wasn’t as tasty as the reviews made it out to be. Maybe for that very reason, in 2021, the stall’s Michelin star was taken away. So, from now on, if you see this stall mentioned countless of times in Singapore’s food guides , you can confidently leave it out of your personal itinerary and fill its place with some other hawker food stalls we’ve mentioned above.

Also read this awesome post by a true Singaporean which dishes you cannot miss during your Singapore visit!

Best places to visit in Singapore: in conclusion

So, is 4 days in Singapore enough? We believe that it is: You get the most well-rounded tourist experience in the first three days, and then leave your final day for free roaming to your heart’s desire. If you don’t have the luxury of four whole days in Singapore and are only working with a 24-hour layover, then remember to click here  for our most detailed One Day in Singapore Itinerary.

I hope you have enjoyed this Singapore tour guide. Have fun in Singapore and let me know if you have any questions!

Also read my other posts about traveling in Southeast Asia :

• Cambodia : Cambodia travel budget , Cambodia itinerary , Siem Reap itinerary
• Indonesia : Bali itinerary , Best luxury resort on Bali , Live like a local in Sebatu)
• Laos : Laos travel budget , Laos itinerary , Luang Prabang itinerary , Hiking in Vang Vieng
• Malaysia : Malaysia travel budget , Malaysia itinerary , Scuba diving on Tioman , Guide to the Perhentian Islands , Guide to Langkawi
• Philippines : Philippines travel budget , Philippines itinerary , Guide to El Nido , El Nido scuba diving , Rice terraces of Batad
• Thailand : Thailand travel budget , Thailand itinerary , Koh Samui itinerary , Kimpton Kitalay Hotel review , Where to eat in Maenam (Koh Samui)
• Vietnam : Vietnam travel budget , Vietnam itinerary , Phu Quoc island itinerary

This post was updated in November 2023.

Thursday 7th of April 2022

Where to buy Singapore attractions tickets?

Sunday 10th of April 2022

Hey Kalpesh,

Well that depends on the attraction you'd like to visit. You can purchase tickets online (Get Your Guide, Klook or Viator are good places to book) or at the site itself.

Kind regards, Lotte

Wednesday 8th of January 2020

Will be there in a few weeks. I have been putting together my own 4 day itinerary but this helps a lot. we won't be interested in Sentosa but everything else is being included. Wish I had seen this before!

Friday 10th of January 2020

Happy to hear you like the Singapore itinerary:-) Enjoy your trip there, it's a beautiful city!

Monday 25th of November 2019

Loved reading your article. The best that I've seen so far. We've planned for a trip to Singapore this Feb. Confused whether to take baby with me or leave at home in India. She'll be nearly 2 yrs old by the time we go. With all those activities in Sentosa Island, the Flyer, Cable car, etc. Can we manage with the baby ?

Tuesday 26th of November 2019

Thanks so much, I'm glad you enjoyed the article:-) Regarding your question, we have done several trips with our son (who is now almost one and a half) and haven't experienced any issues traveling with him. Sure, sometimes you have to adjust your plans and activities, but (depending on how easy your kid is;-) many things can be done together. If I were to travel to Singapore in the near future, I'd definitely take my son. Perhaps not all activities on Sentosa Island are suitable, but the Flyer and Cable Car are perfectly fine to do with a small kid:-) Have a wonderful trip!

Friday 8th of November 2019

WOWWWWWW. What an amazing travel guide. I’m a full time traveler so I spend a lot of time looking at guides. This is the best I’ve EVER seen. Love the sightseeing map by day.

Unbelievable amount of work you put in here! Can’t wait to check out your other guides

Saturday 9th of November 2019

Hi Chester,

Thank you very much, I really appreciate your kind words and I'm happy to hear you love my Singapore post so much. I have indeed put in a lot of effort but it's worth it when it helps people plan their trip:-)

Happy travels, Lotte

Thursday 22nd of August 2019

Hello Lotte, I can't thank you enough for this post. So so....sooo enlightening. My wife and I are travelling to Singapore in some weeks and we have been CHAOTIC (lool..).. from accommodation plans to itinerary, I mean we were lost looool... The information captured here has helped a WHOLE lot.. Apart from the accommodation options mentioned above, is there any hotel/ airBnB option within the range of 50-80 USD per night that you'd recommend?

Wednesday 28th of August 2019

Dear Beany,

You're most welcome! I hope you and your wife have a wonderful trip to Singapore. Regarding the hotels, Hipster City (https://www.booking.com/hotel/sg/hipstercity.en.html?aid=1186903&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA) is around $75 per night (shared bathroom). Alternatively, in Hotel Mono you have an ensuite bathroom (https://www.booking.com/hotel/sg/dragon-court.en.html?aid=1186903&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA) for around $100 a night.

Hope you can find a nice place and enjoy your trip:-) Lotte

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How to Plan a Singapore Trip

Singapore is a particularly successful urban island country in Southeast Asia. It is one of the world's four largest financial centers and one of the world's five busiest seaports. Singapore is also known as a garden city and a classy tourist destination. Find out how to plan a Singapore trip with this Singapore travel guide.

Why Travel to Singapore

1. Singapore is a melting pot of multiculturalism.

From the fusion of various cooking methods from various countries to its diverse architectural styles, Singapore is a gathering place for multinational cultures.

2. Singapore is the center of Southeast Asian art.

The National Gallery of Singapore has the world's largest exhibition of Southeast Asian modern art. The open-air art performances at Marina Bay always make people linger.

3. Singapore is an amusement park suitable for all ages.

Singapore is a family-friendly tourist destination. Singapore Zoo, Kallang Riverside Park, Sentosa, and Universal Studios are suitable for all ages.

4. Singapore is a shopper's paradise.

From shopping malls on Orchard Road to luxury shops in Marina Bay, to boutique shops in Haji Lane, you can always find a place that suits you well.

No matter why you go to Singapore, let us arrange the trip for you!

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Top Places to Visit in Singapore

Located at the southernmost tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore is one of the smallest countries in the world, with a total area of only 694 square kilometers (268 square miles), which is even smaller than Hong Kong . It takes an hour to drive around the whul class="infolist"e island, but Singapore is an all-inclusive experience, blending diverse cultures from all over the world, and there are many wonderful things you can't miss.

• 1. Go to Merlion Park to see the symbul of Singapore.
• 2. Go to Little India to experience a culorful miniature of massive India.
• 3. See the largest mosque in Singapore, Sultan Mosque.
• 4. Admire the exquisite Sri Mariamman Temple and look up at countless statues of gods there.
• 5. Wander around Orchard Road and experience Singapore's artistic shopping paradise.
• 6. Go to the "Big Durian" Esplanade — Theatres on the Bay, Singapore to appreciate Singaporean art.
• 7. Visit Gardens by the Bay with the world's largest greenhouse.
• 8. Climb the world's first double helix pedestrian bridge, also by Marina Bay.
• 9. Go to Clarke Quay to enjoy the nightlife of Singapore.
• 10. Go to Chinatown to experience the cultural heritage and taste local food.
• 11. Take an island adventure on Sentosa.
• 12. Explore Changi Airport, which holds the world's largest indoor waterfall.

Contact us to know more about Singapore.

Best Times to Visit Singapore

Singapore is located in the tropics and has an equatorial rainy climate. It is warm/hot throughout the year without a winter. The average daily temperature range is 24 to 31 °C (75–88°F). The least sweltering month is January with an average temperature range of 22 to 30 degrees Celsius (72–86°F). Slightly hotter temperatures average 25–32°C (77–90°F) from February to June.

There is only one of the obvious four seasons of temperate climes in Singapore — only summer — but there is a distinctly less wet season and a very wet season. The monsoon rainy season is from November to January.

Singapore is a country that's suitable for year-round travel and the best time for you to go depends on what you want to do in Singapore.

If you do not like wet weather, you might consider the months of lowest rainfall on average (still moderate to high): February, September, and June

If you like food, you could choose to go to Singapore in April for the annual World Chef Summit or July for the Singapore Food Festival (July 10-26), when there are food tasting activities at Clarke Quay, Chinatown, and many other attractions.

If you like shopping, you could come from June to July for the shopping discount season, when large shopping malls attract tourists with their discounts.

If you like a lively holiday atmosphere, November to December is the best time. From November to December, the shining celebrations of Deepavali, Christmas and New Year's Day will light up the entire Lion City.

If you are a motor racing fan, you should go in September, when Singapore hosts the only F1 night race in the world.

Singapore travel can be expensive, and it is always higher during the festivals, such as Chinese Lunar New Year in January or February. So, to keep travel costs down, avoid the festivals.

When would you like to take a Singapore trip? Let us tailor-make a Singapore tour to your requirements.

Recommended Singapore Tour Packages

Singapore is small and many attractions are relatively concentrated within walking distance. Usually, 4–7 days are recommended to see all of Singapore's highlights . Here is a suggested 5-day Singapore tour package for your reference:

Day 1: A one-day walking tour to see Chinatown, Marina Bay, and Singapore nightlife at Clarke Quay.

Day 2: Explore Little India and Haji Lane in the daytime and take a Night Safari in the evening.

Day 3: Enjoy retail therapy with a one-day shopping experience on Orchard Road.

Day 4: Take a day to relax in a resort on Sentosa. (If your time is sufficient, a night stay in the island is highly recommended.)

Day 5: Visit Jewel Changyi at Changyi International Airport, then fly home.

How many days do you have for the trip? We will customize your Singapore trip based on your requirements.

Singapore Festivals

Chinese new year.

Celebrated: in January or February

About 75% of Singapore people are ethnic Chinese, so Chinese lunar New Year is the most important festival in Singapore for many. During that time, you will see dazzling lanterns along the streets, parades, and performances nearly everywhere in the city. The biggest celebration is in Chinatown.

Unmissable Celebrations:

• Enjoy the street lighting-up ceremony in Chinatown prior to the festival.
• Join the cul class="infolist"orful Chingay Parade from 1 Republic Boulevard to NS Square.
• Immerse yourself in the River Hongbao garden festivities in NS Square.

Christmas on Orchard Road

Celebrated: from November 16th

Orchard Road is one of the most popular shopping streets in Singapore, and also a world-class shopping destination. The road is particularly brilliant and beaming during the Christmas period.

• Enjoy the iconic lighting-up ceremony.

In Singapore, Christmas comes early every year, starting from mid-November. With the official launch of the Christmas lighting ceremony on November 16, this lively and fashionable district of Orchard Road is transformed into a cul class="infolist"orful fantasy world with laughter and joy, allowing you to immerse yourself in the joy of the festival in advance.

The lighting and decorations stretch 3.88 kilometers (2.4 miles) from Tanglin Mall to Plaza Singapura (including Scotts Road, Grange Road, and Orchard Road). And they stay up until January 1, giving you plenty of time to enjoy this feast for the senses.

• Have fun at the Happy Christmas Village Fantasy Carnival.
• Join the Christmas countdown party — the climax of the hul class="infolist"iday celebrations.
• Shop happily on Orchard Road. Many shops offer discounts to attract guests during that time.

Celebrated: from October or November for a month

Deepavali, also called "the Festival of Lights", is a national cultural festival in Singapore. On this day, thousands of Hindu families in Singapore will light up their warm yellow oil lamps (deepas) at home to pray to Lakshmi, god of fertility and prosperity. Little India is the best place to enjoy Deepavali, which is decorated gorgeously at that time. There will be various exquisite elephant and peacock statues on the street, and the ground is covered with traditional Indian Rangul class="infolist"i paintings.

The day of Deepavali is different each year. It will be on October 31st in 2024, but the celebration can last more than a month, from the week before the festival to a month after the festival. The highlights are always in the week before Deepavali Day.

1. Participate in the "Silver Chariot procession". Devotees drag a silver carriage carrying a statue of the goddess Sri Drowpathai Amman from Sri Mariamman Temple in Chinatown (one of the ul class="infolist"dest Hindu temples in Singapore) all the way to Little India.

2. Enjoy the Fire Dance Festival (Theemithi) held in the Mariamman Hindu Temple. In this ritual, thousands of male believers step on burning coals with their bare feet to pay homage to the goddess. Theemithi is held about a week before Deepavali Day.

3. Enjoy wonderful traditional performances in Little India. The performances last for a few nights before Deepavali.

Singapore Food Festival

Celebrate time: from mid-July

• Taste all kinds of delicious food and have the opportunity to see the delicious masterpieces cooked by the chefs.
• Experience various celebrations, workshops, and live music performances. STREAT is the iconic event of the Food Festival, where you can try different kinds of street food.

What is more, Mid-Autumn Festival, Vesak Day, Thaipusam, Hari Raya Puasa are also the popular festivals in Singapore.

Singapore Food

Singapore is a hodgepodge of diverse races and cultures, which also brings a variety of local cuisines and delicacies together. From street food to elegant restaurants, no matter what your taste or budget, you can enjoy the ultimate delicacy in Singapore. Singapore's traditional cuisine includes chili crab, Hainanese chicken rice, bak kut tek ('pork rib tea'), laksa (spicy noodles), fish head curry, satay, and kaya (coconut jam) toast.

Kampong Gelam is a gastronomic treasure house, popular among tourists from home and abroad. Almost all styles of cuisine can be found there, including authentic Indonesian cuisine, Mexican cuisine, Vietnam cuisine, Japanese food, and Chinese food. Here are some popular restaurants for your reference:

Indian Restaurant: Zam Zam Singapore

• Add: 697-699 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198675
• Tel: +65 6298 6320

Indonesian Restaurant: Warong Nasi Pariaman

• Add: 736/738 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198704
• Tel: +65 6292 2374

Malay kampong ('village') taste restaurant: Hjh Maimunah

• Add: 11 & 15 Jalan Pisang, Singapore 199078
• Tel: +65 6297 4294

Mexican restaurant: Piedra Negra

• Add: 241 Beach Road, Singapore 189753
• Tel: +65 6291 1297

Vietnamese restaurant: Mrs Pho

• Add: 349 Beach Road, Singapore 199570
• Tel: +65 6292 0018

Japanese restaurant: Box n Sticks

• Add: 28 Kandahar Street, Singapore 198889
• Tel: +65 6341 7780

How to Get around Singapore

1. singapore's mass rapid transit (mrt).

The Singapore Metro is a very convenient way to travel. There are dense subway lines and many attractions can be reached by subway. It is very convenient. Usually, the first train departs at 05:30 and the last train is between 23:30 and 00:00.

The bus routes are quite complicated, and the stop names are usually a landmark building near the stop. Therefore, the stop names coming or going are often different. In addition, most buses do not announce the stations , and some only display the name of the next station on their electronic screens. So please be aware of the stops situation when you take a bus.

Taxis are convenient in Singapore. It is easy to take one from hotels, attractions, or shopping malls. The taxi fare starts around 3 SGD (2 USD), and then it's about 0.22 SGD (0.15 USD) for every 400 meters.

1. You can buy an EZ-Link Card or a Singapore Tourist Pass to take the MRT or buses in Singapore with cashless convenience.

2. There is a credit card machine at the front and rear doors of the buses. Please remember to scan your card when you get on the bus at the front door and scan it again when you get off at the rear door.

3. There are many taxi companies in Singapore, such as Comfort, City Cab, SMRT, Trans-Cab, Premier Taxis. SMRT provides advanced taxi services, so the cost will be more expensive.

Private car is always the most comfortable way to get around. Contact Asia Highlights for private transfers.

Where to Stay in Singapore

Singapore is a small country with convenient public transportation. You can take the subway to most of the sightseeing places, so staying near a subway station will make things easy for you. There are five popular areas that people typically choose for a Singapore stay:

• Chinatown : There are more youth hostels and economy hotels in this area. Tourists with a lower budget often choose to stay in this area. Porcelain Hotel Singapore, Bliss Hotel Singapore, Opera House Hotel, and Oasia Hotel Downtown are recommended.
• Sentosa : Many hul class="infolist"iday hotels are located there. If you want to enjoy top-class hotel facilities and relax on beaches, Sentosa should be your choice. The famous Universal Studios is also there. Le Meridien Singapore, Sentosa; Siloso Beach Resort; Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa; and Hotel Michael are recommended.
• Orchard Road: Singapore's shopping mecca! There are many large department stores and shopping centers along the 2-km-long road. If you want to go shopping in Singapore, you should not miss Orchard Road. Grand Park Orchard, Ascott Orchard Singapore, Hotel Chancellor, and YOTEL Singapore are recommended.
• Marina Bay : If you are looking for a luxury hotel experience , there will be more options for you in Marina Bay. Marina Bay Sands; The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore; Sofitel Singapore City Centre; and The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore are all there.
• Bugis : There you can fully experience the charm of Southeast Asia, and you can taste many different local snacks in the night market in Bugis. InterContinental Singapore, Hotel G Singapore, XY hotel Bugis by Asanda Hotels and Resorts, Hotel Royal @ Queens Singapore, and Mercure Singapore Bugis are all good options.

Where would you want to stay? Let us help book the ideal hotel for you.

Shopping in Singapore

Singapore is one of the famous shopping paradises of the world. From unique souvenirs to fashion brands, you can always find the best that retail has to offer. You can buy high-tech products at Funan Mall, fashion clothing and jewelry at Orchard Road; buy Indian specialty products at Little India; and go to Chinatown for a customized exquisite qipao (cheongsam). Or go shopping like a local in very Singaporean malls, such as Tampines 1, Jem®, and Westgate.

Or do you want to bring a special Singapore gift back home? There are many local brands in Singapore, such as TWG tea, Supermama local ceramics, Scene Shang's homeware, Tiger Balm, and local snacks from Biscuit King.

If you only have half a day's transit time in Singapore, Jewel Changi will rewrite your airport transit experience.

Singapore Travel Tips

• Singapore is a rainy country most of the time. Please prepare a raincoat or an umbrella for rain at any time.
• Singapore is an equatorial country with a high UV index. Please prepare sunglasses and sunscreen for your trip.
• The standard electrical current used in Singapore is 220–240 vul class="infolist"ts AC (50 cycles). If you need to, be prepared with a power plug (adapter) with three square prongs.
• Tap water is safe to drink in Singapore. It has passed the World Health Organization standards.
• Smoking is forbidden in all air-conditioned places in Singapore.
• Chewing gum is forbidden in Singapore.
• Singapore charges a very high tax on alcohul class="infolist", so it is expensive to drink or buy a bottle of wine.
• Only the Singapore dul class="infolist"lar is used in Singapore and you can exchange money at the airport when you arrive.
• Tipping is not customary in Singapore. An additional 10% gratuity is charged on top of your bill by some restaurants and hotels.

Tour Singapore with Asia Highlights

Even though Singapore is a small country and English is widely used there, if you want to explore the real Singapore and experience local life, it would still be helpful to have a professional tour guide. Travel with Asia Highlights for a hassle-free and more-fulfilling Singapore tour.

Why Asia Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)

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• Celebrate milestones with style!
• 18-Day Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
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• 13-Day Private Singapore and Bali Journey of Discovery
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• How to Plan a Trip to Thailand, Singapore and Bali 2024
• How to Plan a Trip to Singapore and Thailand 2024/2025
• How to Plan a Trip to Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore 2024
• How to Plan a Trip to Singapore and Bali 2024/2025
• The Best Times to Visit Singapore

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The one-week itinerary to Singapore

Tick off all – if not most – items in your bucket list with this handy guide

Singapore’s a relatively small country, meaning you can easily cover most of the major tourist spots during a full week’s stay. But with a plethora of things to do and see, organising this vacation might not be as straightforward as you think. If planning isn’t your strong suit, we’ve got you covered with this meticulous guide that features the best of our sunny island. All you have to do is book your flight and pack your suitcase.

RECOMMENDED: The three-day itinerary to Singapore and the ultimate guide to Singapore’s offshore islands

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After landing at the world’s best airport, kickstart your trip at Singapore's newest shopping mall, Jewel Changi Airport . This futuristic dome houses over 280 dining and retail outlets, enabling you to kill time before checking into your hotel. Keen on trying local dishes the second you touch down? Head to food court Five Spice for local brands like Boon Tat Street BBQ seafood where you can enjoy Singaporean favourites like chilli crab and sambal stingray. If not, drop by NYC-born Shake Shack  and try local exclusives like the Pandan Shake – a pandan, coconut and vanilla ice cream shake topped with gula melaka crumble. Before you step out of the airport, get a headstart by shopping at  Foot Locker , Nike , and Pokémon Center Singapore .

After freshening up at the hotel, head to the Singapore Flyer for a 30-minute ride with amazing views of the cityscape. Pay a visit to the Esplanade  to admire its unique architecture which resembles the king of fruits, durian. This performing arts centre also hosts a plethora of performances, so get yourself a ticket if any piques your interest. Then walk over to the Merlion Park to get that money shot of you and Singapore’s iconic mascot, the Merlion. There are two statues here – the original 8.6-metre tall one that spouts water from its mouth, and a two-metre tall Merlion cub.

• Restaurants
• Singaporean
• Raffles Place

Take the train down to Telok Ayer MRT station to visit one of Singapore’s popular hawker centres, Lau Pa Sat , for dinner. It has several stalls selling local food, like Seng Kee Local Delights which serves up fried Hokkien prawn mee, and Chicky Fun which dishes out plates of Hainanese chicken rice. Retaining one of the oldest Victorian design structures in Southeast Asia, this historic building is also aesthetically pretty. So enjoy the elegance of this hawker while you enjoy your food.

Since you’re in the CBD, it's time to bar hop. Aside from being the country’s financial and commercial district, this area has notable watering holes like the award-winning  Employees Only ,  Operation Dagger and 28 Hong Kong Street .  For tipple with a view, head up to rooftop bars 1-Altitude and Cé La Vi  or spice things up  at retro arcade bar Nineteen80 where you can play games like PacMan and Street Fighter while sipping on classics like Long Island Tea and Blue Lagoon.

• Things to do

Start your day bright and early at Gardens by the Bay and visit the famed Flower Dome and Cloud Forest cooled conservatories for a diverse species of vegetation and floral gems. Continue exploring this 101-hectare nature park which comprises three waterfront gardens – Bay South, Bay East and Bay Central – all offering picturesque views of the skyline, to see more attractions like the Supertree Grove and OCBC Skyway, art sculptures, and the nearby Marina Barrage .

Saunter down to the Marina Bay Sands Hotel to get close-up shots of this iconic building before you cross over to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands . Be treated to dining options ranging from restaurants owned by world-renowned chefs like Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen and CUT by Wolfgang Puck , to casual ones like Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer , Yardbird Southern Table & Bar , and Din Tai Fung . After feasting, shop around at retail stores like Jimmy Choo, Chanel, Sephora, and Limited Edt Underground, or go on a relaxing sampan ride along the mall’s canal. There’s also the ArtScience Museum for museum lovers and a casino for the high-rollers.

Have a meal at one of Singapore's best restaurants . The city is a hotspot for innovative chefs who are pushing the restaurant scene forward by leaps and bounds. There's Nouri , a new entry to this year's 50 Best Restaurants list, which offers boundary-blurring cuisine that celebrates the culinary diversity of the world. Or if you're up for Japanese, Lo and Behold's latest venture Esora will leave you in peaceful contentment. And for those among you who want to splash some cash, there's Zén , an offshoot of three-Michelin-starred Frantzen in Sweden, which serves Nordic meets Japanese cuisine.

Clarke Quay is the place to be if you’re looking to do something after the sun goes down, specifically, party. Whether you’re a chill drinker or an avid raver, let loose and be wild at popular nightclubs like Zouk and F. Club , chug shots at dedicated shooters bar Chupitos , mini-golf at golf-themed bar Holey Moley or play at games at arcade bar Level Up .

• Tiong Bahru

Sample a local breakfast at Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre . Located on the second floor, this hawker is packed with stalls selling popular local dishes, like chwee kueh, chicken rice, and fried kway teow, at reasonable prices. For a classic Singapore-style breakfast, give either of these a shot: chwee kueh – oily rice cakes accompanied with fried chye poh (Chinese dried radish) or a breakfast set which typically includes a cup of coffee, kaya (coconut jam) toasts, and soft-boiled eggs.

Venture off to your first ethnic neighbourhood, Chinatown . Learn more about the Chinese’s history, food, culture and religion at attractions like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple , Chinatown Heritage Centre , Chinatown Food Street and Chinatown Complex . Visit the rooftop carpark at People’s Park Complex for instagrammable shots of you and the streets of Chinatown.

Take the train down to Little India for your next cultural stop and get a taste of Singapore’s Indian culture and history at the Indian Heritage Centre . Some of the popular Indian dishes are here, like at Komalas Vilas , Kailash Parbat Restaurant and Blue Jasmine . Get your retail therapy on at 24-hour Mustafa Centre , where you can find anything and everything for cheap, from clothing and accessories to souvenirs and electronics. For Insta pictures of and with murals, head to Clive Street, Upper Dickson Road, Kerbau Road, Hindoo Road, and Dunlop Street.

Lastly, experience the Malay culture at Kampong Glam (nearest MRT Station – Bugis ). Start from the landmark Sultan Mosque and the Malay Heritage Centre , then head out to the side streets where you’ll find lots of cafes and restaurants like I Am… and The Hangar , and art and murals, especially along Haji Lane.

No trip to Singapore is complete without trying the durian. This fruit is known for its spiky appearance, strong odour and acquired taste. So, you’ll either indulge with pleasure or back away in disgust. We encourage you to be daring and sample our country’s unofficial fruit (you might like it, who knows?) at Geylang where stalls selling durian are plenty. For the uninitiated, there are different types of durians. Go for the Mao Shan Wang for a bittersweet taste, Black Thorn for sweet, and D24 for bitter.

Head along to theme park Haw Par Villa . But don’t expect roller coasters, bumper cars and carousels when you come here. This outdoor park features quirky and colourful statues depicting Chinese folklore, legends and history. It’s also rumoured to be haunted at night. Don’t miss the main attraction – the gruesome yet intriguing Ten Courts of Hell.

To learn more about the Little Red Dot’s history, make your way to the country’s oldest museum, the National Museum of Singapore . The exhibitions here focus on the nation’s history, like the Singapore History Gallery where it narrates the development of the country over the years and Modern Colony where it explores Singapore’s cosmopolitan nature as a British Crown colony from the late 1920s to 1930s. 

A couple of kilometres away is the country’s largest art museum, the National Gallery Singapore . It oversees over 8,000 artworks, making it the biggest public collection of modern art in Singapore and Southeast Asia. This art museum is also housed in two national monuments – the former Supreme Court building and City Hall. If you’re keen, the exteriors of these two buildings are great for pictures for the ‘gram as well.

Walk over to St Andrew’s Cathedral to admire its neo-Gothic architecture and know more about its history, like how it was named after the patron saint of Scotland in homage to the Scottish community who donated to the building fund. Besides being the country’s largest and oldest Anglican cathedral, the St Andrew’s is also a national monument and the cathedral church of the Anglican Diocese of Singapore.

Grab dinner and drinks at the nearby Chijmes , a former Catholic convent school turned lifestyle spot. There are loads of restaurants, bars and cafe here, like Harry’s , Privé , The Berlin Bar & Restaurant, Giardino Pizza Bar & Grill, and Almost Famous Craft Beer Bar . Chill on the bean bags or hammocks at the mini lawn area and gaze in awe at the view of the Gothic-style chapel once you’re done with your meal.

• Attractions
• Sightseeing
• Bukit Merah

Looking forward to an adrenaline-filled day at Singapore’s state of fun, Sentosa ? Instead of taking the train to Harbourfront and then the monorail into the island, opt for a cable car ride from Faber Peak at Mount Faber. The ride will treat you to beautiful aerial views of Sentosa itself, the harbour, and some of the heartlands.

Midday and evening

With so many things to do at Sentosa, expect to spend an entire day on this island. You can pop into Universal Studios Singapore to go on adrenaline pumping rides like the Battlestar Galactica, and Revenge of the Mummy or head to Adventure Cove Waterpark to go on thrilling slides. There’s also AJ Hackett where you can bungy jump off a 50-metre tower, and Mega Adventure Park where you zip-line over Siloso Beach . If you prefer not to tempt fate, head to the S.E.A Aquarium or Madame Tussauds Singapore , admire the tallest Merlion in the country or go on the Skyline Luge & Skyride .

There’s an array of dining options at Sentosa you could go to for dinner, like Chili’s American Grill & Bar , Din Tai Fung , Hard Rock Cafe , and Fratelli Trattoria. But if you prefer heading elsewhere, try Maxwell Food Centre . This hawker has a reputation for its cheap delicious food, like the Hainanese chicken rice from Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, and congee from Zhen Zhen Porridge.

• Parks and gardens

Be at one with nature at Singapore Botanic Gardens . This 160-year-old tropical garden features more than 10,000 species of floral and was honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. Stroll through this 82-hectare park to take in the best of horticulture set in a lush landscape.

It’s time you head to our country’s major shopping district, Orchard Road. Shop until you drop at malls like ION Orchard , Paragon , Ngee Ann City , 313@Somerset , Orchard Central and Plaza Singapura . Items on sale range from apparel and cosmetics to tech and furniture and brands include both luxury and casual, and international and local. Once you’re done, make your wallet feel better at Bugis Street . This shopping area out of Orchard is known for its cheap bargains, with items going as low as $5 and under. You can also journey to the east (Jurong) to shop at outlet mall IMM where brands like Kate Spade and Coach sell products at a discounted price.

Cab down to Dempsey Hill to explore the array of dining and nightlife offerings. You’ll have the option to tuck into local delights at various restaurants like Jumbo Seafood , Long Beach Seafood, and Samy’s Curry, or check out RedDot Brewhouse for a hearty menu of burgers, charcoal grill, and beers.

End your final day with a trip to the country’s three zoos – Singapore Zoo, River Safari and Night Safari – all of which are unique in terms of its animals and exhibits. Beginning at the Singapore Zoo , a visit here will treat you to over 300 species of animals, of which 34 percent are considered to be threatened. Animals here include the Bornean orangutan, cotton-top tamarin, chimpanzee, African lion, and brown lemur. It also has animals shows like the Splash Safari Show where you get to witness the antics of the California sea lion.

The River Safari is the newest addition among the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari. It’s also Asia’s first and only river-themed wildlife park. At this 12-hectare zoo, you can find over 400 types of plants and 240 species of aquatic and terrestrial animals, including threatened animals like the giant panda, manatee and Mekong giant catfish. Other highlights include the Amazon River Quest boat ride where you come face-to-face with some 30 wildlife species from the Amazon River, and a 15-minute Reservoir Cruise that travels along the Upper Seletar Reservoir.

The Night Safari – as its name suggests – only operates at night. Explore its seven geographical zones on foot via its four walking trails – Leopard Trail, Fishing Cat Trail, East Lodge Trail, Wallaby Trail – or by tram. While at it, observe close to 100 species of animals in their natural habits here, like the spotted hyena, white African lion, sloth bear and clouded leopard.

Helpful tips for when you're in the city

101 best things to do in Singapore

Essential tourist information for people visiting Singapore

Do's and Don'ts for tourists in Singapore

Questions tourists have about Singapore but are too afraid to ask

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Singapore Itinerary: The Best 5 Day Trip for You to Copy It

This Singapore itinerary is crafted for a full 5 days of exploration and is ready for you to enjoy . Just follow this guide for a hassle-free trip.

I’ll show you the best route for each day to explore Singapore’s stunning attractions , so you can enjoy more of your visit and spend less time in transit.

Plus, you’ll get clear, step-by-step directions for reaching each attraction . This will save you time when you’re preparing your travel plan.

Trust me, the Singapore 5-day itinerary set out below will make your trip truly unforgettable. 🙂

Discover the Best of Singapore with This Super Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: canopy park, jewel waterfall, and orchard road, day 2: marina bay sands, spectra and singapore flyer, day 3: discover all the fun spots of sentosa island, day 4: little india, bugis, spiral staircase, chinatown, and clarke quay, day 5: explore singapore’s wildlife parks, maximizing savings on singapore attractions, singapore itinerary 5 days map, the best hotels and areas to stay in singapore, how to travel around in singapore, internet access for tourists, changi airport to city centre guide, related posts.

Singapore Itinerary Day 1 Summary – An Overview of Key Activities and Destinations:

• 10:00 AM: Canopy Park
• 1:00 PM: Having Lunch Near Canopy Park
• 2:00 PM: Jewel Changi Airport’s Waterfall
• 3:00 PM: Changi Experience Studio
• 6:00 PM: Orchard Road + Check-in Hotel
• 8:00 PM: Dine in at Food Republic

In terms of accommodation, I suggest staying in Orchard for convenient access to other places in Singapore.

Luggage Storage at Changi Airport

Once you arrive at Singapore’s airport, leave your luggage at the luggage counter in Jewel. For costs and details, visit the airport’s luggage storage website .

1. Canopy Park – 3 hours (10:00 AM to 1:00 PM)

Begin your Singapore trip with Canopy Park , and be sure to add this spot to your travel itinerary.

It’s a place where you’ll experience the excitement of nature mixed with cutting-edge attractions , providing an unforgettable start to your journey.

On top of that, there are plenty of lovely scenes that are worth the capture .

This park is located on level 5 of Jewel Changi Airport .

While visiting the park, be sure to try fun activities below.

• Topiary Walk: Walk around this beautiful area and meet some adorable topiary animals. From monkeys to birds, there are a lot of ornamental figures to look forward to!
• Sky Nets Walking: Try to balance yourself while navigating around the suspended walking nets. Or you may bounce all you want and catch a peek of the people down below.
• Mirror Maze: Complete the challenge while also enjoying this unique maze experience. Here, you get to see multiple versions of yourselves!
• Hedge Maze: Go on a scenic maze adventure and have fun with the beautifully manicured landscapes. Just be careful not to get lost in the breathtaking nature scenes!

2. Having Lunch near Canopy Park – 1 hour (1:00 PM to 2:00 PM)

For lunch, try Arteastiq Depatio or Hitoyoshi Izakaya next to Canopy Park .

If you’re on a budget, simply take the lift from Canopy Park down to basement 2, where the Food Republic food court offers cheaper meals.

Arteastiq Depatio:

• Menu options: Pasta, Pizza
• Price range: SGD 20 – SGD 30

Hitoyoshi Izakaya:

• Offers Yakitori, Sashimi, Tempura, Ramen
• Grilled Chicken Set, Salmon Mentai Set, Grilled Saba Set
• Average price: SGD 25 per dish/set

Food Republic:

• Local dishes: Chicken Rice, Mala Hot Pot, Malay Chicken Rice, Beef Noodle, Fish Noodle, and more
• Between SGD 8 and SGD 12 per meal

3. Jewel Changi Airport’s Waterfall – 1 hour (2:00 PM to 3:00 PM)

When you come to Singapore, don’t miss the amazing Waterfall . It’s called the Rain Vortex , and it’s the world’s tallest indoor waterfall .

Trust me, it’s a sight to behold! You can watch the water cascade down seven stories right in the middle of the airport.

Here’s a tip: For the best views of the waterfall in Jewel Changi Airport, find a spot on level 2 to take photos. After that, head down to level 1 to explore the waterfall area further.

4. Changi Experience Studio – 2 hours (3:00 PM to 5:00 PM)

Next, be sure to drop by the Changi Experience Studio on the 4th floor ; it’s just a short walk from the waterfall .

This place is packed with exciting interactive games . Start with the Time Tunnel, where you’ll dive into the history of Singapore’s airports.

Don’t miss out on the runway race. You can jump on a stationary bike and race against a car or a plane to see who’s the fastest .

Also, don’t forget to check out the Sky Deck , where you can watch planes taking off and landing on huge screens . It’s an amazing way to see the action up close.

5. Orchard Road – 2 hours (6:00 PM to 8:00 PM)

When preparing an itinerary to Singapore, make sure Orchard Road is on the list.

It’s the busiest spot in Singapore with loads of shopping malls, delicious food, and a fun vibe that really shows you what Singapore is like.

You can buy pretty much anything, from famous brands to special finds . Places like 313@Somerset, ION Orchard, and Takashimaya Shopping Centre offer a wide variety of options.

When you want a coffee or something to eat, there are lots of cafes and restaurants to pick from.

Plus, watch out for the street performers—they’re super fun and really make the place more exciting.

6. Dine in at Food Republic – 1 hour (8:00 PM to 9:00 PM)

As dinnertime arrives, make your way to Food Republic , located on level 5 of the 313@Somerset shopping mall .

It’s a large food court that serves up a range of dishes at affordable prices , with options including Chinese, Indian, Malay, Western, and Japanese foods.

Our Singapore Itinerary for Day 2 – A Quick Overview of the Places to Visit:

• 9:00 AM: Gardens by the Bay
• 1:00PM/ 2:00 PM: Having Lunch at Jurassic Nest Food Hall
• 3:00 PM: Future World at ArtScience Museum
• 5:00 PM: Sands SkyPark Observation Deck
• 7:00 PM: Enjoy Dinner at Rasapura Masters
• 8:00 PM: Spectra Light Show
• 8:15 PM: Helix Bridge
• 8:30 PM: Singapore Flyer (Option 1)
• 8:30 PM: Merlion Statue (Option 2)

1. Gardens by the Bay – 5 hours (9:00 AM to 2:00 PM)

Start your morning with a visit to Gardens by the Bay . This big, colorful park is in the center of Singapore and great for everyone.

The best part? There’s so much to do! You must check out the 4 main attractions below . Each place is really beautiful and a great spot for taking pictures .

• Cloud Forest: Enter this greenhouse-like glass dome to capture the tallest indoor waterfall in the world. The stunning architecture, along with the spiraling walkways also deserves your attention.
• Flower Dome: You get to see lots of pretty flowers and plants in this flourishing garden. Have your camera or phone ready – you’ll want to take lots of pictures!
• Supertree Grove and OCBC Skyway : These huge tree-like structures are amazing to see! You can walk on a path called the OCBC Skyway up in the trees and get a fantastic view of the park and the city.
• Floral Fantasy: This is a fun place with flowers and art mixed together. You’ll see flowers dancing in the breeze and even hanging from the ceiling! It’s like stepping into a fairy tale, and it’s a great spot for some magical photos.

The Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, and Floral Fantasy are top spots at Gardens by the Bay . Be sure to book your tickets online here before you visit. So, you can use the QR code on your phone to get in quick and skip the long lines at the ticket counter .

When you buy your tickets using the link I’ve given you, click on “Combo deals”. Choose the package with “Flower Dome & Cloud Forest + Avatar: The Experience + Floral Fantasy”.

Entry to the Supertree Grove is free. For the OCBC Skyway, you can purchase tickets when you get there. It costs SGD 12 for adults and SGD 8 for children aged 3 to 12 years old.

2. Having Lunch at Jurassic Nest Food Hall – 1 hour (1:00 PM/ 2:00 PM)

When you start to feel hungry, head over to Jurassic Nest Food Hall in Gardens by the Bay for lunch. It’s got a bunch of tasty options that won’t disappoint.

There are six different food spots here, and four have gotten high praise from Michelin.

You’ve got options like Hawker Chan’s chicken rice , Tsuta’s ramen , Bismillah Biryani’s Indian food , and Indonesian dishes from Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang . These are tasty and won’t cost you much – just between SGD 8 and SGD 12.

If you want something else, like a salad, pasta, sandwich, waffle, or ice cream , the Jurassic Nest Cafe has all that , too.

3. Future World at ArtScience Museum – 2 hours (3:00 PM to 5:00 PM)

In the afternoon, go to the ArtScience Museum to see the Future World exhibit , a unique museum experience in Singapore.

Inside, you can play with art that moves and changes – like making waves on a screen or watching your drawings turn into animations.

It’s a place to explore and have fun with what you see and touch.

Take it slow and enjoy every bit. It’s great for all ages. And make sure your phone’s ready – you’ll want to snap lots of pictures here !

4. Sands SkyPark Observation Deck – 2 hours (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM)

The next stop would be Sands SkyPark Observation Deck . This is a perfect spot to see the entire Singapore cityscape and catch the sunset .

If you can, aim to visit during the late afternoon . You’ll catch the daylight, the golden hour, and then the city lights flickering on at dusk . It’s like watching Singapore come alive for the night, and it’s absolutely magical.

Make sure to buy your tickets for Sands SkyPark early to secure the timeslot you prefer . Entry is based on timeslots and they can fill up quickly, especially in the evening.

Access: Check out my guide here for directions to Sands SkyPark from the ArtScience Museum .

5. Enjoy Dinner at Rasapura Masters – 1 hour (7:00 PM to 8:00 PM)

For dinner, walk over to Rasapura Masters on Basement 2 of The Shoppes . It’s connected to Sands SkyPark, so you can easily get there .

They have lots of different foods like Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Western, Indian, and Malay dishes .

You can find things like dim sum, ramen, Korean BBQ, chicken chops, curry, or nasi lemak.

The food is good and not too expensive , with most dishes costing between SGD 7 and SGD 12 .

6. Spectra Light Show – 15 minutes (8:00 PM to 8:15 PM)

After dinner, don’t miss the captivating light and water show in Singapore known as Spectra . Don’t worry because this 15-minute outdoor presentation is for free .

From Sunday to Thursday, you can catch the 8:00 PM or 9:00 show. From Friday to Saturday, there are three show times ― 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM, and 10:00 PM.

7. Helix Bridge – 15 minutes (8:15 PM to 8:30 PM)

The Helix Bridge in Singapore is a must-visit for its unique architectural design .

So, after watching Spectra, head to this bridge and enjoy its beautiful views . Here, you can catch a glimpse of the towering Marina Bay Sands and other Singapore landmarks .

8. Singapore Flyer (Option 1) – 1.5 hours (8:30 PM to 10:00 PM)

To experience the Singapore Flyer at its best , go for a ride at night . The whole city lights up like a sea of stars – it’s truly stunning !

Hop into one of the big, comfortable pods and take it all in as you rise up into the sky. The view of the city’s lights from up there is unbeatable.

Here’s a little tip: Book your Singapore Flyer tickets online to skip the long queues at the ticket booth. You can simply show the QR code from your phone to get in quickly.

For the return trip, just take the MRT from Promenade Station , which is close to this attraction.

9. Merlion Statue (Option 2) – 30 minutes (8:30 PM to 9:00 PM)

Another option to consider is visiting the Merlion Statue . It’s a famous fountain with a lion’s head and a fish’s body , and it holds great significance in this area – it’s like the symbol of Singapore !

When you go, take your camera. You can take some really fun photos with the Merlion in the background .

And, if you stand at the right spot, it can look like the Merlion is spraying water right into your mouth – it makes for a pretty funny picture !

The closest MRT station to the Merlion Statue is Raffles Place Station . You can take the MRT from there to return to your hotel.

The Day 3 itinerary in Singapore takes you to explore the popular things to do in Sentosa Island . Here’s a brief schedule for today.

• 10:00 AM: Universal Studios Singapore
• 1:00 PM: Having lunch at Universal Studios
• 3:30 PM: S.E.A. Aquarium Singapore
• 5:00 PM: Skyline Luge
• 7:00 PM: Dinner at Central Beach Bazaar or Good Old Days Food Court
• 7:40 PM: Wings of Time

*Sometimes, Universal Studios Singapore only opens at 11 AM. In such cases, you can visit the SEA Aquarium first, as it opens at 9 AM.

1. Universal Studios Singapore – 5.5 hours (10:00 AM to 3:30 PM)

You should go to Universal Studios Singapore . It’s a really fun park with exciting rides and shows . Believe me, it’s totally worth a visit .

When you’re there, don’t miss the Transformers ride . It’s like being in a movie with lots of action.

Also, go on the Jurassic Park ride . You’ll see dinosaurs and it feels like you’re in their world .

Watch the WaterWorld show too . It’s full of cool stunts and big bangs, and you’ll see people riding very fast on jet-skis .

Don’t forget to walk down Hollywood Boulevard. It feels like you’re a famous movie star and it’s a great place to take pictures.

Book Online for Fast Universal Studios Entry

It’s best to book your Universal Studios tickets online here to save time and avoid the long lines at the ticket booth . Once you’ve booked, simply scan your e-tickets from your phone at the gate for quick and easy entry !

2. Having lunch at Universal Studios – 30 minutes

There are several popular restaurants inside Universal Studios Singapore , so you don’t need to worry about finding a place to eat .

Goldilocks offers delicious fried chicken that shouldn’t be missed.

At the Discovery Food Court , you can enjoy Singaporean delights such as Mee Soto, smoky grilled Chicken Satay , and more.

For a taste of Italian-American cuisine , stop by Loui’s NY Pizza Parlor for pizza and spaghetti with meatballs .

And if you’re in the mood for all-American favorites, Mel’s Drive-In serves up classic burgers, fries, and milkshakes .

3. S.E.A. Aquarium Singapore – 1.5 hours (3:30 PM to 5:00 PM)

The S.E.A. Aquarium Singapore is a place you’ll want to add to your itinerary. It’s an underwater world that’s just amazing to see .

Why visit? It’s home to more than 100,000 marine animals , and you really feel like you’re walking under the ocean .

The big glass tanks let you see all sorts of sea creatures, from colorful fish to big sharks .

And there’s more – purchasing your aquarium tickets online , you won’t have to wait in long lines . Plus, you can save even more when you visit with a group . Check out the link I’ve shared to find out more.

4. Skyline Luge – 2 hours (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM)

Next, you’ve got to try the Skyline Luge ! It’s kind of like a cool downhill go-kart that you can steer yourself .

Here’s what you do there: you sit in a small cart called a luge and slide down a hill on a curvy path . You can go as fast or slow as you like, so it’s exciting but also safe.

Before you race down, you’ll ride up the hill in a chairlift , which lets you see all the beautiful sights from up high .

I’d suggest riding down the track more than once because the fun really does increase with each run .

To avoid long waits , it’s recommended to buy your Skyline Luge tickets here in advance. This attraction is very popular, and lots of people want to experience the ride.

5. Dinner at Central Beach Bazaar or Good Old Days Food Court – 40 minutes (7:00 PM to 7:40 PM)

A) central beach bazaar.

At Central Beach Bazaar, you’ll find a lineup of colourful food trucks parked right by the sand, all ready to serve you delicious street food from around the world.

You can try different foods like Mexican-Indian tacos, Japanese grilled chicken sticks, crispy fish and chips, and tasty hotdogs and burgers. Most dishes cost between SGD 6 and SGD 10.

b) Good Old Days Food Court

This restaurant offers a selection of both Western and local cuisines at affordable prices. You’ll find grilled specialties as well as crowd favorites like Nasi Biryani and Mushroom Spaghetti on the menu.

6. Wings of Time – 20 minutes (7:40 PM to 8:00 PM)

Wings of Time is a highly anticipated light show in Sentosa Island .

It’s because this outdoor exhibit comes with breath-taking virtual effects and laser projections .

So make sure you watch it from start to finish for a more magical experience .

Aside from its incredible animation, this one follows a unique storyline of friendship.

Return Trip: After watching the show, you can take the Sentosa Express from Beach Station to VivoCity Station for free. Once at VivoCity, use the escalators or a lift to reach basement 2, where you’ll find the HarbourFront MRT Station.

Below is a list of attractions you will be visiting on Day 4 of the itinerary:

• 9:30 AM: Little India
• 10:40 AM: Bugis + Lunch
• 2:50 PM: Spiral Staircase
• 3:30 PM: Chinatown Singapore
• 5:45 PM: Clarke Quay + Dinner

1. Little India – 1 hour (9:30 AM to 10:30 AM)

Little India Singapore is such a great area to explore because of its unique cultural spots .

In the morning, discover some of the popular attractions in the area like Tan Teng Niah and Traditional Trades of Little India. Afterward, visit the Veeramakaliamman Temple.

• 9:30 AM: House of Tan Teng Niah
• 9:45 AM: Traditional Trades of Little India
• 10:00 AM: Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

a) House of Tan Teng Niah – 15 minutes

The House of Tan Teng Niah is really colorful and it stands out in Little India .

It’s actually a Chinese house that has been around for a long time. Grab your camera for some vibrant photos here.

b) Traditional Trades of Little India – 15 minutes

Traditional Trades of Little India is another head-turner that deserves your attention.

This amazing mural demonstrates the occupations of the early locals . These include people selling street snacks, doing laundry, trading items, and making garlands.

c) Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple – 30 minutes

When you visit Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple , you’ll be amazed by its beautiful design .

This temple is a special place in Singapore, and it’s important to many Indian locals.

Inside, you can see colorful statues and learn about Hindu traditions.

2. Bugis – 4 hours (10:40 AM to 2:40 PM)

When it comes to colourful street and wall paintings in Singapore , make sure to explore Bugis .

There’s a lot of to discover here, from street markets to historical centres and more. So, let me introduce the must-visit spots through the list below.

• 10:40 AM: Haji Lane
• 11:40 AM: Arab Street and Sultan Mosque
• 12:10 PM: Lunch at Josh’s Grill
• 1:10 PM: Bugis Street Market

a) Haji Lane – 1 hour

Start off your Bugis adventure at Haji Lane , where you’ll find a bustling mix of boutiques and cafes .

Each shop here features striking murals , so be sure to capture plenty of photos .

b) Arab Street and Sultan Mosque – 30 minutes

Next on your list should be Arab Street , where you’ll be surrounded by more colorful shops . This area is another favorite among locals and travelers because of its picturesque charm .

At the end of the street, you’ll find Sultan Mosque , a significant religious and cultural landmark in Singapore.

Its stunning structural design, with towering spires and golden domes, is truly awe-inspiring.

c) Lunch at Josh’s Grill – 1 hour

You can have your lunch at Josh’s Grill , a highly popular Western food restaurant .

They offer a variety of delicious dishes such as Chicken Chop (SGD 12.90), Crispy Battered Fish (SGD 13.90), Grilled Salmon with Spaghetti (SGD 18.90), Lamb Ribs with BBQ Sauce (SGD 25.90), and Steak (SGD 23.90).

d) Bugis Street Market – 1.5 hours

If you’re eyeing for some bargain hunting, Bugis Street Market is the best choice.

This market is filled with all sorts of fashion items, accessories, and electronics at a cheaper price .

In short, visiting here gives you a taste of Singapore’s vibrant street culture . You’ll also find great shopping and yummy street food all in one spot .

3. Spiral Staircase – 30 minutes (2:50 PM to 3:20 PM)

The Spiral Staircase in Singapore is a hot spot for photos and nature lovers .

When you stand at the bottom, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery, making it perfect for cool photos.

Many folks come here for wedding shots and to soak up the nature vibes.

If photography is your thing, you’ll definitely want to check out this place!

4. Chinatown – 2 hours (3:30 PM to 5:30 PM)

Vibrant Chinatown is a piece of Singapore’s colorful past . It’s a neighborhood where you can experience the rich traditions and flavors of the Chinese community .

Here are a few things you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

• 3:30 PM: Chinatown Street Market
• 4:30 PM: Sri Mariamman Temple
• 4:50 PM: Mural on Mohamed Ali Lane
• 5:00 PM: Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

a) Chinatown Street Market – 1 hour

Commence your adventure at Chinatown Street Market . This destination features plenty of local stalls selling unique items, from clothing to souvenirs and more .

So, if you want to buy some cute mementos, wander around the street market.

b) Sri Mariamman Temple – 20 minutes

Explore the stunning Sri Mariamman Temple , whose colorful exterior perfectly matches the lively surroundings of Chinatown.

And as the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore , this site is very important among the Hindu community.

c) Mural on Mohamed Ali Lane – 10 minutes

The wall painting on Mohamed Ali Lane is also a crowd favorite . This section showcases the life of ancient merchants .

And some of the highlights here are the paper mask and puppets as well as the Mamak store.

d) Buddha Tooth Relic Temple – 30 minutes

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple stands out as an iconic landmark , not only in Chinatown but also in all of Singapore.

Inside, you’ll discover an amazing collection of Buddha artifacts , including a precious canine tooth.

5. Clarke Quay – 4 hours (5:45 PM to 9:45 PM)

Clarke Quay Singapore is the best destination for late afternoon activities . Here, you can explore the historical Old Hill Street Police Station and Central Fire Station.

Then, you can spend some time along Boat Quay and go around scenic Clarke Quay Riverside. Lastly, take the River Cruise.

• 5:45 PM: Old Hill Street Police Station
• 5:55 PM: Central Fire Station
• 6:05 PM: Boat Quay
• 7:05 PM: Dinner at JUMBO Seafood or Hooters
• 8:05 PM: Singapore River Cruise
• 8:45 PM: Clarke Quay Riverside

a) Old Hill Street Police Station – 10 minutes

The Old Hill Street Police Station is an important and colorful historical place in Singapore that you should definitely visit. It was the first jail in the country .

Moreover, it’s famous for its brightly colored windows . This makes it a great backdrop for your photos .

b) Central Fire Station – 10 minutes

The Central Fire Station in Singapore certainly deserves a visit for its distinctive red-and-white facade .

Additionally, it holds the status of being the oldest operational fire station in the country .

c) Boat Quay – 1 hour

You’ll find Boat Quay to be the perfect spot for leisurely strolls or cozy drinks . Along the riverside, numerous pubs and dining places await you .

Without question, it’s the ideal destination if you’re looking to just relax and unwind .

d) Dinner at JUMBO Seafood or Hooters – 1 hour

JUMBO Seafood (Riverside Point):

• Menu options: Seafood (like Crabs, Prawns, Lobster), Pork Ribs, Fried Rice, Squid, Chicken, Fishes, Vegetables
• Price ranges: Food prices at JUMBO Seafood may vary based on your choices. Simply visit the JUMBO Seafood website , and scroll down to “Riverside Point” to view the menu.

This restaurant is famous for its Chilli Crab and Black Pepper Crab.

• Menu options: Mile High Burgers, Sandwiches, Buffalo Wings, Chicken Breast Strips
• Price ranges: Mile High Burgers at around SGD 17.90, Sandwiches at about SGD 18.90, 10 pc Buffalo Wings for SGD 14.90, and Chicken Breast Strips for SGD 11.90

For a complete meal, I’d recommend trying their famous buffalo wings or one of the Mile High Burgers.

e) Singapore River Cruise – 40 minutes

When touring around Singapore at night , you must try the river cruise . It’s an easy and enjoyable way to see the city .

You can easily hop on a boat at Clarke Quay jetty . Once you’re on, you can just relax and watch the city’s famous spots pass by .

I’d recommend going in the evening when the buildings are all lit up – it’s really something special. Don’t forget to snap some photos; you’ll want to remember the views!

Secure your river cruise tickets here on the web ahead of time to avoid the queues , as it’s very popular with both locals and tourists.

f) Clarke Quay Riverside – 1 hour

As night falls, Clarke Quay Riverside becomes even more enchanting with its lights and lively atmosphere.

It’s the perfect time for a stroll along the river , where you can see boats and the city lights reflecting on the water.

There are many cafes and bars here , making it a nice place to have a drink or ice cream and watch the river .

A Brief Insight into What Day 5 Holds in the Singapore Itinerary:

• 8:50 AM: Take a Selfie at Mandai Wildlife West’s Waterfall
• 9:00 AM: Bird Paradise
• 1:00 PM: Having Lunch at Food Central
• 2:00 PM: Singapore Zoo
• 6:00 PM: Dinner at KFC or Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant
• 7:15 PM: Night Safari Singapore

1. Take a Selfie at Mandai Wildlife West’s Waterfall – 10 minutes (8:50 AM to 9:00 AM)

When you’re visiting Mandai Wildlife West, make sure to take a selfie at the waterfall . It’s a really pretty place .

Just stand in front of the falling water, grab your phone, and take that picture . You’ll love looking back at it!

2. Bird Paradise – 4 hours (9:00 AM to 1:00 PM)

When visiting Singapore, Bird Paradise should be on everyone’s itinerary. With over 3,500 birds , it’s a great place to see and learn about different bird species . Here’s what you can do:

• Walk on Bird-Watching Trails: These paths are easy to walk on and great for seeing many kinds of birds. Bring a camera to take pictures of the colorful birds.
• Feed the Birds: In the feeding area, you can get close to the birds and even feed them. It’s really fun and exciting when they eat from your hand.

Trust me, you’re going to love this bird park – it’s an experience you won’t regret!

Bird Paradise is a crowd favorite , and it’s advisable to secure your admission online for this bird park. By doing so, you’ll gain quick access and bypass the long queues .

3. Having Lunch at Food Central – 1 hour (1:00 PM to 2:00 PM)

After you finish touring around Bird Paradise, you can enjoy a delightful lunch at Food Central . It’s the ideal spot to relax and refuel.

At Food Central, you’ll find a range of tasty options, from local favorites like Hainanese chicken rice to various Western delights and more !

4. Singapore Zoo – 4 hours (2:00 PM to 6:00 PM)

Singapore Zoo is home to a big family of animals, more than 4,200 of them !

You’ve got to visit it to experience the wonders of wildlife from all around the globe . You can see large white tigers, playful orangutans, and meerkats standing tall on the lookout .

As you walk around, you’ll encounter all kinds of creatures, each living their unique way of life. And don’t miss the mandrill, whose bright colors are incredible to see up close.

Remember to take lots of pictures; it’s a fantastic place to create lasting memories.

5. Dinner at KFC or Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant – 1 hour (6:00 PM to 7:00 PM)

For dinner, you can visit the KFC near the entrance of Singapore Zoo .

Alternatively, just a short walk away is the Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant located in the Night Safari , where you can enjoy a variety of dishes from local to international cuisine .

Try the Chicken Tandoori for SGD 14.90, Mutton Curry for SGD 13.90, or local favorites like Char Kway Teow and Laksa for SGD 12.90 each, Prawn Mee Soup for SGD 13.90, and the classic Chicken Rice for SGD 13.90.

6. Night Safari Singapore – 3 hours (7:15 PM to 10:15 PM)

Night Safari Singapore is super special because it’s the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park , home to over 2,500 animals that come alive at night.

I suggest taking the tram ride first ; it’s a good way to see lots of animals quickly . You’ll spot lions, elephants, and more.

Then, take a stroll on the walking trails to see more animals up close in their habitats.

And don’t forget, to save some pocket money, book the discounted Night Safari tickets right here .

Personal Opinion:

My itinerary didn’t include River Wonders Singapore , which is also located nearby Night Safari and Singapore Zoo. The reason is that I think this park is not as good as the three parks I recommended to you.

Getting to Singapore’s Wildlife Parks

To visit Singapore’s Wildlife Parks affordably, take the MRT to Khatib Station and exit at Exit A .

From there, catch the Mandai Khatib Shuttle , which costs SGD 2 per trip and runs every 10 to 20 minutes .

This shuttle offers a loop service from Khatib Station to Bird Paradise, Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, and Night Safari .

Services begin at 8:00 AM from Khatib and the last shuttle from the parks is at 12:00 AM midnight .

Return Trip:

For your return trip, take the shuttle to Khatib Station and then board the MRT to your hotel.

The shuttle doesn’t take cash ; instead, use an EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay card . Purchase these from Changi MRT Station or shops like 7-Eleven, Buzz, and Cheers. These cards also work for MRT and public bus.

Getting Around:

To get around the wildlife parks , including Mandai Wildlife West, Bird Paradise, Singapore Zoo, and Night Safari, you can use the Mandai Khatib Shuttle at no extra cost .

I recommend getting the Singapore Multi-Attraction Pass for visiting attractions, as it offers significant savings .

For example, if you visit the attractions I’ve listed above, the total cost with separate tickets would be SGD 399.60 .

However, with the 10-Attraction Pass , it’s only SGD 306 , saving you SGD 93.60 per person . For two people, the savings increase to a total of SGD 187.20.

The pass provides access to up to 36 attractions in Singapore . Options include a 2-Attraction Pass, 3-Attraction Pass, and more , with prices starting at only SGD 77.40 !

Visit the link below to find out about the attractions covered by the pass and to help you save more on your trip!

• Check out Singapore Multi-Attraction Pass here

To simplify itinerary planning for Singapore, I’ve marked all the top tourist spots and nearby MRT stations on the map above . Hopefully, this will save you time when planning your trip .

No matter how many days you plan to stay in Singapore, I highly suggest that you stay in Orchard or Clarke Quay area .

These locations are ideal because of their proximity to many major tourist spots . Below are my most recommended hotels.

• YOTEL Singapore (Orchard) : If you want a place that is close to Orchard MRT Station, this is the best choice. The area is also surrounded by many eateries.
• Holiday Inn Express (Orchard) : Just opposite of Orchard Street, the hotel is ideal for shopaholics. In addition, it is easily accessible to Orchard and Somerset MRT Stations.
• Park Regis Singapore (Clarke Quay) : For those who want to be very near Clarke Quay MRT Station, choose this hotel. There are plenty of nearby restaurants as well.
• Holiday Inn Express (Clarke Quay) : This place is highly recommended if you want to be very near the riverside of Clarke Quay. Situated close to Park Regis Hotel, the area is bounded by many cafes and bars along the riverside. It is a nice spot to stroll around and relax, especially at nighttime.

Singapore’s MRT system is very superb as it can take you to almost any location in the country.

And to help you get around Singapore like a pro, here are some important tips you can use as a reference.

1. NETS FlashPay Card

If you’re spending several days in Singapore, having a NETS FlashPay card is advisable. This multi-purpose stored value card allows you to travel via MRT and buses easily .

You just tap the card on a panel when you board and disembark from the MRT or buses.

The card can be purchased at MRT stations and convenience stores in the airport , such as 7-Eleven and Cheers.

Generally, the NETS FlashPay cards are priced at $12. This amount is already inclusive of $7 stored value.

2. Download the Singapore MRT and LRT Offline App

When searching for MRT routes in Singapore, I suggest using the “Singapore MRT and LRT Offline” App. This app provides the fastest routes and time durations.

With this Singapore prepaid SIM card , you’ll have smooth internet access .

It offers 100 GB of data at high speed , 500 minutes of local calls , and 20 minutes for international calls .

I recommend buying at least one SIM card for easy navigation , especially for using Google Maps and checking attraction locations.

Is Bangkok your next destination? See this best itinerary for Bangkok in 5 days !

There are 4 ways to get to the city of Singapore from Changi Airport. These are via train, bus, taxi, and private airport transfer.

You can catch a train at Changi Airport MRT Station located in Terminals 2 and 3. If you arrive at Terminal 4, just take a free shuttle bus to Terminal 3.

For Terminals 1, 2, and 3, the bus stops are located at the basement bus bays. You can choose from the following bus numbers: 24, 27, 34, 36, 53, 110, and 858.

For Terminal 4, go to the bus stop next to Car Park 4B. From there, you can select from a variety of bus options, including 24, 34, 36, and 110.

Taxis are also available for hire. You can find them at the taxi stands in the Arrival areas of Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. The travel duration from the airport to the city is about 30 minutes.

All fares are metered, and it will normally cost you around S$ 20 to S$ 40.

4. Private Airport Transfer

If you want less hassle, it’s suggested that you avail of the private airport transfer. This is actually the easiest way to reach the city centre because it offers door-to-door service.

Plus, it provides a 24-hour transfer service from Singapore airport.

So, if you want to be transported directly to your hotel, this is the best option. You can check the private airport transfer price here .

My Singapore travel itinerary for a 5-day adventure in the Lion City has come to an end. I hope you have a wonderful trip to this amazing country.

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Kuala Lumpur Itinerary: Your Ideal 5 Days Trip in KL Guide

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The Ultimate 2-Day Singapore Itinerary for 2023

Marianne Rogerson

May 30, 2023

Discover the best of the city with our ultimate 2-day Singapore itinerary . We’ll make sure you take in the iconic attractions and get a good feel for the city during your short visit.

Planning a quick trip to Singapore? You’re in for a real treat! In just two days, you can experience a remarkable blend of culture, history, and modern marvels that make this city-state so unique. 

You may be worried that two days aren’t enough to take in all this vibrant destination has to offer. 

However, with a well-planned itinerary, you’ll be able to make the most of your short time here and get a good taste of all the city has to offer.

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a booking using these links, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

Got questions? Come join our Singapore Travel Tips Facebook group . It’s the perfect place to ask questions and get inspiration for your trip!

Planning your Singapore Trip? You may also like these articles:

• How to plan a trip to Singapore
• How much does a trip to Singapore cost?
• Where to stay in Singapore
• The Best time to Visit Singapore

Table of Contents

Two days in Singapore

As you embark on your Singapore adventure, you’ll find yourself immersed in a harmonious fusion of fascinating neighbourhoods, awe-inspiring architecture, and tantalising cuisine. 

Your journey will lead you through the colourful streets of Chinatown, the captivating Kampong Gelam area, and the lively vibes of Little India. 

Along the way, you’ll get to take in Singapore’s iconic landmarks, such as Gardens by the Bay, the Merlion, and the spectacular skyline from Marina Bay.

As time is short, in order to make the most of your two-day Singapore experience, make sure you prioritise your must-see attractions. 

Our suggestions are below to give you an idea of what you can manage to squeeze into your Singapore 2-day adventure and ensure you have the best time here. 

Are you ready? Let’s get started!

Planning to stay for longer? Check out these other itineraries:

• 3-day itinerary for Singapore
• 5-day itinerary for Singapore
• 7-day itinerary for Singapore

Day 1: Exploring Singapore’s Iconic Attractions

On your first day, you’re going to tick off some of Singapore’s most famous attractions . These gems combine natural beauty, modern architecture, and cultural heritage, making them a must-visit for any traveller.

Gardens by the Bay

Begin your day at Gardens by the Bay , a stunning park with larger-than-life structures and breathtaking gardens. While you’re here, don’t miss:

• The famous SuperTree Grove , where you can stroll along the OCBC Skyway and head to the Supertree Observatory for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
• The mesmerising Flower Dome and Cloud Forest conservatories, which showcase countless flora from various regions of the world.
• The Far East Organisation’s Children’s Garden , with its fun water play area that is perfect for the kids to cool off in (Open Thurs-Sunday).

Entry to Gardens by the Bay is free, but you need to purchase tickets for the Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, OCBC Skyway and Supertree Observatory.  

Insider Tip : If you’re keen to try some local food while you’re here, head on down to Satay by the Bay, where you’ll find a good selection of local Singapore hawker dishes. 

Marina Bay Sands

Next, make your way to Marina Bay Sands , Singapore’s iconic hotel, which you have no doubt seen photos of. 

Unfortunately, the famous infinity pool is exclusively for hotel guests, but you can still marvel at the structure from the outside. You can also:

• Head to the  Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck  for panoramic views.  
• Browse through luxury shops at The Shoppes.
• Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many eating options (you will find everything from a food court to several Michelin-starred, celebrity chef restaurants inside).

ArtScience Museum

Continue your journey to the nearby ArtScience Museum , a striking architectural marvel in the shape of a lotus flower. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Visit the excellent FutureWorld exhibition, an impressive digital interactive installation. Both kids and adults will love it.
• Explore a variety of rotating exhibitions that blend art, science, technology and culture to inspire creativity and innovation.

Insider tip : Tickets for FutureWorld are based on timed entry. So be sure to pre-purchase tickets to secure your timeslot. 

Finally, wrap up your day by visiting Singapore’s national icon, the Merlion, which is just a short stroll around Marina Bay from the ArtScience Museum.

Standing tall by the waterfront, this half-fish, half-lion sculpture symbolises the city’s origins as a fishing village and its modern transformation. While you’re there:

• Capture a photo with the gracefully spouting Merlion against the backdrop of the stunning Singapore skyline.
• Stroll along the waterfront promenade , taking in the scenic Esplanade and appreciating the vibrant atmosphere.
• Stop for an evening drink or bite to eat at a choice of restaurants at either one Fullerton or further along at Customs House at Collier Quay. 
• Jump aboard a boat cruise for a scenic sunset ride up the Singapore River. 

Evening and Nightlife

If you still have some energy left in the evening, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to evening dining and entertainment. Here are some of our top suggestions:

Boat Quay/Clarke Quay/Robertson Quay

Head over to the vibrant areas of Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay. These lively quays offer a variety of dining and entertainment options perfect for a night out in Singapore. 

You can head along here on board a river cruise, or just take a stroll along the river. 

• Boat Quay is popular with the after-work crowd, who head here for beers by the river and you’ll find a good choice of bars and restaurants here. 
• Clarke Quay is traditionally more popular with a younger crowd and stays busier later with bars with live music and a couple of nightclubs. Plenty of riverside eating options. 
• Robertson Quay has a more laid-back vibe and is popular with families. You’ll find several al-fresco dining options here in a leafy riverside setting. 

Dinner at a Hawker Centre

We always say that every visitor to Singapore should enjoy at least one meal in a hawker centre. It’s the best way to try some of the best local food and soak in the vibe of real Singapore. 

For first-timers, we recommend the following hawker centres for dinner, based on their central locations and unique atmosphere. 

You can read our full list of recommended hawker centres here. 

• Lau Pa Sat – handily located in the heart of the CBD. At night, the satay stalls set up on the street and everyone flocks here to meet for dinner, making for a fun and vibrant atmosphere. 
• Makanstura Gluttons Bay – Located next to the Esplanade Theatre, this hawker centre offers a more refined experience, with high-quality food stalls and al-fresco dining with views of Marina Bay. 

Supertrees Light Show

If you’re more into sightseeing than wining and dining, then head back to Gardens by the Bay to catch the spectacular Supertrees Light Show, known as Garden Rhapsody. 

This dazzling display of lights and colours is set to music and starts at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm every night. 

Be sure to arrive early to secure a spot with a great view of the towering Supertrees. Immerse yourself in this mesmerising light show, which is definitely a must-see when in Singapore.

Rooftop Bars

To end the night, visit one of Singapore’s many rooftop bars, where you can take in the stunning city skyline while enjoying a cocktail or two . 

Popular options include Ce La Vi at the top of Marina Bay Sands, which boasts impressive panoramas of Marina Bay; and Level 33, where you can enjoy craft beer on tap alongside skyline views. 

These rooftop bars offer a fantastic opportunity to unwind, kick back, and appreciate the lively atmosphere of Singapore’s nightlife.

You can read our full selection of the best Singapore rooftop bars here.

Day 2: Cultural and Heritage Neighbourhoods

On day 2, you’re going to explore three unique areas of Singapore: Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam. 

Here, you’ll discover the diverse ethnic heritages of Singapore’s population and enjoy the cultural charm of each district. 

Our  self-guided walking tours  are a great way to see all the important sights of each area at your own pace.

We also recommend joining a guided sightseeing tour of one or more of these areas, so you can gain a better insight into the history and culture, through the eyes of a local. 

Click here to read our pick of the  best Singapore sightseeing tours . 

Start your second day by exploring the vibrant streets of Chinatown . Known for its colourful heritage shophouses and lively street markets, it’s one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Singapore with visitors. 

Chinatown is home to an abundance of temples, souvenir shops and eateries. Strolling the streets and browsing the shops is half the fun. 

Our self-guided Chinatown walking tour takes you past the highlights, introduces the history and gives you a guided tour of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. 

We recommend the following Chinatown highlights:

• Buddha Tooth Relic Temple -this enormous Buddhist temple holds the Sacred Buddha Tooth and Relics. There are five floors plus a roof garden to explore, including the Ten Thousand Buddhas Pavilion and the excellent Buddhist Culture Museum.
• Chinatown Heritage Centre – (currently closed following Covid) – a great place to learn the area’s history. The exhibitions tell the stories of Singapore’s Chinese immigrants, highlighting where they came from, their hardships, and their eventual successes. 
• Street Market Stalls – the street stalls of Pagoda Street, Sago Street and Trengannu Street are piled high with souvenirs and gift items, from silk cushion covers to Chinese calligraphy and silk clothing.
• Chinatown Complex – skip past the market stalls and head downstairs to find one of the best wet markets in Singapore. You’ll also find one of the largest and best hawker centres in Singapore here, with over 250 stalls.

Insider Tip: Hungry? Maxwell Food Centre is famous for serving some of Singapore’s best Hainanese Chicken Rice at Tian Tian, or try Michelin famous Hawker Chan at the Chinatown Complex food centre. Keen for dim sum ? We recommend Yum Cha on the corner of Temple St and Trengannu St. 

Click here to read our full guide to Singapore’s Chinatown . 

Little India

Take an MRT ride to Little India , a buzzing district that offers a glimpse of Indian culture right here in the heart of Singapore. 

Wander through its bustling streets, lined with stores selling vibrant fabrics, traditional sweets, and fragrant spices. Stop for a hearty Indian meal at one of the authentic restaurants scattered throughout the area.

Our self-guided Little India walking tour takes you past the area’s highlights and introduces its history and culture. 

We recommend the following Little India highlights:

• Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple – one of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore, famed for its intricately designed gopuram (entrance tower) adorned with colourful carvings of Hindu deities.
• Indian Heritage Centre – a great way to learn about the history and culture of the Indian and South Asian communities in Singapore. There are five permanent galleries plus visiting exhibitions to explore. 
• Tekka Centre  is home to one of Singapore’s biggest and busiest wet markets with an impressive seafood section plus spices and curry pastes.
• Little India Arcade –  a bustling warren of shops selling souvenirs, jewellery, henna and more. Don’t miss Moghul Sweets shop for a delicious selection of traditional Indian sweets. 

Insider Tip: Hungry? We love the cheap and cheerful Masala Dosai at Komala Vilas. Or head to Muthu’s Curry or Banana Leaf Apolo to try the famous fish head curry. 

Click here to read our full guide to Little India .

Kampong Gelam

If you’ve still got power in your legs, head over to Kampong Glam , a charming neighbourhood brimming with Malay and Arab history. 

This area is home to the iconic, golden-domed Sultan Mosque – a must-visit sight, presiding over one of the most picturesque streets in Singapore. 

As you stroll through the area’s narrow lanes, you’ll encounter stylish coffee shops, art galleries, and boutiques, showcasing the area’s artistic inclinations.

We recommend the following highlights:

• Sultan Mosque – the Masjid Sultan is the city’s largest mosque. Originally built in 1824 (it was rebuilt in 1928), the huge golden dome and four minarets protect the main prayer hall that can accommodate 5,000 devotees.
• Gelam Gallery – Singapore’s first outdoor art gallery is home to murals and framed art from over 30 artists, both local and international.
• Malay Heritage Centre – formerly the Sultan’s palace, the Istana Kampong Glam is now home to nine galleries, showcasing the history and culture of the Singapore Malays. 
• Haji Lane – hip alleyway famous for its eclectic mix of boutiques, cafes, and bars.

Insider Tip : Hungry? We love the charcoal-grilled kebabs and meze platters at Alaturka Mediterranean & Turkish restaurant. 

Click here to read our full guide to Kampong Gelam . 

Additional Options to add to your itinerary

Of course the above ideas may not suit everyone. So if you are looking for a few more ideas to chop and change an itinerary to suit you, here are a few other highlights you might want to include:

Orchard Road

If you love to shop then Orchard Road is for you. Singapore’s famous shopping thoroughfare is one of the largest accumulation of shopping malls in the world. 

You’ll find a fantastic mix of retail outlets, from budget-friendly stores to luxurious designer boutiques. 

ION Orchard, with its nine levels of retail outlets, is the most famous shopping mall on the strip. We also recommend Paragon and Ngee Ann City, plus the Mandarin Gallery for more boutique options. 

Botanic Gardens

If you’re a plant lover, then the Singapore Botanic Gardens is a must. 

This sprawling, 82-hectare park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015 and is easily accessible in the centre of town. 

One of the highlights is a precious six-hectare fragment of primary tropical forest that dates back to before the founding of modern Singapore in 1819.

Also don’t miss the stunning National Orchid Garden with over 1,000 species of orchids to admire. 

Raffles Hotel

Often featuring on people’s bucket lists is a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel . 

Established in 1887 , Raffles Hotel is one of the most famous hotels in the world and it is worth a visit just to admire its beautiful heritage architecture. 

However most people head here for a Singapore Sling in the Long Bar, where the bright pink cocktail was invented by Raffles barman, Ngiam Tong Boon, in 1915.

Singapore Zoo

If you’re visiting with kids, then the Singapore Zoo will probably be top of your list. One of the most famous zoos in the world, Singapore Zoo is home to over 300 species of animals. 

It’s also known for its open zoo concept, allowing the animals to roam freely in beautifully landscaped habitats. 

We recommend heading here early for the Breakfast in the Wild, and then letting the kids cool off in the water play area before heading back into town for lunch. 

Alternatively, spend the afternoon at River Wonders or Bird Paradise , two other fantastic wildlife parks located nearby.

Sentosa Island

If you’re just looking to skip the sightseeing altogether and just have some fun, then head on over to Sentosa.

Here you’ll find plenty to keep you busy for two days, including:

• Universal Studios Singapore theme park
• SEA Aquarium
• Adventure Cove Waterpark
• Mega Adventure Park
• Skyline Luge
• Hydrodash  (floating obstacle course)

You’ll also find a good choice of cool beach bars restaurants and beach clubs to hang out at and enjoy some cocktails in the sun. 

Arriving and Transport in Singapore

Getting around Singapore is easy and convenient thanks to its efficient public transportation system.

Changi Airport

There are several ways to get into the city from the airport, including taxi, bus, shuttle bus and MRT (train). 

Changi airport is close to the city (around a 20-minute drive),  so none of these options will take that long. 

Which you choose will depend on cost, number of people travelling together and where in the city you are staying.

Click here to read our specific guide on  getting from Changi Airport to the city . 

Getting around

The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is the most popular mode of transport with visitors to Singapore. It is cheap, clean, safe and efficient with frequent trains and extensive coverage across the island. 

Taxis in Singapore are also affordable and plentiful. You can flag them down, pick one up at a taxi stand (found at most shopping malls, office blocks and hotels) or use the Grab app to book one.

Grab / Gojek offer rideshare alternatives to taxis, similar to Uber in other countries. We recommend downloading these apps when you get to Singapore. 

Click here to read our complete guide to using public transport in Singapore .

3-Day Singapore Itinerary for First-time Visitors

Singapore packing list: essential items for your trip.

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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 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.

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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

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!

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

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

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

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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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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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:

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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…)

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.

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.

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!

Monique MacPhail

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The Perfect 3 Days in Singapore Itinerary

Written By: Charmaine Leow

Updated On: December 29, 2022

Exploring Singapore for the first time or the 3rd time is exciting. There are so many things to see and do in the city, so we recommend this 3 day Singapore itinerary to get the most out of your next trip to Singapore . Singapore is often called the “Little Red Dot.” Despite its size, this once small fishing village paved its way to being one of the most prosperous nations in the world.

Though the city is small, it’s populated with many high-end shops, sky-high structures, and then accentuated by beautiful gardens. It is clean and organized and we found it was the perfect combination of a bustling city and a tropical island.

Table of Contents

Singapore Itinerary in 3 Days

Like most cities in the world, there are so many things to see and do that it can be a little overwhelming for first-time visitors. If you only have 3 days in Singapore, then this is the itinerary you will want to follow.

If you only have one day in Singapore, then we recommend choosing your favourite activities from this itinerary that are centralized in one area. We suggest sticking to the Marina Bay area as you see a lot in a short time.

Where to Stay in Singapore

We have a whole article dedicated to the best places to stay in Singapore but these are our quick recommendations for a 3 day itinerary. Singapore hotels are some of the best in the world. For this reason, accommodation can book up quickly, especially during the high seasons like January February and June, and July. We would recommend booking your place to stay in Singapore well in advance if you are planning on visiting during these months.

Luxury Hotels in Singapore:

Shangri-la Hotel, Singapore  – A 5-star Luxury hotel set In the midst of exotic gardens. It is 7-minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Orchard Road that costs over S$350 per night.

The MBS Hotel  – The Marina Bay Sands is an Iconic Hotel in Singapore with World’s Largest Infinity Pool, a world-class casino and dining experience. This Luxury Hotel offers you fantastic views from your Hotel Room and the Rooftop Pool.

Budget Hotels in Singapore:

Hotel Supreme Singapore  – A friendly, clean hotel that provides you with all the basic amenities during your stay. Walking distance to Singapore’s famous shopping street!

The Orchid Hotel  – This spacious chic hotel situated In the heart of the city centre is within walking distance to restaurants, bars and the MRT Train Station. Getting anywhere with the MRT Train is easy and convenient!

Getting Around Singapore

There are several modes of transport that you can choose from. If you have time and would love to experience like a local,  you can choose to take public transport like the MRT and Buses to navigate around.

You can  buy a special EZ-Link stored-value card  which will allow you to take the MRT and public bus services with unlimited rides up to three days for $20. The fastest way to travel around Singapore is through their tram system or to take the MRT. The bus system, on the other hand, is the most economical way to get around the city.

You can also choose to hail a Taxi, GrabCar, GOJET or TADA to move quickly around the city.

If you are first-time users, be sure to google online, download the app on your smartphone and check if any additional discount codes can be applied. At times, you can get SGD$5 off your rides!

If this is your first time visiting Singapore I recommend jumping on the  Hop on/Hop off the bus . This will give you a good overview of the city and get you to most attractions.

Singapore Itinerary – Day 1: The Quays And Marina Park

Your first day in Singapore is all about hitting the main attractions. From the amazing views of the city at Marina Bay Sands to one of the most amazing gardens in the world (Gardens by the Bay) and a cloud forest! We have included an interactive map that will help you see what kind of distances you will be covering. Plus where everything is in relation to each other.

Click here for the Interactive Map

Morning: Marina Bay

The best place to start your 3 Days in Singapore is at one of the most popular attractions in the city; The Marina Bay Area. Home to thousands of plants and rare species in an amazing man-made tropical forest. The famous Gardens by the Bay spans a total of 101 hectares in the heart of the city and is an integral part of a “City in a Garden” concept where the wonders bloom.

Everyone who visits Singapore loves to spend some time taking pictures of the beautiful Supertree Structures in the Gardens by the Bay. You should make sure to explore the indoor Cooled Conservatory domes, and stroll along the 22-meter-high skyway that offers panoramic views of the Garden. We were completely blown away by the artistry that has gone into this whole area.

We do think you should know that this place is extremely popular, so if you want to avoid the long queues for tickets we recommend that you buy your discounted tickets here in advance.

There’s a connecting overhead bridge (Lions Bridge) between Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands. It’s easy to find, just ask the staff working there!

**Local Tip: Every night (at 19:45 and 20:45) there is a beautiful light and music show at the Supertree Grove. Don’t miss this free light & music show when you are at the Gardens of the Bay.**

• Hours : Open from 5am – 2am all week
• Cost:  Ticket cost around $18 USD for an adult .

Afternoon: SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands is one of the most renowned hotels in the world. It has a beautiful infinity pool on the 57th floor! There is no better way to take in the beauty of Singapore and its glittering city skyline.

If you are not wanting to fork out that kind of money for a night at the Marina Bay Sands, you can visit the Skypark and catch the 360-degree view of the city instead. From here, you have an unobstructed view of the Gardens of the Bay, the Singapore Flyer and the Iconic Merlion. It really gives you a good overview of the whole city.

However, do note that this infinity pool is only available to Marina Bay Sands Guests.  Click here  to see how much a night costs at Marina Bay Sands! The Skypark has one of the best views of the city and well worth the price of admission. Just make sure you book your ticket in advance.

If you are looking for a place to catch the sunset, this is it. Marina Bay Sands is also a place you may want to visit at night and take in the light and music Spectra show. This takes place right out in front of the building, is free and is only about 15 minutes long. But if you are in the area at 20:00, 21:00 or 22:00 on Fridays and Saturdays it is something you don’t want to miss.

• Marina Bay Sands Hours : Opens from Monday to Sunday, 9:30 am to 10 pm and until 11 pm during weekends.
• Cost:  The ticket cost around $15 USD for adults.  Buy your ticket here  or if you have the  iVenture Singapore Pass  it is included.

Merlion Park

The Merlion  is the official Mascot of Singapore and is probably one of the most recognizable icons of the city. Therefore you should expect a lot of people around the statue and in the park.

I have placed this in the evening part of this Singapore itinerary as that is when it is the most beautiful. Around sunset, the lights come on in the Business district, which makes for a perfect backdrop to the statue. It is also a little cooler at this time of the day. Combine that with the breeze off of the water and you might not want to leave.

This National icon depicts a lion head with a fish’s body and spouting water from its mouth. It is believed to guard Singapore’s Prosperity. After visiting the Merlion, you can take a stroll along the river and enjoy the business district zone of Singapore mixed with leisure, work, and fun!

If you would like a complete Singapore experience, you can stroll along the promenade for 15 minutes and you will end up at the next destination: Clarke Quay.

• Hours:  Open to the public 24/7.
• Cost:  Visiting this amazing structure is free of charge

Evening: Clarke Quay

This is the bustling nightlife hub of Singapore. Located just across from Fort Canning Park, in Clarke Quay,  you will find excellent restaurants with a mix of Asian and European cuisine. If you are into nightlife and partying you are in the right area. With a lot of clubs this is the place to be to party the night away.

If it is your very first time in Singapore, I recommend you take the cruise along the Singapore River.

You can take in the nightlife of the city, catch the spectacular views of the Marina Bay at night, and discover the rich history of the city while passing through some of Singapore’s most popular tourist spots.

This Boat ride takes about 40-minutes round trip and is a guided tour. You can check out more  details about the cruise here.

For dinner, I would recommend eating at the popular steamboat and hot-pot at  Hai di Lao , Clarke Quay. It is situated right in front of the cruise center in the boat quay. The food is delicious here and the service is the best in town!

If you would western cuisine instead, you can dine at any of the restaurants along the river and enjoy the breeze and views of the Singapore River. If you have time and want a little more culture, try to make your way over to Haji Lane and the Sultan Mosque. It is only about a 30min walk and they are worth the visit if you have time.

** Tip** Take the boat ride at 8:30 pm and you will be able to catch the water and light show at the Marina Bay area! Queue at least 15 minutes before as it gets really crowded at this time!

• Hours:  Open Mondays thru Sundays, 10 am to 10 pm
• Cost:  River Cruise starts at  $18 for Adults

#1 Money Saving Tip in Singapore

The iVenture Singapore Pass  is the most efficient way to save money and time in Singapore.

You can order this online before your trip and pick it up at the airport. This includes:

• 3 or 5 attraction Singapore Flexi Attractions Pass with the option to add a Premium attraction.
• Save up to 50% on admission to Singapore’s most popular attractions
• Save time and skip the line at popular attractions
• Use your pass to sightsee at your own pace over five days
• Includes a fold-out colorful guide with maps and attraction details
• Includes a colorful guidebook with maps and tips

I highly recommend this Singapore tourist pass, it not only offers a great discount, but it also  allows you to customize which attractions you like to visit  and gives you access to tours that are not available with other passes.

Get your iVenture Singapore Pass now to save yourself some money.

Day 2 – sentosa island and some beach time.

On the second day in Singapore, we will spend a day in Sentosa Island where you will find lots of fun things to do and see!

If you are up for an adventure, (or if you have an extra day)  you can spend the entire day in Universal Studios! Alternatively, you can use the below guide!

Click here for the Interactive Map!

Morning: Cable Car from Mount Faber Park to Sentosa Island

There are several ways to get into  Sentosa Island. The first would be to drive in and the second would be taking the  cable car from Mount Faber Station  or Harbourfront Station.

This unique gondola lift is a perfect way to experience Singapore and see the panoramic aerial views of Mount Faber Park and the Island. The trip is 5km long and if it is Instagram-worthy views you are looking for, this is how to get them. I recommend taking the cable car from Mount Faber as you get to complete the entire ride. It is more value for money as well.

Do note that there is no one-way service for the Cable car ride. It is a 2-way service!

Alternatively, you can hop off the  Metro Station at Harbourfront Station , buy a 2-way $4 ticket for the Sentosa Express Ticket! It is the easiest and fastest way to access the Island!

Note:  There is no MRT service to the island and taxis will have to pay an entry ticket between S$3 and S$7 depending on day/ time.

• Hours:  Singapore Cable Car: Daily 08:35 – 18:00 (Last Boarding at 21:30, Last Ticket Sale: 21:15)
• Cost:  Tickets cost 35 USD for adults and 25 USD for children for a round trip.

Afternoon: Sun-tanning on Palawan or Siloso Beach

Bask under the sun while you are in Sentosa and get that beautiful sun-kissed skin. This is a perfect place for the whole family. You can get active and enjoy some  water sports  or you can just kick back, relax and unwind at one of the beach clubs. There is something for everyone on Sentosa Island.

There are 3 different beaches; Palawan, Siloso and Tanjong beach. Each one caters to a different crowd.

Siloso is the busiest of the three and has the best selection of water sports. Palawan is a little quieter and better suited to people looking to relax and soak up some rays. Finally, Tanjong is probably the classiest beach in Singapore. The Tanjong Club is the place to be.

If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and do it in style make sure you book a bed for the day with minimum consumption and chill. This place is quite busy on the weekends but it is quiet on weekdays.

The transportation within the island is very convenient and accessible. The train is free of charge with unlimited rides to Resorts World Sentosa and Imbiah Station. But the cable car ride within Sentosa Island has a fee of $2 which can be bought when purchasing the Cable car tickets at Mount Faber / Harbourfront.

Adventure Cove Water Park, Madame Tussauds, Sea Aquarium

If you have kids, this is the place to take them (Universal Studios is also great if you have the time). The Adventure Cove Water Park gets you up close with marine life and you can also take a high-speed water slide, drift on a lazy river, or snorkel with tropical fish over a colorful reef. Fun for the whole family.

They have many packages to offer but I would personally recommend  Adventure Express to skip the line  so that you can explore more places on the Island!

• Hours:  Opens from  10 am to 6 pm every day.
• Cost:   Adventure Express  costs about $12 and is the cheapest option.
• This is included in the  iVenture Singapore Pass  and it allows you to skip the line as well.

Madame Tussauds

Visit one of the most popular museums in the world and see your favorite stars and well-known leaders in their life-like wax figures. This museum never disappoints. I always love to see the artist’s interpretation of the stars. Some of them look just like the real thing and others maybe not so much. Regardless, it is a great place to spend an hour or so.

• Hours:  Opens from 10 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday and until 7:30 pm during weekends.
• Cost:  Only $20 USD when you  book online , or get it for free with the  Singapore Pass.

The S.E.A. Aquarium

The S.E.A. Aquarium is definitely one of the highlights. Explore the wonders of the aquatic realm that is home to more than 100,000 marine animals of over 1,000 species, across 50 different habitats. How amazing is that!

They offer different passes and tour packages. The one-day ticket (included in your  iVenture Singapore Pass ) is the best option and the most economical.  There’s a map provided in Resorts World Sentosa, just visit the  link  and enter the name of the place.

• Hours:  Opens from 10 am to 7pm Monday thru Sunday
• Cost:  One day ticket for Adult (Age 13 – 59) – $30.  Book your ticket here.

Evening: Resorts World Sentosa

Resorts World Sentosa holds Singapore’s World-class attractions, exquisite hotels, and the finest dining. It is the 1st integrated resort where you can experience everything at its best!

You will find a huge array of distinctive brands, a huge Casino to gamble the night away, luxurious hotels where you can enjoy the night or even have an adventurous day at the  Universal Studios Singapore!

If you are not too adventurous, you can hit up the more relaxed activities like the Sea Aquarium or the Maritime Museum!

In regards to dining, there are a ton of options. You can choose to dine at high-end restaurants or at the food court, depending on your budget and time!

You can have your dinner here before ending your day, enjoying the rest of your evening at Sentosa Island.

• Hours:  Opens from 7am to 12 midnight.
• Cost:  Rides within Sentosa island and outbound rides exiting at Sentosa station are free of charge for all commuters, regardless if they have entered Sentosa island using the  Sentosa Express .

Cable Car back to Mount Faber / Harbourfront Station.

To end your day off, grab a ride back on the cable car and enjoy the night lights of beautiful Singapore. See the captivating scene while riding atop this charming city.

Alternatively, you can take a stroll along the Sentosa Boardwalk to Vivocity where you can find a wide variety of retail, entertainment and amusement options, a one-stop shopping destination. However, do note that purchasing a cable car gives you a return ticket. There are no one-way tickets available for sale.

Day 3 – Shopping And Culture

We start off our final day in Singapore exploring a Buddhist temple then head into Chinatown for some amazing food and finish things off with a little shopping therapy on Orchard Rd. No trip to Singapore would be complete without some shopping right? This is the perfect way to wind down your 3 days in Singapore.

Click here for an interactive map!

Morning: Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is located in Chinatown and is probably one of the most beautiful temples in Singapore. It is a large museum complex and a four-story-high Buddhist Temple.

The Museum houses a massive stupa that is made from 320kg of gold and the 10,000 Buddha Pavillion which houses a large prayer wheel. The main attraction here though is Buddha’s Sacred tooth located in the relic room on the 4th floor.

It can only be accessed at certain times and, as with all Buddhist temples, you will have to take your shoes off before entering.

When you are in the temple, you can buy a token for $8, write your name on it and place it inside the collection containers. The Monks will bless it and many believed that it will bring good karma and fortune.

After visiting the Museum, make sure to take a stroll up to the rooftop garden and enjoy the peace and quiet.

After exploring the Temple, it is time to explore one of Singapore’s largest Historic and Oldest Districts: Chinatown. If you are into more temples you can stop in at the  Thian Hock Keng temple  for more amazing architecture.

• Hours:  Opening hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
• Cost: No entrance fee

Eat, shop, have fun in Chinatown!

No visit to Singapore would be complete without a visit to Chinatown. Once a place for the Chinese immigrants, it has now been transformed into a bustling neighborhood full of great shops.

You will find streets lined with antique shophouses, souvenir shops, indie boutiques, and chic clubs. You will also find food houses serving traditional cuisines and stores offering trendy clothes, some crafts, and antiques.

As you stroll along the labyrinth of small roads, enjoy the fusion of different cultures as well and the vibrant ambiance it exudes.

Be sure to try out the food along these streets and the hawker centers, you will fall in love with the Chinese cuisine! I highly recommend it as it can give you an insight you might miss on your own.

• To fully understand the history of Singapore,  you can try this Singapore walking tour itinerary  with Viator Tours.
• It includes food tasting samples of 5 traditional Singaporean dishes, a walking tour around Chinatown to learn about its rich cultural history.
• Hours:  Chinatown Street Market regular hours of operation 07:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Cost: You can find the cheapest and affordable food here, or jump on a  Food Tour  for an even better experience.

Afternoon: Singapore Botanic Gardens

Housing an over more than one-hundred-year-old tropical rainforest, this centennial old tropical garden is nestled near Orchard Road Shopping District.

It is home to one of the best and most breathtaking tropical floral displays in the world.

The Singapore Botanical Garden is the city’s only UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the major reasons why Singapore garnered the title “City in a Garden”.

With grounds that cover 82 hectares, you can understand why this is the place to stroll around or have yourself a picnic.

You can spend as much or as little time here as possible. If you are a nature lover, make sure to check out some of the lakes, waterfalls, and ponds that are housed in the garden.

You might also witness people getting their wedding photos taken here as this is a popular spot.

• Hours: 5 am till midnight.
• Cost:  There’s no entrance fee unless you intend to visit the  National Orchid Garden  within the Botanical Gardens.

Shopping along Orchard Road

You can’t come to Singapore without doing a little shopping right? Orchard Road is one of Singapore’s top visited spots by both locals and tourists as it houses some of the world’s most famous brands, luxury items, designer shops, and distinctive stores scattered along this boulevard.

You can find something for every taste here. It is definitely my favorite place to shop in Singapore. There are higher-end malls like Paragon and more affordable options like Lucky Plaza. No matter what your budget this area has you covered.

• Hours:  Most shops open from Sunday to Thursday at 10 am and closes at 10 pm, they extend their shopping hours till 11:00 on weekends.
• Metro:  The nearest station 7B Dhoby Ghaut Station

If you follow this route and take the metro or bus where needed, you can see a lot of Singapore’s top sites during a short visit. Singapore is a small city and its main attractions are located very close to one another. Whether you are a nature lover (Gardens by the Bay) or into the more cultural side of things (Chinatown and Little India) Singapore has something for every type of traveler.

What you need to know when planning your Singapore Itinerary

Ideally, 3 days is enough to take in all of the highlights of the city. If you want to explore even more give yourself 5 days.

Singapore can be expensive so we recommend getting yourself a Singapore Pass that can save you up to 50% on admission and let you skip the lines.

Singapore is a great year-round destination as it never really gets cold. If you want to avoid the crowds then steer clear of December, January, and June. On a sunny day, temperatures range from 25 degrees to 37 degrees every day so dress appropriately.

How to Reach the city from Singapore Changi Airport?

There are 4 ways to get from the airport. I have listed them below with their costs.

• MRT: The cost depends on where you are getting off. You can check the  fares here. If you have purchased an  EZ-Pass you before arriving  you can use that for the fare.
• Bus: There are bus stops in each terminal and the cost will depend on your destination. Check your  fares here.
• Shuttle: You can grab a city shuttle direct to your hotel for about $10 USD.  Book your shuttle here.
• Private Transfer: Definitely the most convenient way to get to and from the airport but also the most expensive. Book your private transfer for about $60USD

More Singapore Resources

• Things to do: The Best Things to do in Singapore – A Local’s Guide to the City
• Where to Stay: Where to Stay in Singapore – The Best Neighborhoods and Accommodation
• Local Travel Tips: How to Travel Singapore Like a Local
• Getting Outdoors: Outdoor Activities in Singapore
• Culture: A Tour of Haw Par Villa in Singapore

Did you enjoy your tour of Singapore? Save it to Pinterest?

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

35 of the Best Things to do in Singapore

Where to Stay in Singapore – The Best Neighborhoods and Accommodation

How to Travel Singapore Like a Local

About Charmaine Leow

Charmaine Leow has traveled to many parts of the world from the most developed to the exotic ones. She shares them on  Bunnyhoptravels  to Help Travelers go on a Budget and get the most Maximum experience out of each and every trip!

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11 thoughts on “The Perfect 3 Days in Singapore Itinerary”

Your Singapore itinerary for 3 days is a lifesaver for travelers like me who want to make the most out of a short trip.

Lots of helpful tips in this post and I love getting a locals view on things. Me and my husband spent 9 days in Singapore last year! He treated me to a stay at Marina Bay Sands for my 30th birthday. Best pool day ever! We absolutely loved it in Singapore and 9 days was nowhere near enough time to do everything we wanted. I’m hoping to go back some day ?

I covered a few of the places during my last trip but missed others. Kids & I totally loved the Garden by the bay & I think need to make another trip to explore this amazing city. Thanks for sharing the information.

Singapore is a nice place for a visit. In Singapore Merlin park is very gorgeous, here I enjoy too much and the orchard road is best for shopping.

There are a lots to see and do in Singapore. I hope to visit this place soon. Thanks for sharing.

I am planning for honeymoon and after reading this post I am sure Singapore is the best place for a couple. thanks for detail information. its very helpful for us.

Thanks for sharing this type of high level information we will in touch with your site .

Very nice ,i need to visit atleast once to singapore to see all the places

rumor has it that Singapore and Thailand are the two best places to travel to. How true is this? 🙂

Thanks for giving your valuable time and sharing this very important things for making my trips comfortable and convenient.

I have been to Singapore but you blog post and review makes me crave doing all things there again.

That´s the good thing about leaving something out when you visit a place. That way you have a good reason to go back! And there are so many reasons to head back to Singapore, like the food! ?

such an eye catching blog.

How to Plan the Perfect Singapore Trip (Budget + Itinerary)

By: Author Taylor Lorenz

Posted on Last updated: 10/25/2023

During my first backpacking trip around Southeast Asia I had no desire to visit Singapore. Most people told me it wasn’t worth it because it was so expensive and that 1-2 days in the city was enough for a Singapore trip.

They couldn’t have been more wrong.

When I scored a cheap deal to Singapore from Canada I was excited to visit a new country and as I began to research I realized there were a ton of things to do in Singapore, many Singapore attractions that were worth seeing and ways that you could do Singapore on a budget.

Singapore is the easiest place that I have ever travelled to. Everything on the island nation is done  so well.  It is also extremely safe, there is an abundance of food to try, it is extremely tourist friendly and many languages are spoken (plus the locals are so helpful helping you find where to go in Singapore!).

The only downside is that Singapore is expensive compared to the rest of Southeast Asia but if you let that stop you from visiting then you are seriously missing out. Keep reading to find out what to do in Singapore for an amazing 3-5 days with this easy Singapore travel guide that will help you plan a trip to Singapore without a hassle.

Table of Contents

Singapore Fast Facts

Singapore is both a city and a country that is officially known as the Republic of Singapore located just off the southern tip of Peninsula Malaysia.

• Currency: Singapore dollar
• Languages: English, Malay, Tamil and Mandarin (the official language is Malay)
• Population: 5.6 million
• Religion:  Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity

Singapore Itinerary

I don’t recommend staying in Singapore any less than 3 days so below is a Singapore trip itinerary for 3-5 days in the city.

Things to do in Singapore: Day 1

To start off your trip to Singapore on day one you should check out the best places to visit in Singapore in 3 days. Head off to the Botanic Gardens, which are completely free. The gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are 158 years old. A part of the gardens is paid entry, the National Orchid Garden but for only $5 I think it’s worth it. There are great photo opportunities, the flowers are stunning and you’ll even find orchids made for people who have visited the gardens such as Obama.

Make your way to Orchard Road, a famous street in Singapore known for its shopping and high-end stores. You can walk underground through the malls with air conditioning for a break from the heat. There are also lots of food options through the malls.

Hop on the MRT at Somerset and get off at Marina Bay. Here is where you’ll find the most iconic Singapore sightseeing and the most famous activities in Singapore are all here. There is more shopping here but you’ll want to step outside and walk around the bay so you can get pictures of the famous Marina Bay Sands hotel and check out other sights such as Merlion Park. A Merlion is Singapore’s mascot and is half lion and half fish. At the park there is a big 8.5m statue that shoots water out of its mouth.

Keep walking and you’ll come across the Helix Bridge, a unique pedestrian bridge that you’ll want to see both during the day and at night. For the afternoon and evening, you’ll want to stay around this area so kill some time by visiting the Singapore Flyer (a huge ferris wheel for epic views) or the Art Science Musuem (the building shaped like a blooming flower in the bay).

For the evening you have two light shows to watch: the Wanderful light and water show and the Gardens by the Bay light show at the supertrees. You can see both in one night as they are timed perfectly for you to walk from one to the other without missing anything. Stand to the left of Louis Vuitton for the Wanderful light and water show. It plays at 7:45 and 8:45 and is 15 minutes. The Gardens by the Bay light show plays at 8, 9 and 10 and also lasts 15 minutes. I recommend heading directly under the trees and laying on your back to watch the show. It’s epic from this angle!

To finish your first day off grab a drink at the Marina Bay Sands hotel. It’s free to go to the bar and there is no dress code before 10PM. A drink up here will set you back about $25 including tax but for the view it’s worth it and the drinks are delicious!

Things to do in Singapore: Day 2

Take the morning to explore Chinatown. It is packed with food options and plenty of Singapore tourist spots that are worth seeing. You can take a free tour of Chinatown so you can learn a bit of history around this area as well. Some of the top sights to see are the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, the Sri Mariamman Temple (a Hindi temple) and Thien Hock Keng Temple which is a temple that was built without using a single nail. It’s also a great area for pictures as many of the buildings are stunning with European tiles and colourful shutters.

For lunch you can visit the cheapest Michelin star restaurant in the world, Hawker Chan, or stop by Maxwell Road Hawker Market which is one of the best places to eat in the city and has so many options.

For the afternoon make your way back over to Gardens by the Bay and explore this area by day. Some of the attractions here include OCBC Walkway where you can walk on a suspended bridge between the supertrees, the cloud forest or the flower dome. There are even more attractions and you can find them all here and their prices .

For the evening I recommend visiting the Singapore Zoo and doing the Night Safari . Singapore has one of the best zoo’s in the world and the night safari was excellent with shows, multiple walking paths and a trolley that took you throughout the grounds introducing you to nocturnal animals.

Things to do in Singapore: Day 3

You can’t visit Singapore and miss Little India. The area is packed with colourful, busy streets and delicious smelling food. Take half a day to explore the area and see top sights such as Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, the Tekka Centre for food, House of Tan Teng Niah (the most colourful house on the entire island) and the temple of 1000 lights. There are also free tours that run through Little India .

While in the area head over to the Arab Quarter for pictures and the shops that are packed with textiles. Haji Lane is amazing for pictures and comes alive at night. But during the day you can snap some pictures of all the street art. Close by and just off of Arab Street is Sultan Mosque which is stunning to see.

Keep walking around this area but head closer to Bujis shopping mall keeping an eye open for cool shots as this area is packed with cool places such as the Bujis mall itself and Park View Square.

For the afternoon make your way to Mount Faber Park for some time in nature in the city and for some cool views over Singapore. You can choose to walk up the hill, take the cable car or grab a taxi to the top. You could also do this in the morning, but do it early to avoid the hordes or tourists! Hederson Bridge is also in the park and is the tallest pedestrian bridge in Singapore.

Just before it gets dark head to Clarke Quay to see the colourful buildings of this area and don’t miss the Old Street Hill Police Station, it is adorable! Kick around here for the night as this is the place to party and a top place to eat.

Things to do in Singapore: Day 4

After 3 days in Singapore in the heat it’s time to switch things up for 4 days in Singapore. There is a beach! It’s on Sentosa which is an island made for tourists but it’s a ton of fun. There are multiple beaches, an abundance of food options and no shortage of things to do on Sentosa. There is a waterpark, a Universal Studios , dolphin shows, bungee jumping, Madame Tussauds…do I need to go on? You can find all of the attractions and prices here .

Things to do in Singapore: Day 5

The past 4 days of this Singapore itinerary are packed so choose to use day 5 to do some of the things previously mentioned and take the days a little slower or you can continue your 5 days in Singapore being busy. Some other Singapore sights include Haw Par Villa, a theme park with Chinese folklore that is free to enter. There are many museums to check out, more options at the zoo such as the River Safari or the observation deck in the Marina Bay Sands hotel.

Lastly, if you’re travelling to Singapore with kids check out this article for the best Singapore attractions to visit as a family.

Where to Go in Singapore

This map shows you the best places to visit in Singapore based on the Singapore travel plan and itinerary below.

• Day one: blue
• Day two: green
• Day three: purple
• Day four: yellow
• Day five: orange

Best Time to Visit Singapore

When planning a trip to Singapore you never have to worry about weather as there is no bad time to visit Singapore! Seriously. Singapore has consistent weather year round with an average temperature of 27°C (81°F) but it will feel quite a bit hotter with the humidity. Rain is also expected year round and unfortunately can’t be avoided.

Singapore is a massive hub for business and finance so there is never a down time for hotels. Prices remain consistent throughout the year.

There are a few peak times that you may want to avoid which are November through to early January, June and July. These months are the most popular due to holidays such as the Chinese New Year and big shopping events and festivals.

Singapore Trip Budget

As I mentioned before Singapore is significantly more expensive than the rest of Southeast Asia. But there are ways to save! One thing to note is that alcohol is highly taxed in Singapore so I recommend saving those party nights for elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

Expect to have a budget of $60-80SGD ($45-60USD/$57-75CAD) per day. This is a cheap budget that will allow you to stay in hostels, eat at hawker stalls and take public transit.

Hostels can be found for $15-25 with cheap hotels and Airbnb costing double and hotels will double that price or more. Eating cheap is easy, just check out the hawker stalls where you can grab a delicious meal for $4-6. A small beer at a hawker stall will cost around $3-4.

If you’re looking for a Singapore budget trip I recommend taking the free tours, there are many and only require a tip and carefully choose which main attractions you want to see. You’d be surprised with how many attractions are free and eating in hawker stalls will have you on a more typical Southeast Asia budget.

There is no reason to take anything other than public transport in Singapore as it is so reliable and affordable. Getting to and from the airport you can catch the MRT which is your cheapest option ($3) to the city, a shuttle ($9) which is direct to most hotels and hostels or a taxi which costs between $20-35. Surcharges do apply to certain times. You can find more information about airport transportation on the Changi Airport website .

Singapore Transport

Singapore is a big city. I recommend walking around as much as you can so you can see plenty of the city but with the heat and humidity sometimes it’s best to take public transit. Buses and the MRT are air conditioned and offer a nice break from the heat.

Both are extremely easy to use and affordable. You can get to all major attractions just with the MRT except for the zoo. And just try and get lost, you won’t because each station has exceptional directions and signage.

One option is to get a tourist pass for 1-3 days ranging from $10, $16 and $20 that include unlimited rides on transit. A $10 deposit is required but is refunded when you leave. A second option is to buy a trasnit card for $12. The card costs $5 but is yours to keep and is loaded with $7. With this card rides are cheaper and the purchase of the card is worth it. I would only recommend buying individual tickets if you are taking minimal rides on the MRT.

Cards can be bought at the MRT station at the airport and returned to get back the remaining balance left on your card if your purchased it.

Travel Insurance Singapore

Where to Stay in Singapore

There is no shortage of Singapore accommodation in the city. So to help you decide where to stay in Singapore here a few top options to get you started based on excellent reviews and your price point!

I personally stayed in Little India at The InnCrowd Backpackers Hostel which I loved because of their free Singapore city tour that is done on sccoters!

Singapore Hostels

CapsulePod@Aljunied | BOOK NOW: Booking.com

The Hive Singapore Hostel | BOOK NOW: Booking.com

Beary Best! | BOOK NOW: Booking.com

Budget Hotels in Singapore

Hotel 81 Premier Star | BOOK NOW:  Booking.com

ZEN Rooms Mackenzie | BOOK NOW:  Booking.com

Park Avenue Clemenceau | BOOK NOW:  Booking.com

Top Hotels in Singapore

Marina Bay Sands | BOOK NOW:  Booking.com

Fullerton Hotel | BOOK NOW:  Booking.com

Mandarin Oriental | BOOK NOW: Booking.com

You know all of the best Singapore attractions and have an itinerary that will help you tour Singapore like a pro. Enjoy Singapore!

Disclosure : This post contains affiliate links which I earn a small commission from and are at no additional cost to you. Taylor’s Tracks is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to  Amazon.com  and affiliated sites.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links which I earn a small commission from and are at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure policy for details. Thank you for supporting my small business!

Disclaimer: Taylor’s Tracks is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.Com and affiliated sites.

YOUR ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE FOR SINGAPORE 2023

By LINDA JAMES | Updated June 17, 2023 | PLAN

This article may contain compensated links. Please read the  disclaimer  for more information.

If you’re planning a holiday and want to find out what you need to know before you go, this is your ultimate travel guide to Singapore for 2023. It will answer all of your FAQs and make sure you have all the information you need as well as loads of Singapore travel tips.

Singapore attracts so many tourists because it has a wide variety of activities to suit everyone as well as great shopping, fantastic food, cultural diversity and a rich history.

It doesn’t hurt that the main language spoken is English and it’s incredibly clean and green. There are so many places to visit in Singapore: Gardens by the Bay, Universal Studios Singapore, Singapore Zoo and Night Safari Singapore to name just a few.

How to Plan a Trip to Singapore steps out the planning process and contains some great tips. If you don’t want to do a tour package, check out my itineraries , which will give you heaps of ideas about the things to do in Singapore.

I’ve also put together guides to all of the key areas in Singapore.

Do I need a visa to enter Singapore?

Only travellers from some countries require a visa for Singapore. If you’re an Australian traveller you don’t need a visa to enter Singapore. If you’re from the United States, you don’t need one if you’re staying for less than 90 days. There are often other requirements such as a passport with at least 6 months’ validity at the date of arrival, confirmed return or onward tickets, a visa for your next destination (if not home) and sufficient money for your stay in Singapore.

However, all travellers (except for Singapore citizens, permanent residents and long-term passholders) need to complete the Singapore Arrival Card up to 3 days before arrival. This is NOT a visa but does include a health declaration.

Some travellers may need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. It’s best to check with Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs well before your trip.

Does Singapore require quarantine?

Singapore does not require any entry approvals, testing or quarantining. COVID-19 travel insurance also is not necessary. The Singapore Government’s ICA website has comprehensive information about the requirements for all travellers.

What do I need to do if I’m transiting through Changi?

Changi Airport has a detailed section on the current transiting requirements .

Is Singapore worth visiting?

Absolutely! Singapore is a city of contrasts: history sits beside hip, gardens thrive in high-rises and cultures co-exist. There is so much to see & do – iconic attractions such as Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands – and the food is amazing and much of it is very cheap. There’s also a huge variety of places to stay – from budget to luxury.

How much should I budget for a trip to Singapore?

This is a rough idea of what you can expect to pay for your Singapore trip. Prices are dependent on the time of year and location so you’ll always find more expensive and cheaper options. Also, someone staying in a luxury hotel, can still eat and travel cheaply in Singapore.

What’s the weather like in Singapore?

Between February and April is the best time to visit Singapore but it really is a year-round destination. Singapore is often referred to as the “little red dot” (ie on the map) thanks to its hot and humid climate. It rains reasonably regularly throughout the year but not for long so you generally won’t be prevented from visiting Singapore’s top attractions. The wet season usually runs from about September to February with the heaviest rain recorded between November and January. I’ve been 3 times during this period and not had activities interrupted by the rain. The dry season lasts from February until August.

From May to August, Singapore is sometimes covered in a haze caused by the smoke from Sumatran clearing fires, which can cause low air quality.

What special events happen in Singapore?

There are stacks of festivals and special events in Singapore each year such as Chinese New Year, the Chingay Parade, the Rugby Sevens and a fantastic food festival. Here’s a list of some for 2023:

• Thaipusam:  5 February
• C hinese New Year : 22 January
• Chingay Parade: 3 February
• Hari Raya : 21 April
• Vesak Day: 5 May
• Dragon Boat (Duanwu) Festival:  22 June
• Hari Raya Haji 28 June
• Singapore Food Festival:  August
• Singapore Night Festival:  August
• National Day:  9 August
• Diwali:  12 November
• Christmas:  25 December

To plan your trip to Singapore, try to do so around school holidays to avoid busy times especially if you have children.

What currency will I need?

You’ll need Singapore dollars when you’re travelling to Singapore though not too many if you have a good travel credit or debit card. Cash is needed to buy your EZ Link travel card though. After that you can top up at a machine using your credit or debit card. Most of the hawker food stalls only take cash but there are some that take cards. Most shops, supermarkets, attractions etc all take credit and debit cards.

What is the best way to travel to Singapore?

The main way to get to Singapore is by flying. Most of the world’s major full-service airlines land at Changi Airport such as Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, British Airways, Emirates and American Airlines as well as many budget airlines such as Air Asia, Scoot and JetStar to name a few.

However, you can also arrive overland by bus from Malaysia.

How do I get from Changi Airport to the city?

You can use the MRT (subway), which takes about 45 minutes and is quite cheap, or the public buses but this takes longer as they stop at many places along the way. All vaccinated travellers can now take public transport. Those who are unvaccinated need to take private transport.

The airport shuttle buses, which are more expensive, are not operating at the moment due to Covid.

A taxi will take about 40 minutes and is a more expensive option.

If you’d like more information, I have a detailed guide .

How do I get around Singapore?

Singapore’s public transport system is fantastic – clean, efficient and pretty cheap. The Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) system is the subway. The lines crisscross Singapore making it really easy to get where you want to go and, if there’s no train to get you there, the bus lines certainly will.

A bus or train trip typically costs between $S0.92 and $S1.90 depending on distance and whether you use a travel card or cash. Travel cards and passes can make your transport much cheaper. My detailed guide gives a comprehensive comparision of all the options.

Taxis are reasonably cheap in Singapore. The flag down rate is $S3-$3.40 and $S0.22 a km every 400m up to 10km.

You can hire a car in Singapore provided you are over 21 years old and have a valid driver’s licence.

If you want to get to some of the islands off Singapore, you’ll need to catch a ferry. The main terminals are at HarbourFront, Tanah Merah and Changi.

Is Singapore safe?

Singapore is one of the safest cities I’ve ever been to. I’ve never felt at risk even when I’ve been there on my own. Of course, if you’re travelling on your own, it always pays to stay in an area where there are lots of hotels and people walking around at night.

What is the best area to stay in Singapore?

There are so many diverse areas in Singapore and most of them are quite central. The Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) system is very efficient and as long as you get a hotel close to a station, it doesn’t really matter where you stay . However, it is really handy to be close to the top attractions.

To decide where you want to stay, check out my itineraries and area guides .

What are some good hotels in Singapore?

There are so many hotels in Singapore – from budget through to mid-range and five-star – as well as serviced apartments and hostels. Airbnb is not legal in Singapore although you will see them advertised. It’s best though to stick to other forms of accommodation. 

I have put together an extensive guide on a variety of hotels in Singapore in different areas and budgets.

What are the best accommodation booking sites for Singapore?

I start my hotel research for my Singapore travels by going to Trip Advisor . While there is always debate about the accuracy of reviews, I find it a good starting point to check out the different hotels and apartments, where they are and what sort of prices might be available.

What can I see and do in Singapore and how do I get tickets?

There are so many places to see and things to do in Singapore. Check my comprehensive list of Singapore attractions from the cultural and historical to the fun and interesting. One of the key things to remember is that many places have different prices for tourists and residents so make sure you’re booking the right tickets.

What sort of food can I eat in Singapore?

This is one of the reasons I love Singapore. It’s one of the few places in the world you can get a meal from a Michelin-star restaurant for under $S10! Check out Eat & Drink for information about the smorgasbord of eating options in Singapore from fine dining to hawker centres.

Is it safe to drink the water?

It is perfectly safe to drink the water in Singapore. Sometimes I can find the taste a little different to what I’m used to but, in the interests of cutting down on plastic bottle use, I just boil the water and then store in the fridge.

Is alcohol expensive in Singapore?

Yes, it is. However, the happy hour is alive and well in Singapore so you can take advantage of the stack of offers available, some of which will also throw in a great view of Singapore.

It’s also a good idea to buy your duty-free alcohol as you leave your home country if you’d like to drink in your hotel. Keep in mind though that Singapore has strict rules about how much you can enter with duty-free (usually about 1 litre of spirits and one litre of wine).

What is the mobile phone coverage and Internet like?

Most phone plans will give you some option to use your mobile phone overseas. Generally, though, while you might be able to send and receive texts fairly cheaply, phone calls and data will often be expensive. An alternative is to make sure your hotel gives you free wifi and then, when you’re out and about, visit cafes such as Starbucks and McDonald’s and use theirs. If you think you’ll need to make phone calls, Skype is a really cheap option and, if you’ve never used it before, you can generally get a free deal.

How do I start planning a trip to Singapore?

The first step is to read How to Plan a Trip to Singapore then look at the itineraries I’ve put together. Use these and the detailed information under Eat & Drink and See & Do to get started.

What languages are spoken in Singapore?

The main languages in Singapore are English, Tamil, Mandarin Chinese and Malay. However, most people are bilingual and I’ve never had difficulty communicating on my trips. This makes it one of the easier Asian countries to visit.

What should I pack to visit Singapore?

The weather changes quickly in Singapore. It can be sunny one minute and raining the next – it’s pretty much always humid though so light clothes are best especially those made of natural fibres so they breathe. There are a lot of temples in Singapore , so carry a scarf to use when entering. This can always double as a rain or sun shield as well.

Aside from that, I always take an umbrella with a UV screen, a light rain jacket, good walking shoes, swim wear, a travel adapter and a camera.

What sort of power adapter will I need?

To make sure you can charge all of your devices (and these days we all travel with a few), you’ll need a Type G power adapter for your Singapore vacation. Many hotels will lend or hire them to you and Singapore is known for selling cheap electronics and gadgets so you can easily buy one if you forget. Just make sure you’re confident of the quality of the product you buy. I also take a small power board so I can charge multiple devices with just one adapter.

These days, too, you can charge a lot of devices straight from your laptop (though it takes a little longer). If this is going to be the first of many trips to different countries, then you should buy a universal travel adapter, which covers up to 150 countries. They are more expensive but you’ll get your money back after 3 different countries and save a lot of room in your bag.

Am I allowed to smoke?

Smoking is banned in many places in Singapore and there are expensive fines – from $S200 to $S1000. There are designated smoking areas outside although it’s generally not allowed indoors. There are also hefty penalties for spitting from $S1000 to $S5000.

Can I get a Tax Refund for my purchases?

Yes, you can. If you spend more than $S100 (including GST) at a participating shop and are over 16, you can get a refund of the 7% GST. You can use up to 3 receipts from the same shop (same GST registration number) on the same day to meet the minimum spend. You’ll see a “Tax Free” logo in shops that participate – it’s definitely most of the shops in centres. In many shops, you can get the money back in store. Otherwise, you can claim it back at the airport. The purchases must have been made within 2 months of departure.

This is ONLY eligible if you’re leaving from Changi or Seletar airports not by sea.

Do I have to tip in Singapore?

You don’t have to tip in Singapore – staff at Changi Airport are actually not even allowed to accept them. Hotels automatically add a 10% service charge and restaurants often do too. If it’s on your bill then don’t provide anything extra. If it’s not on your bill, then it’s entirely up to you. 

Should I do any tours in Singapore?

You don’t really need a Singapore tour guide especially not if you check out my area guides and my detailed list of things to see & do . However, perhaps if you’re travelling alone or have mobility challenges, it might be easier to have someone take over the planning for you. The following come highly recommended: Tour Radar, Trafalgar Tours, G Adventures and Intrepid.

Do I need travel insurance to visit Singapore?

No. There is no mandatory requirement for travel insurance but I would never leave home without it. In fact, I suggest you organise it as soon as you’ve booked your flights.

Travel insurance provides cover for emergency medical costs, lost or stolen bags and delays. It’s important though that you read the coverage details VERY carefully. There have been many reports in the news about people who thought they were covered, had an accident and then had to pay huge amounts of money.

One of the common issues is coverage for accidents that occur when you’re driving or doing some activities. I’m not an expert on insurance but I read the fineprint to make sure I understand the product.

If you have questions, you can often ring the insurer and ask for written clarification. This is especially important if you are relying on the travel insurance product that is free with certain credit cards. Some of these policies are excellent but, again, read carefully to make sure you are covered.

What days are businesses open in Singapore?

Most businesses are open 7 days and often long hours in Singapore.

I hope this ultimate travel guide to Singapore has given you all the information you need to know before you go . It’s such a fantastic destination that I’m sure you’ll love your Singapore travel experience and that this is just one of many trips you’ll make!

Want more of Singapore?

Spend 3 days in Singapore | The perfect Singapore itinerary

Things to do in Singapore Singapore Travel Guide Singapore Itineraries 3-Day Singapore Itinerary

Have 3 days in Singapore and wondering how to spend it? Check out our exclusive 3-day itinerary designed to showcase the best of the city to any visitor making their way to the island. Culture, adventure, and a little R&R - enjoy every moment of your stay in this hotspot destination.

3 Days in Singapore - How To Spend Your Day

Singapore Zoo

Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

Night Safari Singapore

Singapore Flyer

River Safari

Gardens by the Bay

Singapore Cable Car

Universal Studios Singapore

Wings of Time

Singapore in 3 days - detailed itinerary, start with a slow first day in singapore.

Night Safari

The impressive Singapore Zoo is well-known around the world, thanks to its 11 different zones and 12 exhibits that house over 2,800 animals, including over 300 wildlife species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. The zoo has made sure to create exhibits that replicate the exact natural habitat each of its animals would live in. Make a trip to the Primate Kingdom for a glimpse of 39 species of primates, explore underwater galleries, and much more. Guests can also attend interactive animal shows, go on tours and safaris, and feed some of the animals.

• Be prepared with sunscreen and a poncho for untimely rains.
• Apply insect repellent upon arrival to avoid unexpected bites.
• Don’t share your food with the animals unless it is allowed.
• Skip the Line: Singapore Zoo Flexible Entry Tickets with Optional Transfers
• Super Saver Combo: Singapore Zoo + River Safari
• Super Saver Combo: Singapore Zoo + Night Safari

🇸🇬 Local Travel Tip  🇸🇬  

Did you know you can also have breakfast at Singapore Zoo? One of the highlights of a visit here is enjoying the Singapore Zoo breakfast with the orangutans.

Family Friendly

Sky Park Shop

A trip to Marina Bay would certainly not be complete without a visit to the SkyPark Observation Deck. Rise 57 feet above the city and witness the heart of Singapore in all its glory. The public observation deck at Marina Bay Sands SkyPark resonates with luxury and even reveals the world’s largest infinity pool. Sip a tall glass of champagne as you overlook the breathtaking city skyline. If it's in your budget, you can also indulge in a delicious lunch at one of the fine restaurants in the vicinity. Offering a spectacular wine and dine experience, it's sure to be an unforgettable meal. Be sure to take home some exclusive souvenirs from the aesthetic Sands Sky Park Shop.

• Make sure you buy a ticket to Sands Sky Park if you’re not staying at the Marina Bay Sands.
• The SkyPark may be closed for an event or occasion, it is best to check with the hotel before you plan out your day.
• Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck Tickets

  🇸🇬 Local Travel Tip  🇸🇬  

To get the most of your experience, we recommend going during the weekend as there is a free light and water show organised during the weekend nights at 8 PM, 9:30 PM and 11 PM.

Waterfront Promenade

Open 24 hours

Popular Walkway

Environmentally Friendly

After soaking up the views from atop the SkyPark, head to the water for some more sightseeing. The waterfront promenade at Marina Bay is a 3.5 km stretch that serves as a popular walkway and recreational space in Singapore. Designed as an environmentally friendly area, it also successfully brings people together. Rejuvenate as the mist relieves you from the Singaporean humidity, or, sit back at a 'breeze shelter', equipped with motion sensor fans. A walk around the promenade will acquaint you with some of the most impressive looking skyscrapers that make up the city’s skyline. Frolic by the fountain or take a picturesque walk down the boardwalk. After a day of fun, watch the sun go down over the glorious waterfront.

• It is highly recommended to watch the light and laser show that takes place in the evenings.
• You can also take a boat ride in the bay; however, the experience can be steep if you’re on a budget.

  🇸🇬 Local Travel Tip 🇸🇬  

Another perk of arriving early to Night Safari Singapore is that the Thumbuakar Performance, featuring fire throwers and other stunts, starts at 6:45 p.m. You can watch it while wrapping up dinner and queuing for 7:15 p.m. entrance.

Best Time To Visit Singapore

Hit the best of singapore's top attractions.

Thrill seekers

At a staggering height of 165m, the Flyer is one of the world’s largest observatory wheels - think of it as the London Eye of Asia. It's even been deemed as one of the biggest tourist attractions on the continent. The breathtaking view aboard the Flyer promises an expansive view of the skyline, along with a brief glimpse of Malaysia and Indonesia from the top. The urban architecture is a masterful addition to the country and displays flawless engineering along with cosmopolitan cityscape. Sip on champagne as you enjoy the panoramic views of Singapore aboard the Flyer and see the city in a whole new light.

• It is advisable to go either early in the morning or late in the evening for the best possible experience.
• Book online in case you’re planning to visit on a weekend, when the attraction will undoubtedly be busy and crowded.
• It’s best to check the skies for clear weather if you wish to enjoy an unobstructed view of the skyline.
• Singapore Flyer Night Discovery

Late evenings and early mornings is the best time to visit the Singapore Flyer as there will be little to no crowd. Pre-purchase your tickets online to avoid long queues at the ticket counter.

Wildlife Experience

Impressive Creatures

Nestled right in between the well-known Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, the River Safari is a river-themed zoo and aquarium. Designed to recreate the wildlife experience along famous rivers from around the world, the park is home to some rare and impressive creatures from across the globe. Get set to begin your journey alongside meandering rivers and enjoy the chance to view exotic animals such as the squirrel monkey, maned wolf, and jaguar.

• Carry a hat, sunscreen and water to protect from the heat and high humidity.
• Arrive early, as the animals tend to nap midday, resulting in poor sightings during the safari.
• Be sure to dedicate some time to the park’s less popular, yet equally mesmerizing, attractions.
• Skip the Line: River Safari Tickets with Optional Transfers and Food
• River Safari with Private Hotel Transfers
• Super Saver Combo: Night Safari + River Safari

River Safari Singapore is best explored on foot. Therefore make sure that you wear comfortable shoes. 

Unique Tourist Attractions

City in a Garden

Flora and Fauna

Next, make your way to one what's considered to be one of the most unique tourist attractions in Singapore. The famed Gardens by the Bay resembles a sci-fi movie set. It was initially brought about by the Government’s initiative to make Singapore a ‘city in a garden’ instead of ‘a garden city’. Gardens by the Bay are divided into three elaborate sections: Bay Central Garden, Bay East Garden and Bay South Garden. In each area, visitors can enjoy a natural extravaganza of flora and fauna. With an alien-like appearance, you'll feel like you've stepped into a colorful, friendly, fantasy world.

• It is highly recommended to stay at Gardens by the Bay through sunset, as the nighttime experience is especially magical. Keep at least a full day at hand to aptly explore the gardens.
• The restaurants inside can be a little expensive; if you’re on a budget, it’s wise to eat someplace outside before arriving.
• Skip the Line: Gardens by the Bay Flexible Entry Tickets

Bring a light jacket – the conservatories can get cold.

15 Best Free Things To Do In Singapore

Explore the best of sentosa island.

Breathtaking Views

Stunning Photo Ops

Spend your third day on the beloved Sentosa Island. Known for its breathtaking views between Faber Peak and Sentosa Island, Singapore's cable car is the first and only cableway that links the mainland Singapore to the island of Sentosa. Enjoy 360 degree views of forests, skyscrapers, and sandy beaches as the car ferries you almost 5 kilometers on a 30 minute ride. The cable car has two lines: Mount Faber Line and Sentosa Line. The Mount Faber Line runs between Mainland Singapore and Sentosa Island, while the Sentosa Line runs only within Sentosa Island. With a round-trip pass, you can complete the entire trip, irrespective of which station you start at. Cross a skyscraper and float across the harbor on your way Mount Faber. As you approach this famous hill station, enjoy stunning photo ops as you pass by the lush greenery. On the Sentosa Line, fly over the jungle, sand, and sea; plus, catch views of the city's main attractions.

• You can pick an all-glass cable car to add a little excitement to your journey.
• Tickets are cheaper in the evening. If you wish to time your ride for the sunset, plan your trip for after 7:00 PM.

The cable car cabins can get stuffy on sunny days. While there are fans inside the car, ensure you leave the windows slightly open for extra ventilation.

Cutting Edge Rides

Thrill Seekers

Thrill-seekers can have a ball of a time at Singapore’s Universal Studios, located on Sentosa Island. Go beyond the screen and experience cutting-edge rides, shows, and attractions based on your favorite blockbuster films such as Puss In Boots’ Giant Journey, Battlestar Galactica: HUMAN vs. CYLON, TRANSFORMERS The Ride: The Ultimate 3D Battle, Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure and many others. In addition, don’t miss out on the Hollywood Dreams Parade, a special holiday show that brings all your beloved characters to life.

• It is advisable to arrive 20 to 30 minutes before the park opens in order avoid the queue. In addition, being among the first to enter the park will ensure you can enjoy the most popular rides without having to wait in long lines.
• Schedule your day around any shows you wish to watch and arrive about 15 minutes before the show starts to get the best seats.
• Don’t forget to join the studio tour at the end of the day to complete your Universal Studios experience.

  🇸🇬 L ocal Travel Tip  🇸🇬

The first thing you should do is take the USS map and card with various entertainment timings with you . Don't waste your time in taking photographs immediately after entering, no matter how much you are tempted!

Award Winning Outdoor Night Show

Wonderful Musical Production

Magical World

Mesmerizing and captivating, the Wings of Time is Singapore’s award-winning outdoor night show. A multi-sensory extravaganza, the show combines water displays, laser projections, and fire effects all into one captivating presentation. With a wonderful musical production playing in the background, experience the magic of 3D projection mapping and spectacular pyrotechnics. Created by a critically acclaimed team of local and international entertainment experts and set against a signature backdrop and a larger-than-life water screen, the show tells a contemporary tale of courage, mystery and magic. Sit back and get lost in this magical world as you journey across the fabric of time.

• Arrive 15-25 minutes early to snag a good spot for the show.
• Wings of Time Show Tickets

Things to Do at Sentosa Island

  🇸🇬  Local Travel Tip  🇸🇬

If you are purchasing standard seats, arrive early to secure a central seat that gives you picturesque views throughout the show

More Singapore Itinerary Options?

Have some more time to kill in Singapore? That's alright, we've got other options for you. Check out our other itineraries for further inspiration:

• 1 day in Singapore
• 5 days in Singapore
• The Singapore Trip Planner

Local's Pocket Guide To Singapore

Public transportation in singapore.

The easiest way to travel around Singapore is using a public transport system that is affordable, fast, and amicable for tourists of all types. Different types of transport modes are available to hop around the city

• Singapore's MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) : It is the fastest way of traveling to any popular destination. Generally, such places are located at a walkable distance from the MRT station. One can opt for a tourist pass, foreign-issued Mastercard and VISA facilities, and an Adult Stored Value Smartcard while traveling by train.
• Buses : They are a great option to travel the city at your own pace. Buses cover an extensive network of places in Singapore; they are air-conditioned and may be single or double-decker buses.
• Taxis : Taxis are another affordable option as meters are reasonably priced, and there are no safety concerns. There might be surcharges sometimes, and you can always ask the driver for a receipt. The pricing and fares highly depend on the company from which you are taking the services.
• Bicycle : If you love cycling around the place, Singapore has some great options as it has a good cycling path for people traveling there. One can even get cycles and gears from the licensed operator there, and you are good to traverse the city on your own.

Where To Stay in Singapore?

One of the best things about Singapore is that despite the size of the city, it has to offer a wide range of options for a stay to tourists. All the accommodations are spread in different areas, and one can choose conveniently as per their need, budget, or proximity to a famous place. The city is famed for its costly hotels and luxury restaurants, but the accommodation options vary per one's need. Some of the best places to stay around for a convenient tour of Singapore city are Marina Sand Bays area, Chinatown, Orchard Road, and Sentosa Island. Regarded as one of the safest countries in the world, one can stay assured of the stay options they choose around Singapore.

1. Around Marina Sand Bays:

• Pan Pacific Singapore (5-star)
• Marina Bay Sands Singapore (5-star)
• Hotel Mi (4-star)
• JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach (5-star)
• Hilton Garden Inn Singapore Serangoon (4-star)
• Park View Hotel (3-star)
• River City Inn (2-star)
• Jayleen Clarke Quay Hotel (3-star)
• NH Collection Palazzo Cinquecento (5-star)
• Park Regis Singapore (4-star)
• Wink Capsule Hostel (2-star)
• Bliss Hotel Singapore (3-star)
• Furama RiverFront (4-star)

Tips & Hacks For Making The Best of 3 Days in Singapore

• It's Safe to Consume Tap Water
• Smoking and Partying is an Expensive Affair
• Make the Most of The City's Parks
• Research Before you Shop!
• Know the Law to Avoid Fines
• Get Yourself a CEPAS/ EZ-LINK Card
• Eat Your Meals From Local Hawkers
• Capsule Hotels Are A Great Culture-Taste
• Bundled Deals In Singapore Are A Great Buy
• Claim a Tax Refund on Your Purchases

Singapore is known for having an array of exciting activities and unique experiences in store for its travelers. And 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.

15 Singapore Travel Tips & Hacks

More singapore guides.

Check out the top things to do in Singapore & our comprehensive Singapore Travel Guide packed with itineraries, tours, culture trips, best hotels, restaurants and a lot more.

Here are a few more guides that should help you plan your visit.

FAQs: Singapore (3 Days Itinerary)

Is singapore a good place for a vacation.

Singapore is one of the top Asian destinations to visit and is home to many world-famous attractions such as Sentosa Island, Gardens By The Bay, Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, and so on.

What is the  best time to visit Singapore?

The best time to visit Singapore is when the weather is pleasant, ie February to April. For budget travelers, the best time to visit are August and September.

What are the top things to do in Singapore?

The top things to do in Singapore are visiting Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, experiencing the Singapore Cable Car, spending a day at Universal Studios Singapore, and more.

What is the cheapest way to get around Singapore?

The cheapest way to get around Singapore is by using MRT and buses.

What should you pack for Singapore?

Regardless of when you are visiting Singapore, make sure to pack a raincoat/umbrella, sunscreen, and bug spray for your trip.

Which is the best place to stay in Singapore?

For families, Sentosa Island is the best place to stay, but if you are on a budget, then Little India is a good place to stay in.

See more Singapore. Save more money.

Save S$10 on your first booking with Headout when you use promo code 'GOSNG' !

EXPLORE NOW

Stephanie Hernandez

Stephanie was born and raised in California, but has been a globetrotter for the last decade. After graduating with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Anthropology and Geography, she set off to explore the world - one extraordinary experience after the other. A writer and travel enthusiast, she has an insatiable hunger for the unfamiliar - a trait that regularly has her venturing off to locations across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the US. From sipping wine in a Florence cafe to standing just feet away from an active volcano in Ethiopia, she thrives off immersing herself in exciting experiences. You’ll most likely find her lost in a local market, next to a beach, or on the hunt for street food. She loves adrenaline, coffee, and will eat anything at least once… yes, even roasted rat, a Ghanaian delicacy.

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Neighborhoods to Explore

48-Hour Itinerary

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Free Things to Do

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Foods to Try

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Singapore Guide Planning Your Trip:

Singapore Guide: Planning Your Trip

You’d think a tiny nation the size of an average American city would be easy to know at a glance, but Singapore specializes in defying expectations. Home to the world’s best airport , some of Asia’s most stunning architecture and a delicious food scene that borrows from its neighbors’ top culinary traditions, Singapore offers a complete travel experience disproportionate to its size.

Yes, Singapore can be pricey if you’re an expatriate, but transportation, accommodation, and dining can be cheap for savvy travelers. There are plenty of modern skyscrapers but parks and nature reserves make up over 4.7 percent of Singapore’s land area and Singapore is a creative center where the laws actually give local artists freer rein to express themselves.

First-time visitors to Singapore have a lot of expectations to unpack: Start the process with the information provided below.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit : June and August, when the heat has moderated somewhat, but the pleasant (if humid) year-round weather makes any time a good time to visit.
• Language: The vast majority of Singaporeans speak English as a first language, while also speaking their respective mother tongues (Hokkien or Mandarin Chinese, Tamil Indian, and Malay as the case may be) and the delightful creole known as Singlish .
• Currency : The Singapore Dollar (SGD). The currency of Brunei is also legal tender, with a 1:1 exchange rate  .
• Getting Around : Singapore’s ultra-efficient transportation system includes the MRT rail system, buses, taxis and the ride-hailing system Grab.
• Travel Tip: Consider the humidity and the occasional monsoon rains when you pack clothes for your Singapore trip . Wear loose and light summer clothing when in town. If you’re traveling on business, smart casual is often accepted, unless you’re attending a formal business dinner. Jackets and ties are still expected for business meetings, with the odd exception here and there.

Things to Do

The territory around Singapore offers a diverse variety of activities that belies the nation’s small size. Singapore’s different, distinct neighborhoods represent various aspects of the national experience: ancient shops rubbing elbows with hipster outlets (Joo Chiat and Tiong Bahru ), hotel and shopping mall hotspots with the world’s most premium brands ( Orchard Road ), and a skyline straight out of the Jetsons ( Marina Bay and its landmarks like the Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer ).

• Explore the local shopping scene , from posh Orchard Road to Little India’s cultural treasures.
• See Singapore’s greener side: The city has more than 350 parks and four nature reserves,   which make up about 8,000 acres of the country’s real estate.
• Visit Singapore’s many museums , covering ancient history, modern art and almost everything in between.
• Singapore’s a pioneer in the zoo world, with places like the Singapore Zoo , Jurong Bird Park , and Singapore Night Safari offering you a close-up look at some of the world’s most endangered animals, housed in humane open enclosures.
• Singapore's beaches are much-loved by locals, but don't get a lot of foreign tourist traffic. That's their loss: the beaches on the east coast and Sentosa Island are some of the best places in Singapore to swim, relax and party

Explore more attractions with our full-length articles on reasons to visit Singapore , the best things to do with kids , and Singapore’s ethnic enclaves .

What to Eat and Drink

Sure, you can spend a mint on Singapore’s many expensive restaurants, but there’s a reason this country’s one of Southeast Asia’s best cities for street food . The food courts, known as “hawker centers,” serve a wide variety of Asian dishes, despite their general shortage on ambiance and air conditioning.

Singapore’s wide-ranging food reflects the multicultural mix of the Singaporean populace. Indian biryani stands jostle Western food booths and noodle stalls in most places. At any top Singapore hawker center , tourists mingle with working stiffs, to breakfast on roti kaya , or stuff their faces with Cantonese, Hokkien, Indian, Malay, and "Western" food. Prices are low ($5 buys you a big meal) and you can even order a Tiger Beer to go with your meal for only a little extra.

Explore our articles on Singapore’s best hawker centers , top restaurants and top dishes to order on your next meal .

Where to Stay

There's a Singapore hotel for every budget, though you should expect that accommodations around here lie on the high end price-wise compared to the rest of Asia. For four-star and higher hotels, check out your options in Marina Bay and Orchard, among them historic hotels like the Raffles Hotel and newfangled wonders like the Marina Bay Sands . Balestier Road, Katong, Joo Chiat, and Little India are better known for their backpacker and budget digs.

Find out more about Singapore’s neighborhoods , and our recommendations of the best places in Singapore to stay for your budget.

Getting There

Singapore is one of the easiest countries to travel to, given its central location in Southeast Asia and the abundance of budget airline connections to the rest of the region. Changi Airport isn’t just the international gateway to Singapore, it’s also a major travel hub between Asia and the rest of the world. You can also travel overland, either by bus from Kuala Lumpur or by train from as far away as Bangkok.

Money Saving Tips

Singapore’s reputation as an expensive destination is somewhat unfair: you can do plenty to save money without crimping your travel experience. Consider the following budget-saving tips when you visit:

• Eat at a hawker center instead of at restaurants. Meals come down to less than $5-$10 each, with an amazing selection of local cuisines to choose from
• Travel on the bus and MRT, use an EZ-Link Card to pay your way through. The EZ-Link card is a contactless payment card that you can purchase (and top up) at any 7-Eleven store, valid at any bus and train on the island. Avoid using taxis and Grab summoned cars.
• For souvenir shopping, try the markets around Chinatown and Little India, and bargain the prices down as often as possible.
• Buy snacks, drinks, and toiletries from supermarkets instead of convenience stores.

Find out more about traveling on a tight budget in Singapore .

Safety in Singapore

Singapore is a very safe travel destination. The government's stringent security measures, first spurred by the ongoing threat of terrorism around Southeast Asia, continues to uphold Singapore's reputation as a safe destination.

Singapore's reputation is partly held up by the fact that it has the strictest laws on the books—covering not just drugs, but also vandalism and political activity. Tourists behaving badly in Singapore should expect the law to come down hard on their shenanigans.

Drinking alcohol in Singapore is not prohibited, but recent rules have limited the areas where you can drink to your heart's content. Singapore hawker centers have not stopped selling beer, but stalls in Geylang and Little India have stricter rules than usual.

Singaporean law shares the draconian attitude to drugs common in Southeast Asia. The country's strict Misuse of Drugs Act   punishes possession of even small amounts of illegal drugs and prescribes execution if you're caught with large amounts of controlled substances.

Monetary Authority of Singapore . "Brunei-Singapore Currency Interchangeability Agreement." April 28, 2020.

National Parks Board . "Parks & Nature Reserves." April 2020.

Singapore Statutes Online . "Misuse of Drugs Act." March 31, 2008.

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S ingapore is renowned for being one of the most expensive cities in the world, yet it is also consistently considered one of the best-designed, cleanest, and possibly most entertaining. The Lion City, also known as the Garden City , is home to the first nighttime animal safari park in the world, some of the world's best cuisine, and numerous centuries-old temples.

Additionally, travelers come across extraordinary gardens, stunning architecture, and top-notch performance venues. With all these exciting attractions, there is no need to postpone the trip further, and tourists should start packing their bags .

Here is a list of the 10 top-rated sights, excursions, and things to do to pique every visitor's curiosity and make the visit worthwhile.

Enjoy Gardens By The Bay, Singapore's Most Famous Tourist Destination

The stunning Gardens by the Bay is a very well-liked tourist destination in Singapore that must be explored. It is the ideal city escape thanks to its skywalk, supertree constructions, and Cooled Conservatory domes.

Tickets to Gardens by the Bay grant access to the Cloud Forest, the Flower Dome, and 16-story trees. The tallest indoor waterfall, the Floral Fantasy, and the Sun Pavillion are both included in the admission.

• Prices: Starting at $53 per adult and $40 per child (3 to 12)

Plan A Trip To The Pulau Ubin Nature Reserve

Pulau Ubin is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and see another side of Singapore. In the 1900s, this well-liked tourist destination was a bustling granite quarry .

Today, Pulau Ubin is a nature reserve home to wild pigs, monkeys, and lakes created from abandoned quarries. Getting onto Pulau Ubin is like going back in time to when Singapore was much smaller.

• Duration and starting point: It takes a 10-minute trip on a chugging bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal to get to Pulau Ubin

Related: Travel Singapore In Style With These Luxury Underwater Hotels

Explore Southeast Asia's Largest Modern Art Collection At The History National Gallery Singapore

The Old Supreme Court Building and the former City Hall are now home to the National Gallery Singapore. With more than 8,000 items, the National Gallery Singapore holds Southeast Asia's largest public collection of modern art .

It is worth a visit to learn more about Singapore's history via art at this museum, and its most well-known collection features artwork from the 19th century and is called Siapa Nama Kamu.

• Prices: Starting at $20 for general admission and free guided tours, and starting at $25 for special exhibitions

Head To Southeast Asia's One And Only Universal Studios Theme Park

Singapore is home to Southeast Asia's one and only Universal Studios theme park. This is one of Singapore's major attractions and one of just four Universal Studios locations worldwide.

This place has it all for thrill-seekers who enjoy the rush of a roller coaster, getting drenched on Jurassic Park's water attractions and river rapids, the screams of the Mummy Ride, and 4D movie experiences.

Universal Studios Singapore has a total of 28 rides spread across seven themed zones.

• Prices: Starting at $82 per adult and $61 per child (4 to 12)
• Opening schedule: Wednesday through Monday, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Related: Layover In Singapore? 16 Things To Do In Only 12 Hours

Stop By The City's Mascot At The Merlion Park

One of the most visited tourist destinations in the country is the Merlion, which serves as Singapore's mascot. This national symbol, built in 1972 , is a half-fish, half-lion stone statue that sprays water into Marina Bay.

The lion head is a tribute to Singapore, which means "Lion City" in Malay, while the fish represents Singapore's beginnings as a fishing community. A free light and water show can be seen from Merlion Park.

• Prices: $18 per adult and $15 per child and senior for a guided tour
• Show schedule: Daily, at 8:00 PM and 9:30 PM, with an additional performance added on Fridays and Saturdays at 11:00 PM.

Visit Haw Par Villa The Bizarre Theme Park

Villa The Bizarre Theme Park is an outdoor art park and is peculiar but a visual treat. The theme park has more than 1,000 exquisitely hand-painted statues and sculptures that are based on Chinese folklore and mythology, some of which even feature violent and beheaded figures.

It is not usually busy with visitors and has not lost much of its shine, which just adds to its appeal and raw vibe.

• Price: Free of charge

Meet The Wild Animals Up Close At The Night Safari

The first nighttime animal safari park exists in Singapore, and it is quite well-liked. Tourists can take a walk on the wild side at the Night Safari as darkness settles over the city meeting over 2,500 animals from 130 different species, more than a third of which are endangered, that live in the 86-acre (348,030 m²) reserve .

The tour lasts about 40 minutes and travels through seven geographical areas with related themes.

• Prices: Starting at $55 per adult and $38 per child (3 to 12)
• Opening schedule: Daily, from 7:30 PM to 12:00 AM

Spend Some Time At Jewel Changi Airport

For the most breathtaking spectacle, top-notch shopping, and mouthwatering cuisine, tourists can go to Singapore’s airport. It may seem strange to advise Singapore's visitors to spend time in an airport, but Jewel Changi is no ordinary airport, it offers a lot of things to do .

The project's features include the Rain Vortex, a seven-story-tall indoor waterfall; an indoor forest with suspended walkways; a dining and entertainment complex; and over 300 shops. It is so popular and so worthwhile that 20 airlines will allow passengers to check in a full 24 hours ahead of time to maximize their time inside.

Related: It's Worth Traveling To Singapore For The Free Amenities At Changi Airport

Experience Flying For Real At IFly Singapore

Visitors can find iFly Singapore in Sentosa, close to the Beach Station. The state-of-the-art wind tunnel offers anyone, from first-timers to experienced skydivers, the chance to fly in an easily accessible, realistic, safe, and affordable setting.

It is the first and one of the largest themed indoor skydiving facilities of its sort in the world. It can house up to 20 professional flyers at once.

• Opening schedule: Thursday through Tuesday, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with the first flight at 10:00 AM and the last one at 9:30 PM; and Wednesday, from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The first flight takes place at 12:00 PM and the last one at 9:30 PM

Try Delicious Southeast Asian Food At The Hawker Centre

The only location in Singapore to find good food at a reasonable price are the numerous hawker centers. The ideal location for locals and visitors to indulge in and try delicious Southeast Asian food is here.

Related: Taste The Rainbow With The 10 Best Street Foods In Singapore

One of the oldest hawker complexes is the Old Airport Road Food Centre which is more than 40 years old and has 150 arranged tidy stalls. The Hokkien Mee (fried yellow wheat noodles in a seafood stock with prawns and pig), and the silky beancurd pudding are among the dishes that call for patience here.

• Other hawker centers: Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre, Maxwell Road Hawker Centre, Chomp Chomp Hawker Centre, and Tekka Centre

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2 Ques : Marina Bay Sands looks great but is undergoing renovations till 2025 (too expensive wont give extra bed or sofa) however is it overrated with crowded pool in evenings ? room is offered on lower floor - see no point for it ? How does Mandarin Oriental compare in all aspects with Marina Bay barring the Infinity pool - one can go to observation deck by paying - OR forgetting both is Chinatown better ? if so which hotel for families , great breakfast with veg options and room size is decent not a cubicle

3 Ques : Evenings ? where would you recommend to go - normally would be chill back and relax after moving around in the day - any must visit restaurants besides having a riot with street food (without fish oil)

Mandarin Oriental is a better hotel in every way over MBS other than size and location of the Swimming pool.

Try the Fairmont,, free rollaway bed for under 12s if you email directly. Plenty of choice at Breakfast at a number of thir restaurants and even by the pool.

I stick with Food Center and Food courts mainly in Singapore ( by the way there is no street food to be found in Singapore for hygiene reasons).

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Travel Insurance Singapore Guide (2024): Must-Knows for Choosing the Best Travel Insurance

Travelling is a favourite Singaporean pastime. A national sport, if you will. But while we all love travel and wanderlust, most of us don’t give much thought to buying travel insurance .

Buying travel insurance in Singapore is something a lot of us take for granted. Few of us bother to buy travel insurance ahead of time, and even fewer compare policies to find the best travel insurance in Singapore .

Here is everything you should look out for before buying travel insurance in Singapore.

Key features to look out for in travel insurance

• What does travel insurance cover?
• How to choose travel insurance
• Travel insurance prices
• Best travel insurance in Singapore
• Common mistakes when buying travel insurance
• Travelling with pre-existing health conditions 
• When should I buy travel insurance?
• Single trip or annual travel insurance?
• Compare travel insurance before buying

1. What does travel insurance cover you for?

A good travel insurance policy covers you for a whole series of situations, from the small inconveniences to the most terrible.

Trust me, you never want to be in a situation that you’re not covered for.

It could be a minor inconvenience, like having your luggage delayed and being forced to spend  at least one night in the same clothes you wore on the entire flight. Or it could be a serious medical emergency, like getting stung badly by jellyfish in the middle of a remote island adventure and needing immediate medical attention.

These days, almost all travel insurance in Singapore automatically includes COVID-19 coverage. That means, you’ll be able to claim from your travel insurance if you get Covid-19 while travelling .

You should also have coverage for everything from lost and delayed luggage, flight delays and cancellations, all the way to medical treatment, medical evacuation and even repatriation in case of serious illness and death. All these different situations have different claim limits, of course.

Travel insurance also covers things like reimbursing deposits if your travel agent goes bust, if your credit card is used fraudulently overseas, or if you  damage your rental car . Some policies even pay you if you are kidnapped while overseas!  And the best part is that travel insurance is relatively cheap and convenient to buy.

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2. How to choose travel insurance

With so many different benefits in a travel insurance plan, it can be tough to decide if a particular travel insurance plan is worth your money. You should look out for how much you are reimbursed for common travel hiccups.

• Find a travel insurance that covers flight delays and cancellations:  Flight delays happen more often than you realise. They can be extremely inconvenient, especially if it ends up causing you to miss your connecting flight. Ensure that your policy covers you for a decent period of time. For example, if your flight is delayed, some policies pay you $100 for every 6 consecutive hours of delay. There’s usually a cap of around $200-$500, but if you want more coverage DirectAsia Voyager 150 pays out up to $1,000 for travel delay.

Total Premium

DirectAsia Voyager 150

[ Win a Rolex, Samsonite Luggage & More!   | MoneySmart Exclusive]   • Enjoy 40% off your policy premium • Get  S$88 Revolut Cash Award* with every policy purchased. • Additionally, receive up to S$20 via PayNow and up to S$20 iShopChangi e-voucher with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.   BONUS: For a limited time only, there are over   S$11,000 worth of prizes  to be given away in our Grand Draw . Stand a chance to score: • 1x   Rolex Oyster Perpetual - 124200 34mm Silver (worth S$9,000) • 1x   Samsonite Robez 68/25 EXP  (worth S$550) weekly   Increase your chances of winning when you refer friends  today. T&Cs apply   PLUS, get S$100 Revolut Cash Award when you are the 8th and 88th Successful Applicant each week to sign up for a new Revolut account in our Giveaway.  T&Cs  apply.

Key Features

Additional coverage for Travel Insurance - Sports equipment, Maid and COVID-19. Extreme Sports add-on only available for Annual Plans.

Kids go free – up to four kids travel for free with a Family policy only (2 adults)

Matching kids limits – children enjoy the same coverage limits as adults

Emergency Dental – Accidental Dental treatment can be costly, so it is covered under the main medical expenses coverage which is higher than a separate dental benefit

Optional COVID-19 coverage on trip cancellation, medical expense, and emergency evacuation. Only for Single Trip.

• Lost   or delayed baggage:  Make sure your policy covers you well for such situations. Many policies pay $100 for every 6 consecutive hours your baggage is delayed, including Bubblegum Travel Insurance  which pays up to $3,000 for lost or damaged baggage. Don’t forget to also pay attention to the maximum amount you’re covered for.

Bubblegum Travel Insurance

[Receive your cash as fast as 30 days*]   • Enjoy 10% off your policy premium • Get S$88 Revolut Cash Award* and an Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM with every policy purchased. • Additionally, receive up to S$25  via PayNow and up to S$20 iShopChangi e-voucher with eligible premiums spent.  T&Cs apply.   PLUS, get S$100 Revolut Cash Award when you are the 8th and 88th Successful Applicant each week to sign up for a new Revolut account in our Giveaway.  T&Cs  apply.

Bubblegum offers just 1 affordable plan to suit all your travel needs to maximise your savings

Overseas medical expenses up to $150,000 SGD (Covid-19 sub-limit of $65,000 included)

24-Hour global Emergency Assistance services including Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation

Covid-19 trip related cancellation/curtailment up to $600 SGD included

Adventurous activities like scuba diving and hot air ballooning are covered with no limit on depth or height.

• Medical coverage overseas: Since you can never predict what might happen on your trip, it literally pays to be safe than sorry. A good travel insurance policy covers you for at least $200,000 for overseas medical coverage and unlimited coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation. One value-for-money insurance policy that fits the bill is  Starr TraveLead Comprehensive Bronze .

Starr TraveLead Comprehensive Bronze

[ Win a Rolex, Samsonite Luggage & More!   | MoneySmart Exclusive]   • Enjoy 50% off your policy premium • Get S$88 Revolut Cash Award* and an Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM with every policy purchased. • Additionally, receive up to S$45 via PayNow OR 1 x Apple AirTag (worth S$45.40) and up to S$20 iShopChangi e-voucher with eligible premiums spent.  T&Cs apply.   BONUS: For a limited time only, there are over   S$11,000 worth of prizes  to be given away in our Grand Draw . Stand a chance to score: • 1x   Rolex Oyster Perpetual - 124200 34mm Silver (worth S$9,000) • 1x   Samsonite Robez 68/25 EXP  (worth S$550) weekly   Increase your chances of winning when you refer friends  today. T&Cs apply   PLUS, get S$100 Revolut Cash Award when you are the 8th and 88th Successful Applicant each week to sign up for a new Revolut account in our Giveaway.  T&Cs  apply.

For Cruise to nowhere insurance: Find out more here

Personalise your travel insurance-Flexible coverage allows you to create a travel insurance plan with different types of coverage and addon that can adapt to your needs

Overseas Covid-19 related medical expenses of up to $15,000 SGD included (Excluding China).

No sublimit or restriction on outpatient expenses and number of visits

24 hours Global Emergency Assistance Services help you when you need it most, connecting you with medical treatment and transportation

Seamless and Cashless claims via PayNow

Covers travel expenses for sending back an unattended child during the hospitalisation of the insured person

Please note that travelling to Russia and Ukraine is not covered in Starr’s insurance with immediate effect.

• Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage:  Ideally, your policy should offer coverage for a range of COVID-19 expenses you might encounter during your travels (and even before you fly!). Look out for the travel insurance policies’ coverage for trip cancellation and postponement and medical expenses due to Covid-19. Overseas quarantine cash allowance is an added bonus. For example,  AIG Travel Guard® Direct – Enhanced covers $100 per day for 14 days if you’re quarantined overseas due to COVID-19.

AIG Travel Guard® Direct - Enhanced

[Receive your cash as fast as 30 days*]   • Get up to S$220 worth of cash and rewards with eligible premiums spent. • Additionally, receive an Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM with every policy purchased.  T&Cs apply.

Voted TripZilla's Best Travel Insurance (Single Trip).

Up to S$250,000 in overseas COVID-19 related medical coverage if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 overseas.

Overseas quarantine allowance of up to S$100 per day per person for up to 14 days if you test positive for COVID-19 overseas and are unexpectedly placed into mandatory quarantine.

Up to S$1,500 if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 and have to postpone your trip.

Up to S$7,500 in curtailment costs if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while travelling and need to return to Singapore earlier than planned.

This policy is protected under the Policy Owners’ Protection Scheme which is administered by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC). Coverage for your policy is automatic and no further action is required from you. For more information on the types of benefits that are covered under the scheme as well as the limits of coverage, where applicable, please contact AIG Asia Pacific Insurance Pte. Ltd. or visit the AIG, GIA or SDIC websites (www.AIG.sg or www.gia.org.sg or www.sdic.org.sg).

Purchase your travel insurance with confidence and enjoy unlimited flexibility with AIG's Travel Guard® Direct

3. Travel insurance prices in Singapore

Travel insurance in Singapore is very price-sensitive, and sometimes insurers can compete to shave off even $1 from their premiums to make their policies more enticing (yay for us!).

One way to get a cheaper plan is to see which insurers offer regional travel insurance . If you are only travelling to Thailand, for example, it is usually cheaper to get a policy that covers only SEA or ASEAN countries, rather than a worldwide coverage policy .

However, price is not the only factor—especially since cheap insurance policies often mean significantly less coverage. Buying travel insurance is not like buying a “warehouse sale” LV bag in Chatuchak Market. You don’t just shop around, look for the stall owner with the weakest bargaining skills, and haggle the price down as low as can get.

Look at other aspects of the policy when buying travel insurance . There are many other factors to consider—for example, how much coverage you’re eligible for, and how quickly your claims can be processed. Make sure that you don’t have to wait till the next blue moon before you can see the results of your claims.

4. Which travel insurance to buy in Singapore?

Like anything else you purchase, the best travel insurance is what gives you the most value for money. Say you are only travelling to Thailand for a weekend shopping trip, for example. You’re probably travelling light and don’t need more than $3,000 coverage for loss of baggage, even if you can pay just $3 more for significantly more coverage. Save that $3 and treat yourself to all the Thai milk tea you can drink!

As we said earlier, you shouldn’t be so stingy  and only buy the cheapest. The cheapest may have lots of terms and conditions when it comes to claims . For example, an insurer might not cover delayed luggage if it is only delayed returning to Singapore. If this is the only inconvenience you face in your entire trip, you might be understandably upset that it’s not claimable.

The important thing is to read the terms and conditions of your preferred policy carefully and make sure you’re not caught unawares. This is especially important when it comes to medical pre-existing conditions.

5. Common mistakes when buying travel insurance

How many of us actually know how to go about buying a good travel insurance that is suitable for our needs? Here are five common mistakes to avoid when buying travel insurance:

• Buying the most “convenient” travel insurance : Do you just buy the first travel insurance you see on Google? It is important to read the details of the coverage provided to see if they are adequate for your needs or to cover the risks of the destination you’re travelling to, eg. medical coverage and loss of personal belongings.
• Buying travel insurance at the last minute : Do you often buy your travel insurance when waiting to board your flight or while making your way to the airport? Yes, better late than never. However, you should be aware that some of the benefits of the travel insurance are applicable (eg. natural disasters , airline strike, tour agency bankruptcy) if you buy travel insurance ahead of your trip.
• Not buying travel insurance for the entire length of your trip : Should you purchase travel insurance only for the days you are actually overseas? No. You should include flights to and from your holiday destination. In the event of baggage delays, loss or damage, or overbooking of flights, you’d then be able to make a claim. For long haul trips, do remember to cater for the +1 or +2 days that it takes for your flight to reach Singapore.
• Not reading your travel insurance policy : Not all travel insurances are created equal. In fact, the policy document and terms of coverage makes for rather interesting reading. Do go through the policy document for what’s included and excluded, claim limits, and what you gotta do in order to make a claim.
• Assuming travel insurance is “one size fits all” : If your holiday includes adventurous elements like skydiving or scuba diving, check to ensure that the travel insurance you are considering covers these activities. MSIG TravelEasy Elite covers a whole range of activities, including sky diving, hot air ballon rides, and bungee jumping. Alternatively, check to ensure that adventurous activities are not excluded from the claims.

MSIG TravelEasy Elite

[ Win a Rolex, Samsonite Luggage & More!   | MoneySmart Exclusive]   • Enjoy up to 45% off your policy premium • Get an Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM with every policy purchased. • Additionally, receive up to S$45 via PayNow OR 1 x Apple AirTag (worth S$45.40) and  up to S$20 iShopChangi e-voucher with eligible premiums spent.  T&Cs apply.   BONUS: For a limited time only, there are over   S$11,000 worth of prizes  to be given away in our Grand Draw . Stand a chance to score: • 1x   Rolex Oyster Perpetual - 124200 34mm Silver (worth S$9,000) • 1x   Samsonite Robez 68/25 EXP  (worth S$550) weekly   Increase your chances of winning when you refer friends  today. T&Cs apply

COVID-19 coverage of up to $300,000 medical cover and up to $5,000 travel inconvenience benefit for your trip protection.

Stay protected and enjoy a wide range of adventurous activities from sky diving, scuba diving, white-water rafting to winter sports like dog sledding, tobogganing, sledging and ice-skating.

Get covered across all TravelEasy Plan types with a high limit of S$1,000,000 for emergency medical evacuation & repatriation

MSIG provides cover for insolvency of licensed travel agencies registered with the Singapore Tourism Board (includes NATAS registered travel agencies)

6. Will pre-existing conditions affect my travel insurance?

One of the biggest travel insurance stories in 2017 was when a Singaporean man had a heart attack in Tokyo and fell into a coma. The medical costs alone cost $120,000 and bringing him back to Singapore via medical evacuation would cost another $120,000.

Because the man had been diagnosed with heart failure in 2012, his insurer considered it a pre-existing condition and therefore no claim was possible. Currently, one insurer that covers pre-existing conditions is MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex travel insurance.

MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex Standard

7. When should I buy travel insurance?

There are many, many things that can go wrong when you’re travelling. Half of these things could happen even before you leave the country!

Waiting to buy your travel insurance policy on the day you travel (or worse, after you’ve already crossed into international waters) puts you at risk for travel inconveniences big and small like delays or postponement.

A good travel insurance policy also covers you for your entire trip being cancelled unexpectedly.

You should buy a travel insurance online as soon as you’ve planned your trip. Getting your travel policy as early as possible does not make you “ kiasu ”. It makes you smart.

This is because you’ll want to maximise the coverage you can get from the policy. For example, if you haven’t bought a policy yet and the travel agency you’re booking with closes down a week before your travel, you won’t be able to claim anything. The same goes for flight delays and flight cancellations.

There is no penalty for buying travel insurance earlier, except maybe missing out on promotions that often happen around the travel season. But what’s the point of saving a few dollars and risk losing hundreds due to cancelled flights and hotel deposits?

8. Buy single trip or annual travel insurance?

In the past, it made more sense to buy single trip travel insurance plans when you leave Singapore. That’s because in the past, most people only travel once or twice a year. With the greater nomad and remote working culture … and travels over long weekend, though? It might actually be more convenient to buy an annual plan for your travel insurance.

A good gauge to determine whether to choose between a single trip plan and an annual plan is to ask yourself if you’re going to be travelling more than 3 times a year . And we’re not just talking about weekend getaways either!

Whether you’re just going across the Causeway or travelling further overseas for work, an annual plan definitely makes more sense to your wallet.

Depending on how often you travel and how far you travel, it might be worthwhile to consider buying annual travel insurance .

If you are a frequent traveller, you not only save money by buying an annual policy, but you’ll never have to spend time buying insurance every time you fly overseas. Of course, just like single trip travel insurance, you should still compare the various policies online before you commit.

Annual travel insurance has a flat premium and covers you for an entire year of travel. It usually costs about $200-$300 a year, so only buy it it you are a frequent traveller. That is, it only makes sense if you are going to travel overseas more than 7-8 times a year, at least.

9. Why should I compare travel insurance before buying it?

Comparing allows you to choose the best travel insurance policy for your needs. You’ll be able to see at a glance what coverage policies have for various situations, such as medical costs, and compensation levels for lost, delayed and damaged baggage.

But of course, comparing travel insurance in Singapore allows you to see that the cheapest travel insurance policy may not be the best. This is because the cheaper policies usually have significantly less coverage, naturally. While that may be a good thing for some travellers – there’s no need to get a $1,000 coverage for lost luggage if you’re only bringing the bare minimum to a staycation in Bangkok, for example.

ALSO READ: Best Travel Insurance in Singapore: AIG vs AXA vs FWD vs NTUC

Are you headed overseas? Compare the cheapest travel insurance here .

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Concert Date and Time: 27 July 2024, Saturday 8PM Venue: Singapore Indoor Stadium A-mei's ASMeiR MAX 2024 World Tour is coming to Singapore - the only stop in Southeast Asia! Embarking on her tenth large-scale solo concert tour, the show promises a spectacular upgrade in every aspect. From state-of-the-art hardware equipment to captivating performance effects, it is sure to be unforgettable experience.

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UOB pre-sale: 13 May, 11AM (SGT) to 14 May 2024, 11PM (SGT) - SOLD OUT

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Choose from a specially curated list of hotels, handpicked for their unique ambience. packages come with breakfast for two and a round-trip transfer to singapore indoor stadium when you book with uob cards by 30 june 2024..

COMO Metropolitian Singapore

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Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay

S$740 nett for 2D1N accommodation inclusive of breakfast for 2 persons, round trip transfer to Singapore Indoor Stadium and Experience voucher worth S$50.

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Pan Pacific Singapore

S$840 nett for 2D1N accommodation inclusive of breakfast for 2 persons, round trip transfer to Singapore Indoor Stadium and Experience voucher worth S$50.

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Parkroyal by Beach Road

S$635 nett for 2D1N accommodation inclusive of breakfast for 2 persons, round trip transfer to Singapore Indoor Stadium and Experience voucher worth S$50.

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S$485 nett for 2D1N accommodation inclusive of breakfast for 2 persons, round trip transfer to Singapore Indoor Stadium and Experience voucher worth S$50.

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Travellers Essentials

Local transport, licenses and permits.

Find out which power adaptor to bring, what clothes to pack to suit the weather, whether you need to apply for a visa, and other useful information before you visit Singapore.

Visa requirements*

Check up on visa requirements and the Visa Free Transit Facility with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority or the Singapore Overseas Mission closest to you.

The official currency of Singapore is the Singapore dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, bars, shops, hotels and taxis in Singapore.

No Smoking Areas

Smoking is prohibited in public transportation, air-conditioned and common places, including areas within 5 metres of building entrances and bus shelters.

Singapore is hot and humid all year round, with temperatures reaching highs of over 30°C. Rain storms are unpredictable, and often torrential but brief.

Singapore has four official languages - Malay, English, Mandarin and Tamil, but English is the default common language.

The standard electrical current in Singapore is 220-240 volts AC (50 cycles). Power plugs are large with three square prongs, similar to the UK.

Safe drinking water

Water from the tap is safe to drink in Singapore. Bottled water is also widely available.

Seasonality

Singapore's social calendar is marked by annual festivals and major events such as the Great Singapore Sale (May-Jun), Formula 1 Grand Prix (Sept) and Christmas (Dec).

Closure Information

Hotels, attractions, shops and restaurants are open seven days a week. Small businesses such as hawker stalls often close one day of the week and during festive holidays.

Apply for a refund on the 9% Goods and Services Tax (GST) when you make purchases worth more than 100SGD from participating outlets. Please visit www.customs.gov.sg for more information.

Alcohol Consumption

From 10.30pm to 7am, liquor consumption in public areas is prohibited. At this time, alcohol can only be purchased and consumed at licensed premises and at home.

Tipping is not a Singaporean culture but it is a growing practice for good service in restaurants, hotels and taxis.

*As you prepare for your trip to Singapore, do remember to complete the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) e-Service before you leave your departure point. This is available electronically on the Singapore Immigrations & Checkpoints Authority website or through the ICA app or the Visit Singapore Travel Guide App , allowing you to submit your arrival information up to three days before your visit.

From 27 March 2020, 0900 hours, all Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Long Term Pass holders returning to Singapore, including work pass holders and their dependents working in sectors that provide essential services such as healthcare and transport, will be required to submit a health declaration through the SGAC e-Service before proceeding with immigration clearance. This health declaration should be submitted up to three days prior to arrival in Singapore. Those who make false declarations will be liable for prosecution under the Infectious Diseases Act. For more information on travel declaration requirements, please refer to the Ministry of Health website.

Common expenses

Accommodation.

Mid-range hotels in good locations start from 120SGD/85USD a night. Luxury hotels start from 340SGD/240USD a night.

A McDonald's regular McValue Meal cost 7.50SGD/5.50USD

A movie ticket costs around 13.50SGD/9.50USD. Prices can vary according to screening times.

A 2km taxi ride during non-peak hours can cost 7SGD/5USD

Taxis in Singapore are plentiful, comfortable, safe and easy to use. You can hail a taxi on the street or catch one from designated taxi stands in the city centre. Alternatively, you can book a taxi by calling the Dial-A-Cab hotline at +65 6342 5222 or texting "BOOKsix-digit postal code" to 71222. You could also use a mobile phone app like Comfort DelGro, Taxi Booking App, SMRT Book a Taxi or GrabTaxi. Booking charges apply for these services. In Singapore, fares are charged by the meter and start from 3SGD/2USD. Additional charges may apply depending on location as well as when you travel during peak hours and after midnight. Receipts are provided upon request. Limousine taxi services charge a flat rate, and can only be hired from an authorised limousine counter or over the phone.

Trains and buses

It is easy to get around in Singapore by public transportation, with an extensive network of trains and buses connecting to almost every corner of the island. Safe and efficient, the trains connect the major areas of the island-city. The trains run from 6am to midnight, and cost a minimum of 1.4SGD/1USD for cash fares. Single trip tickets can be purchased from vending machines at all MRT stations. Comfortable buses travel to almost every part of the island, including the heartland. Cash fares start from 1.4SGD/1USD. Night buses from the city centre to the residential estates are available on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as on the eve of public holidays. If you are staying for a few days, consider getting an EZ-link card. A useful card for savings and convenience, the card can be used on both trains and buses, with fares starting from 77 cents. You can purchase the card at selected MRT stations, bus interchanges and 7-Eleven stores.

The Singapore Tourist Pass

Enjoy the sights and sounds without hassle by using the Singapore Tourist Pass. With the all-day Pass, you can save time and money as it offers you unlimited rides on Singapore's public transport system, including the MRT, LRT and basic bus services. It excludes travel on premium and niche bus services. The pass is available in three options – 1-day (10SGD/7USD), 2-days (16SGD/12USD) and 3-days (20SGD/14USD), with a refundable 10SGD/7USD deposit for the card. You can purchase the Singapore Tourist Pass from select TransitLink Ticket Offices located at MRT stations. For more information, please visit www.thesingaporetouristpass.com.sg .

Most of the necessary applications for approval for various licenses and permits can be made through the official website  Below are some activities that require approvals, licenses and permits. Always ensure that all proper approvals, licenses and permits are obtained and maintained for its activities, whether before, during or after the Event.

Flags and Advertising

Advertising using Singapore flag

Flying of non-Singapore nationality flags

Flying of helium balloon in the open areas (License approval required only if there is text on the balloon)

Tobacco and Alcohol

Sale of liquor

Auction of liquor

Smoking and tobacco products

Food, Plant and Animals

Selling / Supply of Food & Beverage

Display or Sale of Dragon fish

Foodstuff, animal / bird / fish exhibition, livestock and all agricultural products

Construction

Restricted/Controlled activities within railway protection zone at service bay (Construction, crane or hoisting equipment, show billboards, scaffolding, temporary shelters/tentages, storage & demonstration areas)

Temporary erection of Multi Storey Structures

Temporary Change of use for outdoor events

Medicine and cosmetics

Display of drugs and medicines

Display of cosmetics

Fireworks, firearms and explosives

Pyrotechnics Display

Defence-related events with arms and explosive elements

From aromatic jams to fine teas, herbal remedies and Merlion souvenirs, it is easy to pick up a unique souvenir from Singapore.

Charred meaty goodness

A Chinese favourite, bakkwa is prime meat marinated in sugar, soy sauce and spices, then grilled over charcoal to charred perfection. A popular gift during Chinese New Year, when queues for it are long, it is available all year round. Ask for it to be wrapped and sealed for your journey home. Bee Cheng Hiang is one of the many established brands in Singapore. *Do check on your country's laws on bringing in food products before purchasing.

An icon for the ages

Half-lion, half-fish, the Merlion is an enduring symbol of Singapore as it reflects its fabled founding and maritime heritage. It is most famous as the statue standing guard at the mouth of the Singapore River. The icon is also widely available in the shape of souvenir items such as key chains, fridge magnets and more, and is a special memento of your time in Singapore.

Fragrant coconut jam

Kaya is an aromatic jam made from egg, coconut milk and sugar, infused with the fragrant flavours of pandan leaves. It is best eaten as a spread on toasted Hainanese bread with lashes of butter, and you can sample it at Ya Kun Kaya Toast and Killiney Kopitiam. For takeaways, you can find bottled kaya from most supermarkets and bakeries in Singapore.

Flavours that excite the senses

A must-try in Singapore's culinary offerings, laksa is a Peranakan (Straits Chinese) noodle dish with a rich, creamy and spicy coconut soup. Replicate the flavours at home with ready-to-cook laksa paste. Made from a variety of herbs and spices such as dried chillies, galangal, coriander and shrimp paste, it is a taste of Singapore that is sure to impress everyone back home.

Age-old remedies

Traditional Chinese Medicine was developed in ancient China and has been in practice for thousands of years, including in Singapore. It uses herbal medicines, acupuncture and massage therapy to prevent, diagnose and cure illnesses. Stock up on the many herbal remedies to aid in an ailment or as a preventive measure. You can find traditional Chinese medicine shops in Chinatown.

Blends for the discerning

As the tea culture takes a hold in Singapore, homegrown brands such as TWG and Gryphon have stepped in with beautifully packaged teas from around the world. Ideal gifts for the tea connoisseur or the gourmand, these luxury tea brands offer the finest tea leaves and exclusive blends to please the palate and the senses.

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