Planning a trip to Singapore city? Can’t decide what your travel plan should look like? Then this Singapore travel guide will help you get your answers for a perfect South East Asian trip.
This blog post will give you a comprehensive idea – covering major attractions of Singapore, top sight-seeing places & short excursions.
Located off the southern coast of Malaysia, Singapore is a cosmopolitan city-state – offering numerous opportunities for travelers during their visit. It’s one of its own kind, dwelt with rich culture & traditions that excites tourists to indulge & experience the city like never before. Singapore may seem small to you, but the city is packed with never-ending opportunities. From the city’s top attractions to major cultural influences of Indian, British, Arab, Malaysian, and European – Singapore becomes a vibrant city-state boasting a mixed cultural environment.
And I am not just talking about the ethnicities of the city, but also the delightful experiences that it holds. Right from cuisine to multi-class restaurants and state-of-the-art accommodation, Singapore proudly boasts a luxurious travel lifestyle for everyone.
Initially, travelers used to visit Singapore for only a couple of days. But, with improved infrastructure & booming tourism over the past few years, the city has become a hotspot for all sorts of travelers, seeking long durational stays. Tourism of Singapore has spiked up literally, and now you see tourists staying here – even more than a week.
Exciting nightlife, crazy market line-ups, live-musical street shows, and growing food scenes have brought Singapore on top of the charts to compete with other nations in terms of tourism. While all nations have their own special touch, what I love about Singapore – is the delicious multi-cuisine that pops right in front of you. No matter which street/ region you travel to, you’ll find hawkers buzzing with their street-style magical dishes.
SINGAPORE CITY FACTS/ QUICK INFORMATION
This quick-info section will let you all know some of the important facts about Singapore city. It’s vital information to understand before you plan your travel to Singapore.
Language – Singapore is a diverse city-state with people coming from different backgrounds & cultures. This means you are bound to come across different spoken languages. Although English is the proficient one, the other spoken languages also include – Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. In some regions & across the city, several different languages are spoken too. But since English is vastly spoken by the residents of Singapore, you are unlikely to face any travel issues.
Currency – The currency of Singapore is the Singaporean Dollar (SGD). USD 1 will give you approx. SGD 1.32 and 1 Euro will give you SGD 1.62.
Credit Cards – You don’t need to carry cash when you’re in Singapore. The city is credit card friendly and almost all the shops, stalls & other market places widely accept them for payments. Although, I’ll still suggest carrying some petty cash during your purchases.
Visa – You normally don’t need a visa if you plan on staying for more than 90 days. This applies to certain countries/regions. The purpose may come under any reason – tourism, social, or business. For more details on the application part & process, you can visit the website & lookout for downloadable resources.
Climate – Temperature in Singapore is quite consistent throughout the year. Given Singapore’s yearly weather, it is relatively warm & tropical, and one can expect rainstorms any given day. Usually, the peak rainfall is during November and December.
GETTING AROUND SINGAPORE CITY
Singapore has one of the leading transport facilities when it comes to infrastructure. Thus, making the touristic regions within the city much more accessible. You get many options at your disposal to access & utilize resources at their best.
On Foot – Although Singapore seems small, the city is loaded with remarkable attractions & tourist sight-seeing points that are accessible at walking distance. It is not possible to travel across the city entirely on foot, but yes if you want to stroll around neighborhoods to absorb the local atmosphere and sights. The Singapore Tourism Board provides free maps & tourist walking guides for you to understand routes & different sectors. This way, you can explore some of the great attractions on foot.
Private Car – You can also think of renting up a car to explore the city. However, due to immense traffic, this option is not advisable. Parking will also cost you a lot of your time. But still, if this is something that excites you, then there are rental offices near the airport through which you can book.
Taxi – Taxis are available too, and can be a great way to explore the city. There’s an app called ‘Grab’, which is popular out here. It works just like Uber and the prices are quite decent.
Bus – Buses in Singapore can take you almost everywhere, only if you know which one to take. It might get confusing due to bus number and their timings. If you are good at understanding the bus routes, then do consider this option.
Subway – This is the most preferred option in Singapore to travel around the city. It is efficient, inexpensive, and well-organized to operate daily. The MRT subway system is often taken up by tourists as their mode of public transport to travel Singapore on a budget.
BEST TIME TO VISIT SINGAPORE
Singapore’s tropical climate makes the city-state a year-round destination. As long as you like heat & humidity, you’ll be fine to visit anytime. The wetter season is usually between the periods of November to January. Expect rainfall anytime and carry your jackets along. The dry season is from February to April and this is when the city gets more sunshine. In short, the temperature is quite consistent and you can plan in anytime to travel.
My advice will to be travel somewhere around July to November. That way, you can avoid the crowd and can visit most of the attractions in a hassle-free way. Because Singapore is an expensive city-state, you would not want to travel during peak holiday timelines. Try not to plan your travel during Chinese New Year, as you may want to look out for some off-period dates.
This is only for travelers looking to squeeze more out of their budget. Otherwise, try and experience the beauty of Singaporean festivals in a magical way.
WHERE TO STAY IN SINGAPORE
When it comes to accommodation, Singapore is no doubt the best place to experience unique stays. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious staycation, a small nice hostel, a value-for-money kind of apartment, or budgeted mid-range hotels – Singapore has a comprehensive collection of them. Tourists who travel to Singapore often find their comfort stays quite easily!
With so many neighborhoods around– Little India, Arab Street, Chinatown, and Sentosa; the options are in plenty. And for you, I’ve listed down below a few suggestions to try out. These listings are mixed in terms of pricing and are not categorized as budgeted or luxurious. It’s only to show you the popular ones that are famous here.
Shangri-La Hotel – One of the best luxurious hotels in Singapore – Shangri-La Hotel is a 20-minute walk from Orchard MRT station. With world-class amenities, this hotel truly offers a stylish experience for all visitors traveling.
The Ritz-Carlton Millenia – This beautiful hotel, located in Marina Bay, is surrounded by magnificent views of the city. The hotel features luxurious rooms, a 4,200-piece art collection, and a Club Lounge. If budget is no problem for you, then you’ll absolutely love this place!
Marina Bay Sands – And who hasn’t heard of Marina Bay yet? Like literally – the most famous spot in Asia, if not the world. This masterpiece of a hotel is a lifetime experience to witness the grandeur of the style Singapore has to offer.
WHERE TO EAT IN SINGAPORE
It’s no great secret that Singapore is a paradise for food-obsessive travelers. Since we already talked– how different cultures & ethnicities come together to influence the styles & manners of the city – it’s no doubt that the same has changed the roots of the cuisine here in the city.
Since the 1800s, food has flourished in Singapore driving different streams of unique flavors. What excites the travelers the most – is the variety of cuisine you can try here. Be it Malay, Indian, Mughal, or Chinese – you are ought to find the essence of your cultural presence at every corner.
The emergence of rapid urbanization has also increased the number of food stalls around the streets. Live market scenes, street-style fast food, and Michelin-rated restaurants have all chipped in their contribution in making Singapore one of the known food travel destinations. Thus, there’s no shortage of places where you can try out amazing dishes during your travel.
Uncle Chicken Rice – This hawker stall in Singapore serves some amazing Hainanese Chicken Rice. Widely popular amongst tourists – Hainanese Chicken Rice has been coined as the ‘national dish of Singapore’. This little stall is one of the best places to try out the authentically styled rice; packed with powerful flavors.
Rang Mahal – If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, then there’s no better place than Rang Mahal to explore. The restaurant combines Western-style cuisine with Indian spices and flavors, creating a bombshell dish. I’m a huge fan of smoky tandoori’s and roasted items, and I fell in love with this place – knowing they serve similar dishes. Stop by for a lunch, and experience the buffet-style menu offering various specialty dishes to try.
Odette – Helmed by Chef Julien Royer, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers traditional & innovative styled cuisine. The ingredients used, are powerful in flavor and the complex touches the restaurant adds, give your food a whole new level.
Keng Eng Kee Seafood – One of my favorites – this restaurant serves some of the city’s popular dishes. Operated by the third generation of owners, this restaurant is home to classic Singaporean food that involves – fried flat noodles, coffee pork ribs, and clay pot pork liver.
And I also want to recommend to you three of my favorite hawkers in Singapore. Trust me, they are the best in the business and they take you on a gastronomical ride with their magical cooking.
Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre – This hawker center is quite popular amongst tourists and is often visited by frequent travelers due to its a wide-range of food selections. The 120-year old building is home to numerous food stalls serving authentic cuisine of different regions. The prices are a little too high, considering that the hawker center is located right in the heart of Central Business District. But it’s a great experience for first-time visitors.
Chinatown Food Street – One of the amazing places for foodies – this has to be on your bucket list whilst traveling around Singapore. Most of the stalls have a major emphasis on the Chinese flavors; serving authentic styled cuisines. The choice is always yours, as almost all the shops compete with each other in terms of the food they have to offer. Skewers, fried noodles, grilled chicken, and roasted duck are some of the popular dishes to be found at Chinatown.
Tiong Bahru Market – If you’re looking to go down heavy on your breakfast meal, then Tiong Bahru Market is the place for you. Many of the stalls open as early as 7 am, so expect some delicious breakfast to experience. You can also wait up till noon & try out some of their lunch specials. They always have something new on their own – mainly pork ribs, boiled pork leg, grilled chicken, and Hainanese chicken rice. Prices are quite affordable, so be sure to check this place.
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN SINGAPORE
The dazzling city-state of Singapore has plenty of family-friendly attractions to discover. From high-end shopping malls to luxury hotels and wide public spaces, the city is filled with tourists spots enough to give you a luxurious styled experience.
Tourists travel to Singapore because there’s a lot to explore! Do not underestimate the significance of tourism here– as it’s rapidly growing. No matter how short or long your itinerary may be, you’ll explore a wide range of places during your visit.
Below, I’m listing down a few attractions of Singapore that are my personal favorite –
Gardens by the Bay – I was simply amazed exploring the futuristic-styled green space from the top of Marina Bay Sands. Hands down, one of the best places that you can’t afford to miss during your travel! This is not a natural site, but a man-made one – built across a space of 101 hectares of land.
The vision to build this large space was mainly focused on inspiring sustainable development in the city – to have more green spaces in & around the area. And the same vision led to building the Gardens by the Bay, which has now become one of the insanely popular places to visit. From the Supertree Grove to the Cloud Forest Dome, you can view the environmentally designed structures at their best. If you stop by during the night time, then that’ll just be a whole new experience. The light show is something you ought to witness!
Singapore Zoo – This is also one of my favorite places in Singapore. If you love watching animals & lush green vegetation, then put this down on your bucket list. Singapore Zoo is considered to be the world’s best rainforest zoo. And over a while, the place has attracted millions of tourists. The facility is clean & is pretty much well-organized, and viewers can watch all sorts of animals out there. From zebras to komodo dragons, kangaroos, and white tigers – get amazed with exotic wildlife found in the zoo. Not just that, but the zoo also has pretty good activities for you. You can take up a Night Safari or a River Safari to catch up on closer views of the Malayan Tiger and the lions. This is by far, the best experience you could have in the Singapore Zoo. So make sure, you add this up in your itinerary.
Singapore Flyer – Well, if you’re looking to catch some aerial views of the city – Singapore Flyer is the spot for you. Considered as one of the world’s largest observation wheels, this popular attraction gains tourists’ attention from all over the world. A 30-minute ride on the Singapore Flyer will not only give you magnificent views of the Singapore skyline but also the Spice Islands of Indonesia and Malaysia’s Straits of Johor.
Explore Chinatown – This place is filled with the essence of Chinese lifestyle, culture & tradition. Be sure to try out amazing dishes & explore the temples, craft shops, small stalls & authentic Chinese-styled hawkers. Grilled meats & fried noodles are two of the popular dishes to relish.
Singapore Botanic Gardens – Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site – Botanic Gardens is one of the fantastic places to visit here in the city. Spread across 52 hectares of gardens & forests, the place beams with lush greenery & wild species of flowers. The main attraction here is the National Orchid Garden that houses more than 1000 species of orchid.
FESTIVAL & CULTURAL EXPERIENCES IN SINGAPORE
Festivals & celebrations in Singapore adds up a whole new experience to the vibrancy the city has to offer. Often travelers land up in Singapore during the festive period to enjoy & learn its culture, ethnicity, and multi-hued traditions. It is a great way to see what Singapore holds for you during celebration time.
Chinese New Year – Singapore’s biggest festival – Chinese New Year is probably one of the best festivals to celebrate in the city. It marks an important event, as it begins the new lunar calendar. Being the most-loved holiday – residents & travelers gather at Chinatown to catch this grandeur festival at its best. So if you’re in Singapore around January or February, you’ll experience the parades, street decorations, vendors, and performances everywhere.
Pongal – The Tamilian community in Singapore has grown over the past few decades, and increasingly influencing the cultural essence of the city. One such festival that you can’t miss is – Pongal. Celebrated by Tamilians, this festival rejoices a new beginning by preparing a smorgasbord of cuisines. During the period of Pongal, people throw away their old belongings to bask in new ones. So if you are in Singapore in mid-January, you can experience this delightful festival at its best.
Deepavali – Deepavali or festival of lights is a Hindu festival celebrated across Asian and southeast Asian countries. The festival marks the triumph of good over evil and is often celebrated by decorative lights, traditional desserts, and bursting firecrackers. During mid-October or early November, Little India in Singapore brightens up with lights, vibrant colors & energetic travelers from all around the globe.
WHAT TO PACK FOR SINGAPORE TRIP
Since Singapore is a city-state, you won’t be needing any heavy clothing attire like trekking jackets or shoes. Bring in some warm clothes that are appropriate for the weather. Cotton tees or hoodies are fine too. Mosquito sprays, sunscreen/body lotion, sunglasses, and a cap/hat are a must.
Do carry a small pouch bag or a handy travel bag to keep all your essentials in there. You may require if exploring destinations on foot. If you’re traveling to Singapore during November and January, then carry some rainy jackets/umbrellas to cover yourself from the rain. You can expect light thunderstorms throughout the day.
That’s pretty much what you need in your travel bag. Keep it light, but keep all those essentials you require.
HOW MANY DAYS/ NIGHTS ARE REQUIRED TO VISIT SINGAPORE CITY?
Ideally speaking, 3-4 days is enough to explore Singapore. You can easily cover major attractions, a few experiences & also some unique spots. Singapore is a great destination when it comes to short/long traveling. Few tourists who travel to Singapore like to stay for more than 7 days. But mostly these travelers prefer relaxing & spending some leisure days in the city. For a normal traveler, who wants to have a good sort of experience, 4 days is just fine.
CONCLUSION
Hope you had a good read! And most importantly, you got a gist of what to expect during your first visit to Singapore. I’ll be coming up with exclusive travel plans & itineraries for Singapore specifically – to help you plan a perfect overall trip. Till then stay tuned & happy traveling!
