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Is Singapore Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons Not To Go

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This modern city-state is a hub of culture, technology, and global finance, but it also comes with its own set of challenges, including its high cost of living and strict regulations.

We’re diving deep into the pros and cons of visiting Singapore to help you decide if this unique destination should be on your travel bucket list. From its multicultural atmosphere and culinary delights to its restrictions and humid climate, we’ve got it all covered.

Key Takeaways:

• Who Should Visit: From luxury travelers to food aficionados, there’s something for various types of tourists.
• Who Should Skip: Budget travelers and adventure-seekers might want to look elsewhere.

So, buckle up as we explore the many facets of Singapore—both the good and the bad—to help you make an informed decision.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first overseas trip, this blog post aims to offer valuable insights into what makes Singapore a must-visit or a miss.

Table of contents:

10 Reasons not to visit Singapore

While Singapore has many merits, there are also reasons some people might choose not to visit. Here are ten such considerations:

• High Cost of Living : Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world, especially when it comes to dining, shopping, and accommodations. Visitors on a budget may find it challenging to get the most out of their trip.
• Strict Laws and Fines : Singapore is known for its stringent laws and heavy fines for offenses that might be considered minor in other countries, such as littering, jaywalking, or chewing gum. Some tourists may find this environment to be overly restrictive.
• Humid Climate : The tropical climate can be oppressive, with high humidity and temperatures year-round. This might not be comfortable for everyone, particularly those not accustomed to such weather.
• Crowds and Congestion : Being a small yet densely populated country, some of Singapore’s tourist spots can get very crowded, particularly during peak seasons. If you prefer less crowded travel destinations, this could be a drawback.
• Limited Natural Attractions : While Singapore does offer some green spaces like the Botanic Gardens and the Southern Ridges, it lacks the natural diversity found in other destinations. There are no mountains, rivers, or rural landscapes that offer extensive outdoor adventure opportunities.
• Small Size : The city-state’s small geographical size means that there’s a limit to what you can explore. If you’re looking for a destination with a vast variety of experiences spread across different cities or regions, Singapore might feel limiting.
• Less Authentic Cultural Experience : Due to its modernization and Westernization, some travelers feel that Singapore lacks the “authentic” Asian cultural experience that can be found in other countries in the region.
• Heavy Commercialization : The city has a strong focus on consumerism, evident in its countless malls and shopping districts. For those looking for a more historically rich or spiritual journey, Singapore may not be the ideal destination.
• Tourist Traps : Like many popular travel destinations, Singapore has its share of tourist traps where things are overpriced and not necessarily reflective of the best the country has to offer.
• Limited Backpacking Opportunities : If you’re an adventure traveler or backpacker seeking rustic experiences or cheap travel options, Singapore might not be the most accommodating destination. Hostel and budget lodging options are available but are limited compared to other Southeast Asian countries.

Despite these points, many visitors find that the positives outweigh the negatives and enjoy their time in Singapore. It’s essential to weigh your own preferences and needs when considering a trip to the Lion City.

Who Should Skip Visiting Singapore?

While Singapore has a lot to offer, it’s not for everyone. Knowing your own travel preferences and needs is key. If you fall into any of the categories below, you might want to consider other destinations that better align with what you’re seeking in a travel experience.

Adventure-Seekers

If your ideal vacation involves rugged landscapes, extreme sports, or wilderness adventures , Singapore might disappoint you. While it has some green spaces and water activities, it lacks the natural terrain for more adventurous pursuits like mountain climbing or whitewater rafting.

Budget Travelers

If you’re traveling on a shoestring budget , Singapore might not be the best choice. The cost of accommodation, dining, and activities can quickly add up, making it a challenging destination for budget-conscious travelers.

Those Seeking Authentic Cultural Experiences

While Singapore is culturally diverse, it is also highly modernized. If you’re looking for a destination that offers an “authentic” experience —think rural villages, ancient temples, and untouched landscapes—you might find Singapore too polished and cosmopolitan.

Travelers Looking for Long-Term Stays

Unless you’re in Singapore for business or have a higher budget, the city might not be the most suitable for extended stays . Due to the high living costs, a longer vacation here can be quite taxing on your finances.

People Uncomfortable with Humidity

Singapore has a tropical climate with high humidity levels throughout the year. If you find such weather conditions uncomfortable, it might not be the destination for you.

10 Reasons to visit Singapore

Singapore is a vibrant and dynamic city-state that offers a unique blend of cultures, cuisines, and experiences. Here are ten compelling reasons to visit Singapore:

• Cultural Diversity : Singapore is a melting pot of various cultures, including Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences. This diversity is reflected in the city’s festivals, food, and architecture, offering an enriching experience for visitors.
• World-Class Food : From Michelin-starred restaurants to local hawker centers, Singapore is a food lover’s paradise. The city offers an array of culinary delights, including local dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and char kway teow, as well as international cuisines.
• Clean and Safe Environment : Singapore is renowned for its cleanliness and stringent laws that make it one of the safest cities in the world. This allows tourists to explore the city with a sense of security and ease.
• Efficient Public Transport : With an extensive MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system and well-maintained roads, getting around Singapore is both easy and efficient. Most attractions are just a short train ride or walk away.
• Innovative Architecture and Skyscrapers : The city is home to some of the world’s most innovative architecture, such as the iconic Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay with its Supertree Grove, and the futuristic cloud forest.
• Shopping : Whether you’re looking for high-end luxury brands on Orchard Road or bargain hunting in local markets like Bugis Street, Singapore offers a wide range of shopping experiences for every kind of spender.
• Green Spaces : Despite being a bustling city, Singapore has an abundance of green spaces like the Singapore Botanic Gardens , East Coast Park, and MacRitchie Reservoir for those who want to escape the urban jungle.
• Family-Friendly Attractions : Singapore offers a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions, such as the Singapore Zoo, S.E.A. Aquarium, and Universal Studios Singapore, making it a great destination for families.
• Vibrant Nightlife : From swanky rooftop bars to bustling nightclubs and hawker centers that remain open late into the night, Singapore offers an array of options for those looking to experience the city after dark.
• Strategic Location for Travel : Singapore’s Changi Airport is one of the best and busiest airports in the world, making it a convenient gateway for those looking to explore other parts of Southeast Asia.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a foodie, or someone looking for a luxurious getaway, Singapore has something to offer.

Who Should Visit Singapore?

Singapore offers a range of experiences that can cater to various types of travelers. Whether you’re an urban explorer, a family on vacation, or someone looking to enjoy the high life, Singapore may have something for you .

Urban Explorers

If you thrive in bustling cities , Singapore is your playground. With its glittering skyscrapers, vibrant neighborhoods, and busy markets, there’s always something happening around the corner. From trendy cafes to art galleries, Singapore is a haven for those who love city life.

Food Aficionados

Gourmet explorers, this is your paradise. Whether you’re a fan of haute cuisine or street food, Singapore offers an array of dishes that delight the palate. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hawker centers serving mouth-watering local fare, the city caters to every type of food lover.

Luxury Travelers

For those who love the finer things in life , Singapore doesn’t disappoint. With world-class hotels, luxury shopping at Orchard Road, and sumptuous fine-dining experiences, this city-state is all about pampering and extravagance.

Traveling with kids? Singapore is an excellent destination for families. The city offers a multitude of child-friendly attractions like Universal Studios, the Singapore Zoo, and the S.E.A. Aquarium. Public areas are clean, and the healthcare system is top-notch, offering peace of mind to parents.

Business Travelers

Singapore is a global financial hub , making it a frequent stopover for business travelers. If you’re in town for work, take some time to explore; the efficient public transportation system makes it easy to see the sights even during a short stay.

Shopaholics

If shopping is your cardio , then gear up for a workout. From high-end boutiques to budget-friendly street markets, Singapore has shopping options that cater to every budget and style.

Tech Enthusiasts

Being a smart city , Singapore is a fascinating visit for tech enthusiasts. The city-state is a global leader in technology and innovation, with plenty of exhibitions, workshops, and stores that will fuel your passion for the latest gadgets and innovations.

Travel tips and tricks:

• Save big on flights with Skyscanner.com – This incredible tool lets you find the most affordable airfare to your dream destination. You’ll love their “Whole Month” feature, which displays the best prices for the entire month. If you’re flexible with travel dates, this is a game-changer for scoring the cheapest tickets.
• Stay in the heart of the action – I always find the perfect accommodation on Booking.com . Their map view lets me filter hotels by my budget and select ones that are right in the center of it all. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this easy way to book your ideal stay!
• Go beyond the resort – I’m all about making the most of my trips, and GetYourGuide.com has been a lifesaver for booking unforgettable tours and day trips. It’s the most hassle-free way to dive into the local culture and explore the hidden gems in every new place.
• Hit the road with DiscoverCars.com – There’s no better way to explore your destination than by car! Renting a vehicle has never been easier, and with their competitive prices, you’ll have the freedom to create your own adventures.

I highly recommend trying these tools for yourself – not only will you save money, but you’ll also create memories that last a lifetime. Happy travels!

1 thought on “Is Singapore Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons Not To Go”

Wow, Singapore seems like a real mix of pros and cons! I’m all in for the food and vibrant culture, but I’ll definitely watch my budget if I ever plan a visit. Thanks for the insights

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Is Singapore worth visiting? And everything else you have wanted to know before you go

If you are wondering is Singapore worth visiting, then this is the post for you. We answer all the important questions like ‘is Singapore expensive’, and ‘what is there to do in Singapore’ in order to help you decide once and for all if you should visit Singapore.

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Before we answer the question ‘Is Singapore worth visiting’ here is some background

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Singapore, or as it is officially known, the Republic of Singapore, is a city-state located in Southeast Asia. The country itself is geographically small and one of the smallest in Southeast Asia, but economically incredibly prosperous.

Singapore is made up of a number of islands. In addition to it’s main island it includes another 63 islands, although many of these are uninhabited.

Singapore has a number of claims to fame. For starters, it has an award winning airport – Changi – which is almost a tourist destination in itself.

It is also known for being incredibly safe, with strict laws on things like chewing gum, and flushing toilets! But we will get to that later.

Languages Spoken:  English, Tamil, Malay, Mandarin and Singlish

Currency:  Singapore Dollar (SGD)

Singapore is probably one of the more expensive cities to visit in Southeast Asia, but is still relatively cheap in comparison to western standards. If you are used to the cheaper costs of say Thailand or Indonesia, then you might be a little bit shocked when visiting Singapore. That being said, it has nothing on the likes of Copenhagen , or London for that matter when it comes to costs.

You can definitely travel on a budget in Singapore, as there is accommodation to suit every kind of traveller. For a mid-range trip we would say that you are looking at spending around SG$250 – 300 per person per day.

Food tends to be cheap in Singapore, and you have cheap good quality eats at the Hawker Markets. That being said there are also several luxury restaurants that you can eat at that will cost substantially more. Alcohol tends to be a little bit more expensive in Singapore than the likes of Europe, so keep that in mind if you are wanting to sip cocktails during your time here.

Most places in Singapore will accept card payment, so you won’t need to carry a lot of cash with you here. Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, taxis, and bars. You may need cash if you are planning to visit some of the smaller markets dotted around, but the vast majority of places have embraced card payment.

Linguistically Singapore is quite diverse and a number of languages are spoken in Singapore. Officially there are 4 languages spoken in Singapore. These are – Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English. You may also encounter people speaking ‘Singlish’, which is a creole English that includes words from all Singapore’s languages.

Singapore is a well connected country, making it incredibly easy to get to. A lot of international airlines stop here, and it is a popular stopover destination when travelling between Australia and Europe. Once you are at Changi Airport getting into the city is relatively easy. You have options to get a taxi or a shuttle bus that will take you directly to your hotel. You can also use the MRT to get you into town or close to many of the key tourist attractions in Singapore.

Singapore is only small which means that you won’t need a lot of time to explore. We would recommend a minimum of 2 days in Singapore and a maximum of about 5 days, to see the sights, enjoy some great food, and get to grips with the nightlife and culture.

Singapore is by far my favourite stopover destination when I fly between my current home of Manchester and my family home in Brisbane . The airport is an international hub, for airlines from around the world. It’s also home to Singapore Airlines, which is frequently winning awards as one of the best airlines in the world. The airport is really easy to navigate, and if you have a minimum of 5 and a half hours between flights and maximum of 24 hours you can sign up for a free city tour .

Singapore is by far one of the safest places that we have travelled to. Crimes against tourists are incredibly rare, and it is one of those places that you can feel comfortable even as a lone female traveller at night. Obviously you should always have your wits about you, no matter how safe it may be. We always recommend following tips like, keeping your cash/ money hidden, don’t walk around alone at night, and other basic precautions.

One of the reasons Singapore is so safe is because it has some incredibly strict laws. Some of them make sense, like don’t litter or be drunk and disorderly in public. Others may surprise you, like no chewing gum, or vaping. Smoking is also heavily regulated, and banned in many places so if you do smoke make sure you are doing so in designated places. Make sure you check the rules before you travel.

If you are wondering ‘is Singapore worth visiting compared to other Asian cities’ the answer is absolutely. Singapore is a very unique place to visit. It is a complete melting pot of different cultures, incredibly clean, and very futuristic when it comes to urban design. It’s a great introduction to Asia, particularly if you are wanting to be a little more cautious when it comes to food and other experiences.

That being said if you are after a rowdy party vibe, a cheap trip, or fast paced urban sprawl, then this may not be the place for you. Singapore is way more controlled with it’s clean streets, and meticulous urban planning and architecture. It’s nowhere near as raw and gritty as the likes of Bangkok or Bali, and so it is a very different trip if you choose to visit.

Public transport is really easy to use in Singapore, and not only that but it’s clean and incredibly efficient. The best way to get around is via the MRT (Mass Rapid Transport), which has subway routes across the country. And even better news is that most of the key tourist attractions are accessibly by MRT.

We recommend purchasing the  Singapore Tourist Pass  which allows unlimited travel on public transport for as long as it is valid. You just need to pay a deposit on the card, at selected stations (including Changi Airport), and then pay for your travel. On average you are looking at paying for unlimited travel for one day at SG$10, two days for SG$16 or three days for SG$20.

And if all else fails, you can also just book a hop on hop off bus tour to help you get around Singapore.

What is there to do in Singapore?

You might be wondering is Singapore worth visiting for the tourist attractions alone? There is a lot to see and do in Singapore and we cannot cover everything here, but here are some of the highlights to help you decide.

And if you are looking for more top Singapore attractions and highlights you can checkout this post.

Keong Saik Road is one of those places in Singapore that has changed over the years. Once a seedy hangout for criminals, and a red light district, it is now a hip tourist area. There are a number of restaurants and bars here, and it is just a cool place to take photos and hang out.

Orchard Road is another popular tourist area in Singapore, mostly because it is luxury shopping heaven. Even if you can’t afford to indulge at one of the luxury stores, you can still walk around and visit places like Ngee Ann City, the largest mall on the street, and home of the second largest book shop in Asia.

The Singapore Botanical Gardens are also located near here, and are a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the shopping district. The gardens are over 163 years old and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so absolutely worth a visit.

Raffles Hotel is a heritage listed site with beautiful gardens and old style bars. It is a colonial style hotel, which was established in 1887 by the Sarkies Brothers. It has had a tumultuous history, but since 1987 it was declared a National Monument by the Singaporean Government. The hotel is also said to be where the Singapore Sling was invented, so if you have the time pop by to try the world famous cocktail.

I don’t usually like or promote zoos when travelling, but the Singapore Zoo feels slightly different. The animals are well looked after in their impressive habitats. There is also a night tour you can do of the zoo to learn all about the animals and what they get up to in the evenings.

Views in Singapore are all the rage, and the skyline is stunning so take every opportunity you can to experience it. The Singapore Flyer is the largest observation wheel in the world and not only gives you the chance to admire the Singapore skyline but also the Spice Islands of Indonesia and Straits of Johor in Malaysia.

Gardens by the Bay is one attraction in Singapore you do not want to miss. It is home to the Supertree Grove as well as a very impressive flower dome. The gardens cover 101 hectares and were created to transform Singapore into a green city.

It’s free to visit, although some attractions like the Skyway at the Supertree Grove and entry to the Cloud Forrest will cost you.

Chinatown is one of the best areas to explore in Singapore. Not only is it one of the best places for souvenirs, but there is so much incredible food here too.

In terms of attractions you have the Sri Mariamman Temple, and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple which are both worth a visit.

Another fantastic area to explore in Singapore is Little India. It really highlights the cultural diversity of Singapore. One of the best things about Little India, is the brightly coloured buildings which are perfect for those all important photo ops.

If you have a few days in Singapore then you should try and get to Sentosa Island. It is the beachy/ theme park heavy part of Singapore perfect for families and couples. You can visit the Merlion, or do some watersports, or visit one of the theme parks.

One of the most recognisable buildings in Singapore has to be the Marina Bay Sands. The cool thing is there is an observation deck near on the 57th floor of one the towers that provides you with some excellent views of Singapore.

Personally we think Singapore is a fantastic place for foodies to visit. It’s a truly diverse and multicultural nation which is evident in the street food on offer. You will find a lot of Malaysian, Chinese, Indian, and Indonesian style foods here- all at a reasonable price too.

One of the best places to go for food has to be a Hawker Market. The largest one is located in Chinatown and they serve things like noodles, dumplings, and soups. The food is cheap, fresh, and really good. The only trouble you might have is finding a seat!

Seafood is also a big deal in Singapore, and if you are going to try anything go for the Chilli Crab. It’s incredible. My mouth is literally watering thinking about it right now.

Singapore has some excellent nightlife, however if you are expecting the craziness of Thailand then you will be disappointed. Alcohol is expensive in Singapore, and there are also rules about drunk and disorderly behaviour. That being said if you drink responsibly you can have a great night out.

Anh Siang Road near Chinatown is one of our favourite spots for nightlife with a number of quirky bars and restaurants. You also have a number of rooftop bars that we recommend when visiting Singapore, like 1 Altitude and Level 33.

You might think Singapore is all urban sprawl and not much else, but it’s actually a really good place to visit for nature loves too. There are actually a number of nature reserves in Singapore like the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve which is only a 30 minute drive out of the city. You also have Gardens by the Bay which has been planned and designed but still a great place to go if you are a fan of nature and green space. The city itself has a lot of greenery inside it too, which is nice when you need a break from the hustle and bustle.

Once a place full of pirates and fisherman Singapore has come a long way throughout its history. You will see many aspects of its past including its colonial and post war history throughout the city. There are so many incredible museums that history buffs can visit including the National Museum of Singapore where you can learn all about the rich history of the city-state.

Culture lovers will appreciate Singapore’s rich ethnic diversity. It almost feels like all these amazing cultures and identities come together to coexist peacefully in Singapore. The rich cultural heritage is very much on show here. You only need to walk through Chinatown or Little India to appreciate the mix of various traditions and lifestyles Singapore has to offer.

Singapore is definitely a good place to visit for a couples holiday. You have so many romantic things to do like sipping cocktails at a rooftop bar, or even riding the Singapore Flyer and admiring the views. Sentosa Island is a great place to visit if you are travelling as a couple as you can soak up the beach vibes, and enjoy your time at one of the luxury hotels on the island.

If you are wondering is Singapore worth visiting for solo travellers then the answer is yes. Singapore is a very safe country as mentioned above, which makes it a great place to visit for solo travellers. You wont tend to find a lot of crimes against tourists, and it is also a great place to go for women travelling solo.

Again due to its safety record Singapore is a great holiday destination for families. Sentosa Island is a very popular family destination, as there are a number of theme parks here, as well as idyllic beaches where you can relax as a family.

Singapore is a year round destination so whether you are visiting in summer or winter you will find something to do. There are no real clear cut seasons in Singapore and you will find that the weather is consistent year round averaging between 25 – 31 degrees Celsius. The summer months of June, July and August are probably the least rainy of the months making it a great time to visit.

Winter in Singapore is also the rainier part of the year, with December being the most humid of all. The weather is still warm though averaging around the 30 degrees Celsius mark, making it a popular time to visit.

Apart from your usual holiday packing list here are some things that we think you should pack when visiting Singapore.

• An umbrella – particularly useful during rainy season.
• A rain coat.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and other items to protect against the heat.
• Cotton clothes due to the humidity.
• A comfy pair of walking shoes.
• Masks and sanitiser – even without covid I always bring sanitiser on all my trips, but the mask is definitely important (check the rules before you go).
• A reusable drink bottle.

Here are some things that we think you should know before you visiting Singapore.

• Carry some water around with you when exploring, because it does get super hot – but don’t eat or drink on public transport!
• Be prepared for the humidity.
• Check the covid rules before you go!
• Also brush up on the laws in Singapore before visiting as these may be acceptable in other parts of the world (like chewing gum) but not here.

So ‘Is Singapore worth visiting’? We think yes Singapore is very much worth visiting. Not only is it a great stopover city, with lots to see and do, it’s also incredibly clean, and safe, making it a fantastic introduction to Asia.

Hopefully this article has helped you decide if you should visiting Singapore or not. Please do pin this guide for later if you have found it useful. Happy travels!

Wanderlust and Life is a blog for those that love to travel.

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It may be the one of the most expensive cities in the world , but Singapore has racked up plenty of other superlatives: cleanest, best planned, and, quite possibly, most entertaining. The Lion City is home to the largest rooftop infinity pool, the world's first safari park for nocturnal animals, centuries-old temples and, of course, some of the best food on the planet. You'll also find extraordinary gardens, impressive architecture, world-class performance venues, and shopping streets. The city-state offers a fascinating melding of the old and new, the historic and the modern. Since the pandemic, most of the attractions have reopened safely, adhering to Singapore’s safe management measures and SG Clean certification guidelines . Read on for our picks of the best things to do in Singapore. 

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This is a hugely popular tourist attraction in Singapore, and rightly so. The breadth of plants and the creative ways in which they're displayed is awe-inspiring. In one part of the conservatory, the Cloud Forest mimics the cool-moist ecology of the tropical highlands. It has a treetop walk and an oft-photographed indoor 114-foot waterfall. 

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With more than 9,000 works, National Gallery Singapore owns the largest public collection of modern art in Southeast Asia. It's spread across two beautiful national monuments: City Hall and the country’s former Supreme Court. Some visitors spend half a day (or more) wandering the museum’s many galleries. If you're looking to avoid lines, consider going on a weekday and buying your tickets in advance online.

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Are you a hipster? Or a devout Muslim? Do you like unconventional modern art or traditional Arab crafts? Do you just want that Instagram snap or are you interested in learning more about this historic district, from its red-light leanings to its religious importance? Or maybe you just want a slice of the delicious kaya swiss roll from the famous Rich & Good Cake Shop? If you answered yes to any of these things, this delightfully eclectic enclave is for you. Singapore's Muslim quarter dates back to the 1800s, but the area has grown and changed, blending the religious and historical with a modern take on the city-state.

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The Intan is a private home that houses one of Singapore’s most impressive collections of Peranakan artifacts. Owner Alvin Yapp has spent 30-plus years collecting 1,500 objects from Peranakan culture, most notably kasut manek (ornate beaded slippers worn by Straits Chinese women) and enamel tiffin carriers hand-painted in delicate floral patterns. Yapp's post-war home is a labor of love, and it shows in the meticulous way that he has arranged every square inch of it. Visits are strictly by appointment only.

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Forget manicured or wild, this eight-acre outdoor art park is bizarre but a feast for the eyes. It was set up in the 1930s—before the advent of TV and the Internet—by Tiger Balm founder and philanthropist Aw Boon Haw, who commissioned more than 1,000 detailed sculptures and dioramas that would teach traditional Chinese values. Back then, it was popular and crowded, but has become less so over the years. And though it's lost a bit of its luster, that only lends to its charm and 'raw' feel—what you get here is an unfiltered, in-your-face lesson on Chinese morals and culture that doesn't sit behind velvet ropes or glass panels, and isn't crawling with tourists. Also of note: This "Asian cultural park" claims to be the last of its kind in the world, though it's hard to imagine there were many like this to begin with. 

St. Andrew's Cathedral Arrow

You can't miss this giant, wedding-cake-like monument in the middle of Singapore's Civic District—it's one of the oldest buildings in the area and perhaps the most imposing, with its Neo Gothic design topped with a minimalist spire. Park grounds surround the structure so it stands out as a sanctuary in the midst of a busy urban area. This is Singapore's largest cathedral and also its oldest Anglican house of worship. It's a gem for history, culture, and architecture buffs.

Thian Hock Keng Arrow

Thian Hock Keng Temple, a.k.a. Tianfu Temple, is Singapore’s oldest Buddhist temple. The elaborate architecture, done up in the traditional southern Chinese style, was built without using a single nail. Now fully restored, it's a feast for the eyes with its dragon and phoenix sculptures and Fujian-style broken porcelain roof ridges. Photos aren't allowed in most parts of the temple, and you'll likely get caught if you try to snap one. So you'll have to just keep those memories with you. If you can't keep your camera in your purse, don't go. This is not a selfie op. Admission is free, but it still never gets too crowded.

Sentosa Arrow

Sentosa is a 1,236-acre island resort off the southern coast of Singapore that's home to major tourist attractions like Universal Studios Singapore and the S.E.A. Aquarium. Singaporeans and international travelers also flock here to hang out on the beaches, zip line at Mega Adventure Park, shop at the massive Luxury Fashion Galleria, and more. Golf is a big deal here, too—the Sentosa Golf Club has two award-winning courses. In short, the island is a tourism machine, fine-tuned to appeal to a broad range of people—except those seeking an off-the-beaten-path vacation.

The Southern Ridges Arrow

The Southern Ridges is a 6.2-mile recreational trail that connects five parks along the southern ridge of Singapore—Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill, HortPark, Kent Ridge Park, and Labrador Nature Reserve. Like everything in Singapore, it's well-constructed and manicured. The landscape varies between jungle-like canopies of trees, unusual flora and fauna, and architecturally magnificent walkways. If you aren't up for the full five plus miles make sure you get to Henderson Waves, a timber deck lofted 256 feet in the air. It's the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore and beloved by photographers for its undulating curves.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Arrow

This sanctuary for flora and fauna—an ASEAN Heritage Park—is as wild as it gets in manicured Singapore. The 500 acres of land is made up of mangroves, mudflats, ponds, and forests that are home to a biodiverse ecosystem of mudskippers, crabs, water snakes, monitor lizards, otters, and the odd crocodile. It's also a spot for birders —an internationally recognized site of importance for migratory birds and is part of the East Asian Australasian Shorebird Site Network. But despite how untouched it is, the trails are quite flat and the whole place is fairly easy to navigate.

East Coast Road Arrow

There's perhaps no better place to get a taste of Singapore—literally and figuratively—than by strolling through the East Coast Road enclave. Along this lively two mile stretch (one of Singapore's earliest delineated roads), colorful heritage shophouses sit shoulder to shoulder, forming a personality-packed backdrop for photos. Even better: They house some of the island's best eateries , including 328 Katong Laksa for its namesake dish, plus a handful of museums and stores showcasing the Peranakan—or Straits Chinese—culture that forms a large part of the local identity. The area is also a stone's throw from East Coast Park, where you can have a seaside stroll to counter the calories you'll inevitably consume along the way.

Singapore Botanic Gardens Arrow

This UNESCO World Heritage site is carved into three main areas, or "cores." The Tanglin core is the oldest and the one visitors see first as they pass through the historic Tanglin Gate. The Tyersall-Gallop core is integrated into the park’s existing rainforest and the Bukit Timah core is home to a children's garden complete with treehouses, a suspension bridge, and farm. Visit the National Orchid Garden to see more than 1,000 species of orchids and 2,000 hybrids on display.

Night Safari Arrow

This is the world's first safari park for nocturnal animals and a wildly popular one at that. It's operated by the same group that runs the equally popular Singapore Zoo. The 86-acre reserve houses some 2,500 animals from 130 species, more than a third of which are endangered. Guests ride around the park on complimentary guided trams. The tour itself takes about 40 minutes and covers seven themed geographic areas, but specific animal sightings are never guaranteed. On the weekend and with advance booking, you can observe live tiger feedings. If you have the ability to walk some of the trails, do it. It'll get you away from the tourist scrum and you're more likely to encounter reserved animals.

Clarke Quay Arrow

In the 1800s, this quay, or wharf, near modern-day Fort Canning Park , was one of the centers of trade, when barges would transport goods upstream for storage in the warehouses. Today, the warehouses have been restored and painted in rainbow hues, making this a great photo spot. Instagram-worthiness aside, Clarke Quay has also become one of Singapore's food, drink, and entertainment hubs. The whole area has been converted into an open-air pedestrian precinct filled with restaurants, bars, and clubs.

Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay Arrow

The premier art venue in Singapore, the Esplanade is home to multiple performance spaces, including a stunning state-of-the-art concert hall, a horseshoe-shaped theater with an orchestra pit, a more intimate recital studio for chamber music and jazz concerts, an outdoor theater, and an open-air concert space. The building is an architectural marvel (it's the face of Singapore’s five-cent coins). The dome's spiky exterior has earned it the nickname “durian” in reference to the sometimes-polarizing Southeast Asian fruit. Anyone who loves architecture should swing by for a photo op.

Old Airport Road Food Centre Arrow

At more than 40 years old, Old Airport Road Food Centre is one of Singapore's best-loved hawker complexes , with 150 stalls spread across a single floor in neat rows. It can seem daunting, but as a general rule, a long line in front of a stall means excellent food. And while it can be quite a wait, food-obsessed Singaporeans will assure you that it's totally worth it. Dishes that demand your patience here include hokkien mee (fried yellow wheat noodles doused in a seafood stock and studded with prawns and pork) from Nam Sing Hokkien Mee, and silky beancurd pudding from Lao Ban Soya Beancurd.

Mint Museum of Toys Arrow

The main reason people come to MINT is to see the private collection of toys, which includes more than 50,000 items (around 8,000 of which are on display) hailing from 40 countries and dating as far back as the 1840s. Beyond the toys, the permanent collection includes two galleries devoted to vintage enamel signs. The museum is rarely crowded, unless there is a special event going on. The collection itself is impressive, but some of the exhibits are too darkly lit and obscurem making this is a better stop for those with niche knowledge. 

Sifr Aromatics Arrow

This one-of-a-kind, independently owned fragrance shop in Singapore's Kampong Glam neighborhood feels like a secret you want to keep to yourself. Owner Johari Kazura is a third-generation perfumer, but his approach to scents is more novel—and infinitely customizable. Several dozen perfumes and colognes are pre-made and part of his regular stable; others are mixed-to-order based on a customer's personal preferences. If you want a custom-blended scent, book a reservation in advance and block out at least 90 minutes for the session. (It's an excellent gift idea, too.)

Singapore Art Museum Arrow

SAM specializes in contemporary art from Singapore and Southeast Asia. When it opened in 1996 in a restored 19th-century Catholic boys school, it was the first art museum in the country. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in works by contemporary Asian artists. The collection covers multiple disciplines, including painting, photography, video, and sculpture.

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Is Singapore Expensive? One Week Singapore Itinerary

Is Singapore worth visiting? Is Singapore Expensive? Read all about Singapore from both a Tourist and a Business Traveler Viewpoint. Plus, FOOD!!!

“ Is Singapore worth visiting?  ” was probably one of the most frequently asked questions by travelers planning which SE Asian countries to explore in their journeys.

“It’s expensive. There’s no adventure there. Way too many rules” were amongst the top complaints by travelers that have already been to the city of the Merlion.

But could it be possible that they are wrong and Singapore is in fact an awesome city to travel to either for business or pleasure?

Here’s the story of my epic week in Singapore my wonder friend. Warning: The photos here might make you think you’re actually in the future!!!

Is Singapore Worth Visiting? The Funky Futuristic Hub of SE Asia

When you think of cities in SE Asia, the words “pristine clean and crime-free” are probably hard to come up with but Singapore is definitely up there (and even above, if you ask me) with the metropolitan cities found in North America and Western Europe.

This virtual quasi-perfection is actually what turns off most adventure seekers since there’s technically nothing that can go wrong. After all, the most epic travel anecdotes of SE Asia usually involve doing things that are slightly outside the boundaries of legality.

Singapore? Singapore thrives with rules and regulations including a ban on chewing gum as well as a ban on drinking water while you’re on the metro. Say what? Are they going to ban Sombreros too?

And yes, I’m probably exaggerating a little bit but trust me, as long as you play by the rules, you shall be totally fine and have the time of your life in this bubbling city filled with many interesting attractions (most of them totally free of charge).

During my most recent visit to Singapore I was able to see the city as a tourist as well as a business traveler and here are my different takes on what to expect from both sides of the spectrum.

Tip of Wonders: If you’re arriving at the airport during daytime hours, the MRT (metro) is the best non-expensive option by far.

However, if you’re arriving late at night, my best suggestion is to try out Black Lane for airport transfer in Singapore . Traveling by a black limo is pretty dope yo!

As per the new e-service launched by ICA (Immigration and Checkpoints Authority) now the visitors can obtain their Singapore Arrival Card for a stay of up to 14 days.

Singapore on a Budget AKA how to enjoy without filing for bankruptcy

If you’re visiting Singapore as a tourist, chances are that you’re having a stop-over on the way to a third SE Asian destination and you decided to make the most of it.

It is also likely that you’re probably going to spend more money in 2 days than on 2 weeks in Vietnam. Honestly, I’m still in total shock after paying 6 USD for a bowl of Pho soup!

Nevertheless, the best two attractions of Singapore (in my opinion) are TOTALLY FREE of charge and actually just in front of each other: The Marina Bay Sands Light and Water Show and the Night Rhapsody at the Gardens by the Bay.

The Marina Bay Sands Light and Water Show (aptly named Wonder Full) takes place every day at 8:00 pm and 9:30 pm (on weekends there’s an extra performance at 11:00) and it’s basically 15 minutes of pushing the boundaries of creativity and storytelling.

The show can be best enjoyed outside of the Marina Bay Sands Shopping Mall overlooking the bay (be sure NOT to sit at the front since your view will be very limited and people will shout at you if you try to stand up).

Would you like to listen to Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World”? Come to Singapore and feel the magic!

The second (and frankly, my personal favorite) free attraction of Singapore is the Night Rhapsody at the Gardens by the Bay that takes place every day at 7:45pm and 8:45pm.

Fancy a little bit of Broadway in your life? Enjoy the razzle dazzle while the supertrees light up in an alien futuristic setting my wonder friends!

Note: Entrance to the Gardens themselves is free of charge but you have to pay if you want to enter the closed domes or if you want to walk the sky bridge atop the trees.

Where to stay in Singapore on a Budget

Singapore has its fair share of luxury hotels, boutique hotels, sky high apartment rentals, cozy hostels and much much much more. During my first few days in Singapore I partnered with Far East Hospitality to explore two very different areas of the city.

The first stop was Chinatown and the AMOY Boutique Hotel whose entrance is actually a museum about the history of Singapore itself. Isn’t it crazy how fast the economy and wealth of this tiny country developed??? Plus, the Lau Pa Sat hawker food centre is just a few mins away. BEST SATAY EVER!

The second stop was the Luxurious Village Hotel Katong located in the Joo Chiat ‘hood where one can enjoy the distinct Peranakan culture and a dish of laksa, the signature dish of Singapore. Bonus points if you manage to find the legendary laksa place that Gordon Ramsey visited. No hints!!!

Isn’t this bath tube inside the bedroom the stuff that dreams are made of?

You can make a booking for this and more properties via our  Booking.com Affiliate Link of Wonders !

Same price for you and a small pocket money commission for this website of yours.

Sweet deal, uh?

Singapore as a Business Traveler AKA how to get ready to conquer the City of the Merlion LIKE A BOSS

As I mentioned before, the main purpose of my trip to Singapore was purely business (although quoting James Bond, my typer of business is always my pleasure): my first speaking engagement at a Travel Conference.

To be more specific, I was invited to speak at ITB Asia about Social Media Travel Marketing alongside other awesome Travel Bloggers, all of us board members of the Professional Travel Bloggers Association.

Pretty groovy, uh?

I’ll kid you not: business travel is exhausting. Meetings, networking, drinks and work take place at both day and night time so it’s no wonder (ha) that most business travelers have 0 time to do any sight seeing.

My Tip of Wonders? Schedule off-site meetings near the conference centre in cafes or bars located in EPIC places. You’ll be surprised to see how creative a new setting is for the business mind.

The sky is not even the limit when it comes to doing business in the City of the Merlion (can you believe I got invited to a kick boxing training booth camp?) so be sure to aim high high high!!!

Whether you’re visiting Singapore for business or for pleasure, the city will marvel you with its mixture of convenience (EVERYBODY speaks amazing English!!!) and exoticness (China Town, Little India and Arab Street will charm you with their authenticity).

And yes, don’t forget to grab a drink (OF COURSE it has to be the Original Singapore Sling) atop the iconic Marina Bay Sands to enjoy THE best night view of the City of the Merlion.

Next time I’m swimming in that infinity pool for sure!!! Mark my words!

And speaking about the Merlion…well, let’s just say that it has the honor of joining the Meneken Piss and the Little Mermaid in my list of over rated iconic statues. They do sell amazing ice cream in a around the area so I guess it ain’t so bad?

Other interesting places to visit (which I didn’t for lack of time) include Sentosa Island, Tekka Centre (epic food court in Little India) and Universal Studious. Next time. There’s always a next time.

Long story short…is Singapore worth visiting? YES. YES. THOUSAND TIMES YES! BEST FOOD IN ASIA BY FAR!!!

Where to stay in Singapore if you’re visiting as a Business Traveler

Sometimes, location is better than luxury and that’s why apartment rentals are some of the most popular choices for business travelers to Singapore, specially those that are walking distance to the conference centers.

This time, I stayed at the Metro Residences located just a few minutes walk to the bay area of Singapore. The rooms are very cozy and they even have not one but TWO pools in the building. If you’re looking for corporate rentals, this is definitely a good choice.

This is my work view from the private balcony. Not bad for getting some wonderful writing inspiration, uh?

I hope you have enjoyed this article about the Wonders of Singapore. Don’t forget to subscribe in order to get more awesome updates and tips straight to your e-mail!

Have you ever been to Singapore? Would you like to? How was your experience like? Boring or Exciting? Share your thoughts and let me know what you think!

Until next time, my friends!

10 of the best things to do in Singapore in 2024

Mar 7, 2024 • 7 min read

From the Marina Bay to the hawker centers, here are Singapore's best unmissable experiences © Jirath Ninchaikovit

Singapore may be small compared to its Asian neighbors, but there's a  lot  packed into this city-state. Between the incredible food markets and high-end restaurants, gleaming skyline and cultural wealth, your main problem will be knowing where to start.

Its compact size makes it easy to get around quickly, meaning you can pack a lot into a short trip or even a layover. Here are my 10 top things to do in Singapore .

1. Dine on Singapore's famous hawker food

There are plenty of fine dining establishments in Singapore, but if you want to eat like a local , head to any of the country's open-air hawker centers and fill your belly with a range of cheap and diverse street food. So culturally significant are these hawker centers that they were inscribed to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020. 

Wondering which one to choose first? Every Singaporean will recommend a different favorite, but some good options include: Chinatown Complex , the largest with over 200 stalls; Lau Pa Sat , one of the most historical as a gazetted national monument; East Coast Lagoon Food Village by the sea, perhaps one of the most scenic; and the famous Newton Food Center featured in the movie Crazy Rich Asians.

Local tip: Most hawkers only take cash, so bring small notes and coins.

2. Admire Singapore's iconic skyline at Marina Bay

Show off that you're in Singapore by snapping that postcard-worthy shot of the iconic architecture surrounding Marina Bay. It may be hard to believe, but this area was empty swathes of land until 2010 – and before that, it was open sea. 

Taking a walk along the waterfront is one of the best things to do in Singapore for free . Admire the three towers of the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort, take a goofy shot with the water-spouting Merlion statue and stroll across the Helix Bridge (with its DNA-inspired swirls) towards the lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum . 

Planning tip: Sunset is a good time to start your walk around Marina Bay. It's cooler, the building lights blaze in their full glory, and if you time it right, you can catch the light and sound shows at the Marina Bay Sands waterfront and Supertree Grove along the way.

3. Indulge in nightlife along the Singapore River

The Singapore River was once the historic center of Singapore in its early entrepôt trading days, and it's the nexus from which the city expanded as it prospered. The warehouses that stored goods along the river banks have since been converted into some of Singapore's top nightlife districts.

Located closest to the river mouth, Boat Quay is the place to enjoy drinks at more laidback pubs with the best waterfront views. Further down, Clarke Quay is home to trendier clubs and watering holes; if you keep going, Robertson Quay offers a quieter enclave with a cluster of nice dining establishments and cafes.

Local tip: Take a river cruise in an old bumboat – these small boats used to trawl the river loaded with goods, and they are a convenient way to sightsee if you need a break from walking.

4. Explore Singapore's historic neighborhoods

Singapore's heritage ethnic neighborhoods were created as a result of British colonial policy that divided the population into different districts according to where they came from. Today, these neighborhoods offer a glimpse into the major ethnic groups that make up Singapore's diverse culture. 

Colorful Chinatown – located near the mouth of the Singapore River – has a delightful mix of temples and shophouses alongside hip restaurants and trendy bars. Kampong Gelam, where the Malays and Arabs lived, centers around the former Sultan's palace and the magnificent Sultan Mosque . And it's easy to lose a few hours wandering the lanes of Little India amidst a mix of aromatic spices, vivid pagodas and bustling weekend crowds.

Detour: Tiong Bahru is one of Singapore's oldest neighborhoods, and today it's gentrified into an intriguing mix of traditional and trendy shops. Meanwhile, Joo Chiat in the east is the best place to learn about the unique mixed Peranakan culture and to see colorful shophouses.

5. Stroll through Singapore's finest gardens

Singapore's "Garden City" nickname is well deserved, thanks to the 400 parks and green spaces all across the island. Gardens by the Bay is one of the most popular thanks to the alien-like Supertrees and the twin glass hemispheres that house the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest – the perfect climate-controlled escape when the tropical humidity gets too sweltering.

Pay a visit to the Singapore Botanic Gardens , one of the few tropical gardens that have been inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage list to date. It's also home to the National Orchid Garden, which has the world's largest orchid display.

6. Hike Singapore's nature trails

Nature lovers can't miss the 10km-long (6.2 miles)  Southern Ridges , one of the most scenic trails in Singapore; highlights include the country's tallest pedestrian bridge and panoramic views of the southern coastline from Mount Faber . Other great options include trekking the 25m-high (33ft) canopy-level Treetop Walk in MacRitchie Reservoir or summiting Singapore's highest peak (a mere 163m/534ft high) in the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve .

Detour: For a real challenge, hike the full 24km-long (15 miles) Rail Corridor that traverses Singapore from south to north along the former railway line that linked Singapore to Malaysia.

7. Visit Singapore's offshore islands 

If you're looking to escape Singapore's ubiquitous tall buildings, your best bet is to hop on a boat and sail to its islands for the day. Sentosa  is the easiest to get to, and it's home to a wide range of attractions, including white sandy beaches, Universal Studios and a casino. 

For quieter spots filled with nature, take a ferry to the Southern Islands cluster of St John's , Lazarus and Kusu Islands, or head up north to Pulau Ubin for the excellent Chek Jawa Wetlands Reserve , outdoor adventure trails, and a throwback to what early Singapore village life might have been like.

Planning tip: Weekends and holidays may see more people visiting the islands, but there will also be a higher frequency of ferries available.

8. Delve into Singapore's history at its best museums

Museum lovers will rejoice at Singapore's array of well-maintained and cutting-edge national museums that showcase the country's culture and history. The National Museum of Singapore , the country's oldest museum, houses immersive multimedia exhibits that trace Singapore's history from past to present, while the majestic National Gallery located in the former City Hall and Supreme Court has the largest collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art. 

For those interested in WWII history, Fort Siloso on Sentosa Island is the last remaining preserved coastal fort, while the Battle Box in Fort Canning Park lets visitors access the former command center of the British troops. A more remote option worth checking out is the Changi Museum & Chapel , which features stories collected from the POWs of the Japanese Occupation and a replica of the Changi Murals painted by a POW.

9. Spend a day at Singapore's wildlife attractions

As space for natural landscapes and wildlife is scarce in Singapore, the Mandai Wildlife Reserve up north offers the best way to experience animal encounters in a controlled environment. Here you'll discover the famous Singapore Zoo with its naturalistic enclosures, the nocturnal Night Safari for animal experiences after dark, River Wonders with river-themed habitats and the Giant Panda enclosure, and the aviaries of Bird Paradise .

For those with a love for the deep blue sea, the S.E.A Aquarium on Sentosa Island houses over 100,000 marine creatures across its two floors of immersive tanks.

Planning tip: Taxis to Mandai Wildlife Reserve incur an additional $3 surcharge because of its remote location. Make the most of Singapore's excellent public transport system and take the MRT to Khatib Station where a $2  Mandai Khatib Shuttle delivers you right to the park's doorstep.

10. Experience Singapore's quirky side

Singapore's big-name attractions are must-sees, but there are plenty of activities that will show you more unusual sides of this island nation. Haw Par Villa is a park filled with statues and dioramas from Chinese stories and mythology – some of which are rather… eccentric. The MINT Museum of Toys is a small private museum next to the renowned Raffles Hotel with the largest collection of vintage toys in Asia.

This article was first published Oct 18, 2021 and updated Mar 7, 2024.

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• The Perfect Itinerary for Spending One Day in Singapore

Are you looking for the perfect way to spend one day in Singapore? Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered!

Singapore is one of my favorite cities in the entire world and since it’s also one of the biggest hubs in Southeast Asia, chances are you’ll be going through Singapore Airport at least once during your travels in this region.

If that happens and you have some extra time on your hands, I would highly recommend setting aside at least one day to explore all that Singapore has to offer.

Although Singapore is a small city-state, it actually has so many things to see and do that it can be overwhelming to decide what to do on a long layover. That’s why I’ve put together this perfect one day Singapore itinerary that will help you make the most of your time. Let’s get into it!

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

Table of Contents

Overview of Your One Day Singapore Itinerary

Breakdown of your one day singapore itinerary.

• Morning: Gardens by the Bay, Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, OCBC Skywalk or Supertree Observatory
• Afternoon: Chinatown, Clarke Quay, Merlion Park, Marina Bay Circuit, Helix Bridge
• Evening: SkyPark Observatory or Ce La Via at Marina Bay Sands, Garden Rhapsody, Spectra

Map for your one day in Singapore

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit on this Singapore itinerary.

I marked the different times of your one day in Singapore with different colors – I used blue for the morning, green for the afternoon, and red for the evening, so you can easily see which places you’re going to visit at which time.

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Morning of Your One Day in Singapore

Having at least 3 or 4 days in Singapore would be the optimal amount of time for visiting. However, many people only have a short layover in Singapore and often have just 24 hours to discover the city.

Do you also have just one day to spend in Singapore? Don’t worry, if you maximize your time you will be able to cover all the must-see spots!

However, it means you will have a really long day with lots of walking so put on your most comfortable shoes, have a coffee in your hand, and let’s go exploring!

Gardens by the Bay

Start your day by heading to Garden by the Bay. This stunning 101-hectare (250-acre) park is home to some of the best attractions in Singapore, including the futuristic-looking supertrees.

These supertrees are actually not trees – they are made of concrete and steel. They work like vertical gardens, and they are home to more than 158,000 plants. Walking among them feels like you are in another world!

There are 18 supertrees around the Gardens by the Bay in total – 12 of them are located at the Supertree Grove, 3 in the Golden Gardens, and another 3 in the Silver Gardens.

Some of them are also embedded with environmentally sustainable functions like photovoltaic cells to harvest solar energy.

So they are not just fascinating to look at, they are actually an important part of the self-sustainable system that runs through the whole Gardens by the Bay.

Although most attractions at Gardens by the Bay only open at 9 am, I highly recommend arriving to the park earlier and taking a stroll among the supertrees.

This is also the best way to avoid the crowds and the midday heat, plus it’s also the best time for taking photos without tons of other tourists around.

To get there, take the MRT to Bayfront Station and then it’s just a short walk from there. Alternatively, Grab has a drop-off location right at the Golden Gardens entrance.

Sadly Gardens by the Bay doesn’t have many options when it comes to breakfast. However, there is one Starbucks right by the Golden Gardens so you can grab a quick cup of coffee or a snack there before you start exploring.

Cloud Forest

Even if you have only one day in Singapore, visiting the  Cloud Forest  and the  Flower Dome  is a real must.

The tickets are a bit pricy as the admission for the two conservatories costs S$53 ($40 US) per person, but it’s really worth every penny!

As you enter the Cloud Forest, you’ll have a first glance at the 35-meter tall mountain covered in lush vegetation that is home to a stunning waterfall. No pictures do justice to how beautiful it is in real life!

This used to be the world’s largest indoor waterfall until it was surpassed by the HSBC Rain Vortex at Changi Airport – way to go, Singapore!

If you want to have a picture in front of the waterfall without the crowds, try to arrive around opening time (9 am) otherwise it will be impossible to have a decent photo.

After you pass the waterfall, make sure to take the elevator up to the mountaintop to access the Cloud Walk. From up there, you’ll have a stunning view of the entire conservatory!

As you start the descent from the top, you’ll also come across several different exhibits such as The Cavern and Crystal Mountain where you can learn more about the rainforest and its inhabitants.

The Cloud Forest has an impressive biodiversity and more than 60,000 plants from all over the world so if you are a plant lover like me, you’ll be in absolute heaven!

One thing to note though is that the temperature inside the Cloud Forest is between 23-25°C (73-77°F) with 80-90% humidity which is the perfect setting for tropical plants.

Compared to the heat outside, you will probably feel quite cold, so make sure to have a light jacket or sweater with you.

You will need at least 1-1.5 hours to explore the Cloud Forest but you can easily spend more than that if you want to take your time and appreciate the beauty of plant heaven.

We ended up spending around 2.5 hours inside but they also had a special Avatar Experience when we visited so this could have added to the time.

Flower Dome

After you finish exploring the Cloud Forest, head over to the Flower Dome next. This is Singapore’s largest cooled conservatory and it’s the perfect escape from the heat outside.

The Flower Dome is home to hundreds of different plants from all over the world that are arranged in several themed gardens including the Sunflower Garden, Mediterranean Garden, and even an Australian Garden.

They also have always-changing floral displays in the middle of the dome which is definitely a must-see!

If you want to learn more about the plants, the Flower Dome also offers complimentary mini-guided tours of various locations inside. These only take place on certain days so make sure to check the schedule before you plan your visit.

As a reference, we spent around 1 hour inside but if you really want to take your time and learn more about the plants, then you should allocate at least 1.5 hours for the Flower Dome.

Supertree Observatory or OCBC Skywalk

If you’ve managed your time right, you can still have time to tick off one more attraction from your Singapore bucket list before heading out to lunch.

And what better way to end your morning than seeing Gardens by the Bay from above?

There are two ways to do this: either you take the elevator up to the Supertree Observatory (S$14/$10 US) which is located on top of the tallest Supertree, or you can take a walk along the OCBC Skyway (S$12/$9 US) which is a 128-meter-long aerial walkway among the Supertrees.

Both options are great – we personally opted for the Supertree Observatory as it’s higher up and offers a more panoramic view of the Gardens by the Bay.

Plus, since we visited around noon, it was better to quickly visit the open part of the observatory on the top and then take in the views from one level below from the air-conditioned area than to walk around the hot skyway!

Afternoon of Your One Day in Singapore

I know that you can’t spend enough time in the Gardens, but it’s time to continue your journey toward Chinatown! I suggest hopping on the blue MRT line for two stops (from Bayfront to Telok Ayer) to save some time.

Chinatown is really different from the rest of the city with its red and gold tones and low-rise buildings. The whole neighborhood is very vivid, with lots of street markets, museums, and temples.

There are actually not just ornate Chinese temples, you can find many Buddhist and Hindu temples as well. Some of the most interesting temples are Sri Mariamman Temple, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, and Thian Hock Keng.

Chinatown is also a great place to grab some lunch and since the food is quite affordable, it’s the perfect place to eat if you’re  visiting Singapore on a budget .

If you would rather sit at a pretty cafe as we did, I can’t recommend Merci Marcel on Club Street enough.

It’s the top-rated breakfast place on Tripadvisor so I knew I had to check it out and it definitely didn’t disappoint! The food was absolutely amazing and the atmosphere was perfect for a relaxed lunch.

How much time you will spend in Chinatown really depends on what you want to do there, but I would suggest at least 2 hours. That should be enough to explore the temples and markets and grab a bite to eat.

Clarke Quay

Clarke Quay is another great neighborhood in Singapore. It is famous for its little colorful houses, stunning riverside restaurants, and endless collection of bars and clubs.

Take some time just to wander around and explore the area – there are some really interesting stores, cafes, and street art. It’s also a good place to have some lunch, or if you already had that in Chinatown, then you can relax a bit with a cup of coffee.

If you want to hit the night later, then Clarke Quay is totally your spot!

As you wander around Clarke Quay, make sure to stop by the Old Hill Street Police Station. I bet it’s going to be the most colorful police station you’ll ever see! Actually, this is not a police station anymore, but the name has not changed.

Now it’s the home to the Ministry of Communication and Information and the Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth. Make sure to take some Instagram-worthy pictures in front of the building!

Merlion Park

The Merlion is the national icon of Singapore, and you simply cannot miss the chance to take a picture with it.

The 8-meter tall Merlion statue is comprised of two parts: the fish body symbolizes the beginning of Singapore as a fishing village, while the lion head represents the city’s original name, Singapura (lion city).

The park itself is quite small, and you can explore it in about 10 minutes. However, the views of Marina Bay are absolutely stunning, and you can take some great pictures here.

Marina Bay Circuit

Now it’s time to head back to Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay for the rest of your one day in Singapore itinerary but there are still a few places to explore along the way.

You will pass by the Marina Bay Street Circuit on your way. Seems familiar? If you are a Formula 1 fan, it should be – it’s the venue for the Singapore Grand Prix!

Even if you’re not a fan, it’s still worth stopping for a few minutes and taking some amazing pictures.

Helix Bridge

In order to reach the Gardens by the Bay from the Marina Bay Circuit, you have to cross the Helix Bridge. This is a pedestrian bridge that links together Marina Centre with Marina South, and it was inspired by the form of a curved DNA structure. It looks really cool!

The bridge has four viewing platforms from where you can have an amazing view over the Marina Bay skyline.

Evening of Your One Day in Singapore

Skypark observation deck or ce la vi at marina bay sands.

The Helix bridge takes you right to the foot of the  Marina Bay Sands Hotel  (the one that looks like a giant ship).

This hotel is the most popular one in Singapore as it features the world’s biggest rooftop infinity pool with breathtaking views over the Singapore skyline.

Unfortunately, the pool has been closed to the public, so you can only try it if you are a guest of the hotel.

However, there are two other options if you want to see the view from the top of the hotel and I would recommend choosing one of them for the evening of your one day in Singapore.

The first option is to visit the SkyPark Observation Deck on the 57th level of the hotel. The observatory offers some amazing views over Singapore and the ticket costs S$32 ($24 US) per person.

Another option is to book a table at Ce La Vi, or just simply visit the bar for some drinks. The bar used to have a free entrance but now every visitor has to pay S$30 ($22 US) as an entrance fee but it’s fully redeemable for food and drinks.

If you opt for the drink option as we did, you can choose between two different venues. The SkyBar on the right overlooks the observatory and basically has the same views, whereas the Club Lounge has a direct view of the iconic infinity pool!

Once you are seated, you can come and go between the two so you will be able to check out the view from both places.

No matter which option you choose (the observatory, the SkyBar, or Club Lounge), I suggest staying until sunset as the views are simply breathtaking. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the golden hour and take some incredible photos.

Garden Rhapsody

After sunset, it’s time to head back to the Gardens by the Bay to see the evening light shows. I know you’ve already been there during the day, but believe me, seeing it during the night will be a completely different experience!

The Supertrees look really awesome in the daylight as well, but the real magic comes when the night falls. The trees perform a magnificent sound and light show every night and it’s a must-see, even if you have only a day in Singapore.

Seeing this light show was hands down one of the most magical experiences in my life and the absolute highlight of visiting Singapore.

I can’t even describe my feelings properly, but I was so touched that I almost ended up crying. It’s really that amazing!

The trees are performing twice every day, at 7.45 pm and 8.45 pm. The show runs for 15 minutes, and it is completely free.

You can choose to watch it from the ground, purchase a ticket for the OCBC Skywalk, or head to the upper gardens which are usually a bit quieter.

If you still have some energy left and don’t mind waiting a little bit, head over to the other side of Marina Bay Sands where you will find another great show: Spectra. It’s a light and water show performed by many dancing fountains and colorful visual projections.

The show is also free, and it starts at 8 pm and 9 pm on a daily basis. I thought after the Supertree light show I would not be amazed by this show – how wrong I was! It is also absolutely spectacular, so don’t miss it!

Useful Info for Spending One Day in Singapore

Where to stay in singapore.

Since you will have only one day in Singapore, I suggest booking a hotel close to the city center to save time on transportation.

Unfortunately, Singapore is a really expensive city so unless you want to stay in a hostel or a capsule hotel, it’s going to cost you a lot of money. Especially in, or close to the city center.

If you want to read more about the different neighborhoods in the city and what each one has to offer, make sure to read my in-depth guide about  where to stay in Singapore . If you have a bigger budget, you can also check out the most amazing hotels with best views in Singapore .

If you’re in a hurry, below you can check out my top recommendations for staying in Singapore for every budget.

• Luxury: Marina Bay Sands
• Mid-range: Hotel Traveltine
• Budget: The Quay Hotel

How to get to Singapore

As I mentioned before, Singapore is one of the biggest hubs in Southeast Asia so you will find countless flights from most major cities in Southeast Asia, as well as from bigger cities in Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

Singapore’s Changi Airport is also very well connected to the city and it’s easy to get around once you’re there.

The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) train is the fastest and most convenient way to get from the airport to downtown Singapore but you can also opt for a taxi or use a ridesharing app such as Grab or Gojek.

Insider tip: Don’t forget to check out the stunning indoor waterfall (HSBC Rain Vortex) while you’re at the airport! It’s located right across Terminal 1 in a shopping mall called Jewel Changi Airport.

To get to the waterfall, you’ll need to go through immigration first and exit the terminal. The waterfall is right in the middle of the shopping mall so it’s very easy to find after you enter the mall.

Best time to visit Singapore

As Singapore is located near the equator, the weather is pretty much the same all year around so you don’t really have to worry about the timing of your trip.

You can expect hot and humid conditions any time you visit but the wettest months tend to be November, December, and January.

Note that public holidays in Singapore such as Chinese New Year and the Formula One Grand Prix can also cause the prices to rise, so it’s best to avoid these periods if you’re looking for a budget-friendly trip

Not that you can even say budget-friendly and Singapore in the same sentence but still, you get the idea!

How to get around Singapore

Most of the sights you’re going to visit on this one day Singapore itinerary are quite close to each other so you can easily walk between them.

I also tried to put together an itinerary for you that covers the main attractions in Singapore in a logical order so that you don’t spend too much time traveling from one place to another.

If you want to get around faster, I recommend taking the MRT train or using a ridesharing app such as Grab or Gojek. Just make sure to take into account the traffic in Singapore – it can be pretty bad during rush hour.

If you’re planning to use the MRT more frequently, it might be worth purchasing a Singapore Tourist Pass which gives you unlimited rides on all public transport in Singapore for the selected days.

For reference, a one day tourist pass costs S$22 ($16 US). It’s a great way to save money and it also makes getting around much easier!

Planning a trip to Singapore?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Singapore. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

• Where to Stay in Singapore: 7 Best Areas & Hotels
• 23 Amazing Hotels with Best Views in Singapore

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30 thoughts on “The Perfect Itinerary for Spending One Day in Singapore”

I love how easy it is to explore Singapore in a day since a lot of the major attractions are close to one another. We missed Arab quarters but hopefully, I can visit there on my next trip to Singapore.

Luckily Singapore is a totally walkable city, I loved it so much too! I’m planning to go back soon for a longer period and can’t wait to see more places in the city!

I love Singapore also. I was there for four days in November. We went to just about everywhere you mentioned, except the Merlion.

Oh four days, that sounds amazing! I’m also planning to go back soon for a longer period, can’t wait!

This looks like the perfect itinerary for sure! Didn’t get to do all of these things when I was in Singapore but will bookmark this for the next time I’m going!!

Yeah I think we really did the best we could for only one day! My feet was hurting so much after all the walking haha 🙂

I visited Singapore for the first time last year and definitely think this itinerary is perfect for getting a taste of the city in just 24 hours!

Aww thank you so much Olivia, I’m so happy to hear that!

I love Singapore! This is the perfect 24-hour itinerary. There’s so much to see and do but you can easily do so much if you plan ahead of time.

Totally agree with you! Can’t wait to go back soon for a longer time 🙂

Perfect itinerary! I think you really made the most of your day in Singapore ! It makes me miss the city a lot !

Thank you so much Emma! Yeah we tried to do as much things as possible within one day 🙂 Loved it so much!

I can’t wait to book a trip with Singapore Airlines just to get the chance to have a layover in Singapore! Looks like the time of a layover is just what you need in order to see this wonderful city. And I love having long layovers to break a long flight time. I’ll be coming back for all the tips when I’m headed there!

Yes a long layover sounds fantastic! Although I can’t wait to go back to Singapore for a few more days to see what more it has to offer 🙂

Looks like the perfect day in Singapore. Can’t wait to go back again soon! Thanks for the great tips.

You’re so welcome! I’m so bummed that I had to cancel my Singapore trip at the end of April. Hopefully next year I can go back too!

It’s amazing that you can see all of this in only 24h! Singapore looks so fantastic! Thanks for sharing your itinerary!!

It was a really long day and my feet hurt like crazy on the next day but it was so worth it 🙂

Great post, I know this is a place good for stop overs so seeing so much in a day would be great!

Yeah you can do so much things in just a one day layover in Singapore! Such a wonderful city.

I have never been to Singapore but it seems like such a lovely destination! Thanks for such a detailed travel guide 🙂

You’re welcome! It is really such a wonderful city, can only recommend visiting! 🙂

I love Singapore! It was my first international destination and I cant wait to be back some day. Beautiful photos as always, Kriszti x

Oh how special! I wanted to visit it again in the end of April but of course I had to cancel 🙁 Maybe next year!

I’m from Singapore and came across your blog while researching for itineraries for Italy and i just want to say i love your content and as a Singaporean, I totally love this itinerary for Singapore!

Thank you so much Mag, I’m so happy to hear it!

Very useful information! I was a little underwhelmed with the Gardens by the Bay night show, but I guess it depends on where you’re watching and musical preferences. I’d say it’s worth watching, but better not to create high expectations. The National Museum was nice to know the history of Singapore, all in English. Thank you very much for this post, it was very helpful in planning a day trip.

Yeah I totally agree, it depends on your musical preferences and the current show you’re watching. First time when I saw it in 2018 it was the ‘Evening of Musical Theatre’ with my favorite musical songs and I was literally tearing up, it was so beautiful! Now on my second visit they were playing ‘Opera in the Gardens’ and since I don’t like opera that much, it was really underwhelming for me too.

Wow wonderful and amazing Singapore. I can’t wait ! I will be there soon for some couple of days and my worries are only about the transportations and tickets. I don’t like trains and prefer taxis, are taxis easy to catch everywhere ? Are tickets easy to get when you reach the place you want visit? Thank you for this article beautifully written 🤍

Yes there are lots of taxis everywhere, and you can also use apps such as Uber or Grab. It works really good! The tickets are also really easy to get, you can either buy them in advance on the attractions’ websites or just purchase in person after arrival. Have a great time in Singapore!

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15 Great things to do in Singapore: Itineraries for 1 day, 3 days or 5 days!

• July 27, 2023
• curious goose

This post may contain affiliate links. I will receive a small commission if you use these links.

Singapore is a sovereign island country and city-state in Southeast Asia. It is one of the best places to enjoy a city break in the region, competing with the likes of Bangkok, in Thailand and Kuala Lumpur , in Malaysia.

I was lucky enough to spend 5 days in Singapore in May 2022 and loved it! It is one of the cleanest places I’ve been and there’s so much to do!

Singapore is known for being expensive, and I’m going to be honest – it is definitely pricier than other places in Southeast Asia, however there so many great things to do for free in Singapore, so don’t worry, you can still enjoy most of what makes Singapore great, even on a backpacker’s budge t !

Singapore is often used as a stop-over – a place to spend the night before continuing onto your final destination. With that in mind, I’ve put together 15 great things to do in Singapore, whether you have just 1 day, 3 days or 5 days!

Table of Contents

15 great things to do in singapore, whether you have 1 day, 3 days or 5 days, singapore 1 day itinerary.

If you only have 1 day to spend in Singapore, don’t worry. Lucky for you, Singapore is not a big place and you can easily see many of the most popular and iconic sights in Singapore in 24 hours. So here’s some of the best places in Singapore that you absolutely should not miss on your flying visit!

1. Stroll along the Marina Bay Esplanade

Marina Bay is where you’ll find Singapore’s iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel. Next to the hotel is the lotus-shaped ArtScience museum, and the Helix pedestrian bridge, which crosses over the bay. From here you can also see the Singapore flyer, a large observation wheel looking over to the Gardens by the Bay.

On the other side of the bay, opposite Marina Bay Sands is the waterfront promenade, lined with restaurants. For the best views of Marina Bay Sands and the ArtScience Museum, head to the Merlion Statue, next to the Esplanade bridge. Here is a great place to sit on the steps and watch the Marina Bay Sands light and water show, which takes place at 8pm each evening.

You can walk around the bay in a full circle, stopping for a coffee along the way, or just resting your feet and enjoying the amazing views. Without a doubt, this is one of the best things to do in Singapore. It also happens to be completely free too! If you only have one day here, this is one activity you shouldn’t skip.

2. Check out the views at Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

Perched on the 56th floor of the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel, the SkyPark Observation deck has some of the best views over downtown Singapore, the Singapore flyer and the Gardens by the bay. Entrance to the SkyPark is S$26 (£15) for adults. If you are a hotel guest, you can enjoy the gorgeous views from the impressive rooftop infinity pool!

There are several restaurants at the top of the Marina Bay Sands hotel which offer equally impressive views, just check ahead for dress codes. You can also book tickets to join a yoga session on the SkyPark observation deck, or watch a film at one of the outdoor cinema event nights.

3. Visit the Jewel

The Jewel is an entertainment and retail complex that sits within Terminal 1 of Singapore’s Changi Airport.

The focal point of the Jewel is a large water cascade, surrounded by tired walkways and seating areas covered in foliage and water features. The Jewel is a destination in its own right and many people will visit the Jewel for a day out from the city.

Chances are if you arrived into Terminal 1 of Changi airport, you will have seen the Jewel already, but if not, try and get to the airport with time to spare before your flight out of Singapore so that you can see it.

4. Wander around the impressive Gardens by the Bay

The Gardens by the Bay goes hand in hand with Marina Bay Sands as being one of Singapore’s most iconic attractions and is one of the best things to do.

The large gardens are the perfect place to feel as though you are out of the city without actually leaving! There are several areas and attractions within the gardens, the most well-known (or most photographed), is the Supertree Grove. Here you will find 12 vertical ‘tree’ gardens, some of which are linked together by a skybridge.

The Gardens by the Bay is also a great free activity in Singapore! You can access all the walkways within the gardens without paying a penny! However, if you want to visit the Cloud Forest or Flower Dome attractions, then you will need to purchase tickets . Entrance fees range from £6.40 – £37, depending on what package or exhibition you visit.

This is a great place to visit in Singapore for families and there are often pop up activities for kids in the gardens, as well as a children’s playground.

The Supertree Grove is impressive by day, but at night, they are quite magical. Each tree is illuminated with changing colours, creating a spectacular light installation. Whilst the gardens can be quite busy during the day, at night the atmosphere is much more tranquil.

2-3 days in Singapore

Once you’ve ticked off Singapore’s top ‘must-see’ attractions listed in the above 1 day itinerary, it’s time to see what else Singapore has to offer. Spend the next 2 – 3 days exploring some of the other areas in downtown Singapore.

5. Stroll through Esplanade park and visit the National Gallery

Sat behind Marina Bay and the Esplanade bridge is the small, shady Esplanade park. The park is a nice spot to take a break, enjoy a coffee and watch the world go by. There’s also a children’s playground and toilets at one end of the park.

Around the edge of the park, you can also enjoy some of the architecture from the Victoria Theatre, National Galley and St Andrew’s cathedral. Admission to the Singapore National Gallery is S$20 (£12) for non residents. The gallery holds art works and exhibitions on the culture and history of Singapore.

6. Walk around Clarke Quay and Boat quay

From the east end of Esplanade Park, you can follow the river to Clarke Quay, where you will find bars and restaurants alongside the waterfront. Cross the bridge over the river to find Clarke Central shopping mall on the other side of the Quay

From the mall, continue to follow the riverside path until you reach Boat Quay. Boat Quay is a narrow pedestrian street lined with bars, most of which have happy hour offers, so time your visit here in the late afternoon to take full advantage!

7. Walk up to Fort Canning Park

The hilltop park of Fort Canning is a historical landmark within Singapore. Its history goes back to the 14th century when the palaces of Kings sat on top of the hill. The site was later used as the headquarters for the Far East Command Centre and barracks by the British Army. Today, the park is a tranquil place to enjoy a stroll or a picnic. There are also many events and concerts that take place here.

8. Cool off in one of the many shopping centres!

Honestly, even if you don’t have any shopping to do, you’re going to want to visit a shopping mall just for the air con! The shopping malls in Singapore are huge and have everything you could want. They also make up most of downtown Singapore, with the various malls connecting to one another underground, as well as linking up with some of the hotels and MRT stations. It is quite common in Singapore to enter a shopping mall in one area of the city and resurface in a completely different area! If you have ever been to Las Vegas, you will know exactly what I mean!

9. Visit Chinatown

Exploring Singapore’s Chinatown is a great way to spend the afternoon. Chinatown street market and Pagoda street are the best places for souvenirs and boutique finds, whilst the Chinatown Complex is full of local market vendors. Either side of the shopping area is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and the Sri Mariamman Temple.

If you’re feeling peckish, there are two food centres in Chinatown, full of local Hawker stalls (street food stalls). The Maxwell Centre and the Hong Lim Food Centre are two of the biggest Hawker centres in Singapore, so definitely worth checking out!

How to spend 4-5 days in Singapore

If you have 4 days or 5 days in Singapore, lucky you! You have time to really explore the many great places that Singapore has to offer and at a more leisurely pace. Once you have visited some of the top things to do in Singapore that I have already mentioned, here are some other great places to add to your Singapore itinerary.

10. Visit Little India

The Little India district centres around Serangoon Road, where you will find jewellery shops and basic canteens, full of Indian dishes. The colourful buildings and market stalls sell flower garlands, fresh fruit and silks. Make sure you stop by the Tekha Centre – an undercover market with Hawker stands and market stalls selling fresh produce.

11. Stroll around Kampong glam and the Arab district

Kampong Glam is a great area for wandering around, with several notable streets to discover. Start by walking down Arab Street . Here, you will find many shops selling carpets, rugs, textiles and colourful glass lanterns. Next, visit the Sultan Mosque. The impressive mosque is just off Arab Street, in the heart of the Kampong Glam district. The mosque is particularly special at night when lights illuminate the building.

Haji Lane is another notable street in Kampong Glam. During the day, it is a great place to shop in the small boutiques, or enjoy a drink in one of the cafes. By night, Haji Lane comes to life, with bars spilling out onto the narrow lane.

Head to Barboush Street for delicious Turkish and Lebanese food. Here you can sit outside, with a view of the Sultan Mosque. The atmosphere is brilliant, and although some places here can be on the pricey side, it is a great place for couples on a date night.

12. Immerse yourself in the exhibitions at Singapore’s ArtScience museum

The ArtScience museum is housed in a lotus-shaped building, next to the Marina Bay Sands hotel. The museum has many great interactive exhibitions that you can immerse yourself in. The price of entry depends on which exhibition you visit, so you can check out what’s on here .

13. Have a picnic at Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Singapore Botanic Gardens are just a short ride away on the MRT from downtown Singapore and are the perfect oasis away from the buzz of the city.

Stroll around small lakes and along paved paths through various flora and fauna. The large grassed meadows are the perfect place to enjoy a picnic, just watch out for the pesky cockerels! If you are lucky you might also see a lizard or two hiding in the trees.

There is a shop and cafe at the Botanic Gardens, but no water fountains, so come prepared with water. Entrance to the Botanic Gardens is free, but there is a charge of S$15 for adults to enter the Orchid Garden (children under 12 are free).

I’ve been to many Botanic Gardens and the Singapore gardens really are quite expansive and lovely to walk around. They are probably up there with one of my favourite Botanic Gardens, alongside those in Melbourne, Australia .

14. Take a trip to Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island is a resort island, just south of Singapore. It is easily reached by car or a pedestrian boardwalk and you can even ride the cable car across!

The Island is full of fun activities for all the family. Perhaps the most well known is Universal Studios Singapore. But, there are plenty of other attractions on Sentosa Island too. You can visit the S.E.A Aquarium, the Adventure Cove Waterpark or just relax on Palawan Beach. If one day is not enough, then you can also stay overnight on the island too.

15. Enjoy a drink in a 19th century convent at Chijmes

Chijmes is a unique place in the centre of Singapore and a great place for couples or friends on a night out in Singapore. Formerly a 19th century convent and schoolhouse, the buildings are now an upmarket dining complex. The church sits in the centre of the courtyard, with various bars and restaurants in the old school buildings around the edge. It does get busy here, so I would recommend reserving your table ahead of time. Prices can be high, so if dining here is out of your budget, don’t worry, you can still visit and see the courtyard and convent. It is particularly pretty at night when the church and trees are illuminated.

Useful information for visiting Singapore

How to get to singapore.

By air – Changi airport is Singapore’s international airport. The airport is linked to the city by the MRT, and you can be in downtown Singapore in 30 minutes. Flights to and from Singapore are pretty regular and flying is the easiest way to enter the country.

By Bus (from Malaysia) – If you are travelling to Singapore from Malaysia you can get a bus between the two countries. Many companies run regular buses between the two countries for as little as £15 per person. The border crossing is very easy, just make sure that you have all the relevant documentation with you before travelling. You can check what is required on the date you travel, here.

Best way to get around Singapore

By MRT – The MRT is without a doubt one of the best ways to get around Singapore. Similar to the rail network in Kuala Lumpur , the Singapore MRT is very fast and cost effective, with one way tickets costing as little as S$2. Tourists can purchase travel passes which will give you unlimited travel on the MRT for one day (S$10), two days (S$16) or three days (S$20).

Bear in mind that purchasing a tourist pass might not always be the cheapest way of getting tickets though. It is great if you are planning to hop on and off the MRT all day. However, if you are only going to one destination then returning, it is most likely cheaper to just pay as you go. If you decide to pay as you go instead of buying an unlimited pass, be aware that you cannot buy a one way or return ticket, you will have to use your contactless credit or debit card instead. This is really easy and you just tap your bank card on the machine as you enter. Check that your bank does not charge transaction fees beforehand to avoid getting hit with extra charges.

By Bus – there is an extensive network of buses in Singapore, all are clean and modern. To travel on the buses, either purchase a tourist pass beforehand, or simply tap on and off with your bank card (the same as the MRT)

By Taxi – Taxis in Singapore are metered but there may also be additional surcharges for certain pick up or drop off locations. Taxis are great if you want extra comfort or have a lot of luggage

On Foot – Walking is the best way to really experience Singapore. It is a very walk-able city and you see most of the sights when just strolling around on foot.

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10 Reasons to Visit Singapore

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Why You Should Put Singapore On Your Travel Must-See List

Singapore Tourism Board

Singapore often gets plenty of attention in the press for reasons totally unrelated to its real charms. Sure, it’s a wealthy country whose permissive taxation policies attract millionaires like flies, but you don’t have to be a tax accountant to see the real value of a Singapore visit .

Singapore packs a surprisingly massive number of attractions: verdant parks, world-class zoos, luxurious hotels, historical structures, and deliciously cheap eats, all in a land area not much bigger than El Paso, Texas.

With not a little difficulty, we’ve boiled down the reasons for visiting Singapore down to ten bullet points. Read on to find out more about this little island city that thinks big.

Unearth History Under all the New Stuff

Singapore’s relationship with its past, to crib from Facebook, boils down to “it’s complicated”. Many historical buildings in the business center have long been obliterated to make way for gleaming high rises.

But modernity has not always had its own way: ethnic enclaves like Chinatown retain many 19th-century shophouses and temples, and many other signs of Singapore’s past persist all around the island.

Most of Singapore’s oldest buildings have managed to hang on through history’s highs and lows – the Raffles Hotel, opened in 1887, continues to serve patrons in the same Long Bar that once served Somerset Maugham and Charlie Chaplin.

Singapore also has a surprisingly comprehensive complement of museums – some of the best are clustered together in the civic center, allowing you to walk from one to the other in under five minutes.

Explore Modern Art & Architecture

Singapore’s currently building the future from both glass and greenery. The city-state is currently undergoing a radical transformation into a futuristic “garden city”, with its most visible example in Marina Bay .

Formerly an empty landscape of sea and reclaimed land, Marina Bay’s skyline has been transformed by the addition of architectural marvels like the  Esplanade , the Gardens by the Bay , the  Marina Bay Sands  and  the Singapore Flyer . To see Singapore rushing headlong into the future, you need to visit Marina Bay posthaste. 

You’ll also find Singapore’s creative expression much closer to the ground: commissioned public sculpture, murals and installations can be found all over the city. Orchard Road, for example, has a public art trail you can follow at your own pace. Upscale hotels like the Marina Bay Sands and the Ritz Carlton Millenia have their own collections you can admire.

Finally, you can find some of the world’s finest art pieces curated in comfy art museums like the Singapore Art Museum , Red Dot Design Museum and the Singapore National Gallery .

See Singapore's Wild Side Up Close

Considering the towering, iconic skylines of Marina Bay and the Civic District, it's hard to imagine Singapore actually living up to its "garden city" aspirations. Leave the built-up areas behind, though, and you'll find a network of parks that spans the island, adding to a green cover that makes up about 46 percent of the country.

The National Parks Board (nparks.gov.sg ) manages Singapore's sprawling parks network, which includes family-friendly parks like Kent Ridge Park (pictured above) and seaside promenades like the East Coast Park .

Plans are under way for a "green matrix" of park connectors that will link Singapore's parks and nature reserves all across the island - in a few years, you can cross from west to east throughout the island without stepping out of a park!

Shop Till You Drop at Singapore's Shopping Precincts

Keep your credit card under lock and key when you visit Singapore, because you’ll be sorely tempted to go on a shopping rampage.

The shopping scene in Singapore is cunningly designed to efficiently part you from your money: shopping centers in Orchard and Marina Bay  are mostly connected by underground passageways to the MRT and to each other, credit cards are widely accepted everywhere (although cash is still king – read about money in Singapore ), and the annual Great Singapore Sale slashes prices to bargain levels island-wide!

Tourists who fly out through Changi Airport can also take advantage of Singapore’s tax-free shopping policies – the 7% Goods and Service Tax (GST) levied on shopping in Singapore can be refunded before your outbound flight, thanks to an ultra-efficient Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS) in place.

Where you go shopping depends on what you need and where you stay; for more details, check out our list of hottest shopping spots in Singapore .

See Southeast Asia's Most Family-Friendly Destination

Come to Singapore, bring your kids! The island-state’s family-friendly attractions allow visitors of all ages to experience Southeast Asia in the region’s safest environment.

Start with a series of world-class zoos showcasing animals from all over the world in humane “cageless” environments: the open-air Singapore Zoo , the nocturnal Night Safari, and "Asia's largest bird park", the Jurong Bird Park .

Kids will love Southeast Asia’s only Universal Studios park, but its location on Sentosa Island gives the whole family access to the island's many kid-friendly attractions , including an adventure park, five-star restaurants and three of Singapore's best white-sand beaches .

Closer to the city center, take a seat at a DUCKtours tour and see Singapore’s historical district from both the road and the river.

For more details, read our article on Singapore’s family-friendly activities .

Lie in the Lap of Luxury

Singapore has become a favorite playground for the world’s rich. As the world’s biggest businesses have continued to invest in Singapore, so have some of the world’s finest luxury brands.

The hotels along Orchard Road , the Heritage District and Marina Bay have more stars than a Hollywood agent’s phonebook. The burgeoning restaurant scene is evolving away from the country’s hawker roots to embrace Michelin-class extravagance. New Singapore shopping centers like the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands hawk luxury goods like Louis Vuitton, Prada and Bulgari. And spa enthusiasts can lose themselves in the island’s many exclusive spa resorts and day spas.

The aforementioned Marina Bay Sands also hosts one of Singapore’s two casinos – the gaming tables provide another fun way to part with one’s cash!

Singapore's Changi Airport - the Ultimate Asian Stopover

Singapore’s central location in Southeast Asia makes it an ideal air, land, and sea stopover for visitors who plan to travel elsewhere in the region.

The country’s main air hub, Changi Airport , is easily reached by flights from LA, San Francisco and New York. From here, visitors can fly practically anywhere into Southeast Asia, as the region’s major carriers and budget airlines service regular flights from Changi.

The rest of Asia can also be reached by land and sea from Singapore. Bus services depart regularly for Kuala Lumpur in neighboring Malaysia. Singapore is connected by rail to Malaysia, and thus to Thailand and the rest of Asia.

The Singapore Cruise Center ( singaporecruise.com.sg ) offers ferry services to Batam, Bintan and Karimun, along with a number of international cruise lines. The new Marina Bay Cruise Center ( mbccs.com.sg ) specializes in cruise operators; most of the biggest names in the cruise business now use the bigger Marina Bay port for their Singapore stops.

Singapore's a Perfect Stop for a Layover

Got a long layover? Singapore’s small size and comprehensive transportation system makes it one of the best places to endure a long wait in .

Travelers who don’t want to check out of Changi Airport between flights can sign up for a free three-hour guided tour of Singapore at the Free Singapore Tours booths at least an hour before any tour starts. You have a choice of two different tours; more details on the Free Singapore Tours official page .

If you’re staying longer than a few hours in Singapore, book a Changi Stopovers tour that covers hotels, transportation and attractions in a single package for one to three nights. More details on the Changi Stopovers official page .

But who needs all this hand-holding, when you can strike out and do a Singapore tour by yourself?

Just grab an EZ-Link card from the MRT Station at Changi Airport’s basement and head on off to explore the island’s top neighborhoods at your leisure.  

See Different Cultures Side By Side in Singapore's Ethnic Enclaves

For such a small island, Singapore is chock-a-block with a variety of Asian cultures, all living side-by-side, each with an ethnic enclave and a Singapore festival of its own. In each ethnic enclave, individual Singaporeans find a way to eat, worship, and live to the fullest extent of their cultural heritage.

The "enclave" system is rooted in Singapore founder Sir Stamford Raffles' policy of allocating a district to each ethnicity in Singapore. Today's Chinatown , for instance, was allocated in 1828 to the immigrant Chinese of Raffles' day. Shophouses that used to shelter brothels and opium houses have now been converted into museums, offices, and hotels. Visit during Chinese New Year in Singapore to see Chinatown's local vibe turned up to eleven!

The quarters of the former Malay nobility of Singapore have become the kernel for present-day Singapore's Kampong Glam.  The former Sultan's palace has now been transformed into the Malay Heritage Center; close by, the golden-domed Sultan Mosque and the bazaars on Bussorah Street and Arab Street provide ample opportunities for tourists to shop and sightsee.

During Ramadan and Aidilfitri , Kampong Glam becomes the site for a massive pasar malam (night market) that caters to Malay Muslims and non-Muslim visitors alike.

At Little India you can see - and smell - how the local Tamil Indian community lives: the area's spices and scents permeate the area, providing an interesting sensory backdrop as you explore. Get some shopping done at the Tekka Market, the Little India Arcade, Campbell Lane, or at the 24-hour Mustafa Centre shopping mall.

The best time to visit Little India coincides with the Indian high holidays of Thaipusam and Deepavali .

Pig out on Singapore’s vibrant food culture

Singapore may be a prosperous country, but eating out around here takes place mostly in the country's many hawker centers - open-air foodcourts that sell Malay, Chinese, Thai, Indian, Peranakan, and "Western" food, fast and cheap.

Singapore hawker centers serve as an amazing, delicious crash course on the local culture - after all, Singapore (much like Singapore's food ) derives its identity from long centuries of trade and the merging of many cultures, brought by the traders and their servants who came and stayed.

The choices are endless... and surprisingly cheap! (Expect to spend about $2-4 for a filling meal at a Singapore hawker center.)

The food choices become even more varied in the holiday season: Chinese New Year celebrations in Singapore prompt the appearance of specialty Chinese foods like yusheng , while Ramadan and the ensuing Hari Raya (Eid al-Fitr) festival comes with a proliferation of pasar malam (night markets) serving an endless variety of Ramadan foods.

If you have a little extra cash to spend, visit one of Singapore's Michelin-star restaurants to experience local cuisine turned up to eleven, from Corner House 's "gastro-botanica" menu to Candlenut 's unfiltered Peranakan cuisine.

Singapore Guide: Planning Your Trip

The Top 11 Family Friendly Activities in Singapore

How to Spend Your Layover in Changi Airport, Singapore

Chinese New Year in Singapore: An Islandwide Celebration

Singapore Changi Airport Guide

The 9 Best Beaches in Singapore

Singapore's Top Shopping Districts

The Best Cheap and Free Things to Do in Singapore

Surviving Singapore on a Budget

Getting Around Singapore: Guide to Public Transportation

Dining at Singapore's Block 51 Old Airport Road Food Centre

10 Airlines That Offer Stopover Programs

What $100 Can Get You in Southeast Asia

The 8 Neighborhoods You Need to Explore in Singapore

LGBT Travel Guide: Singapore

Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southeast Asia

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

20 Things to Know Before Visiting Singapore

Singapore is a small island country that has been gaining popularity as a tourist destination. It’s a colorful melting pot of cultures, languages, and cuisines, with a well-deserved reputation for being clean, safe, and efficient.

If the Lion City is on your travel radar, we want to help you make the most of your trip. Here’s our list of the top 20 things to know before visiting Singapore as a tourist.

1. Singapore is easy to visit

For the most part, entry and exit in Singapore is quick and convenient. Depending on your nationality, you may be able to stay up to 90 days without a visa.

That said, many passports require a visa before you can visit Singapore. You can find all the details on the Singapore page of Byevisa .

2. Singapore is safe

If you’re a nervous traveler, this is the country for you. Though no country is 100% crime-free, Singapore’s crime rate is quite low, and Solo travelers, female travelers, and crazy photographers carrying gadgets can walk through the city’s busy streets without fear. You’re more likely to encounter scams and drunken brawls than anything else.

Singapore has a very strong police force, with the highest of standards. The crime rate is so low because the rules and punishments against crimes are severe and extreme.

Nonetheless, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and avoid bad company, no matter where you are in the world.

ⓘ TIP: If you need to call the police while in Singapore, dial 999

3. Singapore is multicultural

You’ll love Singapore because of its multicultural society. You’ll find Chinese, Malay, Indian, and various other ethnicities all living side by side in peace. All these people live together without giving up their unique cultures.

Seems to us that this cultural diversity is one of the reasons why there’s so much creativity and innovation in Singaporean society!

4. Most Singaporeans speak English

Despite so much diversity (or maybe because of it), you won’t have to worry about the local language! One of the most surprising facts about Singapore is that most people there speak English, albeit with a local touch. Keep your ears open for Singaporean English is fondly known as Singlish .

Singapore has four official languages: English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. Basic English is prominent and spoken widely, which makes things easy while interacting with local shops and hotels.

Check out this video if you’d like to hear some Singlish phrases:

5. You’ll sweat a lot visiting Singapore

You’ll have to keep in mind that the city has a warm and humid climate throughout the year. It means that most days will be sweaty and sticky. So, make sure you carry light and breathable clothes with you.

If you are going out for a city walk or to explore a natural park, don’t forget to carry an umbrella with you because there’s always a probability of thunderstorms.

6. Singapore is expensive

No matter how you look at it, Singapore isn’t a cheap place. It ranks among the top 10 most expensive countries to live in, as well as one of the most expensive cities to visit.

If you’re planning on eating out in restaurants, be prepared for high prices. Same goes for hotels. Worst of all is the ridiculously high price on cigarettes and alcohol. These things can totally make or break your travel budget, so beware.

7. But there are dozens of free attractions

Despite its small size (it’s the second-smallest country in Asia), the Lion City has an amazing variety of attractions and things to do.

Surprisingly, this expensive country is also full of hundreds of free attractions, like Singapore Botanic Gardens , the country’s only UNESCO World Heritage site. The open-air performance at The Esplanade, Level 55 at ION Orchard, and Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza also cost nothing.

All parks and gardens are free to enter, including Gardens by the Bay. Even light and water shows by Bay and Marina Bay have no entry fee. Last but not least, all temples and churches, Haw Par Villa, HSBC Sky Vortex, and Shiseido Forest valley are free from any charges.

8. You don’t need to tip

You might be used to tipping in Europe and America, but here in Singapore, you don’t need to tip. Your average restaurant or café will add a 10% service charge to the bill for “the trouble,” so there’s no need to worry about tipping.

In fact, it’s illegal to tip taxi drivers in Singapore. For others, especially when service has been excellent, tipping can be expected after the meal.

9. Singaporeans are your best guides

You’d not argue that the locals know their place better than the tourists and travelers visiting them. If you know someone in Singapore or make friends while there, it’ll make your trip more grounded and authentic.

Local people know what is worth visiting and what’s a waste of time. They know the best foods to eat and which eateries you should avoid. Singaporeans will show you the city in a different way – like a local.

ⓘ TIP: If you don’t know anyone in the country, a lot of locals offer tours. Not sure which to take? You can’t go wrong with a food and culture walking tour like this one.

10. Most Singaporeans eat at hawker centres

Maybe Singapore is an expensive city, but enjoying the local food here is cheaper than you think. The country may be full of restaurants and food courts, but locals prefer to eat at the hawker centers. They are the most popular of all — and yes, hawker centres are a Thing.

You can experience a variety of Indian, Malay, Chinese and international cuisines here at super affordable prices. In fact, the food is so cheap that many Singaporeans never cook at home!

11. You can drink the tap water

Most of us carry our water bottles while traveling, but in Singapore, you don’t need to do that. The tap water around the city is clean and safe. It contains no odor or taste and is palatable too.

You don’t need to spend money on buying plastic water bottles. Also, by not using single-use plastic bottles, you’re contributing to making this world greener and reducing carbon footprints.

12. It’s easy to get around

One of the biggest concerns while traveling to a new city is transportation. But here in Singapore, getting around to different places is clean, cheap and convenient. All credit goes to Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), Singapore’s subway system. With more than 130 stations, Most popular attractions are just a short walk away.

It’s easy to explore every corner of the city on the MRT, but buses and taxis are pretty economical, too. Taxis fares are calculated on a metered basis, and the same as what it costs for GrabTaxi and Uber (they’re regulated by law).

13. Always keep to the left

Singapore was a Crown colony for nearly 150 years, which is why they spell and drive the English way. It’s also why people stand to the left on the escalators.

You may wonder if it’s a rule, but it isn’t. This behavior is a part of a campaign to help promote the act of courtesy. The right side allows the people who are in a hurry and need to climb down without interruptions. So don’t forget to cooperate and leave your right side empty.

14. You still need cash in Singapore.

Even though Singapore has been aggressively campaigning for people to to go cashless, it’s essential to always carry some cash with you. Most hawker centers, residential neighborhood shops, and kopitiams (coffee shops) only accept currency.

Carrying S$50-$100 should be more than enough, but if you do run out, money-changers and ATMs are everywhere. (Go with the ATMs if you can. Better rate.)

ⓘ TIP: If you need to withdraw cash, many MRTs have ATMs.

15. Busking requires a license

Many European travelers rely on busking to make extra cash as it doesn’t require any license or approval from the authorities. But in Singapore, buskers need a Busking card (license) to perform in the city. The permit is issued under the Public Entertainment and Meetings order.

Persons found without it may have to spend a night in jail and pay a hefty penalty.

16. Getting a local SIM is easy

Worrying about hefty roaming and call charges while you are in Singapore? Buying a SIM is as simple as buying groceries. Just present your passport and get a SIM card.

You can go with “SingTel hi!” – a tourist SIM card that provides the Internet for a meager fee. There are also free WiFi hotspots available in most corners of the city.

17. Singapore has great nightlife

Singapore comes alive after dark. offers fantastic and mesmerizing nightlife, which revolves around the city center. Start your night by exploring Clarks Quay. Then, you can hop towards Club Street in Chinatown and Marina bay. It’s not like Las Vegas, but you’ll have lots of fun for sure.

18. There’s a best time to visit Singapore

The best and recommended time to visit Singapore is from December to June. These months usually experience the least amount of rain, low humidity, and most sunshine.

Singapore experiences haze during the monsoon season (from June to September). Much of that is caused by forest fires from Sumatra from time to time. So, you should avoid visiting during these months.

19. Singapore has some unusual laws

There are specific laws in Singapore that you must keep in mind if you plan a trip to Singapore. For example, the following activities are banned, prohibited, or are illegal in Singapore. Breaking any of them might cost you jail time and a hefty penalty.

• chewing gum (eating or selling)
• making noise and drinking alcohol after 10:30 pm
• not flushing the toilet
• smoking in public areas
• annoying anyone with musical instruments
• feeding pigeons
• same-sex relationships

20. Singapore has one of the world’s best airports

Changi Airport in Singapore is one of the best and busiest airports in the world. It has been making its place for the eighth time in a row in the list of best airports in the world.

The airport is itself a tourist attraction. It has a cactus and butterfly garden, indoor waterfall, IMAX theatre, swimming pool, and a wide range of restaurants and shops.

Hopefully, our list of the top things to know about Singapore has given you more inspiration and insight into this cool Southeast Asian nation. It’s one of our favorite places to visit, because even the most seasoned traveler can always find something new and exciting to experience.

From the fascinating food to the lively nightlife, there’s no shortage of reasons to visit. If you’re looking for a place where you can get lost in a culture beyond your own, Singapore is a great place to start.

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Written by Linda

Linda is multilingual and has been to over 50 countries. Her insatiable love of travel, cuisine, and foreign languages inspired her to create As We Saw It, where she documents her trips, shares practical itineraries, and offers insider tips. She’s passionate about helping fellow travelers save time, money, and hassle, and loves to discover new places to explore.

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27 Reasons You Should Visit Singapore

Posted: March 9, 2024 | Last updated: March 9, 2024

Treat your senses in Singapore

This tiny island country and city-state just off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia is a dream to visit. Think iconic landmarks beautifully placed to make up a stunning skyline that mixes seamlessly with natural beauty; a world-class airport; food to die for and four official languages that add to its vibrant culture. Attractions and experiences here are plentiful; your biggest decision will be what to enjoy first.

From taking in the breathtaking views atop Marina Bay Sands to sampling the delights of Satay Street, these are the best things to see and do in Singapore…

1. Tour Ang Mo Kio

For a glimpse at Singapore’s modern living, the cool neighborhood of Ang Mo Kio is worth a wander. You’ll see how this forward-thinking country cleverly utilizes space and high rises in its HDB (Housing Development Board) properties, in which 80% of Singaporeans live. Exercise is vital to locals' way of life and the 22-mile Park Connector Network cycle route connects every major estate in the country and encourages an outdoor lifestyle. The unusual hobby of bird singing is popular here; look out for the older generation encouraging their pet birds to out-warble the rest ahead of a fortnightly competition where S$100,000 is up for grabs.

2. Experience Little India

Transport yourself to a corner of Singapore that is a real assault on the senses. Everywhere you turn in Little India, there’s a vibrancy that’s infectious. Think colorful neighborhoods and stores, cool street art, majestic temples and mosques, and fragrant foods begging to be guzzled. The traders tend to leave you to it here, rather than enticing you in, and all stalls in the Tekka Center (which features a wet market selling fresh meat and fish, as well as a food hall and stores) are individually owned. Be sure to watch the prata men stretch and flip the roti-esque flatbread (from Chennai in southern India) before sampling some with a dollop of dhal.

3. Eat at a hawker center

No trip to Singapore is complete without a meal or three at a hawker center. These covered complexes have dozens of affordable food stalls selling traditional Singaporean dishes that include Chinese, Indian, Malay and Indonesian cuisine. The Hainanese chicken rice will probably be the tastiest rice you’ve ever eaten. Hawkers vary in size and quality, and will be busy, but as long as you ‘chope’ (reserve) a table – with a tissue will do – it's yours. The grand 19th-century Lau Pa Sat in the CBD is probably the country’s most famous, and any short wait will be worth it. Wash down your food of choice with juice made from fresh calamansi (small sweet limes).

4. Take a sidecar tour

For a unique way of seeing Singapore, take a sidecar tour  by night. The brainchild of Simon Wong, this Vespa adventure will whip you around different neighbourhoods and you'll get to choose your route, which can include heritage sites, the island’s landmarks or specific areas such as the beautiful Muslim Quarter, Kampong Gelam. Lasting from one to three hours, you’ll cover a lot of Singapore. Strangers will give you a wave from the sidewalks and if you spot a photo opportunity, fear not, your dedicated rider will happily stop for a snap.

5. Drop by Raffles Hotel

Drenched in history, the famed Raffles Hotel opened in 1887 during the colonial era and has hosted the likes of Charlie Chaplin, John Wayne, Michael Jackson and British royalty within its glamorous walls. Named after the founder of modern Singapore, British diplomat Sir Stamford Raffles, it became the most fabled hotel in the Far East. Oozing elegance from every inch, this 115-suite complex is regularly named one of the top three hotels in the world. Don’t forget to order a Singapore Sling in the Long Bar, where snacking on monkey nuts then throwing the shells on the floor remains a centuries-old tradition.

6. Grab a bite at Satay Street

When the sun goes down, Boon Tat Street, outside hawker center Lau Pa Sat, transforms into something special for satay fans. In a custom that’s been going for 30+ years, cars are forbidden from 7pm until midnight and 10 satay hawkers set up carts on the road ready to welcome hundreds of hungry customers to dine al fresco. Choose from mutton, beef, chicken and shrimp grilled skewers and order as many as you like. They come with a lightly spiced peanut sauce and ketupat (tiny rice cakes) and are best washed down with a few jugs of Tiger beer or soda. As locals mingle with tourists, the atmosphere is lively and unlike anywhere else in Singapore.

7. Shop at Orchard Road

Singapore’s longer, livelier version of London’s Oxford Street is famous for its thousands of retail and restaurant establishments, and a visit here will leave your wallet empty but your heart full. Orchard Road is a bustling boulevard boasting everything from cheap and cheerful souvenirs to expensive haute couture in shopping malls, with plenty of food courts and hotels to refuel in. Tree-lined and neat as a pin (like most places in Singapore), it’s a pleasure to while away a few hours here even if you aren’t up for splashing the cash.

8. Lunch at Coconut Club

If you fancy trying the nation’s favorite dish nasi lemak in smart surroundings, head to the Coconut Club on Beach Road. The fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, accompanied by side dishes such as roasted nuts, anchovies, fried egg, cucumber and a spoonful of sambal (chili paste), is superb. Order the Ayam Goreng Berempah (fried chicken in a specialty hot sauce) too. Save room for ice cream at Birds of Paradise Gelato Boutique a few doors down, where the unique botanical flavors are irresistible.

9. Visit Kampong Gelam

One of Singapore’s oldest urban neighborhoods, the Muslim Quarter of Kampong Gelam is a beautiful area that mixes age-old traditions with modernity. Just off Muscat Street, in the heart of the district, sits the stunning Sultan Mosque, a magnificent landmark dating back to 1824. Built for Singapore’s first sultan, Hussein Shah, the prominent mosque featuring huge golden domes is open to visitors (you must dress appropriately). Meanwhile, trendy favorite Haji Lane is an Instagrammer’s dream; the eclectic street is filled with trendy boutiques, quirky cafes and colorful murals, offering a striking contrast to the area’s high-rise buildings which peer above.

10. Relax at Aramsa Spa

Alongside the wonderful hustle and bustle that a trip to Singapore brings, you might want to take an afternoon to slow down and relish in some R&R – and Aramsa Spa, tucked away in the serene 62-acre Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, is the place. A holistic treatment at this award-winning spa will make you feel like a new person. The staff blend their own essential oils, which you can choose as part of a 60-minute Signature Massage. The spa has 13 therapy rooms surrounded by 30 different types of plants in the lush gardens. Beauty therapist Claira says: “Coming here is like a retreat in an overseas escape; it doesn’t feel like Singapore. Bringing the outside in creates a chance to relax away from the city.” After your treatment, sip on a freshly brewed ginger tea and take a moment to pause.

11. Cross the Helix Bridge

12. Experience Marina Bay Sands

Singapore’s skyline changed for the better back in 2010 when the striking Marina Bay Sands  (MBS) resort complex was added to it. The now iconic three-tower structure (a fourth will be built by 2028) stands proud at 680-feet tall, and houses a luxury hotel with 478-foot-long infinity pool on the roof, shopping mall decked out with 170 boutiques, 45 globally acclaimed and Michelin-starred restaurants and bars, an exhibition and entertainment space, plus an incredible observation deck. You can easily spend a whole day here.

13. See amazing views at Skypark Observation Deck

The vistas from atop MBS’ Skypark Observation Deck are simply breathtaking. Perched 56 storeys high, this 1.2 hectare space showcases a 360-degree panoramic view of Singapore’s unique cityscape. When you’ve finished taking photos – there are plenty of perfect backdrops – refuel at LAVO restaurant and rooftop bar, wander the lush gardens or simply sit and stare for a while. You can head up to the famous infinity pool, but only hotel guests can use it. 

14. Spoil the kids at the Art Science Museum

Just outside the main towers of MBS, you can’t miss the quirkily-shaped Art Science Museum. Said to symbolise the welcoming hand of Singapore with 10 fingers, each fingertip filters natural light inside to present a particular exhibition in all its glory. Twenty-one galleries are spread out across three stories, while the permanent exhibition Future World: Where Arts Meets Science is an immersive, fun experience children will love. It’s a 16,145 square foot digital universe of art installations that revolve around nature, towns, parks and science. Kids won’t want to leave the multi-sensory light-up forest.

15. Dine at Rempapa

Dinner at renowned Singapore chef Damian D’Silva’s Rempapa restaurant should be high on your eating agenda, whether you’re a foodie or just appreciate honest yet spectacular fusion cooking. D’Silva champions heritage cuisine by combining the flavors of Chinese, Peranakan, Eurasian, Indian and Malay cuisine and serving up dishes such as Baca Assan (slow-cooked beef cheek) and Ayam Pelencheng (boneless chicken with chilies, garlic and spring onion). For dessert, a kueh platter (traditional Singaporean cakes) are as pretty as they are delicious.

16. Visit Gardens By The Bay…

You’ll spot the huge futuristic supertrees of this horticultural paradise everywhere you look in central Singapore, and they’re just as bloomin' lovely up close too. When you enter this scenic sanctuary you’ll be spoiled for choice with what to look at first. There are two huge structures; Flower Dome is full of plants from dry climates and is currently the largest glass greenhouse in the world; while Cloud Forest features vegetation native to mountains and wet terrain. The domes are often themed, and if you visit Cloud Forest – home to one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls at 115 feet high – during misting hours at night, you’re in for a real treat.

17. …and stay for the nightly lights show

Stay at Gardens By The Bay until nightfall and you can witness the stunning Garden Rhapsody light and music show. The twice-nightly performance grips everyone in its vicinity, as people lie on the lawn beneath the metal trees and take in the dazzling 15-minute show for free. Each month takes on a new theme, but one constant is the trees’ ability to entertain. Sure, take some videos and a few snaps, but remember to also just lie back and soak up this surreal atmosphere in such special surroundings.

18. Have a drink at Mama Diam

Thought a night out in such a busy financial district would be all boring bars featuring stuffy soirées? Think again. Prinsep Street is your typical pub and bar strip where you’ll find everything from smart wine bars to cocktail clubs, but head to Mama Diam for a trip down memory lane. The ‘mama store’ – a small family-run provisions and toy store from the 1980s – has a hidden entrance to a secret speakeasy, where drinks and food are served with a side of nostalgia. 

19. Get your culture on at the Peranakan Museum

In Singapore, Peranakans are defined as native people who have mixed Malay or Indonesian heritage, and a unique culture to boot. Head to the Peranakan Museum for a taste of this vibrant community and learn about the fascinating history through fun exhibitions and artifacts. Set in a former Palladian-style school, the grand building feels more like a hotel than a museum, and while you don’t need a reservation, book onto a tour (maximum 15 people) with a Peranakan guide for the ultimate experience. Don’t forget to visit the cute little gift shop on your way out, filled with beautifully painted trinkets and jewelry.

20. Watch the world go by at Boat Quay

21. Eat lunch at Violet Oon

On the Peranakan theme, lunch at Violet Oon will not disappoint. Named after the owner and former chef, Violet Oon herself is Peranakan and although the food is fancy, there is still a nod to her heritage. You must order the Ngoh Hiang to start: deep fried shrimp, crab meat, chicken and water chestnut rolls; followed by the VO Curry Chicken: chicken and potatoes stewed in Nyonya curry powder (named after the Peranakan women who ground the spices), curry leaves and coconut cream. Save room for dessert, namely the Pulot Hitam – black glutinous rice stewed with Gula Melaka (a type of palm sugar) and coconut milk, topped with coconut ice cream. It tastes so much better than it looks, we promise.

22. Ride a cable car to Sentosa Island

Make like the locals and head to the sunny island resort of Sentosa, just off Singapore’s southern coast. Once a British military fortress, the island now boasts three small but beautiful beaches, natural landscapes, cool attractions including an aquarium, the world’s largest wind tunnel for indoor skydiving, a zip wire course, aquapark, theme park and even a Madame Tussauds. There are plenty of hotels here, but a day trip is equally popular. Simply board the cable car from HarbourFront MRT station and soak up the views. The 15-minute journey includes a stop at Mount Faber park, where you can hop off if you wish.

23. Absorb nature at the Botanic Gardens

Get your camera ready at Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 1859, the 82-acre Botanic Gardens are free to visit, but you’ll pay a small fee to enter the piece de resistance , the National Orchid Garden. There are four different entrances, each with their own highlights: take a peek inside the art gallery at the Gallop entrance, where you’ll see 2,000 botanical paintings; the heritage museum in the Tanglin core is filled with interactive exhibitions detailing the garden’s past; and youngsters will love learning about the ecology of plants in the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden – the first in Asia that’s dedicated to kids.

24. Sundowners at Clarke Quay

Another historical riverside spot where merchants would trade decades ago, Clarke Quay has been transformed into a colorful array of converted warehouses where you’re more likely to go clubbing than crabbing. Restaurants, pubs and clubs – some of which are on static boats – thrive when the sun goes down and there’s nothing better than enjoying a drink while watching the river cruises sail past.

25. Spend the day at the Jewel

It’s unusual to want to spend a whole lot of time at the airport on holiday, but the Jewel at Changi is a day out with a difference. Connected to the arrivals hall in Terminal 1 since 2019, this incredible nature-themed retail, dining and entertainment complex has to be seen to be believed. The first thing that will blow you away is the magnificent Rain Vortex, which stands at a whopping 131 feet and is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. If you can tear yourself and your camera away from its unique lightshow, go wild in the hundreds of stores, while youngsters are equally catered for on the top floor, where two mazes, bouncing nets and giant slides await. It beats trailing around duty free, but don’t get distracted and miss your flight!

26. Eat at Keng Eng Kee

From the outside, Keng Eng Kee looks like your typical, cheap, open-air, hawker-style set up, with plates of steaming, overflowing plates coming out of the kitchen every few minutes. But, pull up a plastic chair, don an apron and prepare for what could easily be your best meal in Singapore. Family-run for 50 years, this no-frills eatery, which specializes in seafood, dishes up everything from the country’s signature chili crab to butter cereal squid and claypot pig liver. Not convinced? Order the coffee pork ribs, salted egg shrimp and Moonlight horfun with beef. You'll want to come back night after night.

27. Stay at Oasia Hotel Downtown

With plenty of hotels to suit all budgets, choosing where to stay in Singapore is simple enough. For a decent price, a perfect location and super smart, well-equipped rooms, Oasia Hotel Downtown is ideal. The 27-story, 314-room tropical skyscraper stands out from the crowd in the city’s CBD, just up the road from China Town. Treat yourself to a Club Lounge suite and get access to a private infinity pool, gym, lounges plus separate dining room with all-day refreshments available. Free activities such as rooftop yoga are also included, as well as a laundry service and late check-out. Suites have all the usual mod-cons, including a freestanding bath and drench shower. The mini fridge is restocked daily too.

For more information and to plan your next trip, head to  visitsingapore.com

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Go Singapore Pass – Is it Still Worth Getting in 2024?

January 4, 2024 by Bino 4 Comments

You may be dreaming of your next escape right now – while planning a getaway far away might not be an option at this point in time, there are lots of activities locally in Singapore that can keep you entertained.

The Go Singapore Pass is a sightseeing pass that allows one to experience 50+ tourist attractions in the Lion City without having to purchase tickets on the spot. It’s brought to us by GoCity.com which covers 26 (and growing) cities globally including Bangkok, Dubai, Sydney, Hawaii, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, San Diego, New York, Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Berlin and more.

I have been covering the Go Singapore Pass for nearly 4 years now and a recurrent theme are repeated price increases – which simply reflect the current inflationary situation. The corresponding attractions in Singapore have also repeatedly marked up their admission fees. Here, I discuss on whether the Go Singapore Pass is still worth getting for 2024.

If you’re looking for things to do in Singapore, be rest assured that many of the attractions on the Go Singapore Pass have been granted the SG CLEAN certification which commits to upholding good sanitation and hygiene practices.

source: go singapore pass

There are two versions of the Go Singapore Pass .

First is the All-Inclusive Pass which enables one to visit an unlimited number of 50+ of Singapore’s tourist attractions within a set number of days, ranging from 2 days to 7 days.

The second is the Explorer Pass which enables one to visit a fixed number of attractions (from 2 choices to 7 choices) within the 50+  of Singapore’s best attractions covered inside the pass.

Tip: If you have decided to purchase the Go Singapore Pass, you can use my exclusive promo code (all caps) for more savings : CHEERUPSG5 for an additional 5% off the discounted price on the website. You can buy here .

Other than not having to buy separate tickets and therefore not having to queue in some attractions, the logic for getting the Go Singapore Pass is to save on admission fees. This may work especially if one is planning to visit a couple of attractions during a trip to Singapore.

Pass holders can take their pick among 50 (and growing) attractions with the Go Singapore Pass. I won’t enumerate all the attractions here but the most recognizable ones such as Universal Studios Singapore , Gardens By The Bay ,  Singapore Zoo , River Wonders and Singapore Night Safari are all included. It’s also a relatively diverse list with family-friendly attractions, theme parks, cultural sights, transportation options and even nightlife options, and walking tours thrown into the mix. The attractions are also evenly distributed geographically around Singapore. There are groups of attractions revolving around Sentosa and the city area so you can easily combine a few without having to travel far.

A relatively newer development with the Go Singapore Pass is that it can now also be used for selected attractions in Malaysia, including the Legoland Malaysia Theme Park (S$76) and SEALife Malaysia (S$30). 

The All-Inclusive Pass comes in 2 to 7 days versions, with 1 day increments in between. This just about fits the usual duration of a trip to the Lion City. In 2022, tourists spent an average of 4.81 days in Singapore .

As of this writing, the regular prices of the All-Inclusive Pass is as follows:

The Explorer Pass on the other hand, comes in 2 to 7 attractions options, with 1 attraction increments in between. If you do not plan to sightsee extensively in Singapore, this may be a better option than the All-Inclusive Pass.

For locals who have not been to some of the attractions but plan to, the Go Singapore Explorer pass is the most worthwhile because it allows you 60 days to visit from 2 to 7 attractions, providing better flexibility.

Is the Go Singapore Pass Worth Getting?

Whether or not you’ll get your money’s worth with the Go Singapore Pass depends on how many attractions you plan to visit during your Singapore trip. Take the most conventional visit for instance.

Customary trips to Universal Studios Singapore (S$83), Singapore Night Safari (S$55), Gardens by the Bay (S$32) with Floral Fantasy (S$20), the River Wonders (S$42) followed by a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar (S$43.96) already sets one back by S$276 – close to the cost of a 2-day all inclusive pass. It is not difficult to find value in the pass even when taking in the most common attractions.

It also depends on the type of activities you’d be interested in and the time you choose to allocate for each. Museums, which are likewise included in the pass, tend to cost less in terms of admission fees but usually take 1 to 2 hours to complete. In contrast, a visit to Singapore Zoo (S$50) can easily take half a day if the kids are up for it!

Another sweet spot for the Go Singapore Pass is to meld activities that can be done in the day with those that can be done in the evening. Young adults could perhaps go for the Singapore Zoo (S$50) and the AJ Hackett Sentosa Giant Swing (S$74) in the day, cool off with a museum or two by late afternoon before appreciating the city lights through the Singapore River Cruise (S$28). One can then stop by the Raffles Hotel Long Bar for a complimentary drink, ending the night with the iconic ‘Singapore Sling’ (S$43.96).

Aside from the potential saving in admission fees, the Go Singapore Pass also allows one to skip queues in selected attractions. This can also help to save time especially when visiting during busier periods such as school or public holidays.

Should you get the Explorer Pass or All-Inclusive Pass?

Personally, I find the Explorer Pass to be of greater value as it’s valid for 60 days and allows you better control of your time and the amount potentially saved is already excellent with that alone. 

For instance, a 3-attractions Explorer Pass (S$119) can be used for the 3 wildlife-themed attractions in Mandai – namely the Singapore Zoo (S$50), River Wonders (S$55) and Night Safari (S$42) for instant savings.  

However, if you do not foresee yourself ticking many time-hogging attractions but would like to see as much of Singapore as possible, the All-Inclusive Pass will work in your favor. A possible scenario is one involving a run through of the various museums and attractions around town in as little as 2 days. Admission fees can easily add up if purchased separately.

Bottom Line

When used properly, the Go Singapore Pass can be a good time and money-saving addition to one’s trip to the Lion City.

• Explorer Pass allows one to save on time and money while still retaining a degree of flexibility in terms of schedule, as it’s valid for 60 days upon first scan. The pass is available for as little as 2-attractions.
• All-Inclusive Pass is more suitable for those who plan their itineraries more carefully and know they have enough time to run through several Singapore attractions for the limited duration of their trip.
• You have up to 24 months upon purchase to use the pass, and upon scanning your pass at your first attraction, you have 60 days thereafter to make full use of it.
• The attractions covered by the Go Singapore Pass are relatively diverse and comprehensive for the Lion City.
• From time to time, the Go Singapore Pass may go on sale which translates to even greater savings. Their 30-day money back guarantee means that you can sit back knowing you can get a full refund in case your schedule in Singapore changes

Not good for:

• Those who intend to visit few and lower value attractions in Singapore
• Those who intend to visit attractions in Singapore which are not available in the pass (though the pass is already quite comprehensive in terms of the theme parks and museums)

The Go Singapore Pass has promotions and discounts occasionally, but if you’re keen to make plans in advance, you can use my exclusive promo code (all caps) : CHEERUPSG5 for an additional 5% off the discounted price on the website. You can buy here .

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Hi, my name is Bino and I started I Wander around 15 years ago with the aim of sharing about some of my personal journeys and experiences, hoping that the information may benefit readers like yourselves. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Alternatively, you can also email me at b i n o (at) iwandered.net. You can follow I Wander on Facebook , Telegram , or Instagram . Also, if you liked this article, please feel free to SHARE or RETWEET

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October 24, 2020 at 9:04 pm

Thanks for the advice, Bino! I tried the Go Singapore Pass 2 weeks ago and I must say, I have no regrets. It’s really worth it like you said, and also easy to use ^^

May 26, 2022 at 4:44 am

Hi Bino, I will be traveling to Singapore and was looking to purchase the all-inclusive go pass. I was wondering if all the attractions mentioned on the website are included in the go pass or not. This is because under the how it works section on the website, it mentions a purse value and that you can visit attractions until you run out of the purse value? So I am a little confused. Could you clarify?

May 1, 2023 at 2:28 pm

Thanks for your excellent advice. But can I ask if Universal Studios is included in the Go City Explorer Pass? It seems the cheaper Explorer pass does not cover all the 35+ attractions. Can you clarify this please. Thanks.

May 5, 2023 at 12:17 pm

That’s right. If you wish to go to Universal Studios, that’s available with the All-Inclusive Pass.

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8 Airlines That Give Students and Young Adults Discounts and Exclusive Benefits

Did you know airlines offer student and young adult discounts? Here's what you need to know to save money on your next flight.

Harrison Pierce is a freelance writer and digital nomad passionate about personal finance and travel. He is traveling full-time with the help of points and miles and enjoys connecting with people on the ground. His work has been published in Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, USA Today Blueprint, Matador Network, and other publications. 

United Airlines

Singapore airlines, qatar airways, turkish airlines, bottom line.

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When flight prices are high, it’s essential to find any way to cut costs. This is especially true for students, who might be on a limited budget or be less flexible for times and dates they can fly. Luckily, some airlines offer student or youth discounts. Although these discounts generally aren’t substantial, every little bit helps to make travel more accessible. Requirements and eligibility will vary by airline, but you can expect the promotion to be valid on economy tickets and select routes. 

“We know travel is a priority for many young adults, so this summer season, which we anticipate will be United’s busiest ever with 5 percent more customers flying the airline this June, July, and August, we’re thrilled to offer United MileagePlus members ages 18 to 23 an exclusive discount on United Economy and Basic Economy seats – making it even easier for them to take flight on their next adventure,” says a spokesperson for United. 

Here are some domestic and international airlines that offer discounts for students or young adult travelers. Depending on the airline, these benefits range from 10 percent off your fare to an additional checked bag. 

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MileagePlus members ages 18 to 23 can receive a 5 percent discount on economy and basic economy seats for bookings made through September 30, 2024. To redeem, log in to the United app, go to the “book flight” section, and select the young traveler discount. Flights will automatically have the promotion applied. Remember that basic economy seats might not include a checked bag, so you will need to travel light to make the promotion worth it. This is the only U.S.-based airline that offers student discounts at the time of writing.

Iberia Joven is a program for both students and young people. If you are under 30, you get a 10 percent discount on flights; if you book for a group of four or more, you get a 15 percent discount. If you are traveling to study abroad, you can take an extra bag and make a free change on your return flight, regardless of your age. 

If you are enrolled at an eligible college or university, you can get 10 percent off when you book a Lite, Value, or Standard fare as part of Singapore Airlines student privileges . You will also receive an increased baggage allowance and a fee waiver on your first booking change. Singapore Airlines is unique in offering student discounts on economy, premium economy, and business class fares. All you need to do is verify your student status and start looking for deals. 

Qatar Airways has one of the best student programs on this list. Once you enroll in the Student Club program, you will receive a coupon for 10 percent off your booking. After your first journey, you’ll get 15 percent off your next booking and 20 percent off after your second and third trips. Students also receive increased flexibility, extra baggage allowance, and complimentary onboard Wi-Fi. You can extend your privileges to friends and family by selecting them to be student companions. If you fly once a year while enrolled in the program, you will receive a one-time elite status tier upgrade when you graduate. Enrolling in the program is quick and free but can provide substantial savings if you’re a Qatar frequent flier. 

Students ages 16 to 31 can receive up to 10 percent off economy and business class fares by using the promo code STUDENT to book a flight from now until March 31, 2025. You’ll also receive increased flexibility on your bookings. For all flights except those to/from Canada and the U.S., you will get 10 kilograms more or an extra piece of luggage. To qualify, you need a valid student ID or school acceptance letter at check-in.  

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SAS is another airline that offers youth tickets , but the amount you save will depend on the route you take and is difficult to predict. You must be between 12 and 25 years old and have a valid ID to be eligible. Seat availability is limited and is only available in specific booking classes (V class/O class). To redeem, simply search for a youth ticket. 

Lufthansa has a looser interpretation of “student.” To qualify for their student fare benefits , you must be 16 or older and either be enrolled in higher education or have proof that you’ve been accepted. You can search for and book student fares once you verify your student status based on your departure country. Destinations will depend on your origin, but if you attend school in the U.S., you can fly to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India. Apart from savings, student fares also offer rebooking and refunds. 

Turkish Airlines has a great student program . You can receive up to 20 percent off domestic flights within Turkey and up to 15 percent off international flights. You also get an increased baggage allowance, a free ticket change, and 25 percent bonus miles on flights through the end of 2024. You simply need to create a Miles&Smiles account, verify your student status, and book your ticket. 

These programs are free to enroll in, so it only makes sense to take advantage of them if you are a student or eligible young adult who wants to see the world. Even if the savings aren’t substantial, every little bit helps when you’re on a budget.

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‘Dropping Very Dramatically’: What Deadly Turbulence Did to a Flight

Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 was a rare instance of turbulence resulting in a death.

By Sui-Lee Wee and Muktita Suhartono

Reporting from Bangkok

The seatbelt sign came on moments after the plane started shaking, but, for some, it was too late.

“Whoever wasn’t buckled down, they were just launched into the air within the cabin,” said Dzafran Azmir, who was among the 211 passengers on board the London-to-Singapore flight that encountered deadly turbulence on Tuesday. “Within an instant, they hit the ceiling of the cabin and dropped right back onto the floor.”

The plane, a Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300 ER, had taken off from London’s Heathrow Airport on Monday night, about 10 hours earlier. It was about three-quarters full. Many of the travelers were Singaporeans returning home. Some were students studying in England. Others were families and some who had planned a “holiday of a lifetime” to far-flung destinations like Australia.

The bulk of the 13-hour journey of flight SQ321 was over, and many passengers had finished their last meal onboard, a breakfast that these days has been a choice between an omelet with cream cheese or stir-fried Asian noodles, both served with a side of fresh fruit.

By this time, the plane had reached the Bay of Bengal, which sits between the Indian subcontinent and the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia. Some pilots consider the region “notorious” this time of the year because its monsoon rains can cause turbulence.

But commercial pilots know how to prepare for such scenarios. They rely on weather radar and carry extra fuel so they can fly around and wait for the weather to ease, if needed. Or they follow the course charted by other planes that recently have passed through the area and have warned air traffic controllers about weather upheavals.

One scenario that is impossible to prepare for is when the skies are clear and the plane’s radar does not detect anything amiss. This phenomenon is known as clear air turbulence.

“It could be the plane just starts shaking, we turn on the seatbelt sign, but, unknowingly, we fall into the clear air turbulence zone,” said Captain Teerawat Angkasakulkiat, president of the Thai Pilots Association. “It’s totally unpredictable.”

It’s unclear what happened next with SQ321, but there had been thunderstorms near its flight path. As it was flying over Myanmar, cruising at 37,000 feet above the southern section of the country’s biggest river, the Irrawaddy, it hit what the airline later described as “sudden extreme turbulence.”

For the next three to five minutes, the plane shook violently, said Mr. Dzafran, 28, a university student heading home to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, who was buckled into a window seat in row 52.

“Then it built up, like a feeling of going up a roller coaster, up the crest, and suddenly dropping very dramatically,” he recalled.

His bag, stored under the seat in front of him, flew across the plane, and his phone was flung across the aisle. The woman sitting in the row in front of Mr. Dzafran hit her head so hard on the plastic seatbelt indicator sign above her that it broke. Oxygen masks dropped down from the overhead panel. The person behind him hit a seat. Mr. Dzafran was unharmed, but the other two passengers had bloody gashes on their heads.

At least one passenger, it appeared, was able to react quickly enough and buckle her seatbelt. It was a woman sitting behind Mr. Dzafran.

“That was miraculous luck on her side to respond so quickly,” he said.

Another passenger, Teandra Tukhunen, who was sleeping, was not able to react as fast. She was awakened by the turbulence and saw the seatbelt sign come on, but she had no time to fasten it and was thrown to the ceiling, then to the floor, Ms. Tukhunen, 30, a native of Australia, told Sky News from a hospital in Bangkok, her arm in a sling.

Elsewhere on the plane, people started crying and screaming out in pain. The whiplash was so furious that one passenger said that it appeared as if those who had been walking around on the plane were doing somersaults. Dozens of people, including some crew members, were injured.

As things settled down, it was clear that one of the worst affected passengers was a male traveler, Geoff Kitchen. A grandfather of two who ran a local theater group in the town of Thornbury in southwest England, Mr. Kitchen, 73, had planned a six-week “holiday of a lifetime” to Australia and Southeast Asia with his wife of 50 years, Linda.

Andrew Davies, who was sitting in front of Mr. Kitchen, helped carry him out of his seat and laid him on the floor, where he was given C.P.R. for at least 20 minutes.

With the plane now in Thailand’s airspace, the pilot placed a distress call to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, asking to make an emergency landing. Then he made an in-flight announcement about the new destination, and asked for anyone who was medically trained to help passengers with injuries.

Forty-five minutes after the ordeal began, Mr. Dzafran said, the plane landed. It was 3.45 p.m. local time.

Several ambulances with flashing lights were standing by. The passengers waited patiently while nurses, emergency medical workers and doctors rushed in to treat the critically injured first. A total of 83 people were injured. Twenty of them were sent to the intensive care unit of a local hospital.

Drew Kessler, the New York-based treasurer of Rotary International who was en route to Singapore for the annual Rotary International Convention, said he had broken his neck while his wife, Vicki, had broken her back.

As Mr. Dzafran prepared to disembark, the crew told passengers to avoid one of the aisles. Mr. Dzafran said he thinks he saw someone lying on the floor. Flight attendants near the business and first class zones were bleeding. Food was strewn across the galleys.

The passengers, dazed and confused, boarded a bus from the tarmac and arrived to a holding area inside the Bangkok airport. Conversations were struck up. A fellow passenger told Mr. Dzafran that someone had died on the plane and showed Mr. Dzafran an online news article. It was Mr. Kitchen. He was the only fatality — one of the few ever blamed on turbulence — and the cause of death hasn’t been released yet.

Singapore Airlines has apologized for the episode, and its investigators have arrived in Bangkok to try to understand what happened.

Mr. Dzafran was among the 143 passengers who emerged unscathed. So was his seatmate, who he said also had her seatbelt on.

Sui-Lee Wee is the Southeast Asia bureau chief for The Times, overseeing coverage of 11 countries in the region. More about Sui-Lee Wee

Muktita Suhartono reports on Thailand and Indonesia. She is based in Bangkok. More about Muktita Suhartono

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Singapore Airlines changes policies, prepares to pay damages after turbulence incident

• Passengers injured by severe turbulence on a Singapore Airlines flight on Tuesday are likely eligible for compensation.
• The amount each receives could differ dramatically even for identical injuries due to an international treaty.
• The airline is also tightening policies on cabin service during turbulence and when the seatbelt sign is on.

Passengers injured by severe turbulence on a Singapore Airlines flight on Tuesday are likely eligible for compensation, but the amount each receives could differ dramatically even for identical injuries due to an international treaty.

One passenger died and the airline said 30 passengers were treated for injuries after a flight from London to Singapore made an emergency landing in Bangkok on Tuesday. Samitivej Hospital said it was treating 71 passengers.

Under the Montreal Convention, Singapore Airlines is liable for accidents, which can include turbulence, on international flights regardless of whether the airline was negligent, according to U.S. aviation lawyers. If passengers file a lawsuit, the airline cannot contest damages up to around $175,000.

If a passenger seeks larger damages, Singapore Airlines can try to limit liability by proving it took all necessary measures to avoid the turbulence, said Mike Danko, a California attorney who represents passengers. He said airlines rarely prevail on such arguments.

Yes, turbulence is getting worse, but deaths are very rare: What to know

Danko said the airline can also limit their liability by showing the passenger bore some of the fault for the injury, such as by ignoring warnings to wear a seat belt.

The size of damages often comes down to the country where the case is filed and how the legal system assesses the amount of compensation.

"First and foremost, what is the jurisdiction where you can bring a claim, and how do they value injury claims," said Daniel Rose, a New York attorney with Kreindler & Kreindler, which represents passengers.

For example, U.S. juries have awarded passengers more than $1 million for the emotional trauma of severe turbulence, while many courts in other countries award far less, if anything, for similar emotional distress.

The Montreal Convention sets out various rules for determining where a claim can be brought, which can depend on the destination, where the ticket was purchased and the residence of the passenger.

Tuesday's flight departed from London bound for Singapore and carried passengers from around the world.

Aviation attorneys said British passengers on a round-trip ticket originating in London could file a claim in UK courts. Others might have been planning to catch a connecting flight to return home to Indonesia, where they would have to bring their claim. As a result, claims might differ widely in value for the same injury.

What to know: Turbulence is getting worse, but deaths are very rare.

Curtis Miner, a Florida attorney who represents passengers, said the 2013 crash of an Asiana Airlines plane in San Francisco resulted in injured passengers with widely varying compensation because many were flying round-trip originating from various East Asian cities.

"The passengers were from all over the place," said Miner. "So people who may have had similar injuries, some could bring their case in San Francisco but others who were not able to."

In response to the incident, Singapore Airlines said it is tightening its policies around cabin safety during turbulence.

Its new policies include suspending hot beverage and meal service, and requiring flight attendants to return to their jump seats and buckle up whenever the seatbelt sign is on.

“SIA will continue to review our processes as the safety of our passengers and crew is of utmost importance,” the airline said in a statement.

Contributing: Zach Wichter, USA TODAY

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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Minister Blair concludes productive trip to Singapore to strengthen Canada’s defence relations with Indo-Pacific allies and partners

From: National Defence

News release

The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, concluded a visit to Singapore where he led Canada’s delegation to the Shangri-La Dialogue from May 31 to June 2

June 2, 2024 – Singapore – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, concluded a visit to Singapore where he led Canada’s delegation to the Shangri-La Dialogue from May 31 to June 2. Minister Blair was joined by the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Wayne Eyre, and senior National Defence officials.

During his visit, Minister Blair announced the deployment of three Royal Canadian Navy vessels to Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), where Canadian sailors will operate alongside Indo-Pacific allies and partners. This year, the maritime component of the exercise will be led by a Canadian commodore – demonstrating Canada’s commitment to leadership as we engage with Indo-Pacific partners. Following RIMPAC, HMCS Vancouver will continue on to a deployment in the Indo-Pacific through Operation HORIZON, Canada’s revamped Indo-Pacific military mission. Thanks to Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, Canada is now deploying three frigates per year to the region for the second year in a row. 

The Minister also announced that Canada has joined the Multilateral Initiative for Defence Industrial Base Resilience in the Indo-Pacific, launched at the Shangri-La Dialogue by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. This important initiative will ensure that Canada and its partners in the Indo-Pacific can develop a resilient defence industrial base ready with the necessary technological footings to face potential challenges in the region.

Minister Blair made these announcements in his remarks to the Shangri-La Dialogue’s sixth plenary session.

Over the course of the Dialogue, the Minister also highlighted Canada’s recently released defence policy update, Our North, Strong and Free (ONSAF). The new policy boosts Canada’s investments in our military so that it has the tools and training required to operate in Canada and around the world — including in the Indo-Pacific. Backed by $8.1 billion over five years and $73 billion over twenty years in additional defence spending, ONSAF strengthens Canada’s ability to implement the defence initiatives in its Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS).

During his visit to Singapore, Minister Blair met with: 

• Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles. Minister Blair and Deputy Prime Minister Marles discussed their recently released defence policies and strategies, and how Canada and Australia share a similar outlook on the strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific region. They also discussed the high level of defence collaboration between Canada and Australia in the region, including through the Five Eyes community, and how Canada and Australia can continue to advance this partnership by coordinating their military operations and regional exercises, defence materiel cooperation, and collaboration on advanced capabilities development.
• China’s Minister of National Defence, Dong Jun. Minister Blair stated Canada’s belief that open lines of communication between our countries, and particularly between our defence establishments, are essential. This meeting was an important step in that regard. During the meeting, Minister Blair reiterated the importance of responsible state behaviour in accordance with international law. Minister Blair expressed Canada’s concern regarding PRC’s foreign interference. Minister Blair further highlighted Canada’s concern about recent Chinese military exercises around Taiwan, as well as China’s ongoing and growing economic and financial support to Russia. Minister Blair reiterated that communication between both countries is vital – and welcomed future opportunities for continued dialogue.    
• Japan’s Minister of Defense, Kihara Minoru. The Ministers discussed their countries’ strong bilateral defence partnership, the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and their intent to maintain momentum on strategic defence dialogue and bilateral defence cooperation. Minister Blair highlighted how the investments in Canada’s new defence policy, ONSAF, will support its contributions to the Indo-Pacific region. Minister Blair also thanked his Japanese counterpart for hosting Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) aircraft monitoring the implementation of sanctions against North Korea under Operation NEON.
• Republic of Korea Defence Minister Shin Won-sik. The Ministers discussed their growing bilateral defence partnership and Minister Blair highlighted how the investments in Canada’s new defence policy, ONSAF, will support Canada’s contributions to the Indo-Pacific region. Minister Blair noted Canada’s historic and ongoing contributions to Korean security, and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment through ongoing sanctions monitoring activities under Operation NEON, and contributions to the United Nations Command (UNC), including through the leadership of the current Canadian Deputy Commander of the UNC in the Republic of Korea.
• Malaysia’s Minister of Defence, Khaled Nordin. Minister Blair reiterated Canada’s commitment to their countries’ dynamic defence relationship and highlighted how Canada’s new defence policy, ONSAF, bolsters Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy commitments. Both Ministers discussed existing and future areas of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, including through ASEAN.
• New Zealand’s Minister of Defence, Judith Collins. The Ministers discussed the importance of security cooperation between Canada and New Zealand as Five Eyes partners with shared values and extensive defence ties. Minister Blair reiterated how the commitments in Canada’s new defence policy, ONSAF, support Canada’s readiness to deliver on its Indo-Pacific Strategy. The Ministers explored future opportunities for defence collaboration in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
• The Philippines’ Secretary of Defense, Gilberto Teodoro. Minister Blair recognized that 2024 marks 75 years of Canada-Philippines diplomatic ties, and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to growing bilateral defence relations. The Minister and Secretary discussed the defence cooperation activities outlined in the Defence Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2024 and the implementation of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. 
• Singapore’s Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen. Minister Blair thanked his counterpart for once again hosting the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. The Ministers discussed the implementation of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, as well as the progress made on the Defence Cooperation Arrangement signed by the two countries, which enables increased opportunities for interaction and partnership between the two countries’ armed forces.

During his trip to Singapore, Minister Blair engaged with young leaders from diplomatic, military, academic and civil society backgrounds at the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ Southeast Asia Young Leaders Programme roundtable.

Minister Blair also attended the Cohen Group’s policy breakfast, hosted by General Mike Scaparrotti, former North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Supreme Allied Commander. During the breakfast, defence leaders discussed the current security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and how allies and partners can work toward common goals.

The Shangri-La Dialogue is a cornerstone event of Canada’s defence diplomacy in the region. The event brings together delegates from more than 50 countries to discuss regional security challenges and engage in important bilateral discussions with Indo-Pacific counterparts. As a Pacific nation, the security and stability of the broader Indo-Pacific region is vital in shaping Canada’s future and prosperity.

This was Minister Blair’s first official trip to the Indo-Pacific region as Minister of National Defence. The Canadian Minister of National Defence has attended the Shangri-La Dialogue every year since 2017. 

“Canada is a Pacific nation, and the security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region are vital to Canada’s future. Through Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, we are significantly boosting our military presence in the Indo-Pacific — including by deploying three frigates per year to the region for the second year in a row. Together with our partners and allies, Canada is standing up for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.” - The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence 

Quick facts

Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy is a comprehensive and integrated framework for increased Canadian engagement across the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will continue to work with allies and partners in the region to promote a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.  

Through the strategy, Canada has increased its engagement, cooperation, and collaboration in the region to promote global peace and stability. As it continues to implement the Strategy, Canada’s focus includes persistent deployment in the region, increased participation in exercises and activities, tailored training, and cyber defence cooperation with regional partners. 

Canada military operations in the region include Operations (Op) NEON and HORIZON. We also participate in international exercises, such as Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) and collaborate with partners through Canada’s Military Training and Cooperation Program.

Op HORIZON is the Canadian Armed Force’s mission to implement the defence elements of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy by increasing Canada’s military presence in the region, allowing for more engagement, cooperation, and collaboration. 

In April 2024, HMCS Montréal set sail for the Indo-Pacific region under Op Horizon. It is the first of three Halifax class frigates that are annually deploying to the region under Op HORIZON in support of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, to uphold the rules-based international order and promote a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

This week, HMCS Vancouver will depart for Hawaii to take part in RIMPAC 2024 before proceeding to Op HORIZON in the Indo-Pacific region. HMCS Vancouver will also participate in Op NEON in the coming months.  

Associated links

• Minister Blair addresses the Sixth Plenary Session of the 2024 Shangri-La Dialogue
• Minister Blair announces deployment of Royal Canadian Navy ships to the Indo-Pacific Region
• Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
• Operation NEON
• Operation HORIZON
• Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence
• Backgrounder: Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence

Diana Ebadi Press Secretary and Communications Advisor Office of the Minister of National Defence Email:   [email protected]

Media Relations Department of National Defence Phone: 613-904-3333 Email:   [email protected]

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