This tiny Southeast Asian country screams the word ‘awesome’! Singapore has so much to offer, from the glamorous city skyline to humble neighborhoods. Whether you want to embark on an epic culinary journey or have a fantastic time in a world-class theme park, Singapore is the perfect place. Therefore, there is no such thing as boredom when you travel in Singapore. Want to get the best out of this brilliant country? We have the ultimate Singapore travel guide to help you plan the perfect trip. So, check it out!
The Ultimate Singapore Travel Guide – Summary
1. Things to Know about Singapore
- Basic Information
- Travel Restrictions
- Visa Information
- Smoking and Drinking
- Climate
2. Must Visit Destinations
- Gardens by the Bay
- Chinatown
- Jewel Changi Airport
- Singapore Botanic Gardens
- Sentosa Island
3. Best Time to Visit
4. Where to Stay in Singapore
- Luxury: Marina Bay Sands
- Mid-Range: Clarke Quay
- Budget: Chinatown
5. How to Get Around Singapore
- MRT
- Bus
6. Itineraries
- Day 1: Jewel Changi Airport and Gardens by the Bay
- Day 2: Sentosa Island
- Day 3: Chinatown, Bugis Street, and Little India
- Day 4: Orchard Road and Singapore Botanic Gardens
Things to Know about Singapore
Basic Information
| Currency | Official Language | Commonly-Used Language | Plug Type |
| Singapore Dollar ($) $1 = €0.69 | Malay | English, Mandarin Chinese | Type G |
Travel Restrictions
Singapore is open to travelers. There is currently no travel restriction, so travelers are welcome to enter the country regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status. If you are fully vaccinated, make sure to secure your proof of vaccination to enter the country. Then, if you are not fully vaccinated, you must take a COVID screening test, either PCR or antigen rapid test, before entering the country. Furthermore, wearing a mask is not obligatory in Singapore, except when entering health centers, public transport, and some ferries.
Visa Information
Singapore requires an SG Arrival Card (SAC) for every foreign traveler entering the country. SG Arrival Card is the electronic version of a paper that travelers are required to submit before visiting Singapore. Thus, you can submit the SG Arrival Card three days before your arrival to avoid delays in immigration. The SG Arrival Card is free of charge, and you can submit it through the official website or MyICA mobile application.
Moreover, make sure you are eligible to enter the country based on Singapore’s entry requirements. Besides that, several countries need an official visa to enter Singapore. You can find the list here.
Smoking and Drinking
Singapore has strict regulations when it comes to smoking and drinking. The minimum age for smoking in Singapore is 21 years old. Therefore, selling and advertising tobacco products to minors is prohibited. Smoking is also prohibited almost everywhere, except for open-air areas and houses.
The minimum age for drinking in Singapore is 18 years old. For that reason, places that sell alcohol like bars and nightclubs, require a minimum age limit of 18 years old.
Climate
Located in Southeast Asia, Singapore has an all-year sunshine and tropical climate. Singapore has two seasons: the Northeast monsoon season and the Southwest monsoon season. The Northeast monsoon spans from December to March, when it frequently rains. Meanwhile, the Southwest monsoon season happens from June to September, when it is relatively dry and sunny.
Must-Visit Places in Singapore
Here comes the most important thing in a Singapore travel guide: Must-visit places! These are the best places to visit in Singapore that you should definitely check out on your next trip.
Gardens by the Bay
See how nature and modern technology collaborate in this magnificent piece. Gardens by the Bay is an enormous futuristic garden in the heart of Singapore. It is home to a generous collection of exotic plants, ranging from rainforest floras to quirky desert plants. Thus, Gardens by the Bay offers mesmerizing themed gardens. Whether you want to see a landscape full of blooming flowers or a misty jungle-like space, you can find it in the Gardens by the Bay.
Furthermore, marvel at the SuperTree Grove. Like its name, the SuperTree Grove is a tree-like structure towering over 25 meters high. When the sun goes down, the SuperTree Grove lights up in multicolored light, offering a marvelous view that will take your breath away.
Chinatown
Take a glimpse of Singapore’s diverse culture in this iconic destination. As Singapore is heavily influenced by Chinese culture, you can imagine how amazing and authentic Chinatown will be. The streets are lined with interesting antique shops, bright red lanterns, and fascinating heritage sites. Not to mention the appetizing scent of spices and dishes from restaurants selling authentic Chinese food. Thus, it is the perfect place to walk around and immerse yourself in Singapore’s mesmerizing heritage.
You shouldn’t miss several places when you arrive in Chinatown. Temples like the Buddha Tooth Relic and Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple give you a sneak peek of Singapore’s diversity and a good snap for your photo gallery. Then, spoil your tastebuds in the Hawker Center. You can find a generous choice of Chinese food, from dumplings to savory Hainan chicken rice. Moreover, you can end the day by having a great drink in Club Street or Ann Siang Hill.
Jewel Changi Airport
Singapore is ready to make you stunned as soon as you land at the airport. You will be greeted by a gigantic 10-story-high airport. You can find around 300 shops in the airport, making it looks more like a shopping mall. Besides that, Jewel Changi Airport offers plenty of awesome things to see. It features a 40-meter-high indoor waterfall, which is the HSBC Rain Vortex. The waterfall is complemented by lush plants and trees, offering a jungle-like scene. Furthermore, the airport also has a butterfly garden containing 40 species of butterflies, sunflowers, and cactus gardens. With all those breathtaking spots, no wonder that Changi Airport is voted the best airport in the world.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Make sure to put this UNESCO World Heritage in your Singapore itinerary. Established in 1859, Singapore Botanic Gardens is one of Singapore’s oldest landmarks. It covers around 82 hectares of land in the heart of Singapore. The garden will capture every nature lover’s heart, as it is home to thousands of species of plants. Additionally, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is also a conservatory for several exotic floras. Moreover, Singapore Botanic Gardens features well-manicured gardens, making it a beautiful spot to explore.
Sentosa Island
Sun, adventures, and tons of fun are what you can expect from Sentosa Island! The small island is home to the world-famous Universal Studio Singapore theme park and S.E.A Aquarium. They are at the top of the list of things to do in Singapore. Moreover, it offers several sunny beaches if you miss the sand and sea. Beaches like Tanjong Beach and Palawan Beach are calling you to have a relaxing time. Furthermore, Sentosa Island also has historical landmarks and interesting viewpoints. Plan a visit to Fort Siloso, a skywalk and World War II remnant with a panoramic view of Sentosa Island. In conclusion, there are so many fun things to do on Sentosa Island!
Best Time to Visit
Singapore is an all-year-round destination. However, the best time to visit, based on the weather, is from December to June. You can expect a few drizzles from December to February as it is the rainy season. It is the best time to stay indoors and enjoy Singapore’s awesome shopping malls. However, you can see interesting events around this time, like the Chinese New Year Festival.
The drier period in Singapore starts around March. Although the temperature might be sizzling, it is best to go outdoors and dip yourself in the sea or swimming pools. Then, if you love shopping, you should visit in September and October, when the annual Great Singapore Sale is held. You can expect huge discounts and promotions. Besides that, flight tickets and accommodations are fairly cheaper in that period.
Where to Stay in Singapore
There are many accommodation types you can choose from in Singapore. From luxurious hotel rooms to budget hotels, Singapore offers travelers convenience. We will show you the best places to stay in Singapore based on budget and location.
Luxury: Marina Bay Sands
Glimmering with city lights, Marina Bay Sands area is the best place to stay in Singapore if you want to spoil yourself and have a fancy time. The area is dotted with five-star hotels and luxurious accommodations. Moreover, it highlights a marvelous view of Singapore’s skyline. A standard room in one of the star-hotel in Marina Bay Sands starts from SG$200 or €141.
Mid-Range: Clarke Quay
Are you looking for a place to spend a crazy night in Singapore? Then, head to Clarke Quay. The area is the party place in Singapore. You can find many bars and nightclubs in the area, beating with insane parties. Moreover, it is a great place to stay with a mid-range budget. The area is dotted with star-hotels, but you can also find affordable hostels and capsule hotels. Thus, a standard hotel room starts from SG$86 or €60.
Budget: Chinatown
What can be better than staying in an affordable area filled with fascinating culture, interesting cuisines, and sizzling nightlife? Chinatown is one of the best places to stay in Singapore. It offers a wide variety of accommodations, from star-hotels to guest houses. If you are traveling on a budget, Chinatown is the perfect place to head to. You can find a hostel bed or capsule hotel room starting at SG$44 or €30.
How to Get Around Singapore
Here are some transportation options you can use to get around Singapore. You can also access more information here.
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT): The best way to get around Singapore is by MRT. The underground railway stretches all over the city, making it easy for travelers to go from one place to another. Thus, the MRT service in Singapore is well-developed, safe, clean, and comfortable. It is also fairly easy and effective to get around with an MRT.
Fares are varied based on the distance. For a trip, it can vary around SG$1 to SG$2.50 (€0.7 to €1.8). Also, you can book a Singapore Tourist Pass that starts from SG$10 or €7 for an unlimited ride.
Bus: Buses are great for short-distance trips in Singapore. It can also reach the outer parts of Singapore, like Punggol and Sembawang. There are four types of buses in Singapore: SBS Transit, SMRT, Go-Ahead Singapore, and Tower Transit Singapore. The fare of a single trip starts from 170 cents. The price will be higher if you are traveling long distances.
Itineraries
You might ask, “How many days are enough to explore Singapore?” That’s understandable because Singapore offers so many things to do! Thus, Singapore is also a small country. A few days, around 3-5 days, is enough to see the epic things in Singapore.
We have made the ultimate four-days itinerary in this Singapore travel guide for you! It includes must-visit places in Singapore, like Gardens by the Bay and Chinatown.
Day 1: Jewel Changi Airport and Gardens by the Bay
It’s your first day in Singapore! You can start by exploring the closest destination to your landing spot. Of course, the Changi Airport. See the fantastic indoor waterfall and walk around its lush manmade forest. Then, you can also check out the shops that are scattered all over the airport. Also, head to the lovely sunflower garden in Terminal 2 and the butterfly garden in Terminal 3. You won’t be surprised that Changi Airport is considered one of the best airports in the world.
After checking in at your hotel, you can start exploring the city. The next destination is Gardens by the Bay, which is recognized as one of the best places in Singapore. You can visit the fascinating garden in the afternoon and wait until the sun goes down. That way, you can see the gardens during daylight and night. Get ready to be captivated by the gardens’ marvelous landscapes and enchanting colorful lights. Additionally, you can end the day in Clarke Quay, where you can grab a nice drink and enjoy fantastic nightlife.
Day 2: Sentosa Island
Make sure you are fresh and recharged, as this will be a long, exciting day! You will spend the entire day on Sentosa Island, a small island located 20km from Singapore’s center. There are plenty of things to do in Singapore. We highly recommend booking a ticket to Universal Studio Singapore. This world-class theme park offers fantastic rides like crazy roller coasters and thrilling water rafts. Alternatively, you can visit S.E.A Aquarium and see around 100,000 marine animals. However, if you are not feeling like going to a theme park or aquarium, you can do other things on Sentosa Island. There are beaches, historical landmarks, and scenic landscapes that invite you to have an amazing time!
Day 3: Chinatown, Bugis Street, and Little India
Your third day in Singapore will be a culture day! You will explore some cultural and heritage places: Chinatown, Bugis Street, and Little India. Wander around the bustling streets and get a clear scene of Singapore’s diverse culture. From the vintage shops in Chinatown to bright-painted buildings in Little India, the scene will make you stunned in awe. You can also sample authentic traditional dishes, like Chinese noodles and Indian curry. Then, head to Bugis Street for a shopping spree. It is a great place to find affordable yet high-quality items and lovely souvenirs to bring back home.
Day 4: Orchard Road and Singapore Botanic Gardens
Before leaving Singapore, you will spend the day in the country’s best shopping spot and UNESCO-listed gardens. Immerse in Singapore’s sumptuous shopping culture on Orchard Road, a street lined with malls, retailers, and luxury stores. If you are a shopaholic, you will love this spot! Then, head to Singapore Botanic Gardens for shade during the hot day. The tranquil atmosphere and verdant gardens will freshen your mind. Then, it’s time to leave Singapore and check off your travel bucket list.
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