Singapore, affectionately known as the Little Red Dot or Lion City, is unique to the world as the only island city-state. The Southeast Asian nation known for Chicken Rice and Tiger Beer is worth an extra day or two on your layover for some exploring. After 3-years living in the Little Red Dot, I’ve distilled down these top things to do in Singapore.
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Table of contents
Why visit Singapore?
There are many things to love and loathe about Singapore. On the positive side it is extremely safe; mostly squeaky clean; the tap water is drinkable; and English is one of its four official languages. The island nation has an extremely efficient airport and continually works to make itself more attractive to visitors. The food is fantastic and “city in the garden” philosophy makes it feel greener than most metropolises.
On the downside, Singapore is expensive due to its small land area and dense population. Its conformist nature lacks the artistic and creative aspects that travellers like myself prefer in a destination. You won’t find a street art scene or great live music venues. Nor is Singapore particularly LGBTQI+ friendly. While there is a growing social acceptance, antiquated laws that criminalize consensual gay sex remain in place. Gay travellers do not necessarily need to worry about their safety, but should respect conservative values and limit PDAs.
So, why visit Singapore? Singapore makes an excellent 2-4-day stopover. There are definitely some gems to unearth and if you know where they are, you can cover the highlights quickly. Singapore is also a great place to get your feet wet if you have any trepidation about travelling through less developed parts of Asia, or you are solo female traveller.
When to visit Singapore
To most foreigners, Singapore’s equatorial climate will seem pretty consistent, at least consistent enough that you don’t have to worry too much about visiting at one time rather than another. Every day is hot (25-31˚C max), humid (70-80%) with a chance of a storm (which usually takes place in the afternoon).
Though there are some other factors that may impact on when you visit:
- Singapore allocates two official holidays for holy days belonging to each of its major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Christianity. This may affect the opening times of some attractions, so check the country’s official public holidays here.
- Depending on the timing of your trip, seek out one of Singapore’s many festivals. With about 76% of the Red Dot’s population being of Chinese descent, Chinese New Year is by far the biggest celebration of the year. My personal favourite is Thaipusam that occurs in January/February each year – check dates here.
- The Singapore Grand Prix takes place in September each year. Prices for flights and accommodation are a lot more expensive a week either side of the race.
Getting to Singapore
Fly
By far, the most efficient way to get to Singapore is by air. Singapore boasts a super-efficient airport – Changi Airport (SIN) – with hundreds of flights each day. As a major stopover for air travel between Australiasia and Europe, you will find prices quite competitive. One hundred airlines will get you to/from Singapore including budget options: AirAsia, JetStar, Tiger Airways, Scoot and Firefly.
Sea
Singapore is a major cruise hub for Southeast Asia. The country has two terminals: Singapore Cruise Centre and Marina Bay Cruise Centre, through which over 10 major cruise lines operate.
Land
It is possible to drive or take the bus to Singapore from West Malaysia. There are two 24-hr land border checkpoints: Tuas in the west and Woodlands in the north.
Arrival in Singapore
Here are just a few notes you should know before or immediately upon arrival in Singapore:
- Alcohol in Singapore is hugely expensive. If having a few boozy drinks is an important part of the vacation experience for you, buying duty-free alcohol at the airport on your way in is usually the most economical way to access liquor, particularly spirits. Otherwise, you’ll want to look out for happy hour!
- You can take a taxi or the MRT (Mass Rapid Transport aka train) from the airport to your accommodation depending on where you are staying. If you choose to take a cab into the downtown area, tell them to take the ECP (East Coast Parkway) and insist on that route despite what they may try to tell you about the traffic. In 99% of cases, it’s still faster and cheaper. You will also sound like someone who knows their way around, so are less likely to be taken on the roundabout route to bump up the fare. I’ll elaborate more on how to get around Singapore in a moment.
- Singapore is clean and safe largely because it strictly enforces its laws. Avoid jaywalking, don’t litter or graffiti and leave your chewing gum at home – these are all fine-worthy offences. Absolutely, under no circumstances have anything to do with illegal drugs or transporting them into the country – you risk the death penalty and ignorance is not a defence.
Getting around Singapore
Singapore is super efficient and easy to get around, here are the best options for moving around the country:
- Singapore is an extremely walkable city, but sometimes it’s just too hot or mid-tropical downpour. Look for underground tunnels that link the MRT (train system) with local attractions, and channel pedestrian traffic under major intersections. Sometimes you will be surprised how far you can get in these cooler underground pathways.
- The MRT (Mass Rapid Transport) system is great clean, safe, regular, affordable and efficient. You’ll wish your home country’s public transport was this good! You can buy a temporary Tourist Pass for 1, 2 or 3 days of unlimited travel.
- If all else fails, take a cab (they are relatively cheap) or use Grab – a local rideshare app.
Where to stay in Singapore
Accommodation in Singapore does not come cheap. There are oodles of luxury options like the famous Raffles Hotel, but if you are looking to strike a compromise between comfort, convenience and expense here are my top two recommendations.
- Rendezvous Hotel Singapore – Not only is this a very comfortable hotel that has consistently high Tripadvisor reviews, but has a super accessible location. From its position on Bras Basah Road, you can walk to many of Singapore’s attractions including Raffles Hotel, the National Museum, Orchard Road shopping district and Marina Bay. You also have access to four train lines across Dhoby Gaut and Bencoolen MRT Stations, a short walk from the hotel door. We had three different visitors (including my parents) from Australia stay there, and they all agreed it was a great hotel and location.
- Fairmont Singapore – Right across the road from Raffles Hotel, is the Fairmont. Though from the outside, the building looks like an 1980s throwback (it is!), the interior is quite comfortable. Again, I have not stayed here myself but in my time as an event manager in Singapore, I had several conferences and clients hosted by this establishment without complaint. Tripadvisor reviews also reflect this.
BUT WAIT…. I know what you are thinking. You want to swim in THAT infinity pool – the world’s largest by the way. The pool you’ve seen in many blog posts and Insta-pics is located at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel (the three towers with the boat-shaped deck across the top). In order for that to happen, you need to be a hotel guest. Even if it’s just for one night of your stay. I don’t think the hotel itself is worth what they charge for it, so go for the pool and then find somewhere else to reside for the rest of your time in Singapore.
Money in Singapore
Singapore’s official currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). The country is very credit card friendly and it’s unlikely you’ll need cash during your visit. If you prefer to use cash, there are plenty of secure ATMs where you can withdraw local currency at a better rate than a foreign exchange booth.
Singapore levies a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 9% and many service providers such as restaurants will include a 10% service charge. When someone says the price is “plus-plus” or you see “++” on a bill, that means the price provided does not yet include the GST and service charge. Tips are not expected.
Eating in Singapore
- Affordable, local hawker centres can be found all over Singapore. A hawker centre is essentially a food court with individual booths (hawker stalls), each specialising in a select number of dishes or type of food. Don’t know where to start? Begin with these top Singapore dishes.
- There are hawker centres in most malls but are often not signposted. Don’t be fooled by the food court signs directing you to the westernized, chain-filled food court. You’ll find cheap and delicious local cuisine in out-of-the-way places such as the basement or very top level of most malls.
- On the street, you’ll also find standalone hawker centres such as Maxwell Road Hawker Centre and Lau Pa Sat.
- See my recommendations in Peranakan: A Colourful Cultural Collision for places to sample Peranakan cuisine.
- Reference Fullerton Hotel vs. Raffles Hotel for a review of afternoon tea experiences in two top Singapore hotels housed in amazing British colonial buildings.
- “When in Rome” or Singapore as it might be, you are probably wanting to partake in a Singapore Sling. Traditionally this would be done at the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel which was the birthplace of the Sling. However, be warned it will set you back roughly SGD39++ per cocktail. I recommend doing it just once for the experience and then find somewhere less expensive to drink.
Top things to do in Singapore
Gardens By The Bay
Gardens by the Bay is one of my absolute favourite corners of Singapore. So much so, I wrote an entire post about Gardens by the Bay, its iconic Supertrees, towering indoor waterfall, beautiful conservatories and more.
Marina Bay
If you’re looking for Singapore’s signature skyline or its mythical national creature the Merlion, you need to visit Marina Bay. Choose your perspective: from down low on foot or a bumboat seat on the water; alternatively, on high from Marina Bay Sands’ SkyPark or the Singapore Flyer (Ferris wheel). Lesser-known opportunities for a top-down view are restaurants such as:
- Lighthouse at Fullerton Hotel
- JAAN on level 70 of the Swissôtel The Stamford (1 Michelin Star)
- Level 33 in the Marina Bay Financial Tower, who also claims the world’s highest urban craft brewery
Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands is the icon of Singapore’s skyline. The hotel and entertainment complex consists of three towers spanned by a boat-shaped deck. If that doesn’t ring a bell, you probably know it for its highly-Instagramed infinity pool that featured in the closing scenes of Crazy Rich Asians. Unfortunately, that pool is exclusively for guests of Marina Bay Sands Hotel. If you’re not staying inhouse you can still visit or dine atop the structure for panoramic views of Singapore. The Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck offers two options:
- Pay $36 for an adult. You can wander freely around the northern part of the Deck and down the rear side with views to Singapore Strait.
- Pay $0 – tell them you are going to have a drink at the bar. You will be restricted to the bar area and you will have to buy a drink per person, but even SG$8 for a can of soft drink is cheaper than the entry fee, if you’re on a strict budget.
Chinatown and Telok Ayer
Singapore is over 76% ethnically Chinese, so it makes sense to visit Chinatown. However, I recommend Chinatown not for its many cheap souvenirs and polished tourist fronts, but for the one-offs like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum; Red Dot Design Museum; Thian Hock Keng Temple; and the beautiful Peranakan shophouses that extend to Amoy Street.
Maxwell Food Centre is thought to be the Chicken Rice mecca, for those looking for Singapore’s best version of the dish. You will also find trendy, delicious (and expensive) cafes of all cuisines on Duxton Hill and in Club Street. If you happen to be travelling during Chinese New Year, Chinatown is the epicentre of celebrations in the country.
Singapore Zoo
I’m not a big fan of animals confined to people-made enclosures, but I make an exception for Singapore Zoo. Their Night Safari offers a unique opportunity to see animals in the dark, many of which are nocturnal and inactive when viewed during the day. The surprising plus of the Night Safari is that it has been designed so that many of the enclosures melt into the darkness and you can be forgiven for thinking that there isn’t anything standing between you and some of the animals.
Second to the Night Safari is Breakfast in the Wild (formerly Breakfast with the Orangutans) – who could resist?! It’s expensive, but this buffet breakfast at the Zoo allows you to get really close to some lovely creatures and snap a pic unhindered by bars or glass.
Satay Street
Eating is Singapore’s national sport. I’ve barely met a Singaporean that wouldn’t be considered a foodie anywhere else in the world. While there’s lots of great local dishes to try, this one is more of an experience. Each night Boon Tat St is closed off to traffic, as Lau Pa Sat hawker centre spills into the street. Grills and plastic outdoor tables invade the bitumen to create an outdoor fair of beer and satay that is both delicious and cheap!
Kampong Glam
Singapore’s Arabic neighbourhood is one of my absolute favourite parts of the country. Here you will find Lebanese, Turkish and other Mediterranean/Middle Eastern cuisine. The Muslim Quarter has developed a mural art scene in more recent years. You’ll also find independent boutiques rather than the repetitious Orchard Road chains, including textile stores galore. Highlights include the gilt-domed Sultan Mosque, Haji Lane and Malay Heritage Centre.
Haw Par Villa (Tiger Balm Gardens)
In my opinion, this place is fascinatingly hideous, which is exactly why you should go. The founders of Tiger Balm built Haw Par Villa or the Tiger Palm Gardens to celebrate their Chinese heritage and folklore. The park is easily accessible by the MRT and is free to enter.
Haw Par Villa is a spectacle that you won’t forget! Wander through the graphic dioramas of Chinese mythology and tradition including the “10 Courts of Hell”. Also, if you were a Monkey Magic fan in your childhood, you’ll enjoy the story that inspired the show.
Discover the Peranakans
The Peranakan culture is the result of historical trade in Southeast Asia, as traders from China and other countries moved into the region and married local Malay, Indonesian and Singaporean women. The descendants of these marriages are known as Peranakan “locally-born” and they have many unique traditions to explore.
Visit the Peranakan Museum, and take in the variety of beautiful Peranakan shophouses you will see around town. For more about the Peranakan people and how to explore their colourful culture, see this post. This is one of the most interesting cultural experiences Singapore has to offer – don’t miss it!
National Museum of Singapore
If you still have time, the National Museum of Singapore will easily take up a few hours with excellent exhibits investigating the country’s history and culture. The National Museum is housed in a Neo-Palladian and Renaissance building opened in 1887 to coincide with Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.
Free things to do in Singapore
Mount Faber
If you need to walk off all the delicious food you’ve been consuming, hike up Mount Faber and admire the view over the shipping channel and Sentosa Island. The hike is a section of the Southern Ridges Trail, which is a nine-kilometre trail connecting four parks across hills of Singapore’s south.
Replenish at one of the hilltop restaurants then, take the cable car down to Harbourfront, where you can take the MRT to your next destination. Alternatively, continue on the trail as far as your heart desires.
Singapore Botanic Garden
Arguably Singapore’s best, all-outdoor green space is the UNESCO Heritage Listed Botanic Garden. You can treat yourself to some visual inspiration, plus read more about the history and significance of the Botanic Garden here. The main garden is free to enter, however there is an admission of SGD15 to visit the National Orchid Garden, a showcase of Singapore’s national flower.
Civic District Art Trail
Add some art, history and architecture to your Singapore sightseeing with a walk along the Civic District Art Trail. The Trail links many historical points of interest, displaying some of Singapore’s best colonial architecture along the way. Many of these buildings have been transformed into museums, galleries and hotels including the famed Raffles Hotel where you may partake in a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar or afternoon tea in the Tiffin Room.
East Coast Park
As its name suggests, East Coast Park stretches along most of the east coast of Singapore. You can walk almost from the airport all the way to the CBD if you can stand the heat (and have the time). Alternatively, rent a bike at one of the many outlets along the way. The park is an easy stroll or ride, being mostly flat and paved, with continuous views of Singapore Strait. There are various food and beverage outlets where you may stop to take in the view.
I hope you enjoy exploring these top things to do in Singapore. Before you leave, grab these packing tips for Southeast Asia to help you prepare for your Singapore travel. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below.
Peace, love & inspiring travels,
Madam ZoZo
