day trip to singapore

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’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!

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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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One Day in Singapore Itinerary – Top things to do in Singapore

Singapore is a destination unique for its small geographical size. Located in south-east Asia, this city-state is a mass of many different ethnic influences – Chinese, Malay, Indonesian and Indian. Once a part of the British Empire (and now the British Commonwealth), the small island nation is found at the very tip of the Malay Peninsula. Singapore is also often used as a ‘transit’ stop for travelers who often break their arduous journey from Europe to Australia and New Zealand (or vice versa) here. And since this is such a compact nation, it is one of the easiest destinations to visit “fully” on a short trip. During just one day in Singapore, you can quite literally see the whole world on the streets – and this itinerary will show you how!

GUEST POST BY KEITH EVANS BLOG: My Passport To Shangrila

Plan your trip to Singapore

1. What’s the best time to visit Singapore? 2. A few facts about Singapore 3. One day in Singapore itinerary 3.1. Visit Merlion statue on Sentosa island 3.2. Explore the world of movies at Universal Studios 3.3. Go shopping and grab lunch at Suntec City 3.4. Explore colonial grandeur 3.5. Cocktails and afternoon tea 3.6. Marina bay area 3.7. Take a ride on Singapore Flyer 3.8. Finally Boat Quay and Clarke Quay 4. Where to stay in Singapore? 5. Day trips from Singapore 6. Extra tips for visiting Singapore

What’s the best time to visit Singapore?

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Singapore does not have seasons as such. Rather, you will find Singapore weather hot and humid no matter the time of year. Nevertheless, some months can be marginally cooler than others, but in general, they are all pretty humid – around 30 degrees C in daytime. The best time to visit Singapore, though, at least temperature-wise, could be during what is called the ‘Northeast monsoon’ that runs from November to early March when the things cool off a little in comparison to the rest of the year.

Festivals and events in Singapore, however, are a different story. Thanks to the numerous ethnicities that live here, there’s always a reason to celebrate. Whether that’s Pongal in mid-January, Vesak Day in early June, or the National Day of Singapore on August 9, you will find something interesting all year round. There are even month-long celebrations, such as Thaipusam !

A few facts about Singapore

Singapore is a city-state and one of the world’s most prosperous countries. It is a modern city of the 21st century that embraces economic progress against the old traditions. Although most of the old Singapore has been reconstructed, many significant landmarks within the Colonial District have been preserved and should really be on everyone’s “What to do in Singapore for one day?” list.

The city is also a place where you can thoroughly enjoy your food and shopping with lively hawker centres and 24-hour coffee shops offering cheap food from all over Asia. Additionally, Singapore offers shopping meccas like Orchard Road and Suntec City. There is continuous development around Sentosa and Marina Bay as part of the city’s new direction towards fun and entertainment.

One day in Singapore itinerary

Welcome to an absolutely amazing city! Singapore will leave you speechless with its modern architecture and the variety of sights and places to enjoy. However, below all that is a strong sense of identity that makes for a wonderful combination every true travel lover will know to appreciate and admire. The following are the top sights and things to do during your one day in Singapore.

Visit the Merlion statue on Sentosa Island

If you want to thoroughly visit Singapore in one day, start things off by catching a cable car to Sentosa Island . Sentosa is home plenty of amazing things (more on that in a bit), but what we’re looking for here is the famous ‘Merlion’ statue – the symbol of Singapore. If at all possible, aim to get to the Merlion early to avoid the crowds or, if you’re really organized, purchase tickets before you arrive. Take a ride to the Mouth of the Merlion for stunning views across the Strait of Singapore.

Explore the world of movies at Universal Studios

Once you’re done with the Merlion, the next stop in your Singapore itinerary should be Universal Studios Singapore . This colossal theme park has seven different zones and about thirty rides and is an amazing place to visit, no matter if you’re an adult or a kid. And more things are coming!

From Transformers to Battlestar Galactica, from Minions to Sesame Street, you will find all sorts of shows and movies represented here. See how special effects are made and pick up a souvenir or two – you’ll need something to remind you of the awesome time you had here!

Go shopping and grab lunch at Suntec City

Suntec City is the next thing on this itinerary, and it’s located near the Central Business District. This vast complex contains a shopping mall, an exhibition centre and office tower blocks. You’ll know when you’re at the right place as the venue boasts the ‘ Worlds Largest Fountain of Wealth ‘. There are plenty of shopping options here, and no matter if you’re after clothes, souvenirs, books or electrical goods, you’ll find everything you need within this mall. If you want to shop till you drop, this is most certainly the place.

The complex is divided into four zones to help shoppers navigate with ease, and the zones are based on the Feng Shui design. The Fountain Terrace is where the majority of restaurants are found, while the Entertainment Centre is located in the fourth zone, which is devoted to a whole host of pleasure and leisure pursuits.

Menya Kokoro makes a killer ramen, and Chura Sushi Bar is ideal for anyone who loves Japanese food. Kebabchi Charcoal BBQ , however, is a very interesting Pakistani take on BBQ, so meat lovers will definitely want to sit down here for a bite.

Explore colonial grandeur

The Colonial District forms the very heart of Singapore with elegant Georgian and Victorian buildings lining the banks of the Singapore River. This district is one of the best areas in Singapore if you want to do a bit of exploring on your own and therefore should be on every imaginable itinerary. The area is positively brimming with impressive buildings and famous landmarks such as the Old Parliament House, the Old Supreme Court and the City Hall.

Cocktails and afternoon tea

The crown jewel of the Colonial District is the famous Raffles Hotel , developed from a beachfront bungalow built in the 1880s into a model of heritage luxury, with the whole building being exceptionally elegant. Explore a warren of courtyards and verandas on your way to the ‘Long Bar’ to the birthplace of the Singapore Sling Cocktail.

Located on the other side of the Colonial District (if lunch at Suntec City wasn’t enough), allow room for some afternoon tea at ‘The Courtyard’ at The Fullerton Hotel. Found in the atrium lobby of the hotel, this is where guests can enjoy a leisurely late afternoon while sitting on plush sofas eating a delectable selection of scones, finger sandwiches, cheeses, bread, sliced meats etc. with tasty desserts to suit: Chocolate Eclair, Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart, Flavoured Macaroon, English Fruit Cake etc.

Marina bay area

Don’t worry, your one day in Singapore is not over yet! The Marina Bay area, home to several iconic landmarks, is something you have to see, too. Here you will discover something quite amazing – Marina Bay Sands Hotel, the one that looks like a ship placed on top of three towers. It is the ultimate luxury hotel boasting elegant rooms, an infinity pool and a bar/restaurant at the top, but more on that in the next section of this itinerary.

After wandering the hotels’ lobby, navigate the pathways to the ‘Gardens by the Bay’ . You can’t miss the massive Supertrees here, tree-shaped gardens between nine and sixteen stories tall. Walk on the suspended walkway between two of them to capture a bird’s-eye view of the incredible scenery below.

In the evening, catch the Sky Show : a ballet of lights and sounds at the Garden Rhapsody amidst the Supertrees. This can be an incredibly romantic end to your 24 hours in Singapore.

Take a ride on Singapore Flyer

What else to do in Singapore for a day that’s even more romantic, I hear you ask. Well, you will surely notice the giant Ferris Wheel when visiting this area. With its height of 165 meters it provides an incredible view, and you can actually see three countries from up there: Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. But the capsules on the wheel also have a few surprises for you – not only can you order some champagne for the ride, but you can book a fancy dinner, too. How awesome is that!?

Finally, sit down and enjoy Boat Quay and Clarke Quay

But if you’re still up for exploring, enrich your one day in Singapore up by checking out Boat Quay and Clarke Quay . This section along the Singapore River is busy with restaurants, coffee shops and eateries that start springing to life towards the late evening and night.

Boat Quay is easier on the wallet than Clarke Quay, however. It’s a place for soaking up the atmosphere by the river and also for photographs. Time permitting, take a boat trip that lasts approximately 45 minutes: this is best done at night when all the lights of the Quays, Downtown, the Colonial District and Marina Bay boastfully display their night grandeur.

Where to stay in Singapore?

Marina Bay Sands

10 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay

The most iconic landmark of Singapore,  Marina Bay Sands is more than a five-star hotel. Spending some of your 24 hours in Singapore in the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool or Sands SkyPark observation deck where you can enjoy the most spectacular city skyline view certainly seems like a great idea. Guest can also enjoy an ultimate culinary experience at one of 20 dining options, premier shopping at one of largest luxury shopping malls in Singapore, ArtScience Museum or a world-class casino.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Iyf Funan Singapore

67 Hill Street, City Hall, 179370, Singapore

Located in the Funan Mall right in the city center, Iyf Funan Singapore has some very interesting features to offer. For example, it has a beautiful garden and a sun terrace, plus the rooms are quite well equipped, too. Not to mention the beds are extremely comfortable here. In short, if you want a place from which sightseeing is quite easy, you won’t find a better hotel in Singapore that easily.

Heritage Collection on Seah – A Digital Hotel

39 Seah Street, 188395, Singapore

Small and exceptionally charming, Heritage Collection on Seah offers impeccable service at a very affordable price. Mind you, this is a condo hotel, which is something to keep in mind when booking, but it has to be said that the kitchenettes here are exceptionally well equipped. The hotel’s central location is also a very big plus. As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to book your stay right here.

CapsulePod@Aljunied

76A Lorong 27, Geylang, 388194, Singapore

Have you ever wanted to sleep in a capsule? Well, CapsulePod hostel will make that dream a reality! This hostel is clean, very pleasant to stay in and has some very affordable prices, so backpackers and anyone else in need of accessible accommodation will find everything they need here. Free breakfast is also included!

Day trips from Singapore

Because of the city’s bustling nature that spills over into its surroundings, there are plenty of great options for day trips from Singapore. Nature, architecture and numerous other interesting sights are really close by, so you really have plenty of options. If you’re not in a hurry to see Singapore in one day, setting something up will pay off handsomely.

Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island is located just in front of the city and it is absolutely packed with things to see. Merlion , Singapore’s official mascot is a must, but there are many interesting shows you can see too, Madame Tussaud’s museum you can visit and even Universal Studios also has a branch there. No doubt, time simply flies by when you’re here.

Due to the fact that Singapore is a city-state, it’s quite easy to visit other countries from here. For example, you can hop over to a few islands that belong to Indonesia. Bintan and Batam are great examples of that, since you only need to get on a ferry to reach them. Beautiful sandy beaches on the former and great food and loads of entertainment on the latter make them an excellent choice for Singapore day trips.

Malaysia is also a great place to visit from Singapore. You can take a bus or a train to Johor Bahru , for example, and it will only take you an hour to get there. Malacca is another great place to visit because this Malaysian city boasts the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Explore the various influences other countries have had on Malaysia, taste some excellent and unique food or simply enjoy a shopping spree, the choice is yours.

A tour around Singapore

Now, since the city is located on an island, it is not that hard to get around. To make the most of that, why not spend a day exploring as much of Singapore as you can? If you get on this tour, you will be able to dive deeper into the history and way of life of this place, as well as see some impressive architecture and cultural destinations . Learn about the city’s history, visit its temples and experience its allure at its fullest.

Pulau Hantu

For those who want to dive into the waters surrounding Singapore, Pulau Hantu is a paradise. Numerous colorful fish can be found in the island’s shallow waters, so you will see people snorkeling here all the time. Families with children also love to come here because the lagoons are very safe and perfect for letting your child enjoy themselves fully. If you want your day trip from Singapore to include some beach activities, this is where you want to go.

Extra tips for visiting Singapore

– Singapore is easy-going for dress standards in most cases. Nonetheless, if you’re going somewhere decent such as the Raffles Hotel or Afternoon Tea at the Fullerton Hotel, dress appropriately. Women should show some sort of modesty in public. Also, remember to take a thin sweater or cardigan while going to the restaurants and the malls as most of them are kept air-conditioned and can be quite cold.

– Pay attention to their rules. Singapore has some ‘odd’ rules but abide by them and you’ll be fine. No chewing gum, no jaywalking, no smoking in public, and no littering.

– If you want to see Singapore in one day, you will want to use the MRT underground as much as possible. It is clean, frequent, cheap and punctual.

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If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Singapore Itinerary feel free to share it in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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Keith Evans

British Born and raised in "Alice in Wonderland" country. From a small village known as Daresbury, Cheshire where the infamous story was fabricated. Traveling around the globe is not only a hobby but a true life experience. The World and Geography have always been of interest since a child and it was not uncommon for me to be seen reading atlases and maps rather than storybooks. South-East Asia is my happy place. Its where most of my memories are made. Life is a rich tapestry.

Great post can’t wait to try it out on my next visit

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Restaurants, Bars, Fashion, Style and Things to Do in Singapore.

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Thinking of taking a day trip in singapore explore the dragon kiln, hot springs and other local secrets.

by Honeycombers • 09 May 2022

Island-hopping, a theme park from hell, and Singapore's most famous veggie garden – have you discovered these day trip destinations yet?

Got a case of wanderlust but can’t wait for the next public holiday to go on a quick escape from Singapore? There are lots to explore right here, from  hidden attractions to island hopping . Right now we’re all about taking a day trip in Singapore. The best part? You don’t have to buy any plane tickets or pack a weekender!

Where to go for a day trip in Singapore

1. green corridor.

Also known as the Rail Corridor, this popular hiking trail spans 24 km across the island. The lush pathway used to be part of Malaysia’s KTM railway line, connecting the two neighbouring countries. If you’re looking to challenge yourself, take on the full trail that goes through Kranji, Bukit Panjang, Bukit Timah , Holland , Tanglin and Alexandra! It’ll take a good six hours, so make sure you’re equipped with enough water and energy bars. Catch sights like the old Bukit Timah railway station along your way.

2. Southern Islands

If you’ve already done a tour of Pulau Ubin, why not go island-hopping around the Southern Islands? This day trip takes you to scattered islands surrounding Singapore. It includes the popular Lazarus Island (a beach paradise), as well as Kusu Island, St. John’s Island and Sisters’ Island – all steeped in history and folklore. Up to ante by booking a yacht and touring the islands in luxury. We’d recommend tossing in a snorkelling experience as well!

3. Bollywood Veggies

What, Singapore has a countryside too? This sanctuary away from the city is set in the rustic northwest Kranji Countryside. We promise you, it definitely feels like you’ve gone back in time. Feel rejuvenated and refreshed as you check out the sprawling 10 acres of land where owner Ivy Singh-Lim grows more than 100 varieties of plants, including rare native fruits. Need some grub? Head over to the wholesome Poison Ivy Bistro where food is prepared fresh. You’ll easily spend a whole day here. Bollywood Veggies , 100 Neo Tiew Road, Singapore 719026

4. Bukit Brown Cemetery

Sure, this might not be the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of taking a day trip in Singapore. But we guarantee Bukit Brown Cemetery is worth the journey – especially if you’ve got history buffs in your group. This cemetery holds more than 10,000 tombs, and you’ll even spot abandoned cars covered in shrubbery along the way. Talk about creepy! We recommend checking out iconic tombs in the area like the Ong Family Complex which spans 600 sqm. Bukit Brown Cemetery , 36C Lorong Halwa, Singapore 298637

5. Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle

This is where you can find the last dragon kiln in Singapore. What’s that, you ask? Dragon kilns get their name from their shape, which resembles a dragon with its smoky head at the base of a slope and its tail uphill. They’re basically wood-fired kilns, which were in use for centuries in China. At Thow Kwang, dragon kilns were used to fire pottery wares such as latex cups for the rubber plantation, orchid pots for the nurseries, and water jars for the local consumer market. It started supplying pottery wares in 1965, so if you want something crafty and historical, add this to your itinerary. Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle , 85 Lorong Tawas, Singapore 639823

Go on an adventure to find SG's secret spots

6. sungei tengah.

Animal lovers will thoroughly enjoy a visit to Sungei Tengah. Make your way to Qian Hu Fish Farm and admire ornamental fishes. Kids can even trawl through its ponds and canals to catch and bring home colourful guppies! Visiting the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society ’s wildlife sanctuary is also a must. Here, you’ll find rescued animals ranging from iguanas to tortoises.

7. Sembawang Hot Spring Park

If aesthetics aren’t your main concern, Sembawang Hot Spring Park will suit you just fine. This revamped park features a floral walkway, a seafood restaurant, and areas for you to soak your feet and even boil eggs. Just grab a pail and you’re good to go. Heads up: it’s rustic and may get crowded on weekends, so chances are, you’ll be sharing the communal space with an uncle or a family. Hey, the more the merrier! Sembawang Hot Spring Park , Gambas Avenue (between Woodlands Avenue 12 and Sembawang Road)

8. Haw Par Villa

If you have an appreciation for all things macabre and mythical (and campy), Haw Par Villa is your kind of place. This offbeat Disneyland of sorts sits on the west coast in the middle of an industrial and residential area. It’s known for its technicolour statues and dioramas depicting scenes from legends and myths across Buddhism, Taoism and Chinese traditions and mythology. Its most famous attraction? The Hell’s Museum, which features the Ten Courts of Hell and its freaky dioramas. Have fun sightseeing in the underworld! Haw Par Villa , 262 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore 118628

9. Coney Island

Discover the hidden white sandy beaches of Coney Island in Punggol as you explore the untouched, natural island by foot or on bike. It’s home to plenty of wildlife, some of which are endangered species. The island also serves as a refuge for migratory birds, so wildlife enthusiasts might want to pack a camera and a zoom lens. While you’re in the area, check out the Punggol stables and the Western-style chalets.

10. Pulau Ubin

Pulau Ubin is one of Singapore’s most iconic islands, home to the last kampungs and Chek Jawa Wetlands , which makes it a great place for a day trip. Located off the northeastern corner, it’s easily reached via a short 10-minute bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. Get ready to be swamped by the rich biodiversity of flora and fauna and expect to meet monkeys, too. There are plenty of old school heritage spots to explore, from rustic kampungs to a German girl’s shrine. Tip: the island is best explored by bike, so hop on a two-wheeler and get going.

Ready for a day trip in Singapore? Pack your bags and head out!

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Honeycombers is a digital lifestyle platform that is the go-to source for inspiration across dining and drinks, what's on, style, wellness and travel in Singapore, Bali and Hong Kong.

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

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

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

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

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

Discover the Best of Singapore with This Super Detailed Itinerary

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

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

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

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

Luggage Storage at Changi Airport

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arteastiq Depatio:

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

Hitoyoshi Izakaya:

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

Food Republic:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Online for Fast Universal Studios Entry

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

2. Having lunch at Universal Studios – 30 minutes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A) central beach bazaar.

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

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

b) Good Old Days Food Court

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

a) House of Tan Teng Niah – 15 minutes

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

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

b) Traditional Trades of Little India – 15 minutes

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

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

c) Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple – 30 minutes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

a) Haji Lane – 1 hour

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

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

b) Arab Street and Sultan Mosque – 30 minutes

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

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

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

c) Lunch at Josh’s Grill – 1 hour

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

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

d) Bugis Street Market – 1.5 hours

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

a) Chinatown Street Market – 1 hour

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

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

b) Sri Mariamman Temple – 20 minutes

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

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

c) Mural on Mohamed Ali Lane – 10 minutes

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

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

d) Buddha Tooth Relic Temple – 30 minutes

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

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

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

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

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

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

a) Old Hill Street Police Station – 10 minutes

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

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

b) Central Fire Station – 10 minutes

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

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

c) Boat Quay – 1 hour

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

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

d) Dinner at JUMBO Seafood or Hooters – 1 hour

JUMBO Seafood (Riverside Point):

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

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

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

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

e) Singapore River Cruise – 40 minutes

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

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

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

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

f) Clarke Quay Riverside – 1 hour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Personal Opinion:

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

Getting to Singapore’s Wildlife Parks

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

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

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

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

Return Trip:

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

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

Getting Around:

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Check out Singapore Multi-Attraction Pass here

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. NETS FlashPay Card

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

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

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

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

2. Download the Singapore MRT and LRT Offline App

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Private Airport Transfer

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

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

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

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

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Girl Eat World

A girl's adventure in food and travel around the world, one day in singapore itinerary: explore the best of singapore in 24 hours (optimized for a layover).

This year, I’m celebrating my 10th anniversary of living in Singapore ! Yup, I’ve officially lived in this city country for a decade, and recently even became a Singaporean myself .

I don’t need to tell you that ten years is a pretty long time to get to know a place – especially one as tiny as Singapore. I’d like to think I know a thing or fifteen about this country!

I know many visitors ended up in Singapore as a layover while traveling to another country. Thanks to our beloved Changi Airport, which serves as a vibrant hub for many intercontinental flights. If you are one of the passengers of such flights, you might end up in Singapore just for a short time as you are connecting to your next flight.

Fret not – I’ve created a guide tailored just for you! Singapore is a city known for its small size and highly efficient lifestyle, so it’s very possible to see a lot even if you’re here for a short time.

What should I do if I am only stopping over for a few hours in Singapore?

Luggage storage at singapore changi airport, where to stay in singapore.

• Try the quintessential Singaporean Breakfast
• Explore Singapore’s Chinatown
• Visit Kampong Glam
• Try Singaporean Local Food
• Go to Little India
• Walk around the Waterfront Promenade
• Marina Bay Sands Skypark
• Visit Gardens By The Bay for the Garden Rhapsody Show
• Have some evening drinks

Staying for a bit longer?

This is a tricky question, but I’ll try to answer it as comprehensively as I can! Buckle up and read on:

1. Getting in and out of Changi Airport

Remember how I told you Singapore is highly efficient? Well, our airport is a great sneak peek of that efficiency. The immigration and taxi lines at Changi Airport move very fast.

Get through Immigration faster: make sure you’ve filled out the electronic Arrival card to make your visit even faster.

You’ll get out of the airport and into a taxi in 15-20 minutes on average. If you’re unlucky and the immigration line is long, don’t worry – it would still take less than 45 mins. Then from the airport, it’s only a 20-minute taxi ride to the central area. You won’t have issues getting a taxi either, as the taxi line is managed and there’s always a supply of cabs waiting.

Taxis in Singapore take both cash and major credit cards, but if you’re paying with a card just make sure to mention that you intend to do so to the person who is managing the taxi line, on the off chance that a taxi takes only cash.

2. How much time will I have in the city?

As a rule of thumb if you’re trying to estimate how much time you’ll actually have in the city, subtract your layover time by about 4-5 hours:

• 1-2 hours to get off your flight and into the city
• 30 minutes to get back to the airport later
• 2 hours to be at the airport before your next flight
• 30 minutes for some buffer time, just in case

So for example, if your layover is 6 hours, you’ll probably only have 1-2 hours to explore the city.

3. Is it worth getting out of Singapore Changi Airport on a layover?

It depends on when you’re landing and how long your layover is.

If you are in Singapore for LESS than 6 hours or during off-hours

If you are stopping over for less than 6 hours, or if you’re stopping over at night outside regular business hours, then it’s probably not worth getting out of the airport. But don’t worry, Changi Airport isn’t considered the best in the world for nothing! Check out the Changi Airport website for ideas on what to do while transiting .

Recently, the new Jewel Changi Airport was opened to the public which features an impressive indoor waterfall and garden as well as a long list of retail shops and good restaurants. You won’t be bored. However, visiting Jewel Changi Airport DOES require you to get out past the immigration line so only do this if you have a visa to enter Singapore . Jewel can be accessed quite easily from all 4 terminals of Changi Airport.

Click here to find out more about Jewel Airport .

If you are in Singapore for MORE than 6 hours during regular business hours

If you are stopping over for more than 6 hours and it’s during the day, then you should definitely get out of Changi Airport and explore the city.

Check out my itinerary below and see which one you’d like to do and which one is actually feasible for you. Personally, I think at the very least you should at least go to the waterfront promenade area.

4. Free Singapore Tour from Changi Airport

If you are in Singapore for more than 5.5 hours but less than 24 hours, you might be eligible for a free Singapore Tour that departs daily straight from Changi Airport depending on your passport (whether it grants you visa-free entry to Singapore or not) and flight time.

Book the free tour via the Changi Airport website

But if you prefer to go around by yourself, then keep reading for my recommendations!

You can store your luggage at Changi Airport for a small fee of S$5-18 depending on the size of the luggage, payable per 24 hours. This means even if you’re stopping in Singapore overnight, you could leave your big luggage at the airport and bring only your essentials and one day of clothes with you!

Click here for information on luggage storage at the airport

If your layover includes an overnight, you should not limit yourself to staying near the airport. Singapore is a small country – there is hardly ever any traffic and taxis are available around the clock, so you won’t encounter problems going to the airport later. I recommend staying in the Central area, Little India, Bugis, or Chinatown which is only a 20-minute cab ride to Changi airport.

Of course, everyone knows about the famous Marina Bay Sands and its infinity pool, but if you fancy a boutique hotel with more character, here are some hotels I recommend:

• The Scarlet Hotel – A luxury boutique hotel located conveniently in a shophouse on Club Street, one of Singapore’s most lively streets filled with cocktail bars and chic restaurants.
• The Sultan Hotel
• The Capitol Kempinski Hotel
• Six Senses Maxwell
• Clover Hotel at Jalan Sultan

Singapore One Day Itinerary

Okay, enough talk! Let’s move on to what you can do during your layover in Singapore. If you start really early in the morning and closely follow the itinerary I have below, your day might look like this:

As you can see, this is a pretty full-on schedule from early morning til night time. I’d like to remind you that this itinerary is merely a recommendation, so please feel free to pick and choose which activity you want to do!

1. Try the quintessential Singaporean Breakfast

If you are in Singapore for breakfast time, start your day with breakfast loved by all Singaporeans! Actually, I’ll take that back – you can have this any time of the day 😉

A breakfast set in Singapore usually consists of Kaya Toast with cold butter , accompanied by two soft-boiled eggs and a cup of local Kopi (the local way of saying “coffee”). You could skip the eggs and coffee, but I highly encourage you to try at least the Kaya toast, served with kaya jam and butter. Kaya jam is made from coconut milk, eggs, and sugar and is totally delicious.

I recommend heading down to Ya Kun Kaya Toast on China street ( map ) – it’s their first outlet since 1944 and is their most authentic outlet. It also helps that it’s in the middle of the city so it’s highly accessible.

However, if you can’t make it to this location, there are plenty of other Ya Kun locations around the city too, and sometimes even just any local food center will have a stall that sells Kaya toast.

2. Explore Singapore’s Chinatown (~2 hours)

From Ya Kun Kaya, Chinatown is only a short walk away – it’s just across the street actually!

A bit of back story of the Chinatown area – If you take the MRT (the subway) to Chinatown, you will notice that the station is displayed using three Chinese characters 牛车水. Those characters do not mean “Chinatown”, but they do tell a history of this area very well. 牛 is the character for “cow”, 车 is “car” and 水 is “water”. This is because back in the day, freshwater supplies were carried using carts pulled by oxen from a well in Ann Siang Hill, which I will get to in a minute.

I recommend starting from Telok Ayer street, literally translated to “Bay Water” in Malay (which by the way, is one of the four national languages of Singapore). Why the name? Because this area was literally the coastal line of Singapore before the country began reclaiming lands in the late 1880s. Back when it was still a coastal line, boats would line up and wait for freshwater here before hauling them up to Ann Siang Hill.

On Telok Ayer Street, you can find Thian Hock Keng temple , the oldest Hokkien temple in the country. While exploring the temple, take note of the beautiful tiles in and around the temple. These are the beautiful Peranakan tiles. Later on, in Chinatown, I recommend stopping by Peranakan Tile shop to see the various tile designs. The tile shop used to be located in this temple but had moved to 36 Temple Street, 10 minutes away from here, which you can do in the next part of Chinatown Central.

From Telok Ayer, you can walk north to Ann Siang Hill and find the well I was talking about earlier. Make your way to Chinatown central, where you’ll find Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple , Buddha Tooth Relic Temple , and of course, the Peranakan Tile shop I mentioned before. The Chinatown area, as the name indicates, was the settlement area for Chinese immigrants who came to Singapore in the 1800s. Nowadays, it’s a bustling area filled with shops, restaurants, and night markets.

Continue your way to Kreta Ayer Road and Keong Saik Road. Kreta Ayer simply means “Cart water” in Malay, and similar to Telok Ayer, it was named so due to its past history involving fresh water being carried by oxen carts. Keong Saik Road , on the other hand, is an area that was once a prominent red light district but has now turned into a hip area filled with bars and boutique hotels, housed in colorful preserved shophouses.

If you are in Singapore during the Chinese New Year period, you will find the area decorated and bustling with activities! Check the Singapore Events Calendar here .

Nearby Keong Saik road is the  EW16  Outram Park MRT , which you can take to your next destination at  EW12   DT14  Bugis MRT .

3. Visit Kampong Glam (~1.5 hours)

Kampong Glam was home to Malay royalties back in the 1800s. Since 1989, it has become one of the conservation areas in Singapore. From  EW12   DT14  Bugis MRT , make your way to Haji Lane , an artsy alley filled with colorful murals, local indie brands in shophouses, and trendy cafes. In the past 10 years, it has slowly become more vibrant and more trendy – definitely popular on Instagram these days.

Go one street over from Haji Lane to Arab Street where you’ll find Sultan Mosque , one of the most important mosques for the Muslim community in Singapore. In front of the Sultan Mosque, you’ll find rows of middle eastern restaurants. It used to be that you can relax and smoke shisha here, but shisha was banned from Singapore in 2016. So nowadays, you can just find good middle eastern food and some live entertainment here at night.

If you are in Singapore during the Ramadan month , you might want to come back here at night. Ramadan is the holy month when Muslims celebrate by fasting, and they break their fast by sunset and cool food markets will open. Check the Singapore Events Calendar here .

On your way out of the Kampong Glam area, if modern architecture is of interest, you might want to stop by Parkview Square which has been colloquially referred to as the “Gotham Building” by Singaporean residents. Once you see the building, you’ll know why – the building is grandly decorated in art deco style, and you can even find a few Dali sculptures in the courtyard. At the lobby of Parkview Square is Atlas, a grand art deco bar where you can have cocktails or afternoon tea.

4. Try Singaporean Local Food

Singapore is a country with many cultures, which you can see well in the form of our local food. We have Chinese food, Malay food, Indian food, Peranakan food, and even a fusion of Indian and Malay!

Want to know more about food in Singapore? Check out my list of what to eat in Singapore

Here are some of my personal favorites:

• Bak Kut Teh – Bak Kut Teh is a peppery, garlicky pork ribs soup that is loved by locals. Local favorites include Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh and Founder’s Bak Kut Teh.
• Hainanese Chicken Rice – Singapore is pretty much synonymous with chicken rice, and you’ll see why! Despite the name, much of the importance of the dish lies in the rice itself rather than the chicken. The rice is so fragrant and full of flavors. My favorite chicken rice is Loy Kee.
• Violet Oon at National Gallery – A popular choice for Peranakan fare, set in the beautiful National Gallery museum.
• MTR 1924 – Located in Little India, this vegetarian restaurant serves some of the best South Indian food you can find not just in Singapore, but anywhere. Get the Masala Dosa, you won’t regret it!

If you don’t have time to make it to the original restaurants, you can find most of these dishes at Rasa Pura food court , found in the basement of Marina Bay Sands.

5. Go to Little India (1-1.5 hours)

Once you’re done with the Kampong Glam area, take the train to  NE7   DT12  Little India MRT, which is only one stop away from Bugis MRT using the downtown line. Your first stop from the Little India MRT is Tan Teng Niah House .

This colorful building is the former residence of Tan Teng Niah, the last Chinese villa in Little India. Tan Teng Niah owned sugarcane sweet factories in the area back in the 1900s. The house was restored and conserved in the 1980s for commercial use, and the restoration project was awarded the Singapore Institute of Architects Honourable Mention in 1991.

From Tan Teng Niah house, make your way down Serangoon Road on foot and just take in the atmosphere of Little India. It might be a little chaotic if you are here on a weekend.

This incredibly ornate gate is the Gopuram (entrance tower) of Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple , a Hindu temple in Little India. It is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, the fierce embodiment of Shakti, and the god Shiva’s wife, Parvati. You are allowed to enter the temple, but please take off your shoes before you do. There are places designated for your footwear right outside the temple.

At the end of Serangoon Road near Farrer Park MRT station is Mustafa Center , notorious as Singapore’s craziest shopping experience that you probably won’t find elsewhere in the world. Basically, Singapore locals and expats alike regard Mustafa Center as this magical, chaotic place where you can find everything and anything you can possibly dream of – from clothes to groceries, to even jewelry and furniture. The layout of Mustafa isn’t the most organized or logical, so just be mentally prepared before you get in.

PS: Little India is one of the most festive neighborhoods in Singapore. If you are so lucky to have come to Singapore during one of the festivals, especially Deepavali , you’ll find the neighborhood even more lively and brightly decorated. Check the Singapore Events Calendar here .

6. Walk around the Waterfront Promenade (~1 hour)

One of the areas I always recommend friends to visit is the Singapore waterfront promenade. It’s very accessible (practically in the middle of the city) and it’s a very cool area to walk around in.

First and foremost, you cannot miss the Merlion statue . Merlion is a mythical creature that resembles a mermaid with the head of a lion (hence the name Merlion!). But why a lion? It has been speculated that the name “Singapore” comes from the Malay words Singa (lion) and Pura (city). Hence, Singapore has been nicknamed “lion city”. And the fish part? It is to symbolize Singapore’s past as a humble fishing village.

Aside from the Merlion Statue, you can also visit a few historical sites such as the Fullerton Hotel , which was originally built in 1928 and had been used for many purposes – the General Post Office, a hospital during World War II, and the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (tax) headquarters, before finally being restored into a five-star luxury hotel in 2001.

A little off the waterfront is Raffles Hotel , the most charming and historical hotel in Singapore dating from 1887. You probably can’t visit most of the private areas unless you are a guest of the hotel, but you can still take a look at the lobby and admire its colonial-style look and furniture. Most notably, you’ll want to visit the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel which is said to be the place where Singapore Sling, the cocktail, was born. I’ll speak more about this later on, in the nightlife section, but it’s not reserved for just nightlife. Day drinking is a thing in Singapore! 😉

If you decide to walk along the water on the promenade, you’ll come across a lotus-shaped building. This is the ArtScience Museum , one of my favorite museums in Singapore. The museum often houses very interesting exhibits, and one of their permanent exhibits is interactive pieces by the famous teamLAB from Japan. You can check what’s on and buy tickets for ArtScience Museum exhibits here .

7. Marina Bay Sands Skypark

And nearby the Art Science Museum is the Marina Bay Sands Hotel with the famous infinity pool at the top of the hotel. While the pool is strictly for hotel guests only, there is an observation deck called the Marina Bay Sands Skypark which can be visited by the public. The Skypark will give you a 360 view of the Singapore waterfront area.

If the weather is good, I would recommend visiting the Skypark close to sunset – around 6:15 PM – 6:30 PM would be ideal. The sun sets around 7 PM in Singapore.

A ticket is required to visit the Skypark. Get the tickets here ! For entry after 4 PM, you do need to book a time slot when you buy the ticket .

8. Visit Gardens By The Bay for the Garden Rhapsody Show (~1 hour)

A visit to the Gardens By The Bay requires at least three hours to properly walk around the area and visit the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest .

You can buy tickets to Gardens By the Bay here

But if you only have half an hour or so, I still recommend catching the free show Garden Rhapsody – you’ll see the Super Tree in all its glory, with a matching musical number! They do the show every night at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM.

Check Garden Rhapsody Schedule here for the most up-to-date schedule.

Entry to the Garden Rhapsody area is free, but there is a paid skywalk you can take to be even closer to the trees. I recommend this if you have more than half an hour (not counting the Garden Rhapsody, which takes 15 minutes).

9. Have some Evening Drinks

Singapore has a very vibrant nightlife, so you will not be short of options if you want to go out. But since you are short on time, here are a few that I recommend, depending on the vibe you are going for:

For a great view of the city: Go to Lvl 33 or OverEasy

These two spots are the perfect spot to view the Spectra light show!

Check the Spectra Light & Water show schedule here .

For some culture & history: Long Bar at Raffles Hotel

If you’ve heard of the Singapore Sling – well, look no further! The Long Bar is where the drink was invented. While I personally think the Singapore Sling is way too sweet and overpriced (it’s $32!!), I loved the charm of the Long Bar itself. The Long Bar features countless notable guests, such as Ernest Hemingway, Elizabeth Taylor, and Alfred Hitchcock.

At the bar, you’ll also notice peanut shells scattered around the floor – this is part of the long tradition left from colonial times and quite possibly the only place in squeaky-clean Singapore where littering is actually encouraged.

For Trendy Bars and Cocktails: Head to Keong Saik Street and Duxton Hill

When it comes to the trendier cocktail bars, Singapore is heaven for you, if you are willing to shell out the dollars, that is! Most of these places open at night, so I can only recommend this if your flight is not until after midnight or the next morning.

Some of the notable cocktail bars and lounges are:

• The Tippling Club (one of the world’s best 50 bars)
• Junior (a very small bar with only 10 or so seats)
• 28 Hong Kong Street (a hidden speakeasy bar)

If you want something a bit special, you can head to Atlas at Parkview Square. Like Parkview Square itself, Atlas is also highly decorated in art deco style. Take note while the rest of Singapore is pretty relaxed about dressing up, Atlas enforces a dress code so you need to wear pants and closed-toe shoes.

But if you’re not picky where you go – just head down Keong Saik street and you’ll be spoiled for choice. The crowd is good here on Friday and Saturday nights. Most of the cocktail bars close at midnight or 1 AM, and the crowd resumes to lounges or nightclubs.

If you’re staying more than 24 hours, fret not. There is so much more to see in Singapore. Check out my 5 days Singapore Itinerary for more ideas . I recommend looking at Day 2 and 3 in that post for things that I did not cover here.

And that’s all I have on the must-do in Singapore within 24 hours. If you have a question or two, PLEASE do not hesitate to comment below. I am actively answering comments you guys leave, so you’ll get your answer really soon!

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37 Comments

• August 22, 2024

Hi Melissa,

Your article is very informative. I have a 22-hour layover in Singapore in October, and I’ll be following your itinerary as closely as I can. I appreciate you taking the time to write and share this information.

Hey Sathish, thank you for taking the time to leave this comment! I hope you’ll enjoy your time in Singapore.

• August 11, 2024

Amazing article, quite helpful……

• May 10, 2024

Hey Melissa,

Thankyou so much for this guide- I have found it so helpful already and haven’t actually completed it yet! I arrive in Singapore on Monday at 7:40 am and leave the following morning at 9:15- hoping I can fit most of your itinerary in! Thankyou !

• February 27, 2024

Hi Melissa, Any recommendations where are the best places to shop in the city? Also I’m planning to take home some souvenir items for my family and co-workers, do you have a recommendations for these also? Thanks!

Hi Patricia, what sort of items are you shopping for? For souvenirs, I think the smith street at Chinatown has good variety.

• February 28, 2024

Some clothes, electronic,s as well as souvenir items that can only be bought in SG. Thank you!

• December 2, 2023

Hi Melissa, Your post is very informative, thanks for that. Could you please guide me on one more thing? I have a layover of 15 hours, will it be worth booking a Universal studio ticket? I can spend 7 am to 4 pm after deducting 4/5 hours from the total layover as you recommended. I also do not want to miss The Merlion. Do you recommend a River cruise instead of the Universal Studio? what serial should I be following starting from Airport?

• December 4, 2023

Hey Tahmina, I personally don’t think Universal studio is worth it if you only have 1 sat in Singapore. There are so many other things to do here! Between that and river cruise I would choose the river cruise

• October 14, 2023

Hello! We are going to be coming through on a 25 hour layover that starts at 930pm and we leave the next day 720pm. Any suggestion on where I should look for a hotel or Airbnb for the night to make the most of our sightseeing the next day before our flight? Thank you!!

• October 15, 2023

Hey Alyssa, most hotels in Singapore would be around the city center. So look for those that are close to Chinatown MRT, City Hall MRT, Bugis MRT.

• October 22, 2023

Thank you so much 🙂 🙂

• October 9, 2023

Hi Melissa- thank you so much for this. I’m here for work and followed this all day yesterday in an attempt to tackle the jet lag after a red eye flight and had the most wonderful day!

Hey CD, thank you so much for taking the time to leave the comment. I am always really glad to find out the post helped!

• October 8, 2023

Hi Melisa i loved your info about the Singapore, you made my homework done. only the quation i have how about is it possible to get free tour from airport arrnd the city and stay in city centre for hotel and comeback to airport by taxi. i loved the idea to visit Singapore from airport free and to visit most famius places

Hey Oksana, I think the free city tour is not possible for tourist who are staying overnight in Singapore. It is only for those who are on a layover

• September 27, 2023

Hello Melissa, We have a 12 hour layover. These are great. I noticed that there is no Marina Sands Observation Deck included– does it mean its not worth it for the short time layover? Thanks so much for your insights

Hey Tal, I think it’s a great option! I wrote this when the observation deck was still closed, but you are reminding me to revisit the post. Thanks!

To answer your question whether it’s worth it or not, I think since you have 12 hours, you’ll have plenty of time so definitely try to make it there. I have to say though, there are other options too if you want to see the city from above. Level 33 brewery, the CapitaSpring Sky garden (free!), and Mrs Stork bar, are some of them.

• August 2, 2023

Hi Melissa, Thank you for the informative article. hope you are doing well. My layover time in Singapore is 16 hours. Should I book a free city tour or take a taxi or public transport( which one would be easiest and economical)? I reach at 3:00 am and my next flight is at evening 8:00 pm. Would you please suggest a good itinerary and what things I need to do as a solo traveler? Thanking you in advance.

If you want easiest, then definitely go with public transport. There is a direct line to the city. You can follow the itinerary I have in my post

• July 30, 2023

I enjoyed your article. Do you know anyone who does city tours? We get into singapore after midnight, have one day, and then leave the next day at 9am. I’m not sure to book a tour or just do it on our own. I think we would see more with a tour. I definitely want to go to garden by the bay. Thanks!

• July 12, 2023

Hi, may i ask one question? I will have a 24hous transit in Singapore. Can I clear immigration to travel outside the city and register for a bus free tour bus? Do two things

Hi Ahn, yes you can if you have a visa to Singapore. I answered this in the blog post above https://girleatworld.net/one-day-in-singapore/#stopover

• May 21, 2023

Thanks, great articles and much appreciated.

• May 22, 2023

Thanks for the comment Jamie! I hope it was helpful

• May 1, 2023

Thank you for a wonderful article! Where can I find the best spicy crab please? I only have the lunch hours to try this dish.

Appreciate your recommendation!

• February 20, 2023

This is a fantastic article! Thank you 🙂

I’ll be coming through Singapore in a few weeks but the stopover will be pretty tight (6-7 hours)… I definitely want to get out and probably will have kaya toast and hainanese chicken, but want to optimise the day. Is there any specific stops you’d especially recommend? Also, are there any recommended craft beer stops you’d suggest? I remember years ago there used to be a famous beer man at a Singaporean market, but maybe there is better on offer these days.

I welcome your thoughts and experience!

• January 11, 2023

Great article. Thank you for the tips. Is it easy to find a taxi to get back to the airport or can I take an mrt back to the airport?

yes taxi should be very easy to get. can ask your hotel to get one or book yourself via the Zig CDG app, or you can book Grab too.

• June 1, 2022

Hello Melissa! Wonderful article! May I please ask if you have any specific suggestions/advice for a 19hour stopover in Singapore with a 3 year old and a 1 year old kid?

Hey Sofia, good question! I have a 2 year old myself. There are lots of things you can do with children depending on how much time you have and the weather. Here are some options:

You could take them to check out Cloud forest and flower dome. It’s an enclosed area and the kids can run around in an air-conditioned space. Nearby, there is also an outdoor waterplay area called Children’s garden which might be of interest especially if its hot and not raining. Bring swimsuits, towels and change of clothes!

Aside of that, you could also check out Botanic Gardens. Jacob Ballas Children’s garden and Gallop extension is a great area for kids to play. However, this will be all out door so it depends whether you can go when it’s not too hot or when it’s not raining.

There is also the zoo and river safari, but again it depends on whether your layover time is mostly during the day or not. I highly recommend river safari as it’s mostly enclosed (so it’s weather proof) and they have the baby panda there.

The cable car (which I wrote about in the post) is also a great activity for kids. My 2 year old loved it!

If you want to stay close to the city, you can take them to check out ArtScience museum. There is a teamlab permanent exhibition there that is a huge hit with kids.

Also, if you’re traveling without car seat and want to bring the kids in a car, you can only take them in the official taxis. If you want to go with the ridesharing cars (like the ones booked through Grab or Gojek), you’ll need to put them in car seats. As much as possible I recommend taking the train or bus.

Whew that was long. You gave me an idea for a post so thank you for that!

• April 10, 2022

Thank you for detail article.

• March 16, 2022

Very useful informations, thank you

• August 7, 2019

Cheers! I’m doing both a long and short layover in Singapore in the near future and this article was perfect!

hope you enjoy Singapore!

• July 16, 2019

This is a great collection Thanks for sharing such an useful Information 🙂

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A perfect day in Singapore: the ultimate one-day itinerary

Jun 18, 2015 • 4 min read

For a country just two-thirds the size of New York City, Singapore packs a big punch, with entertainment, shopping and dining options matching the world’s best. And with a super-efficient (not to mention economical) transport system, it’s possible to visit most of Singapore’s top sights and neighbourhoods in a single day.

With a day to play with, you can sample the best of what’s on offer. Grab your water bottle and umbrella (for rain or shine) and dive into the Lion City.

Get up early for breakfast with the locals in ever-so-trendy Tiong Bahru; a 1930s housing estate reveling in its unofficial status as the hippest ‘hood in Singapore . Nab a seat on the 2nd floor of the Tiong Bahru Food Centre and order a typical ‘breakfast set’: a dash of soy sauce and white pepper on eggs and a smear of kaya (coconut egg jam) on toast, washed down with a traditional kopi (coffee). If a Western breakfast is more your style, head to 40 Hands ; its legendary coffee and ‘big boy breakfast’ will fill you right up. Once fueled, explore the wet markets where shop ‘uncles’ and ‘aunties’ sell an eye-popping array of tropical fruits, meats and famous Singapore orchids.

If you’re hankering for another caffeine hit or need a mid-morning snack, duck into Tiong Bahru Bakery , where the fresh croissants and kouign amman (Breton-style pastry) are a must-try, before jumping on the MRT (metro) to Gardens by the Bay , the blossoming centrepiece of this garden city. Arrive early to beat the crowds and experience the heights of the OCBC Skyway and the Cooled Conservatories (both open at 9am), both well worth the ticket price. Outside, the Heritage Garden takes you through the history and culture of Singapore’s three main ethnic groups and colonial past via interactive exhibits.

For a quick rundown on Singapore’s vibrant history, stop by the National Museum . Like Singapore itself, it’s well organised – take a trip through 700 years of Singapore’s history while admiring the building in which it is housed. Art and architecture lovers should not miss the National Gallery Singapore , where a world-class collection of 19th-century and modern Southeast Asian art adorns the walls of the recently renovated and connected historic City Hall and Old Supreme Court. Kids (young and old) will love the nearby MINT Museum of Toys , packed with over 50,000 vintage toys.

Feeling peckish? Enjoy a foodie staple of Singapore’s Indian community and order a roti prata (fried buttery flatbread) from any of the colourful shophouses lining the streets of Little India , a short MRT ride away. Grab a cold beer or fresh coconut water and drink in the vibrant atmosphere while mopping up curry sauce with freshly made roti . Fingers licked, head off to explore the laneways brimming with spices, fabrics, oils, medicines and the odd fortune teller. The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple will give you a glimpse of Hindu rituals.

If the bright lights of the Orchard Road shopping strip beckon, make sure to drop by Naiise in Orchardgateway ; stocked with wares by local designers and artisans, this is the perfect place to find something uniquely Singaporean. Street level is ideal for strolling and people-watching – be warned that if you enter the underground shopping labyrinth of ION Orchard , you may need a GPS to find your way to the surface again. Alternatively, wander south from Little India until you hit boutique-lined Kampong Glam hot spot Haji Lane .

As the sun sets and temperature drops, head to a rooftop bar to watch the Singapore skyline light up . For a bird’s-eye-view, perch on the balcony at CÉ LA VI , housed on the top of the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Or go to Lantern at the Fullerton Bay Hotel for a front-row seat to the Spectra light-and-water show.

Once you’ve squandered your savings on your drink bill (alcohol is notoriously expensive in Singapore, and even more so at ritzier bars), it’s time to search out another famous Singaporean cuisine – satay . By night, city worker’s lunch spot Lau Pa Sat morphs into a giant bustling outdoor barbecue party from 7pm, with wafts of grilling meats enticing diners from near and far. Each stall offers up its own unique flavours, so order a few satay   sticks from one and then move on to the next.

If you’ve still got energy in the tank, wander over to the Chinatown nightlife hub of Club Street and join the throngs of people tasting their way through a mind-boggling range of cocktail concoctions, craft beers and wines  in its quaint shophouse bars (ask for the daily specials, which can be easier on the wallet). Friday and Saturday nights see revellers spill into the street to enjoy drinking al fresco, with the street closed to cars to make room.  By now thoughts of bed are probably starting to fill your mind, and we don’t blame you. That said, the DJs at Zouk , Attica and Headquarters by the Council are only just warming up…

Last updated in December 2017

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The Ultimate 5-Day Singapore Itinerary Curated by Locals — from Iconic Attractions to Hidden Gems

Most Singapore itineraries are by travellers, but what better way to see the island than with one created by locals 😉

First published:  19 August 2021

Over the years, a couple of friends from overseas have visited Singapore and I’ve always struggled with what to show them. Most are here just for a few days, so they typically ask to see “ the big fake trees ” or “ where the Crazy Rich Asians ate “.

I oblige — they came for these tourist attractions anyway.

But lately, we’ve been wanting to look for more new things to do in Singapore and I’ve got to say, we’ve had some pretty cool adventures in the past few years — which is what inspired this Singapore itinerary.

Three days is fine if you’re just looking to see the shiniest bits of Singapore. But if you’re hoping to truly experience what this vibrant island city has to offer, we’d recommend forking out at least five days.

Read also: 50 Reasons to Visit Singapore

Singapore Itinerary Overview

Jump to the relevant section below: Day 0: Changi Airport Day 1: Bay Area | Museum-hopping | Lau Pa Sat | Gardens by the Bay Day 2: Botanic Gardens | East Coast Park | OR | Kranji Countryside | Night Safari Day 3: Chinatown | Little India | Kampong Gelam | Orchard Road Day 4: Pulau Ubin OR Southern Islands Day 5: Thrilling activities in Sentosa | Chill activities in Sentosa

Pre-trip Essentials

Immigration: Download the MyICA Mobile app and submit the SG Arrival Card within three days before arrival (including the date of arrival) in Singapore to avoid unnecessary delays during immigration clearance. More information at the end!

Also, visitors from 52 countries/places/groups including Australia, Japan and Thailand are eligible to use the automated lanes during arrival immigration clearance — take advantage of these for a breeze-through clearance ⏱

Connectivity: Pre-paid SIM cards are sold at several locations in Changi Airport .

Cash: Almost everywhere in Singapore accepts cashless payments. At hawker centres, most stalls accept e-payments via apps such as GrabPay and DBS PayLah! . If you don’t use these apps, carry some cash for payment at hawker centres.

Getting Around Singapore

Photo credit: Land Transport Authority

Public transport: Singapore’s public transport is efficient and easy to navigate. Announcements are made in four different languages — English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil.

Grab a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited rides on trains and buses. It comes in one, two or three days (from S$22, incl. S$10 refundable deposit). Alternatively, you can use a contactless credit or debit card, or mobile payment for public transport.

Taxi: Taxis in Singapore are metered, with flag-down fares starting from S$3.90. Ride booking apps like Grab , Gojek or Zig are available too

Car rental: Car rentals start at ~S$126/day . Alternatively, there are car-sharing options that charge by the minute.

*Pro-tip: Redeem 5% OFF Klook car rental and activities for use later, up to 5x. Just enter code <THETRAVELINTERNKLOOK> at checkout. New users get 10% OFF their first booking. T&C’s apply!

Read also: The Great Singapore Road Trip — 5 Fun Routes to Check off Your Bucket List

Day 0 (Arrival Day): Explore the World’s Best Airport

What other airport houses the world’s tallest indoor waterfall?

More than just a transit, Changi Airport is an attraction on its own. I mean, it isn’t named the world’s best airport 12 times for nothing.

Besides the seven-storey HSBC Rain Vortex , check out the Canopy Park found on the topmost level of Jewel. There are mazes, bouncing nets (suspended 25m above the ground!) and a Canopy Bridge with sweeping views of the airport.

Food-wise, there’s over 100 eateries in Jewel alone — plenty of options for an on-arrival or pre-departure meal!

*Pro-tip: There’s baggage storage available at level 1 for a fee. Alternatively, explore the rest of Changi Airport on your last day after checking in your luggage.

Read also: Everything You Need To Know About Jewel Changi Airport

Day 1: Singapore’s Most Iconic Attractions

Walk around the bay area.

No Singapore itinerary is complete without a trip to see our iconic skyline. There’s a lot to take in, like the Merlion , Helix Bridge, Esplanade and Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade.

*Pro-tip: The best photo spots at Marina Bay are at the Esplanade Bridge and Theatres on the Bay!

How to get there: Take the MRT to Bayfront (CCL/DTL) to start from Marina Bay Sands, or Esplanade (CCL) to start from the Esplanade ( Google Maps )

Museum-hopping

Option 1: National Gallery Singapore

Photo credit: Darren Soh

The National Gallery houses the largest public collection of Southeast Asian modern art.

Even if you’re not the biggest fan of art, the building is worth checking out. Housed in the former Supreme Court and City Hall, the design integrates modern elements to the original colonial structure.

Fun fact: The signing of the Japanese surrender document on 12 Sep 1945 and swearing-in of Singapore’s first Prime Minister on 5 Jun 1959 both took place in City Hall!

Entrance fee: From ~S$14/pax via Klook Opening hours: 10AM – 7PM (Last entry at 6:30PM) How to get there: 5min walk from City Hall MRT (EWL), exit B ( Google Maps )

Option 2: ArtScience Museum

From the outside, the ArtScience Museum looks like a giant lotus or an alien spaceship. It’s actually a futuristic museum that celebrates art, science, and technology. The exhibits are rotated regularly, so there’s always something new to look forward to!

Entrance fee: From ~S$14/pax via Klook Opening hours: 10AM – 7PM (last entry at 6PM) How to get there: 7min walk from Bayfront MRT (CCL/DTL), exit D ( Google Maps )

Lunch at Lau Pa Sat

Photo credit: Visit Singapore

Located right in the heart of Singapore’s central business district, Lau Pa Sat is a restored market that’s been around since the Sir Stamford Raffles era.

This national monument is a perfect example of our city’s blend of cultures — yummy hawker fare housed in a European cast-iron structure. Pick from a variety of Singaporean favourites, like satay (grilled meat dipped in peanut sauce), chicken rice and barbequed seafood.

*Pro-tip: Dine alfresco at Satay Street — located beside Lau Pa Sat from 7PM daily.

Opening hours: All-day How to get there: 3min walk from Telok Ayer MRT (DTL), exit A ( Google Maps )

Explore Gardens by the Bay

Alright, Gardens by the Bay is pretty spectacular. Even as a local who’s been there several times, I still find myself in awe when I visit.

You’ve got 18 massive supertrees that look like something out of Avatar, the largest of which is 16-storeys tall. Beyond just architectural marvels, these supertrees are actually vertical gardens home to over 162,900 plants!

Gardens by the Bay also houses two beautiful glass greenhouses. Cloud Forest features plants found at around 2,000m above sea level, plus one of the world’s largest indoor waterfalls. The Flower Dome is all about flowers from different habitats — like African Baobabs and Italian Cypresses!

*Pro-tip: Be sure to catch Garden Rhapsody to see the Supertrees transform in a stunning light and sound show! This happens daily at 7:45PM and 8:45PM and admission is free.

Entrance fee: ~S$34/pax via Klook for Flower Dome and Cloud Forest package Opening hours: 5AM – 2AM daily, 9AM – 9PM for Cloud Forest and Flower Dome How to get there: 2min walk from Bayfront MRT (CCL/DTL), exit B ( Google Maps )

Take in Singapore’s iconic skyline at night

Singapore’s skyline gives off a different vibe at night — bustling, yet calming. Catch Spectra , a 15-minute light and water show that happens daily in front of Marina Bay Sands.

To experience the local arts scene, head to Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay for free performances by up-and-coming artists.

Day 2: “Escape” the City

Now that you’ve seen Singapore’s glitzy side, it’s time to experience a slower pace of life.

Option 1: Picnic at Botanic Gardens and cycle at East Coast Park

Singapore Botanic Gardens

The 162-year-old Singapore Botanic Gardens  is the first and only tropical botanic garden to make it onto the UNESCO World Heritage List. It’s roughly the size of 100 football fields, so there’s plenty to see.

There are large open lawns for picnics and tons of Instagrammable spots, like the Bandstand Gazebo (pictured above) and Swan Lake.

The National Orchid Garden was also fully revamped in 2021, featuring over 1,000 orchid species. The star here is the Sembcorp Cool House, inspired by a high elevation montane forest.

Botanic Garden’s latest upgrade also includes the Gallop Extension . Highlights include the Botanical Art Gallery (free entry), a colonial-era house from the 1800s, and the COMO Adventure Grove — a nature-inspired playground.

*Pro-tip: The Botanic Gardens area features numerous popular cafes. Pick one for lunch or pack a lunch and picnic in the gardens.

Entrance fee: Free, S$15 for entry to the National Orchid Garden Opening hours: 5AM – 12AM How to get there: Botanic Gardens is located right at the exit of Botanic Gardens MRT (CCL/DTL) ( Google Maps )

Read also: Singapore Botanic Gardens’ New Gallop Extension — IG-Worthy Art Galleries in British Colonial Houses, a New Hiking Trail and Playground

East Coast Park

East Coast Park has beaches stretching over 15km, a brand-new Coastal PlayGrove playground, and a wakeboarding park — so it’s no surprise locals flock here on weekends.

*Pro-tip: Avoid the crowds by coming on weekdays!

Check out the view from Marina Barrage . It’s a popular place for picnics and kite-flying .

A popular cycling route is to start at East Coast Park and end at Marina Bay. It’s a scenic stretch between East Coast Park and Marina Barrage, with panoramic views of Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Flyer.

Bike rental starts from S$10/hr — you can return your bike at a different outlet, so there’s no need to cycle back the same way.

East Coast Park Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24 hours How to get there: From Paya Lebar MRT (CCL/EWL), it is a ~10min taxi ride to GoCycling Bike Rental Kiosk C4 at East Coast Park ( Google Maps )

Option 2: Farm-hop around Kranji and enjoy wildlife at the Night Safari

Singapore isn’t just tall buildings and busy streets. Over in the northwest of the island lies rustic countryside with vegetable gardens, goat and frog farms! The best part is, entry to these farms are free 🥳

Bollywood Farms

Bollywood Farms is an iconic Singapore farm. Affectionately called “Paradise on Earth”, this veggie farm has a laidback, hipster vibe with quirky signs that add to its charm.

For lunch, drop by the in-house Poison Ivy Bistro , which serves hearty farm-to-table food. The menu changes depending on the available produce, but their famous Nasi Lemak Platter with blue pea rice and sambal goreng (from S$12) is a crowd favourite.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 10AM – 4PM (Thu – Fri), 7AM – 6PM (Sat – Sun), Closed on Mon – Wed except for PH How to get there: From Kranji MRT (NSL), it is a 13min taxi ride to Bollywood Farms ( Google Maps )

Hay Dairies Goat Farm

A 27-minute walk from Bollywood Farms lies Hay Dairies , Singapore’s only goat farm. Open since 1988, it produces nutritious goat milk which you can find in several supermarkets.

View the daily milking process (9AM – 10:30AM) or pick up a bag of alfalfa hay (S$3/bag) to feed the goats. End your trip by trying goat’s milk — available in original and chocolate flavours.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 9AM – 4PM (closed on Tue) How to get there: 27min walk from Bollywood Farms ( Google Maps )

Jurong Frog Farm

Hop over to Jurong Frog Farm to learn about bullfrogs! There are numerous activities here like frog catching (S$10) and feeding (S$2/bag). Be sure to try the deep-fried cajun frog meat (S$15)!

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 9AM – 5:30PM (Sat and Sun, PH) How to get there: 18min walk from Hay Dairies ( Google Maps )

Kranji has beautiful nature spots like Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (for wildlife sightings and coastal views). You could visit Sungei Buloh and a couple of farms, or wake up earlier to catch the sunrise at Sungei Buloh!

*Pro-tip: You can actually book a day tour to Kranji via Klook (from ~S$160/pax) to visit all the spots above!

Night Safari

Photo credit: Night Safari

The Night Safari is the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park. It’s home to almost 100 species, 41% of which are threatened. Spot Malayan tigers, Sunda pangolins and Asian elephants roaming about!

Entrance fee: From ~S$50/pax via Klook Opening hours: 7:15PM – 12AM (Last entry at 11:15PM) How to get there: From Khatib MRT (NSL), take the Mandai Khatib Shuttle (S$2, check timings). Alternatively, it’s a 20min taxi ride from Jurong Frog Farm ( Google Maps )

Day 3: Discover Singapore’s Cultural Heritage

The famous Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.

Chinatown is a favourite among both locals and tourists. Here you’ll find a Buddhist temple, a mosque and a Hindu temple — all within walking distance from each other! If you don’t know where to start, maybe booking a food-tasting and walking tour may help you.

Start with breakfast at Chinatown Complex , Singapore’s largest hawker centre with over 260 food stalls. Try the world’s cheapest Michelin Star meal — Hawker Chan’s (#02-126) soya sauce chicken rice. The queues tend to be long, but it’s definitely worth the wait.

If you tissue packets, water bottles or umbrellas left on tables — it’s completely intentional. Singaporeans have a “ chope ” culture where we use belongings to reserve seats. 😂

Other must-try stalls include Old Amoy Chendol (#02-008), Jin Ji Teochew Braised Duck and Kway Chap (#02-156), Xiu Ji Ikan Bilis Yong Tau Fu (#02-88), Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao (#02-135). Ordering drinks is also a unique experience — kopi is coffee and Michael Jackson refers to soya milk with grass jelly.

* Pro-tip: Order several dishes to share! That way, you can try a bit of everything.

Read also : Ultimate Singapore Food Guide — 54 Local-Approved Things to Eat in Singapore

After that, stroll along Chinatown’s historic streets and spot fun street art, old shophouses and other cultural landmarks.

Guided walking tour cost: From ~S$67/pax via Klook How to get there: 4min walk from Chinatown MRT (NEL/DTL), exit A to Chinatown Complex. The rest of the attractions are within walking distance in the same area ( Google Maps )

Little India

In the 1840s, Little India housed a racecourse popular among Europeans. Today, it’s a vibrant district filled with North and South Indian eateries, roadside stalls selling saris and handicrafts, plus historic buildings.

Visit the 24-hour Mustafa Centre , pose for pictures at the colourful House of Tan Teng Niah and pick up souvenirs at the Little India Arcade.

For lunch, head to Tekka Centre. Recommended dishes include mutton briyani from Allauddin’s Briyani (#01-232), masala dosai from Annal Dosai (#01-244) and braised duck rice from Heng Gi Goose and Duck Rice (#01-335).

Guided walking tour cost: From ~S$133/pax via Klook How to get there: 3min walk from Little India MRT (NEL/DTL), exit C to Tekka Market

Kampong Gelam

Kampong Gelam is Singapore’s oldest urban quarter, occupied by Malay and Arab communities during the colonial era. The most prominent landmark is the Sultan Mosque , built in 1824 for Singapore’s first sultan.

Drop by the hipster Haji Lane for fun murals and shops, plus bustling restaurants serving international cuisine like Mexican burritos!

How to get there: 5min walk from Bugis MRT (DTL/EWL), exit D to the Sultan Mosque. Haji Lane is just a 2min walk away from there ( Google Maps )

Orchard Road

Photo credit: @k8_iv via Unsplash

New York has Times Square, we have Orchard Road . Picture dozens of megamalls all lined up on one street — truly a shopaholic’s paradise.

You could easily spend hours just at Takashimaya, ION Orchard and 313@Somerset. Besides your standard Zara and Adidas, check out homegrown brands like CHARLES & KEITH , Love, Bonito and The Editor’s Market . But even if you’re not much of a shopper, Orchard Road is great for dining and walking around.

*Pro-tip: Spend a minimum of S$50 at ION Orchard and gain free entry to ION Sky , a viewing gallery on the 55th floor!

How to get there: Take the MRT to Somerset (NSL). The exit leads to three malls — 313@Somerset, Orchard Central and Orchard Gateway ( Google Maps )

Day 4: Day-trip to Singapore’s offshore islands

Did you know that Singapore is made up of not one, but 64 islands? Tourists typically don’t include island-hopping in their Singapore itinerary, but our offshore islands are worth a visit.

Option 1: Pulau Ubin for the adventurous

For those craving nature, Pulau Ubin is the place to be — and it only costs S$4/pax to get there via a 15-minute bumboat! Unlike the towering skyscrapers of the mainland, the only semblance of a town is at the jetty — the rest is generally untouched.

*Pro-tip: Rent a bike from the main village (S$6 for the entire day) as there’s quite a lot to cover on foot.

Over on the west side of Pulau Ubin lies Ketam Mountain Bike Park . It’s the first bike park in Singapore that meets international biking standards. Along the way, be sure to stop for a short hike up Puaka Hill and enjoy stunning views of the Ubin Granite Quarry.

Then there’s Chek Jawa , which is one of Singapore’s richest ecosystems. Wild boars, monitor lizards and crabs are some common critters here. Hop off your bike, stroll along coastal boardwalks and climb the 20-metre tall Jejawi Tower!

There are only four restaurants on the island, located near the jetty. We’d suggest having full breakfast at the nearby Changi Village Hawker Centre before boarding the boat to Ubin. If you want to explore the island’s sceneries, renting a bike may be for you.

Read also: Cycling on Pulau Ubin — A Scenic 9-Hour Route Around The Island’s Best Sights

Cost: S$4/pax for a one-way bumboat ride — Bring cash as cards aren’t accepted on Pulau Ubin How to get there: From Pasir Ris MRT (EWL), it’s a 15min taxi ride or 27min bus ride (bus 109) to Changi Point Ferry Terminal ( Google Maps )

Option 2: Chill day on Southern Islands

The Southern Islands is made up of eight islands, of which five are accessible by the public via a ferry ( S$14/pax ). This includes stops at St John’s Island (connected to Lazarus Island) and Kusu Island.

St John’s Island

Upon arrival at St John’s Island , you’re greeted by inviting blue waters and tall swaying trees. Despite the island’s grim past as a quarantine centre, it’s now a popular weekend retreat where visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll or go snorkelling.

Lazarus Island

Lazarus Island is the most popular of Singapore’s Southern Islands and the picture above is the main reason why. This island has a gorgeous white sand beach that could easily pass as resorts in Thailand or the Philippines .

A 20-minute walk from St John’s Island via a causeway, Lazarus is the perfect place for picnicking, tanning and swimming. You can even book an overnight stay at one of five tiny houses which just opened in May 2023!

*Pro-tip: Pack lunch because there aren’t any food and drink stores here.

Kusu Island

Lastly, there’s Kusu Island . It’s much smaller than St John’s and Lazarus, but offers a unique cultural experience with its collection of shrines and temples.

Kusu Island is also a fishing hot spot, with groupers and silver moonies commonly spotted. Oh, and you’ll find plenty of adorable tortoises residing there. Kusu means tortoise in Hokkien, after all!

*Pro-tip:  If you’d like to squeeze all three islands into your Singapore itinerary, we’d recommend visiting Kusu Island first as it only takes around an hour to explore. Then you can spend the rest of your day relaxing at St John’s and Lazarus Islands. Else, book an island-hopping tour for convenience!

Read also: Singapore Southern Islands Guide — Island Hopping Around Lazarus, St John’s, Kusu and Sisters’ Island

Island-hopping tour cost: From ~S$75/pax via Klook Entrance fee: Free entry — ferry ticket at S$14/pax How to get there: Take the MRT to Marina South Pier (NSL). Marina South Pier Ferry Terminal is at the entrance of exit B ( Google Maps )

Day 5: Enjoy a full day of excitement at Sentosa, Singapore’s island of fun

There’s so much to do at Sentosa for those seeking thrill and those hoping to chill — more than enough to fill an entire week!

Entrance fee: Free How to get there: From Harbourfront MRT (CCL/NEL), walk to the Sentosa Express station on Vivocity Level 3. It costs S$4/pax to take the Sentosa Express into Sentosa. Alternatively, you could walk in via the Sentosa Boardwalk — free entry!

Thrilling Activities at Sentosa

AJ Hackett Sentosa

Tick bungy jumping off your bucket list at AJ Hackett Sentosa ! You’ve got stunning views of Siloso Beach as you take the plunge from a height of 47m. You can even request how much of your body you’d like to touch the swimming pool at the bottom.

Cost :  From ~S$99/pax (bungy jump) via Klook Opening hours : 11:30AM – 7:30PM

Skyline Luge Sentosa

The Skyline Luge is a classic. It starts with a scenic skyride from Siloso Beach followed by a thrilling luge experience. There are four distinct tracks to choose from and our pick is the 688-metre long Dragon Trail — the longest of the lot!

Cost :  From ~S$34/pax for 3 rounds via Klook Opening hours : 11AM – 7:30PM (Mon – Thu), 12PM – 9PM (Fri), 10AM – 9PM (Sat), 10AM – 7:30PM (Sun)

Located at Palawan Beach, HydroDash  is Singapore’s very first aqua park — opened in 2021! The Wipe Out-like obstacle course is split into two zones of different difficulty; one for younger kids and one for those aged nine and above.

Cost :  From ~S$21/pax via Klook Opening hours : 12PM – 6PM (Mon – Fri), 10AM – 6PM (Sat – Sun, PH)

There are a couple more new attractions in Sentosa like HyperDrive (Asia’s first indoor gamified electric Go-Kart circuit) and UltraGold (an 18-hole beachside mini golf course).

Chill Activities at Sentosa

Relax at Sentosa’s Pristine Beaches

Sentosa’s beautiful beaches are the main reason why locals flock here to destress. There are three beaches — Siloso , Palawan and Tanjong — and white sand, swaying palm trees and blue waters await at each one.

*Pro-tip: Bring a frisbee or volleyball! There are free beach courts available for use.

Entrance fee:  Free Opening hours:  8AM – 7PM

Hike Sentosa’s Unique Walking Trails

Perhaps the most underrated activity in Sentosa is hiking. Which is a waste, because Sentosa’s walking trails are pretty special!

There’s the Coastal Trail , perfect for history buffs and explorers. The route features Fort Siloso, an open-air museum with real cannons and military structure remains from World War II. If you’d prefer a classic nature walk, opt for the Imbiah Trail .

Entrance fee :  Free Opening hours:  24 hours

Madame Tussauds Singapore

Did you know that every Madame Tussauds is different? Singapore’s version features the only Madame Tussauds boat ride in the world and a Marvel 4D Experience — the only of its kind in Asia.

Of course, the main reason to visit is the life-sized wax figures of celebrities, athletes, and world leaders! Good to know that I’m at eye-level with Yao Ming’s belly button.

Cost:   From ~S$38/pax via Klook Opening hours:  Generally 10AM – 6PM. Check the latest timings before going.

Read our Sentosa Guide for other fun activities at Singapore’s state of fun!

*Pro-tip: Redeem 5% OFF Klook activities for use later, up to 5x. Just enter code <THETRAVELINTERNKLOOK> at checkout. New users get 10% OFF their first booking. T&C’s apply!

Where to Stay in Singapore

Hostels — from s$20/night.

Photo credit: Hostel World

Beyond offering affordable accommodation, hostels are great places to get to know other backpackers. There are numerous hostel options located in the central areas of Chinatown, Farrer Park and Jalan Besar.

Read also: 10 Cheap and Affordable Hostels in Singapore Under S$30

Hotels — From S$90/night

Photo credit: Park 22 Hotel

For those who prefer the privacy of your own room and toilet, book a hotel! Luckily, there are plenty of budget-friendly hotels in Singapore — with great facilities like swimming pools and gyms.

Read also: Singapore Staycation Ideas — 13 Hotels Under S$99/Pax That Are Trendy Yet Affordable

Luxury Hotels — From S$268/night

If you’ve come to Singapore to live the Crazy Rich Asian lifestyle, splurge on a fancier hotel! These hotels offer a more premium experience with amenities like private plunge pools, large terraces and high-end bathroom products.

Read also: 7 Newly Opened Luxury Hotels in Singapore

Download the ICA Mobile app for fuss-free immigration clearance

Photo credit: ICA

A smooth (and quick) immigration clearance is always a great start to a vacation — download the MyICA Mobile app to ensure your arrival in Singapore is hassle-free!

The MyICA Mobile app is a one-stop platform for you to access all of ICA’s e-Services on-the-go. Some key features include:

1) Easy submission of SG Arrival Card (online travel and health declaration) — Scan your passport on the app to auto-populate your information and save your profile for future trips to Singapore. Families and tour groups can submit the SG Arrival Card as a group (up to nine pax).

2) Quick access to the electronic pass (e-Pass) enquiry portal to retrieve the details of your visit pass. You can check your maximum number of days of stay granted to you, and the last day of stay in Singapore!

Your e-Pass will be sent to the email address declared in your SG Arrival Card after you clear immigration. It can also be retrieved via ICA’s ePass enquiry portal on the MyICA Mobile app. The e-Pass is needed for hotel check-ins, casino entry and tax refunds.

3) Apply for extension of Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) or apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)

Bookmark our Singapore itinerary for your next vacation

Now when someone asks “What should I include in my Singapore itinerary?”, my answer would be pretty different. Yes, you should definitely see “the big fake trees” if it’s your first time here, but take the time to enjoy the rest of the city.

Our quirky neighbourhoods, scenic nature spots, and offshore islands are worth getting to know as well. I swear you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Need help navigating the city? Here’s a map with all the attractions pinned:

If you’re planning to stick around longer, here are more awesome things to add to your Singapore itinerary: – The Ultimate List of 23 Hiking Trails in Singapore — Ranked from chill to adventurous – 50 Exciting Things to Do in Singapore — The Ultimate Singapore Bucket List For Locals in 2021 – Sembawang Heritage Trail Guide — Remnants of a Forgotten Naval Base – 9 Scenic Spots to Picnic in Singapore and Pro-tips For the Perfect Alfresco Meal

What else would you add to this Singapore itinerary if you were bringing your foreign friends around? Share with us in the comments!

This post was brought to you by ICA Singapore .

For more travel inspiration, follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  YouTube , and  Telegram .

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Discover the best of Singapore in a day with this 24-hour itinerary

Things to do in Singapore Singapore Travel Guide Singapore Itineraries 1 Day Singapore Itinerary

The tropical island nation of Singapore in Southeast Asia has been famed for its gigantic skyscrapers, famous ancient architecture, a cultural amalgamation of the continent, and slurpiest cuisines one could ever have. Singapore is also dubbed as one of the most expensive cities in the world, considering the lifestyle and one spending here. However, it all depends on the way you plan your spending on travel, accommodation, and getting the best deal in seasons.

The country has a blend of people from different nationalities, ethnicity, and culture, all living in proper harmony. Singapore is one of the safest countries for tourists in the world, and if you are planning the journey anytime soon, you can stay assured that your trip will be memorable.

1 day in Singapore - How to spend your day

The Merlion and the Merlion Park

Gardens by the Bay

Red Dot Design Museum

Helix Bridge

Singapore Flyer

National Museum of Singapore

Singapore River Cruise

Singapore in a day - Detailed itinerary

Morning - say hello to the merlion and gardens by the bay.

Red Dot Design Museum and the ArtScience Museum

Tropical Island Nation

Official Mascot for the City

The center of all places and the statue which gives Singapore its identity is none other than the Merlion. Located near Hotel Fullerton, this place is an absolute hit amongst the visitors and is located inside Merlion Park. Merlion the mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, is considered the official mascot for the city. The water flowing out of the mouth of Merlion resembles a fountain. The place is easily connected through public transport.

• Sit by the steps near the Merlion statue to click some amazing pictures.
• By the banks of the river, you must try to indulge in local delicacies like Laksa (combination of coconut gravy and eggs), Kopi (coffee in Singapore style), Kaya (butter jam toast).
• You can visit the spherical-shaped Helix bridge for strolling and clicking pictures.

 🇸🇬 Hot Local Tip 🇸🇬

You can have a sumptuous English breakfast at PS. Café at Fullerton, and the double chocolate cake there are absolutely delightful. Try spending quality time with your loved ones by the steps near Merlion. 

Fun-filled Nature Park

Exotic Flora and Fauna

Gardens by the Bay is a fun-filled nature park that derives beauty from various elements of the environment. There are different sections at the place like Cloud Forest, Floral Fantasy , and Supertree Observatory . The flower dome has the best collection of exotic flora and fauna. The theme of Gardens by the Bay is to make the place have a tropical Singapore with perfect ambiance.

• Do not miss taking a stroll on OCBC Skywalk to catch the view of beautiful Marina Sand Bays
• The light show at Gardens by the Bay is fantastic and teleports you to the dreamy land of Avatar.
• Try to reach Gardens by the Bay as early as possible as there are many places to visit within a limited time frame.

🇸🇬  Hot Local Tip  🇸🇬 

Da Paolo Gastronomia and Mylo’s are some of the best places to indulge in some sumptuous breakfast near the Bay. 

Perfect Mix of Tech

Global Artists Work

Located near Garden by the way and at the center of Marina Sands Bay, among them Red Dot Design Museum and ArtScience Museum can be visited. The best of the designs from global artists can be found at the Red dot design museum and can be viewed in either permanent or temporary collections. The art you witness goes through much scrutiny and checks and is at par worldwide.

ArtScience Museum is one of the few architectures in the world which blends a perfect mix of technology, science, arts, and culture. The outer architecture assumes the shape of a lotus flower.

• There is no entry fee at the Red Dot Design Museum for children below six years of age.
• Red Dot Design Museum has its eatery, and one can have food and snacks there too.
• You can reach the spots either by bus or underground line and for tourists, the preferable mode is a private taxi.

🇸🇬  Hot Local Tip  🇸🇬

Cedele Bakery Café, Qi - House of Sichuan near the Red Dot Design Museum is a perfect space for breakfast. 

Afternoon - Exploring Singapore's Architectures

Top 10 Rome Attractions

Shape of Human DNA

World’s Best Transport Building

Helix Bridge is one of the wonder architectures of the world designed in the shape of human DNA, i.e., helix. The bridge won “World’s Best Transport Building” previously. The bridge connects the City Hall locality to Marina Bay and holds massive popularity among tourists. Almost anyone visiting Singapore has two-must pictures- one near Merlion and the other near Helix bridge. The 280-meter bridge is a pedestrian path giving a fantastic view of Marina Bay.

• One can reach Helix Bridge using bus or mass rapid transport.
• It is open 24 hours a day, and there is no time restriction for people strolling on the bridge.
• If you visit Singapore during the National Day Celebration, this is your perfect sport for viewing the festivities.

🇸🇬  Hot Local Tip  🇸🇬

Jumbo Seafood provides the best option of seafood to tourists and visitors. It is well famed for grilled jumbo prawns and classic chili crab. 

DB Bistro & Oyster Bar is known for the best quality oyster and other seafood, along with the finest wine option in the entire city. 

Important Landmark

Family Friendly

Singapore Flyer is easily accessible from Marina Bay and the museums and is one of the most important landmarks of Singapore. It has built-in capsules in the flyers, which take you to a height of 165 meters from the ground. It's almost a 30 minutes ride in which you can get a 360-degree view of the entire Malay city of Singapore.

• You can choose to have an in-capsule dining facility in Singapore Flyer during the ride. It is a one-hour-long experience and is shared between the two.
• You can witness the experience of Magical XD Theatre equipped with a motion simulator for some real-time experience.

🇸🇬  Local Travel Tip  🇸🇬

Head to Flyer Lounge, Cherry Garden, or Dolce Vita for lunch.

Historic Landmark

Oldest Museum

Built-in 1849, The National Museum is the oldest museum in Singapore and houses many exhibitions, artifacts, and showcases galleries about Singapore culture and history. Many permanent and temporary exhibitions are held inside the museum.

• The museum is open from Monday to Sunday, but the last entry to the museum is by 5 PM.
• Early Learning Resources Programmes are available for kids between the ages of one and six.
• You can even enjoy some of the online resources and programs shared by the museums from the comforts of your home.

  🇸🇬  Local Travel Tip  🇸🇬

Food for Thought is one of the best options for multi-cuisine lunch if you are near the National Museum of Singapore.

Evening - Cruising and Strolling About Singapore

Singapore river cruise from the clarke quay jetty.

Famous Landmarks

Fun Cruise ride

The fun cruise ride across the Singapore waters takes you through famous landmarks like Merlion Park, Boat Quay, and Bayfront South. One can opt for a 40-minute ride along with their loved ones during the wee but shimmery hours of the evening on the cruise from Clarke Quay Jetty , which is the starting point. Enjoy gigantic structures like Beam Bridge, Fullerton, and Esplanade on your ride.

• You can grab a ticket for the Singapore River Cruise online to avoid the last-minute hassle.
• Cruise plans can get affected by heavy rain or other weather circumstances, but you need to plan accordingly.

Heavenly Food

Local Delicacy

Indulge in the heavenly food and sumptuous Asian treats at Chinatown Food Street, where you will find the local delicacy of Singapore and some of the best foods from around the Asian continent at a very pocket-friendly price. Besides, the shopping market in Chinatown is an absolute delight for people who love to carry souvenirs with them and buy themselves specialties of the place. At night, the place enlivens itself to the music and lights. It is also a hub of cultural architecture, religion, and practices.

• A foodie and travel enthusiast should never miss coming to Chinatown to see a different world amongst the shouts of street hawkers and chaos of the crowd.
• The Chinatown shopping market is a bargaining space; the more you bargain, the better the deal you can get.
• Do not miss to view the cultural diversity of Singapore in one single street, where you would find a mosque, a Hindu temple, and a Buddhist temple in a single line.

More Singapore Itinerary Options?

Have some more time to kill in Singapore? That's alright, we've got other options for you. Check out our other itineraries for further inspiration:

• 3 Days in Singapore
• The Singapore Trip Planner

Public Transportation In Singapore

The easiest way to travel around Singapore is using a public transport system that is affordable, fast, and amicable for tourists of all types. Different types of transport modes are available to hop around the city

• Singapore's MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) : It is the fastest way of traveling to any popular destination. Generally, such places are located at a walkable distance from the MRT station. One can opt for a tourist pass, foreign-issued Mastercard and VISA facilities, and an Adult Stored Value Smartcard while traveling by train.
• Buses : They are a great option to travel the city at your own pace. Buses cover an extensive network of places in Singapore; they are air-conditioned and may be single or double-decker buses.
• Taxis : Taxis are another affordable option as meters are reasonably priced, and there are no safety concerns. There might be surcharges sometimes, and you can always ask the driver for a receipt. The pricing and fares highly depend on the company from which you are taking the services.
• Bicycle : If you love cycling around the place, Singapore has some great options as it has a good cycling path for people traveling there. One can even get cycles and gears from the licensed operator there, and you are good to traverse the city on your own.

Tips & Hacks For Making The Best of Singapore In A Day

• Buses are not a great option for first-time visitors in Singapore as the extensive network of buses, and their timings may confuse you. Instead, you can hop on a taxi or metro to avoid the hassle.
• Any place of architectural significance gets crowded during the afternoon, so it is preferred to visit them either early in the morning or evening. So, you can plan your places accordingly if you want to avoid a rush.
• Try saving your bucks by shopping local and eating local in the famed streets of Chinatown, which won’t hit your pocket as hard as sitting in a fancy restaurant.
• Do not miss out on Little India, where you will find the most famed things from India- the spicy food, sarees, Bollywood posters, and DVDs, to name a few!
• As Singapore has a tropical climate, a few essential things that you must always carry are- sunscreens, umbrellas, and rain cover for your bags.
• The public water in Singapore is safe to use, and one can definitely save money and reduce plastics by not buying plastic water bottles.
• You must adhere to some of the local regulations like spitting on the roads, smoking in the designated areas, and flushing the toilet after use. Otherwise, you might certainly land up with a penalty.

My closest mundane mates would describe me as a coffee junkie with momentary bouts of creative highs and mediocre lows. I firmly believe that life isn't picture-perfect but dogs are:) I've always had this insatiable desire for a visual representation of the life around me, it was an intrinsic part, an inbuilt function without which survival would be unimaginable. Have a lovely day ahead folks!

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Home » Southeast Asia » Singapore » Itinerary

Check out our EPIC 4-Day Singapore Itinerary! (2024)

Singapore, the little island hub of energy just off the coast of Malaysia, is a beautiful place to spend your time in with its perfect blend of futuristic designs and natural gardens and parks. Whether you have a short layover, on your way to another destination, or you are arriving determined to spend a vacation in this multicultural city, you are spoilt for choice on things to do.

So spoilt, in fact, that it can seem impossible to properly plan a trip – there are so many things you can see and do, it can be quite overwhelming! You might also be asking yourself “how many days should I spend in Singapore?”

That’s why we’ve put together this Singapore itinerary! It will ensure you make the most of your time – however long or short that may be – and that you get to experience the best of the city.

A Little Bit About this 4-Day Singapore Itinerary

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Singapore is one of the most modern and culturally unique cities in the world. As a city-state, it is one of the smallest nations in the world, yet offers more than enough to fill out an itinerary.

Singapore is known for its melting pot of cultures, its towering skyscrapers, and its squeaky clean reputation. Backpackers visiting Singapore for the first time often do remark that it can be a little stifling, due to its extreme civil rules and sometimes sterile attractions e.g. theme parks.

But there is plenty to like about Singapore. Here, you’ll find some immensely unique sites and experiences, like the ethnic smorgasbords of Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam or the futuristic super trees at the Gardens by the Bay. Singapore is a city that looks to the future and strives to be different and, in a lot of ways, it succeeds.

4 days in Singapore will be plenty of time. One can see all of the city’s major attractions without being rushed. For those who want to see as much as possible with the time allotted could even fit in a bit more. We’ve made sure to provide a couple of extra suggestions at the end of our standard 4-day Singapore itinerary.

Traveling in Singapore is also made easy thanks to the MRT (or Mass Rapid Transit). It runs throughout the city and can connect you from one attraction to the next fast, efficiently, and without hassle. Most of the major attractions are a short walk from the MRT stations.

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4-Day Singapore Itinerary Overview

• Day 1 in Singapore: Arab Street , Little India , Tekka Centre , Singapore National Museum , River Cruise , Rooftop Cocktails
• Day 2 in Singapore: Esplanade Center , ArtScience Museum , Lunch , Gardens by the Bay , Biodomes , Supertree Grove Skywalk
• Day 3 on Singapore: Sentosa , Skyline Luge , Palawan , Chinatown
• Day 4 in Singapore: Treetop Walk , Adam Road Food Centre , Botanic Garden , Orchard Road
• More Places to See in Singapore: Night Safari , Universal Studios , Marine Life Park

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Singapore, although small, has many different areas for you to stay in. From bustling city centers to cultural hubs and even beach resorts, there’s a spot on this island for every kind of traveler!

Apart from Sentosa – a beach resort island just off the coast of Singapore – the districts are all quite close to each other. So wherever you stay, you won’t be far from the other great places on offer.

Places like Chinatown and Little India are fantastic neighborhoods in Singapore for experiencing the many cultures available in Singapore. While Orchard Road is a hub of activity during the day, it turns into shopping opportunities galore in the evening!

If you’re looking for the best place to experience Singapore’s nightlife, we suggest staying in Clarke Quay. It’s also the perfect place for travelers on a budget. Backpackers in Singapore can find great accommodation and there are happy hour specials on food and drinks throughout the day.

Alternatively, enjoy fine-dining at some of Singapore’s best restaurants in the Civic District. Immerse yourself into the culture as well by visiting the many art museums in the area, and relax in some of the large green spaces – great for picnics!

Best Hostel in Singapore – Fisher BnB

Fisher BnB can be found within convenient distance from everything important in Singapore. Visitors can even walk to places such as Little India and Chinatown!

Offering ladies only, mixed and family dorm types, you can comfortably sleep with whichever group fits you best. With your comfortable bed, you’ll also get free WiFi and a scrumptious breakfast included in the rates.

Backpacker tip:  If you’re traveling Singapore on a budget, then check out our roundup of the cheapest and best hostels in Singapore !

Best Airbnb in Singapore – Attic Hideaway @ Heart of Town

Walking distance to Singapore’s hottest neighbourhoods and attractions, this clean and contemporary attic hideaway is the best Airbnb in Singapore. With modern amenities and a full kitchen, this one-bedroom condo comfortably sleeps up four people and is perfect for anyone looking for a place to stay in the heart of the city.

Best Luxury Hotel in Singapore –  Marina Bay Sands

Situated in Marina Bay, this iconic hotel has become a Singaporean landmark. It has 20 dining options inside its walls, and its own private, world-class casino.

Enjoy luxury rooms, which all have floor-to-ceiling windows, giving you breathtaking views of Marina Bay and its surrounds. There is also an infinity rooftop pool and a spa inside the hotel.

• Best Airbnbs in Singapore
• Best VRBOs in Singapore
• Best Homestays in Singapore

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Today we visit a few of the most interesting neighborhoods in Singapore including the Arab Quarter (Kampong Glam) and Little India. We’ll top off the day with a river cruise and perhaps a rooftop cocktail.

Every map that you see in this article includes a hyperlink to an interactive version on Google Driving. After clicking the map image, the interactive version will be opened in a new tab.

9:00 AM – Arab Street and Kampong Glam

Exploring Arab Street and the surrounding neighborhood of Kampong Glam is a very unique cultural experience. This is the beating heart of Singapore’s Islamic community!

Start your first day early by taking the MRT and hopping off at Bugis station, making your way to Arab Street. While you’re at it, consider having breakfast when you arrive as well. Check out all Things Deliciousere, which is arguable serves the best in the area.

Once you’re ready, just start walking around. As you do, you will find a hub of Islamic culture. From fantastic cafes to quaint boutiques, you will find fabrics, souvenirs, spices, and more than a couple of hookah bars to chill at. Haji Street is one of the best places to become familiar with Kampong Glam.

There are many stores that offer products not found in your local supermarket. There is also the Trippies and Little Children’s Museum, which shows life as a young child in Singapore during the ‘60s and ‘70s.

Once you’ve tasted and shopped your way down the street, be sure to visit Sultan Mosque. It opens every Saturday to Thursday from 10 am to 12 pm (and again from 2 pm to 4 pm). Fridays are only open from 2:30 pm to 4 pm.

Remember when visiting the mosque, as with most temples in Singapore, be sure to show the appropriate respect and ensure that you are correctly clothed – otherwise, you will not be let in.

• Cost –  Just the cost of food and souvenirs.
• How long should I stay here?  2-3 hours.
• Getting there –  Bugis Street is the nearest MRT stop.

11:30 AM – Little India

Next is Little India, a bright and colorful neighborhood full of Indian culture, from shopping and food to friendly faces! Here, you will find an array of Indian-inspired shops, restaurants, and places of interest. Wind your way down the busy, colorfully decorated streets and experience the sights, sounds and delicious smells along your way!

In addition to the many food options – the Tekka Centre, which we visit next, has the most culinary options – you’ll find plenty of shopping opportunities, such as Mustafa Centre, a 24-hour shopping center.

Browse through the Little India Arcade and pick up Indian-inspired souvenirs to take home with you. Make a stop at the Jothi Store & Flower Shop, too, and you’ll find ethnic products spread over 5 floors.

Little India also has a collection of temples that you can visit. A definite not-to-be-missed is Sri Veeramakaliamman, the most beautiful temple in the area according to popular opinions. You can also visit the Indian Heritage Center, a four-story building blending Indian history and heritage with modern architecture – entrance costs $5.

• Cost  – Again, free unless you give in to the shopping temptation.
• How long should I stay here?  2-3 hours.
• Getting there –  Ride two stops away from Bugis on the MRT to Little India or walk 30 minutes from Kampong Glam.

1:00 PM – Lunch in the Tekka Centre

The Tekka Centre is a cornerstone of the Indian community in Singapore and is probably the easiest place to find good Indian food in the city. There’s a pretty dizzying array of Indian food on offer here, from rich Southern fare to firey northern dishes and tandoori to roti to naan and every other type of Indian bread you can imagine. For lovers of curry and other Indian staples, it will be love at first sight.

One of the best cheap eats you can have in Singapore is biryani. It is a simple dish – essentially chicken, rice, and spices usually baked in a banana leaf – but packs a tasty punch.

If you’re not in the mood for Indian food, you can still find lots of other types of Asian cooking. Thai, Malay, Chinese, and, of course, Singaporean food are all on offer here.

• Cost  – $5 per dish.
• How long should I stay here?  1-2 hours depending on your rush.
• Getting there –  The Tekka Centre is on the edge of Little India, near the Little India MRT stop.

2:30 PM – National Museum of Singapore

It’s time to walk off all that food we had back at the Tekka Centre. The National Museum of Singapore is the perfect place to go to do just that.

The National Museum is the oldest museum in the city and features an impressive collection of art, crafts, and modern showcases. Its primary focus is the preservation and retelling of Singapore’s national history, for which it is not lacking for exhibitions, but there are also some pretty cool interactive exhibitions as well. The latter is usually temporary though so be sure to check on the official website for what’s currently going on at the museum.

If you need a bit more chill time before or after entering the museum, Fort Canning Park is right next to the museum as well. Feel free to find a nice spot of grass or a good tree to lean and just contemplate your navel. Photographers should also be on the lookout for the spiral staircase in the park; it’s one of the most Intragrammable spots in Singapore.

• Cost  – $10 for adult entry.
• Getting there –  From the Tekka Centre, it’s a 15-minute walk down Selegie Road.

5:30 PM – River Cruise

Why not enjoy a leisurely cruise along Singapore’s waterfront? Departing from Clarke Quay, you can enjoy exploring the streets a bit while you wait for your boat. Once you’re aboard the boat, you will then travel down the river to view the other quays, the Boat Quay and Robertson Quay, as well as many other landmarks along the way!

All through your trip, the captain of your boat will educate you on the history of the places you are floating by. Your captain will also know the importance of stopping long enough for you to get those perfect holiday photos! You’ll want to have your  travel camera ready for shooting  because you’re sure to want to take some of the memories home with you. From the water, you’ll also get a clearer view of some of these amazing landmarks.

You’ll go past attractions such as the Merlion, the Esplanade, and the Marina Bay Sands Resort. Getting a good look at these places is sometimes much easier from the water, further away than if you were to explore them on foot – and no foot traffic to compete with!

While on the boat, be sure to look out for the bronze statues dotted along the waterfront. You’ll find statues of children playing, olden-day cart-and-horses and other historical moments. Each statue is there to tell a story of Singaporean life long ago. There are also statues of animals exclusive to Singapore, such as the  Kucinta cats.

• Cost  – $19 per adult.
• How long should I stay here?  45-60 minutes.
• Getting there –  There are multiple launching points on the Quay.

6:30 PM – Rooftop Cocktails

Let me be frank: alcohol is usually prohibitively expensive in Singapore. Most travellers visiting Singapore on a budget will only be able to afford cheap beers in Chinatown and most will find that even these are not worth the price.

But sometimes, the juice can be worth the squeeze.

There are several rooftop bars in Singapore that offer both amazing vistas and pretty damn good drinks. The views are so good in fact that a couple could even rival many of the city’s dedicated viewing platforms and those aren’t cheap to get in either. So why not pay for a view and a drink? Most bars will let you loiter, take photos, and soak in as much as you want for the cost of one drink.

For great views of Marina Bay and some good drinks, Smoke & Mirrors is a no-fail. If you’re looking for a more laidback vibe with a less expansive view, LOOF is a local legend in the city. There are lots more where this came from though – check out any one of these  awesome rooftop spots in Singapore .

After splurging on those cocktails, you may want to resort to some cheap eats. Head back to Kampong Glam and eat at the Golden Mile if you missed it before.

• Cost  – $12-$20 per drink (yikes)
• How long should I stay here?  As long as it takes to finish your drink and soak in the views.
• Getting there –  Most of the best rooftop bars in Singapore are in the Central Area, which is right next to Clark Quay.

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On the second day of our Singapore itinerary, we’re mostly going to hang around the Marina Bay District. This is where many of the most iconic places in Singapore are found, including the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, ArtScience Museum, and Gardens by the Bay.

9:00 AM – Visit the Esplanade Center

The Esplanade center is a large and busy art center, offering guests nearly 3000 performances each year. It is a non-profit center, run by a dedicated team of art professionals who have kept the center going for the past 16 years!

If you’d like to view all that the center has to offer, and a bit behind the scenes, take a guided tour for just $15 per person! Or go up to the third floor and get lost in the vast shelves of music, art and theatre books in the center’s library.

You can watch a free performance every day on the waterfront, giving you a taste of the magic that happens inside. If you’d like to purchase tickets to performances in the concert hall or theatre, you can do so online or at the center’s ticket box.

There are a number of shops available in the center’s ‘mall’, where you are able to shop as your heart’s desire. Stop off at one of the many eateries for a bite to eat. From Asian cuisine to delectable ice creams and crafts beers, you can find it all inside!

• Cost  – Free to enter + free performances! A guided tour is $15.
• How long should I stay here?  2-3 hours depending on if you shop or eat.
• Getting there –  The nearest MRT stop is City Hall.

11:00 AM – ArtScience Museum

The ArtScience Museum is one of the most iconic points of interest in Singapore . The building’s distinct lotus design is unmistakable and it’s location at the base of the even more imposing Marina Bay Sands Hotel make it one of the places that you simply can’t miss.

The outside of the building is worth seeing on its own and most people settle for a couple of photos in front of it. Inside the ArtScience Museum is just as cool though! Exhibitions here are a lot more futuristic and, as the name implies, technologically driven. There is often an infinity room featured as well, which seems to be all the rage these days. If you’ve wanted to take a photo inside one of these kaleidoscopic spaces, this is a good opportunity.

• Cost  – $10-$24 depending on how many exhibitions you want to see.
• How long should I stay here?  2 hours
• Getting there –  The ArtScience Museum is just across the Bay from the Esplanade. It’s a 15-minute walk across the scenic Helix Bridge.

1:00 PM – Lunch

Lunch today is really up to you. There aren’t many hawker centres or cheap eats anywhere around Marina Bay unfortunately so your options might be limited. You can eat back at the Esplanade, inside the shops at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, or at a couple of restaurants inside the Bay Gardens. None of these will necessarily be cheap though.

If you want to save the most money on food during your second day in Singapore, pack a lunch or bring something to go.

• Cost  – The offerings around Marina Bay will be more expensive
• How long should I stay here?  As long as you need to.
• Getting there –  Depends where and what you eat.

3:00 PM – Gardens by the Bay

The Gardens by the Bay is a large space in Marina Bay that has been designed as a natural oasis in the middle of the busy bay area. This futuristic botanical garden attracts many tourists and locals alike! It’s free to enter and explore most of the Gardens.

The Garden is a hub of ecological growth, and it is full of resources and educational information. Not only is it the perfect spot to go and enjoy an afternoon surrounded by nature, but it’s a great way to learn about plants, flowers, and wildlife from all over the world!

Inside the Gardens, you will find lush greenery and a variety of wildlife. Take a walk past Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lakes, taking in the beauty of nature around you! Spend some time in the Serene Garden, a Japanese-inspired zen garden. Enter the World of Plants and learn all about the many types of plants located in the Gardens.

Then, check out the Sun Pavilion, a desert-inspired space with over 1000 desert plants! Afterward, make your way to the Heritage Gardens and learn about the diverse history and culture of Singapore – told through plants, of course! You also don’t want to miss the Canyon, a large collection of sculptured rocks that lay across a 400-meter dragon’s tail.

Insider tip:  The Gardens is also home to more than 40 unique art sculptures! Find them along your walk through the Gardens.

• Cost –  Free.
• How long should I stay here?  1-2 hours.
• Getting there –  The Gardens by the Bay is behind the Marina Sands Tower. You can either walk around the monolithic hotel or through the lobby.

5:00 PM – The Gardens’ Biodomes

Once you’re done checking out the main Gardens, make sure you stop off at the Biodomes! These consist of a Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. Both of the greenhouses are made from a complex design of glass and a steel grid. They are the world’s largest columnless greenhouses!

The Cloud Forest dome houses a 35-meter tall mountain, which is covered in lush, tropical vegetation. It’s from the top of this mountain that you will be able to see the world’s tallest indoor waterfall!

The Flower Dome is the largest glass greenhouse in the world! This dome showcases flowers and plants that are found in the Mediterranean and semi-arid regions. Find African Baobab trees, desert succulents, an olive grove, and more.

• Cost –  $21 per adult per dome.
• Getting there –  The biodomes are a part of the Gardens by the Bay park and are located closer to the bay itself.

7:00 PM – Supertree Grove Skywalk & Garden Rhapsody Light and Music Show

Finally, visit the Supertree Grove, where the movie “Crazy Rich Asians” takes place . The man-made “supertrees” are solar-powered structures that act as vertical gardens – with tropical flowers, various ferns, and other plant life found growing along their steel frameworks. You can view 12 of the 18 supertrees found in the Gardens!

The supertrees also act as air venting ducts, rainwater collectors, and solar power generators! Aside from their useful functions, though, they are also a sight to behold and provide an amazing show of light and sounds through the Gardens each night.

Take a trip up the 16-story high supertrees and experience the exhilarating skywalk for just $6 per person. Then, settle into a comfy spot on the grass and wait for the 8 pm Lights and Music Show, which shows off the beauty of the Supertree Grove!

When you’ve gotten your fill of the gardens, start thinking about dinner. There are a couple of places in and around the gardens that you can eat at: there’s Pollen, a Mediterranean restaurant located inside the Flower Dome or Indochine, a restaurant inside the tallest supertree. These will be expensive and you will probably need to book a table ahead of time.

If you have the time and energy, head over to Chinatown for dinner. We were saving this neighborhood for day 3 of our Singapore itinerary but you could easily visit it twice. Between the Maxwell Centre, Chinatown Complex Market, and everything in-between,  you will not be lacking for culinary options.

• Cost –  $6 for the skywalk, the show is free.
• How long should I stay here?  The show itself is short – stay as long as you like.
• Getting there –  The trees are pretty unmissable. Look for them in the distance and start walking.

Planning on staying longer than a weekend holiday in Singapore ? Time to take a vacation away from our vacation.

On the third day of our Singapore itinerary, we’re going to Sentosa Island and the beach! (Not a real beach per se as it’s man-made but, hey, a beach is a beach.) Afterward, we’re going to spend some time arguably the most delicious spot in Singapore: Chinatown.

10:00 AM – Sentosa Island

After spending your first day engaging in the cultural side of Singapore, take this second day to bring out your fun side – Sentosa Island being “The State of Fun”. Man-made beaches, water parks, roller coaster rides and so much more bring crowds of people to this man-made island!

Sentosa is full of fun and playful things to do. Whether you’re looking for a bustling day heaped with adventure or a more chilled day seeing the sights and lazing on the beach, you’ll find your perfect fit here! Once you have reached the island, there are a few stops you should definitely make, which we’ve mentioned below.

Be on the lookout for the large Merlion statue as well. The “Merlion” is a mythical creature with the body of a fish and the head of a lion. Merlions are such a big part of Singapore culture that you can even find them on the currency! There are many Merlion statues around Singapore, but the largest and most interesting is the one on Sentosa Island. This specific one is 15 stories tall, and you can walk around inside the statue!

Inside, you’ll find interactive games, videos, and other informational activities that give you the history of the Merlion. Climb up to the mouth and get a birds-eye view of Sentosa.

Insider tip:  Wondering how they came up with the Merlion? Singapore was originally named Singapura, meaning “lion city” and it used to be mainly a port and fishing city. So they took their lion and added ‘mer’ – meaning sea.

• Cost –  $3 for Sentosa Express and entrance.
• How long should I stay here?  4-5 hours in total
• Getting there –  Take the MRT to the Sentosa Station at VivoCity Level 3, Lobby L, and from there take the Sentosa Express.

11:00 AM – Skyline Luge

Said to be one of the activities you absolutely shouldn’t miss, the luge and Skyride is the best way to end your Sentosa visit! Take a seated Skyride up to the top of the luge track, where you can then zoom down the track in a luge.

Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Singapore skyline as you slowly reach the luge track in your 4-seater Skyride seat. Once at the top, get into your luge and choose from their four tracks to go down.

The tracks are all around 1.6 miles long and all have tunnels, twists, and turns to make the ride down as exhilarating as possible! The greatest care has been put into making sure the luges are safe, and they are equipped with safety brakes and steering.

The company’s saying is ‘Once Is Never Enough’ and that seems true for the majority of their customers! Luckily, tickets are sold in pairs so you know you’ve got at least two rides to go.

After you’ve had your fill, grab some food. There are plenty of places to eat around Sentosa: Breadtalk has delicious and freshly-baked goods, Bikini Bar offers drinks on the beach and some bar snacks, FOC Sentosa is famous for its cocktails.

• Cost –  $18 per person for two luges and Skyrides!
• How long should I stay here?  1-2 hours
• Getting there –  There’s a shuttle stop right in front of the luge.

1:00 PM – Palawan Beach

This beach is essentially Sentosa’s family beach. Great to bring kids to as there are safe, family-friendly spots to chill and adventures to be had. But it’s not just for families with kids; couples and even solo travelers are bound to find something to do here!

Stop in at the Animal & Bird Encounters and get to meet and interact with the island’s inhabitants. From monkeys to reptiles and birds, there are daily shows that take place and you should be just in time for the Parrot Encounter show at 3 pm.

From Palawan Beach, take a short walk across the rope bridge to reach the very bottom tip of Asia – a small islet. Here you can climb one of the two view towers and stand on the decks to overlook the seemingly endless Singapore China Sea! Watch as the ships float by on the water and get a good view of the beach as well.

• Getting there –  You can take the shuttle to Palawan or you can walk from the Luge – the two are very close to one another.

5:00 PM – Chinatown

Now that you’ve gotten your fill of Singapore’s more “Disney” side, it’s time to wash all of that kiche down with a stop in the eclectic Chinatown! Much as the name suggests, it’s a hub of Chinese culture mixed with Singaporean life. It’s a  great place to find lots of shopping, with many temples and museums to explore!

There is, again, an abundance of things for you to do. There are many temples here, which you can visit during opening hours. The most noteworthy of the temples being the Buddha Relic Temple which displays Buddhism and religious relics.

The biggest attractions, though, are the many shopping malls. Shopping in Chinatown is an experience few would want to miss! Find everything from clothes to home decor, and gifts to take back home.

Start at the Chinatown Complex Market (home of  Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle ) and make your way through hawker stalls galore. You’ll be able to find many curious and gifts at different stalls. Then, navigate down the streets of Chinatown and explore the many boutique stores on offer as well. You really can shop ‘til you drop here!

For dinner, stop by the famous Maxwell Hawker Centre or return to the Complex Market. Both are among the best places to eat in Singapore.

• Cost –  Free to explore.
• How long should I stay here?  For the rest of the day if possible.
• Getting there –  Take the Sentosa Express back to the mainland and then take the Northeast MRT line to the Chinatown stop.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighborhood in Singapore:

Perhaps best area to stay in Singapore for tourists. Located in the centre of the city, Marina Bay overlaps with the Central Business District, the Civic Quarter, and trendy Clarke Quay, so you’re never far from the action.

• Take in the stunning views from the Sands Skypark, a platform perched 55 stories above the ground.
• Marvel at the indigenous flora and the towering mechanical trees that make up Garden by the Bay. Visit at night for an awesome 15-minute light and water show.
• Walk the Marina Bay Art Trail exploring the area’s best sites while seeing art and sculptures by world-renowned artists.

We’re going to wrap up our 4-day Singapore itinerary with a series of parks and greenspaces, followed by a little shopping. We’re almost to the end so let’s get to it!

9:00 AM – Treetop Walk at the Central Catchment Nature Reserve

Visit the Central Catchment Nature Reserve and get to walk next to the high treetops. Right in the center of Singapore, the Nature Reserve spans over 2000 hectares of forest cover, with some of the world’s richest forests in terms of biodiversity!

It’s in this reserve that visitors are offered the opportunity to walk across a suspension bridge, nestled in the treetop canopies. This suspension bridge was built to help forest canopy researchers reach the canopies in order to study them.

The MacRitchie Reservoir Park is a popular starting point for those who are eager to do the Treetop Walk. The entrance to the bridge is at the ranger station, and the bridge only allows for one-way traffic. The bridge itself is only around 850 feet long, with the highest point being around 82 feet!

This walk is perfect for avid bird-watchers, or general nature lovers who wish to get a higher view of the park and hiking trails. The bridge is open from 9 am to 5 pm, but is closed on Mondays (unless it’s a public holiday).

• Cost  – Free
• How long should I stay here?  3 – 5 hours depending on your walking pace.
• Getting there –  You’ll need to use the bus to get here. The 166 and 167 both stop right outside the park.

1:00 PM – Lunch at the Adam Road Food Centre

After a long walk in the park, refuel yourself with some good ol’ hawker centre comfort food. The most convenient centre near Central Catchment is the Adam Road Road Food Centre. Like most hawker centres, Adam Road has a pretty diverse selection of food options. Good time to get some traditional nasi goreng or satay if you haven’t already tried some.

If you’d like some suggestions on where to eat in the Adam Road Food Centre, Miss Tam Chiak has written on a guide on the local food stalls .

• Cost  – $5 per plate.
• How long should I stay here?  1-2 hours
• Getting there –  The 165 goes directly from the park and stops in front of the Adam Centre.

3:00 PM – Singapore Botanic Garden

Following the underlying theme of this 4-day Singapore itinerary – that is, eat lots of delicious, unhealthy food at the hawker centres and then go for a walk – we next pay a visit to the lush Singapore Botanic Gardens, one of Singapore’s National Parks . These gardens are widely considered to be some of the most impressive in Asia and have even been declared a UNESCO heritage site. The Singapore Botanic Gardens are huge, well-kept, and are a testament to a city that strives to be one of the greenest in the world.

There are lots of places to visit in the Botanic Gardens, including several man-made lakes, greenhouses, and small natural exhibitions, like the orchid garden. Explore at a leisurely pace.

• Cost  – $3.75 entry
• Getting there –  The Botanic Gardens are literally across the road from the Adam Food Centre.

5:00 PM – Orchard Road

The shopping in Singapore is considered some of the best in the world and Orchard Road is the epicenter of it all. Here you’ll find Singapore’s megamalls, its clearance warehouses, and its superstores. You can buy just about anything here from designer brand clothing to electronics to cheap souvenirs. Considering that our 4-day itinerary for Singapore is over soon, this is a good time to pick up any gifts or gadgets that you may have had your eyes on so far.

TANGS is the oldest department store in the area is considered iconic by many locals. In contrast, the ION is the new, ultra-contemporary store on the street and makes for some cool abstract photos.

If shopping is not your thing, then there are plenty of places to eat and drink around Orchard Road. Lots of these offer happy hour as well, which by now should be a welcome sight given how expensive Singapore may have been so far. Alley Bar is a good place to duck into for a quick gin and tonic. Lovers of suds will also be glad to hear that there is a craft beer bar nearby called Takumi.

If you’re out late, grab some dinner or small bites while you’re at it or seek budget refuge in one of the hawker centres back in Chinatown or Kampong Glam.

• Cost  – Depends on how much you shop and eat.
• How long should I stay here?  As long as you want.
• Getting there –  It’s a 15-minute walk from the southern entrance of the Botanic Gardens to Orchard Road, via Tanglin Road.

If you’re lucky enough to be spending more than 4 days in Singapore, here are a few more ideas on how you can spend your time.

Night Safari

Meet creatures of the night as you navigate through the wild enclosure with only nocturnal animals around! The Night Safari departs from the Singapore Zoo, and there are sideshows you can attend before and after your guided tour. There is a fire dancing show, which takes place every day (except for Wednesdays) at 7 pm, 8 pm, and 9 pm.

There’s also a Creatures of the Night show which you can watch, showing the many nocturnal creatures that inhabit the zoo, these shows can be seen every day provided the weather is good, at 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm, 9:30 pm, and 10:30 pm. The shows are included in your Safari ticket price.

The main event, however, is the guided tram ride, that will take you through all six geographical zones! The guide will provide live commentary as you go, giving you information on all the animals you see. You can, if you prefer, take a self-guided walking tour instead. This will take you along trails where you can see animals such as leopards, wallabies, tigers, and even hyenas!

Before you go, you can stop in at the gift shop and find many souvenirs to take home with you. Whether you want a plush version of your favorite night-dwelling animal or a simple keyring to carry around with you.

• Cost  – $33 per adult for the Safari experience.
• How long should I stay here?  2-3 hours
• Getting there –  Buses 138 and 927 stop in front of the park but be aware that buses in Singapore usually stop running around midnight.

Universal Studios

Situated on Sentosa Island, Singapore’s Universal Studios is a magical place to be. With 7 zones, all themed differently, you can enjoy a wide range of rides, sights, and attractions!

This theme park is a great hit for many visitors and it’s hardly one of Singapore’s hidden gems . Because of this, it gets quite busy and crowded, which means long queues and waiting times. This is why we suggest you plan this activity as the main part of your day.

If you have kids with you (or even if you don’t), you’ll love the meet and greet opportunities. Shake hands with the big names like the minions from Despicable Me, Sesame Street characters, Autobots, and even Jurassic Park dinos!

There are many shows available each day as well, such as the 4D Adventure with Shrek which is a hit with all Shrek lovers. As you walk through the park, you’ll come across many street shows as well. Look out for the Cruisers and the Madagascar Boogie!

If you need a slightly more adventurous experience, check out the bigger, faster, and slightly scarier rides. These include a 3D Transformers battle ride, the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure, and the Battlestar Galactica!

One thing that no one visiting the park should miss, is the Lights, Camera, Action Show, directed by Steven Spielberg! The show is a magnificent display of special effects, shown to the audience inside a boathouse.

• Cost  – $79 for adult.
• How long should I stay here?  As long as you like.

Getting there –  Take the Sentosa Express from the mainland to reach the island.

Marine Life Park – S.E.A Aquarium and Adventure Cove Waterpark

Start your day with a visit to the aquarium. There are more than 100, 000 animals that call the aquarium home, made up of over 1000 different species! These are spread across 50 habitats which can be viewed and visited while you are there.

At the aquarium, you can take advantage of the special experiences, such as walking with marine animals and swimming with sharks! Or simply enjoy watching the many sharks, fish, and other marine life from the outside.

• Cost  – Entrance to both attractions costs $56.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Singapore sits only 1 degree north of the equator: it is characterised by a hot and humid climate. Rainfall is very common and usually refreshing and won’t dampen too many traveling plans. Singapore is well prepared for rainy days.

There aren’t really any distinct seasons in Singapore – temperature and rainfall is pretty consistent year round. This means that there really isn’t a bad or good time to visit Singapore. The dry season is technically from February-April but the difference in rainfall is marginal.

Rain usually comes in the form of afternoon bursts. If it starts to rain, you’ll want to duck undercover quick before it turns into a downpour. Wait 10-15 minutes and all should be well.

Mornings are the best time to be outdoors in Singapore. It’s cooler, calmer, and more often clear.

Being one of the cultural and financial capitals of the world, there are lots of Singapore festivals going on year-round. Consider planning your trip to Singapore around one of these events if you want to make it a little more special.

Singapore benefits from a very effective and easy-to-use public transport system. Between the many bus and train options, you can get just about anywhere in Singapore.

The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and LRT (Light Rail Transit) are the two main forms of rail transport in Singapore and both interact flawlessly. Those backpacking in Singapore should definitely consider buying a commuter card (EZ-Link or Nets FlashPay) or a Tourist Pass, which acts as a temporary version of the former.

Note that fare is calculated based upon distance traveled and that these commuter cards are interchangeable e.g. you can use them on the MRT, LRT, and buses.

Buses are ubiquitous in Singapore and are conveniently available 24 hours/day on Friday and Saturdays. Should you be out late or burning the midnight oil, the bus will be your best option when it comes to public transport. Note that the night bus (officially called NightRider) does not yet accept tourist passes – you’ll have to use an EZ-Link card or change.

If you need to be more proactive about getting around Singapore, taxis are widely available. Taxi rates are affordable and drivers are usually very honest. Should you prefer ride-sharing, Grab is the most popular company in Singapore. Should you use Grab, you may even find yourself the passenger in “ driverless car .”

Renting your own car in Singapore is not a good idea as self-driving driving is completely unnecessary. Hitchhiking is probably a fruitless effort as well because a) it’s very illegal and b) public transport is cheap enough.

Walking is, of course, a very reasonable means of getting around as Singapore is a very pedestrian-friendly city. Biking is also becoming quite popular though bikers may feel threatened often by harsh weather and lack of bike lanes.

Since Singapore is subject to a tropical climate, you’ll want to make sure that you have the right clothing. Try to bring loose-fitting clothing when packing for Singapore but also bear in mind that you may need to dress more conservatively when entering temples. Anything that you miss you can buy when you arrive.

Singapore has very strict laws and takes a zero-tolerance approach to those who disobey them. For the most part, there is no great risk for travelers to Singapore, and even solo travelers have found it a pleasant experience.

We’ve created a dedicated safety guide filled with travel tips for Singapore and some of the (crazy) things you need to look out for. Here are a few common things you need to guard yourself against.

• Pick-pocketing : It almost goes without saying that when walking in the streets you should keep your valuables close to you and out of reach of long fingers.
• Scams and fraud: from fake taxi cabs charging you more than their worth, to men posing as female prostitutes in order to obtain money and gifts from other men with the promise of sexual favors later on. Many of these scams are easy to avoid if you know what you are looking for.
• Breaking the law: certain offenses – such as possession of cannabis – can be punishable by the death penalty. As a foreigner, you want to make sure that you are accustomed to the stricter laws and ensure you obey them while you are visiting.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Singapore

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Singapore itinerary.

How many days are enough for Singapore?

With so much to discover, we recommend spending at least 3 full days in Singapore.

What should you include on a 4 day Singapore itinerary?

Don’t miss out on these top Singapore highlights: – ArtScience Museum – Supertree Grove Skywalk – Palawan Beach – Arab Street

Where should you stay if you have a full Singapore travel itinerary?

Marina Bay’s proximity to other areas makes it an ideal base for exploring Singapore.

What should you budget for a trip to Singapore?

Singapore is one of the more expensive destinations in Southeast Asia. Depending on where you stay and how many attractions you visit, you can spend anything from $50-$200 USD per day.

There sure is a lot to do with 4 days in Singapore but you should be ready to tackle everything now that you’ve read this itinerary!

Be sure to take lots of photos, Singapore is a city filled with sights you won’t often see anywhere else in the world! Enjoy the many cultural experiences, from religious buildings to food and even crafts – take it all in and embrace the journey. And, of course, don’t be afraid to try new things while you’re there, it’s all part of the adventure!

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

Monique MacPhail

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Sentosa 1 Day Itinerary: What To Do On Singapore’s Island Of Fun

Singapore is pretty clever.

It never had a lot of space to build giant theme parks and uber-luxurious resorts, nor did it have the pristine beaches of neighbouring countries Malaysia and Indonesia. So, it built an island that became the tourism capital of Singapore.

That island, Sentosa , is now home to some of the world’s most prestigious resorts, action-packed theme parks, fast food and fine dining restaurants, and the best beaches in Singapore.

Some tourists spend their entire vacation on Sentosa while others just visit for a day.

A day trip to Sentosa presents endless options for attractions, food, and fun. Here’s how I suggest spending a day on Sentosa.

Money Tip: Get the cheapest attraction tickets on Sentosa from GetYourGuide . I use them for every vacation - fast, easy, safe and cheap.

Singapore Tip: Get fast mobile Internet everywhere in Singapore with an eSIM from aloSIM  (only $6.50).

Singapore Tip: If you love Singapore so much you want to start a business here , check out this Singapore company formation guide.

9:45am – Grab a Ride to Sentosa

Sentosa is connected to mainland Singapore by road, sky-train, cable car, and pedestrian bridge. If, like me, you have a lot to squeeze into your day, the quickest way to get there is via taxi or rideshare app Grab .

Tip: Vehicles are charged a fee of S$2-$6 to enter Sentosa unless visiting a resort, theme park or attraction. Buy tickets online in advance and flash the confirmation ticket or receipt at the guardhouse to gain free entry.

10am – Pose with Celebrities at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

Madame Tussauds offers encounters with life-like wax sculptures of your favourite celebrities.

The first exhibit, World Leaders, displays past political figures from Singapore, Malaysia, China and India as well as easily recognised world leaders like Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Ghandi, Barak Obama and Queen Elizabeth II.

Another exhibit is dedicated to Film and TV with scenes from blockbuster movies like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Terminator, and ET. Most scenes have a spot free for you to re-enact your favourite scene beside the iconic characters.

My favourite exhibit was sports , where I got to “play” basketball with a waxy Yao Ming, currently the tallest NBA player. The sports exhibit is relatively interactive with golf putting against Tiger Woods, 1-on-1 basketball with Yao Ming, and a sit-up workout with David Beckham.

The featured attraction was a Marvel 4D experience. We got to dress up like Ironman, be rescued by Spiderman, and watch a 15-minute 4D movie based on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (requires additional ticket). With 3D glasses in place, you can’t help but duck from Thor’s hammer or Spiderman’s webs thrown in your direction, especially when you feel a sudden puff of air down the back of your neck at the same time!

We arrived at the museum just after 10am before the crowds descended. We could wander around at leisure and take photos without having to wait too long or get in anyone’s way.

Two other attractions are included in the main ticket price, a 5-minute indoor boat ride targeted at young children and Images of Singapore , an interactive educational exhibit that takes visitors on a walk through Singaporean history with real-life actors, sound effects and props (no photos allowed here).

Madame Tussauds is open from 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 7:30pm Saturday and Sunday. Discount tickets can be purchased online at Voyagin .

12pm – Walk to Silosa Beach for Lunch

We took a stroll down Merlion Walk for lunch on the familiar white beach sands imported from my home state, Western Australia.

There are a few restaurants to choose from on Silosa Beach . We ate at Flame , a small, casual eatery with seating on the beach sand under the shade of coconut trees. Flame serves typical western bistro food, like beef sliders, pizza, and roast chicken. 

1pm – Catch the Sky Train to Resorts World Sentosa

Not prepared to walk back in Singapore’s heat and humidity, we caught the free sky train from Beach Station to Waterfront Station to continue our fun-filled day.

1.15pm – Visit S.E.A. Aquarium

It’s pretty impossible to fit more than two theme parks into one afternoon. Universal Studios is a must for the late afternoon/evening, leaving the early afternoon S.E.A. Aquarium.

S.E.A Aquarium is one of the largest and best laid out aquariums I’ve ever visited. The aquarium’s many tanks house over 100,000 underwater animals of all sizes and colours from oceans all around the world. There’s vibrant hues of orange, pink, yellow, purple, and even rainbow fish.

Main attractions include an overhead shark tank, dolphins, and a viewing gallery that’s like a giant fish tank crossed with a movie cinema. Spanning 36 meters, the tank glass is 700mm thick and weighs a whopping 250,000kgs! I could have sat at the gallery and watched the graceful sting rays, manta rays, fish, and sharks all day, but Universal Studios was calling.

The aquarium’s other attractions include creepy moray eels, jellyfish, starfish, and sea dragons. 

S.E.A. Aquarium is open 10am to 7pm Friday to Tuesday and 10am to 6pm Wednesday and Thursday. Discount tickets can be purchased online at Voyagin . 

3pm: Visit Universal Studios

Universal Studios can take a whole day to experience fully, but it’s possible to visit in 2-4 hours if you don’t mind skipping a few rides. 

From the moment you enter Universal Studios ’ gates, it feels like stepping inside a movie. The main street is lined with themed souvenir stores and cafes, like Minon Mart, which sells Minion branded clothing, toys, accessories, homewares, and souvenirs. 

The complex is structured into 7 themed zones. The craziest rides are without a doubt in the Sci Fi zone with giant rollercoasters inspired by Battlestar Galactica or Transformers that twist, tilt, and soar at extremely fast speeds. Not far behind on the crazy-scary-scale is the Ancient Egypt zone,with a jaw dropping indoor rollercoaster inspired by The Mummy .

The Lost World zone, based on the Jurassic Park movie franchise has a few hairy rides too. We tried one of the least adrenaline pumping rides, the Sky Flyer , which twisted and turned high above the dinosaur-themed jungle below for about 45 seconds before returning safely to solid ground. 

My favourite zone was Happily Ever After, inspired by Shrek. After a short 5-minute wait to meet Shrek and Fiona, Fiona tried to run off with me, leaving poor Shrek heartbroken! After continuing the charade for a few moments, we smiled for our photo and went on our merry way. 

The fun continued with a 4D movie featuring the ghost of Lord Farquaad and then my favourite show, Donkey Live , a stand-up comedy act performed by the notoriously inappropriate Donkey. Since the main act was on a giant LCD screen, I was quite impressed by level of audience interaction. A charismatic host had members of the audience answer questions which the voice and animation of Donkey immediately and flawlessly responded to.

I got to see a special, Sesame Street 50 th anniversary exhibit as part of the regular New York zone. Most Sesame Street shows and meet and greets are only on in the morning, but we enjoyed walking around a recreated Sesame Street and stopping for a photo in Big Bird’s nest. 

Universal Studios is now open late on Fridays and Saturdays with pop up food stalls and live bands starting at 8pm and a firework display at 10pm.

I visited on a Saturday but surprisingly didn’t come across too many crowds. The longest we had to wait for a ride was 10 minutes, although I noticed some rides had longer lines with wait times up to 35 minutes.

Universal Studios is open 10am to 7pm Sunday to Thursday and 10am to 10pm Friday and Saturday. Discount tickets can be purchased online at Voyagin .

7.30pm: Diner at Isle Quay

After all of the excitement at Universal Studios, we needed a little peace and quiet and Sentosa Cove was the perfect place to find it. The upmarket residential area has gated luxury condominiums, a marina full of luxury yachts, and Quayside Isle , a waterfront café strip lined with international restaurants and bars.

After a relaxing stroll along the harbour, we felt like Greek so enjoyed tasty moussaka and spanakopita at Mykonos on the Bay . 

Explore beyond Singapore: find the cheapest ferry prices to Batam , Indonesia or catch a bus to Kuala Lumpur .

Side note: Singapore is one of the world's major financial and business hubs. After experiencing a vacation here, you might feel inspired to relocate your business or launch a new one.  If you need audit services , bookkeeping and accounting, there are many local experts available to help you make a smooth transition. 

Where to Stay near Sentosa

We stayed at  The Westin Singapore , a 10-minute drive from Resorts World Sentosa . The Westin is an ideal base to explore the whole of Singapore, being located in the centre of the city and walking distance to Marina Bay Sands .

My favourite aspect of this hotel was the amazing views of Singapore’s marina and iconic ArtScience Museum and Singapore Flyer , which are best enjoyed from the level 35 rooftop pool, Cook & Brew restaurant on level 33, or while enjoying the to-die-for buffet breakfast at Seasonal Tastes on level 32.

The Westin’s Lobby Lounge was the consummate place to unwind with a cocktail after a long day out. 

And to finish it off, a soak in the bathtub (with amazing views too), and a super soft heavenly bed provided a restful night’s sleep.

The following day called for a little recovery time, so we booked an appointment at the award-winning Heavenly Spa .

We felt rejuvenated after a 90-minute Lavender Spa Journey , which included a body scrub, massage and access to a steam room and jacuzzi (separate facilities for men and women). Just what was needed after a full day at Sentosa.

The Bottom Line

It would be easy to spend a few days or even a whole week enjoying the beaches, theme parks, and adventure activities on Singapore’s Sentosa Island.

For the ultra-disciplined time management ninjas or simply short-of-time holidaymakers, it is possible to do Sentosa justice in as little as 1 day with this itinerary.

No matter how long you decide to spend on Sentosa, it promises to be an experience you’ll never forget.

Singapore Tip: Buy your discounted skip-the-queue e-ticket for Universal Studios Singapore from GetYourGuide .

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Home » Travel Guides » Singapore » 15 Best Day Trips from Singapore

15 Best Day Trips from Singapore

Though it is widely considered to be a playground for the wealthy with its high-end shopping malls, astoundingly luxurious hotels and Michelin star restaurants, Singapore also has a wealth of historical and cultural significance, with vibrant ethnic districts and gorgeous green spaces.

While you should by all means indulge in the high-end temptations of the city-state, as well as the cultural ones, Singapore happens to be incredibly well situated when it comes to visiting other places for the day.

You can reach the neighbouring countries of Malaysia and Indonesia in a matter of hours and all the glorious paradise beaches and islands that they offer.

Singapore itself also contains various outlying islands which offer everything from cosmopolitan to traditional, with a variety of gorgeous beaches and traditional villages in between.

Let’s explore the best day trips from Singapore :

1. Sentosa Island

An island which is an undeniable tourist hub owing to the tremendous amount of activities on offer there, Sentosa Island is arguably Singapore’s most popular day trip and it’s easy to see why.

Coined as the “fun state”, Sentosa literally does have something for everyone; from shopping malls and casinos to nature walks and even the famous Resorts World Sentosa.

Here you’ll find a Universal Studios Theme Park; perfect for families and casual visitors alike.

You can reach Sentosa Island by cable car, giving you sweeping views and an adrenaline rush before the real fun has even begun.

2. Pulau Ubin

The island of Pulau Ubin is a wildly contrasting alternative to the heaving, commercial bustle that is Sentosa.

As Singapore’s second most-known island, it still sees its fair share of visitors, but feels nowhere near as crowded.

Pulau Ubin is a mixture of beautiful coastline, serene bike paths and the breath taking Chek Jawa Wetlands; all of which can be seen in the space of a day and offer a much-needed escape from Singapore’s urban sprawl.

Here, you’ll also find the last surviving traditional villages of Singapore; a cultural gem which is a pleasure to walk around while learning about the island’s history.

Wide, sweeping white-sand beaches and lush jungles are the main port of call on the island of Bintan in Indonesia, only a short ferry ride away from Singapore’s metropolitan areas.

The island caters for adventure travellers looking for sun and surf, whilst also offering a tempting array of world-class, high-end resorts for bigger spenders.

In Pantai Trikora, you’ll find a laidback beach vibe with excellent food, where many travellers make their way to experience the authentic atmosphere.

Towards the north coast of the island, where the beaches become ever more pristine, you’ll find the resorts and hotels offering untold luxury and various beach bars where you can go to enjoy a drink for a few hours.

A mixture of cultural and entertainment attractions can be found on Batam Island: also in Indonesia and a mere hour away from Singapore by ferry.

Popular amongst expats and Singaporeans alike, there are notably cheaper shopping and casino experiences to be found here, as well as a thriving nightlife scene, meaning you can expect a buzzing hub of travellers and locals enjoying themselves.

The predominantly seafood cuisine is particularly delicious on Batam.

There is a wide variety of water sports to be enjoyed, all of which can be found at Waterfront City.

For a slice of culture, head over to the Mesjid Raya Grand Mosque or the famed Buddhist temple: Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya.

5. Johor Bahru

Situated on the Southern Malay Peninsula, Johor Bahru, also referred to as JB, is Malaysia’s third largest city and well known as a great shopping destination, with most consumer goods being considerably less expensive than Singapore.

Only an hour away on the bus, here you can also find an enchanting mixture of cultural sites, ranging from mosques to Chinese temples.

Particularly popular is the Hindu Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple due to its unique design.

Before Singapore took the title, Malacca used to be the most important trading port in Southeast Asia, making it a truly fascinating place to visit.

The preservation of colonial architecture is one of the main attractions for tourists, and popular sites include the Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum, as well as the 18th Century Dutch House at Heeren Street.

Food is also a red-hot attraction here, with Malay and Perankan dishes featuring heavy Portuguese influence found around every corner.

This, combined with the colonial beauty of the area, gained Malacca UNESCO World Heritage status in 2008.

7. Iskandar Puteri

The thriving city of Iskandar Puteri is a fantastic place for a family day trip, owing to the wildly popular Legloland Malaysia and Hello Kitty Indoor Theme Park, both instant hits with local children and playful adults.

Puteri Harbour is also renowned for its world-class restaurants serving everything from Indian to Western food.

If you’re up for a spot of retail therapy, you’ll find some unbeatable shopping at the premium luxury brand outlet: Johor Premium Outlets.

Glittering, sapphire-blue waters and pristine white sand beaches are commonplace on the island of Desaru, making it one of the most popular getaway spots for Singaporeans looking for a paradise getaway.

The fact that it’s only a 30-minute ferry ride away from Changi Ferry Terminal makes it all the more appealing, especially for a quick day trip.

If you want to experience something other than just a day relaxing on the beach, then head over to Desaru Ostrich Farm, where you can get up close and personal with these enormous birds and even try ostrich egg products.

9. Kusu Island

Only a brief ferry ride away from Singapore is the island of Kusu; which also means “Tortoise Island” in Chinese.

The island is an intriguing combination of religious significance and almost untouched pristine tropical land.

Kusu is full of blue lagoons, gorgeous beaches and an abundance of wildlife, but it is also the site of an annual pilgrimage for many people who flock to places like the Da Bo Gong Temple in search of prosperity.

There are three Malay saints housed in holy shrines perched at the top of a 152-step climb.

Both sites are fascinating to visit and, combined with the island’s natural beauty, make Kusu an unmissable day trip.

10. St John’s Island

An island spanning 40 hectares that has been thoughtfully developed into a haven for outdoor activities, St Johns Island is an endearing tranquil getaway for those who want to have island time but not be completely without amenities.

Here you can swim in lagoons, settle down for a picnic, hike some moderate trekking routes, or kick a ball around on one of the soccer fields.

For those that may want to spend the night there, you’ll have no trouble finding various bungalow and chalet complexes available for rent.

11. Lazarus Island

Easily reachable via a short walkway from St John’s is the enviably beautiful Lazarus Island; even more gorgeous than its neighbour and much more untouched, providing a real island getaway for the nearby Singaporeans.

Here there are barely any amenities, so get ready to completely unwind, unplug, and find a spot of unspoiled white sand to have a picnic, or a patch of jungle to stretch the legs.

You can arrive from Marina South Pier; be sure to pack supplies for the day.

12. Sisters Island

Only a short ferry ride from Singapore are the legendary Sisters Islands, made up of two spits of land separated by a narrow channel.

Wildly popular amongst snorkelers for the abundance of marine life found amongst the reefs below the surface, the islands attract many marine enthusiasts, whether professional or just giving it a go.

The beaches peppered with palm trees and beach huts are also a hit with picnic-goers who will often come here for the day in search of a quiet place to relax.

13. Coney Island

Coney Island has long been focussed on sustainability and environmental initiatives, which led to it even closing its gates to the public at one time.

Now that it has reopened, visitors can come and explore how the natural elements of the park are maintained, and learn about water and energy conservation.

Coney Island Park and the island itself are reachable from Singapore by taxi.

14. Pulau Hantu

Another island that is incredibly popular with snorkelers is Pulau Hantu, whose diverse ecosystem of fish includes clownfish, seahorses and damsel fish; all thriving under the surface of the crystal-clear waters.

The island is also inviting to children as it’s full of safe, shallow lagoons and sheltered beaches, making it an ideal place for them to play.

Arriving is slightly more complex than with other islands however, as you’ll have to charter your own boat from the West Coast Pier of Singapore.

15. Pulau Semakau

Though it may seem unappealing to the average traveller, Pulau Semakau was actually built on top of a landfill.

However, it has been designed so conscientiously that it is completely unpolluted, odour free, and completely clean.

The huge scale recycling feat has actually gained the island legendary status among eco activists and Pulau Semaku is now a thriving eco getaway.

Flourishing mangrove habitats attract visitors from far and wide and the snorkelling scene is also flourishing.

Here, the coral reefs are vibrant and full of life, and there is even a coral nursery.

15 Best Day Trips from Singapore:

• Sentosa Island
• Johor Bahru
• Iskandar Puteri
• Kusu Island
• St John’s Island
• Lazarus Island
• Sisters Island
• Coney Island
• Pulau Hantu
• Pulau Semakau

Money Report

Planning a luxury trip to Singapore? Here's where to stay, shop and eat

By zenith wong,cnbc • published august 18, 2024 • updated on august 19, 2024 at 5:50 am.

For many, Singapore — the city that inspired "Crazy Rich Asians" — is synonymous with luxury, with top-tier accommodations, high-end shopping and restaurants.

But where to stay, shop and eat in a city that has so many options?

24/7 New York news stream: Watch NBC 4 free wherever you are

CNBC's "First Class" series takes viewers into the city's top hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants, with an insider's look into The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, home to an underwater tunnel that connects the main building to a floating Louis Vuitton store.

Watch the video above for more details on how to travel in style in Singapore.

Get Tri-state area news delivered to your inbox. Sign up for NBC New York's News Headlines newsletter.

Also on CNBC

• A $1.4 million vacation? Look inside a yacht that costs that much per week
• North Korea to reopen for international visitors, tour operators say
• Monaco is 1 of 6 spots hosting the E1 — a race once thought to be ‘impossible’

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The best short day trips from Singapore

You don't have to board a plane to escape the bustle of the city when you make these day trips from Singapore

Photo by Aaron Lee on Unsplash

Take a break from city life by leaving our sunny (and hectic) island for not-so-faraway ones that are far more quaint. These day trips within Singapore and beyond provide a breathtaking change of scenery sans airport queues and hours of travelling time.

Cross the Causeway into Johor and other Malaysian towns or jet off to an Indonesian beach resort in Batam or Bintan . Whether you're looking for unexplored hiking spots, the best white coffee in town or authentic cuisine, we've got ya.  These out-of-town spots are perfect for relaxing and refuelling away from the hustle and bustle of Singapore city, coconut (or perhaps, a martini) in hand. Now, let's hit the road. 

RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Johor Bahru  and  the best resorts and villas in Bintan

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Day trips from Singapore

Genting highlands.

This popular hilltop retreat in Malaysia has something for everyone – whether you're heading to the casino or spending the day with your family at the kid-friendly theme parks. 

EAT  Burger & Lobster Malaysia 

Skip the queues at the Burger & Lobster outlets in Singapore and head to the establishment's first Southeast Asia outlet at Genting Highland's lifestyle mall, SkyAvenue. If you have specific dietary requirements, the Genting outlet is also the chain's first halal restaurant. You can't miss the restaurant's signature Chilli Lobster, which is exclusive to the Malaysia outlet. 

DRINK  Powerplant Malaysia 

This Korean jaunt is the place to go to for fried chicken, hot pot, and ice-cold beers – all while vibing to the live music every night. 

DO  Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park 

Leave your worries at the door and have an exhilarating time at the newly renovated Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park, which has state-of-the-art rides, such as the virtual reality centre with a variety of experiences from Star Wars, to Wreck-it Ralph and Ghostbusters. 

STAY Resort Hotel 

If you're staying the weekend, cosy up at Resort Hotel to be right in the middle of the action. The Mezzanine Deluxe Room is perfect for couples, while the Deluxe Twin room is great if you're travelling with friends. You'll have views overlooking the mountains, too. 

If you do just one thing...  Don't miss the chance to embark on the Awana SkyWay, which takes you up to the peak in just 10 minutes. On the scenic ride up, you get a free stop at the Chin Swee Station, where you can explore the magnificent Chin Swee Caves Temple. 

Once a sleepy village in the valley of the Kinta River, Ipoh has undergone a transformation over the years and is now one of Malaysia's coolest emerging destinations. It evokes a retro-vibe, reminiscent of Kuala Lumpur in the past. 

EAT Restoran Tauge Ayam Lou Wong  Ipoh is known for its hawker fare. One institution popular with both locals and tourists is Restoran Tauge Ayam Lou Wong, where you can find one of Ipoh's delicacies: bean sprouts with chicken rice. 

DRINK  Restaurant Ah Chow  Ipoh is the birthplace of Malaysia's famous white coffee, and you can easily find it in retro cafes scattered throughout the city. Besides the original Old Town White Coffee Shop, check out local favourite Restaurant Ah Chow. Here's a tip: Ask for the "secret weapon" menu option, their kopi o kosong – which is essentially white coffee prepared with a hint of alcohol. 

DO Ulu Geroh Rafflesia Trail 

Trek the Ulu Geroh Rafflesia Trail, located a little way outside of Ipoh in the village of Ulu Geroh in Gopeng. Besides the largest flower in the world, you will also chance upon rubber plantations, durian orchards, and quaint local villages. However, take note that to trek along the trail, you will need a Semai Orang Asli guide from the village. 

STAY Sekeping Kong Heng Hotel One of the first boutique hotels in Ipoh that sparked its new identity, Sekeping Kong Heng Hotel takes over a preserved three-storey neo-classical building. Don't skip the eponymous famous coffee shop on the ground floor, serving up amazing coffee and some of the best local dishes in town.  

If you do just one thing...  Explore Ipoh's historic laneways, such as Concubine Lane, for its street art and culture precincts. Ipoh's preserved architecture is a sight to behold, consisting of heritage shophouses with Chinese and British colonial elements – complete with five-foot ways and pretty shutters and tiles. 

If you're looking for an idyllic heritage town to spend a quiet weekend in, the charming and quaint Malacca is only a few hours drive away from Singapore. Rows of shophouses, Peranakan antiques, winding laneways and plentiful of good food at every corner, this town is your dream road trip destination. There's history, heaps of culture, too much food and many happy photo opportunities to be had.

EAT Pak Putra

Despite all the guide books telling you to eat your weight in assam laksa and chicken rice balls, skip the advice and try out Pak Putra, an open-air, open-at-night-only establishment. For the best naan you'll have, amazing Tandoori chicken, and assorted curries, this is a must-go when you're in town.

DRINK The Daily Fix

Blink and you might miss this buzzy cafe located within a gift store. You'll be surprised to find that this is no sleepy, quiet spot. Still, if you do bag a spot, the coffee is the best in town. Rose lattes, ice mochas and the cold-brewed tea (ask the staff to see what's brewing for the day), it's the erfect complement to your short getaway. The kids will love the selection of fluffy pancakes in gula melaka, chocolate chip and more.

DO The Clay House

Here's a different sort of holiday shopping: it's where you take the time to make your own wares to bring home. Drop by the rustic store and pottery studio where you can sign up for a session to get your hands dirty. From sculpting to glazing, you'll be bringing home your own handmade cups, bowls, lamps, aromatherapy burners and more.

STAY 1825 Gallery Hotel

When in Malacca, stay by the river, just so you won't be too far from all the good food and good spots in town.This colonial-style heritage building is located just outside the main Jonker Street area but still close to everything. Rooms are spacious so if you're rooming with the family, there's enough sleeping space for everyone. Splurge on a room upgrade with river views, a balcony and your own personal whirlpool tub.

If you do just one thing... Besides just eating and cafe-hopping, Malacca is huge on its antique stores as well. From Chinese porcelain stools to crystals and gemstones (think agate face rollers and rose quartz stone massagers), batik and fabric stores to rattan furniture shops, it's a different kind of shopping sans malls here in Malacca.

A popular weekend getaway for its famous hawker food, street art, history and culture, Penang is a great pick for a quick getaway from Singapore. Whether you choose to go on a road trip with friends or catch a quick and cheap flight there, the first thing you will surely do when you reach is to go on an eating binge. 

EAT Kafe Khoon Hiang 

When in Penang, you have to try one of the most famous local offerings, char kway teow. Don't think that just because you've tasted the ones here, you've tasted it all. The charred flat rice noodles are tossed with juicy prawns, crunchy bean sprouts and scrambled duck eggs.

DRINK The Canteen At ChinaHouse

When hanging out in a new town on holiday, kicking back with a cold drink in hand and all-around chill vibes are important. At The Canteen, it's all about dressing down and enjoying the nightly live music covering genres from jazz to indie, while sipping on your favourite cocktail.

DO  Penang National Park

If you have had enough of culture and the food, pack your bags and hike the Penang National Park. See the best of Penang's rainforests and beaches in this huge park. Enjoy spectacular views from canopy trails or sink your feet into the pristine sand on the beach. 

STAY Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

If it looks familiar to you, you might recognise it from an important scene in Crazy Rich Asians. The mansion also happens to be a boutique hotel with 18 personalised rooms – and all of the rooms are different and tastefully decorated with 19th-century antiques. 

If you do just one thing... Hunt for murals on the street of Penang. Penang's famous and colourful murals have made for Instagram fodder. There's one on almost every wall so get exploring and remember to snap some pics.

Kuala Lumpur

Leaving the city to another city? Kuala Lumpur it is. There's much to see and do (and eat) in this city that seemingly never sleeps. From suppers in the open air to fancy air-conditioned malls, the familiarity might even remind you of Singapore at times but with a myriad of new adventures waiting for you.

EAT Wong Ah Wah Restaurant

When in KL be sure to make some time for some barbecue chicken wings – possibly the best you'll ever have at this no-frills open-air zi char place at food street, Jalan Alor. While you won't go wrong with the standard dishes like salted egg yolk chicken, braised vegetables and fried rice, it's the chicken that's barbecued right in front of you that is the absolute standout. Brined overnight, the end result is a smoky, salty and just-the-right-amount of oily masterpiece.

DRINK PS150

Have fun trying to find this speakeasy in KL's Chinatown, Petaling Street. Housed in an old shophouse that was once a brother, the space is unassuming, intimate (think In The Mood For Love vibes) and romantic all at once. The drink menu is divided into five distinct eras in the history of cocktails itself: Vintage, Prohibition, Tiki, Disco and Contemporary.

DO Batu Caves

Interestingly enough, one thing to do in KL is to get out of KL. A 30-minute train ride, or 13km from the city is the majestic Batu Caves worth seeing in the flesh. Batu Caves is a limestone hill comprising three major caves and a number of smaller ones. Be prepared to be climbing steps all day and exploring the depths of several caves – remember to bring your cameras!

STAY Alila Bangsar Hotel

You're in for an urban retreat when you book a room at the new Alila Bangsar. City life away from the city will never be this chic. With tasteful and modern decor, an amazing pool with a view, pool-side yoga and impeccable room service, it's great to get away from downtown life once in a while.

If you do just one thing... If sticking to central KL is your prerogative, then all you can is shop and eat to your heart' content. Go mall-hopping along Bukit Bintang and be impressed by the sheer amount of boutiques and shops in a major mall. Ready your cards, you'll be using it lot. When it comes to food, you'll be spoilt for choice with the in-mall restaurants or venture out to Jalan Alor for a taste of hawker life in Malaysia.

Time-travel back to the golden kampung days at the beloved Pulau Ubin, a rustic island off the north-eastern coast of Singapore. Located just a 15-minute boat ride from mainland Singapore, you can realistically explore the whole island (about 10.2 square kilometres) in just a day. 

EAT  Cheong Lian Yuen Coffee Shop

This unassuming dining establishment near the jetty is the perfect place to wind down after cycling or hiking around the island. Tuck into a mouthwatering selection of fresh seafood with an ice cold beer before getting on the ferry back to the mainland. Popular dishes here are the pig trotter bee hoon, oysters omelette, salted egg sotong and mud crab with black pepper. 

DRINK Ah Ma Drink Stall 

Stop by this iconic drink stall, housed in a distinctive blue structure in Jalan Jelutong, for a fresh coconut. Don't forget to say hi to the friendly Madam Ong Ang Kui, who has been running the stall for more than 20 years. 

DO Soak in everything Pulau Ubin has to offer 

There's plenty to do: whether you choose to cycle its unpaved trails, hike up hills for stunning views of abandoned granite quarries, kayak the circumference of the island, or dust off your binoculars out to watch the kingfishers and bulbul birds that inhabit the tidal flats and mangroves.  For more in-depth info, read our guide to Pulau Ubin  here .   

STAY Set up camp 

While you can't stay in a hotel on Pulau Ubin, you can embrace the island's wilderness and set up a tent at one of the three campsites on the island: namely Jelutong, Mamam, and Endut Senin. Mamam Campsite boasts uninterrupted views of the sea, with Malaysia in the background. 

If you do just one thing... Wander around Chek Jawa Wetlands, one of Singapore's richest ecosystems. A 1.1km boardwalk runs along the coast and mangrove area, giving visitors a chance to get closer to nature. After which, climb up a 20-metre-tall viewing tower for a 360-degree panorama of the island.

Johor Bahru

Cross the causeway via public transport or in the comfort of your car from Woodlands Checkpoint and you'll find yourself in the heart of Johor Bahru. The JB immigration building is directly connected to City Square Mall, where you can find brands such as H&M and Uniqlo priced more affordable, thanks to the strong Singapore dollar. The surrounding area is also home to plenty of cool restaurants and cafés where you can while the day away.

EAT The Replacement – Lodge and Kitchen

Out of all the cafés we've been to in Johor Bahru, The Replacement – Lodge and Kitchen undoubtedly serve the best food. Try the soft shell crab bao and the piping hot churros served with your choice of dip: there's salted caramel, dark chocolate, Nutella hazelnut and salted egg yolk to choose from.

DRINK Bev C

Johor Bahru isn't exactly known for its buzzy bar scene so swap the booze out for some caffeine instead. The house special at Bev C is the espresso ice cube: shots of coffee frozen into ice cubes served with some milk.

DO Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park

Just a half an hour drive from Johor Sentral lies Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park. The family-friendly theme park is home to the Supersurf, a waterslide with six high-speed lanes.

STAY Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru

Conveniently situated within JB Sentral, Doubletree by Hilton makes for the perfect base for exploring the rest of the city. The modern hotel also comes equipped with a swimming pool and gym to work off those calories from all that café hopping.

If you do just one thing... Queue up for buns baked in a charcoal oven at Hiap Joo Bakery. The banana cake at this old-school institution is unbeatable too – we guarantee you won't stop at one slice.

Iskandar Puteri

Home to some of Southeast Asia’s most epic theme parks like Legoland Malaysia and the Hello Kitty Indoor Theme Park, the thriving city of Iskandar Puteri is well worth crossing the causeway for – especially with the kids in tow.

EAT Spice Grill

Leave the touristy eats at the theme parks behind and make the drive down to Puteri Harbour instead. There, you'll be greeted by a host of better options such as Spice Grill, a stylish Indian restaurant that also has Western offerings.

DRINK Rock Bottom Kitchen & Bar

During happy hour, Rock Bottom Kitchen & Bar offers ridiculously affordable alcohol. Think $3 drinks and Bud Light draft, those are some truly rock-bottom prices.

DO Legoland Malaysia

Spend a day (or two) at Legoland Malaysia, the country's first international theme park. Ride the towering roller coasters or immerse yourself in a captivating 4D movie experience. Whichever the case, the impressive park promises to fascinate both children and adults alike.

STAY Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour

Aside from its incredibly convenient location, Hotel Jen at Puteri Harbour also offers a luxe infinity pool overlooking the glistening marina.

If you could do just one thing... Get more for less at Southeast Asia’s first luxury premium brand outlet – Johor Premium Outlets. The retail paradise houses internationally-renowned designer brands like Burberry, Coach and more.

Spellbinding white sand beaches and azure waters render this relatively underrated island the perfect place for a fulfilling getaway. Simply hop on a 30-minute ferry ride from Changi Ferry Terminal to unravel the diverse offerings of Desaru – everything from ostrich farms and fruit plantations to posh golf courses.

EAT Jade Garden Seafood Corner

Treat yourself to a decadent seafood dinner at Jade Garden Seafood Corner – expect succulent lobster and bamboo clams, to name a few.

DRINK Beach Hut

Located within Lotus Desaru Beach Resort, this shack along the coast is a restaurant by day and bar by night. Grab a coconut or beers by the bottle.

DO The Els Club Desaru Coast

The sprawling club consists of 45 holes spread across two world-class golf courses. The stunning Ocean Course offers a range of customisable golf lessons at its academy for both serious golfers and beginners alike.

STAY Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast

Choose from one of the renowned hotels housed at Desaru Coast – a unique integrated destination resort that spans across a pristine beachfront. In particular, the Hard Rock Hotel entices with “rock star” treatment for vacationers and business travellers alike.

There's something for everyone at Sentosa. Whether you're a high roller looking to make your fortune, a thrill-seeker wanting to scream your heart out on a high-speed coaster, Michelin-star hunting foodie or a marine life enthusiast learning more about our ocean depths, the island has you covered. And if all that sounds a little too much for you, you can always park yourself at one of its three beaches and laze the day away.

Dine at Asia's first Michelin chef showcase experience. Every quarter, a different guest chef takes over the kitchen at Curate to present his or her award-winning menu.

DRINK Tanjong Beach Club

Dig your feet into the sand as you lounge by the beach with a tiki cocktail by Tanjong Beach Club. On Sunday, DJs turn the beachfront into a dance floor from the afternoon 'til late.

DO AJ Hackett

Here's one for the daredevils. Take a leap of faith by jumping from a height of 47m at AJ Hackett, Singapore's first bungy jumping facility.

STAY W Singapore Sentosa Cove

There are plenty of family-friendly hotels and luxe cabana stays on the island but for something sexier, we recommend making the trek out to W Singapore Sentosa Cove. Located in a quieter corner of the island, the hotel is perfect for couples looking for a little privacy.

If you do just one thing... Spend the day at Universal Studios Singapore, home to Battlestar Galactica and other fun rides that get the heart racing.

Take a ferry across the Singapore Strait to the charming Indonesian island of Batam. From serene beaches to an enthralling nightlight scene, this oft-overlooked island makes for a more than a decent getaway. Look past its sleazy reputation to unearth an array of exciting activities unique to the alluring destination.

EAT Golden Prawn 933

Head over to Golden Prawn 933 for a leisurely lunch that guarantees to satisfy. Serving up delectable plates of affordably priced freshly-caught seafood, the renowned restaurant proves that it’s worth the hype. Alternatively, join fellow tourists as they flock to the iconic A&W café for authentic root beer floats – creamy vanilla soft serve atop fizzy root beer.

DRINK Brewsky & Co

Pay a visit to one of the island’s reputable microbreweries. Brewsky & Co has delicious cocktails and great bar games as the cherry on top.

DO Batam Cable-ski Park

If you’re looking for adventure, choose from a variety of exhilarating water sports. In particular, opt to go jet skiing at Batam Cable-ski Park. Prices start from $25 for a one-hour pass but opt for the full-day pass that's priced at $65.

STAY Montigo Resorts The distinctive white and blue colour palette of Montigo Resorts’ façade affords you the luxury of experiencing a slice of Santorini without having to catch the dreaded 17-hour flight. If that wasn’t enough to warrant your stay, the posh villa-style resort boasts an exclusive private pool with unparalleled views of the surrounding Nongsa waters.

If you do just one thing… Relish a fragrant slice of one of Indonesia’s famed traditional specialties, Kueh Lapis – an indulgent layered cake – from the revered Layers Batam. Its range of conveniently located outlets include Nagoya Hill Mall and Batam Center Point.

Long established as an upscale playground for the spendthrift, the idyllic archipelago is spoiled with pristine beaches and picturesque landscapes. Yet, hidden amidst an abundance of high-end luxury resorts are rustic old-school fishing villages that intrigue with their grit. It’s nice to know that a mere 50-minute ferry ride from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal can transport you to a versatile and multi-faceted holiday destination like Bintan.

EAT Nasi Padang

Experience Indonesian-style Nasi Padang in its most authentic form as you tuck into the generous servings at Pujasera Food Centre’s Lamak Basamo or Rumah Makan Sederhana in Tanjung Pinang.

Touted as Bintan’s veteran nightclub, Silk promises a night to remember as you immerse yourself in live band music with a jazzy beverage in hand.

DO Air Adventure

Learn to fly at Air Adventure, a flying club at Lagoi Bay. But if all that sounds a little too ambitious for you then opt for a 20-minute ride on a seaplane that will accord you stunning views of the island. There's even an option to purchase a video recording of your flight so you can take your memories home.

STAY Banyan Tree Bintan

Tucked away in a verdant rainforest, the lavish villas of Banyan Tree Bintan offer breathtaking views of the South China Sea and a tranquil atmosphere. In line with its luxurious setting, hotel staff provide impeccably intuitive service catering to every need and want.

If you could do just one thing… Embark on a rejuvenating eco farm tour conducted by BRC Tours – have a hand at harvesting seasonal crops and relish farm-to-table rojak comprising of house-grown fruits and vegetables.

If you've got a whole weekend

Weekend travel guide: 48 hours in nusa penida.

The ultimate 1-day guide to Luang Prabang, Laos

Guide to Koh Yao Yai: where to stay and what to do

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Portugal to Singapore could be the longest train journey in the world. But how much does it cost?

Is travelling so far by rail even possible?

The opening of a new train line in Laos has just created the longest continuous train journey in the world.

Travelling all the way from Lagos in Southern Portugal to Singapore, it takes you through Paris, Moscow and Beijing. And at 18,755km, experts estimate completing the full journey would take 21 days.

The hypothetical route was calculated by train buffs on Reddit with the help of rail expert Mark Smith from seat61.com .

Before now, a continuous train journey on this route would have ended in Vietnam and only gone on for around 16,898km. To then travel to Singapore, passengers would have had to catch a bus from Saigon, through Cambodia to Bangkok.

The new longest possible train journey in the world. pic.twitter.com/W9ajgTyY0b — Epic Maps 🗺️ (@Locati0ns) December 12, 2021

But on 2 December this year, a high-speed rail line opened connecting Kunming in China to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. This means those looking for an extreme trip by train can now get between Beijing and Bangkok then on to Singapore - creating the new longest continuous train journey in the world.

• Australian airline completes record-breaking 19-hour flight from New York to Sydney
• Meet the 23-year-old woman who has travelled to every country in the world

Is it actually possible to make the world’s longest trip by rail?

Embarking on this monumental trip would take you through 13 different countries from Spain, Poland and Belarus in Europe to Mongolia, Thailand and Malaysia on the Asian leg of the journey.

The time it would take was calculated by British train enthusiast, Mark Smith who runs a website that advises on long journeys like this .

• Istanbul to London could be the longest bus journey in the world. But how much does it cost?

There are of course a few overnight stops included in the 21 day journey time, that Smith says are to allow for visas, paperwork and making connecting rail trips. Some short hops across cities to different railway stations would also be needed and booking tickets for the entire trip could cost around €1,200.

Travelling by train would also significantly reduce the carbon emissions of the journey. A one-way flight from Lisbon Portugal to Changi Airport in Singapore would emit an estimated 1.67 tonnes of CO2 equivalents. In comparison, making the long journey by either train or bus would emit roughly 0.08 tonnes.

Booking tickets for the entire trip could cost around €1,200.

The Reddit thread points out that some of the railways included in the route are not operating due to COVID-19. Two of the longest legs, the Paris-Moscow Express and Moscow to Beijing are currently suspended because of the pandemic.

That means that if you are looking to try out this once in a lifetime, record-breaking train trip, it might have to wait until travel restrictions are lifted.

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Singapore malaysia itinerary 5 days — what to do & suggested 5 days 4 nights singapore malaysia itinerary.

If you’ve planned a trip to Malaysia and Singapore this year, why not combine both countries in one trip? Check out the details of 5 days 4 nights itinerary to visit both Malaysia and Singapore from Living Nomads below! For sure, right after reading this itinerary, you will not be afraid of being “lost”. So, what to do and how to spend 5 days 4 nights in Singapore and Malaysia? Let’s check it out our Singapore Malaysia itinerary for 5 days (Singapore Malaysia 5 days itinerary, 5 days 4 nights Singapore Malaysia itinerary) to find out the answer!

• Singapore Malaysia itinerary 7 days — What to do for 6 nights 7 days Singapore Malaysia itinerary?
• How to get from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore? — How to get to singapore from Kuala Lumpur by bus?

Suggested Singapore Malaysia itinerary 6 days to visit Singapore & Kuala Lumpur

Pulau ubin travel guide. the ultimate guide to the green island of singapore, pulau ubin blog — the guide to pulau ubin & suggested perfect pulau ubin one day trip.

Note: The cost of services and activities during the trip may vary from time to time.

Singapore Malaysia 5 days itinerary: Why choose to go to both Malaysia and Singapore in just 5 days?

Everyone said I couldn’t go with a such itinerary, also “to watch flowers while riding on horseback”, I couldn’t explore as I wish…

But I still decided to do it. Because:

• Set foot in 2 new countries in just 1 trip.
• Maximize my time because you knows that it is difficult for official staffs to arrange their time so it is reasonable to combine the two countries together in one trip.
• Cost savings: Because you know that the living cost in Singapore is very expensive, airfares from Hanoi to Singapore are also quite high, so choosing to fly to Malaysia first is a reasonable choice, the living cost in Malaysia is also much cheaper than Singapore.
• Choose to go to Malacca because this is a pretty old city, it’s also located on the road from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore so it is convenient to traveling and have fun.
• Have a trusted group of friends to do that crazy thing with myself.

And finally, our 5 days 4s nights trip to Malaysia – Singapore was completed completely with many new experiences.

Thanks to a lot of information on the internet and the helpful sharing of those who have traveled, I feel more confident to plan the trip and do it.

Our trip minimizes the cost but not so we have to sleep on the road, eat noodles through meals or just go to free admission places. We still satisfied, eat and playful. Here I will share the information I learned and experienced it through the trip.

When to visit

This thing I don’t see is very important to anyone who love wandering, just picking up a suitcase and pulling it away like me. See cheap tickets are book and go because the sunny or rain is a job of nature, we can not decide.

It is important that the price is reasonable and the flight time is on weekends. I chose to fly to Malaysia first and then fly back home from Singapore. You should buy 20kg of luggage checked for return flight to use to store shopping souvenir items.

Accommodation

Because I go with a group of 6 people, so I try to choose a shared room for 6 people to have fun together. Because in Singapore, room rates are very expensive, so in Malaysia I tried to choose a nice beautiful room for the worth money.

• In Kuala Lumpur: ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) You should choose stay in areas like KL Sentral, KLCC, Bukit Bintang.

• In Malacca: ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) Because it is an old city, finding a room for 6 people is quite difficult. You should choose a place to stay that close to the Jonker Walk Street and the Dutch square.

• In Singapore: ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) You should choose the room near MRT stations (because you will traveling mainly by subway), in Chinatown, Clarke Quay, Orchard, Bugis. Room rates in Singapore are very expensive, so I only choose a dorm room with 6 beds, shared restroom. The room is quite small but okay with the need to sleep. You can refer to some best hostels in Singapore here .

• In Kuala Lumpur: There is a skytrain but you have to buy single tickets for each trip, it is quite inconvenient, the train is small so you often have to stand. From KLIA2 airport to the center, you can take the Express train (55RM/person) or the bus (10RM/person) in the departure hall of the first floor to KL Sentral center and from there you can continue to take the train or Grab to your accommodation.

KLIA Ekspres Airport Train Tickets (QR Code Direct Entry)

• In Malacca: There is no subway here, so it is mostly travel by Grab. Grab price here is also quite cheap, go with 6 people picks a Grabcar 6-seat will save a lot of travel costs.

• In Singapore: Moving mainly by subway and bus because taxis and Grabs are very expensive here. To travel by subway and bus, an Ezlink or NETS FlashPay card is required (can be purchased at the subway station for $SG 12 including $SG 5 card fee and $SG 7 for moving gradually) or via Klook. Or more economically, you can borrow a card from your friends or rent a card, or buy back from return travelers, then top-up money to continue moving (minimum of 1 deposit is $SG 10). The lowest cost for a subway trip is from $SG 0.77 and increases depending on the distance traveled. Bus is also quite simple and convenient with google map on hand.

Singapore Travel Card (NETS FlashPay)

• From Kuala Lumpur – Malacca – Singapore: Traveling by coach. It is advisable to consider the plan to choose a reasonable travel time as the paid tickets are difficult to change. It is also possible at that time to buy a ticket at the bus station but it is a bit risky if you want to go by the time you have planned.

Read more: How to get from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore? — How to get to singapore from Kuala Lumpur by bus?

Sim 4G & Wifi

It’s really necessary. I choose to buy a sim to install in one device and broadcast wifi to other devices. Sim is also very handy when you want to contact Grab driver.

• In Malaysia: I choose to buy the sim through Klook , get the sim from the booth right at KLIA2 airport for $5.88 unlimited data, use quite stable.
• In Singapore: Due to not landing at the airport, I chose to buy a sim right in Vietnam for $10.23 to be able to install and use right after arriving in Singapore. You can book in advance and receive at Changi Airport here .

I buy tickets via Klook, Gardens by the Bay tickets (you can buy tickets to access the two zones are Cloud Forest and Flower Dome) at $13.80/person, Universal Studios Singapore tickets (play all games and rides in the park is $42.44/person (regular price after applying Klook promotion code).

Money exchange

Malaysian currency is ringgit (RM1 = $0.23), Singapore currency is Singapore dollar (SGD1 = $0.7). You should calculate the reasonable cost to exchange the money is just enough, because exchange too much will sometimes lose value when reverse exchange. You also should exchange a little of USD if unfortunately out of money, you can use it to buy items, you also can sell USD easily without lose value. If you don’t spend it all, just go to the Changi airport duty free area and shopping.

The most worrying issue is entry. But it is not too worrisome if you fully prepared and clearly proved that you go there to travel. I printed out a set for my friends including: return flight tickets, hotel reservation confirmation, coach tickets, entrance tickets to attractions, games and reasonable itinerary for the trip. And more is enough money to cover trip expenses (after deducting the paid amounts). Going in groups is very easy to pass, just stand in line to produce all papers and may have to answer a few simple questions of customs officer (where to go, how many days to go, who to go with, where to stay…). The most important is showing a confident attitude, welcoming and smiling (girls should avoid in heavy makeup and revealing clothing).

Detailed Itinerary

5 days 4 nights singapore malaysia itinerary — day 1: kuala lumpur.

Petronas Twin Towers (near MRT KLCC): The symbol of the city of Kuala Lumpur, you should prepare fisheye lens for taking pictures here to capture whole the twin towers (because there are also lens sellers here but price is quite high). From here, you can go to KLCC shopping mall and go to KLCC Park.

Skip-The-Line PETRONAS Twin Towers Admission + One Way Transfer

Address: Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Chinatown (near MRT Plaza Rakyat): The most famous is Jalan Petaling Street, this is a street that selling cheap clothes, souvenirs and dining, so try Hokkien fried noodles at Kim Lian Kee (Address: 56, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia / Hours: 11AM–10PM (you can search for the name of the shop on Google map to find the way).

Bukit Bintang Area (near Bukit Bintang MRT): This is a very bustling and shopping neighborhood, most prominent are Pavillion and Lot10 Shopping Mall (on the ground floor there is Lot 10 Hutong food court with char siu wonton noodles) at HoWeng Kee stall, Popiah (Summer Rolls with Chinese Sausages) at Campbell Mini Popiah, Hokkien Mee noodles at Kim Lian Kee stall but I haven’t had a chance to try it out because I’m full). There also is KOI bubble milk tea for anyone who wants to try it.

Jalan Alor Street: Located in Bukit Bintang, this is a bustling night food street with almost full of Malaysian dishes. Here is famous for small durian fruit is very fragrant but the price is quite expensive ($5.1-$6.37/pack).

Singapore Malaysia 5 days itinerary — Day 2: Kuala Lumpur – Malacca

In kuala lumpur.

Merdeka Square (near KL Sentral MRT): There are many beautiful buildings here for you to check-in. It was also where Malaysia’s first prime minister declared independence.

Continued reading…

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5 Best Day Trips from Singapore

It may be one of the world’s busiest cities, but Singapore is also the perfect launch point for a quick escape. Among the adventures that are just a few hours away: a visit to Thailand’s best designers, and an offshore cooking class in a 100-year-old house that will take you back to 1970s Singapore. Ready to go beyond the city’s limits? From Malacca and Bintan, to Pulau Ubin, Bangkok, and the Southern Islands, these are Singapore's best day trips, along with where to go and what to do in each.

Click the link to read our complete Singapore travel guide .

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Panglong Village Arrow

Get a glimpse of the traditional Indonesian way of life at this rustic village about an hour’s drive from the Bandar Bentan Telani port. Home to Bintan’s biggest group of fishermen and their families (who used to live nomadic lives at sea until the government enticed them to move to shore by giving them land), it offers a fascinating look at their day-to-day activities. A visit to the village is the perfect activity for those interested in the “real” Bintan, away from its many tourist resorts, and those interested in nose diving into the local culture.

Aroma River Spa Arrow

Looks like a traditional Indonesian village, but this cluster of attap-and-bamboo huts set on stilts over a mangrove river is actually an eco-spa specializing in Riau body massages. It’s a refreshing change from ever-more-luxurious and high-tech spas—there’s no air conditioning, the interiors are simply furnished, and the warm, friendly staff are dressed in traditional Indonesian attire. Everything feels authentic, not like you've been dropped off at a tourist trap. This is a popular spa spot in Bintan because of the quality of its treatments and reasonable prices.

Warung Yeah! Arrow

This funky diner is simply decorated but cheery, with wooden tables and brightly painted walls. It's the perfect place to try Indonesian fare if you’re not into picking off street stalls—the space is clean and the food authentic and delicious. It’s pitched at tourists, so it’s filled with tourists—but mostly foodies who have sought it out for a good meal. Choose from unfussily presented dishes to share or one-plate meals—most things here are tasty. Must-tries are the delicious ikan bakar (grilled fish) and sego tahu (rice with fried tofu and sweet soy sauce).

Pizza Casa Italia Arrow

It’s a boho beach shack by the sea painted in shades of pink, green, yellow and blue, with plastic-covered wooden tables and benches. On the menu: wood-fired thin-crust pizzas baked in a stone oven, in flavors tweaked for the local palate (and served with chili sauce). Charismatic Italian owner Armando takes orders from behind a makeshift wooden counter, while his wife and son take turns flipping the dough. Bring your holiday companions or your partner—this casual seaside spot can be both fun and romantic.

The Sanchaya Arrow

This 30-room-and-villa property—an imposing colonial mansion with a courtyard and a stone fountain—is serious about doling out a luxury experience. Check-in was done in-room with assistance from a British Butler Institute–trained butler. The suites, too, are handsomely appointed; floors were polished wood, the furniture sleek black bamboo, while antique maps and antiques added a touch of mystery and adventure. It’s Brad Pitt meets Indiana Jones. The beds are comfortable, and staff members are doting. You don’t get this level of luxe anywhere else in Bintan…or even nearby Singapore.

The Canopi Arrow

There’s a special customs counter for guests glamping at The Canopi at Bintan Ferry Terminal when you arrive, which means no queuing with the rest of the crowd. Then it’s a five-minute bus ride to the resort, where you see a clutch of 41 rather stylish Mongolian-style canvas gers. Each has its own veranda and glass doors, clustered around a filtered, brilliantly blue seawater lagoon. Where’s the wildlife, you ask? The closest thing you get here are creature comforts—this is urban glamping targeted at city slickers, silly. With a smorgasbord of activities offered, it’s a fun stay that’s great for families.

Jonker Walk Arrow

Jonker Walk is Melaka's main shopping strip, and it’s where the locals come to hang out on Friday and weekend evenings when the night market is on. The shops (that occupy pre-war shophouses) and market stalls that line the street are varied. Come get everything from snacks to artworks and antiques. This has been the sleepy town’s hot spot for years, and it’s still going strong.

Amy Heritage Nyonya Cuisine Arrow

This homey restaurant in a shophouse seats around 40 and looks as simple as Peranakan (Straits Chinese) food is elaborate, with plain tiled floors, wooden tables, Ikea chairs, and warm lighting. Owner and chef Amy usually finds time to speak to each table, even though she does all the cooking herself. Most of the food here is authentic and delish, but there are some standouts, like the delightfully light pie tee and the robustly flavored ikan cili garam (fried fish fillets topped with Amy’s punchy signature garlic-infused chili sauce). Amy's is perfect for a family celebration or if you want to impress a date with your foodie cred.

Restoran Tong Sheng Arrow

Despite the “restaurant” in its name, this is really just a fancy hawker stall. Think plastic chairs and no air conditioning, with a rainbow neon-lit sign across its entrance. No pretensions here—get ready to eat with your hands! Most come here for two signature dishes: the cheesy prawn meehan (sweet large prawns with rice vermicelli noodles drenched in a creamy, cheesy sauce and sprinkled with briny prawn roe), and the fresh milk crabs (large crabs in a lightly creamy gravy with toasted bread sticks on the side). Despite the non-stop stream of diners, the cooking standards are always consistent.

Nadeje Arrow

The vibe at this popular mille crêpe chain is modern Marie Antoinette, with fittings and furniture in baby blue, silver, black, and white. At the front: two large counters filled with Nadeje’s signature mille crêpe slices in almost every flavor you can think of, from rum raisin to royal milk tea. If you can tolerate the heat, there are tables outside, too. The handmade crepe cakes are light, airy, and not too sweet. For something savory, go for the surprisingly good udon. This place is sure to bring out the smiles on a girls' day out, or during tea time with your mother.

Calanthe Art Cafe Arrow

This boho café feels like someone’s house, with its retro sofas, box TV, and paintings. Outside, old-school rattan chairs rule. On one of the walls in the main seating area is a map of Malaysia indicating the types of coffee from each state (Calanthe specializes in cuppas from different states). There are other drinks available, but coffee is the main game here. On the menu are 13 types of brews available. It's a great spot for lazy date afternoons and gatherings with friends.

The Majestic Malacca Arrow

Its main building used to be the home of a rich tycoon, which is why Majestic Malacca still resembles a private mansion. Set back from the road behind a low wall, the 1920s building is both stately and slightly imperious. The inside resembles someone’s ornately decorated home with its Victorian porcelain tiles, Peranakan antiques, and clusters of comfy seating. And the staff are just as beautifully dressed in kebayas —traditional Peranakan costume. It’s a beautiful hotel with a great story and strong cultural link to Melaka, not to mention it’s the town’s most comfortable stay.

Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum Arrow

Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum takes up three heritage shophouses that were built in 1896. The elaborate architecture is Chinese Palladian; the interior's an opulent show of Peranakan—or Baba Nyonya—design. This place is less about showing off Peranakan tchotchkes in glass cases than offering visitors an experiential glimpse into how the Peranakans lived in the old days. Highlights include a bedroom with a spy hole to check on visitors (typical in Peranakan houses in those days) and a kitchen with a hand-churner for ice cream.

Pulau Ubin Arrow

This island—10 minutes away from Singapore by boat—offers one of the closest experiences you can get to seeing the wild side of the country. It’s got a handful of human residents and traces of its granite-quarrying history from the ’70s remain, but the island remains largely untouched and is home to the Chek Jawa wetlands, a heron habitat, wild boars, monkeys, and more. The best way to get around is on bicycle: grab a bike and start pedaling down the dirt roads that crisscross the island.

Chek Jawa Arrow

The Chek Jawa cape on the tip of Pulau Ubin is home to nearly 250 acres of wetlands bursting with biodiversity. From here, you can conveniently observe several ecosystems (from seagrass lagoons to sandy beaches and mangrove forests) in one spot. It’s nature untouched, but there is some human handiwork here that makes all that studying easier, like a nearly mile-long boardwalk across the coast and mangrove area, a viewing tower, and an (unmanned) visitor center.

Cookery Magic Arrow

This is a cooking and dining adventure takes place in a Malay kampong house on Pulau Ubin, 10 minutes’ away by boat from Singapore. There's nothing like learning about the provenance of your food and picking and cooking it yourself to make you appreciate it more. This is a group lesson, so don't worry if you're not a great cook. The end result is an always-tasty spread of authentic local dishes that includes the rarely-seen nasi kerabu .

Season Live Seafood Arrow

Like the other dining options on Pulau Ubin, Season Live is no-frills—there’s no air conditioning, the tables are foldable, and the chairs plastic. But tanks of live seafood line the walls, an indication that this is a notch above your typical zi char (food cooked à la minute) stall. Seating is largely al fresco, with the main dining area covered by a huge (and somewhat grandiose) curved awning. There’s a sea view too. Gather the gang or the extended family for a day out and round it off with a meal here.

Uncle Tan's Kelong Arrow

To get to this private dining spot for foodies in the know, you have to call fisherman Mr. Tan (+65 8356 9547) a few days beforehand to arrange what date and time you’ll be there (just before sunset is best), as well as what you want on your menu. Then on the appointed day, head to Changi Jetty to hop on a bumboat (S$70 per boat (US$53); maximum 10 people). A 10-minute ride takes you to this floating fish farm just off Pulau Ubin, where Mr Tan and his wife dish up Teochew-style home cooking.

SINGAPORE'S SOUTHERN ISLANDS

St. John's Island Arrow

Rough-hewn St John’s used to be a quarantine center (for cholera cases, beriberi, and more) in the late 19th century, and also served as a penal settlement and a drug rehabilitation center. Then in 1975 the 100-acre space was transformed into a park of sorts, with trekking routes, picnic facilities, swimming lagoons, beaches, and football fields. It hasn’t changed much since then, which makes it a rustic, slightly eerie experience and an interesting getaway from the concrete jungle.

Kusu Island Arrow

Here’s a place with a cultural spin and some unusual sights. Kusu Island is the easternmost of Singapore’s southern islands, and it’s home to an oddball mix of nature, religious spaces (a Chinese Taoist temple and a Malay shrine), and a turtle sanctuary ( kusu means “turtle” in the Chinese Hokkien dialect). At 21 acres, Kusu is tiny, so getting around is really easy. A single shop hawks drinks and snacks—you can chill out here while you’re waiting for the next ferry to arrive, or at one of the island’s many picnic tables and benches.

Sisters' Islands Arrow

This pair of islands is home to Singapore’s first marine park and its 98 acres of coral reefs and marine life. The larger island, called Pulau Subar Laut (Big Sister’s Island), has a jetty which serves as the gateway for visitors, while the smaller Pulau Subar Darat (Small Sister’s Island) is dedicated to marine conservation research. Singapore’s waters are home to over half of the hard coral species in the region, so this is a handy spot to get introduced to that biodiversity. Fun for kids, too.

Lazarus Island Arrow

Tiny Lazarus is made up mostly of reclaimed land (hence the name—like the biblical character Lazarus, it was “raised from the dead”) and attached to St. John’s Island via a paved bridge. It’s mostly open spaces and grassland, but the main reason hipsters flock here is for its beautiful secret lagoon and beach. With its clear waters and fine sand (imported from Indonesia), it’s Singapore’s prettiest and most pristine. The best part: no sandflies. To get there, just cross the causeway between St. John's Island and Lazarus, and keep going till you see the beach.

Siam Center Arrow

It’s a mall, but not your usual shopping center filled with cookie-cutter stores. Siam Center sets itself apart by housing the biggest clutch of Thailand’s hottest fashion names, from established couturiers to up-and-coming designers, under one roof. You’ll find over 200 stores by international and local brand names. Look out for the fabulously floaty designs of established label Senada Theory, the minimalist lines of popular label Greyhound, the offbeat styles of Flynow III and more.

ChangChui Arrow

This sprawling creative space is a market, dining hall and watering hole, permanent carnival, and art installation all rolled into one. Indie boutiques and funky food kiosks rub shoulders with game stalls and artworks by local names at every turn. It’s a eccentric labyrinthian tangle of a space that shouldn’t make sense but somehow does; an experiential journey that’s the opposite of a cookie-cutter mall.

Myth Massage Arrow

This unprepossessing place in a red brick townhouse looks like it’s seen better days, but the massages here remain top-notch and the experience authentic. You enter via a garage-like area and take the stairs to the second floor, where your preferences are recorded on a sheet of paper before a therapist is ordered in When it’s your turn, head upstairs to the no-frills fourth level, where a dozen or so treatment “rooms” (mattresses sectioned off with curtains) await. Come if you want to experience a massage with local flavor and no frills.

Oriental Residence Bangkok Arrow

This elegant hotel is set back from the road and the entrance tucked away from sight. It feels private and exclusive; more like an apartment block. Indeed, there are two towers here: one a residence, the other the hotel. Both share a lobby, tastefully decorated in soft grey and robin’s egg blue—it wouldn’t look out of place in a Tiffany & Co. store. For a rather reasonable price, you get understated luxury in a quiet, exclusive area near the U.S. embassy. Most importantly in traffic-choked Bangkok, it’s convenient by train—about 10 minutes’ walk to Ploen Chit.

Namsaah Bottling Trust Arrow

This kitschy chic restaurant by local celeb chef Ian Kittichai of Issaya Siamese Club is in a century-old double-story house tucked away in a side road. There’s a bar on the ground floor; the dining area’s upstairs and divided into rooms. Even the lighting is offbeat in a sultry red. Unlike at fine-dining Issaya, it's all about fun Thai here. Think popcorn shrimp jazzed up with Sriracha aioli, and pad thai blanketed in perfectly pan-fried foie gras. Bring the gang for some raucous cocktail-fueled fun, or a first date (the red lighting makes everyone look good).

Baan Nual Arrow

Is this a restaurant or someone’s house? Baan Nual is both—it houses the residence of a graphic designer and his home-dining business. From the outside it looks like a ramshackle abode; step inside and you enter a (dimly lit) whimsical world filled with decorative birdcages, an old-school ice-shaving machine, and just three tables. The soundtrack is '70s and '80s Thai, punctuated by the crowing of nearby roosters.

Park Hyatt Bangkok Arrow

At Park Hyatt Bangkok, the rooms and common areas were designed by the firm Yabu Pushelberg, which focused on clean, stark lines. The hotel has the feel of an art gallery, where striking design elements surprise you but nothing gets in the way. The Penthouse Bar & Grill, which spans three upper floors of the building, was designed by the famous New York firm of AvroKo. The idea was to turn one seamless space into five separate venues with marble, ebony, gold accents, and British antique stylings. You're pointed to the hotel entrance by a series of discrete signs in gold lettering, where lifts take you to the beautiful 10th floor lobby decorated in cream and white and accented with simple, bold artworks, also in gold. Even the sleek, sculpted reception desk looks like modernist art . The rooms are beautiful, and the bathrooms feel like spas.

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Singapore: Sentosa Island, perfect destination for fun with family

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / TRAVEL TRENDS , SINGAPORE / Updated : Aug 20, 2024, 13:50 IST

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Sentosa Island, Singapore, transformed from a British military base to a vibrant resort, attracts millions with its blend of Universal Studios, S.E.A. Aquarium, serene beaches, and historical sites like Fort Siloso. Sentosa Island … Read more

Sentosa Island, Singapore, transformed from a British military base to a vibrant resort, attracts millions with its blend of Universal Studios, S.E.A. Aquarium, serene beaches, and historical sites like Fort Siloso. Sentosa Island is easily accessible via a short drive from the city, a scenic cable car ride, or via MRT. Read less

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Sentosa Island, Singapore, transformed from a British military base to a vibrant resort, attracts millions with its blend of Universal Studios, S.E.A. Aquarium, serene beaches, and historical sites li...