City lovers rejoice! Singapore is the ultimate destination.
Singapore is both a country and a city. A myriad of languages, food and culture are promised to blow you away when you set foot in Singapore. It’s up to you how much you want to delve into it!
Walking through Singapore is like strolling through different lifestyles: on the one hand, you have endless hawker stalls, colourful graffiti, gardens and museums. On the other, you have futuristic shopping malls, outlandish gardens and a legion of luxurious experiences at your fingertips.
The best way to squeeze all the juice out of the city on your Singapore travels is to mix it up.
Start your day with kopi and breakfast at a morning hawker stall before you launch yourself into the future in the malls of Marina Bay and Supertrees of the Gardens by the Bay. Continue your journey to new heights with lunch at the Skydeck before you bring it back down to Earth in Chinatown. In the bustle of Singapore’s Chinese, Indian and Malay community, you will lose yourself between the colonial-style colourful houses and hidden cafes, galleries and boutiques.
Eager to learn more? This only scratches the surface; read on to find your very own way to see Singapore with this travel guide.
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When to Visit Singapore
Sitting close to the equator, Singapore enjoys warm weather throughout the year, with seasons distinguished by the monsoon season. The temperature in Singapore sits comfortably in the high 20s and sometimes stretches beyond 30 degrees Celsius.
Despite the monsoon season between November and January, Singapore’s high season stretches from November into June, particularly between January and February when Chinese New Year falls. Singapore can be magical at this time of year; however, the attractions are much busier than normal, and prices much higher. If you are a budget-conscious traveller, it’s best to stick to the shoulder seasons.
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Top Places to Visit in Singapore
Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay
Known for its boat-shaped infinity pool that sits perched atop three skyscrapers, Marina Bay Sands boldly crowns Singapore’s harbourfront – a proud icon of the city.
Marina Bay Sands holds the throne among the top places to visit in Singapore. This is much more than your average five-star hotel; it’s part of a complex containing shopping malls, museums, a barrage, an esplanade, the Skydeck where expensive drinks await, and the famous Gardens by the Bay. You can even glide from one spot to the next on a Sampan ride.
The green-fingered travellers will marvel at the Gardens by the Bay, which is among the top ten gardens in the world. You’ll be catapulted into the future as you walk through the Supertrees, navigate aerial walkways through jungle canopies and marvel at the indoor waterfall in the largest greenhouse in the world. As you’ll see in this 5-day Singapore sights tour, the Gardens by the Bay are set to take your breath away like never before.
Chinatown
Vibrant, fragrant and alive with activity, walking in Singapore’s Chinatown is a bit like walking into the past.
Colonial buildings are squished tightly together, creating a decorative facade for Chinatown’s iconic shophouses. Old sits back-to-back with new as you walk past the open doors of modern cafes and bars next to traditional noodle shops and tea houses. The aroma alone is enough to entice you into learning more about this part of town.
As you continue to explore, you’ll see all of the components of Singapore’s cultural tapestry intertwined into one area. Here, you’ll stumble upon the nation’s most important religious structures; it’s the only Chinatown in the world to have a Buddhist temple, a mosque and a Hindu temple on one street.
Orchard Road
Stretching itself out across Singapore’s centre is Orchard Road. Opening up into a boulevard, Orchard, as it is affectionately known, is a mishmash of high-end boutiques, bargain outlets, fine dining and futuristic malls that present the ultimate retail therapy.
The name, Orchard Road, stems from humble beginnings when it was an unnamed fruit orchard. Since its first department store was created in 1958, TANG’s, the road rapidly became a concrete shadow of its former self, tainted by classy neon lights.
You can easily lose a day on Orchard Road on a Singapore guided tour. Take your time to explore thematic malls and fuel yourself with alluring freshly ground coffee and inviting gourmet cuisines that present themselves at every turn – the hours will fill as fast as the empty space in your suitcase!
Sentosa Island Tour
Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Singapore’s mainland, Sentosa Island is where outdoor adventurers will thrive. Thrilling water parks, amusement parks, and Universal Studios form the backbone of Sentosa Islands tours; however, it has also managed to retain some of its natural treasures – no, we’re not talking about the golf course!
With so many adventure parks crammed into the island, you may be shocked to discover that Sentosa Island still has part of its natural habitat that Sentosa Nature Discovery protects. You can explore the green areas following interactive nature trails, keeping an eye out for many rare species of birds and butterflies while breathing in the fresh air!
The island also has three beaches that offer an escape from the city hustle and the chance to kick back and relax while still being moments from one of the most thriving cities in the world.
Pulau Ubin
Although just a 15-minute boat trip away from Singapore, Pulau Ubin feels a world away from the modern life of the nation-city.
Taking it back to a simpler way of life, the island has many fruit orchards and native plants that are tended to lovingly by residents. For this reason alone, many consider Pulau Ubin to be the one chance that you have to experience what Singapore was like 100 years ago.
You can choose to cycle or walk to explore the island once you get off the boat on your Singapore day trip. From the wetlands down to the boardwalk, Pulau Ubin is thriving with unique ecosystems and the wildlife that comes with it. This quiet island offers a unique opportunity to explore an untouched side of Singapore.
Kampong Gelam
Bursting with colour and hippie chic, Kampong Glam is one of Singapore’s more historic corners of the city. In the 1800s, Kampong Glam was the centre of activity for Singapore’s Malay community, reigned by Sultans. Fast-forward to the 21st century, this is very much the hub of the Malay people of Singapore; you’ll still find traces of its past mixed in with a cacophony of cultures that the nation has become known for.
Walking tours in Singapore’s Kampong Gelam will start at the tree that the area is named after, which is used to make boats, for medicine and even to season food. From there, you’ll walk between graffiti murals, Middle-Eastern diners, art galleries and speakeasy-style bars that punctuate this area with a creative and cultural twist.
Museums and Galleries in Singapore
Among some of the best attractions in Singapore are the city’s museums and galleries. Singapore is a hot spot for some of the world’s best artists, attracting many collectors to its art fairs, and with that, come galleries with exhibitions that will wow you with their skills and statements.
Hopping between the museums of Singapore, you’ll cover everything from the kaleidoscope of heritage and culture of the people to the history of World War II and the colonial era. Each museum that you encounter in the city occupies a building that is as significant as the information inside it.
No matter whether you choose to hop between art galleries, museums or a mixture of the two, you’ll be guaranteed an informative and often interactive experience while learning about the culture and history of the city.
Universal Studios Singapore
If amusement parks are top of the list when travelling, look no further than Universal Studios, Singapore. Part of Resort World Sentosa, this Universal Studios has seven themed zones that will launch you into the world of your favourite films. On top of that, there are a total of 28 exhilarating rides to take through some of the most thrilling scenes to immerse yourself in the experience fully.
Universal Studios is much more than the perfect family trip to Singapore; the big kids will love it too!
How to Get Around Singapore
MRT Train
As a modern jewel of Southeast Asia, Singapore will dazzle you with the efficiency and cleanliness of its MRT services. No matter where you choose to stay in the city, you’ll find that an MRT line is never too far away. To save on costs, it is possible to purchase a tourist pass for up to three days to cover all the places to visit in Singapore.
Bus
The bus services operate on similar routes to the MRT services; however, with more stops, you’ll be able to get off exactly where you want to be. The buses in Singapore are clean, air-conditioned and efficient. You’ll be able to use your tourist pass on them too.
Taxi
If navigating public transport services stresses you out, taxis will work in your favour. This comes at a cost. Taxis work by the meter, however, there are often additional charges for the service – after midnight, they operate with an extra 50% of the cost!
Taxi services that are strictly app-based will always work in your favour in Singapore. Relying on Grab, GoJek and TADA could land you much cheaper rides. It is generally advised that you have one or two of the apps downloaded as prices can surge on more popular choices in peak hours.
Where to Stay in Singapore
Colonial District
Set on Singapore’s riverside, the colonial part of Singapore is the nation’s oldest and liveliest area on the harbourfront.
Characterised by old-time houses, the area is packed to the brim with high-end restaurants and bars. You can choose a quay based on how you wish to spend your time here. If partying until the small hours in some of the world’s flashiest clubs is your main draw, Clarke Quay is for you. For those that want to take in the atmosphere of one of Singapore’s trendiest neighbourhoods, Robertson Quay is a slightly more low-key choice.
Orchard Road
Between the shopping malls and boutiques of Orchard Road is a selection of luxury hotels that will put you right at the heart of the action. Choosing to stay on this street is perfect if you want to shop; however, the street is also close to the harbourfront making it ideally situated to see all of Singapore’s attractions.
Chinatown and Kampong Glam
Tucked in between the skyscrapers, Chinatown brings Singapore back down to Earth quite literally. The area is packed with eateries in colonial buildings and hawker stalls that create the perfect environment to stay in and soak up the atmosphere of Singaporean Chinese culture.
Accommodation here ranges from converted boutique teahouses to modern and stylish mid-range hotels. It’s ideal for solo travellers looking to explore the atmosphere of Singapore away from the high-end flash.
Further north is Kampong Glam, a colourful corner of Singapore where many of the nation’s Arab and Muslim communities live. The area caters to budget travellers and backpackers with bazaars and hawkers serving Middle Eastern fare at low prices and many hostels and budget hotels. You can easily connect to the city centre via the MRT.
Marina Bay
Singapore is for big city-lovers, and Marina Bay will put you at the very heart of it!
If you want to stay among the flashing lights and skyscrapers of Singapore’s Marina Bay, high-end hotels with incomparable views will be waiting for you. Only the well-known hotels can reserve a spot in this area, be prepared to pamper yourself in all the refineries of the world’s richest city while staying at some of the most sought-after addresses!
Places to Eat & Drink in Singapore
A Hawker’s Delight
When looking into the best of Singaporean food, a hawker’s stall will never be too far away. Street food sits among the foundations of this metropolis.
As Singapore progressed, a need to regulate the number of hawkers came around. Today, markets contain the street food scene of Singapore, making it easier than ever to find famous dishes across the city. Among Singapore’s dishes to try is Hainanese chicken rice, nasi lemak, Malay-style rice and an assortment of sides, and char kway teow, sausage and fried flat noodles.
Chinatown
Eating your way through Chinatown will take you from hawker street stalls to fine dining experiences in minutes. Don’t be fooled by the name of this district; you’ll be taken through Southeast Asia and beyond on a culinary venture quite unlike any other you have experienced.
Chinatown is renowned for its immersive dining experiences hidden down back alleys, in the most unassuming colonial houses and at gourmet hawker stalls with Michelin star reviews. Foodies should not miss this opportunity to go all out in Chinatown!
Fine Dining Experiences in Singapore
Away from the hawkers, sitting in lofty positioning in Singapore’s skyscrapers and converted colonial buildings are chefs that see no limit to their culinary potential and have a seasoned audience of high-flying foodies eager to try it.
In Singapore, your dining experience can feel like eating your way through artwork.
Tap into childhood memories at Avenue 87, sample nose-to-tail, no-waste cuisine at Salted and Hung; feel opulent, diverse and British at the lofty heights of a skyscraper at Jaan and dig into the history books of Singapore’s traditional recipes at Kin. The list could go on, and it does. There is seemingly no end to the unique experiences of Singapore!
Festivals in Singapore
As a country known to love an excuse to go all out, visiting Singapore during a festival is a must!
Singapore Arts Festival
Sitting at the centre of modern art in Southeast Asia, Singapore Arts Festival is your chance to see the latest up-and-coming artists. Covering an impressive range of mediums over the month of May, Singapore Arts Festival has become famous for its diversity. There is no telling what you will see during the arts festival. For art lovers of all kinds, Singapore Arts Festival comes top of the list!
Hari Raya
Among the Muslim community of Singapore, this is the Malaysian and Singaporean version of Eid. Hari Raya brings the holy month of Ramadan to a close when families and close friends gather to celebrate Islam through prayer, food and the tradition of wearing new clothes for the occasion.
During this time, mosques will be particularly busy during morning and evening prayer times, and the streets will be decorated with bright colours and lights. It’s a very special time to be in the city.
Singapore Food Festival
This is less of a cultural occasion and more of a chance to sample all that Singapore has to offer! The festival originated with the idea of celebrating the idea of food bringing people together. Over one week in July, stalls fill the city and travellers and locals alike come hungry and eager to learn about the many cuisines that Singapore has.
Throughout the festival, there are workshops with local chefs and competitions to find the very best cook in Singapore!
Hungry Ghost Festival
A festival that emanates the beauty of the many cultures in Singapore, the Hungry Ghost Festival is a Taoist and Buddhist tradition. As belief holds true, on the 22nd of August, your ancestors will come out of their graves – so they must be hungry!
Locals who celebrate this day visit the graves of their loved ones and leave a feast for them to enjoy when they come out.
Singapore’s National Day
On the 9th of August, Singapore bursts into colour and delight for the national day of independence.
Celebrating strength, diversity, culture and heritage, Singapore commemorates their independence from Malaysia through a display of fireworks at Marina Bay and a parade through the city with even more colour!
Things to Know before A Singapore Sightseeing Tour
Visa: Singapore is accessible for people from most countries, particularly with all its cultural ties. That being said, it’s always best to check whether you need a visa before you go!
Currency: The currency of Singapore is the Singaporean dollar. At the time of writing, May 2021, 1 USD is equal to 1.33 SGD.
Language: In Singapore, people speak English, Bahasa, Mandarin, Tamil and Singlish. The latter is a complex case. Singlish is a form of slang that brings all of the languages together. It has also become a form of identifying class.
Cleanliness: The first thing you will realise about Singapore is how clean it is. There are strict rules, particularly around littering, smoking and chewing gum, which is illegal. It’s best not to do any of these things in public places.
Hawkers Rules: If an empty table has a box of tissues placed in the middle of it, the table is reserved, don’t sit down.
Health: This may come as a surprise, but in Singapore, you can drink tap water. Not only that, but the water tastes good!
Unwritten Rules: Singaporeans love politeness and order. Observe how locals navigate queues, escalators and opening doors, and follow suit.
Ready to Visit Singapore?
This modern, cultural melting pot is ready and waiting to be discovered. Covering a wide range of budgets and interests, browse our fully customisable Singapore sightseeing tours to see what is possible!
If you cannot find what you are looking for, we have a host of talented Local Designers in Singapore who are ready and waiting to create the perfect trip for you.
By clicking on ‘design your own trip,’ you’ll be taken to a short questionnaire regarding your requirements for your Singapore tour package. Your answers will then be passed onto one of our Local Designers. Before you know it, you’ll be packing for your next trip!
