Singapore is a remarkable city-state where futuristic skyscrapers meet ancient temples, and world-class street food costs less than a coffee at Starbucks. This tiny island nation delivers an unforgettable experience whether you’re a budget backpacker or luxury traveler. Here’s everything you need to plan your perfect Singapore adventure.
Getting to Singapore
Singapore’s Changi Airport consistently ranks as the world’s best, located just 20 kilometers from the city center. The airport itself is worth exploring, featuring the stunning 40-meter Rain Vortex waterfall at Jewel and a butterfly garden.
Getting downtown is straightforward. The MRT (metro) takes 30-40 minutes and costs around S$2-3, making it the most economical option. Taxis run S$20-40 and take about 20-30 minutes. For ultimate convenience, grab a tourist SIM card at the airport for S$12-15, giving you 100GB of data for seven days.
When to Visit Singapore
Singapore enjoys tropical weather year-round with temperatures between 25-32°C. The best time to visit is February to April when rainfall is lowest and humidity more bearable. This period coincides with Chinese New Year celebrations, making the city especially vibrant.
July to September sees family-friendly weather with National Day celebrations in August featuring spectacular fireworks at Marina Bay. November to January brings the wettest weather with frequent downpours, though hotel prices drop significantly and Christmas decorations on Orchard Road are magnificent.
Pro tip: Singapore’s rain typically comes in heavy but short bursts. Duck into a hawker center or mall, and the rain usually passes within 30-60 minutes.
Must-See Attractions
Gardens by the Bay showcases Singapore’s futuristic vision. The outdoor gardens are free to explore, featuring the iconic Supertree Grove. For S$28-32, visit the Cloud Forest with its 35-meter indoor waterfall and the Flower Dome greenhouse. The free Garden Rhapsody light show at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM is magical.
Marina Bay Sands defines Singapore’s skyline with its rooftop infinity pool visible from across the city. While the pool is exclusively for hotel guests, the SkyPark Observation Deck on Level 56 offers 360-degree views for S$26-32. Visit at sunset for stunning photographs.
Singapore Zoo ranks among the world’s finest with open-concept enclosures housing orangutans, white tigers, and elephants. Arrive when doors open at 8:30 AM to catch feeding sessions and avoid afternoon heat. Entry costs S$39-49 and plan for 4-6 hours.
Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers free entry to its lush 82-hectare grounds. The National Orchid Garden showcases over 1,000 orchid species for just S$5. It’s perfect for morning walks before the heat intensifies.
Exploring Cultural Districts
Chinatown buzzes with energy where century-old shophouses stand beside modern developments. Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, explore Chinatown Heritage Centre, and most importantly, eat at Chinatown Complex Food Centre, home to Michelin-starred hawker stalls.
Little India explodes with color, spices, and authentic South Indian culture. The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple features intricate architecture while Tekka Centre serves incredible Indian cuisine. Visit during Deepavali when streets glow with thousands of lights.
Kampong Glam, Singapore’s Malay-Arab quarter, centers around the golden-domed Sultan Mosque. Wander down Haji Lane with its colorful street art and indie boutiques, then browse Persian carpets and textiles on Arab Street.
Singapore’s Food Paradise
Singapore’s hawker culture earned UNESCO recognition in 2020. With over 100 hawker centers and 6,000 food stalls, eating well on a budget is easy.
Hainanese Chicken Rice, Singapore’s unofficial national dish, features poached chicken with fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock. Tian Tian at Maxwell Food Centre serves this for just S$5-8, though expect queues.
Laksa combines Chinese and Malay influences in a spicy coconut curry noodle soup. The rich, creamy gravy with thick rice noodles, prawns, and fish cakes costs S$4-6 at hawker centers.
Chili Crab is messy, finger-licking delicious, and quintessentially Singaporean. Mud crabs swim in sweet, savory, spicy tomato-chili sauce. Order mantou (fried buns) to soak up the incredible sauce. Expect to pay S$50-100 depending on crab size.
Char Kway Teow, flat rice noodles stir-fried at intense heat with seafood and Chinese sausage, delivers that distinctive smoky “wok hei” flavor for S$4-6.
Best hawker centers: Maxwell Food Centre (Chinatown), Lau Pa Sat (CBD with colonial architecture), Old Airport Road Food Centre (almost 170 stalls), and Tekka Centre (Little India for Indian cuisine).
Remember “choping”—reserving tables by leaving a tissue packet on the seat. It’s legitimate, not littering.
Getting Around Singapore
Singapore’s public transport is world-class. The MRT (metro) is clean, efficient, air-conditioned, and reaches every major attraction. Trains run from 5:30 AM to midnight with fares between S$0.90-2.50.
Payment options: Use any contactless credit card with SimplyGo for tap-and-go convenience, buy an EZ-Link card for S$5 plus stored value, or purchase a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited rides (S$22 for one day, S$34 for three days).
Grab is the dominant ride-hailing app since Uber merged with them. Taxis are metered, safe, and clean though more expensive than public transport.
Walking is pleasant in many areas with covered walkways protecting from sun and rain. Download Google Maps or Citymapper for excellent navigation.
Where to Stay
Budget (Under S$100): Hostels like The Bohemian in Chinatown or hipstercity hostel near Marina Bay offer dorms for S$30-50. Ibis Singapore Bencoolen provides clean private rooms for S$70-100.
Mid-Range (S$100-300): Pan Pacific Singapore near Marina Bay offers pools, spas, and multiple restaurants for S$200-350. Mercure Singapore Bugis provides excellent location near three MRT stations for S$120-200.
Luxury (S$300+): Marina Bay Sands with its famous infinity pool starts at S$400-800. Raffles Singapore, the birthplace of the Singapore Sling, offers colonial grandeur for S$800-2000.
Stay near MRT stations to reduce transport costs. Chinatown and Little India offer authentic experiences and value, while Marina Bay puts you at the heart of modern Singapore.
Money and Costs
Singapore uses the Singapore Dollar (S$). Credit cards work everywhere except some hawker stalls and small shops, so carry S$50-100 cash daily.
Daily budget estimates:
- Budget traveler: S$75-120 (hostel, hawker food, public transport, budget attractions)
- Mid-range traveler: S$215-345 (decent hotel, mix of hawker and restaurants, occasional taxis)
- Luxury traveler: S$620-1,230 (upscale hotel, fine dining, private transport)
Tipping is not expected anywhere. Service charge (10%) and GST (9%) are already included in restaurant bills.
Essential Travel Tips
What to Pack: Lightweight, breathable clothing is essential in the tropical heat. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces, sun protection, and a compact umbrella. Pack modest outfits covering shoulders and knees for religious sites.
Cultural Sensitivity: Remove shoes when entering temples and mosques. Dress modestly at religious sites. Ask permission before photographing people, especially at prayer. Singapore is multiracial and multireligious—respect all cultures equally.
Laws to Know: Singapore is famously strict. Don’t litter (fines up to S$2,000), smoke only in designated areas (S$1,000 fine), don’t jaywalk (S$50-1,000), don’t feed wildlife (S$5,000), and absolutely no drugs (death penalty for trafficking). Chewing gum is restricted but not illegal to chew if you already have it.
Safety: Singapore ranks among the world’s safest cities. Walking alone at night is generally safe. Petty crime is rare though watch valuables in crowded areas. Tap water is safe to drink everywhere.
Weather Preparation: Sudden rain showers are common. The tropical sun is intense, so apply SPF 50+ sunscreen every few hours. Stay hydrated and take air-conditioning breaks to avoid heat exhaustion.
Shopping in Singapore
Orchard Road is luxury shopping central with ION Orchard, Takashimaya, and Paragon. Marina Bay Sands offers waterfront luxury shopping. For bargains, visit Bugis Street market or Mustafa Centre in Little India (open 24 hours).
The Great Singapore Sale runs June to August with discounts up to 70%. You can bargain at street markets but not in malls or restaurants.
Best souvenirs: Bak kwa (barbecued jerky) from Lim Chee Guan, kaya jam, local tea from TWG, spices from Little India, Tiger Balm products, and traditional Peranakan beaded shoes.
Day Trip to Sentosa Island
Sentosa offers beaches, Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and evening light shows. Access via Sentosa Express monorail from HarbourFront MRT, scenic cable car, or free pedestrian boardwalk. Island entry is separate from attraction tickets.
Practical Information
Languages: English is widely spoken as the working language. Official languages include Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. You’ll hear Singlish, the local English creole mixing multiple languages.
Mobile Connectivity: Excellent 4G/5G coverage everywhere. Free WiFi at airport, malls, MRT stations, and tourist attractions.
Emergency Numbers: Police 999, Ambulance/Fire 995, Tourist Police at ION Orchard available 24/7.
Ideal Trip Length: Spend 3-4 days minimum to cover highlights, 5-7 days for thorough exploration, or 10-14 days for a relaxed pace with day trips.
Electricity: 230V, Type G plugs (UK-style three-pin). Bring an adapter.
Visa Requirements: Many nationalities receive 30-90 day visa-free entry. Check Singapore Immigration website for your specific country.
Final Thoughts
Singapore delivers an experience unlike anywhere else. This tiny city-state seamlessly blends cultures, cuisines, and contrasts. You’ll find yourself eating S$3 hawker meals that rival expensive restaurants, riding a spotless metro system that puts most cities to shame, and feeling completely safe exploring at any hour.
The city accommodates every budget and travel style without compromising its character. Whether you’re marveling at Marina Bay’s skyline, temple-hopping through heritage districts, or discovering your new favorite dish at a hawker center, Singapore captivates at every turn.
Pack light clothes, download the MRT app, bring your appetite, and prepare for sensory overload in the best possible way. The Lion City is ready to show you why this little red dot on the map has become one of the world’s most exciting destinations.
Disclaimer
Information provided is for general guidance only and may change without notice. Please verify all details independently before traveling. Travelers are responsible for their own safety, health, and compliance with local laws and regulations.
