Singapore or Singapura, literally translated to “Lion City”, is one of the most visited tourist destinations in South East Asia. The total number of visitors in Singapore peaked to 19M+ pre-covid days(in 2019). And, why not? Iconic buildings, futuristic tourist attractions, lush green gardens, beautiful beaches, high end to street shopping – Singapore has it all!

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How to Get Here & Getting around

Things to note while in Singapore

Top things to do in Singapore(5-day itinerary)

How to get here & Getting around:

Changi Airport is one of the busiest airports in South-east Asia, with self check-in booths, contactless immigration and many other facilities. Jewel Changi, a shopping mall at the airport itself, is an epic blend of nature and stores, giving you a preview of the beautiful man made architectural marvels that await you in this city. The airport is well connected with most of the major cities in the world. And, what a beautiful and efficient airport it is!

You could also reach Singapore via ferries from the neighboring countries or via a cruise if you are visiting other South East Asian Countries. It is connected via road with Malaysia, all you need is a valid visa and passport to pass through the immigration checkpoint.

While getting around, hands down, Singapore has one of the best, cheapest and amazingly well-connected public transport network. You can buy a multiple day pass from any of the MRT(Mass Rapid Transit) stations, that’s how Singaporeans call their train stations. These passes are also available at the bus stations. From Airport, you can take the MRT right to the city. Here’s a map for your reference. You can use the same pass for the public bus and the train.

For Cabs, download the Apps Gojek and Grab, though you can get cabs from any taxi pick up stand as well. It gets a bit tricky while traveling with infants or toddlers as the only cabs that can take them without car seats are the Standard Taxis ( not private cabs).

Things to note while in Singapore:

Stay Connected: Though Singapore offers free wifi in a lot of locations, if you do want a tourist SIM, buy one at the airport itself.

Fine($) City: Singapore takes its rules and regulations very seriously. Check out our post on the Dont’s in Singapore.

Shopping: Shop Shop Shop, till you drop! Singapore has a mall at literally every train station.

$ – For street shopping, check out Bugis Street and China Town (near the pagoda area), you can buy souvenirs from here. It’s the cheapest. Check out our post for other things to do in China Town here.

$$ – For outlets with awesome discounts, check out the malls IMM & Changi City Point.

$$$ – For ‘not so high’ priced brands, check out Vivocity and Plaza Singapura.

$$$$$ – For high end brands, head to Ion Orchard and walk along the Orchard Road.

What to wear, Comfort first: Singapore is a tropical country and weather is always a cycle of hot and humid and rainy. So while you are there, get comfortable clothing :P. Carry a mini umbrella to protect yourself from the weather, as it can be very sunny and then suddenly rainy after 15 min. Why spoil your vacation due to the weather?

Top things to do in Singapore(5 day itinerary)

Before we dive into the top must see places in Singapore, here’s a heads up. There are tonnes of free things to do here. But, Singapore is all about the experience. Every paid activity could be around 20-30$ SGD. But there are ways to save up by booking in advance via different travel platforms. Also, some places close by 6 PM and almost everything in SG closes by 10 pm except the night life area Clarke quay and few other handful places, so needless to say check out the timings before visiting.

Day 1 : Marina Bay Area & ClarkE Quay

Want to see the jaw dropping Singapore Skyline on one side and iconic Marina bay Sands hotel on the other? Head over to the Marina Bay Area for the best views of the city. This entire cityscape is one of the most Insta-worthy spots in Singapore.

Start your day with one of the best sunrises at Marina Barrage or Merlion Park. Gardens By the Bay, part of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, is a nature park spread over 101 hectares and has the iconic Super Grove Trees. While you can walk around the garden for free, we highly recommend that you check out the Cloud Forest & Flower Dome(both need tickets).

Obsessed with the Singapore skyline? Take a quick ride on the Singapore Flyer for spectacular views.

One of the most iconic hotels in the world, Marina Bay Sands, famous for its infinity pool, is a must-visit. The Shoppes, the shopping mall at the hotel has many celebrity restaurants, a museum, casino (free entry for foreigners)and much more. The infinity pool is open only to residents. Considering staying at or visiting Marina Bay Sands? Check out our hotel review & things to do here.

Check out the night life at Clarke Quay (highly recommended to visit on a Friday or Saturday only to see the area in its full craziness). Walk around and soak in the beautiful views along the river or hop onto a boat ride along the Clark Quay area and Financial District.

Day 2 & 3 : Sentosa :

This man-made private island, is one of the most visited tourist spots in Singapore. And why not, there is so much to do for every one that 2 days may not be enough. So pick and choose from the activities here. Many attractions can be included in a multiple day pass, that can help you save up. Check out one of the three beaches – Siliso Beach for beach side restaurants, Palawan beach to crossover to the Southern-most tip of continental Asia & Tanjong Beach for privacy. Other attractions include Universal Studios, Madame Tussards, waterpark Adventure Cove, Dolphin lagoon – dive & swim with dolphins, Cable Car for almost bird eye views, Indore sky diving, Aquarium, Zip Lining, and many more – sky is the limit!

Day 4 : Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Bird Park

Singapore boasts the first ever nocturnal zoo, the night safari, which is quite popular among the tourists. Check out the lush green Mandai Reserve, zoo and the bird park. They do have feeding sessions at regular intervals and wildlife encounters and shows, which is a must visit. The River Safari takes you on a boat ride along the zoo.

Day 5 : Chinatown, Little india & arab street

Truly indulge in the multiculturally unique Singapore. Experience the local Chinese cuisine, try some Durian and find the peace within you at the Tooth Relic Buddhist temple in Chinatown. Check out our post on more things to do in Chinatown here. Try some Indian food and click away the beautiful graffitis on the streets of Little India. Shop from the cute little Turkish and Middle Eastern boutiques at Arab Street with the picturesque Sultan Mosque in the backdrop.

There is so much more to write about this country and we have so many ideas for things to do 🙂 as we called this country our home for 8 good years 🙂 , so if you do need any information, hit us with your questions in the comments section or reach out to us via email or Instagram. In the mean time, hope this helps and happy travels :).

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