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An EPIC Singapore Itinerary Written By Singaporeans (2024 Updated Travel Guide)
Singapore is considered one of Asia’s hottest locations. As a small nation, most simply make it a pitstop to elsewhere within the area, dismissing it as boring and sterile in comparison with neighboring nations. That being stated, Singapore can be a breath of contemporary air (actually!) with its handy transport community, clear and nice setting and properly thought out infrastructure which makes it enticing to vacationers.
Look past the stereotypes and there are literally fairly plenty of issues to do round Singapore – from the quintessential experiences to the extra far-out sights. Whether you’re a first-timer, a shopaholic or somebody in search of for one thing extra distinctive, listed below are a few of my Singapore itinerary solutions on a 2-day journey to this metropolis. I’ve made the length 2 days to make it simple to execute throughout weekends however there are sufficient sights listed right here to stretch this to a 3-day / 4-day and even 5-day itinerary of Singapore.
Day 1 – Botanic Gardens, Sentosa and Rooftop Bars
Singapore Botanic Gardens
singapore botanic gardens
Singapore is scorching and humid all 12 months spherical so the perfect place to get your bearings is on the UNESCO-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens. The place is not any unusual stroll within the park because it accommodates an orchid backyard, a rainforest, ginger backyard and a small live performance venue. If you’re fortunate, you may catch a free outside live performance by the Singapore Symphony. The octagonal gazebo, or the “Bandstand” is a well-liked spot for photographs.
While right here, try one of many eating places throughout the botanic gardens for brunch. I like to recommend Botanico which is open throughout weekends for lunch. Its alfresco eating space is a stunner and the meals is equally nice. If you’re exploring the Botanic Gardens on a weekday, have brunch at The Halia for a semi-open view overlooking the gardens’ lush vegetation.
Sentosa
siloso seaside in sentosa
The closest factor that Singapore has to a resort island is Sentosa. It’s very simple to spend a whole day right here particularly when coming with youngsters. Universal Studios (test right here for discounted tickets), the S.E.A. Aquarium and the Adventure Cove Waterpark are all right here in addition to a big model of the Merlion. You can select to enter the island by monorail, taxi or by cable automobile. If it’s your first time, I like to recommend going by way of cable automobile for some chic views. If you plan to go to plenty of sights in Sentosa, you may need to try the Sentosa Fun Pass for a bundled value. It covers most sights is the island however a notable exception is Universal Studios Singapore which must be bought individually.
If enjoyable rides or theme parks should not your factor, you can even discover Fort Siloso – a seaside fort and army museum containing loads of memorabilia from World War II.
Rooftop Bars
ce la vi in marina bay sands
The metropolis has seen a increase in rooftop bars in recent times so a go to to considered one of them will permit you to absorb some atmospheric night views of the Singapore skyline. Lantern in Fullerton Bay Hotel, Ce La Vi in Marina Bay Sands and Level 33 in Marina Bay Financial Center are just a few that you could take into account. The views are breathtaking and are fairly well worth the comparatively excessive costs you’ll should pay for a cocktail or two. For a much less identified rooftop bar expertise, try Levant – situated on prime of a colonial shophouse in Tanjong Pagar.
Tip: If you’re planning to take the bus, do word that drivers don’t present change. You’re higher off getting a pay as you go journey card in case you are visiting for just a few days. Otherwise, deliver cash! You may also use any Visa or Mastercard bank cards to pay for transport rides
Day 2 – Singapore’s Ethnic Quarters
Little India
sri vadapathira kaliamman temple in little india
The metropolis has loads of ethnic neighborhoods however essentially the most buzzing is undoubtedly Little India which is situated throughout the metropolis middle. To see how the neighborhood is at its busiest, come on a Sunday if you’ll get to witness the native ethnic Indian group doing their weekend procuring. Not to be missed on this space are the Sri Veeramakaliamman and Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman temples, particularly the latter with its spectacular facade.
Surprisingly, Little India can be residence to a really well-known Buddhist temple, and that’s the Sakyamuni Buddha Gaya Temple with its bigger than life statue of a smiling Buddha. There’s additionally a reclining Buddha housed in a small room simply behind the big Buddha statue. If you do go there, don’t miss it!
After having your fill of the realm, have a novel barefoot eating expertise on the Michelin Bib Gourmand Lagnaa (6 Upper Dickson Road, Number: +65 6296 1215) with its array of scrumptious curries and naan. The butter hen here’s a must-try. Alternatively, you’ll be able to head to Tekka Market’s hawker centre for some scrumptious Indian meals in case you are on a finances.
Bugis and Kampong Glam
sultan mosque in kampong glam
The closest factor that Singapore has to an everyday avenue market is Bugis Street which is made up of some storeys of small outlets promoting principally avenue/night time market kinds of items. Afterwards, stroll to Arab Street and Haji Lane, the latter being Singapore’s hipster district. Haji Lane is lined by loads of unbiased outlets and bohemian cafes. At any given time of the day, you’ll discover some artsy people simply hanging round right here. Gelam Gallery – situated in between Baghdad Street and Muscat Street, is an outside arts area that includes murals by native artists.
For an atmospheric eating expertise on the Arab Street space, try The Malayan Council (71 Bussorah Street, day by day 11AM to 11PM) with its distinctive array of westernized Malay dishes. The restaurant is situated only a block away from the imposing Sultan Mosque with its spectacular golden dome in addition to the Malay Heritage Centre, a museum devoted to Singapore’s Malay group.
Chinatown
buddha tooth relic temple in chinatown
Around 3/4 of Singapore’s inhabitants is of Chinese descent however the metropolis’s Chinatown makes up the standard coronary heart of the group. Age-old institutions combine with comparatively newer ones right here, together with the more moderen Buddha Tooth Relic Temple standing in a sea of shophouses which might be nearing 100 years previous. Not removed from there may be the Sri Mariamman Temple. The Dravidian-style temple is Singapore’s oldest Hindu place of worship. For dinner or a late-night supper, you’ll be able to try Maxwell Food Centre which accommodates plenty of decades-old stalls. If you’re in Chinatown within the day, I counsel heading to Chinatown Complex Food Centre or Amoy Street Food Centre on your native meals repair.
Day 3 – From the City Centre to Singapore’s Jewel
Museum Hopping
nationwide gallery
Singapore has a number of attention-grabbing museums. I personally suggest the National Gallery (discounted tickets right here) or the Asian Civilisations Museum with its big selection of artwork works from across the Asia-Pacific area, particularly from Southeast Asia.
nationwide museum of singapore
To acquire a greater understanding of Singapore as a society and as a nation, head to the National Museum for a enjoyable and immersive expertise. This is unquestionably not a type of stuffy museums and can hold even the children entertained.
For a espresso break, Kurasu (261 Waterloo Street, #01-24, 10AM to 6PM) from Kyoto opened its Singapore outlet in 2017 and it has confirmed to be successful with its flavorful matcha and low that comes instantly from Japan.
empress
For a spot of dimsum or dinner, head to Empress (Asian Civilisations Museum, +65 6776 0777) for some superb Chinese delicacies with superb views of the river. Don’t overlook to order the superb char siew when you’re right here!
Shopping in Orchard Road
After having your dose of tradition within the morning, it’s time to go to the famed Orchard Road for a spot of procuring. The complete stretch is residence to loads of procuring malls containing designer manufacturers in addition to specialty outlets.
ion orchard
- Here are a number of the main malls across the Orchard Road stretch
- Ion Orchard – in all probability the quintessential mall in Orchard Road. Big title luxurious manufacturers from the bottom flooring and up and extra accessible manufacturers within the basement flooring
- Paragon – one other excessive finish mall with the identical kinds of outlets at Ion Orchard
- Tang Plaza – homes an enormous division retailer. Check out the upper flooring for its life-style zone, a group of fastidiously curated objects for millennials
- Ngee Ann City – one other extremely common shopping center. Houses the Takashimaya division retailer in addition to a number of luxurious manufacturers. The basement is particularly common for its imported Japanese meals objects and meals courtroom.
- 313Somerset – extremely accessible shopping center simply above Somerset MRT station full of principally mid-range manufacturers
- Plaza Singapura – situated on the different finish of Orchard Road near the Istana or the Presidential Palace. One of Singapore’s oldest malls, it carries principally mid-range manufacturers and is very common amongst locals
- Cathay Cineleisure – common with younger folks. Carries principally excessive avenue and unbiased labels
- Where to eat: PS Cafe at Palais Renaissance is a superb place for brunch after a spherical of procuring.
Walking Along the Civic Centre and Marina Bay
raffles lodge
Immediately east of Orchard Road is the nation’s authorities and monetary district. Go on a strolling tour of the civic space of Singapore, overlaying the historic Raffles and Fullerton resorts, the long-lasting Merlion and the architectural marvel, the Esplanade.
Gardens by the Bay
gardens by the bay
Afterwards, both stroll or take a brief bus trip to the opposite aspect of the bay for the marvelous Gardens by the Bay. Drop by within the afternoon however keep till the night when the picturesque supertrees are lit up. The Cloud Forest particularly, presents an otherworldly ambiance when visited within the night, particularly when mist fills the encircling of the tall indoor waterfall. You should buy discounted tickets for Gardens by the Bay right here.
The greatest technique to admire Singapore’s buzzing lights within the night is to go for a river boat cruise from Marina to Bay to Clarke Quay. You may also discover some concepts right here for a Singapore night strolling tour
Jewel Changi Airport
cover bridge jewel changi airport
Evening is a superb time to cease by Jewel Changi Airport. While formally a part of the airport, this gigantic life-style advanced is a separate constructing from the precise airport. Things to take a look at right here embody the superb indoor waterfall rain vortex – the primary of its form on the earth. It’s additionally illuminated in several colours at night time. For a spot of procuring, there are additionally plenty of outlets right here that you simply received’t discover elsewhere in Singapore. Other than the rain vortex, you may additionally need to try the family-friendly Canopy Park, a theme park inside Jewel housing a few sights akin to mazes, walkways manufactured from rope hanging in mid-air and higher views of the rain vortex itself. You can purchase discounted tickets for Canopy Park right here.
Day 4 – Unusual Singapore
Immersing in Peranakan Culture in Katong
shophouses in koon seng highway
If you have got extra time to spare in Singapore, I might suggest heading east to the genteel neighborhood of Katong. This is the standard residence of the Peranakans in Singapore. Katong has gentrified as of late with most of the shophouses now housing stylish cafes, specialty shops in addition to bakeries. That stated, it’s nonetheless a moderately enjoyable expertise to stroll down this stretch because it’s usually not as busy because the streets within the metropolis middle. A urged strolling route would cowl Joo Chiat Road, ranging from its northern finish all the way down to the southern finish adopted by a stroll down East Coast Road. Attractions to take a look at right here embody the row of colourful homes close to the junction of Koon Seng Road and Joo Chiat Road, a home museum known as The Intan in addition to the stylized Peranakan Rumah Bebe.
Where to Eat: It was stated that Lee Kuan Yew used to get takeaways from Peranakan restaurant Guan Hoe Soon (200 Joo Chiat Road). The venue has loads of regulars who swear by specialties akin to Itek Tim (duck soup), Ayam Buah Keluak (hen with tamarind gravy) and extra. Alternatively, Quentin’s (139 Ceylon Road) situated 3 blocks from Joo Chiat is one other nice possibility for its moderately fiery Eurasian delicacies.
Outlying Islands of Singapore
kusu island
Take a visit from Marina South Pier to Singapore’s outlying islands. Kusu and St. John’s islands are hardly ever visited by non-local vacationers. There are attention-grabbing temples, seashores that are higher than Sentosa’s, picnic spots and locations full of myths and folklore. Allow for at the very least half a day to go to these islands. You can get discounted tickets right here.
Alternatively, enterprise into Pulau Ubin and cycle alongside the numerous grime (or well-marked) paths or kayak by way of the mangroves whereas witnessing village life in Singapore.
Heading into both Kusu/St. John’s OR Pulau Ubin will minimally require a half day journey.
Haw Par Villa
haw par villa
Visit considered one of Singapore’s weirdest sights – Haw Par Villa. Admission’s freed from cost and one can anticipate to see some extremely visible representations of the “Ten Courts of Hell.” Outside of that, the park in itself is fairly weird with random animal statues, sculptures from Chinese folklore and garish adornments that create a form of Alice in Wonderland form of setting.
A Taste of Rural Singapore in Kranji
Alternatively, be a farmer for a day and head out to Kranji. There are a minimum of a dozen farms round right here rising greens and different farm produce. It’s additionally doable to remain in a single day in a farmstay sort of lodging. If you’re simply planning to probe for the day, a brunch cease at Bollywood Veggies is beneficial for its farm excursions in addition to meals with organically-sourced substances.
Geylang
heritage shophouses in geylang
For dinner, head out to Geylang to take a look at an area specialty (in case you dare). Aside from being a crimson gentle district, locals come right here to attempt the unique frog porridge. For those that love Peranakan structure, Geylang has some of the underrated assortment of intricately designed shophouses in Singapore. A notable one particularly sits alongside Lorong Bachok and comes with a number of detailed carvings.
Where to eat: JB Ah Meng (534 Geylang Road, +65 6741 2418) might not have awe-inspiring ambiance however the native meals is topnotch. Specialties embody the San Lou Bee Hoon and White Pepper Crab. Come barely earlier than 6PM within the night to keep away from a snaking queue.
Where to Stay in Singapore
Budget – Wink Hostel is without doubt one of the first capsule resorts to open in Singapore and till as we speak stays to be extremely rated amongst finances digs. The clear, white look creates a pleasing really feel whereas non-public pods are a bit extra spacious than capsule resorts elsewhere in Singapore. Alternatively, Dream Lodge is understood for its spacious pods and hotel-like beddings whereas sustaining a finances
Midrange – I can’t suggest Hotel Yan sufficient. Rooms are on the comfortable aspect however are clear. The surrounding Jalan Besar neighborhood can be amongst my favorites in Singapore with its hipster scene. Alternatively, additionally try the newly renovated Wanderlust Hotel which boasts of up to date decor and a very good restaurant.
Luxury – PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay is amongst my prime picks for luxurious lodging in Singapore. It’s newly refurbished and markedly cheaper than the Ritz Carlton and Mandarin Oriental subsequent door whereas nonetheless affording visitors that iconic Marina Bay view.
Not positive the place to remain throughout your go to? Check out this space by space information of the perfect resorts in Singapore or e book the perfect lodge offers HERE.
Practicalities
- Travel Insurance: In this age of uncertainty, it could be advisable to get journey insurance coverage. I usually buy from Worldnomads as they’ve fairly an intensive protection, even together with private accidents into their listing of advantages. Even although it’s now not required, having journey insurance coverage is suggested as a result of excessive value of healthcare within the nation.
- Changing Money: If you’ll be able to’t get a great trade fee to transform for Singapore Dollars in your house nation, the Change Alley situated in Raffles Place affords a number of the greatest foreign exchange charges in Singapore. They settle for a number of currencies, together with all main world currencies and a number of other Asian currencies.
- Local Sim Card: Singapore is a closely wired nation however discovering that free wifi spot isn’t as simple as one might imagine. Most networks require passwords to entry. You are higher off getting a pay as you go SIM card with knowledge. Prices are fairly low-cost – a sim begins from lower than S$10 and will get you 100gb of information.
- Weather: Singapore is a year-round vacation spot although December tends to be the wettest with rain occurring nearly day by day however just for comparatively brief bouts.
Transport Options in Singapore
Airport Transfers – Singapore’s extremely environment friendly transport system means all indicators resulting in the taxi stands are clearly marked if you arrive within the airport. However, really getting a taxi could also be one other matter altogether because it’s identified to be powerful to get a cab or Grab trip for passengers arriving throughout peak or odd hours (previous midnight for instance). To keep away from the doubtless lengthy wait or unavailability of taxis, you may need to take into account reserving a pre-arranged airport switch as a substitute. You can test for varied choices right here.
Grab – For rides throughout the metropolis, Grab, for essentially the most half might be extra handy than taking a taxi.
MRT/Buses – The public transport system in Singapore is usually environment friendly and cheap although it may possibly get very crowded at instances. Most areas throughout the metropolis centre are well-covered by trains. You should buy a pre-loaded ezlink card right here which can be utilized for MRTs and buses. Fares are additionally cheaper with this card versus paying by money.
Taxi – Cab drivers in Singapore are usually trustworthy and typically (overly) chatty. However, it’s not at all times simple to get one. Drivers are identified to be extraordinarily picky and so they’re usually seen scouting taxi stands for locations which might be as much as their liking. Taxis are additionally dearer throughout peak durations (i.e. throughout morning and night rush hour and weekends) through which case, it could be cheaper to take Grab.
Have you been to Singapore earlier than? Share with us your itinerary within the Lion City!