Looking to visit #Singapore for the first time and don't know where to start? This write-up has everything you'll need from packing essentials to money-saving tips to plan a perfect trip.
I visited Singapore for the first time nearly 6 years ago, but my journey in Singapore started about 4 years ago when I finally moved here. I still remember my first trip here as a tourist when I wanted to do so much but had only 5 days to cover it all. Who knew this would become home one day? Sigh! Given the proximity & great connectivity of Singapore to India, we always have friends or family planning a trip to this tropical island. I'm often asked questions on what to pack, where to visit, how many days would we require, etc. etc. So I decided to pen down all the information one might need to plan a perfect trip to Singapore.
Let's start with the basics first.
Packing Essentials
Clothes - Singapore is a tropical country, so it's best if you carry airy, breathable clothes. Sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat are some of the must-haves in your bag. Umbrella - In Singapore, a blazing hot sunny day can turn dark and stormy in the blink of an eye, so it's best to travel prepared. Swimwear - Most hotels will have swimming pools, but even if you're Airbnb-ing, most #Airbnb properties will also have pools. Plus, there are beach clubs that are worth a visit, so it's suggested you carry one.
Hotel Locations
Singapore is the 2nd smallest country in Asia with one of the best public transportation systems in the world, so you can practically stay in any part of the country. However, some of the recommended locations based on the proximity to the most touristy locations would be: Orchard Road, Somerset Little India, Chinatown, Bugis, Harbourfront or Sentosa Island. For budget travelers, Bugis & Chinatown have some great hostels options. Spacepod (pics below) at Lavender provides sleeping pods, neat and clean bathroom and even breakfast (upon request) to make your stay comfortable.
Getting into Singapore
Once you've landed at #Changiairport, you can flag off a standard taxi from the taxi stand. Taxis are affordable, and I'll highly recommend taking one, especially if you're traveling with your family. You can go to the taxi stand and queue up until your turn. These are metered taxis, so there is no scope for bargaining. Alternatively, you can download any of the two ride-hailing apps (#Grab or #Gojek) and book a taxi. For downloading the app, you can use Changi airport's offers free wifi which by the way has a great bandwidth. So you can connect and download it at the airport itself. In case you're traveling on a budget or solo, you can also take the MRT from the train station at the airport. An EZLink card can be bought from the information counter at the MRT station and you can use it in all public transport (trains and buses) to navigate through the city.
Your perfect 5-day itinerary
Day 1: City Tour
#Merlion is Singapore's national icon, which combines a lion’s head and a fish’s body. It is located right in the middle of the city overlooking the iconic Marina Bay Sands. This can be a great starting point for a walking trail to explore the sights in the vicinity.You'll get brilliant views of both #MarinaBaySands and Singapore skyline from this place. There are some interesting bars overlooking MBS right besides Merlion Park (my favorite being Overeasy) where you can enjoy a drink or two and soak into the atmosphere.
Then, head to Gardens by the Bay for #GardenRhapsody, a light and sound show free of cost. Frankly, if you're not seriously into botany, I wouldn't recommend you accessing paid areas of Gardens by the Bay. It is extremely beautiful, but it can get quite overwhelming if you're not into too much into plants. Since you'll have limited days, I suggest visiting at a time where you can access the free areas and end your trip with the magical show. The show happens twice every evening 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm and I recommend reaching 15 mins before to grab a good spot. Once it begins, you're sure to be transported to a dreamland.
Day 2: Universal Studios Singapore
Located at Resort World Sentosa, Universal Studios is a theme park with rides, shows, and attractions. The mandatory universal globe picture is right at the entrance of this place, so this has to top your list. A ticket to Universal Studios costs about SG$75 and you'll need an entire day to cover it. You can take an express pass to bypass the regular queues. The express pass is + SG$70 (approx). So overall, you pay double the price to skip the lines. My personal favorite rides are: Transformers, The Mummy and the Rollercoasters. Even the Steven Spielberg show is not to be missed.
Insider tip: Go on rides in the single rider queue to skip the queue. You might not be able to sit with your family/partner (a few minutes of separation is not going to kill you), but it's going to save a lot of your time for sure!
Day 3: Singapore Zoo
Set in the rainforest environment, Singapore Zoo is known for its open concept. Animals here are not caged up in tiny cages. Instead, they live in their spacious natural habitat. Singapore Zoo offers 2 safari options: Night Safari, where you can see nocturnal animals and river safari where a small boat takes you through different parts of the jungle. Both are quite unique but I prefer covering it on foot and aligning your visit with the feeding times and shows to have a more immersive experience.
If you have energy left after your trip to the zoo, I suggest you head to Boat quay. Nestled in the heart of CBD, Boat Quay is one of the favorite sundowner spots in Singapore. Fancy a drink by the river? This place is for you! There are some nice eateries around here too so you can have a hearty dinner while enjoying the views of #MarinaBaySands and the CBD. Then you head to One-Altitude, Singapore's best rooftop bar to catch some panoramic views of the city. The cover charge is $35, inclusive of 2 drinks.
Insider tip: If you're on a tight budget, head to Mr Stork at Andaz Singapore (Bugis). The place is pricey, but there is no cover charge. So you can have a drink (cost: $15 approx) and enjoy the views.
Day 4: Chinatown & Arab Street
A trip to Singapore would be incomplete if you haven't visited Chinatown. It's known for authentic Chinese food, bright red lanterns, and cost-effective souvenir shopping. You can take the MRT to Chinatown & exit towards Pagoda Street. As soon as you enter the street, the aromas of Chinese food, the sights of preserved Peranakan shophouses & wall murals will transport you to Singapore of 50 years ago. The best time to visit is around Chinese New Year (Jan-Feb) or the Mid-Autumn Festival (Aug-Sep) as the decorations are up and you get to see the real flavor of the place.
Then, head to #Arabstreet for some lip-smacking Mediterranean food. Masjid Sultan makes for an ideal backdrop for those looking for Instagrammable photos.My favorite eatery here is Alaturka, but you can also try some local delicacies like Roti Prata and Murtabak in this neighborhood. Right next to Arab Street is Haji Lane. With the graffiti walls, hipster cafes, designer boutiques and so much more makes this the coolest place in Singapore. It's a must visit for everyone coming to Singapore, especially for the first-timers.
End your day by visiting Singapore Flyer, the giant wheel with panoramic views of Singapore. The best time to go is when the sun sets. During this magical hour, the skies turn into a different hue and the skyscrapers light up to give you the best view of the skyline. The ticket cost per person is about SG$33. One round lasts about 30 mins but it's best you reach 15 mins before to grab the best spot.
Day 5: Sentosa Island
I would highly recommend you taking a day-pass that covers a few activities for Sentosa. It has so much to offer that you might end up paying so much more if you buy tickets activity by activity. Some of my personal favorites in Sentosa would be: SEA Aquarium, Wings of Time, Skyline luge and skyride and dolphin show. The best way to reach Sentosa would be through cable car or train. If time permits, I suggest you walk back through boardwalk (the walk is worth the view).
Hope these tips and suggestions are useful to you. Have a great time when you're here! Feel free to ask any questions that you might have in the comments section below. Happy to help :)
Comments