Travel
Getting In
From Indonesia
For Jakarta & Medan, there are many airlines choices coming in to Singapore directly –
AirAsia, Scoot, Jetstar, Batik Air, Citilink, Garuda & Singapore Airlines.
For Palembang, you will need to take a flight to Hang Nadim International Airport
and then take a ferry to Singapore.
From Philippines
For Cebu, there is only Cebu Pacific, Scoot and Singapore Airlines that will fly direct to Singapore
Other options include Philippines Airlines, Jetstar & Air Asia that may have a layover in Manila or Clarke
Pre-requisites
Please fill in and submit the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) online up to 3 days before your arrival
e.g. Arriving on 29th May 2:00pm, you can submit the form from 26th May 2:00pm onwards
Other details on entering Singapore such as automated clearance/prohibited items etc,
please visit this link
Essential Information
– The timezone in Singapore is 8 hours ahead of GMT
– Tap water is drinkable and surpasses WHO standards
– Power plug type is three square pins
– English is commonly spoken while Singlish (Singaporean English) is a unique colloquial form of English that blends with various languages (Mandarin, Bahasa Melayu, Tamil) and dialects (Hokkien, Teochew, Urdu etc)
– Emergency Numbers: Police 999 / Ambulance 995
– There is 9% GST Tax refund on your purchases if you spend more than $100 at some shops
– You might heard of the moniker “Singapore is a fine city”
so please be mindful of the local customs that needs to be abided
– Some social etiquettes commonly observed here
Connect
Singapore has many options for connectivity, including
Wireless@SGx that is a free, fast and secure public Wi-Fi network
with hundreds of hotspots across Singapore
Alternatively, you may consider purchasing an eSim from the following providers
Singtel Tourist eSim – 100GB 4G data for 14 days
Starhub Data eSim – 100GB data for 14 days
Trip.com eSim – Various low priced options available
Transport
Singapore’s public transport system is fast and efficient.
The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) have an extensive network of routes that will help you easily navigate around the city island.
You can view the MRT map to familiarize yourself with the different lines and stations on each line.
Some of the stations in downtown like Dhoby Ghaut is connected to multiple lines
– the North South (red) line, the North East (purple) line and the Circle (orange) line
You can go to these connecting stations to switch lines
Singapore has a very dense network of bus stops and you should be able to reach a bus stop within a 5 minute walk from your accommodation. Depending on your destination, you may opt to continue riding on the bus or stop at the nearest MRT station to take the train to get to your destination faster
To view buses available at the nearest bus stop and the arrival times,
you can download the SG Buses app – Apple | Android
There are multiple ways to pay for your public transport rides such as contactless bank cards, digital wallets, stored value cards (EZ-link) or cash. We recommend you to purchase and use an EZ-link card instead to pay for all train and bus fares as contactless overseas-issued cards may charge you administrative/exchange fees. The card itself is $10 and you are able to use $5 off it’s initial value. You can always top up your EZ-link card at any of the MRT station.
Stay
We recommend that you look for accommodations that are strategically located in downtown Singapore so that you minimise your travel time and maximise your sightseeing opportunities
Below is a map of of areas that have high concentration of accommodations for tourists that includes Novena, Newton, Orchard, Clarke Quay, Chinatown, Tanjong Pagar, Telok Ayer, Bencoolen, Bugis, Jalan Besar, Little India, Farrer Park, Lavender, Kallang
You can book your accommodation through Agoda, Booking.com, Klook etc to see the best deals in town
Eat & Drink
Singapore is known as a “gastronomical paradise” due to its diverse and vibrant food scene, reflecting its multicultural heritage and offering everything from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. Singapore’s culinary landscape is a melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan cuisines, each contributing unique flavors and dishes.
You can try the local cuisines in the hawker centres scattered around the island. Although the best ones (subjective) are in the neighbourhood towns like Toa Payoh Lorong 8 Market, Old Airport Road, Chomp Chomp near Serangoon, you can also find ones nearer to town such as Maxwell, Amoy Street, Lau Pa Sat, Tiong Bahru and Golden Mile.
If you’ve watched Crazy Rich Asians, one of the scene was actually filmed in Newton Food Centre so you may wish to consider visiting this
You can find some of the recommended dishes here & here when visiting hawker centres
See this page on how to order local coffee and tea from the drinks stall
Beside the local cuisines, you can sometimes find Korean, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and Burmese stalls in the hawker centres too
We also have plenty of fast food chains and restaurants here, so your choices are unlimited
See & Dos
Singapore is a vibrant, modern city with a mix of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and cutting-edge attractions. Here are some top things to see and do when visiting:
1. Marina Bay
One of the most scenic area in Singapore offering a wide range of activities, sights, and experiences
Merlion Statue: Visit the famous Merlion statue (half lion, half fish) at Merlion Park. It’s a quintessential Singapore photo op, especially when you catch the view of Marina Bay Sands in the background.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay: Known as the “Durian” because of its distinctive spiky shape, this arts center hosts a variety of performances, including theater, dance, music, and more
Spectra Light & Water Show: A free nightly outdoor show along the Marina Bay waterfront. It features a stunning combination of water jets, lasers, projections, and music. The show takes place at 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM daily (with additional 10:00 PM shows on weekends)
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands: One of the most luxurious shopping malls in Singapore, that is home to over 270 high-end brands and boutiques. There is also a casino inside with over 600 gaming tables and 2,500 slot machines
ArtScience Museum: Known for its lotus flower-shaped design, this museum hosts fascinating exhibits at the intersection of art, science, culture, and technology. It also has unique exhibitions, including interactive displays and immersive art shows
2. Gardens by the Bay
Just behind Marina Bay Sands is the iconic Gardens by the Bay
Supertree Grove: The iconic, futuristic-looking trees are stunning both day and night.
Cloud Forest: Explore a mist-filled conservatory with a 35-meter indoor waterfall.
Flower Dome: A climate-controlled space featuring plants from Mediterranean climates
3. Sentosa Island
Universal Studios Singapore: A fun theme park with rides and attractions for all ages.
S.E.A. Aquarium: One of the largest aquariums in the world, home to a variety of sea life.
Siloso Beach: A man-made beach perfect for relaxing, swimming, or water sports
4. Singapore Zoo & Night Safari
Singapore Zoo: Known for its open-concept enclosures, it’s one of the world’s best zoos.
Night Safari: A unique experience where you can see nocturnal animals in their natural habitats
5. Chinatown
Explore the rich cultural heritage of Chinatown, with its temples, street markets, and delicious food.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple: A stunning Buddhist temple with sacred relics.
Chinatown Food Street: A great place to try local street food like Hainanese chicken rice, satay, and dim sum.
6. Little India
Wander through colorful streets, vibrant markets, and visit temples like the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.
Mustafa Centre: A 24-hour shopping mall that offers a variety of goods at affordable prices.
7. Arab Street & Kampong Glam
Discover the rich heritage of Singapore’s Malay and Muslim communities.
Sultan Mosque: The largest mosque in Singapore with beautiful architecture.
Haji Lane: A narrow street with quirky boutiques, cafes, and street art.
8. Singapore Flyer
One of the world’s largest observation wheels, offering breathtaking views of the city and beyond.
9. Clarke Quay
A riverside quay filled with vibrant restaurants, bars, and clubs.
Take a Singapore River Cruise to see the city from the water.
10. Singapore Botanic Gardens
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s perfect for a relaxing walk through lush greenery.
Visit the National Orchid Garden within the park for a stunning array of orchids.
11. Rainforest Wild Asia
This newly-opened attraction is a habitat exhibit that recreates the experience of being in a Southeast Asian rainforest. The exhibit is designed to showcase the flora and fauna of tropical rainforests, highlighting the biodiversity of the region
12. River Safari
A wildlife park that explores rivers and the animals that live in them, including a giant panda forest.
13. MacRitchie Reservoir
For nature lovers, this reservoir offers scenic hiking trails, a treetop walk, and opportunities to spot wildlife.
14. Shopping on Orchard Road & Somerset
Singapore’s premier shopping district with malls like ION Orchard, Paragon, and Takashimaya.
15. Shopping in Bugis
Singapore’s most popular shopping districts, known for its vibrant mix of traditional markets, modern shopping malls, and street fashion. It’s a great place for those looking to explore a variety of retail options, from affordable finds to high-end brands. You can find souvenirs at Bugis Street
16. Shopping in Mustafa
Located in Little India, it’s a 24-hour shopping mall that attracts both locals and tourists alike, offering a wide variety of products at competitive prices
17. Shopping in Factory Outlets
In Singapore, factory outlets are great for finding discounted merchandise, often from popular international brands
IMM: Singapore’s largest outlet mall which is located in the Jurong East district. The mall offers an extensive selection of factory outlets for both fashion and lifestyle products, with discounts of up to 80% off original retail prices
Changi City Point : Many popular brands offering discounts of up to 70% off regular retail prices. This outlet mall is located near Changi Airport, which makes it convenient for both locals and tourists
18. Explore the Local Neighborhoods
Tiong Bahru: A charming neighborhood with art deco architecture, cafes, and boutiques.
Holland Village: A laid-back area with a mix of shops, cafes, and nightlife.
Katong-Joo Chiat: Known for their Peranakan culture, rich history, and excellent food scene. This neighborhood is filled with colorful shophouses, local eateries, and cultural landmarks.
19. Take a Day Trip to Pulau Ubin
For a more rustic experience, visit this small island, where you can bike around and explore nature.
20. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
A haven for biodiversity, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is home to Singapore’s highest point, and its dense rainforest provides a home for a variety of species.
21. Southern Ridges
This 10 km trail connects several parks and nature reserves, offering views of the city skyline and an opportunity to explore Singapore’s rich flora and fauna.