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The Ultimate Singapore Travel Guide
Table of Contents
Welcome to our Ultimate Singapore City Travel Guide, known as the Lion City, its vibrant culture, ultra-modern city of stunning skyscrapers, landscapes, and diverse cuisine are what make this a must-visit destination. We have you covered, regardless if you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer. We will reveal our insider tips, must-visit attractions, and the best ways to explore the food scene.
Singapore is full of incredible accommodations and we’ll break down how to find the perfect accommodation for your stay. From the iconic Marina Bay Sands to the lush Gardens by the Bay, Singapore is one of the nicest cities we’ve ever been to. Get ready for a journey filled with beautiful sights, flavors, and experiences. Let’s explore Singapore together!
Best Time to Visit Singapore
The best time to travel to Singapore is from February to April for cooler, less humid weather and minimal rainfall. While it’s a year-round destination with consistent temperatures between 24°C (75°F) and 31°C (88°F), the best beach season is from May to August, and the wet season occurs from October to January.
Pre-Arrival Checklist
What do I need to bring to Singapore? Before you set foot in Singapore, we’ve put together a pre-checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared for your upcoming journey.
When traveling to Singapore we do recommend purchasing a SIM card if you don’t have a roam-like home service with your cellular plan. To ensure we had reliable connectivity during our Singapore trip we opted to get a SIM Card.
Where to Purchase a SIM Card In Singapore
Options include; Changi Airport, convenience stores, telecom providers, and online pre-orders. Ordering online is not only cheap, but we found that it offers convenient locations both at the Changi airport and city locations.
The SIM Card is good for 15-30 days, up to 150GB of data, and can include calls.
We always recommend seeking advice for vaccinations for Indonesia on the CDC website, and/or visiting a travel medical clinic before traveling to a destination.
Disclaimer: The information shared regarding travel vaccines is based on our experiences and research and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. For personalized vaccine information and guidance, please consult with a medical expert such as a travel clinic.
Singapore primarily uses Type G power plugs with three rectangular prongs. Type C and Type M plugs are also occasionally used in Singapore therefore, having a universal adapter can be beneficial.
Before traveling, it’s crucial to have travel & medical insurance coverage whenever you’re traveling abroad to another country. We always recommend checking your credit card’s insurance policies to understand the coverage and duration of your insurance. Most travel credit cards have coverage between 14-30 days on the high-end. Therefore, depending on the coverage type and duration of your trip, purchasing travel insurance that supplements these policies, is recommended to provide you with peace of mind and financial security, to ensure your trip is worry-free.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first adventure, we’ve handpicked a selection of must-have travel items that will make your journeys smoother and more enjoyable. From packing hacks to smart gadgets, these essential travel items have helped us organize better and maintain a stress-free travel experience while saving us time!
Keep in mind Singapore’s weather can get hot and humid so bring those summer clothes!
Where to Stay in Singapore
Welcome to our ultimate guide on where to stay in Singapore! Choosing the right place to stay in this vibrant city can greatly influence your travel experience. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the top neighborhoods to stay in and provide a range of hotel options that cater to various budgets and preferences, ensuring that your stay in Singapore is nothing short of exceptional. Whether you’re looking for luxury, affordability, or something in between, we’ve got you covered.
The three most popular and best areas to stay in Singapore. Singapore is one of the most expensive cities for accommodations therefore, finding high-quality budget accommodations can be a challenge, the budget hotels recommended may have higher costs depending on the area, in comparison to other countries’ budget options.
Marina Bay is an iconic and luxurious district known for its world-class skyline, ultra-modern architecture, and high-end accommodations. It’s the perfect choice for travelers seeking a central location, proximity to shopping and entertainment, attractions, and breathtaking views of the city.
- Budget: The Pod @ Beach Road Boutique Capsule Hotel: This budget-friendly hotel is a clean and modern capsule accommodation, they have friendly staff and a convenient location. The facilities are modern and nice, and we do recommend bringing earplugs as it’s a shared sleeping area. Great to meet new people!
- Mid-tier: PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, We loved this hotel for its excellent location, comfortable rooms, and stunning views of Marina Bay. There is a rooftop pool, fitness center, and very easy access to nearby attractions like Gardens by the Bay!
- Luxury: Marina Bay Sands: If you have the opportunity to stay here, it’s one of the most iconic luxury hotels in the world, Marina Bay Sands consistently ranks at the top for its unparalleled luxury, one-of-a-kind rooftop infinity pool, world-class dining options, and top-class accommodations.
Orchard Road is Singapore’s premier shopping district, famous for its numerous malls, boutiques, and vibrant atmosphere. It’s a top choice for shopaholics and offers more higher-end hotels but you can still snag a 5-star hotel for a reasonable price!
- Budget: Boco Orchard Singapore, an IHG Hotel, is our budget-friendly choice in the Orchard Road area. A 5-star hotel for under $200 USD, the value is too good in comparison to other options in the area, and you’re quite literally right in the middle of shopping malls and Orchard shopping street.
- Mid-tier: Vibe Hotel Singapore Orchard, a beautifully designed hotel amongst the lively shopping district and easy access to malls and dining options on Orchard Road.
- Luxury: The St. Regis Singapore: Whenever we see a St. Regis hotel we know it’s going to be fancy. This hotel is pure luxury along Orchard Road. The rooms are so classy, the staff are so helpful and friendly, not to mention the top-notch dining experiences. You can also enjoy the Remède Spa and indulge in high tea at the iconic Astor Bar.
Sentosa Island offers a resort-like experience with beautiful beaches, family-friendly attractions like Universal Studios Singapore, and a range of upscale resorts. It’s an excellent option for those looking for a relaxing and fun-filled vacation in a tropical setting.
- Budget: Siloso Beach Resort offers budget-friendly accommodations on Sentosa Island. The rooms are comfortable and the location is super convenient near attractions like Universal Studios Singapore and S.E.A. Aquarium!
- Mid-tier: Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa, Singapore, stylish rooms and excellent amenities. This resort is perfect for families with kids. They have kids’ clubs, a kid’s activity center, a large buffet, kayaking, and fun pool slides. The proximity to the beach and Sentosa’s attractions are exceptional. When we have kids we’ll be bringing them here.
- Luxury: The Barracks Hotel Sentosa, WOW! It’s arguably the most stunning luxurious option on Sentosa Island. It’s first-class-worthy accommodations, impeccable service, and historic charm make it the ultimate option.
Getting Around Singapore
In this section, we delve into the art of navigating Singapore’s efficient transportation network, unlocking the best ways to explore this vibrant city-state with ease.
Getting from the Airport to the City: Singapore has one of the world’s most efficient and well-connected airports, Changi Airport (SIN). Here are some options for getting from the airport to the city center:
- Private Car Charter: If you don’t have a complimentary shuttle service to your hotel and prefer the luxury of having pre-arranged transportation from Changi Airport, you can pre-book a private car charter.
- MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): The airport is directly connected to the MRT system. You can take the East-West Line (Green Line) to the city center, which can be a cost-effective option, and convenient if you’re not transporting a lot of luggage. However, it can require a bit of walking to your accommodation.
- Airport Shuttle: Several shuttle services operate between the airport and major hotels in the city. This is a comfortable option if you have a lot of luggage and service is provided by your hotel.
- Taxi: Taxi are readily available at the airport. While they are more expensive than public transportation, they offer door-to-door service and are convenient, especially if you have a lot of baggage.
- Ride Share Mobile Apps “Grab”: We recommend downloading the Grab app which is like the Uber of Singapore, and is a great cashless option. It’s convenient and cheaper than taking a traditional taxi from the airport. This is our recommendation and favorite transporation method for the most convenient and best value option.
Singapore’s public transportation system is well-known for its efficiency and cleanliness. Here’s an overview of the key components:
- MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): The MRT system is the backbone of public transportation in Singapore. It covers most areas of the city, making it easy to get around. You can purchase an EZ-Link card or a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited rides during your stay.
- Buses: Singapore’s bus network complements the MRT system, ensuring that even the more remote areas are accessible. Buses are air-conditioned and accept the same fare cards as the MRT.
Taxis are readily available throughout Singapore. You can flag them down on the street or find them at designated taxi stands. Using ride-hailing apps like Grab is a convenient way to book and pay for taxis. We used grabs a lot when we were in Singapore because we met up with family, there were 5 of us total and it was an efficient and cost-effective way to get around the city to explore its attractions!
Travel Itineraries for Singapore
Singapore is waiting to be explored. But why spend hours planning your trip when we’ve already done the hard work for you? We’ve meticulously crafted Singapore travel itineraries, where we’ve left no stone unturned.
We cover iconic landmarks to hidden gems, our guides offer detailed insights, exact locations, pricing tips, and the top things to see and savor. With our itineraries, we know we can help save you time, make the most of your journey, and uncover the very best Singapore has to offer. Lets kick this of with our Ultimate One Day Singapore Itinerary.
Check out more Things to do & Eat in Singapore
Discover Singapore! From the lush greenery of Gardens by the Bay to the iconic skyline views from Marina Bay Sands, and the cultural immersion at Chinatown, our curated list of top attractions will take you on a remarkable journey through this vibrant city-state.
We’ll unravel the secrets, tips, and must-do experiences that will make your Singapore adventure unforgettable like our 15 Things To Do in Singapore travel guide.
Best Restaurants & Eats
Singapore’s food scene is a vibrant blend of flavors, from the beloved Kaya Toast to iconic street food like Hainanese chicken rice. In this culinary journey, we’ll explore bustling hawker centers and hidden gems in vibrant neighborhoods like Little India and Chinatown.
Join us as we uncover mouthwatering dishes and local secrets in our guide to the “Top Places To Eat in Chinatown & Little India Singapore.” Get ready to indulge your inner foodie and experience Singapore’s diverse culinary delights.
Our Thoughts
When we first stepped foot in Singapore, we were instantly in pleasant shock from the moment we arrived at Changi Airport, the Jewel indoor waterfall is a tourist attraction itself! The culture, its stunning modernity, and its vibrant street life were so fun. We loved how the different neighborhoods were so unique and told a different story about the influence in Singapore, from the hawker centers to more upscale dining.
However, like any journey, we should note it definitely is a more expensive country to travel in than its other South East Asian counterparts. The accommodations specifically are the most expensive cost to consider, and food options we were pleasantly surprised by how reasonable it was. You definitely have a lot of options to eat incredibly delicious food! Singapore is a place we both could see ourselves living in the future, it’s the cleanest city we’ve ever been to, the food culture is one of the best, and you could never get bored in the city of many things to do! We hope you enjoy this beautiful country.
Have a wonderful trip, and enjoy all Singapore has to offer!
Andrew & Melissa
@HungryPursuit
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