Singapore has its own unforgettable charm that every traveller will testify to! From its beautiful coastline and jazzy nightlife to the stunning manmade wonders and culturally-rich neighbourhoods, there’s a lot to enjoy in Singapore. However, smart planning is important if you’re a first-timer, and that’s where this Singapore travel guide aims to help you with. From the best recommendations on places to stay to other top tips, read on for invaluable insights below.
Top 10 Pro Tips for an Unforgettable Visit to Singapore
Here are some of the best Singapore travel tips that will pave the way for an unforgettable trip by all means!
Tip 1- Use the MRT & EZ-Link Card
Whenever you’re in Singapore, make sure you use the MRT public transportation network extensively. This will help you access several parts of the city faster without getting stuck in traffic. There are public buses too for shorter hauls, and you will benefit from using the EZ-Link Card, which is contactless and rechargeable, while helping you pay your fares seamlessly.
You can buy and top them up at several points, including SimplyGo kiosks and ticket offices, along with supermarkets like 7-Eleven and others. Costs are around SGD 10 for each card ad you can easily tap it on the reader at the entry gate of any MRT station.
Tip 2- Stay Near Top Spots Like Orchard, Bugis or Clarke Quay
If you are looking for the top things to do in Singapore, it’s recommended that you stay near the major spots like Bugis, Orchard, or even Clarke Quay. Orchard Road is excellently connected and is Singapore’s main shopping hub, while Bugis offers dining, shopping, cultural sites, and more. Clarke Quay is ideal for nightlife and entertainment and is close to Chinatown. Staying in such locations helps you make the most of your trip without any hassles.
Tip 3- Try Local Food at a Hawker Centre
Make no mistake! Hawker centres are often the top places to visit in Singapore for those who love their food! Relish authentic culinary treats of the region at places like the Maxwell Food Centre and Chinatown. From chicken rice and noodles to Satay, bak chor mee, and pork chop rice, there are several fabulous dishes on offer at these places. At the Maxwell Food Centre, don’t miss the Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice and Chinatown’s dumplings and sugarcane juice shouldn’t be missed either! The best part is that these places are also quite affordable on the wallet.
Tip 4- Book attraction tickets online in advance
You should always book tickets to attractions in advance online, since Singapore witnesses massive tourist footfall throughout the year. Use platforms like Singapore Tickets, GoCity, and Klook, or even Headout for this purpose. You can even find combo deals and multi-passes for several attractions online, making it a more cost-effective and hassle-free alternative as well.
Tip 5- Visit free landmarks
Did you know that there are several free places to visit in Singapore, too? Make a list of these top spots to save money on your trip and enjoy checking out the city’s biggest attractions simultaneously. Some of the names on your list should include the Gardens by the Bay, Merlion Park and Marina Bay, Fort Canning Park, Chinatown, Little India, and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum.
Tip 6- Respect local laws and customs
Singapore laws are extremely strict, so respect them to avoid hefty penalties and other action. Littering, spitting, chewing gum, and drug usage are strictly forbidden here. At the same time, dress respectfully and modestly while visiting all religious sites. Jaywalking is also prohibited in Singapore along with eating or drinking on public transport. Do not touch anyone’s head and avoid gesturing/pointing with your fingers. Don’t smoke in public places and respect all local customs.
Tip 7- Explore the nightlife and light shows
One of the best things to do in Singapore is to check out the amazing light shows that are available, including the Spectra Light and Water Show at Marina Bay Sands, the stunning Gardens by the Bay show (Garden Rhapsody), so on.
The nightlife attractions like the iconic Singapore Night Safari and Creatures of the Night Show are a must, along with enjoying the Wings of Time show at Sentosa Island. Clarke Quay is another great place to enjoy nightlife in Singapore, while you can take a river cruise as well.
Tip 8- Carry a reusable bottle
It is recommended that you carry a reusable water bottle in Singapore which you can keep refilling with tap water. The tap water in Singapore is completely safe for drinking and treated as per stringent standards. You can save costs and refill your bottles at multiple points throughout the city.
Tip 9- Best travel apps: MyTransport, Grab
Some of the best travel apps that you can use in Singapore include MyTransportSG, which helps plan journeys, find routes, and check arrival times for trains and buses (in real-time). You can plan multi-modal journeys and use the Near You feature to find MRT stations, bus stops, and other options.
Grab is suitable for ride-hailing, offering access to private cars and taxis, along with food delivery and more. You can use it just like Uber or other apps across the world.
Tip 10- Download Useful Apps
You should download several useful apps to make the most of your time in Singapore. For starters, get MyTransportSG which helps take care of route planning, arrival times, and nearby transit points. Grab is ideal for ride-sharing and cabs, while Google Maps is suitable for finding locations and navigation purposes.
Suggested 3-Day Itinerary to Singapore
Here is a recommended three-day Singapore itinerary (two nights) that you can consider.
Day 1:
Morning:
Start with a trip to the Gardens by the Bay, including the Supertree Grove and Cloud Forest, along with the Flower Dome.
Afternoon:
Visit Marina Bay Sands and have a sumptuous lunch with gorgeous views to enjoy. Also check out the SkyPark observation deck for enjoying lovely views of the city.
Evening:
Embark on a relaxing Singapore River cruise and also check out the famous Merlion Park afterwards, rounding off the day with dinner at a local hawker centre.
Day 2-
Morning:
This is the best time to cover the historical and colourful Chinatown locality, with its Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Pagoda Street. You can have an authentic local Singaporean breakfast here too.
Afternoon:
Explore Little India to your heart’s content, covering its vibrant temples, bustling markets, and shopping joints. You can have lunch at an Indian restaurant here.
Evening:
You can visit Kampong Glam and check out its diverse wonders like the Sultan Mosque. Go shopping and then have dinner in Tiong Bahru for a unique experience.
Day 3:
If you have time, you can check out several attractions near the airport on your final day, including the Peranakan Houses, East Coast Park, Singapore Flyer, and so on.
Conclusion
Remember that the best time to visit Singapore is usually between June and August and February to April. Keep the above-mentioned tips in mind for an enjoyable experience in Singapore and save this guide for future reference. Also consider sharing it with fellow travel enthusiasts who are as fond of/interested in Singapore as you are! On that note, here’s wishing you a memorable trip ahead!
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