Singapore is a vibrant city-state that boasts a beautiful blend of Asian and Arab cultures along with its own Singaporean twist. Although is a pretty small country, there is still a lot to see. Lying at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore is a thriving city-state and renowned financial business leader and this travel guide will show you how to create an epic vacation to Singapore.
Planning to visit Singapore soon? This is an excellent idea! So let's talk through The Ultimate Travel Guide To Singapore and the things you should know before your trip.
Made up of about 60 islands, Singapore is a mix of multicultural, cosmopolitan, and modern vibes. Its colonial history, world-class museums, parks, and architecture, are known as a huge travel hub and has something for everyone.
And while there are plenty of famous sights and beautiful beaches to grab your attention, it is only by wandering Singapore’s streets and neighborhoods that you will discover its true cultural diversity.
Brimming with so many iconic landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands, Gardens By the Bay, and Cloud Forest, tourists will want to visit Singapore a second and third time.
Add on tasty hawker stalls, delicious Asian cuisine, and fresh seafood. That’s right, Singapore it’s any foodie’s dream!
All in all, this guide will give first-time visitors a great overview of what this incredible country has to offer.
While Singapore’s beautiful landmarks and delicious cuisine made it an unforgettable trip, there are a few things that I wish I had known beforehand.
Best Time for a Vacation to Singapore
Singapore with its tropical climate is truly a year-round travel destination. However, be prepared for rain which can be torrential but usually brief, with very high humidity.
If I have to choose the best time of year to travel to Singapore, I would say that the prime time is February to April.
Typically with good weather comes higher costs, so expect to pay higher prices for accommodation and flights!
If visiting during the busiest time of year sounds like your worst nightmare, then December through August should be avoided at all costs.
You’ll probably want to plan your trip anytime between September to November. With most travelers preferring the dry season, you’ll have better luck finding great hotel room rates and flights.
Overall, there’s never a bad time to visit Singapore!
Wondering where to stay?
Budget for Singapore
The official currency of Singapore is the Singapore Dollar (SGD).
Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Singapore and are preferable if you want to get the best exchange rate.
Wherever you want to use cash, there are a lot of ATMs all over the city-state. But I would recommend carrying some cash if you are visiting local shops.
It is generally wise to select which major iconic attractions you want to visit in Singapore and book tickets online before your trip. You will save money, sometimes significantly. and you will also, skip the wait lines and walk right on in. It makes absolutely no sense to waste time standing in a line if you can avoid it.
Check out Booking.com to compare prices for hotels.
Singapore may not be as cheap to visit as its Asian counterparts, so it’s wise to book your flight at least one month prior to your trip.
The prices will go up during the peak season, so check the best deals if you don’t want to avoid breaking the bank.
What to do?
Getting Around in Singapore
First-time visitors can get a general feel for the city layout by using the famous Hop-On Hop-Off buses. Your ticket comes with unlimited access to 6 routes covering the key landmarks in Singapore.
In case you are wondering, unfortunately, Uber is not available in Singapore, but you can use the Grab app.
Renting a car works out to be your best bet for full flexibility and going off the beaten path. Car rentals can be an affordable option in Singapore.
Now, if you don’t want to drive but still have a comfortable trip through Singapore, one of the best ways of getting around is by booking a private car charter with a driver. This covers most of the places you’ll want to get to beyond the tracks.
Safety in Singapore
Singapore is considered a very safe country to travel to.
However, you still need to be aware of your surroundings and mainly know that penalties for breaking the law here are stiff. As long as you practice common sense, you won’t have any problems during your trip.
Solo female travelers should feel very comfortable here, though walking alone at night should be avoided just to be safe.
My best advice is to make sure you take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. This is mainly because of the risk you are exposed to when traveling to a new country, whether might be illness, injury, or cancellation. Check out these affordable monthly plans given by SafetyWing. You definitely want a stress-free vacation and a few pennies on a dollar will be really worth it!
What to Wear in Singapore
No matter what time of year you are visiting, when packing for your trip to Singapore, there are a few key items you must consider. Always make sure you have a crossover bag, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, and midi dresses, and you can’t go far wrong.
Pack loose-fitting lightweight clothing to combat the humidity and warm weather. Singapore is a very cosmopolitan city so you don’t have to worry about covering up in modest wear as you do with some other countries in Asia.
So, the things you should consider are mainly the weather and definitely the cultural norms. It’s going to be hot, but you go in swimwear everywhere.
If you are visiting Singapore as part of a layover as you head to other destinations, or if it’s a very quick weekend trip, you want to choose classic pieces in neutral shades that you can easily mix and match.
Swimwear and a bikini are necessary but only at the beach.
Depending on your travel plans, for your main suitcase, you’ll want to decide whether to bring a carry-on or a backpack.
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, you’re going to want a reliable and safe crossover bag to carry around things like your camera and wallet.
As always, the best thing to keep in mind for any travel is to pack light and only bring the necessities. Trust me, you don’t wanna carry a huge suitcase all around Singapore.
For a finishing touch that will add a bit of elegance to your look take with you a hat.
Shoes can make or break a trip. Sneakers are always my favorites, given that you’ll be doing a lot of walking or flip-flops and sandals for a very hot day. Stick with flats to keep your feet comfortable.
My Singaporean outfit consisted of midi dresses, they’re stylish and comfortable, while maxi dresses were the perfect fit for a night out. For long waking days, I suggest you this loose-fitting pants made of breathable fabrics.
Know Before You Go to Singapore
Singapore also has a reputation for strict rules and laws.
Culture: Singapore has a contemporary modern culture consisting of a mix of Asian, Arabic, and European influences.
Although it is in Asia, the prices in Singapore are pretty much-fixed, especially in the shopping malls or more downtown areas.
Religion: Singapore is a multi-religious society.
Language: Mandarin and English are the official languages spoken in Singapore. Therefore you will not find any inconvenience.
SIM Cards are super easy and cheap. It’s always a good idea to buy a local sim card once you arrive and you will have enough internet for all your vacation.
Plugs: In Singapore, the power plugs are type C, G, and M, the standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. I recommend taking with you a universal adapter and also using a converter for hairdryers and hot tools.
Airport transfer: For your airport pick-up, you will want to arrange a car in advance especially when going to the islands. The ease and peace of mind it will provide will be well worth it.
No trip is complete without exploring hidden gems, so I’d highly advise taking a guided tour while in Singapore.
And definitely ride on an authentic Singaporean bumboat on an incredible river cruise.
Food: Sample the culinary secrets, experience the street food culture, and discover where the locals like to eat.
FAQs: Sincapore Vacation
How many days in Singapore is enough?
For a well-rounded experience, 3-5 days is usually recommended. This timeframe allows you to visit major attractions like Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, Sentosa Island, Chinatown, Little India, and explore Singapore’s diverse culinary scene.
Is Singapore tourist friendly?
Yes, Singapore is exceptionally tourist-friendly. The city is known for its safety, cleanliness, efficient public transportation, and English proficiency among its residents. Tourists can easily navigate the city, and there are plenty of accommodations, dining options, and attractions catering to visitors.
Is 7 days in Singapore too long?
While 7 days might seem long for some travelers, it can offer the opportunity for a deeper exploration of Singapore. You can delve into lesser-known neighborhoods, take day trips to nearby attractions like Pulau Ubin or the Southern Islands, indulge in more culinary experiences, and even plan excursions to neighboring countries like Malaysia or Indonesia.
Consider purchasing an EZ-Link card or a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited rides on public transportation during your stay.
Overall
Your trip to Singapore can’t encapsulate a lot of different types of travel in a short time frame, so multiple visits are needed to see all the highlights. While many will focus on famous places like Marina Bay Sands and Cloud Forest, there are many more picturesque landmarks you definitely want to explore as you could see on this travel guide to Singapore!
Wherever places you decide to visit in Singapore, I can promise you that you will fall in love with the lifestyle, the food, and the stunning landmarks!
Now that you know what to do and also what not to do in Singapore, all you have to do is focus on having a fantastic vacation!
