Singapore is a fantastic destination for tourists. This ultimate Singapore Travel Guide for first-timers, will tell you everything you need to know before your visit.

An island in Southeast Asia, Singapore mixes colonial history with an array of world-class museums, parks, hawker markets, architecture, and shopping.

Whilst there are plenty of iconic sights and architectural buildings to grab your attention, it is only by wandering Singapore’s lanes and neighborhoods that you will discover its true diversity.

Special and unique in every way, this melting pot is passionate about its green spaces, multi-racial heritage, and food.

Singapore may not be as cheap to visit as its Asian counterparts, but it is a destination worthy of more than a “stopover” visit. Lying at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, it is a thriving city-state and renowned financial business leader.

Singapore marries a colonial past with a sleek, progressive future, and is constantly reinventing itself, in a manner that is both engaging and alluring for its visitors.

Peel back its shiny exterior layer however and you will discover a fascinating multi-cultural country. Vibrant neighbourhoods like Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam, each have their character and charm.

BEST TIME TO VISIT SINGAPORE FOR FESTIVALS

Chinese New Year: Capture the festive spirit during the most important event in the Chinese calendar, from mid-January to mid-February.

Shopping: The Great Singapore Sale – Singapore’s longest-running annual sale ( recently known as GSS: Experience Singapore), is usually held over 6 weeks, and you can buy high-quality major brands at discounted prices. (TBA – September 2024)

Singapore Grand Prix: – takes place over 61 laps of the 5.063-kilometer Marina Bay Street Circuit, and is usually held in September.

Singapore Food Festival: The country loves its food and celebrates the best of its food culture, with masterclasses, tours, and a whole range of food-tasting events. This month-long food extravaganza takes place in July/August.

Most international visitors fly to Singapore arriving at Changi Airport, home to Singapore Airlines. Changi is consistently voted the best airport in the world, and for good reason.

A visit to Singapore begins at Changi Airport, an amazing tourist destination in its own right. There are several ways to get to the city from the airport.

ESSENTIAL SINGAPORE TRAVELLER ESSENTIALS.

LANGUAGE: Most Singaporeans speak English and other languages heard are Mandarin Chinese, Malay or Tamil.

CURRENCY: Singapore dollar (SGD) in note denominations of S$2, S$5, S$10, S$50, S$100, S$1,000 and S$10,000. Coins are 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and S$1. Check the latest exchange rate so you can keep on top of your budget.

POWER: The standard electrical current used in Singapore is 220-240 V/50Hz, and three square-pronged plugs can be used.

VISA: To find out whether you require a visa, check entry rules to Singapore. Also, see Singapore’s Safe Travel Website. 

GETTING AROUND SINGAPORE;

GETTING AROUND BY TRAIN

Aside from walking, the fastest and easiest way to get around the city is by Singapore’s MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system. Most popular attractions are just a short walk away from an MRT station, making the trains a great way to get around.

Maps are located throughout MRT Stations and on the trains themselves, and it is extremely easy to use and navigate.

GETTING AROUND BY BUS

Bus journeys can be a scenic option if you like to enjoy the views while traveling in air-conditioned comfort. The system covers most routes, is economical, and a great way to reach out-of-the-way places such as the Singapore Zoo.

GETTING AROUND ON THE HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS

First-time visitors can get a general feel for the city layout by using the popular Hop-On Hop-Off buses. Your ticket comes with unlimited access to 6 routes covering the key landmarks in Singapore.

Listen to an informative and entertaining commentary, then simply hop off at a stop and explore. Return to the same bus stop and hop on to the next bus to continue your tour.

SINGAPORE TOURIST PASS

If you plan to see numerous attractions and use the MRT or public buses often, a Singapore Tourist Pass will simplify your journeys. The Pass can be purchased at the following locations:

• Changi Airport Station (T2 & T3) near the Transitlink Ticket Office.
• At automated STP Kiosks at Orchard Station and HarbourFront Station.
• From a TransitLink Ticket Office at selected MRT stations.

The pass must be used on consecutive days and will allow you unlimited travel for one day (S$10), two days (S$16), or three days (S$20). A S$10 deposit per card must be paid, which is refundable up to 5 days after the purchase date.

The pass means you don’t have to buy tickets for each ride and full details can be found on Singapore Tourist Pass website.

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU GO TO SINGAPORE FOR?

Singapore makes a great stopover when traveling long-haul to countries like Australia and New Zealand. To see Singapore’s main tourist spots and attractions, 3 days will give you a good overall impression.

However, this small island is more than the sum of its tourist attractions.

Depending on your budget, your interests, and what you like to do, you could easily spend 5-7 days here.

Whether you are arranging a Singapore itinerary for 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, or more, no two travelers will bring home the same experience.

If short on time use the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus to get to the attractions that interest you, and prioritize the places to visit in Singapore.

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