Do you have a stopover in Singapore? Or maybe you’re doing a whole Southeast Asia trip, wondering if you should add Singapore on the list? Well, here’s an answer to all your questions, the perfect 3 day itinerary for Singapore! If you have less than 3 days, don’t worry as you can easily pick and choose what you prefer from the itinerary to make your trip worthwhile. Check out this post on the ultimate guide of things to do in Singapore!
Singapore has the allure of a modern metropolis (previously termed the concrete jungle of Asia). Besides that, not forgetting that this is a country, an island and a city in itself, it also exudes the charm of a tropical island country. With its efficient public transport system, well developed infrastructure and common use of the English language, it undoubtedly makes it one of the easiest country to navigate and explore.
Singapore upholds strict laws and regulations throughout the island, allowing it to maintain it’s impeccable cleanliness and low crime rate. In fact, it is one of the countries that has banned chewing gum unless you are medically advised to. Due to the strict law enforcement, it is also considered to be one of the safer countries to travel solo.
You must be wondering now, what is there to see and do in Singapore if it’s such a small country? Fret not, below is a 3 days itinerary guaranteed to make your time here a memorable one!
DAY 1:
- Start your day at Gardens by the Bay, home to thousands of plants from all over the world and even some rare species. From the cloud forest, super tree grove and cooled conservatory dome, you will need at least two hours to fully immerse yourself in this ‘City in a Garden’. To beat the crowds, I’d suggest heading there by 9am and make sure to book your tickets in advance!
- Next, look for the connecting overhead bridge to Marina Bay Sands, one of the most famous hotel for it’s infinity pool perched on the 57th floor. If staying at Marina Bay Sands is way out of the budget, consider visiting the SkyPark for some amazing views of the city.
- You can also opt to visit the Art Science Museum that feature different art galleries throughout the year.
- For lunch, stop by Lau Pa Sat for some scrumptious local or international cuisine. Some of the stalls to lookout for based on local recommendations are the Satay Street, Golden Shoe Hokkien Mee and Thunder Spize.
- Next on the agenda is walking off the calories from lunch to the iconic Merlion Statue. It gets quite crowded here so be careful with your personal belongings. Stroll along the promenade for about 15 mins and you will reach Clarke Quay.
- If it’s your first time in Singapore, I highly recommend going on a 40-minute Singapore river cruise. Simply purchase your tickets at the Clarke Quay Jetty River Cruise ticketing counter, sit back and relax. Hopping on the bumboat around late afternoon or after dusk is the best so that you can catch the sunset over the river and enjoy the city’s urban nightscape.
- Dinner will be at a restaurant of your choice around the Clarke Quay area, you’ll also be able to enjoy live music at some of the bars stretched across the quay.
DAY 2:
- To start the day, head to Haji Lane which used to be a traditional Malay quarter. Now it is a trendy neighbourhood lined up with colourful street art and ‘instagrammable’ cafes, pop into anyone of them for your morning caffeine fix. To learn more about the Singapore Malay culture, you can pop into the Malay Heritage Centre and visit the gold Sultan Mosque.
- A short 15 minutes walk away and you will end up in Little India where you’ll be welcomed with the aroma of spices. Catch a sight of the Indian temples, one to note will be the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.
- If you wish to indulge in some retail therapy, head over to Bugis Street. It is one of the more affordable places for clothings, accessories, souvenirs or cosmetics. There are many shopping malls around the area as well.
- The next place to visit will be Chinatown, just a few stops away on the MRT. There are many antique shops and impressive Buddhist temples. In the open air market, you will also find plenty of snack stalls to keep you going.
- For a unique spiritual experience, visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. It provides an insight into the Buddhism and conduct a free tour once a week so do check in advance.
- Just opposite from the temple is Maxwell Food Centre. It is dubbed one of the best places to enjoy authentic local food. There is even a Michelin Guide store that you have to try out – Tian TIan Hainanese Chicken Rice. It can get quite crowded so be prepared to queue up for your food.
- If you are up for it, visit Club Street and Ann Siang Hill for a tipple or two. The area is lined up with plenty of bars and clubs so if the nightlife is your kinda thing, don’t miss it!
Day 3:
- For day 3, we are heading out of the hustle and bustle of the city. Sentosa Island has so much to offer. From Tanjong Beach Club, Universal Studios Singapore, Adventure Cove Water Park, S.E.A Aquarium, Skyline Luge and many others. The options are endless for families with kids, couples and even solo travellers. Take a pick at what suits your itinerary and preference.
- Another option out of the city to consider is to take a day trip to Pulau Ubin. It is less commercialised than the aforementioned island with plenty of flora and fauna. Making it the perfect place for hiking or cycling.
- To end your final night in Singapore, be sure to treat yourself to the famous Chilli Crab, Cereal Prawns and other seafood. Some restaurants best known for that is Jumbo Seafood, No Signboard or Long Beach.
GETTING AROUND:
- Walking: Singapore is well-connected with pedestrian-friendly pathways and sidewalks. The best way to explore is by navigating by foot and exploring different neighbourhoods.
- Bicycling: Bicycling in Singapore is a popular and enjoyable way to explore the city and its surroundings. The city has developed an extensive network of cycling paths, making it safe and convenient for cyclists. There are numerous rental services around the city.
- Public transport: Getting around the city is a breeze with the public transportation system, there are buses, MRTs and LRTs. For visitors, the Singapore Tourist Pass is a convenient option. It allows unlimited travel on buses and trains for a specific duration (1, 2, or 3 days) and can be purchased at selected MRT stations. If you are staying for longer than 3 days, I’d advise getting an EZ Link travel card that is rechargeable and charged per ride.
- Car rental: Car rental is also available, though it is a bit of a hassle in terms of parking, tolls and traffic. Instead, consider taking GrabCars, GoJek, Ryde and other e-hailing options or opt for the conventional taxis.
TIPS:
- Language: English is the language of medium for business and administration in the country. However, due to it’s multicultural background, there is also the usage of Mandarin Chinese, Tamil and Bahasa Melayu though English.
- Currency: The official currency of Singapore is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). ATMs and currency exchange services are readily available throughout the country, and most establishments accept major credit cards. However, cash is still used especially in smaller shops, food stalls, and local markets, so it’s advisable to carry some cash for such transactions.
- Tipping: Tipping is not widely practiced or expected in Singapore. Most restaurants and hotels include a service charge in the bill, so there is no need to leave an additional tip. However, if you receive exceptional service or want to show appreciation, leaving a small tip is acceptable, but not mandatory.
- Safety: Singapore is considered a safe city with low crime rates. However, as always, it is advisable to exercise basic safety precautions and don’t let down your guard especially in crowded areas. In case of emergencies, the local emergency helpline is 999.
- Climate: Located by the equator, Singapore is a tropical city with generally high temperatures and humidity, it remains relatively constant throughout the year. It is advisable to carry an umbrella or rain jacket in case of sudden showers. Pack lightweight, breathable clothes to stay comfortable.
- Visa: The visa requirements for entering Singapore differ based on factors such as nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay. Numerous nationalities, such as those from the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and most European Union countries, are allowed to visit Singapore as tourists for a period of up to 90 days without a visa. Nevertheless, it is essential to understand the specific visa requirements for your country prior to your travel to Singapore.
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