Singapore: travel guide
Singapore is one of those destinations that manage to surprise even those who, like me, are used to traveling a lot. It is a city that seems projected into the future, but at the same time retains a strong Asian identity: skyscrapers and vertical gardens coexist with Hindu temples, mosques, hawker centers and historic neighborhoods.
It is tidy, spotless, safe and incredibly efficient, but above all it is a destination that works very well for a trip of a few days. Singapore can be visited in 48 hours, but 3-4 days allow you to live it more calmly, alternating architecture, culture, shopping, gastronomy and nightlife.
Its absolute symbol is of course Marina Bay, with the skyline dominated by the Marina Bay Sands and the futuristic structures of the Gardens by the Bay. But stopping at the bay area alone would be a mistake: Singapore is also made up of Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Gelam, Orchard Road, Sentosa, colonial neighborhoods and much less known small corners.
The result is an extremely photogenic city, perfect for those who love to travel even through memorable images and experiences.
When to go to Singapore
Singapore is located practically on the Equator and has a tropical climate all year round. Temperatures are generally high, with humid heat and frequent rainfall.
Therefore, there is no real season in which Singapore becomes “impossible” to visit: you simply have to be prepared for heat, humidity and sudden downpours.
For a first trip I would choose approximately from February to April, when the weather can be a little more favorable.
June-August is also a very interesting time, especially if Singapore is included in a larger trip to Southeast Asia.
How to get to Singapore
The main access point is Changi Airport, one of the most important and best organized airports in Asia.
And it’s already one of the attractions of the trip: don’t just consider it simply an airport. The Jewel Changi complex is in fact home to the spectacular Rain Vortex waterfall, shops, restaurants and green spaces.
Before departure it is important to check the entry requirements based on your nationality. The Singapore Tourism Board also reminds travelers that they must submit their SG Arrival Card electronically prior to arrival; the official procedure is free.
How to get around Singapore
One of the great advantages of Singapore is that you don’t necessarily need a car.
The MRT network is modern, widespread, clean and very easy to use. It’s the medium I would use for most of the trips.
To this are added:
- Bus;
- Taxi;
- Ride-hailing services;
- Pedestrian paths.
For some areas, especially Marina Bay, Chinatown, and the Civic District, walking is even the best way to explore the city.
The MRT allows you to quickly reach almost all the main tourist areas.
For a tourist it is one of the easiest to use public transport networks in the world.
Despite its futuristic appearance, Singapore is also a very pleasant city to explore on foot.
One of the experiences I recommend the most is to alternate MRT and walks, instead of trying to reach each attraction directly with a vehicle.
Where to stay: Marina Bay Sands
For a first trip to Singapore, especially if you want to experience the city in an iconic way, the Marina Bay area is probably the best choice.
And if the budget allows it, there is a hotel that represents almost a destination in the destination: Marina Bay Sands.
The Marina Bay Sands is not just a hotel: it is one of the symbols of Singapore.
The three towers connected by the SkyPark have become one of the most recognizable images of the city and staying there means having practically Singapore at your feet.
The real distinctive element is of course the infinity pool on the 57th floor, reserved for hotel guests, overlooking the skyline.
The complex also includes the ArtScience Museum, the large shopping center The Shoppes, restaurants, bars and numerous gastronomic experiences.
Why would I choose Marina Bay Sands
The location is excellent for a first stay:
- You are next to the Gardens by the Bay;
- You can easily reach Marina Bay;
- You are connected to the MRT;
- You have the skyline in front of your eyes;
- You can use the pool without having to buy a separate entrance;
- You can comfortably return to the hotel after a night out.
The pool, in particular, is one of those experiences that make the stay much more memorable.
My advice: if you are staying at the Marina Bay Sands, spend at least a moment at sunset at the pool. It’s one of the best ways to see Singapore transform from the city of day to the illuminated metropolis of the evening.
What to see in Singapore
Singapore offers a lot and, by organizing the days well, you can build a very complete itinerary even in just three days.
1. Marina Bay: The heart of modern Singapore
Let’s start of course from Marina Bay.
It is the area that best represents the contemporary image of the city: skyscrapers, futuristic architecture, water and skyline.
The best way to visit it is to take a walk along the bay.
Among the points not to be missed:
- Marina Bay Sands
- ArtScience Museum;
- Helix Bridge;
- Esplanade;
- Merlion Park
- Singapore Flyer;
- Gardens by the Bay.
The walk is especially beautiful in the late afternoon, when the heat subsides and the city lights start to turn on.
2. Gardens by the Bay
The Gardens by the Bay are probably the most iconic attraction in Singapore after the Marina Bay Sands.
The absolute protagonists are the Supertrees, gigantic vertical structures covered with vegetation that look like they came straight out of a science fiction movie.
But the Gardens by the Bay are much bigger than just Supertrees.
The Cloud Forest is a giant air-conditioned greenhouse dominated by a spectacular indoor waterfall. It is one of the most scenic places in Singapore and a practically mandatory stop.
The Flower Dome houses plants and flowers from different parts of the world inside one of the largest glass greenhouses on the planet.
For a completely different perspective on the Supertrees you can climb the OCBC Skyway, a suspended walkway between the structures.
Finally, don’t miss the Garden Rhapsody, the evening show of lights and music by the Supertrees.
It’s one of those moments when Singapore really gives the impression of being a city of the future. The Gardens by the Bay are also easily accessible from the Marina Bay area and the nearest MRT station is Bayfront.
3. Spectra
After dinner it’s worth going back to Marina Bay to see Spectra, the light and water show at the Marina Bay Sands. It’s free and takes place on the waterfront. It is a short but very pleasant experience and above all it allows you to see the skyline from a different perspective.
4. Chinatown
From futuristic Singapore we move on to one of the most traditional souls in the city. Chinatown is perfect for a few hours walk. Here you will find:
- Temples;
- Historical shophouses;
- Restaurants;
- Street food;
- Shops;
- Markets;
- Murals.
Don’t miss the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, one of the most characteristic buildings in the neighborhood.
Chinatown is also one of the best places to try local cuisine without necessarily spending a lot of money.
5. Little India
Little India is another fundamental stop. The neighborhood completely changes the atmosphere compared to Marina Bay: bright colors, spices, shops, Indian restaurants and temples. Among the things to see:
- Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple;
- The colorful shophouses;
- The murals;
- Tekka Center;
- Mustafa Center.
6. Kampong Gelam e Haji Lane
One of my favorite neighborhoods for a walk is Kampong Gelam, the ancient Malaysian neighborhood of Singapore. The focal point is the spectacular Sultan Mosque, with its large golden dome. From here you can reach Haji Lane, a narrow street full of street art, independent boutiques, cocktail bars, cafes and restaurants. It is one of the youngest and most photogenic areas of the city.
7. Civic District
To discover the most historic part of Singapore, you have to head to the Civic District. Here the colonial architecture tells of a Singapore very different from that of the skyscrapers of Marina Bay. Among the main places:
- National Gallery Singapore;
- National Museum of Singapore;
- Asian Civilizations Museum;
- Victoria Theatre;
- Esplanade;
- Raffles Hotel.
8. Sentosa Island
For a different day you can reach Sentosa, the resort island of Singapore. Here you will find beaches, resorts, restaurants and numerous attractions. Among the main ones:
- Universal Studios Singapore;
- Singapore Oceanarium;
- Adventure Cove
- Aquatic activities;
- Beach club;
- Hotels and restaurants.
What to eat in Singapore
You can’t visit Singapore without paying attention to gastronomy.
Cooking is the result of the coexistence of different cultures: Chinese, Malaysian, Indian, Peranakan and international influences.
Among the dishes to try:
- Hainanese chicken rice;
- Laksa;
- Chilli crab;
- Satay;
- Char kway teow;
- Nasi lemak;
- Kaya toast;
- Roti prata.
But above all I advise you to try at least one hawker center. It’s probably one of the best ways to understand the city’s food culture.
For a more sophisticated experience, Singapore offers an impressive amount of haute cuisine restaurants and cocktail bars.
Conclusions
Singapore is a particularly interesting destination because it does not necessarily require a long vacation: even a simple stopover of two or three days can be enough to get a very complete taste of the city.
But it is also a destination where it is easy to stay longer than expected.
Its strength is precisely the variety: in the same day you can have breakfast in a hawker center in Chinatown, walk among the temples of Little India, go shopping on Orchard Road, swim in front of the skyline from the Marina Bay Sands and end the evening under the Supertrees of the Gardens by the Bay.
It is a city that does not try to choose between past and future: it puts them next to each other.
And that’s probably why Singapore remains one of the most fascinating destinations in Southeast Asia.
