The Ultimate Travel Guide to Singapore

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Singapore is an island city located in South East Asia with a tropical climate. When I arrived here, I was so excited to see what it has to offer and all the things to do. As an avid planner I already knew what to expect but what I didn’t know was that I will fall in love with all the advancement and sustainable culture so quickly.

Singapore is definitely a futuristic city. Apart from all the amazing things to do and Instagrammable spots, there are so many experiences that shouldn’t be missed when you are there. Each and every one of these experiences is so learning. It tells you and makes you learn about the sustainable environment and what can be done to save the planet.

You may also wanna read “12 most instagrammable places in Singapore“
In this post, I have included 12 best spots for that Instaworthy picture along with the exact google location and my best tips.

Things to know before visiting Singapore

Visa Information

There are certain countries that need a visa to visit Singapore and there are few who don’t need it. You can get all the information here. If your travel document is issued by one of the countries that are listed in the link provided, then you will need a visa to enter Singapore.

How long should you stay in Singapore?

Singapore is a fantastic country and one can easily spend 5-7 days here. Whether you are going for amazing hotels, food scenes or just the touristy spots, you will need some time to experience them properly.

And just to give you an example, even Singapore’s airport is big and has a few things to offer that could easily take your half-day. But don’t worry if you have fewer days, you can always come later.

Also, keep in mind that Singapore is an expensive country so if you want to do some budgeting then try using public transport and eating from local food stalls.

How to get around in Singapore?

While Singapore is a small country but there is no shortage of pretty neighborhoods to see. Public transport in Singapore is a great and affordable way to travel around. From buses to MRT everything is so well connected to all the areas.

I personally traveled with buses and MRT but you can also take Grab which is similar to uber but much cheaper.

Things to do in Singapore

SENTOSA ISLAND

Imagine pristine beaches, exciting attractions, and tropical vibes that scream fun all over. Sentosa is a manmade island that is famous for its resort, best beaches, and Entertainment. One can easily spend 2 days on this island without getting bored.

Though it’s manmade the beaches aren’t fake. The white sand that you will see on the beaches is imported from its neighboring country Malaysia. For the best spots, head to Tanjong, Palawan, or Siloso Beach.

Some of the other attractions that are on Sentosa island includes:

1. Adventure Cove Waterpark
2. Singapore Butterfly & Insect Kingdom
3. Sentosa Nature Discovery
4. Images of Singapore (Museum)

For more information about this island and where to stay, you can check their website here.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

Universal Studios is a theme park located on Sentosa Island. It is South-East Asia’s first and only Universal Studios featuring 24 rides, shows, and attractions in 7 themed zones.

If you love all the things Disney and live for the fantasy world then you should definitely take a day off to experience this amazing place. From the “Far Far Away” kingdom to “Madagascar” and “The lost world”, there is so much more for kids and adults.

Even if you are not a fan of animations and fantasy, you are definitely gonna have a gala time here. Words won’t do justice if I start to explain my experience here.

S.E.A AQUARIUM

S.E.A Aquarium on Sentosa Island is a family-friendly attraction which is a great place to visit anytime. The large aquarium is home to more than 100,000 marine animals of over 1,000 species, across 50 different habitats.

You will be enthralled to see how many aquatic animals are on display. All the species from a variety of sharks to jellyfishes and even the small fishes are a sight to look at. What I love about this place is how insightful and full of knowledge it is for kids and adults alike.

From the daily dive feeding (you can check the timings and all the shows) and learning some insights about marine life, there is so much to experience. You can even have an underwater dinner at one of the restaurants called Ocean Restaurant. For bookings and Information about this restaurant, click here.

The admission tickets for S.E.A.Aquarium are priced at $39 for adults, $29 for a child (4 – 12 years old) and seniors (>60 years old). Purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid the queue.

CHINATOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD

There is no shortage of high rise buildings in Singapore and there is so much development everywhere but if there is one area that has low rise buildings and is bursting with culture with the smell of local food it’s Chinatown.

There are stalls selling souvenirs ranging from silk robes to waving lucky cats, basically all things Asian. Remember to bargain for the best price. The market is usually open throughout the day but it’s lively in the evening.

Also, check out the nearby Maxwell Road Hawker Centre, one of the oldest and largest hawker centers in Singapore and home to some seriously tasty local dishes at wallet-friendly prices.

Google Maps Location: Click here

BUDDHA TOOTH RELIC TEMPLE

Located in the district of Chinatown, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a remarkable 4-storey Buddhist temple and museum complex that will have your attention quickly. As soon as you enter inside, you will be in awe of the main hall.

The main attraction is The Buddha Tooth Relic which is housed in a giant stupa weighing a whopping 3,500 kilograms and made from 320 kilograms of gold, of which 234 kilograms were donated by devotees. Only the monks are allowed to enter the relic chamber and the visitors can see from the viewing area.

It really is a must-visit place but keep in mind it’s very holy for people so be respectful. Wear appropriate attire to show respect: no bare backs, off-shoulders, shorts or mini-skirts.

KAMPONG GLAM NEIGHBOURHOOD

Kampong Glam is the Muslim center of Singapore and home to mosques, carpet shops, and Middle Eastern cuisine. The 2 areas ‘Haji Lane‘ and ‘Arab street‘ in this neighborhood are quite famous for all the amazing reasons.

The most exciting part about Haji Lane is the explosion of color on the street. There are so many murals around the area along with cute cafes and vintage shops. The street is rather small but it attracts a lot of tourists who want to see a hip area in Singapore.

The major tourist attraction near Haji Lane is Masjid Sultan Mosque which is famous for its golden dome. This beautiful mosque is the focal point of Singapore’s Muslim community and will definitely impress you.

Walking towards Arab street from Haji lane gave me all the middle eastern vibes. Seeing all the rugs, lamps, and perfume shops made me wonder whether I’m in Singapore or the Middle East. It’s a good change to see this neighborhood in Singapore from all the ‘oh so developed’ part.

GARDENS BY THE BAY

Gardens by the Bay is a nature park in the Central Region of Singapore, adjacent to the Marina Reservoir. There are several attractions at Gardens by the Bay and there is a possibility that something new gets added when you visit so check here for everything that is currently on display and for the ticket prices too. Some of my favorite attractions are:

Cloud Forest

A world that’s surrounded by mist and world’s second tallest indoor waterfall. If you are a plant lover then you will surely be charmed by this place. It’s amazing to see a variety of plants some of which are carnivores as well.

While you walk through treetop and cloud walk, you will notice the difference in temperature as they have maintained the temperature of each level as if it will be on hills at a different height.

Note that this place is a little cooler than the rest of the places so if you are a person that easily feels cold, I suggest carrying something light and warm.

Supertree Grove, Observatory and OCBC Skyway

Unique vertical gardens resembling towering trees, Supertree grove are from the futuristic world. Stand in awe of these amazing structures that are covered with 162900 plants. There are 18 supertrees in total in Gardens by the Bay, out of which 12 of them can be found in Supertree Grove.

Also, did you know that 11 of the supertrees are embedded with environmentally sustainable functions like photovoltaic cells to harvest solar energy? How cool is that, right?

Every night at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm, the Supertree Grove comes alive with co-ordinated music and light show called “Garden Rhapsody”. Do not miss to visit this place both day and night.

Flower Dome

Step into the flower dome and stand in awe. Spectacular and innovative, it is the largest glass greenhouse in the world. The display of flowers and plants keeps on changing here so if you are looking for some particular display, better search online first about what’s on exhibit.

ARTSCIENCE MUSEUM

Opened in 2011, the Artscience museum in Singapore is the world’s first Artscience Museum. There are permanent and touring exhibitions in this museum.

It is a wonderful experience for kids and adults. So much learning while having fun. It’s a treat to the eyes and mind. There are so many sections here but my favorite was the butterfly exhibit and crystal world.

Definitely not to be missed when in Singapore.

I hope you enjoyed this post and hopefully, it inspires you to go to Singapore. Please let me know in the comments if you have any concerns or questions. I will try to answer them to the best of my capabilities.

Until the next post.
CYA!! XOXO!!

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