Singapore, a vibrant and multicultural city-state of cultures, cuisines, and experiences. It is known for its stunning skyline, lush gardens, and bustling hawker centers, Singapore offers a perfect blend of modernity and tradition.
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Country: Singapore
Coordinates: 1.3521° N, 103.8198° E
What to Eat/Drink: Chili Crab, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Laksa, Kaya Toast
What to Do: Explore Marina Bay Sands, visit Sentosa Island, take a walk in Chinatown, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of Little India.
Where to Stay: Hotel 81, Lion Peak Hotel Bugis
Ideal Time to Visit: Singapore is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from February to April when the weather is cooler and less humid.
Language: English, Mandarin, Malay
Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD): Approximately 1 SGD = 37 PHP = 57 USD (rough estimate)
PLANNING YOUR SINGAPORE ITINERARY
1. DETERMINE THE NUMBER OF DAYS YOU’LL BE STAYING
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| Bugis Street |
•1 Day: Focus on highlights like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and a visit to Clarke Quay for dinner and nightlife.
•2 to 3 Days: You'll have time to explore additional attractions like Sentosa Island, Little India, and the bustling streets of Chinatown, as well as indulge in some shopping on Orchard Road.
• 4 Days or More: Ideal for a relaxed pace with time to venture outside the city to places like the Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park.
Tip: For most travelers, two to three days is ideal. However, if you have extra time, you'll find plenty of peaceful and scenic spots to explore!
2. DETERMINE YOUR HOTEL LOCATION
• City Center: The best option for easy access to major sights like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Clarke Quay. Staying centrally allows you to walk to many attractions or take a short ride to others.
• Orchard Road: Known for shopping and dining, this area is perfect if you want to explore high-end stores and a variety of restaurants.
• Bugis: A lively area with a mix of local eateries, street food, and cultural attractions. It’s close to the city center but has its own unique vibe, making it ideal for those who want to experience Singapore's local life while still being near the main attractions.
Tip: Singapore is compact, so most sights are within a quick MRT ride or a short Grab ride.
3. DETERMINE YOUR IDEAL MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
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| Airport Train to City Center |
Getting to Singapore
• By Air: Most visitors arrive at Changi Airport. The airport is just a 20-minute drive to the city center.
• By Land: If you're coming from Malaysia, consider taking a bus.
Getting Around Singapore
• MRT: The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system is the most convenient and affordable way to get around the city. It connects most tourist spots and runs frequently, making it easy to hop on and off.
• Buses: Singapore’s bus system is extensive and reliable. While it might take a little longer than the MRT, it’s a great way to see the city and access areas not covered by train.
• Walking: Singapore’s city center is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. Many attractions are within walking distance of each other.
Tip: The MRT is perfect for getting around quickly, while walking is ideal for exploring the city.
OUR SINGAPORE ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVAL & THE JEWEL
We arrived at Changi Airport in the afternoon. Before heading out, we took some time to explore The Jewel, the indoor garden and waterfall that had become an iconic feature of the airport. After that, we bought the SG Tourist Pass for unlimited travel on the MRT and buses, making it easy to get around the city. We also picked up a SIM card to stay connected during our trip. We took the airport train that connects to the city center and checked-in at our Bugis Station hotel.
DAY 2: MERLION PARK, ORCHARD ROAD, CHINATOWN, GARDENS BY THE BAY AND MARINA BAY SANDS
Breakfast at Heap Seng Leong
From Bugis Station, we took the MRT to Lavender Station. A short walk from the station is Heap Seng Leong, a coffee shop known for traditional Singaporean breakfast. We enjoyed satisfying breakfast of their signature butter kopi and kaya toast.
Merlion Park, Fullerton Hotel, One Fullerton, Merlion Park, Esplanade, and Sky Garden CapitaSpring
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| Marina Bay Sands and Merlion |
After breakfast, we headed back to Lavender Station and took the MRT to Raffles Place Station. From there, we walked to Merlion Park, and took photos of the Merlion and the Marina Bay skyline. We also stopped along Fullerton Hotel, One Fullerton, and the Esplanade.
We headed back to Raffles Place Station and walked a little further to CapitaSpring’s Sky Garden, an urban oasis with views of the surrounding cityscape. The 51st floor view deck offers stunning panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline, including landmarks like Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore Flyer.
Orchard Road
We returned to Raffles Place Station and got on a train to Orchard Road, Singapore’s famous shopping and entertainment district. Walking towards Somerset Station, we stopped for a One Dollar Ice Cream along the way.
Sri Mariamman Temple
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| Chinatown and Sri Mariamman Temple |
We took the MRT from Somerset Station to Dhoby Ghaut, transferred train, and headed to Chinatown Station. We walked to Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple and a cultural landmark. The temple boasts on local heritage with its colorful architecture and intricate details.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Just a short walk away, we visited the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, known for its unique architecture and peaceful ambiance. We explored the museum exhibits and admired the beautifully crafted interiors inside.
Lunch at Tian Tian Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre
A short walk away is Maxwell Food Centre, where we tried Tian Tian’s famous chicken rice, known for its flavorful rice and perfectly tender chicken.
A short walk away is Maxwell Food Centre, where we tried Tian Tian’s famous chicken rice, known for its flavorful rice and perfectly tender chicken.Gardens by the Bay, Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, Dinner at Hawker Chan, and Supertree Grove Light Show
After a great meal, we walked to Maxwell Station and got on a train to Gardens by the Bay Station. We explored Gardens by the Bay, taking in the lush surroundings and impressive Supertrees. We visited the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, with its mist-filled greenery and indoor waterfall.
We decided to have our dinner first while waiting for the daily light show in the Gardens. We ate at Hawker Chan in located inside the Jurassic Nest Foodhall. We enjoyed their soy sauce chicken rice, a budget-friendly meal.
We ended our stay in the Gardens with the The Supertree Grove Music and Light show 7:45pm.
Marina Bay Sands and Spectra Light and Water Show
From Gardens by the Bay, we walked towards the Marina Bay Overpass Viewpoint to Marina Bay Sands. We ended the day with Spectra Light and Water Show at 8pm before heading back to Bugis Station.
DAY 3: ARAB STREET, SENTOSA, AND ART SCIENCE MUSEUM
Breakfast at Zam Zam Restaurant
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| Arab Street and Haji Lane |
A short walk from our Bugis hotel is Zam Zam Restaurant, a local favorite for traditional roti, murtabak and nasi biryani.
Sultan Mosque, Arab Street, Haji Lane
From Zam Zam, we headed to Sultan Mosque, one of the cultural buildings showcasing Singapore’s Islamic heritage with its golden dome and intricate architecture. We also strolled along Arab Street and Haji Lane, with its colorful shops, eclectic street art, quirky boutiques, cozy cafes, and local crafts.
Lunch at Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle (1 Michelin Star)
From the mosque, we made our way to Hill Street for a Michelin-starred culinary experience at a famous noodle spot. At Tai Hwa, we tried the Dry Bak Chor Mee (minced meat noodles).
Sentosa, Universal Studios Singapore & Resorts World Sentosa
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| Sentosa Express and Universal Studios Singapore |
We headed to Lavender Station to Outram Park Station and transferred to Harbourfront Station. Arriving at VivoCity, we transferred to the Sentosa Express to Waterfront Station, where Universal Studios Singapore and the resort attractions are located.
We headed back the same way and exited at Bayfront Station. We walked to the ArtScience Museum for the interactive exhibits. We enjoyed the immersive installations and exhibits.
Bayfront, Helix Bridge, and Singapore Flyer
From the museum, we strolled around Bayfront with views Marina Bay Sands, Helix Bridge and Singapore Flyer.
Suntec City and Dinner at Song Fa Bak Kut Teh
We explored Suntec City and had our dinner at Song Fa Bak Kut Teh. We enjoyed Singapore’s iconic peppery pork rib soup before heading back to Bugis Station.
DAY 4: TRAVEL BACK TO MALAYSIA
We checked out early and catched our bus back to Kuala Lumpur.
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| View of Supertrees from Marina Bay Sands |
OTHER DAY TRIPS:
With so much to explore, we couldn’t fit in everything, but we had our eye on a few day trips that would add even more to a Singapore itinerary. For first-timers wanting to maximize their experience, we recommend these Klook tours that would make great additions:
• Sentosa Island Adventure: This tour covers major Sentosa attractions, including S.E.A. Aquarium, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and the Cable Car Sky Network, for a full day of excitement.
• Singapore Zoo: Explore the impressive Singapore Zoo by day, then see nocturnal animals up close on the famous Night Safari.
These trips are a great way to see more of Singapore’s surroundings and immerse yourself in unique experiences you won’t find in the city center.
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| Heap Seng Leong Butter Coffee and Michelin Star Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle |
Helpful Tips for Singapore Travelers
• Download a Map App: Getting around in Singapore is easy, but an offline map can be helpful if you’re in underground stations or areas with limited signal.
• Get an EZ-Link Card or SG Tourist Pass: For convenient and unlimited travel on Singapore’s MRT and buses, consider buying one of these transit passes to save on transportation costs.
• Stay Hydrated and Bring Sun Protection: Singapore’s climate is warm and humid year-round, so a water bottle and sunscreen are essentials.
• Dress Comfortably: Lightweight, breathable clothing is best for sightseeing in Singapore’s tropical weather.
• Plan for Crowds at Major Attractions: Popular spots like Marina Bay Sands and Universal Studios can get busy, especially on weekends. Booking tickets ahead and arriving early can save you time.
• Respect Local Customs: Singapore has strict regulations on littering, eating on public transport, and smoking. Following these rules will ensure a smooth and respectful trip.
Budget Guide for Singapore Trip
Here's a budget overview for a three-day trip to Singapore.
• Accommodation: PHP 4,500 per night at a budget hotel (USD ~$80), PHP 9,000+ for mid-range (USD ~$160+) (3 nights: PHP 13,500 for budget, USD ~$240; PHP 27,000 for mid-range, USD ~$480).
• Food: Average PHP 250-500 per meal at hawker centers (USD ~$4.50–9), with restaurants costing more (PHP 3,000–5,000 for the trip, USD ~$55–90).
• Transportation: SG Tourist Pass for 3 days – PHP 1,000 (USD ~$18) for unlimited MRT/bus rides.
• Attractions:
Gardens by the Bay (PHP 1,500 with Flower Dome and Cloud Forest access, USD ~$27)
ArtScience Museum (PHP 1,200, USD ~$22)
Singapore Zoo and Night Safari (PHP 2,500, USD ~$45)
Universal Studios Singapore (PHP 3,500, USD ~$63)
Shopping/Souvenirs: PHP 1,500–3,000 (USD ~$27–54) (optional).
• Estimated Total for 3 Days: PHP 25,000–35,000 (USD ~$450–630) per person, depending on accommodations and activities.
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Singapore is a city that offers an array of experiences for first-time visitors. From savoring its diverse culinary delights to immersing yourself in its rich culture, your trip is bound to be memorable.
FOOTNOTES: Photos by Cheloi Marasigan and Rae Argallon | Samsung S23 Ultra | Singapore | May 2023
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