Singapore: A Quick and Handy Travel Guide

Offering the warmth and friendliness of Asia, for centuries, Singapore has been the remarkable link between the East and the West. A stay here will be a journey through time, from ethnicity to contemporary business centres, from calm gardens to tapering skyscrapers. With its friendly and welcoming people, state-of-the-art infrastructure and a new day every day, your Singapore holiday is sure to be a memorable one.

Don’t leave Singapore before you:

See:

1. Jurong Bird Park: The park boasts of the world’s largest walk-in aviaries with the tallest man-made waterfall (30 metres high). Don’t miss out on the Birds n Buddies show that showcases a stunning display of the largest collection of birds.
2. Merlion Park: When you’re in the vicinity of the Merlion Park and One Fullerton, it’s hard to miss out on the iconic symbol, regarded as the pride of Singapore. The large Merlion statue, standing at a height of 28 feet has a lion’s head and a fish’s body and represents the city’s humble origins as a fishing village. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Marina Bay.
3. Sentosa Island: Enjoy a day out with your family and loved ones in Singapore’s playground with its beaches, nature walks, spas, restaurants, live shows and much more. Don’t forget to buy t-shirts, stuff toys, magnets and other exciting souvenirs on your way back.

Do:

1. Hop on to the Singapore Flyer: Get on to the world’s largest observation wheel and enjoy breathtaking 360° views of iconic landmarks along the Singapore River.
2. Go for the Night Safari: The Singapore Night Safari is a must for nature lovers. Embark on a 40-minute journey through the world’s first wildlife night park that takes you from the Himalayan foothills to wild equatorial Africa. This is your chance to come up close with lions, tigers, tapirs and more!
3. Board the Singapore River Cruise: Witness the contrasting architectural styles of the old-world quays and the modern skyscrapers in the central business district. Discover the grand bridges of Singapore and visit historical landmarks such as the Merlion, The Raffles Landing Site and the Esplanade as you go on the cruise.

Read More: 5 Places to Shop in Singapore You Cannot Miss

Eat:

1. Char Kway Teow: If you want to try out the local cuisine, Char Kway Teow (stir fried strips of ricecake with Lap cheongs or Chinese sausages) is a must have. Try it out at Hill Street Char Kway Teow.
2. Chilli Crab: Singapore is one of the best places in the world for seafood. Don’t miss the chilli crab and other exotic seafood delicacies at Jumbo Restaurant at East Coast Road.
3. Xinghua vegetarian noodles: Singapore has a lot of options for vegetarians as well. Xinghua vegetarian noodles and crunchy Tofu balls at Xing Hua Restaurant are highly recommended.

When to Go:

May - September: While tourists visit throughout the year, the festive season is a great time to explore the many facets of Singapore. The Great Singapore Sale and the Singapore Food Festival take place between May and July and the Singapore Grand Prix happens in September.

February - April: Spring time is quite pleasant in Singapore. You can indulge in a plenty of outdoor activities like cycling, picnics, open air theatres and more.

October - January: The wettest months are between November and January, when showers can last for long periods of time.

Read More: 7 Romantic Experiences in Singapore for a Super Memorable Vacation!

Getting There:

By Air: Changi Airport is one of Asia’s best-connected airports. There is regular air traffic to and from Singapore to several destinations in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia and North America. Regularly voted the world’s best airport, its facilities include a gym, several gardens, an outdoor pool, free internet, cafes and plenty of shops.

By Train: Singapore is connected to Malaysia, Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur by rail, with a route to Bangkok. There are three trains per day, including a sleeper. Trains depart from and arrive at the Tanjong Pagar MRT station Singapore.

By Road: Singapore has two causeways that connect the island to Malaysia and the mainland of Asia. There are regular bus services from 5 am to midnight. Buses are operated by SBS and Causeway Link, with the latter being significantly faster.

By Water: Singapore is increasingly being used as a base for cruises throughout South East Asia. Being an island country, Singapore offers regular ferry services to Tanjung Belungkor in Malaysia and Riau Islands in Indonesia. Star cruises offer an experience of a lifetime and are a great way to reach Singapore.

Read More: 5-Star Hotels in Singapore that Offer Great City Views

Getting Around:

Bus: Singapore’s efficient and regular bus service is a great way to explore the island’s charming streets. The main service providers are SBS Transit and SMRT. Bus charges range from $1.40 to $2.50. Be sure to drop the exact change into the fare box.

MRT: The Mass Transit Railway (MRT) connects to every part of the city and is the fastest and most economical way to get around Singapore. Trains operate from 5:30 am to midnight, with around 90 stations connecting the city centre and suburbs. Changi Airport is accessible by the MRT with regular trains to the city.

Taxis: Taxis are affordable and easily available throughout Singapore, although you can expect a wait during peak hours. Expect a higher charge during night time, peak hours, for trips to the central business district and advance phone booking.

Trishaws: Explore Singapore on this traditional chauffeur-pedalled transport. Purely for tourist purposes, trishaws should be avoided for serious travel. With little room for bargaining, you can end up paying between $10-20 for short rides and about $50 for an hour’s sightseeing.

EZ Link: If you plan to stay in Singapore for more than a week, you can save on train and bus travel by buying the EZ Link card. These cards can easily be bought from an MRT station and entitle you to a discount of up to 30%.

What to Pack:

1. Light cotton clothes and sunblock for the hot and humid weather
2. Umbrella, especially if you are travelling during monsoon
3. Travel adapters and converters (electricity in Singapore is 230 Volts)
4. Mosquito repellents, especially for visits to the Jurong Bird Park, Singapore Zoo and Night Safari
5. Swimming and beach gear, if you plan to visit Sentosa

A bustling metropolis, a shopper’s fantasy, an adventurer’s dream, a foodie’s delight – Singapore has something for everyone!

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