Singapore – a First Time Traveller’s Guide

Singapore is one of the most exciting cities in the world, offering a host of magnificent attractions to explore. From beautiful parks, exceptional zoo, amazing restaurants and bars, luxurious hotels, and fantastic shopping to numerous historical wonders, the destination has everything for a great trip. No wonder then that the city attracts couples and families from across the globe.

 

If you are a first-time traveller to this wondrous city, here is a comprehensive guide to making the most of your Singapore trip.

How to get around in Singapore

Buy a Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) that will offer you unlimited travel on buses, trains and metros. It will cost you S$10 for one day, S$16 for two days and S$20 for three days. 

Here are the most common modes of transport in Singapore that you could use:

Public Buses

Buses are the best way to get around if you are on a Singapore trip for the first time. The buses are mostly air-conditioned and will take you to the best tourist attractions around the city. You have to tap your STP card on the card reader when you board and once again when you get off the bus. The fare ranges from SGD 0.79 ($0.58) to SGD 2.07 ($1.51).

MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)

The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) or the metro will take you around the city quickly and conveniently. Using MRT, you can easily reach shopping malls, restaurants, bars and hotels. The fare ranges from SGD 0.78 ($0.58) to SGD 2.03 ($1.51) through the STP card.

Taxis

These are perhaps the easiest modes of transport on a Singapore trip. You can visit places that are not accessible through trains and buses. These can be boarded from taxi stands, nearby malls, hotels or parks. For booking a taxi, you can call on 6-DIAL CAB (6342-5222) number. The fare usually ranges from SGD 3.6 to SGD 3.9. 

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

Where to Stay in Singapore

 

Little India

If you are looking for the comfort of Indian food and familial ambience in a nominal price range, you could choose to stay in Little India. This is a small ethnic district boasting many Hindu and Buddhist religious sites. With vegetarian food, hot milk tea, open air sari shops and much more, this place could easily be your home during your Singapore trip. The average price per night will be around INR 2,544. A few hotels to check out in the area are:

• Mayo Inn
• Golden Royal Hotel
• Marrison Desker Hotel
• The Daulat
• Perak Hotel
• Sandpiper Hotel
• ST Signature Jalan Besar

Marina Bay Sands

To experience the best of world’s amenities, you can check into the Marina Bay Sands area. It is also one of the iconic places to visit in Singapore. You could also choose to stay at the Marina Bay Sands hotel offering an infinity pool with a spectacular view from the 54th floor, luxurious rooms, casinos, restaurants, water rides, club and much more. Spoil yourself in the luxurious premises of this spectacular property. 

Other hotels to check out in this area are:

• Conrad Centennial Singapore
• Pan Pacific Singapore
• The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia
• The Westin
• Mandarin Oriental
• Fullerton Hotel

Places to Visit in Singapore as a First Time Visitor

Whether travelling with your partner, family or solo, you must check out these best places to visit in Singapore:

 

Gardens by the Bay

Head towards this nature park and see the stunning Flower Dome, the world’s largest glass greenhouse consisting of flowers and plants sourced from five different continents. Do check out the Cloud Forest and Floral Fantasy to see vertical gardens and surreal Supertrees.

Universal Studios

One of the top places to visit in Singapore is Universal Studios located on Sentosa Island. This theme park has numerous fun-filled rides, attractions and shows for all types of tourists. The fun never ends at the seven theme zones of this park; Hollywood, New York, Ancient Egypt, the Lost World, Sci-Fi City, Madagascar and Far Far Away.

Sentosa Island Tour

A Sentosa tour is a highly-recommended part of every Singapore trip and is one of the most interesting things to do in Singapore. The trip may include a cable car ride over the Merlion Statue and Tiger Sky Tower. You will also visit attractions in Singapore like Quayside Walk, Madame Tussauds Museum, Four Winds Trading Co. and Commercial Square.

Merlion Statue

The Merlion is a mythical creature that is a combination of a lion and a fish. Visit this mesmerising statue located near the Central Business District to take amazing photographs.

Singapore Night Safari

This is a journey through an open-air zoo called Night Safari where you will see more than 2,500 nocturnal animals. These include Asian elephants, leopards, Malayan tapir, flying foxes, flying squirrels and Malayan tiger. If you are travelling to Singapore with kids, this is the perfect excursion to book!

Singapore Flyer

The Singapore Flyer is a huge observation wheel from where you can see the important landmarks of Singapore such as the Merlion Statue, Marina Bay, Sentosa Island and Empress Palace. This experience is the main highlight of any Singapore trip, where you can make beautiful memories with your loved ones.

Read More: Free Things to Do in Singapore

Where to Shop in Singapore

 

Bugis Street

The place is studded with roadside shops selling clothes, accessories, electronics, souvenirs and key chains. Satisfy your taste buds with the Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese and Asian delights.    

Little India

This small district will allow you to visit Hindu and Buddhist temples and shop for Indian saris, jewellery, ornaments, clothes, silverware, bags and accessories.    

Haji Lane

Located at the corner of Bugis Street, the lane is dotted with cafes, bars and restaurants – all decorated by gorgeous murals. Shop the latest clothes, bags, purses and accessories here.

If you are planning your first Singapore trip, explore great holiday packages at MakeMyTrip that will offer you the best of this wonderful destination. Use our Singapore travel guide to make the trip to Singapore a memorable one!

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