🇸🇬 Your Authentic 3-Day Singapore Itinerary

To truly understand the stories behind the different cultures, a guided walking tour through the ethnic enclaves is highly recommended. Many tours focus on a specific area, like Chinatown, and are often led by knowledgeable locals who can share insights into the history, architecture, and religious practices you’ll encounter. For a more comprehensive overview, a “Singapore in a Nutshell” tour can cover several districts. A particularly unique experience is a guided food tour through these neighborhoods, allowing you to sample a curated selection of signature dishes like curry puffs, popiah, and various kueh (cakes).

For the evening at Marina Bay, consider a Singapore River Cruise. The cruise typically starts from Clarke Quay and takes you through the city’s historic waterfront, past the colonial buildings, the Merlion, and into Marina Bay. Taking the cruise at sunset provides a stunning perspective as the city’s skyline transforms from day to night, lighting up spectacularly. It’s a relaxing and scenic way to see many of the city’s iconic landmarks and ends perfectly in time to catch the evening light shows.

For Young Travelers: After exploring Chinatown, head to the nearby Ann Siang Hill and Club Street area, a trendy enclave of cool bars, independent boutiques, and chic restaurants housed in heritage shophouses. In the evening, after the light shows, explore the vibrant nightlife at Clarke Quay, with its numerous riverside bars and clubs. A visit to Haji Lane in the Kampong Glam district (another great enclave) is a must for its quirky shops and hipster cafes.

For Seniors: The main temples and streets in Chinatown and Little India are flat and walkable. Pace yourself and take breaks in the many air-conditioned cafes and tea houses. A trishaw ride through these districts can be a fun and less strenuous way to soak in the atmosphere. The Marina Bay area is very accessible, with smooth, wide promenades. The light show can be enjoyed from one of the many benches with a great view, avoiding the main crowds.

For Families: In Chinatown, kids will enjoy the colorful streets and the impressive statues at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. The 24-hour Mustafa Centre in Little India is a giant emporium that can be a fun and overwhelming adventure. In the evening, the Spectra light and water show at the base of the Marina Bay Sands is a huge hit with children, featuring fountains, projections, and music. The nearby ArtScience Museum often has highly engaging, interactive exhibits perfect for families.

For Travelers with Disabilities: Singapore is a very accessible city. The MRT (subway) system has barrier-free access at all stations. Chinatown and Little India have accessible main streets and temples. The Marina Bay area is extremely wheelchair-friendly, with wide, paved paths, ramps, and accessible restrooms. Both the Garden Rhapsody show and the Spectra water and light show have excellent, accessible viewing areas.

For Luxury Travel: Stay at the iconic Marina Bay Sands or the historic Fullerton Hotel. Arrange for a private, chauffeured tour of the cultural districts with an expert guide. In the evening, ascend to the CÉ LA VI rooftop bar at Marina Bay Sands for signature cocktails with the most exclusive panoramic view of the city. For dinner, book a table at a celebrity chef restaurant at Marina Bay Sands or a Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant in the Chinatown area.

For Adventure Travel: Rent a bicycle and explore the city on two wheels. You can cycle from the colonial district along the Singapore River, through the different quays, and all the way to Marina Bay. For a different kind of urban adventure, explore the Tiong Bahru neighborhood, a charming art deco estate known for its blend of old-school coffee shops and trendy, independent bookstores and cafes. It offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience.

For Nature Lovers: While today is urban-focused, you can find green pockets of tranquility. Visit the Thian Hock Keng Temple in Chinatown, which has beautiful, peaceful courtyards. In the evening, after the light show, take a walk through the outdoor gardens of Gardens by the Bay, such as the Serene Garden or the Sun Pavilion, to enjoy the beautifully landscaped spaces. A walk along the Marina Bay waterfront itself is a great way to enjoy the open space and sea breeze.

For a short 3-day trip, staying in a central and well-connected area is crucial. The Marina Bay and Civic District areas are home to many of Singapore’s most luxurious hotels and offer stunning views and proximity to key attractions. A more atmospheric and culturally rich option is to stay in a boutique hotel in a restored shophouse in Chinatown or Clarke Quay. This allows you to be right in the heart of the action, with fantastic food and vibrant streets right at your doorstep. For a balance of convenience and value, the Bugis and City Hall areas offer a wide range of mid-range hotels and are major transport hubs.

Singapore’s hotel scene is diverse and of a very high standard. Luxury travelers are spoiled for choice with global brands offering impeccable service. The mid-range is filled with stylish and modern hotels, often featuring rooftop pools with great city views—a welcome feature in the tropical climate. Budget-conscious travelers can find chic “pod” or capsule hotels that offer a clean, safe, and unique experience, as well as well-run hostels in the cultural districts. Booking in advance is always recommended.

• Luxury: Marina Bay Sands
• Mid-Range: The Clan Hotel Singapore by Far East Hospitality
• Budget: Wink Capsule Hostel @ Chinatown

Upon arrival at Changi Airport, the most important things to arrange are your transport card and connectivity. For transport, purchase an EZ-Link card or a Singapore Tourist Pass from the MRT station at the airport. These rechargeable cards make travel on the highly efficient MRT (subway) and bus system seamless and are cheaper than buying single-trip tickets. For connectivity, you can buy a tourist SIM card from one of the many vendors at the airport, which will provide you with ample data for maps, ride-hailing apps, and browsing.

Singapore’s weather is hot and humid year-round, with the potential for sudden, heavy downpours. It is absolutely essential to stay hydrated. Carry a reusable water bottle with you; you can find water fountains in many public places, including MRT stations and parks, to refill it. An umbrella is a must-have accessory—it will serve you well as protection from both the intense sun and the unexpected rain showers. Plan to intersperse your outdoor exploration with breaks in air-conditioned spaces like malls, museums, or cafes to cool down.

Dressing for Singapore’s tropical climate is all about staying cool and comfortable. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking materials are your best friends. Shorts, t-shirts, skirts, and summer dresses are perfectly acceptable and are the standard attire for both locals and tourists. Given that you will be visiting religious sites like temples and mosques today, it’s a good idea for women to carry a light scarf or shawl to cover their shoulders as a sign of respect when entering these places.

Comfortable footwear is non-negotiable. You will be doing a lot of walking, so choose a pair of comfortable sandals, sneakers, or walking shoes. While it’s hot outside, be aware that indoor spaces like shopping malls, museums, and the MRT are often very heavily air-conditioned. It’s highly recommended to carry a light cardigan or sweater with you to put on when you go inside, to avoid feeling chilled. A hat and sunglasses are also essential for sun protection.

Today is a fantastic day for a culinary journey through Singapore’s diverse cultures. For lunch, dive into the Chinatown Complex Food Centre, a massive hawker centre with hundreds of stalls. Here you can try the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred meal at Hawker Chan (soya sauce chicken rice) or sample other classics like char kway teow (stir-fried noodles) and popiah (fresh spring rolls). Alternatively, the Maxwell Food Centre, also in Chinatown, is famous for its Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice.

For dinner, immerse yourself in the flavors of Little India. The Tekka Centre is a bustling market and hawker centre where you can find some of the best biryani, roti prata, and thosai in the city. For a more comfortable sit-down meal, there are many excellent and authentic South Indian restaurants along Race Course Road. After dinner, a visit to Satay by the Bay, located near Gardens by the Bay, is a perfect way to end the evening, enjoying delicious grilled skewers in a beautiful outdoor setting.

From Changi Airport (SIN), the most efficient and affordable way to get to the city center is by MRT (Mass Rapid Transit). The train station is located directly at the airport. A single transfer at Tanah Merah station will connect you to the main East-West line that goes into the city. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are also readily available and offer a more direct, comfortable, but more expensive option. Singapore’s public transport system is world-class, and the MRT is the best way to explore the city.

Chinatown and Little India both have their own dedicated MRT stations, making them very easy to reach. The neighborhoods themselves are best explored on foot. To get from the cultural districts to Marina Bay, you can again use the MRT (the Bayfront station is right underneath Marina Bay Sands). The entire city is well-connected by the MRT network, which is clean, safe, and air-conditioned, providing a welcome respite from the heat. Your EZ-Link card will make hopping between destinations a breeze.

At the Singapore Botanic Gardens, while much of it is free to enter, the National Orchid Garden has a small entrance fee and is the undisputed highlight. Allow at least an hour to wander through its stunning collection of over 1,000 species of orchids. For a more structured visit, the gardens offer guided walking tours on certain days, which provide insights into the history and botanical significance of the site. At Gardens by the Bay, a must-do activity is the OCBC Skyway, a suspended walkway that offers incredible, close-up views of the Supertrees and the surrounding gardens.

To enhance your Gardens by the Bay experience, plan your visit for the late afternoon. This allows you to explore the two cooled conservatories (Cloud Forest and Flower Dome) during the hottest part of the day. As evening approaches, you can then experience the Supertree Grove as the lights come on, culminating in the spectacular “Garden Rhapsody” light and sound show. For a different perspective, consider visiting the Floral Fantasy attraction, a whimsical and highly photogenic space that combines flowers, artistry, and technology.

For Young Travelers: After the gardens, head to Orchard Road for more than just shopping. Check out the independent fashion labels at multi-brand stores like Design Orchard. In the evening, explore the speakeasy bar scene hidden in the side streets and shopping centers around Orchard Road for a unique cocktail experience. For a more budget-friendly evening, the food court at ION Orchard or the Asian Food Mall at Lucky Plaza offers a huge variety of delicious and affordable food.

For Seniors: The Singapore Botanic Gardens has paved paths and offers a shuttle service (for a small fee) that loops through the grounds, which is a great way to see the different areas without extensive walking. At Gardens by the Bay, the main paths and the two conservatories are fully accessible. There are also shuttle services available. Orchard Road’s wide, shaded sidewalks and numerous air-conditioned shopping malls make it a comfortable place for a leisurely stroll and some window shopping.

For Families: The Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden within the Singapore Botanic Gardens is a fantastic, dedicated space for kids to play and learn about nature. At Gardens by the Bay, the Cloud Forest with its giant indoor waterfall is a huge wow-factor for children, and the Far East Organization Children’s Garden (with its water play areas) is a perfect place for them to cool off and have fun. Many malls on Orchard Road have family-friendly restaurants and play areas.

For Travelers with Disabilities: Both the Singapore Botanic Gardens and Gardens by the Bay are exceptionally accessible. They have paved paths, ramps, accessible restrooms, and offer wheelchair rentals. The OCBC Skyway at Gardens by the Bay is also wheelchair accessible. Orchard Road is very navigable, with accessible sidewalks, drop-kerbs, and fully accessible shopping malls and MRT stations, making this entire day’s itinerary very friendly for travelers with mobility issues.

For Luxury Travel: After exploring the Orchid Garden, enjoy a high-end brunch at a restaurant within the Botanic Gardens, such as The Halia. For your Gardens by the Bay visit, consider a private guided tour. In the evening, indulge in a personal shopping experience at one of Orchard Road’s designer boutiques, followed by a reservation at a Michelin-starred restaurant like Iggy’s or Les Amis, both located in the area. A final cocktail at a rooftop bar overlooking the city would be a perfect end to the day.

For Adventure Travel: For a more rugged nature experience, skip Orchard Road and instead head to the MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Here you can embark on the TreeTop Walk, a free-standing suspension bridge that offers a stunning canopy-level view of the rainforest. The park has several hiking trails of varying lengths where you can spot long-tailed macaque monkeys and other wildlife. It’s a true tropical jungle adventure right in the middle of the city.

For Nature Lovers: This day is a dream come true. Spend an extended amount of time at the Botanic Gardens, exploring not just the Orchid Garden but also the Ginger Garden and the Rainforest Walk. At Gardens by the Bay, make sure to visit the “World of Plants” section to learn more about the different ecosystems. For your evening, instead of the bustle of Orchard Road, you could visit the Night Safari, the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park, for a completely different and unforgettable nature-based experience.

Staying in the Orchard Road area is a great choice for today’s itinerary, placing you right in the heart of Singapore’s premier shopping and entertainment district. The neighborhood is lined with a huge number of hotels, from iconic luxury properties to excellent mid-range and service apartment options. The area is well-served by multiple MRT stations (Orchard, Somerset, Dhoby Ghaut), making it a very convenient base for getting to the gardens and for your departure the next day. The convenience of being able to walk back to your hotel after an evening of shopping and dining is a major plus.

The Orchard Road area offers a slightly different vibe to the more historic or business-focused districts. It’s lively, modern, and cosmopolitan. Many hotels here feature beautiful rooftop pools, providing a perfect escape from the city buzz and the tropical heat. You can find hotels to suit every budget, although it is generally one of the more upscale areas of the city. For a good balance of price and location, look for hotels located just off the main Orchard Road strip.

• Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
• Mid-Range: YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road
• Budget: York Hotel

Buy your tickets for Gardens by the Bay’s cooled conservatories (Flower Dome and Cloud Forest) and the OCBC Skyway online in advance from the official website or a trusted vendor like Klook. This will allow you to skip the often long ticket queues, especially during peak hours and weekends, saving you valuable time. A combo ticket for the two conservatories is usually the best value. Note that the Garden Rhapsody light show at the Supertree Grove is free to watch from the ground.

When visiting the conservatories at Gardens by the Bay, be prepared for a significant temperature change. The Cloud Forest, in particular, is kept cool and misty to replicate a tropical mountain climate. After being in the hot and humid Singaporean weather, the blast of cold air can be quite a shock. It is highly recommended to bring a cardigan, sweater, or light jacket with you to wear inside the domes to stay comfortable and fully enjoy the stunning displays without feeling chilled.

Today’s outfit should be comfortable, cool, and a little bit smart. For the gardens, lightweight and breathable clothing is a must. A nice summer dress, or shorts/linen trousers with a stylish top would be perfect. You will be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are essential. Since you will be transitioning to the upscale Orchard Road area in the evening, you might want to wear an outfit that feels appropriate for both a garden stroll and a nice dinner or a walk through luxury malls.

As mentioned in the travel tip, a light cardigan or jacket is an absolute must-have for today. The air conditioning in the Gardens by the Bay conservatories and the shopping malls on Orchard Road is very strong. Having that extra layer will make a huge difference to your comfort. Don’t forget your sun protection essentials—a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen—for the outdoor portions of your day, particularly at the Botanic Gardens.

For lunch, you have excellent options at both garden locations. The Singapore Botanic Gardens has several lovely cafes and restaurants, from casual eateries to the Michelin-starred Corner House. At Gardens by the Bay, Satay by the Bay is a fantastic open-air food court offering a wide variety of local favorites, including satay, grilled seafood, and other hawker classics in a beautiful waterfront setting. It’s a great and affordable choice. For a quick bite, there are also several cafes and fast-food options within the main complex.

Orchard Road offers an incredible density and variety of dining options for the evening. For a budget-friendly and diverse experience, the food courts in the basements of major malls like ION Orchard and Takashimaya are fantastic. They offer high-quality versions of many famous hawker dishes in a comfortable, air-conditioned setting. For a more upscale experience, the area is packed with excellent restaurants serving every type of cuisine imaginable, from high-end Japanese to modern European. Booking is recommended for popular restaurants, especially on a weekend.

The MRT is the best way to navigate today’s itinerary. The Singapore Botanic Gardens has its own MRT station (Botanic Gardens) on the Circle and Downtown lines. From there, you can take the MRT to Bayfront Station, which is directly connected to Gardens by the Bay, making the transfer very easy. After your visit to the gardens, you can take the MRT from Bayfront to Orchard Station to begin your exploration of the shopping district.

Orchard Road itself is best explored on foot. It’s a long, straight road, and you can easily walk from one end to the other, dipping into the various air-conditioned malls along the way. The entire area is served by three main MRT stations: Orchard, Somerset, and Dhoby Ghaut, so no matter where you end up, you are never far from a convenient train connection to get you back to your hotel.

On Sentosa, the best approach is to choose one or two key activities that match your interests to avoid feeling rushed. For a scenic and relaxing experience, the Singapore Cable Car ride from the mainland to the island offers breathtaking aerial views. Once on the island, you can use the free Sentosa Express monorail and beach shuttles to get around. A walk along the suspension bridge to the “Southernmost Point of Continental Asia” from Palawan Beach is a classic photo opportunity. For thrill-seekers, the Skyline Luge is a fun and unique gravity-powered cart ride.

For your farewell dinner, a guided hawker centre food tour is a fantastic option. This takes the guesswork out of choosing what to eat from the hundreds of stalls. A local foodie guide will lead you to the best and most famous stalls at a place like Maxwell Food Centre or Lau Pa Sat, ordering a variety of must-try dishes for you to share, like chili crab, satay, and hokkien mee. They will explain the history and ingredients of each dish, turning your final meal into a fun, educational, and incredibly delicious event.

For Young Travelers: Sentosa is your playground. Head to Tanjong Beach Club for a chic beach party vibe, or try some water sports at Siloso Beach. Universal Studios Singapore is a must for theme park fans. In the evening, instead of a traditional hawker centre, you could explore the hip dining scene in the Dempsey Hill area for a cool, atmospheric final meal before heading to the airport.

For Seniors: On Sentosa, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the quieter Palawan or Tanjong beaches. The S.E.A. Aquarium is a world-class, fully accessible, and air-conditioned attraction that is perfect for a relaxing and fascinating afternoon. A comfortable cafe with a sea view is a great place to rest. For your final meal, choose a more comfortable, air-conditioned food court like Food Republic at VivoCity or in an Orchard Road mall, which offers a hawker-style experience in a more relaxed setting.

For Families: Sentosa is the ultimate family destination. Universal Studios Singapore and the Adventure Cove Waterpark are the main draws. The S.E.A. Aquarium is fantastic for all ages. Palawan Beach is particularly family-friendly, with playgrounds and calm waters. For your farewell meal, Lau Pa Sat hawker centre is a great choice, especially in the evening when the street outside closes and becomes a giant satay barbecue party, which is a fun and memorable experience for everyone.

For Travelers with Disabilities: Sentosa Island is highly accessible. The Sentosa Express monorail, cable car, and most buses are wheelchair-friendly. The main beaches have accessible pathways. Major attractions like Universal Studios Singapore and the S.E.A. Aquarium are designed with accessibility in mind. Hawker centres like Lau Pa Sat and Maxwell are accessible, with flat ground and accessible restrooms nearby, making the authentic culinary experience available to all.

For Luxury Travel: Spend your final day at a luxury beach club on Sentosa, like Tanjong Beach Club, reserving a daybed with premium service. Indulge in a spa treatment at one of Sentosa’s 5-star resorts, like Capella Singapore. For your farewell meal, book the private dining room at a top Singaporean restaurant for an exclusive tasting menu of elevated local cuisine. A final, seamless departure can be arranged with a luxury airport transfer service directly from your hotel.

For Adventure Travel: On Sentosa, get your adrenaline pumping at AJ Hackett Sentosa with a bungee jump or a giant swing over the beach. Alternatively, try indoor skydiving at iFly Singapore. For a final meal, embark on a “hawker centre crawl,” taking the MRT to several different famous centres (like Old Airport Road and Chinatown Complex) to try one specific, famous dish from each, creating your own ultimate foodie adventure.

For Nature Lovers: On Sentosa, escape the crowds by exploring the Sentosa Nature Discovery trail, a quiet walking path through the island’s secondary rainforest. You can also visit the southern beaches during a weekday morning for a more peaceful experience. For a final nature-based activity before your flight, a visit to the spectacular Jewel Changi Airport is a must. The HSBC Rain Vortex and the Shiseido Forest Valley are breathtaking feats of indoor nature and architecture.

On your final day, a hotel with excellent luggage storage facilities and easy access to both Sentosa and the airport is ideal. The HarbourFront area is a perfect choice, as it is home to VivoCity (Singapore’s largest mall) and the main gateway to Sentosa via the Sentosa Express and the cable car. It’s also on a direct MRT line to the city center and offers easy taxi access to the airport. This location minimizes travel time and maximizes convenience for your departure day.

Alternatively, many visitors choose to spend their last hours at Jewel Changi Airport, which is a destination in its own right. There are several hotels connected directly to the airport terminals, such as the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport (often voted the world’s best airport hotel) and the pod-style YOTELAIR. Staying here allows you to check in your luggage early, then fully explore the shops, restaurants, and attractions of Jewel without any time pressure before strolling to your departure gate.

• Luxury (Sentosa): Capella Singapore
• Mid-Range (HarbourFront): Travelodge Harbourfront Singapore
• Budget (Airport): YOTELAIR Singapore Changi Airport

To get to Sentosa, you have several options. The most scenic is the Singapore Cable Car from HarbourFront Tower Two. The most common and efficient is the Sentosa Express monorail from the 3rd floor of the VivoCity shopping mall. You can use your EZ-Link card to pay for the monorail. Once on the island, a network of free buses and beach shuttles makes getting around very easy. Plan which attractions you want to visit in advance and buy tickets online to save time and often money.

Changi Airport is consistently voted the best in the world for a reason. Do not treat it as just a place to leave from. Plan to arrive at the airport at least 4-5 hours before your flight departure time. This will give you ample time to check in and then explore the magnificent Jewel Changi, with its stunning indoor waterfall (the HSBC Rain Vortex), canopy park, shops, and restaurants. It is a truly spectacular final experience of Singapore’s innovative spirit and a wonderful way to end your trip.

For a day on Sentosa Island, resort wear is the way to go. A swimsuit is essential if you plan to hit the beaches or a waterpark. Wear it under a comfortable beach cover-up, shorts and a t-shirt, or a casual summer dress. The sun can be very strong, so a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a high-SPF sunscreen are non-negotiable. Wear comfortable sandals or flip-flops for the beach, but have a pair of comfortable walking shoes if you plan to visit attractions like Universal Studios.

For your flight home, comfort is the main priority. A comfortable pair of trousers or joggers and a soft top is a good choice. The airplane cabin can get cold, so have a sweater or jacket handy. This casual and comfortable attire is also perfectly suitable for a relaxed farewell dinner at a hawker centre. Ensure you have easy access to your travel documents in a secure bag for a stress-free airport experience.

Sentosa Island has a wide range of dining options, from casual beachside cafes and food courts to upscale restaurants at the luxury hotels. For a fun and varied lunch, you could visit the Good Old Days Food Court near the beach station, which offers a selection of local favorites. The Malaysian Food Street at Resorts World Sentosa is another excellent, air-conditioned option that replicates the experience of street food dining in Malaysia with famous stalls brought in from across the causeway.

The culinary highlight and perfect farewell meal is at a classic hawker centre. Lau Pa Sat, with its beautiful Victorian architecture and bustling atmosphere, is a fantastic choice, especially for its outdoor satay street at night. Alternatively, Maxwell Food Centre near Chinatown is another legendary spot. Here you must try classic dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, char kway teow, and a refreshing glass of sugarcane juice. It’s the most authentic and delicious way to say goodbye to Singapore.

The main gateway to Sentosa Island is the HarbourFront MRT station, which is on two major lines (Circle and North East). From the station, you can connect to the Sentosa Express monorail inside the VivoCity shopping mall, or walk to the HarbourFront Tower Two for the cable car. Once on the island, the internal transport system of monorails and buses is free and efficient.

After your day on Sentosa, you can take the MRT from HarbourFront to your chosen hawker centre (e.g., Telok Ayer or Chinatown station for Lau Pa Sat and Maxwell). For your departure, Changi Airport is at the end of the East-West MRT line. A taxi or Grab from the city center to the airport is another convenient option and typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic. The airport is extremely well-connected and easy to reach.

Singapore has a thriving and sophisticated wellness scene. You can find a huge variety of yoga studios across the city, offering everything from traditional Hatha and Ashtanga to modern styles like hot yoga, aerial yoga, and HIIT yoga. Many studios offer drop-in classes for travelers. Beyond yoga, there are numerous meditation centers, high-end spas in luxury hotels, and traditional wellness clinics offering treatments like acupuncture and reflexology. The Singapore Botanic Gardens is also a popular spot for outdoor yoga and tai chi sessions in the early morning.

For a unique wellness experience, you can find floatation therapy centers for sensory deprivation, or visit one of the many lush nature reserves like MacRitchie Reservoir for “forest bathing” (shinrin-yoku). The city’s focus on green spaces means that even in the heart of the metropolis, you are never far from a park where you can take a quiet walk or simply relax. The blend of modern wellness trends and tranquil green spaces makes Singapore an excellent place to rejuvenate body and mind.

Packing for Singapore is straightforward as the weather is consistent: hot and humid year-round. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing made of cotton, linen, or quick-dry fabrics. Shorts, t-shirts, and summer dresses are standard. A crucial item is a reliable umbrella, which will serve as protection from both sudden tropical downpours and the intense equatorial sun. Comfortable walking shoes are an absolute must, as you’ll be doing a lot of exploring on foot. A light sweater or cardigan is also essential for the powerful air-conditioning in malls, cinemas, and on the MRT.

Other key items include high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated; tap water in Singapore is safe to drink. A portable power bank is very useful for keeping your phone charged on long days out. Singapore uses the Type G power outlet (the three-pronged UK plug), so bring a universal adapter if your devices use a different plug type. Finally, be aware that chewing gum is banned from being brought into and sold in Singapore, so leave it at home.

Singapore is a world-class shopping destination. Orchard Road is the epicenter, a 2.2-kilometer boulevard lined with gleaming shopping malls, from luxury flagships at ION Orchard and Paragon to trendy high-street fashion at 313@Somerset. For a different experience, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands offers a huge collection of international luxury brands in a spectacular setting. For a more unique, local experience, the Haji Lane and Kampong Glam area is famous for its independent boutiques, quirky fashion, and Middle Eastern goods.

VivoCity, the gateway to Sentosa, is Singapore’s largest mall and offers a huge range of retail, dining, and entertainment options. For electronics, Funan Mall or Sim Lim Square are popular destinations. Don’t forget to check out local Singaporean brands and designers at stores like Design Orchard. The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) allows you to claim a refund on the 9% Goods and Services Tax (GST) for purchases over a certain amount at participating retailers. Be sure to ask for a GST refund form and have your passport handy when you shop.

The official currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD), often denoted as “S$”. Credit cards are widely accepted everywhere, and contactless payment is the norm. It’s useful to have a small amount of cash for hawker centres, although many stalls now also accept digital payments.

Singapore has four official languages: English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. English is the primary language of business, government, and education, and it is universally spoken. You will have no problem communicating in English anywhere in the country. All signs are in English.

Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world, with extremely low crime rates. It is very safe to walk around at any time of day or night. The laws are strict and heavily enforced, which contributes to the high level of safety and order.

Citizens of most countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and EU member states, can enter Singapore visa-free for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Always check the latest visa requirements for your specific nationality with the Singapore Immigrations & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website before you travel.

The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) subway system is the best way to get around. It is efficient, clean, air-conditioned, and connects to almost every major attraction. The bus system is also excellent. Using a stored-value EZ-Link card or a Singapore Tourist Pass is the most convenient way to pay for journeys.

Yes, the tap water in Singapore is perfectly safe to drink. It meets the standards set by the World Health Organization. You can refill your water bottle at public water coolers found in parks and attractions.

Singapore has a hot and humid tropical rainforest climate year-round. Temperatures are consistently high, typically ranging from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F). There are no distinct seasons, but the monsoon season from November to January usually sees heavier rainfall. Short, intense thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year.

Singapore has a reputation for being expensive, particularly for accommodation and alcohol. However, it can be visited on a budget. Food is very affordable and high-quality at hawker centres, and public transport is cheap and efficient. Many of the best attractions, like the Botanic Gardens and the light shows, are free.

Yes, Singapore is famous for its strict laws. Key things to remember: it is illegal to bring chewing gum into the country; there are heavy fines for littering and smoking in prohibited areas; and jaywalking is also against the law. Drug trafficking carries a mandatory death penalty. It is important to be aware of and respect these laws.

Singapore uses the Type G power outlet, which is the same three-pronged plug used in the United Kingdom. The standard voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. You will need a UK-style travel adapter if your devices have a different plug type.