singapore MINIGUIDE
SINGAPORE: THE FUTURISTIC GARDEN CITY YOU MUST EXPERIENCE!
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You’ve probably heard Singapore described as the city of the future; as soon as you arrive, you understand why: a city full of green spaces, clean, orderly, with all kinds of services and countless futuristic buildings.
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It is located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Its population exceeds 4.5 million people and is notable for its diversity, a mix mainly of Indian, Chinese, and Arab cultures. It is an ideal destination to spend around 2-4 days.
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Security in Singapore is very high, so you can walk through all the streets without any worry or fear. As for food, you’ll find options for all tastes and flavors, from street stalls (also called Hawkers) where you can eat very cheaply, to luxury restaurants.
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In Singapore, the official languages are English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil, reflecting the country's multicultural and multilingual heritage. English is the primary language used in government, education, and business, while Malay holds symbolic significance as the national language. Mandarin and Tamil cater to the significant Chinese and Indian populations, respectively.
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Staying connected to the internet while traveling is essential for navigation, communication and discovering local attractions. With Airalo eSims, you can easily purchase an eSim and enjoy a special discount through our link clicking here. If it is the first time you use Airalo, you can enjoy an additional 15% discount using NEWTOAIRALO15 code; if you have already used it, here you have an additional 10% discount using AIRALOESIM10 code.
What to see in 2-4 DAYS IN SINGAPORE
​Singapore is a city often visited during a short layover when traveling through Asia. We believe that 2 days would be the minimum necessary to visit the main attractions of the city. If you have 3-4 days, that would be perfect, and if you are not limited by time, you can stay up to 5-7 days to see everything it offers.
In our case, we stayed for 3 days and we were able to see all the places on the following list except those detailed in Others. So... ready to know what you can't miss in Singapore? Here is the list and, at the end of the page, you can find a map with all these locations and more:
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OTHERS (Hawker Centers, Singapore Flyer, Artscience Museum, Raffles Hotel, etc.)
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CHANGI AIRPORT - THE JEWEL
If there's one thing you can't miss in Singapore, it's its airport, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The airport has 4 terminals connected by a free shuttle, and the 5th terminal, which will be almost as large as all the existing ones combined, is already under construction. As you can see on the map, the Skytrain connects terminals 1, 2 and 3. If you are at Terminal 4, you can move around via buses that will take you to Terminal 1.
​The most impressive part of the airport is found in The Jewel area, where you'll find a massive waterfall that, at 40 meters high, is the tallest indoor waterfall in the world, surrounded by a terrace environment simulating a forest.
Keep in mind that every day at 8 PM and 9 PM, you can also enjoy a music and light show projected onto the water curtain (on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, there is an additional show at 10 PM).
At the top of Jewel (on the 5th floor), there is a mini amusement park known as Canopy Park; however, keep in mind that the activities offered there are not free.
In addition to this area, you will find gardens throughout the airport with different themes, such as the Cactus Garden in Terminal 1, the Orchid and Sunflower Gardens in Terminal 2, and the Butterfly Garden in Terminal 3.
You also shouldn't miss The Wonderfall, a huge 3D screen located in the departure hall of the renovated Terminal 2. It is a gigantic digital waterfall that displays various designs among lush green walls.
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Returning to Terminal 1, on level 2, we find the Kinetic Rain attraction. It consists of 1.216 bronze droplets that simulate raindrops moving in harmony and creating all kinds of different shapes, from the abstract to the familiar, like an airplane or a dragon.
And there's still much more: the tallest slide in the world inside an airport in Terminal 3 (it is 12 meters high!). If you want to enjoy this activity, it costs around 10 SGD.
As you can see, this airport offers so much! And that's not all, if you have more time you will also find a climbing wall, cinemas, gaming zones, and countless restaurants and clothing stores.
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GARDENS BY THE BAY
Once you leave the airport, this will be your first must-see. Gardens by the Bay is the name of these huge, modern gardens located behind the Marina Bay Sands hotel and in front of the sea. For us, it's one of the most beautiful gardens in the world!
In the Supertree Grove area, you will find 12 of the 18 iconic Supertrees. These are vertical structures, between 25 and 50 meters high, that form completely sustainable gardens, as they have solar panels to generate energy, store rainwater, and absorb carbon dioxide. These innovative gardens were born from a project submitted to the international design competition to create an urban garden within the city.
Keep in mind that each evening at 7:45 and 8:45 PM, the Garden Rhapsody show takes place, a light and sound show where you will see the trees light up to the rhythm of the music.
​Here we detail everything you can visit and discover in that area:
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Supertree Observatory: This is an observatory at the top of the central tree, offering the best views of the bay. This attraction is paid, costing S$14 per adult and S$10 per child aged 3 to 12.
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OCBC Skywalk: Walk for a maximum of 15 minutes along a 128m long walkway suspended between two Supertrees at a height of 22 meters. We tried this attraction and the experience and views are incredible, although we don't recommend it if you're afraid of heights. The adult pass costs S$14 and the child pass (ages 3 to 12) costs S$10. The show changes depending on the dates, so you can check the information here when you go.
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Cloud Forest: This is a greenhouse within a large dome that houses one of the tallest indoor waterfalls in the world, with water cascading down a mountain of tropical plants. The experience involves walking up a walkway around the mountain, spiraling to the top while admiring all kinds of exotic plant species from around the world. It is open from 9 AM to 9 PM. The last admission is at 8:30 PM, though we recommend spending 1 to 1.5 hours there. You can buy the ticket alone or in combination with other attractions. The Cloud Forest and Flower Dome package costs S$32 per adult and S$18 per child. The Cloud Forest and Supertree Observatory package costs S$34 per adult and S$21 per child.
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Flower Dome: Here you will find another gigantic glass dome housing an evolutionary exhibit of flowers and plants from various regions and climates around the world. The opening hours are the same as the Cloud Forest, from 9 AM to 9 PM, although the visit usually lasts a bit less, between 30 minutes and 1 hour (depending on how much you enjoy looking at the plants; in our case, it took about 30 minutes).
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Floral Fantasy: This is a journey through suspended bouquets and creative floral compositions of all shapes and colors. Through a winding path, you will walk through this space among flowers. At one point, you can see a vivarium populated by tiny, brightly colored poison frogs. We visited this place as that day they only sold the entry in a package with Cloud Forest, Flower Dome and Floral Fantasy, which cost us around S$90. Buying the ticket separately, according to the Gardens by the Bay website, costs S$20 per adult and S$12 per child, including the 4D dragonfly flight.
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Outdoor Areas: The area is enormous and surrounded by beautiful gardens, more than 200 statues from around the world, and incredible nature. If you have time, stroll through Serene Garden, Kingfisher Wetlands, Bay East Garden, etc.
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MARINA BAY SANDS
The Marina Bay Sands building is one of the most iconic in this country, known for its three 55-story towers and a massive platform at the top in the shape of a boat, making it one of the most spectacular hotels in the world. But it's not just that; it also houses an Art and Science museum, a shopping mall, theaters, restaurants, a casino, and more.
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If you want to enjoy the infinity pool at the top of the platform, you have to be staying at the hotel as it is exclusive to guests. To go up to the platform without staying at the hotel, you have two options: pay for entry to the panoramic observation deck on the 57th floor, known as the Skypark Observation Deck, for about S$32 or S$28 depending on the time of visit. Alternatively, you can reserve a table at Cé La Vi Skybar & Club Lounge, a bar where you can have a drink while admiring the views from there. If you go up at sunset, you can see the sunset and the shows at Gardens by the Bay and Spectra from a totally different perspective.
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MERLION
This 9-meter statue with a lion's head and a fish's body has become the symbol of Singapore, representing the city's fishing past and the origins of its founder. It is located on the opposite side of the bay from the Marina Bay Sands hotel.
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Every day at 8 PM and 9:30 PM (and also at 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays), you can enjoy the Spectra show, a light and water show that takes place in the bay between the Merlion statue and the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. If you want to be closer to the show, you can watch it from the shore in front of the Louis Vuitton store.
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CHINATOWN
Without a doubt, this is one of the places you can't miss. You'll see colorful, lively streets filled with all kinds of Chinese shops and restaurants. If you want to delve deeper into oriental culture, you can visit the Chinatown Heritage Centre. The origins of this neighborhood date back to when the city was a British colony and its port received many Chinese traders who gradually settled in this area.
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In this zone, you can find its hawker centers, which are small food stalls with tables in front where you can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine at very affordable prices. You can also have a meal at the world's cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant: Liao Fan Hawker Chan, where you can enjoy many dishes for S$5-7.
In the heart of Chinatown, you can also visit the city's oldest Hindu temple, built in 1827, known as Sri Mariamman. This temple is very popular among the Indian community for praying and paying respect to the goddess Mariamman, known for having the power to heal diseases. Its tower will catch your attention with all the formations, colors, and scenes depicted by the statues around it.
Entrance to the temple is free, but keep in mind that you will need to remove your shoes and adhere to the dress code. If you are not wearing clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, they offer garments at the entrance to cover yourself.
Also located in the center of Chinatown, you can visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, one of the most sacred sanctuaries for Singapore's Chinese community. As its name suggests, it houses Buddha's tooth, considered a relic. This temple is of recent creation, having been inaugurated in 2007. Dedicate at least half an hour to visit it and stroll through its various floors, where its majesty will surprise you. You can learn more about the history of Buddha and admire the countless figures of Buddha and warriors that decorate many of the walls. It is an active temple, so you might witness and hear a Buddhist celebration during your visit, making it even more impressive.
Interestingly, the Buddha tooth relic is housed within a stupa made of 420 kilos of gold and protected by thick glass. Entrance is free, and it is open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM. You must also adhere to the dress code (shoulders and knees covered), with garments available at the entrance if you are not appropriately dressed.
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LITTLE INDIA
Another well-known area of Singapore is its Indian neighborhood, famous for its colorful facades, the aroma of incense, and Hindu temples open to visitors. It is located just about 10 minutes from the city center, filled with modern and futuristic buildings, making it a great contrast with this neighborhood of small buildings and bustling streets.
There you can visit one of the most well-known temples: Sri Veeramakaliamman. You will recognize it by its colorful, detailed exterior. Many events are held there, so if you're lucky, you might visit during one and observe the rituals of some of their celebrations. For instance, when we visited, they were preparing for a wedding. Beyond being a tourist spot, it is a very active sanctuary for the Hindu community.
Other places you can visit in this area include: the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, dedicated to Krishna, famous for being the starting point of the Thaipusam festival celebrated annually; the Indian Heritage Centre museum if you want to learn about the role of the Indian community in Singapore's history; a stroll along Serangoon Road, the main street of the neighborhood; and visiting the Tekka Centre and Little India Arcade if you want to shop or grab a bite to eat in the area.
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CLARQUE QUAY
Clarke Quay is known as the area of the old dock, where its warehouses were rehabilitated some time ago, transforming them into colorful buildings that are now shops and restaurants offering food from around the world. However, restaurants specializing in King Crab, one of Singapore's most typical dishes, are particularly abundant.
It is a pleasant area to visit and stroll around, but we recommend going there in the late afternoon when the bars and restaurants start to open. We visited in the morning, and since most places were closed, it lacked its usual charm. You can also enjoy this area by taking a boat ride along the Singapore River, as these boats will cross this zone and take you to the Merlion statue, Marina Bay Sands hotel, the ArtScience Museum, and more.
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OLD HILL STREET POLICE STATION
Very close to Clarke Quay, about a 3-minute walk, you will find this building known for its rainbow-colored windows. This building was constructed in 1934 and was the first prison in the country. It is important to Singapore's history and is now known as the Old Hill Street Police Station.
You can walk by it during the day or at night, and with a bit of patience, you'll find the perfect moment to take a photo without cars crossing the road.
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FORT CANNING PARK
This is one of the most important parks in the city, considered the green lung of Singapore. We recommend walking along its paths to enjoy views of the city from the hill where it is located. Within the park, there are gardens, several cannons since the British built a defensive fortress there, an open-air theater, and one of Instagram’s most photographed spots known as the Tree Tunnel.
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This spot features a spiral staircase, and you can take a photo from the base of the stairs to get a beautiful view with the tree covering the hole of the sky. However, we recommend arriving early since it is relatively easy to find queues of more than an hour to take the photo. In our case, as we were heading there, a heavy rainstorm hit, so we arrived soaked but with only 6-10 people in line.
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KAMPONG GLAM
Kampong Glam is known as the Arab quarter of Singapore. As we mentioned at the beginning, this city is home to various cultures and religions that coexist harmoniously, and often you can cross from one neighborhood to another simply by crossing a few streets.
Stroll around Haji Lane or Bussorah Street, colorful streets full of shops, bars, and restaurants, while admiring the vibrant graffiti you'll find on many walls.
The main stop in this neighborhood is the Sultan Mosque, which, with its spectacular golden dome, is easy to locate. This mosque was built in honor of the first Sultan of Singapore in the 1920s. To visit it, you will need to cover yourself with the robes provided at the entrance, for both men and women.
The entrance is free and it can be visited from 9am to 1pm and from 2pm to 4pm (Fridays from 2:30pm to 4pm).
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ORCHARD ROAD
Orchard Road is one of the major avenues in Singapore. Here, you will find countless shopping centers (more than 22!) filled with entertainment options, shops, and restaurants, making it a perfect area for shopping enthusiasts.
It is known as Orchard Road due to the orchid plantations that once existed there. We are not particularly keen on shopping, but we recommend taking a stroll and seeing this glamorous avenue of the city.
As an extra, and if you have enough time as we did, you can visit the library @orchard. This is a public library with very beautiful interior design, especially when viewed from the stairs leading to the upper level. If you want to visit it, you can find it at #03-12 (a code that helps you identify each shop within the shopping centers) of the mall indicated by Google Maps.
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OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN SINGAPORE
When visiting Singapore, you must try the street food at one of its food courts, commonly known as Hawkers Centers. It's quite an experience, where you'll see tourists and locals mingling, sharing tables, and trying different dishes. One of the most well-known is in Chinatown, but you can find them all over the city.
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Singapore Flyer is one of the largest Ferris wheels in Asia. If you enjoy views from above, we recommend doing it at sunset. You can book anything from a simple entry to private capsules with dinner included.
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Next to Marina Bay Sands Hotel you will see a building with a very modern and striking shape, this is the ArtScience Museum, one of the city's iconic structures in Marina Bay. This museum combines the worlds of art and science in exhibitions and interactive experiences. The standard entrance fee is S$30 per adult.
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If you want to dig more into Singapore's history, you can visit the Asian Civilisations Museum, a museum with sculptures, paintings, and ritual objects from the various religions that have been part of the history of the city.
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Considered one of the best hotels in the world, Raffles Hotel building is famous for having appeared in many films. Currently, it is a large hotel complex that maintains its perfectly preserved colonial appearance.
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With more than 63 hectares, you can enjoy nature in Botanic Gardens and Orchid Garden. These gardens with over 150 years of history. They have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 2015.
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Thian Hock Keng Temple is a temple dedicated to Mazu, the Chinese sea goddess. It is one of the oldest and most important temples of the Hokkien people in the country.
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Hong San See Temple is a Chinese temple built in 1908 and later declared a national monument. Its stone carvings around the pillars and facade are notable.
A street with countless shops and markets where you can buy souvenirs at a good price; yes, we're talking about Bugis Street. It is a lively street both day and night, and you can find a bit of everything, from shoe and cosmetic stores to all kinds of street food stalls.
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As you may know, Singapore is not known for its beaches, but if you want to visit one, you should go to Sentosa Island. Besides beaches with options for all kinds of water activities, you will also find the Universal Studios theme park and the S.E.A Aquarium there.
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If you still have time, you can also visit the National Gallery Singapore and the National Museum of Singapore.
Find all the places in the map
* We would like to point out that no company, hotel or restaurant has paid us to mention them in this blog. We simply recommend what we booked and paid for ourselves, considering that we enjoyed it enough to recommend it.
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