Singapore is a Southeast Asian country that's completely different from its neighbors, which is probably why it left such an impression on us. After traveling through Asia for six months, we arrived in Singapore to find a place unlike any we had visited before. Modern buildings, plenty of green spaces, rich cultural diversity, and a remarkably clean and well-organized city is what we encountered.
If you're planning a trip to Singapore, here is some information that may be useful to help you make the most of your visit.
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Necessary Documents
Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date.
Visa: Depending on your nationality, you might need to apply for a visa. Check this link to see if you need one. For Portuguese citizens, no visa is required.
ICA Form: All visitors must fill out an entry form. You can do this by downloading the "MyICA mobile" app and filling in the required fields.
Travel Insurance: It's always recommended to have insurance that covers medical expenses and incidents. We always use IATI Seguros when we travel. With our link, you get a 5% discount on all insurance plans.
How Many Days to Stay?
We recommend staying at least three days to explore the main tourist attractions of the city without rushing.
Getting from Changi Airport to the City Center
To get from Changi Airport to the city center, you have several options:
MRT (Subway): The subway is one of the quickest and most convenient ways to get to the city center. Use the green line (East-West Line), which directly connects Changi Airport to the city center.
Grab/Gojek: Grab or Gojek are Southeast Asia's equivalents to Uber. If you prefer a faster and more comfortable ride, you can call one of these cars. The journey to the city center takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Bus: Several bus lines connect the airport to different areas of the city. This is the most economical option but also the slowest.
Getting Around Singapore
Singapore's public transportation system works excellently and offers an efficient and economical way to explore the city. Here are some of the best options for getting around:
MRT (Subway): Singapore's subway system is extensive and connects most of the tourist attractions. It's very easy to use and allows you to quickly reach any place, avoiding traffic. You can use a Revolut card to pay for rides; just tap it when entering and exiting the stations. The amount will be charged later.
Buses: Singapore's bus network is quite comprehensive and covers areas that the MRT does not reach. The payment system is the same as the subway: tap your card when boarding and don't forget to tap it again when you exit.
Grab/Gojek: These ride-hailing services are very popular and offer a comfortable and direct alternative for getting around. They're ideal for trips outside public transport hours or when you have luggage.
What to Do in Singapore
Gardens by the Bay
One of the places we most wanted to visit was Gardens by the Bay, and we can guarantee it didn't disappoint. These gardens look like they're straight out of a futuristic movie. In the center of the garden, you'll find the Supertree Grove, massive tree-like structures where a daily light and sound show takes place. This show is free, lasts about 15 minutes, and occurs at 7:45 PM and 9:45 PM.
Within Gardens by the Bay, it's also worth visiting the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. The Cloud Forest is a must-see, with a tropical forest and an impressive indoor waterfall. In the Flower Dome, you can explore a vast collection of plants from around the world, organized into themed exhibits. You can buy tickets on-site, but to avoid lines, it's advisable to purchase them online in advance.
Merlion Park
Merlion Park is one of Singapore’s most iconic spots, offering an impressive view of Marina Bay Sands. The main attraction of the park is the Merlion, the symbol of Singapore.
This mythical creature is half fish, half lion. The lion’s head represents the animal that Prince Sang Nila Utama saw when he arrived in Singapore, and the fish tail symbolizes the city’s history as a fishing village.
Fun fact: Singapore means "Lion City," from "singa" (lion) and "pura" (city). |
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Right next to Merlion Park is the Esplanade, an arts center offering a variety of free performances throughout the year. When we visited Singapore in September 2023, we enjoyed a fun percussion show!
Marina Bay
Marina Bay Sands is an impressive hotel that’s impossible to miss. It’s also one of the most expensive hotels in the world! Besides the luxurious hotel, Marina Bay Sands includes a casino, a theater, and a shopping mall. The hotel’s SkyPark terrace offers stunning views of the city.
Spectra is an outdoor area near Marina Bay Sands, where a daily light and water show takes place. The show lasts about 15 minutes and occurs from Sunday to Thursday at 8 PM and 9 PM, and on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, 9 PM, and 10 PM.
Clarke Quay
The banks of the Singapore River are a great place for a stroll and one of our favorite spots in the city. Along the banks, there’s a wide variety of bars and restaurants, creating a lively atmosphere. We stayed at M Social Singapore and took a walk along the river after dinner every night, all the way to Merlion Park.
Clarke Quay is also one of the main nightlife spots.
Little India
Little India is a neighborhood in Singapore where the Indian community is concentrated. This area is full of lively markets, shops, and restaurants serving Indian food. One of the highlights of Little India is the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, one of the oldest and most important Hindu temples in the city. If you visit the temple, it’s recommended to wear modest clothing that covers your legs and shoulders.
Arab Street
Also known as Kampong Glam, Arab Street is a region of Singapore known for its Arab heritage and impressive mosques. The Sultan Mosque, one of the city’s most iconic mosques, is located here. If you've never visited a mosque, don’t miss this chance; you can visit outside prayer hours. Along Arab Street, you’ll also find plenty of street art and colorful murals reflecting the neighborhood's diversity and creativity.
Chinatown
Similar to other Chinatowns around the world, Singapore’s Chinatown offers a unique touch of Chinese traditions. Be sure to visit Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of the city’s oldest Chinese temples, as well as Sri Mariamman Temple, Pagoda Street, and Smith Street.
Lau Pa Sat
Close to Chinatown is Lau Pa Sat, a historic food market in Singapore. It’s an excellent spot for an affordable lunch or dinner.
Bugis Street Market
Bugis Street Market is a large market in the city center, known for offering a wide range of products at affordable prices, from clothing and accessories to souvenirs and local snacks. Its lively atmosphere and numerous stalls make it a great place to find deals and experience local life.
Jewel – Changi Airport
Singapore’s Changi Airport is a world-renowned attraction in itself. Jewel is a massive indoor waterfall surrounded by lush plants inside the airport. It’s a beautiful place and definitely worth a visit. Located on the first floor of the airport, you can visit anytime.
Other Experiences
Universal Studios Singapore: If you love theme parks, don’t miss Singapore’s Universal Studios. Located on Sentosa Island, it features seven themed zones, exciting roller coasters, and many other attractions. You can book it on GetYourGuide.
ArtScience Museum: A museum where art, science, culture, and technology intersect, offering interactive and fascinating exhibits. You can also book it on GetYourGuide.
How to stay connected
If you plan to visit Singapore, don't forget that mobile data does not work outside the European Union!
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