Singapore

Ultimate Travel Guide to Singapore 🇧🇭

Overview 🌄

Singapore, a bustling city-state in Southeast Asia, is renowned for its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, lush greenery, and diverse food scene. In this guide, we’ll cover the must-visit places, exciting activities, delicious eats, comfortable accommodations, essential tips, and more to help you make the most of your trip to the Lion City! 🦁

Places to Go 🌆

  1. Marina Bay Sands: Iconic hotel with a SkyPark offering panoramic views of the city and the Infinity Pool.
  2. Gardens by the Bay: Home to Supertree Grove and two cooled conservatories: Flower Dome and Cloud Forest.
  3. Sentosa Island: A resort island with attractions like Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and beaches.
  4. Orchard Road: The premier shopping street with numerous luxury stores, department stores, and boutiques.
  5. Chinatown: A historic district with vibrant markets, temples, and rich Peranakan culture.
  6. Little India: Known for its colorful streets, temples, and the bustling 24-hour Mustafa Centre.
  7. Jurong Bird Park & Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve: For nature lovers seeking a wildlife experience.
  8. Botanic Gardens: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 10,000 species of plants.
  9. Raffles Hotel: The historic hotel where the Singapore Sling cocktail was created.

Activities 🎈

  1. Night Safari: Asia’s first nocturnal zoo.
  2. Gardens by the Bay Lights Show: A mesmerizing light and music performance in the Supertree Grove.
  3. River Cruise: Enjoy a scenic river cruise along the Singapore River or Marina Bay.
  4. Cycling at East Coast Park: Rent a bike and explore the beautiful coastline.
  5. Hawker Center Food Tour: Indulge in local hawker center dishes like Hainanese Chicken Rice, Laksa, and Char Kway Teow.
  6. Street Art Tour: Explore the vibrant murals around the city, particularly in Kampong Glam and Tiong Bahru.

Where to Eat 🍛

  1. Hawker Centers: Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, and Old Airport Road Food Centre are popular choices.
  2. Restaurants: Iggy’s, Candlenut, and Michelin-starred Hawker Chan for affordable Michelin food.
  3. Food Courts & Cafes: Tiong Bahru Market, 1980 by The Lo & Behold Group, and Atlas Bar for cocktails.
  4. Local Delights: Kaya Toast, Durian, and traditional tea shops like Hainanese Tea Powder (Tie Guan Yin) and Milo.

Where to Stay 🏨

  1. Marina Bay Sands: Luxury hotel with a SkyPark and Casino.
  2. Raffles Hotel: Historic hotel offering classic rooms, suites, and the Raffles Arcade for shopping.
  3. Capella Singapore: A luxury resort located on Sentosa Island.
  4. Hotels in Orchard Road/City Hall: Close to shopping, dining, and attractions.
  5. Boutique Hotels in Chinatown or Kampong Glam: Budget-friendly options with a local vibe.

Things to Know 📚

  1. Weather: Singapore is hot and humid year-round, so pack light, breathable clothing.
  2. Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD). Credit/debit cards are widely accepted.
  3. Transportation: MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is the most convenient way to get around the city.
  4. Power Sockets: Type G plugs, with a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz.
  5. Language: English is widely spoken and used in official communications.
  6. Tipping: Not necessary as service charge is usually included in bills.
  7. Respect Local Customs: Singapore has strict laws against littering, chewing gum, and vandalism.

Transportation 🚇

  1. MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): A fast, efficient, and affordable way to travel across the city.
  2. Bus: A cheaper alternative for less frequent routes or when MRT stations are not nearby.
  3. Taxi: Metered taxis and Grab (the Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber) are widely available.
  4. Ez-Link Card: A reusable smart card for easy travel on the MRT, buses, and certain attractions.

Tips 💡

  1. Buy an attractions pass: The Singapore Tourism Board offers a variety of passes to save money on popular attractions.
  2. Plan ahead: Some attractions like Gardens by the Bay and the Night Safari require timed entries or need to be booked in advance.
  3. Try local street food: Hawker centers offer delicious, affordable meals that showcase Singapore’s diverse culinary scene.
  4. Stay hydrated: Drinking water regularly is essential due to the heat and humidity.
  5. Respect wildlife: Do not feed or disturb animals in their natural habitats.