Singapore Singapore

Ultimate Guide to Exploring Singapore: A Comprehensive Travel Itinerary

Welcome to our comprehensive guide for traveling in the vibrant city-state of Singapore! This guide will walk you through an enriching journey filled with must-visit destinations, exciting activities, scrumptious food, comfortable accommodations, and essential travel tips. Let’s dive right in!

Table of Contents:

  1. Places to Go
    • 1.1 Marina Bay Sands
    • 1.2 Gardens by the Bay
    • 1.3 Merlion Park
    • 1.4 Orchard Road
    • 1.5 Chinatown
    • 1.6 Little India
    • 1.7 Sentosa Island
    • 1.8 Eastern Coastal Park Connector Network (ECPN)
  2. Activities
    • 2.1 Night Safari
    • 2.2 River Cruise (River Safari, Lazy River Cruise)
    • 2.3 Jurong Bird Park & Singapore Zoo
    • 2.4 Universal Studios Singapore (USS)
    • 2.5 Sentosa Merlion & Light Show
    • 2.6 Skyline Luge Sentosa
    • 2.7 Bungee Jumping at AJ Hackett
  3. Where to Eat
    • 3.1 Hawker Centers (Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat)
    • 3.2 Local Dishes (Hainanese Chicken Rice, Chili Crab, Laksa)
    • 3.3 High-end Dining (Marina Bay Sands Skypark Restaurant, Candlenut)
  4. Where to Stay
    • 4.1 Budget Accommodations (Dormitories, Hostels)
    • 4.2 Mid-range Hotels
    • 4.3 Luxury Resorts & Hotels
  5. Things to Know
    • 5.1 Currency (Singapore Dollar, SGD)
    • 5.2 Weather & Climate
    • 5.3 Safety & Security
  6. Transportation
    • 6.1 MRT & LRT Systems
    • 6.2 Bus Services
    • 6.3 Taxis & Grab (local ride-hailing service)
    • 6.4 Cycling & Walking
  7. Tips & Other Things of Interest
    • 7.1 Free Walking Tours
    • 7.2 Shopping Tips
    • 7.3 Nightlife & Entertainment

1. Places to Go

1.1 Marina Bay Sands

  • Iconic hotel with a SkyPark observation deck and infinity pool offering panoramic views of the city.
  • Adjacent shopping mall with luxury brands, restaurants, and the ArtScience Museum.

1.2 Gardens by the Bay

  • Unique gardens featuring Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, and more.
  • Nightly light show at the Supertrees (7:45 PM & 8:45 PM).

1.3 Merlion Park

  • Famous landmark symbolizing Singapore’s lion head and fish tail heritage.
  • Offers stunning views of Marina Bay.

1.4 Orchard Road

  • World-class shopping destination with high-end fashion stores, restaurants, and cafes.

1.5 Chinatown

  • Cultural precinct showcasing traditional Chinese shops, temples, and street art.
  • Explore the vibrant night market for souvenirs and food stalls.

1.6 Little India

  • Colorful neighborhood filled with Indian restaurants, shops, and temples.
  • Must-visit during Thaipusam festival (January or February).

1.7 Sentosa Island

  • Entertainment island featuring attractions such as USS, Sentosa Merlion & Light Show, Skyline Luge Sentosa, and more.

1.8 Eastern Coastal Park Connector Network (ECPN)

  • Ideal for cycling or walking along the coast with scenic views of Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, and Eastern beaches.

2. Activities

(For more detailed descriptions and booking information, visit www.visitsingapore.com)

3. Where to Eat

  • Hawker Centers: Affordable local food in a communal setting. Try Maxwell Food Centre (Hainanese Chicken Rice) or Lau Pa Sat (Satay).
  • Local Dishes: Must-tries include Hainanese Chicken Rice, Chili Crab, Laksa, and Kaya Toast with Kopi (coffee).
  • High-end Dining: Visit Marina Bay Sands Skypark Restaurant for fine dining or Candlenut for modern Peranakan cuisine.

4. Where to Stay

  • Budget Accommodations: Dormitories and hostels such as Mosaic, Bunc, and Timbre+ can be found in various locations around the city.
  • Mid-range Hotels: Options include Hotel 81, Parkroyal on Pickering, and ibis Styles Singapore on Macpherson.
  • Luxury Resorts & Hotels: The Ritz-Carlton Millenia, Marina Bay Sands, and Mandarin Oriental are highly recommended.

5. Things to Know

  • Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD) is the official currency. Credit cards and cash machines are widely available.
  • Weather & Climate: Tropical rainforest climate with high humidity. Pack light, breathable clothing and be prepared for sudden showers.
  • Safety & Security: Singapore is generally a very safe city; however, exercise caution in less touristy areas and at night.

6. Transportation

  • MRT & LRT Systems: Convenient and efficient public transportation options to explore the city.
  • Bus Services: Ideal for accessing some suburban areas or when MRT stations are not nearby.
  • Taxis & Grab: Taxis are readily available, but Grab is a cheaper and more convenient option, especially during peak hours.
  • Cycling & Walking: The city’s extensive network of cycling paths and pedestrian walkways make exploring on foot or by bike enjoyable.

7. Tips & Other Things of Interest

  • Free Walking Tours: Join a free walking tour with local guides to learn about the city’s history, culture, and hidden gems.
  • Shopping Tips: Orchard Road, VivoCity, and Marina Bay Sands offer high-end shopping experiences; for bargains, visit Bugis Street or Geylang Serai Market.
  • Nightlife & Entertainment: Explore Clarke Quay’s riverside bars, club hop at Zouk, or enjoy a rooftop drink at 1-Altitude.