Generally, 2-3 days are sufficient to check off most of the highlights in Singapore. Spend a full day in downtown, home to postcard-worthy Merlion Park, two world-class glasshouses of the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay, as well as cultural neighborhoods of Chinatown, Little India, and Islam-rooted Kampong Glam. Cap off the day with an evening visit to the world’s sole Night Safari. Dedicate another day to Sentosa Island, anchored by Universal Studios with three-quarters of its rides exclusive to Singapore, immersive Singapore Oceanarium, and white-sand shorelines; or Pulau Ubin, well-known for unique quarry lake scenery and unspoiled mangrove forests.
Got 4 to 6 days? Delve deeper in Singapore, or extend your trip to nearby Malaysia or Thailand. For a longer vacation, consider a Southeast Asian combo tour further to Indonesia.
February to April is the best time, since these months bring favorable weather with limited precipitation and moderate temperatures. May to October is dominated by sunny days with strong UV rays. If your stay falls within this period, plan your outdoor visits for early mornings and late evenings, and take shelter at your hotel or wander indoor attractions during the sweltering midday. November to January sees frequent afternoon thunderstorms, so please bring a raincoat or an umbrella when you’re sightseeing outside.
Singapore is hot and humid year-round, with average temperatures of 26-30°C (78-86°F), so it’s necessary to pack breathable, quick-drying summer clothing and take proper sun protection. Remember to prepare one set of long-sleeved shirts and trousers, which not just keeps you cozy in air-conditioned spaces, but meets a modest dress code for religious sites.
Yes. Overall, expenditure for a Singapore trip stands among the top tier worldwide, even higher than that of the United States and major European countries. As a general guideline, a daily budget of USD 200 to 300 is recommended. The following expenses are listed for your reference.
|
Category |
Expenditure |
|---|---|
|
Hotels and Flights |
3- to 4-star hotels cost USD 150+ per night, and 5-star options run USD250+. Airfares might hit their lowest during March-May and September-November. |
|
Food |
A light bite at casual food centers costs USD 8-10, while a hearty meal at a finer restaurant starts at USD 25 per person. |
|
Transport |
One-ride fares for the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and buses run USD 1-2. Taxis are moderately pricey on a global scale. Short rides cost USD 8-12, while 20-km (12-mi) ones cost USD 25-40. |
|
Sights and Experiences |
Both are relatively costly, but most iconic landmarks are free to the public, making it feasible to tuck them into laid-back walks. |
|
Area |
Features |
Prices |
Recommended Travelers |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Marina Bay |
Scenic landscapes
Multiple iconic landmarks within walking distance |
High | Newcomers, Couples |
|
Chinatown |
Near MRT stations Diverse local dishes |
Mid |
Foodies, old street lovers |
|
Orchard Road |
Numerous large shopping malls |
Mid-high to high |
Shopping lovers, Families |
|
Bugis |
Eclectic boutiques |
Mid |
Young people |
|
Sentosa Island |
Universal Studios & Singapore Oceanarium Beautiful beaches |
High |
Holidaymakers, Families |
1. It’s advisable to carry a chip-embedded Visa card or Mastercard with you, and have SGD 200-300 (USD 155-232) in notes to pay at food centers, stalls, little stores, and bazaars.
2. Tourists may receive high fines owing to dropping litter, jaywalking, casually spitting gum, and smoking in undesignated areas.
3. It’s customary here to return your plates and clean the rubbish on your own after meals.
4. Tipping is not customary in Singapore, especially at restaurants as service charges are included in your bills. Anyway, optional tips for exceptional service are always appreciated, but just note to avoid tipping at the airport.
