Final Up to date on September 6, 2022 by Nellie Huang
Planning to spend 3 days in Singapore? See one of the best of my metropolis with this final 3-day Singapore itinerary!
Of the 140 nations I’ve been, Singapore might be the nation I do know greatest as I used to be born there. Regardless that I’ve lived overseas for the previous 17 years, I am going residence yearly and I nonetheless have a particular reference to my hometown.
What makes Singapore distinctive is that it is a metropolis, an island and a rustic unexpectedly. For a rustic, it’s tiny and it solely takes 1 hour to drive from one finish to a different. Nevertheless it positive packs a punch in the case of cultural sights and points of interest.
Over the previous 10 years, I’ve seen Singapore shed its sterile concrete jungle picture to turn into an thrilling vacation spot. Today, it’s studded with loads of inexperienced areas (of which you’ve most likely heard the well-known Gardens by the Bay) in addition to leisure complexes and nature trails.
Attention-grabbing Details about Singapore
Singapore is a really younger nation, having gained independence solely in 1965. We’re a multi-racial nation: our ancestors got here from neighboring Malaysia, India and China and introduced with them their meals and cultural traditions. That’s what I really like about rising up in Singapore.
For those who’re coming from different elements of Southeast Asia, you’ll discover that Singapore could be very straightforward to journey. We’re comparatively developed, with an environment friendly public transport system, high quality motels and eating places, and nice infrastructure. On the identical time, it’s much more costly than different Southeast Asian nations like Thailand or Indonesia.
Singapore can be a really secure metropolis: that’s partly as a result of notoriously strict legal guidelines that govern the nation (it’s unlawful to spit and also you’ll be fined for littering). English is one in all its 4 languages and is broadly spoken. Plus, Singapore’s popularity for orderliness and cleanliness isn’t a delusion.
My 3-Day Singapore Itinerary
Most individuals spend 3 days in Singapore and that’s sufficient to get a great really feel for it. However if in case you have the time, I like to recommend 1 week in Singapore. I additionally recommend combining a weekend in Singapore with a visit to Malaysia (only a causeway away).
For these with 3 days in Singapore, this itinerary will make it easier to benefit from your time there and see as a lot as doable. I’ve included one of the best of the town, in addition to one of the best locations to eat and keep in Singapore. For those who’re seeking to see Singapore like an area, this Singapore itinerary will certainly convey you to native spots and never vacationer traps (like Boat Quay)!
Abstract of my Singapore Itinerary:
Extra Info on Singapore:
Singapore Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Singapore
Dangle Out at Singapore Jewel
For those who’re not too drained out of your flight to Singapore, kick begin your journey proper on the airport! Jewel Changi Airport is a model new leisure space and the most popular place to go to in Singapore. The advanced contains gardens, museums, retail, F&B eating, a lodge, and extra.
Its iconic centerpiece, referred to as Rain Vortex, is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall surrounded by terraced forest settings. Admire the doughnut-shaped exterior framed in metal and glass from the highest degree, the place you’ll discover the luxurious gardens and enjoyable kids-oriented park.
Virtually all of Jewel is free to get pleasure from, apart from the Cover Parok on the highest degree. With an admission ticket, you’ll acquire entry to all 4 totally different areas: Mess around on the Discovery Slides and mess about within the mist of the Foggy Bowls; Recognize the creative talent on the Topiary Stroll and revel in flowers from the world over within the Petal Backyard.
Discover Gardens by the Bay
Catch the MRT (subway) or ebook an airport switch to your lodge. We advocate staying on the landmark lodge and Singapore’s crown jewel, Marina Bay Sands, because it’s obtained an incredible location and most locations are inside strolling distances. Cross the overhead bridge and end up on the iconic Gardens by the Bay, residence to over 16,000 plant species and floral shows, all tastefully assembled in a pure method.
Strolling across the park received’t price you a cent however there’s a price if you wish to step contained in the climate-controlled conservatories. The long-lasting Supertree Grove is the primary cease for most individuals. You too can pay to stroll on the Skyway, a community of walkway that hangs over the gardens. The Flower Dome is without doubt one of the two world’s largest columnless greenhouses, whereas the Cloud Forest homes the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.
Get pleasure from Native Meals at Satay by the Bay
Have dinner at Satay by the Bay, an enormous open-air meals courtroom inside the gardens itself. It might sound touristy, however the meals right here is simply nearly as good as any Singaporean hawker centre and also you’ll discover all of the greatest Singaporean dishes right here. Get some satay (bbq meat skewers drenched in peanut sauce), grilled stingray and hokkien mee, for the quintessential Singaporean expertise.
Watch the Rhapsody Mild and Sound Present
After dinner, head again to the Supertree Groves for the sunshine present. Each night, the Supertrees are lit up in technicolor rays, with music within the backdrop. My daughter was particularly impressed by the Rhapsody Mild Present — it felt like Mom Nature was placing on a musical.
The present takes place on a regular basis at 7.45pm and eight.45pm. Better of all, the 15-minute present is totally FREE. Drop by early to seize a great place to benefit from the efficiency!
Watch the Marina Bay Sands Mild Present
After that, stroll again to Marina Bay Sands for an additional spectacular mild and water present at its waterfront. Often known as Spectra, the sunshine present is a FREE nightly occasion that you would be able to catch from the boardwalk. There are many seating area on the boardwalk and steps. The 15-minute present takes place each evening at 8pm and 9pm (and 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays).
Drink in to a View the Rooftop of Marina Bay Sands
To finish your first night in Singapore with a bang, head as much as the highest degree, 57th ground, of Marina Bay Sands. Right here is the place you’ll discover the enduring infinity pool (solely open to friends) and three rooftop bars that gives you a 360-degree view of Singapore’s skyline.
Feast on views of the pool and skyline at Spago Bar & Lounge, helmed by celeb chef Wolfgang Puck, earlier than shifting on to stronger cocktails at CÉ LA VI, which transforms right into a pumping nightclub after midnight. Reserve a desk right here.
💡TIP: It’s FREE to go as much as the highest ground of Marina Bay Sands for those who’re staying there OR heading to one of many rooftop bars or eating places. In any other case, the admission price for the SkyPark Statement Deck is S$19.90.
Day 2: Discover Singapore’s Ethnic Enclaves
Go to the ArtScience Museum
Begin your day on the museum proper in entrance of Marina Bay Sands. Housed in one in all Singapore’s most spectacular architectural constructions is the ArtScience Museum with its equally spectacular vary of reveals. Positioned subsequent to Marina Bay Sands is a novel constructing that resembles a water lily rising from the Singapore River.
The title ArtScience is definitely apt right here because the totally different galleries spotlight the connection between the humanities and the sciences. It has the identical exhibition as Tokyo’s MORI Digital Museum, with fascinating digital art work and interactive shows for each youngsters and adults. Totally different exhibitions have totally different costs however I like to recommend getting a reduced All-Entry ticket.
Go to the Nationwide Gallery Singapore
A ten-minute stroll away, the newly opened Nationwide Gallery Singapore is housed in two spectacular colonial buildings overlooking the inexperienced open Padang discipline. They gallery has the world’s largest public assortment of Singaporean and Southeast Asian artwork, consisting of over 8,000 artworks. There’s a cool rooftop space right here that’s free to go to, and even a horny rooftop bar named Smoke and Mirrors that has a beautiful view.
Hang around on the Hipster Haji Lane
A few 15-minute stroll away is Haji Lane, which has just lately reworked from a standard Malay quarter to a classy hipster neighborhood. It’s tons of enjoyable because of the colourful cafes and museums, good for Instagram-addicted teenagers.
First, find out about Singapore’s Malay tradition on the Malay Heritage Centre and go to the attractive golden Sultan Mosque or Masjid Sultan. Then try the authentically Singaporean ‘Kids Little Museum‘, a spot that showcases Singaporean retro collectibles, vintage toys and old-school gramophones. Getting into the shop is nearly equal to you stepping right into a time machine that travelled again in time.
Get Cultured in Little India
Take an Uber to Little India (which received’t price greater than US$10 or S$15). Of all of the ethnic enclaves in Singapore, Little India might be my favourite. Introduce your youngsters to Hindu temples steep in historical past, absorb genuine Singaporean Indian meals and go to the well-known shops for Indian knick knacks.
One of the best temple to go to within the space is Sri Veeramakakaliamman Temple, devoted to goddess Kali. Tekka Market is a senses-assaulting place with spice stalls and outlets promoting saris and jewellery. Don’t miss Mustafa Centre, a 24-hour mall that sells every part from Indian elements to electronics and residential home equipment.
Additionally remember to cease by for an Instagram shot on the rainbow-colored Tan Teng Niah’s former home, the one surviving Chinese language villa within the space. For these excited about touring India, it will give your youngsters a teaser.
Discover Chinatown
Catch the MRT (subway) only a few stops to Chinatown and provides your youngsters a crash course in Singapore’s Chinese language tradition. You’ll not solely discover the greatest Singaporean meals right here, but in addition a vibrant market, vintage outlets and spectacular Buddhist temples. Chinese language New Yr is one of the best time to go to Chinatown as a number of of the streets listed below are closed off to make method for an enormous outside festive market.
Head straight to the Chinatown Heritage Centre, an interactive museum that showcases the Chinese language historical past of Singapore. Proceed your stroll alongside the open-air market on Pagoda Avenue, the place you’ll discover colourful cheongsams (conventional gown), lion dance puppets and Singaporean souvenirs. Don’t miss the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple for a religious expertise.
Have Dinner at Maxwell Meals Centre
After an extended day of exploring, get pleasure from some healthful, genuine native meals on the Maxwell Meals Centre, simply throughout the road from Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Maxwell is understood amongst locals as the most effective locations in Singapore for meals. It’s renown for having one of the best Hainanese Rooster Rice in Singapore, rice congee and rickshaw noodles. Try my Singapore meals information for one of the best dishes to strive in Singapore.
Have Drinks at Membership Avenue
Just some blocks away from Maxwell is Membership Avenue and Ann Siang Hill. The world is lined with bars and golf equipment they usually get fairly busy on weekends. Gem Bar is without doubt one of the greatest bars for individuals watching, however remember to ebook a desk for those who’re approaching a weekend. You received’t miss it as hordes of individuals normally spill out onto the streets proper outdoors the bar.
Then head to The Screening Room for a novel mixture of flicks and booze. Catch traditional flicks on the large display screen on the third degree earlier than shifting as much as the fourth ground for drinks (and beautiful views of the town) on the La Terraza Rooftop Bar.
Day 3: Enterprise Past the Metropolis Centre
Day Journey to Sentosa Island
In your final day in Singapore, we advocate heading out of the town boundaries to Singapore’s personal tropical playground, Sentosa Island. These touring Singapore with youngsters can be joyful to know that is the place is jam-packed with theme parks and seashores.
To get there, simply take the MRT (subway) to Harbourfront station and switch to the Sentosa Specific tram, cable automobile or bus 123. There’s significantly A LOT to do right here, in addition to household resorts the place you keep for the evening. If you wish to go to a couple of points of interest, I like to recommend reserving combo tickets that’ll you save a couple of dollars.
Right here’s a listing of the kid-friendly points of interest on Sentosa:
OR Day Journey to Pulau Ubin
Alternatively, if Sentosa is simply too commercialised on your liking, go off the crushed path and discover nature on the relatively-untouched islet of Pulau Ubin.
Getting there’s half the enjoyable: take the MRT to Tanah Merah MRT Station, then board Bus No. 2 to Changi Village bus interchange. Changi Level jetty isn’t removed from the bus interchange. From the jetty, take a bumboat experience (S$2 per grownup a technique) to Ubin. The island itself is bucolic bliss – lease bikes and go exploring.
This small, comparatively flat island is the proper place to spend a day biking and exploring. Bike the Sensory Path and Chek Jawa Wetlands, each crammed with loads of natural world.
Deal with Your self to a Singaporean Feast
To finish your 3 days in Singapore along with your bang, deal with yourselves to an enormous Singaporean feast at No Signboard Seafood Restaurant positioned within the Esplanade (live performance corridor at Marina Bay that includes a particular structure).
There are fairly a couple of well-known seafood eating places in Singapore – together with Jumbo and Palm Seaside – however No Signboard is my favourite. It’s obtained a couple of eating places in Singapore, however this one on the Esplanade has probably the most central location and nice views of the water.
Make sure you strive their signature Chili Crabs (cooked in a wealthy, thick lava of chili gravy) or the Black Pepper Crabs that are equally in style with locals. Different Singaporean dishes value making an attempt are the cereal prawns, salted fish fried rice and low ribs.
Benefit from the Nightlife at Clarke Quay
For those who’re not too drained, stroll alongside the Singapore River to get to the colonial quarter of Boat Quay and Clarke Quay. The stroll takes about 20 minutes, however you too can take a Singapore River Cruise on a bumboat (40 minutes, S$25). You get to see the town from new views and it’s significantly nice at evening. E book your river cruise upfront to save cash.
This space has quite a lot of historical past: you’ll see rows of restored, colonial shophouses, in addition to the statue of founder Sir Stamford Raffles. By evening, Clarke Quay transforms into Singapore’s busiest nightlife hub, with infinite eating places, bars and nightclubs. Certainly one of my favourite locations to go to for a drink right here is Highlander, a whisky bar proper within the coronary heart of Clarke Quay. Different nice spots are the Japanese fashion bar La Terre and dwell music bar The Loopy Elephant.
TIP: Go straight to Clarke Quay and keep away from Boat Quay which is brimming with annoying vacationer touts!
Easy methods to Get to Singapore
Singapore’s airport is an enormous hub in Southeast Asia, and serves many main cities all over the world. Singapore Airways is without doubt one of the greatest on the earth, with glorious carriers and customer support.
You may get flights from New York to Singapore for round US$800 return (with transits in Tokyo or HongKong). Flights from Los Angeles to Singapore are barely shorter (round 20 hours) and value $700 return.
Flying London to Singapore is kind of inexpensive and normally takes not more than 16 hours. I all the time fly Qatar Airways or British Airways as each have nice observe file and good costs.
Greatest Time to Journey Singapore
Because of its location near the equator, it’s HOT all 12 months spherical in Singapore. The common temperature ranges from 26 to 30°C (or 78 to 86°F) all year long. Try these moist actions to chill off along with your youngsters!
One of the best time to go to might be throughout the dry season (June to August). It’s sometimes when the nation has the least quantity of rain, the bottom humidity, and probably the most sunshine. One other nice time to go to Singapore is throughout the festivities, comparable to Chinese language New Yr, Hari Raya and Deepavali. There are many celebrations, cultural performances and parades throughout these durations.
Be warned: Singapore will get quite a lot of thundershowers. The monsoon season (November to January) is when Singapore receives probably the most rain. Fortuitously, they normally don’t final lengthy, and the solar returns to boost humidity.
Easy methods to Get Round Singapore
By Public Transport
The environment friendly MRT practice system is a straightforward and low-cost solution to get round Singapore with youngsters. It normally prices round US$1.50 to 2 per experience. Virtually each a part of the town is linked by the MRT. It’s air-conditioned and cozy, though it will get crowded at rush hours (attempt to keep away from it round 7-9am and 6-8pm).
I positively advocate shopping for an EZ-Hyperlink card, a pay as you go good card that means that you can use the general public transport (subway and buses) in Singapore. You may get this at any MRT station. Kids beneath 90cm tall journey free on trains and buses.
By Taxi/Uber
Taxis are fairly priced in Singapore, particularly for those who’re simply touring across the metropolis centre space. Uber can be a straightforward and handy solution to get across the metropolis island. However for those who’re taking the taxi from the airport to the centre, it may price greater than S$30.
The airport has an MRT station and it takes round 45 minutes to succeed in the town centre. You too can ebook an airport shuttle that may convey you to any downtown motels for lower than $10.
By Automobile
For those who’re touring with a child or toddler, think about renting a automobile as that is perhaps probably the most handy solution to get round. You’ll be able to ebook a 3-day automobile rental in Singapore for US$250 or S$350. I all the time use DiscoverCars.com as they’ve persistently given one of the best charges and customer support.
Driving is simple in Singapore as roads are vast and effectively signposted. Additionally Singapore is a small island, and driving from one finish to the opposite takes not more than 1 hour. However be aware that there might be quite a lot of visitors at peak hours and parking is dear.
E book Your Automobile Rental!
The place to Keep in Singapore
Inns in Singapore aren’t the most cost effective, as property costs are excessive. That mentioned, there are a lot of upscale 5-star motels and household resorts that may make your 3 days in Singapore particular. These with restricted price range may go for hostels in Chinatown or Haji Lane space.
The Greatest Areas to Keep in Singapore
Selecting the best space to remain will make it easier to take advantage of out of your 3 days in Singapore. For this Singapore itinerary, I like to recommend staying within the Marina Bay space if price range permits. In any other case, listed below are the next areas you’ll be able to think about:
- Marina Bay – The center of the town with an exquisite riverfront space, near Gardens by the Bay.
- Bugis – Strolling distance from Marina Bay, with extra inexpensive motels.
- Haji Lane – A classy hipster space strolling distance from centre, with good hostels.
- Chinatown – A extra cultural space with bustling markets, good meals, and price range motels.
Marina Bay Sands
Dominating the town’s skyline, Marina Bay Sands is an iconic landmark of the town now and positively the most effective motels in Singapore. We’ve stayed right here 3 occasions and it’s by no means disenchanted. The rooftop pool is barely open to friends, so that you’ll have to remain right here if swimming on the infinity pool is in your bucket listing. Examine charges right here.
Capella Singapore
Positioned in Sentosa, it is a premium resort housed in a colonial advanced. Capella Singapore boasts an exquisite three-pier swimming pool and upscale eating places that serve a improbable breakfast unfold. We stayed right here with our daughter when she was simply 6 months in the past, and had been actually impressed. Learn my overview and examine the charges.
The Clan Resort Singapore
We just lately stayed at The Clan Resort Singapore and had been really impressed by the brand new lodge’s location and up to date design. I significantly love how the lodge pays tribute to the Singaporean heritage by way of particulars like a welcome tea ceremony, fashionable Chinese language decor, and native dishes of their breakfast menu. Learn my full overview and examine charges right here.
Furama Riverfront
Positioned near Chinatown, Furama Riverfront has themed bedrooms specifically designed for teenagers. The rooms even embody bean baggage, child sized desk / chairs and a ps. That is positively appropriate for toddlers and tweens. Examine charges right here.
The place to Eat in Singapore
One of the best locations to eat in Singapore are in hawker facilities: open-concept meals courts however an establishment of their very own. They serve what you’d name Singapore road meals, with every hawker stall specializing in a single dish. A few of these hawker stalls have even been awarded the distinguished Michelin Star!
Costs are actually inexpensive: A plate of noodles prices round S$3 (or US$2), whereas a full seafood meal units you again lower than S$30 (US$21) per particular person. They’re clear and arranged, and distributors have to stick to sure hygiene ranges by regulation. Try the greatest locations to eat in Singapore.
There are additionally meals courts, which can be air-conditioned eateries normally positioned in buying malls. In case your youngsters aren’t adventurous eaters, there are many fast-food shops and worldwide eating places, like Burger King, Shake Shack and Black Angus Steakhouse.
Greatest Hawker Centres in Singapore
Greatest Singaporean Eating places
Web and Information in Singapore
It’s straightforward to search out free WiFi in every single place in Singapore. Most malls and public areas have free WiFi networks. You simply must register along with your overseas cell quantity at any [email protected] hotspot and obtain your login particulars by way of SMS.
Alternatively, for those who choose web information in your telephone, you’ll be able to simply get a 5-day vacationer sim information card for $15 on the airport upon arrival. For a less expensive deal, get this pay as you go SIM card (100GB of information for $8.50) upfront and choose it up on the airport.
Value of Journey in Singapore
Singapore is dearer than its neighboring capitals like Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur, however it’s nonetheless fairly inexpensive. Meals, admission tickets and transport are literally fairly priced.
With 3 days in Singapore, count on to spend round US$250 per particular person, together with 3-star lodging and admission tickets. Lodging might be costly, although there’s a variety of hostels and Airbnb in Singapore.
Singapore meals is extremely good and low-cost in every single place. You may get $5 a meal at an area hawker centre (which is present in each neighborhood), or $30-40 per meal in a restaurant. Getting round Singapore by public transport is reasonable. You received’t spend greater than $3 every method on the MRT or bus.
Planning Your Journey to Singapore
A visit to Singapore might be enjoyable and insightful, particularly in case your first time in Asia. It kind of eases you into Southeast Asia, fairly than plunging you deep into tradition shock. Singapore could also be fashionable and developed, however you too can discover pockets of older, extra conventional Southeast Asian tradition, in addition to inexperienced areas each inside the metropolis and simply outdoors.
With 3 days in Singapore, you must be capable of get a great sense of the town nation and expertise one of the best it has to supply. I hope my Singapore itinerary will make it easier to discover your method across the metropolis, whereas tasting one of the best meals and experiencing one of the best sights on the town.
If Singapore is simply part of your Southeast Asia journey, these articles is perhaps helpful that can assist you plan your journey:
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