- Budget: SGD 150-400 daily (solo traveler)
- Best time: February-May (dry season)
- Ideal stay: 4-7 days
Core Insights from My Adventures
I’ve spent years exploring Singapore’s blend of futuristic skyline and hidden kampongs. Key wins: Hawker meals cost under SGD 10, the MRT zips you everywhere affordably, and safety lets you roam worry-free at night.
Skip peak July crowds; aim for 5 days to cover icons plus neighborhoods.
Premier 15 Singapore Highlights with Ratings and My Stories
1. Marvel at Gardens by the Bay Supertrees
I’ve watched the Garden Rhapsody light show here a dozen times, each mesmerizing with towering 50m Supertrees glowing in sync to music.
Entry to outdoor gardens is free; domes cost SGD 32 (adult). Rating: 4.9/5. Pro tip: Visit at dusk for photos without crowds, then dine at Satay by the Bay nearby.
Open 9AM-9PM daily. Domes: SGD 32 for adults, SGD 18 for kids. Book via the official site.
2. Stroll Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
On my first night, the infinity pool view from SkyPark blew me away, overlooking the city lights. Observation deck entry is SGD 38; open 11AM-9PM. Rating: 4.8/5. Pair it with the Spectra light show (free, 8PM/9PM). I’ve seen proposals here; the vibe is electric.
3. Dive into Jewel Changi Airport’s Rain Vortex
Even locals like me return to this 40m indoor waterfall; it’s free and magical at night. Rating: 4.9/5. Grab Shake Shack nearby. Open 24/7. My insider: Use it as a layover haven with canopy park (SGD 8 entry).
4. Feast at Hawker Centers like Maxwell
Tian Tian chicken rice at Maxwell changed my life—SGD 6 for Michelin-starred bliss. Rating: 4.7/5. Open 11 I always hit Lau Pa Sat for satay (SGD 0.80/stick). The UNESCO-listed food scene is unbeatable.
5. Wander Kampong Glam’s Sultan Mosque
Prayer time here feels serene; the golden dome shines. Free entry (modest dress). Rating: 4.6/5. Haji Lane street art nearby is perfect for photos. My story: Best Arabic coffee at Blink 182 Cafe.
6. Explore Sentosa Island Adventures
Universal Studios thrilled me like a kid; the cable car ride was SGD 35 return. Rating: 4.7/5. Beaches are free post-5 Pro: S.E.A. Aquarium (SGD 45), my fave for manta rays.
7. Unwind in Singapore Botanic Gardens
UNESCO site where I picnic weekly; orchid garden SGD 15. Rating: 4.8/5. Open 5AM-12AM. Dawn jogs reveal monkeys playfully.
8. Snap Merlion Park Icon
Classic shot with Marina Bay backdrop, free always. Rating: 4.5/5. Night views sparkle. I’ve dodged crowds by going pre-dawn.
9. Hike MacRitchie Reservoir Treetop Walk
2-hour trek spotting monkeys; free entry. Rating: 4.7/5. Start at 7AM to beat the heat. My epic: Summit view post-rain.
10. Shop Bugis Street Bargains
Haggled for souvenirs under SGD 10. Rating: 4.4/5. Evenings are best. Local hack: Mustafa Centre 24/7 mega-mart.
11. Chinatown Heritage Walk
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple wows; it’s free. Rating: 4.6/5. Night market eats SGD 5. My ritual: Buddha Jump Wall soup.
12. Little India Sensory Feast
The Moh Chan curry is unbeatable, SGD 8. Rating: 4.7/5. Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is vibrant. Diwali lights are magical.
13. Night Safari Thrills
World’s first, tram SGD 55. Rating: 4.8/5. 7:15PM start. Spotted rhinos up close once.
14. Clarke Quay River Vibes
Bumboat cruise SGD 25, lively bars. Rating: 4.5/5. Weekends buzz. My spot: Zouk clubbing.
15. Pulau Ubin Rural Escape
Bike rental SGD 8/day, kampong life. Rating: 4.7/5. Ferry SGD 6. Feels like old Singapore to me.
Master Singapore Travel Logistics: Budgets, Transport, and Timing
Optimal Visiting Months
February to May offers dry weather (28-32°C); avoid November rains. My best trip: March cherry blossoms at Botanic Gardens.
Arrival and Connectivity
Changi Airport to city MRT SGD 2, taxi SGD 20-40. Book flights via Kayak.
Effortless Navigation
EZ-Link card starts at SGD 10 and taps for MRT/buses (SGD 1-3/ride). Grab rides for SGD 10-20. Walk neighborhoods. App: Citymapper.
Recommended Stay Duration
5 days hit highlights; 7 for islands. I’ve done a 4-day whirlwind, but I prefer a relaxed 7-day pace.
Top Neighborhood Stays
Marina Bay luxury (PARKROYAL SGD 400/night via Booking.com), Chinatown budget (Hotel 81 SGD 150). Book Agoda deals.
Guided Experiences
Hawker tour SGD 100 via GetYourGuide, bike city loop SGD 80. Self-guide with TripAdvisor reviews.
Stay Secure: Safety Guide, Pros/Cons, and Lifesavers
Locals like me advise light clothes, a water bottle, and a portable charger. Fines deter littering, but enforcement is fair. I’ve walked alone at 2AM safely.
Common Questions Answered
Is Singapore expensive for budget travelers?
Yes, hotels SGD 150+, but hawker meals SGD 5-10 keep costs low. Total 4-day trip SGD 800 possible via hostels and free sites.
What’s the best 5-day itinerary?
Day 1: Marina Bay/Gardens. Day 2: Sentosa. Day 3: Neighborhoods/hawker. Day 4: Nature hikes. Day 5: Airport Jewel/shop.
Visa rules for visitors?
60-day visa-free for many (US/EU); check ICA.gov.sg. SG Arrival Card online free.
Safe for solo female travelers?
Extremely low crime, well-lit paths. I advise standard caution in nightlife areas.
Top free activities?
Merlion Park, Botanic Gardens outdoors, Spectra show, Southern Ridges hike, hawker stalls evenings.