SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE ESSENTIALS

Language: English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil
Country Code: +65
Time zone: GMT +8
Electric: Plug Type G (230V/50hz)
Currency: Singapore Dollars (SGD or S$)

HOW IS THE CLIMATE IN SINGAPORE

In April, the weather is good. The temperature is around 30 degrees but you can expect few rains. Please be noted that the humidity is about 80%.

SINGAPORE MONEY EXCHANGE

You can exchange your money directly in money changers at the Changi Airport or in Singapore City.

ATMs and money changers are widely available throughout the city. Most establishments (hotel, shops and restaurants) accept credit cards.

SINGAPORE VISA AND ARRIVAL

For European Union and US passports, you are entitled to visa free entry to Singapore up to 90 days.

To enter in Singapore, you have to fill up Immigration form

HOW TO GET TO SINGAPORE CITY FROM SINGAPORE AIRPORT

The best transportation to go in the city is by taking Taxi meter. It will cost around 28 SGD.

BY SUBWAY (SMRT): The SMRT is the fastest and cheapest way to get to downtown Singapore from the airport. It took us around 45 minutes to get to Little India MRT Station and the standard fare was SGD 2.30. You can use this SMRT fare calculator to figure out the fare to your destination.

BY PUBLIC BUS: This is another inexpensive option. The fare is SGD 2.50 and it should get you into the city in a little over an hour. You’ll need to prepare the exact amount since no change is given. You can catch bus 36/36A from the basement bays of Changi Airport Terminals 2 and 4 into the city. The first bus leaves at 6AM and the last one just before 11PM. You can refer to this route guide for a list of stops and estimated travel times.

BY TAXI: This is the easiest but most expensive way. It’ll cost you anywhere between SGD 20-40 to get into the city by taxi. Bigger groups can take these large taxis called Maxi Cabs. They can accommodate up to 7 people for a flat fee of SGD 60. You can check the Changi website for more information.

 HOW TO GET AROUND SINGAPORE

  • By MRT
  • By BUS
  • By Taxi

The most common value card for MRT and Buses is the EZ-link card. You can buy the card from any ticket office at MRT Station or Changi recommends store at Changi Airport. Then you top up the card at MRT Station or 7Eleven Stores, Sing Post outlets, General Ticketing Machines, AXS Stations to add value.

You can purchase Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited rides on buses, MRT in Singapore

HOW TO STAY CONNECTED IN SINGAPORE

You have two options: 4G Pocket Wifi and 4G Sim Card.

Singapore Pocket Wifi4G Pocket Wifi. There are a number of pocket wifi rental booths at Changi Airport, but because they are pretty in demand, it’s best to reserve in advance. Klook’s 4G Pocket Wifi provides hi-speed internet that can be used anywhere in Singapore.

  • Connect up to 8 devices at once, which is great if you’re traveling with a group because you could just split the cost.
  • Pick up and drop off at Changi Airport, so make sure you get it upon arrival.

 

Singapore Local SIM4G Sim Card. If you think you’d be making a few calls, you might want to get a 4G SIM card instead. Klook’s Local 4G SIM card not only allows lightning fast connection speeds but also FREE 20 minutes of international calls.

  • Pick up at Changi Airport.
  • 100 GB of 4G mobile speeds anywhere in Singapore
  • FREE 20 minutes of international calls

 

SINGAPORE TOP ATTRACTIONS

CHINATOWN

Singapore is a melting pot in the truest terms, and you really have to get around to all of the different neighborhoods to understand what it’s all about. Start with Chinatown for its shops, night markets and dim sum!

The Sri Mariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu Temple in Singapore whereas the opulent Buddha Tooth Relic Temple houses what is believed to be the tooth of Buddha found inside a collapsed stupa at a Buddhist Monastery.  The tooth relic can be viewed by the public on the 4th floor.

HOW TO GET TO CHINATOWN: Take the MRT and get down at Chinatown stop.

SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS

A 158-year-old tropical oasis, Singapore Botanic Gardens is much loved by locals and tourists alike.

I also recommend you visit the National Orchid Garden Singapore for $5. Unless you are some kind of Orchid expert, you will discover a gazillion new types of orchids (600 species!) which offer a sweet synthesis of visual beauty and matching fragrance!

I definitely recommend you visit the National Orchid Garden for the various types of orchids that are presented and the great photo opportunities! We took hundreds of beautiful pictures and I would definitely go back there one day!

The National Orchid Garden is inside the Botanic Gardens, but you have to use the Tyersall Gallop Entrance.

HOW TO GET THERE: Take the MRT and get down at Botanic Gardens station.

GARDENS BY THE BAY

Totally unlike any other garden I have ever experienced, Gardens by the Bay is well worth a visit. Have your camera ready for the surreal Supertree Grove and Cloud Forest!

TIP: The show runs twice a day: at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM and it is around 15 minutes long. Make sure to come a bit in advance, so you can have the coolest spot with the best view! Please check this link for the updated schedule, sometimes they change the show hours.

HOW TO GO TO GARDENS BY THE BAY: Take the MRT and get down at Bayfront station.

SPECTRA – LIGHT AND WATER SHOW

The Marina Bay Sands Light Show is an amazing choreography of singing fountains and projections shown on their splashes, so this is one of those great things to do in Singapore at night! You will see that there are bubbles everywhere and you will be impressed to find out that this holiday atmosphere goes on every day, so make sure not to miss this attraction while in Singapore! This is also a great activity to add to your Singapore budget trip itinerary, as it is completely free to see it!

Show times:

Sunday to Thursday: 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM
Friday & Saturday: 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM

NOTE: The show is 15 minutes long. The times of the show might change, please double check here before going.

The best location to see the Marina Bay Sands show is on the left side when you are facing the Louis Vuitton store. Here is another way to explain it: just go outside from the main exit of the Marina Bay Sands shopping mall and you will find yourself right in the center of the show!

ARAB STREET

More than just one street, this is a must-see neighborhood that includes Bussorah Street, Haji and Bali Lanes and Muscat Street. Start at the corner of Beach Road and just explore the shops, cafés and restaurants.

Do keep in mind that most places are closed on Sundays. With that said, the stunning Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan) is a must-see sight that is also located here!

THE QUAYS

The Quays along the river are famous here! Explore Boat Quay, Robertson Quay, then get down to Clarke Quay for restaurants, bars and other fun spots.

MARINA BAY SANDS SKYPARK

This sky-high infinity pool has become one of Singapore’s most iconic sites. I stayed here on my trip, which is the only way to get access to the infinity pool.

However, if you just want to see the view, you can buy a ticket to the Observation Deck for the once in a lifetime view of the cityscape.

Opening Hours
Monday-Thursday: 9:30am – 10pm
Friday-Sunday: 9:30am – 11pm

Entrance Fee:
S$23 for adults
S$17 for kids (2-12yo)
S$20 for seniors (65+)
FREE for kids under 2 years

DAY TRIP TO SENTOSA ISLAND

A playground for Singaporeans off the southern coast of Singapore, this massive resort-style island has theme parks, golf courses, etc…

HOW TO STAY OUT OF TROUBLE IN SINGAPORE

  • Feeding pigeons
  • Jaywalking
  • Smoking outside of designated areas
  • Spitting in public
  • Bringing in pirated DVDs
  • Bringing in electronic cigarettes
  • Bringing in non-medical chewing gum
  • Electronic Cigarettes
  • Cigarettes bought outside of Singapore

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