Singapore Travel Guide

Singapore is a city-state on a small island off the southern tip of the Malay peninsula. Separated from Malaysia by the Strait of Johor, its convenient location has historically made it an important hub for trade with easy access to the Indian Ocean. More recently, Singapore has developed into a thriving metropolis known for its stunning modern skyline, shopping districts and immaculate gardens. Whether you are looking for eclectic cuisine or breath-taking views, Singapore has everything you would want from a city.

Best Things to do in Singapore

As one of the most exciting cities in southeast Asia, Singapore provides a vast mix of attractions for people of all ages to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do in Singapore:

Please be aware that prices may vary depending on when you decide to visit Singapore. If you wish to keep your costs to a minimum, the MRT is widely considered the most affordable way of travelling around Singapore.

Singapore Ferry

While there are many ways to get around Singapore, ferries are a convenient transport option for day trips to the Indonesian islands of Batam and Bintan. These are available for booking throughout the year and depart every day from HarbourFront Centre and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.

Ferry from Tanah Merah to Batam

The Tanah Merah to Batam ferry takes approximately 55 minutes and departs up to 6 times per day. This ferry service is available with 3 operators including Majestic Fast Ferry, Sindo Ferry and Batam Fast Ferry.

Ferry from HarbourFront to Batam

The HarbourFront Centre to Batam Centre ferry takes approximately 1 hour. This route is perfect for day trips as it departs up to 31 times per day so you should have no trouble finding a sailing that fits your travel plans.

HarbourFront Centre Harbour Bay Ferry

Set sail on the HarbourFront to Harbour Bay ferry with Horizon Fast Ferry and arrive at your destination in just 50 minutes. This ferry route is ideal for those looking to escape from the buzz of city life and enjoy some downtime in the wellness retreats of the neighbouring islands.

How many days should I spend in Singapore?

As Singapore is a relatively compact city-state, you should only need 3 to 5 days to comfortably visit all the main attractions. This will give you enough time to fully immerse yourself in the culture and explore the neighbouring islands of Batam and Bintan if you so please.  

When is the best time to visit Singapore?

Although Singapore boasts a tropical climate all year round, the best time to visit is usually between February and April. This is the dry season in Singapore, when the weather is warm, and rainfall is at a minimum. During this period, expect temperatures of 28 °C on most days. This also coincides with the Chinese New Year, where celebrations take place all across the city.

Do you need vaccinations to go to Singapore?

Please ensure that you get the appropriate vaccinations before travelling to Singapore. As such, you are protected against any infections. Here are the recommended vaccinations for Bali:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid

If you are travelling from a country with a risk of yellow fever, you will be required to present proof of vaccination before entering Singapore. Those who are staying in the more rural parts of Singapore for over a month should consider getting vaccinated for Japanese Encephalitis, but otherwise it is not necessary.

Is Singapore expensive to visit?

Be warned: Singapore is not cheap. It is widely considered an expensive destination to visit, especially when compared with other Southeast Asian countries. However, if you are on a tight budget, there are certain ways to make your experience more affordable.

Mid-range hotels in Singapore typically cost between $100 to $200 USD per night, while hostels and budget hotels in Chinatown and Little India are significantly cheaper. Known for selling delicious local cuisine, you can find meals for as low as $6 USD at popular places like Maxwell Food Centre or Lau Pa Sat. If you don’t mind splashing the cash, upscale restaurants can easily cost up to $100 per person. In terms of public transport, we recommend getting a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited travel on public transport which costs $10–$20 USD for 1 to 3 days.

What currency do they use in Singapore?

Singapore uses the Singapore Dollar, which is often abbreviated as SGD or S$. When you arrive in the country, you can easily exchange money at banks or currency exchange vendors. Credit cards are also widely accepted in Singapore.

Should I bring cash to Singapore?

While Singapore is predominantly a cashless country, we recommend that you carry cash with you. This is particularly useful for:

1. Street Vendors
2. Taxis
3. Tips
4. Small Purchases

However, please note that you must declare cash exceeding S$20,000 to Singapore authorities.

What not to bring to Singapore

There are certain items that are prohibited in Singapore unless you have a license. For example, sleeping pills and strong painkillers are not permitted without authority. Singapore also has had a chewing gum ban in place since 1992 and forbids medicinal chewing gums like nicotine.

Can you drink tap water in Singapore?

You will be pleased to know that the tap water in Singapore is perfectly safe to drink. In fact, it is one of the few places in Asia where you can drink from the tap including Hong Kong, Israel, Japan and South Korea. 

Do you need a visa to visit Singapore?

Citizens of the United States and the United Kingdom do not require a visa to enter Singapore for a visit of up to 90 days. However, there are certain requirements that must be fulfilled before travelling to Singapore:

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your intended stay in Singapore.
• You must present a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you have travelled from a country that has a risk of transmission.
• You will be subject to identity screening upon arrival in Singapore.