If you’re planning on travelling to Singapore for the first time, this guide will help you to navigate your way around and have the best time.
Whether you’re going for a couple of weeks as a vacation or you’re looking to stay there even longer to soak up the culture, learn the language, and make friends, many of the tips here will help you.
(This post may contain affiliate links)
Take a look and see what you can take away before you visit Singapore for the first time:
Finding Your Way Around Singapore
Public transport is one of the best ways to make your way around Singapore. You’ll really be able to explore and find some awesome things you wouldn’t have found any other way, too!
The MTR is incredibly clean, so don’t worry about that – they are very strict when it comes to things like no spitting, eating or gum. Very strict!
The escalators and subways are incredibly fast and efficient. You can buy single tickets or get a card for multiple rides – purchase an Ez-link card from the ticket office at any major MRT station.
Alternatively, it’s a good idea to get an Uber for late nights. You even have the option to share the ride to reduce costs.
Then there are hop on hop off buses, which are a fantastic way to see the city and get to where you’re going.
Make sure you don’t go wondering off alone if you haven’t got your bearings yet.
Have numbers read for your Uber, a fully charged phone, and perhaps a map or an app to help you find your way.
The Price Of Alcohol Is Extortionate
Something almost everybody is surprised about when they visit Singapore is the sheer cost of alcohol.
With high import taxes (that are set to increase by a further 25%!) you’ll want to make sure you stock up on duty-free wine, beer and spirits when you come through Changi Airport.
It’s the smartest thing to do if you plan on having a drink when you’re in Singapore, (plus it’s one of the cheapest places to buy wine on the island).
Even if you plan on having a casual drink, it’ll be cheaper to buy it in the airport.
Diverse Neighborhoods
Something that is absolutely incredible about Singapore is the diverse neighborhoods.
From Little India to Chinatown, Labrador Park and Kampong Glam (which is a very pretty place to take pictures for your Instagram account).
Singapore is one of the most diverse and interesting places you will likely ever visit in your lifetime.
Where to Stay
There’s no denying that Singapore is expensive when it comes to finding somewhere to stay – there’s a steep price tag that is easily compared to London, New York, and Shanghai.
Be aware of this when finding the right place to stay for your trip. You might find it cheaper and easier to find a room for rent rather than looking to stay in a hotel for the duration of your stay.
However, there are some cheaper hotels, they’re just not cheap compared to cheap hotels in other countries. Be prepared for this and have a big budget!
Things To Do In Singapore
Now that you know how to get around and where to stay, you’ll want to know a few of the great things that you can do here. Here are some suggestions:
Gardens by the Bay – beautiful botanical garden spot for couples. Great for families and nature fans too.
The Flower Dome hosts different exhibits of plants and flowers according to the season. The Cloud Forest, is opposite; a magnificent indoor rain forest.
Some of the domes are open for viewing until late at night, and this is when the trees light up! It’s a wonderful way to spend some time, and you’ll have an even better time if you stick around for the light show in the Supertree grove.
Whether you’re out with friends or on a date, this is a wonderful activity to try.
Exploring the city and shopping – you may have heard how amazing the shopping in Singapore is.
Fancy Orchard Street is great for those who have the budget for shopping, or Boogies will allow you to find knick knacks and souvenirs.
For those who want to shop in boutiques, make sure you head to Kampong Glam.
If nothing else, you’ll take some great pictures. On Arab Street and Haji Lane, you can find art galleries, handmade perfumes, hipster eateries and great coffee.
Murals and backdrops all over the place make it another fantastic place to take pictures.
Taking the colonial tour – you might already know that English colonialism impacted massively on Singapore and because of this, it has become a big part of its history.
Many history nerds actually spend whole days taking this tour. Unbelievably, there are places to enjoy real English experiences in Singapore – like their version of afternoon tea.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve – this is the perfect place for greenery amongst the skyscrapers.
This place isn’t too far from the city, but it feels like a different world when you’re there.
When you visit, you can see bats, iguanas, crocodiles, an array of birds.
Going for walks through the mangrove forests. Is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry!
Some people are even lucky enough to spot pythons on their trip – if that sounds like something you want to do, then make sure you visit at night.
Hopefully, you enjoyed this beginner’s guide to Singapore and you now have a list of things you’re going to do and try while you’re in the area.
Singapore is a diverse place where you can experience many different cultures, activities, people, and food – it really is somewhere we should all visit at least once in our lifetime.
Let us know when you’re visiting Singapore and what you plan on doing on your trip – will you use any of the ideas here? Leave a comment below! Thanks for reading.
If you enjoyed reading this contributed blog post, please share on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest so your friends and family can read too. Sharing is caring!
Happy Travels
