Singapore: The Ultimate Destination for Food, Culture, and Nature Enthusiasts
Singapore stands as an ideal getaway for foodies, culture vultures, and nature lovers alike. Its proximity to Perth makes it perfect for a long-weekend escape or a convenient pit stop en route to Europe. However, with so much to see and do, visitors often find themselves wishing for extra days to fully explore this vibrant city-state.
Essential Travel Tips for Singapore
All visitors must complete a Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) within three days before arrival, including the day of entry. This free and straightforward process can be done online or via the MyICA Mobile app.
From Changi Airport, a taxi to the city center takes about 25 minutes, which may be convenient for late-night arrivals. Alternatively, the underground train (MRT) offers a budget-friendly option at approximately S$2.40 ($2.70) for a 45-minute journey. You can tap on and off using any bank or money card.
The MRT is not only cheap but also safe, clean, and reliable. The East/West (Green) line provides direct links from the airport, with a quick change at Tanah Merah. For convenience, consider hotels near City Hall, Bugis, Raffles Place, or Tanjong Pagar stations. The East/West line intersects with the North/South (Red) line at City Hall, making areas around Dhoby Ghaut, Somerset, and Orchard stations excellent choices too.
Staying close to an MRT station is highly recommended, especially after a day of exploring Singapore's hot and humid climate. Hotels with pools, such as the Sofitel City Centre above Tanjong Pagar MRT, offer added comfort. This location is walkable to Chinatown, the CBD, and riverfront areas.
Other top hotel options include Oasia Downtown, Amara Singapore, Carlton City Hotel, and Mondrian Singapore Duxton near Tanjong Pagar. For families, Swissotel The Stamford, connected to City Hall MRT, features rooms with two double beds. Additional recommendations are Grand Park City Hall, Pullman Hill Street, and lyf Funan.
JEN Singapore Orchardgateway by Shangri-La, with direct access to Somerset MRT, boasts a rooftop infinity pool with stunning city views. Nearby options include Hilton Singapore Orchard, Pullman Singapore Orchard, Holiday Inn Express, and Concorde Hotel Singapore.
Frasers House (formerly InterContinental Singapore) offers elegant style near Bugis MRT, with Kampong Glam attractions just a 10-minute walk away. Andaz Singapore by Hyatt and Parkroyal on Beach Road are also conveniently located.
Exploring Singapore on Foot
While the MRT and bus routes are efficient, they can compartmentalize the city. To truly appreciate Singapore's layout, venture out early in the morning when temperatures are cooler. Walking helps you get your bearings and discover hidden gems between districts.
A Perfect 3-Day Singapore Itinerary
Day 1: Chinatown and Kampong Glam
Morning: Start in Chinatown to admire brilliant murals by artists like Yip Yew Chong. A self-guided trail is available, but simply wandering the streets between Chinatown and Maxwell MRT stations offers a delightful taste of the area's street art.
Visit Nanyang Old Coffee for morning tea and explore its quirky coffee museum on the top floor. Then, head to the Chinese Heritage Centre, a fascinating museum with original 1950s shophouse interiors that narrate Chinatown's evolution and migrant stories.
Lunch: Experience Singapore's hawker centres at Maxwell or Amoy Street. These clean venues offer delicious, affordable dishes such as Hainanese chicken rice, wanton noodles, char kway teow, or laksa. Note that many stalls are cash-only.
Afternoon: Explore Kampong Glam, home to Sultan Mosque, Haji Lane, colourful shophouses, and more street art. Don't miss the Malay Heritage Centre, reopening on April 25 after refurbishment, which explores Malay identity in Singapore from the 19th century to today.
Enjoy a teh tarik or coffee at Tarik, a hole-in-the-wall cafe opposite Sultan Mosque.
Evening: Dine at Anatolia Restaurant on Arab Street for delicious Turkish fare with generous portions. Afterwards, stop by Atlas Bar for a nightcap before returning to Bugis MRT.
Day 2: Civic District and Riverfront
Morning: Walk from City Hall or Chinatown to the river, or take the MRT to Clark Quay. Stroll east along the riverbank, passing colonial gems like the Old Parliament, Victoria Concert Hall, and Asian Civilisations Museum, as well as the Fullerton Hotel. Continue to the Merlion or cross Anderson Bridge for a return walk on the opposite side.
Visit the Asian Civilisations Museum to discover connections between Asian cultures and the world through 13 galleries of beautiful artefacts.
Lunch: Try Market Street Hawker Centre in the CapitaSpring building at Raffles Place, featuring 56 stalls over two floors.
Afternoon or Sunset: Take a 40-minute river cruise to see skyscrapers in sunlight, through sunset, and lit up at night.
Evening: If you cruise earlier, revisit CapitaSpring for sunset cocktails at Arden rooftop bar, offering one of the best city views. Consider dinner at Kaarla for an exceptional dining experience.
Day 3: Green Spaces and Cultural Sites
Morning: Explore the Botanic Gardens, including the stunning National Orchid Garden. If short on time, focus on the orchid garden, but the wider gardens are also worth a visit.
Brunch: Head to the original Killiney Kopitiam on Killiney Road near Somerset MRT for an authentic experience. Try kaya butter toast dipped in soft-boiled egg with soy and white pepper, chee cheong fun, or chicken curry with roti prata. This venue is cash-only.
Afternoon: Enter Fort Canning Park from Dhoby Ghaut MRT and walk through verdant spaces to the Fort Canning Flagstaff. Descend to Hill Street, passing the Fort Canning Tree Tunnel, giant rain trees, colonial buildings, the Gothic Gate, spice gardens, and a banana tree trail.
From Hill Street, it's less than a 10-minute walk to the Peranakan Museum, where nine galleries showcase Peranakan culture through ornate furniture, painted porcelain, beadwork, jewellery, and textiles.
Evening: For refined Indian cuisine, dine at the Tiffin Room in Raffles, featuring the Mera Dabba set menu from S$86 ($95). If time allows, catch the light show at Supertree Grove in Gardens by the Bay, with shows at 7:45pm and 8:45pm. Buses 106, 133, 502, or 518 from outside Raffles Hotel stop at Bayfront B.
Additional Attractions for Extended Stays
- Gardens by the Bay: Don't miss Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome.
- Singapore Zoo: Home to over 4,200 animals across 300 species.
- Tiong Bahru: Explore its hawker market, Art Deco architecture, boutiques, and cafes.
- Emerald Hill: Admire beautifully restored shophouses near Orchard Road.
- Sentosa: Beyond theme parks, enjoy beaches, Fort Siloso, and rainforest walks via cable car.
This comprehensive guide ensures you make the most of your Singapore adventure, whether for a short visit or an extended stay.
