Singapore

Singapore Travel Guide

Southeast Asia's gateway — a cutting-edge city-state defined by Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. Orchard Road's luxury shopping, Little India's vibrant spice markets, Chinatown's traditional temples, and Arab Street's Islamic culture coexist vividly within this compact nation. Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized hawker meals at SGD 3-5 are a uniquely Singaporean draw. Perfect for families and foodies seeking a multicultural experience in a clean, safe environment.

Essential Singapore Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Singapore

★ 4.7

Marina Bay Sands

Opened in 2010, Marina Bay Sands is Singapore's signature integrated resort, instantly recognisable for its 57th-floor SkyPark linking three towers. Swimming in the infinity pool (reserved for hotel guests) over the Singapore skyline is a bucket-list moment, while the Sands SkyPark observation deck is open to the public. The complex also houses a casino, shopping mall, and the ArtScience Museum. SkyPark admission SGD 26. Directly connected from MRT Bayfront Station.

HoursObservation deck 11:00-21:00 (until 22:00 Fri-Sat)

LocationMarina Bay, Singapore

TipsVisit the SkyPark observation deck around sunset to catch both daytime and night views. Free Spectra laser shows run nightly at 20:00 and 21:00.

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★ 4.8

Gardens by the Bay

Spread across 101 hectares, Gardens by the Bay is one of Singapore's defining attractions, where 25-50m Supertrees create a futuristic skyline. The Cloud Forest conservatory features the world's tallest indoor waterfall, while the Flower Dome showcases plants from around the globe. The nightly free Garden Rhapsody light show at the Supertree Grove is a must-see. Outdoor gardens free; conservatory admission SGD 28. A 5-minute walk from MRT Bayfront Station.

HoursOutdoor gardens 05:00-02:00; conservatories 09:00-21:00

LocationMarina Bay, Singapore

TipsGarden Rhapsody runs daily at 19:45 and 20:45. The paid OCBC Skyway lets you walk among the Supertrees and look down on the gardens.

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★ 4.6

Universal Studios Singapore

On Sentosa Island, Universal Studios Singapore is Southeast Asia's first and only Universal theme park. Across seven themed zones — New York, Hollywood, Ancient Egypt, Jurassic World, and more — you'll find over 20 attractions, with thrill rides like Transformers and Battlestar Galactica leading the lineup. Several exclusive attractions can be found only at this park. Admission about SGD 80 (adult). Take the Sentosa Express to Waterfront Station.

Hours10:00-19:00 (extended hours during peak seasons)

LocationSentosa Island, Singapore

TipsVisit on weekdays to skip the weekend and holiday crowds. The Express Pass lets you ride popular attractions with shorter waits.

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★ 4.4

Merlion Park

Merlion Park is the waterfront park anchored by Singapore's national symbol — the Merlion, a mythical creature with a lion's head and fish body that spouts water into Marina Bay. Completed in 1972, the main statue stands 8.6 m tall and weighs 70 tonnes, facing Fullerton Bay in front of the Fullerton Hotel. Behind it, Marina Bay Sands and the Esplanade (the durian-shaped theatre) line the skyline, making this the city's most iconic photo spot. The lion symbol comes from Singapore's name, derived from the 11th-century Sanskrit 'Singapura' ('Lion City'). A smaller 2 m Merlion and the Merlion Cafe sit nearby. Free entry. A 5-minute walk from MRT Raffles Place, Exit H.

HoursOpen 24 hours

LocationMarina Bay, Singapore

TipsVisit just after sunset (blue hour) for stunning shots with the Merlion and Marina Bay Sands both lit up. Don't miss the classic tourist pose — pretending to catch the Merlion's water spout in your hand.

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★ 4.7

Singapore Zoo & Night Safari

Singapore Zoo is a 28-hectare park within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, famous for its 'open concept' design housing about 2,800 animals across 300+ species in near-natural habitats. Highlights include the Jungle Breakfast with orangutans, white tigers, and elephant presentations. The adjacent Night Safari, opened in 1994, was the world's first nocturnal zoo — visitors take a tram through dark jungle terrain to observe lions, tigers, elephants, and other nocturnal animals in a uniquely atmospheric setting. Most visitors combine both as a day-into-evening experience. Zoo about SGD 50, Night Safari about SGD 56, combo about SGD 90. Take bus 138 from MRT Khatib Station — about 30 minutes.

HoursZoo 08:30-18:00; Night Safari 19:15-24:00

LocationMandai, Singapore

TipsDay at the zoo → dinner → Night Safari is the most efficient order, and combo tickets save 30%+ if booked in advance. Bring rain ponchos and mosquito repellent.

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★ 4.4

Orchard Road

Orchard Road is Singapore's flagship shopping boulevard, stretching about 2.2 km and lined with 22 megamalls including ION Orchard, Paragon Shopping Centre, Takashimaya Ngee Ann City, Mandarin Gallery, and 313@somerset. From luxury (Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci) to fast fashion (Uniqlo, Zara, H&M) and local designer brands, virtually every retail category is covered. The annual Great Singapore Sale (GSS) from June to August offers up to 70% off, and the November-December Christmas light-ups are a city tradition. Michelin restaurants, hotspots, cinemas, and hotels round out the experience. Three MRT stations — Orchard, Somerset, Dhoby Ghaut — serve the strip's ends and middle.

HoursMalls typically open daily 10:00-22:00

LocationOrchard, Singapore

TipsThe free ION Sky observation deck on level 56 of ION Orchard offers a great view of the strip. The Great Singapore Sale (June-August) and Christmas (November-December) are the liveliest seasons.

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★ 4.8

Jewel Changi Airport

Opened in April 2019, Jewel Changi Airport is a multi-concept shopping and entertainment complex that turned the world's top airport into a destination in itself. The centerpiece HSBC Rain Vortex is the world's tallest indoor waterfall at 40 m, with a light-and-music show every hour. Surrounding it is the 5-story Shiseido Forest Valley indoor rainforest with around 200 species and 2,000 trees and plants. The top floor's Canopy Park features mirror mazes, sky gardens, and a foggy bridge. About 280 shops and 100 restaurants — including many Korean spots — make it ideal even during layovers. Waterfall and forest free; Canopy Park about SGD 8.5. Connected to Changi Airport Terminals 1, 2, and 3.

Hours24 hours (Canopy Park 10:00-22:00)

LocationChangi, Singapore

TipsRain Vortex light shows run hourly between 19:30 and 24:30. With a 5+ hour layover, you can easily catch the waterfall show and grab a Korean meal before your next flight.

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★ 4.4

Chinatown

Established in the 1820s, Singapore's Chinatown is the historic heart of Chinese-Singaporean culture — a colorful heritage district of pastel 19th-century colonial shophouses, temples, and hawker centres. Its centerpiece is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (completed 2007), an ornate four-story Tang-dynasty-style temple housing a tooth relic of the Buddha (free admission). Nearby Sri Mariamman Temple (Singapore's oldest Hindu temple) and the Chinatown Heritage Centre tell the immigrant story. Pagoda and Trengganu Street stalls overflow with souvenirs and street food, and Michelin Bib Gourmand favorites like Song Fa Bak Kut Teh, Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre, and Ya Kun Kaya Toast all call this district home. Chinese New Year (January-February) brings spectacular red-lantern decor and the liveliest atmosphere. Directly accessible from MRT Chinatown Station, Exit A.

HoursStreets 24 hours (shops and food centres typically 09:00-22:00)

LocationOutram, Singapore

TipsChinese New Year (January-February) is the most spectacular season. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell sees 30-minute lunchtime queues. Shoulders and knees must be covered at Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.

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Things to Do in Singapore

Nightlife

Marina Bay Night Walk

Stroll the Marina Bay waterfront taking in the illuminated Marina Bay Sands, ArtScience Museum, and Esplanade. Free Spectra laser shows run nightly at 20:00 and 21:00.

Price FreeDuration About 1-2 hours

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Tour

Gardens by the Bay Light Show

Watch the free Garden Rhapsody light show nightly at Supertree Grove. The 25-50m Supertrees glow in sync with music. The paid OCBC Skyway offers an elevated view.

Price Free (Skyway SGD 12)Duration About 15-20 minutes per show

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Tour

Clarke Quay River Cruise

Cruise the Singapore River from Clarke Quay to Marina Bay. Pass the Merlion, Fullerton Hotel, and Marina Bay Sands for waterside views of key landmarks.

Price From SGD 25Duration About 40 minutes

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Wellness

Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool

Swim in the world's highest urban infinity pool on the 57th floor with Singapore's skyline as backdrop — a bucket-list experience exclusive to hotel guests. A night's stay runs about SGD 500-800 with pool access included; sunset (around 18:30-19:30) is the most magical time.

Price Room from about SGD 500-800/night (includes pool access)Duration About 1-2 hours (per check-in)

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Culture

Hawker Centre Food Tour

Eat through Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, and Chinatown Complex sampling Michelin Bib Gourmand favorites like Tian Tian Chicken Rice, Song Fa Bak Kut Teh, and chendol. About SGD 8-15 covers 6-8 dishes.

Price Food about SGD 8-15 (guided tour SGD 80-150)Duration About 2-3 hours

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Tour

Jewel Changi Rain Vortex Viewing

Visit the world's tallest indoor waterfall (40m) — the HSBC Rain Vortex inside Jewel Changi Airport — plus the 5-story Shiseido Forest Valley indoor rainforest. Hourly music-and-light shows run 19:30-24:30, and the top-floor Canopy Park offers mirror mazes and sky gardens.

Price Waterfall and forest free; Canopy Park about SGD 8.5Duration About 1-3 hours

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Must-Try Food in Singapore

Chilli Crab

🍱 Traditional

Singapore's national dish — crab stir-fried in a sweet-and-spicy chilli sauce. About SGD 40-80 per crab. JUMBO Seafood at East Coast Seafood Centre is famous.

Hawker Centre Food

🍢 Street Food

Singapore's signature food courts gathering Chinese, Malay, and Indian dishes under one roof — try chicken rice and laksa. About SGD 3-8 per meal. Maxwell Food Centre and Lau Pa Sat are iconic.

Kaya Toast

🍢 Street Food

Kaya Toast: thin toast spread with coconut jam (kaya) and butter, served with soft-boiled eggs and coffee as a classic Singapore breakfast set. About SGD 4-6 per set. Ya Kun Kaya Toast is the signature chain.

Hainanese Chicken Rice

🍱 Traditional

Tender poached chicken with rice cooked in chicken broth, served with ginger and chili sauces — Singapore's national dish. About SGD 5-8 per serving. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre is Michelin Bib Gourmand-listed.

Laksa

🍱 Traditional

A spicy Peranakan noodle soup with coconut-milk curry broth, thick rice noodles, shrimp, and fish cake. About SGD 5-10 per bowl. Katong laksa is the most famous regional style, with 328 Katong Laksa as the signature spot.

Singapore Sling

🍵 Drink

The pink gin-based cocktail invented at Raffles Hotel's Long Bar in 1915, with pineapple juice, cherry brandy, and lime. About SGD 35-40 per glass. Drinking it at the original Long Bar in Raffles Hotel is the classic experience.

Chendol & Ice Kachang

🍰 Dessert

Singapore-style shaved ice piled with palm seed, corn, beans, coconut milk, and syrup — perfect for the heat. About SGD 3-5 per bowl. The chendol stall at Chinatown's Maxwell Food Centre is famous.

Singapore Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Singapore?

Tropical year-round. December to January is relatively cooler, and the June to August Great Singapore Sale season is ideal for shopping.

How much does it cost to travel in Singapore?

Daily budget around $70-145 (lodging $45-85; food $15-35; transport and entry fees $15-30).

How do I get around in Singapore?

From Changi Airport, the MRT reaches downtown in about 30 minutes. The MRT and buses make city travel easy — an EZ-Link card is essential. SIM cards available at the airport (about SGD 15-30/week). Contactless and card payments are accepted almost everywhere; bring some cash for hawker centers. Tipping is not customary (most bills include a 10% service charge).

Do I need a visa to visit Singapore?

Korean passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.

Is Singapore safe for tourists?

One of the world's safest cities. Note strict laws — bringing in chewing gum is banned and littering carries hefty fines.

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