When I visited Singapore in 2023 (for the first time in about 30 years) I expected to be impressed – and Singapore did not dissapoint. The city is clean, tidy and efficient. It’s status as a business and entertainment hub in SouthEast Asia well deserved. However, it also means that Singapore is not a cheap city to live, work or visit. These are a few tips I gather on how to make the best of your visit.
Sim Cards
Usually, when I travel, I buy a Sim Card at arrival from the airport. Although the prices at the airports are a little bit more expensive, it is worth it for the convenience and the peace of mind of being able to be connected straight away. But not in Singapore. If you want to buy a sim card here, I would not recommend buying it at the airport. A sim card for 7 days with 100GB of data cost me 50 SGD at the airport. But in the city, you can buy a sim card for half the price (or less) – head to the Mustafa Centre in little India.
Gardens by the Bay
The gardens by the bay are free to explore. The greenhouses and other specific attractions insie the garden needs to be paid for, but the botanical gardens and the super-tree grove itself are free.
Before you visit the gardens by the bay for the first time, see them from from above from the Sky Observation Deck at the Marina bay sands. The greenhouses, gardens and supertree grove are expansive and looking at them from above will help get an idea of their layout and how much time you need to cover.
If you are visiting the sky observation deck on top of Marina Bay sands, it is well worth seeing it in day light as well as in the dark. The best way to do this is to visit it between 7pm and 8pm. But reserve your tickets at least 1 day in advance as they tend to get booked up.
Garden Rhapsody
Garden Rhapsody is a music and light show held at the super-tree Grove at 7.45 and 8.45 pm everyday . The show is magnificent and free to anyone. Check here for show times.
Spectra Light and Water Show
This is a nightly show of dancing fountains, lasers & light projections set to music against the city skyline. It takes place in front of the Marina Bay shopping centre and free for anyone. Check here for show times.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
The Botanical gardens in Singapore are extensive and free to enter. We didn’t get a chance to go to the Botanic Gardens, so this is definitely on the list for next time. The National Orchid Centre within the gardens itself is not free.
Changi Airport
Singapore’s Changi Airport is known to be one of the best airports in the World. It is a desti action in itself with, with its own cinema, butterfly garden, Lily garden and many more. Not to mention the “Jewel” a shopping centre with the worlds largest indoor waterfall. I would highly recommend a layover at Changi if you get a chance – but remember that many of the attractions are closed between 10pm and 5a.m., so make a day time layover if you can.
If you are short on time, I would recommend the hop-on, hop off tour bus.
Hotels
The hotels in Singapore, especially near the waterfront are very expensive. There are some great hotels further inland and the metro system in Singapore is very efficient and you can get around very easily. We stayed at the One Farrer Hotel, a 5-star hotel at a fraction of the price.
Diary of a Tourist 