A lot of travellers actually have a layover in Singapore. It might be 4h or 24h. Because Singapore is probably the most used hub if you’re travelling in South-East Asia, but also in Oceania, I passed through this city-state on my way to Europe from Bali. And I thought to myself. Why not extend my time in Asia by a few days by spending a few days in Singapore? So I booked 3 nights in a hostel (budget-traveller obliged) in this capital. And I don’t regret it. But if I had to sum it up for you, who may only spend a few hours in Singapore, here’s what I’ll do in 24 hours.
I hope you’re ready, because in 24h we’ll discover 3 different cultures, one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, try some spicy food, marvel at the many sound and light shows & have a taste of the singaporean night life !
ARRIVAL TO THE AIRPORT | 8h
The airport itself is a work of art. Worth exploring. If you land at Changi Airport’s Terminal 4, enjoy the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, flowing over 40m and the lush vegetation that surrounds it. I think it’s the most beautiful airport terminal I’ve ever seen. You can enjoy a coffee or breakfast in this hall. If you’re taking off from Terminal 4 in the evening, you’ll want to enjoy the light & music showcase from this waterfall. From friday to sunday at 20h, 21h et 22h and from monday to thursday at 20h and 21h (free entry).
GET INTO THE SINGAPOREAN METRO | 9h
Once you get to experience this impressive hall, let’s head to the city centre. And maybe to your accommodation to let your luggage if you didn’t let it on the storage at the airport. The airport’s metro station MRT is in terminal 2, but you can get there from all terminals via the Skytrain or pedestrian crossings. The journey takes around 30 minutes to the city centre, with trains running every 10 minutes.
Prices: if you take a Singapore tourist pass, a prepaid card that gives you unlimited use of public transport (MRT, bus and some tram lines) for a set period, the journey (and those unlimited for 24 hours) will cost you 10 dollars + 10 dollars deposit (refunded when you return the pass) = 20 dollars. If you opt for a single ticket, the price depends on the distance travelled. It will be 2.5 dollars to get to the city centre from the airport.
DISCOVER THE BOTANIC GARDEN | 10h
Let’s assume you got your luggage on your night accommodation and you wanna explore the city. The first thing that I would advise is to go to the Botanical Garden, by getting off at Napier or Botanic Garden underground station. It’s the only botanical garden to be classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a stroll here will make you understand why. The entry is free it’s a nice walk around the nature, to get a bit acclimatised to the temperature and humidity of South East Asia (if you come from Europe it can be particularly hot & humid). And add to your stroll a visit to the National Orchid Garden, one of Singapore’s jewels. I’ve written a full article on this botanical garden, which you can read here!
LET’S TRY SOME SINGAPOREAN FOOD | 12h
Singapore is a huge melting pot of cultures, mainly from South-East & West Asia. So there’s a majority of Chinese, Malay & Hindhu descendants. If you want to try some Singaporean specialities, you’ll have to go to Chinatown and try :
- The hainanese Chicken rice consisting of steamed or boiled chicken, accompanied by rice cooked in a fragrant broth. It is served with spicy sauces made from ginger, garlic and soy sauce.
- The Chilli Crab where the crab is prepared in a spicy tomato and chilli sauce, often accompanied by steamed buns (mantou) for dipping in the sauce. I tried this dish in a Chinese restaurant, and it was HYPER spicy. I was so sick to my stomach afterwards, while my Singaporean friends ate without any difficulty. So if you’re worried about the spiciness of the food, ask the waiters for advice.
- The Char Kway Teow is a flat noodle fried with eggs, prawns, pork sausages and vegetables in a tasty sauce. This dish is popular in hawker centres (food markets).
You’ll find many other versions of traditional Indian, Malaysian and Chinese dishes in Singaporean versions, depending on the district you’re in & visiting!
HAVE A WALK IN THE CHINATOWN OF SINGAPORE | 13h
Among the highlights to see & do in Chinatown is the Chinatown Heritage Centre, which tells the story of Chinese immigration to Singapore through interactive exhibitions, artefacts and reconstructions of the daily lives of the first immigrants. Add the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, known for housing a relic of the Buddha, believed to be one of his teeth. The temple’s impressive interior, which is free to enter, is clad in gold and red that will leave you blind. There’s also a museum inside for you to visit. Don’t miss Pagoda Street, a lively street lined with souvenir shops and restaurants, as well as the more picturesque Ann Siang Hill and Telok Ayer Street. Finally, take a look over the Thian Hock Keng Temple, built to honour Ma Zu Po the goddess of the sea, a fine example of traditional Chinese architecture.
GET IMMERSED INTO THE MALAY CULTURE IN KAMPONG GLAM | 14h30
Here’s another side of Singapore that’s a must-see! Before the arrival of the Europeans, Singapore was part of the kingdom of Srivijaya, a Malay empire based in Sumatra. The Malays, originally from the Malay Peninsula and neighbouring islands, were the first inhabitants of the island. Singapore was a strategic port in the region and a trading centre between the Malays, the Chinese, the Indians and other peoples of South-East Asia. Their presence is therefore significant, and their culture is reflected in numerous religious buildings such as the grandiose Masjid Sultan, with its golden dome, which is open to visitors. And don’t miss the colourful buildings housing cafés, independent boutiques and street art on Haji Lane. If you want to pick up some handicrafts, head for Arab Street. Finally, to learn more about Singapore’s Malaysian heritage, visit the Malay Heritage Centre.
HEAD TO LITTLE INDIA FOR THE BUSY LIFE | 16h
Take again the métro to stop in Rochor or Jalan Besar metro station. Once there just go around & enter in a Hindu temple. You’ll not be disappointed. I had the opportunity to attend a prayer at the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, dedicated to the goddess Kali, and it was very impressive. If you want to learn more about the history of Indians in Singapore, you can of course visit the Indian Heritage Centre. If you just want to wander around and take a look at the precious sari & jewellery on display, prioritise the epicentre of Little India: Serangoon Road.
DISCOVER THE ICONIC MARINA BAY QUARTER | 17h30
This is one of my favourite parts of Singapore, because I’ve rarely seen a big city with so much nature. It’s not just buildings, a huge shopping mall and a few luxury hotels, the most famous of which is the Marina Bay Sands, but also a place where you can go for a walk (and see hundreds of people running?!).
If you can’t get enough of learning, you can drop by the ArtScience Museum, easily recognisable by its lotus shape. It hosts exhibitions on art, science, culture and technology. Meanwhile, one of Singapore’s most iconic views, not to be missed, can be found at SkyPark, at the top of Marina Bay Sands, which offers a 360-degree view of the city. Sunset in Singapore takes place at around 6.45pm-7.15pm all year round, so you can stop by for a photo and some iconic light!
If you liked the Botanical Garden, you might also like the Flower Dome, the world’s largest dry-climate greenhouse, which recreates Mediterranean and semi-arid climate environments. It offers an immersive experience through an exceptional floral collection! For dinner, you could try one of the iconic restaurants in the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands centre!
EXPERIENCE THE LIGHT & SOUND SHOW OF SINGAPORE | 19h30
As the sun goes down, the crowds head for two distinct spots, which we’ll of course be exploring. These are the Marina Bay Sands waterfront promenade, and the Supertree Grove, at Gardens by the Bay.
At the Supertree Grove, every evening at 7.45pm and 8.45pm, you’ll be treated to an impressive light and sound show. It will surround you and plunge you into a fairytale world with the illumination of the semi-artificial trees in the square. I don’t want to say any more, because you have to experience it to understand! Before or after the supertree grove, don’t miss the water show at the Waterfront, opposite the Marina Bay Sands shopping centre. Every evening at 8pm and 9.30pm, you’ll be treated to a water and light show with soft music inspired by different Asian cultures. A real treat for the senses!
HEAD TO THE NIGHT LIFE OF SINGAPORE | 22h
Still not tired ? Here a list of the best night places in Singapore :
- Cé La Vi, located on the 57th floor of the Marina Bay Sands, is the best combination of house clubbing and views over Singapore. Open Thursday to Saturday, 10pm to 3am, admission charged.
- Zouk is a legend in Singapore nightlife. The club offers a wide variety of music from electronic to house and techno, with international DJs regularly invited. Open Thursday to Saturday, 10pm to 4am.
- Marquee Singapore, located at Marina Bay Sands, for its grandiose dance floor and light installations, it make it one of the coolest spots in town! Open Friday & Saturday from 10pm to 5am
GET BACK TO THE AIRPORT | 8h
And next time. Please. Stay in Singapore more than a day. This city has so much more to offer !