Singapore, one of the biggest international hub, is an island city-state in Southeast Asia. Over the last few years, this tiny city-state has successfully shed its image as a bland stopover city and and a meeting point for corporate travelers. Most of the organization frequently sends their employees to this city for training, seminars, workshop or whatsoever reason.
Apart from its image as a business city, it also has lots of romantic and interesting places for newlywed couple to spend cozy moments with each other. The island city is a true marvel of sights and sounds, both mad made and natural. Its a beautiful and clean country where you will see greenery at every corner.
Best Time to Visit:
Since Singapore weather is similar throughout the year except December and January, when it rains the most, any time of the year is a great time to visit there. However, the best time to visit for your trip is between February to April as these months are a bit more pleasant than the rest. Though you can see rain falls somewhere on the island every day of the year.
How to Reach from Mumbai:
Singapore is a well connected city from all the major cities of the world. You will find lots of direct flights with ~6 hours of flight time from Mumbai. Two-way ticket from Mumbai will cost you less than Rs. 25,000 per person.
Below are the two flights which are convenient as per time:
Mumbai (BOM) - Singapore (SIN) : Air India AI342 (23.50 - 07.50)
Singapore (SIN) - Mumbai (BOM) : Air India AI343 (19.15 - 22.05)Where to Stay?
Vicinity for your stay hotels in Singapore depends on the purpose and budget of your trip.
1. Budget Trip - Little India
2. Lavish Trip - Marina Bay
3. Honeymoon Trip - Sentosa Island and Marina BayBudget:
Singapore is ranked as one of the most expensive city in the world. 1 SGD is equivalent to 50 INR, which makes it more difficult for Indians. Even if you plan a budget trip, it will be around 60, 000 INR per head as under. Additional 30,000 INR per couple if you are booking some luxurious resorts / hotels in Sentosa or Marina Bay. Singapore visa for Indians will cost around Rs. 2,500 and had to be done before hand. It takes almost week to get the Visa. There are lots of travel agents who will provide you door-to-door service for the same.
Two-way flight tickets from Mumbai: Rs. 22,500
Budget accommodation (hostels) for 4 nights (Little India): Rs. 10,000
Entry tickets to parks / attractions : Rs. 10,000
Food and Beverages for 5 days (Rs. 1,500 per day): Rs. 7,500
MRT / Bus travel for 5 days (Rs. 5,00 per day): Rs. 2,500
Minimum shopping :Rs. 5,000
Visa charges: Rs. 2,500
Summary of 5-day Itinerary:
This wonderful city has so much to offer that even a two week itinerary will not be able to cover all. I lost the count of stunning museums and billion dollar parks they have. On the other hand, the budget of the trip shoots with minimum 10,000 INR per day per person, so below is the ideal 4 nights 5 days itinerary covering all the major attractions and places to visit in Singapore. There are lots of travel agents providing tour packagers to Singapore, but I suggest you to follow the below itinerary and explore the beauty at your own pace.
Day 1 : Marina Bay Attractions, Clark Quay
Day 2 : Singapore Universal Studio, Mustafa Shopping Center
Day 3 : Sentosa Island Attractions, Chinatown
Day 4: Singapore Wildlife Reserve
Day 5: Kampong Glan
Day 1 : Marina Bay Attractions
After completing all the formalities at the airport, book a 4-seater cab which will cost you around 20 SGD. This is the only cab you will be booking and later prefer to travel via MRT. After hotel check-in and lunch leave for the marvelous Marina Bay.
1. Afternoon - Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Casino(Free)
Visit Singapore's most iconic building, three 55-storey hotel towers connected by a 1 hectare roof terrace, Sands SkyPark. You can spend some time here exploring the retail space with over 300 stores and F&B outlets. Play in world's most expensive stand alone casino (free entry for foreign nationals on showing original passport) or explore the ArtScience Museum (SGD16-34).
2. Evening - Gardens by the Bay (45 SGD per person)
Gardens by the Bay comprises three distinctive waterfront gardens – Bay South, Bay East and Bay Central. Bay South is the one which has placed Singapore squarely on the international map and visited by many tourist. Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, Supertrees and OCBC Skyway are the main attractions to look for.
3. Sunset - Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck (26 SGD)
Located 57 storeys up from the heart of the Marina Bay area, the Sands SkyPark Observation Deck boasts scenic views of the panoramic vistas of Marina Bay and Singapore’s world-class cityscape.
4. 8 pm Spectra - Light and Water Show at Marina Bay Sands (Free)
As the 15-minute outdoor show unfolds before your eyes in a four-part story, immerse yourself in the beautiful symphony of dancing fountain jets, colorful visual projections, advanced lasers, and lava and mist effects — all led by an orchestral soundtrack.
5. Merlion Park (Free)
After the show, take a walk from Marina Bay Sands to Merlion Park via Helix Bridge, a steel footbridge, inspired by the curved form of the structure of DNA. In-between you can take a stop at Singapore Flyer(33 SGD), a giant observation wheel . Merlion Park is one of the major tourist attractions in Singapore and is home to Singapore's mythical beast which has the body of a fish & the head of a lion.
6. River Cruise (25 SGD)
Take a river cruise from the jetty near Merlion Park. Enjoy a relaxing ride aboard the iconic bumboat along the scenic river in Singapore. Get off at Clark Quay.
7. Clarke Quay (Free Entry)
This is the last stop for the day. Clarke Quay is a dining and party destination which has housed some of the city’s most-loved nightlife institutions. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline, great food, live music, or clubbing, this vibrant slice of life along the river can offer all of it.
Day 2 : Universal Studios (SGD 81)
Universal Studios is one of the best places to visit in Singapore and it is the dream of every other traveler to visit it once in their life. It is located on Sentosa island which does have lot of other attractions, but lets dedicate full day to Universal Studios. It is Southeast Asia’s first and only Universal Studios theme park, featuring 24 rides, shows and attractions in seven themed zones.
Parks opens at 10 am and you should reach there before time to ensure early access to all the rides and covering the whole park. The nearest MRT station is Harbour Front, from there (VivoCity Mall) you can take a Sentosa Broadwalk to the park.
Come back to your hotel, take a power nap, gather some more energy and be ready for visiting the Mustafa Shopping Centre in Little India. Being well known as one of the biggest and most reasonable shopping destinations in Singapore, All kinds of products and most of the brands are offered at cheapest prices, You can buy almost anything at Mustafa Centre and it's the only 24-hour shopping centre in Singapore. For those who are looking for sophisticated expensive brand shopping in fancy malls, they can visit Orchard Road.
Shopping at Mustafa Centre is akin to shopping at an indoor market – narrow aisles jampacked with all manner of products. The mall is unlike a department store, in that there aren’t brand name shops but rather more outlets or units selling different label products, all under one roof. Items to look for are electronics, perfumes, gold jewellery, watches, shoes, sports equipment, chocolates. Don't forget to get the GST receipt of your shopping which will be refunded at airport while leaving the country.
Day 3 : Sentosa Attractions
Start you day little late as you must be exhausted with yesterday's late night shopping. Try to reach the island before noon after having heavy brunch. The island of Sentosa in Singapore was once a British military base. It is now home to the single most popular cluster of attractions in the world. This island, with less than 5 square kilometers of land area, has numerous activities to amuse people of all ages and taste.
1. BroadWalk (1 SGD) / Express Monorail (SGD 4) / Cable Car (SGD35)
There are different ways to reach Sentosa Island. Sentosa is just 10 minutes away from the Harbour Front MRT station.
You can hop on the Sentosa Boardwalk from VivoCity Mall. It is sheltered and no fear of rain. Nominal 1SGD entry fee which is waived off for now, romantic lights at night, dining and shopping options along the way and easy access to attractions.
From Sentosa Station on Level 3 of the VivoCity Mall, you can purchase a Sentosa Monorail Pass for $4 which covers a round trip journey and entrance to the island as well unlimited use of the Sentosa Express around the island for the day.
Taking the Sentosa Cable Car in undoubtedly the most picturesque way to get to the island, but also the most expensive (SGD35).
2. Afternoon - S.E.A. Aquarium (SGD 41)
Enter and explore the marine realm of S.E.A. Aquarium, home to more than 100,000 marine animals of over 1,000 species, across 50 different habitats, each one as fascinating as the next. It's a marine life experience you won’t forget.
3. Evening - Palawan Beach / The Southernmost Point of Continental Asia (Free)
There are 2 free bus services that can take you from one point to another in almost no time on island. Hop on to one such beach shuttle at Beach Station and head down to Palawan Beach. With a suspension bridge linking beach-goers to the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia, Palawan Beach, Singapore's topmost beach. You can laid back on beach enjoy the evening.
5. Sunset - Siliso Beach / 7.40 pm Wings of Time Show (SGD 10)
Wings of Time is a modern venue featuring a nightly show with colorful lights, lasers, water fountains & 3D effects. It is set in the open sea, an epic production that brings together 3D projection mapping, state-of-the-art laser lights and robotic water fountains and firework to tell the tale of Shahbaz and friends. The story follows the mythical birdlike creature and his two human pals as they journey across breathtaking landscapes through time.
6. Night Party at Tanjong Beach Club
Got that urge to unleash your inner party animal? Tanjong Beach Club happens to be the top choice for beach bums due to its laid-back vibe, buxom crowd and refined plates. And if you are not looking for a hole in your pocket, visit Chinatown for mouthwatering street food and shopping.
Day 4: Singapore Wildlife Reserve
Go wild with park hopper! Get a Wildlife Reserves 4-in-1 Park Hopper Ticket at SGD 85. This includes admission to 4 exotic parks at Wildlife Reserves Singapore.
Jurong Bird Park : Penguins and sight of the tallest man-made waterfalls
Night Safari : Walking trails in the world's first nocturnal zoo
River Safari : Re-creations of 6 world-famous rivers
Singapore Zoo : Vast Singapore Zoo deep within the lush Mandai rainforest
This ticket is valid for 7 days but it is very much possible to cover all four in one day. Except Jurong Bird Park, other three are at one location. Finish Bird Park first and then travel to Singapore Zoo for remaining attractions.
If you are not a zoo person and not really interested in above places or you have one extra day in the trip below are the few other options;
Early Morning - Tree Top Walk (Free): 6 km trail which hikers and nature lovers traveling to Singapore should not miss
Morning - Bukit Batok Town Park(Free): A popular spot for photographers, known primarily for its beautiful landscaped views. Take a romantic stroll through the scenic forests, besides the picturesque tranquil lake
Afternoon - Fort Canning Hill (SGD8): One of the romantic places in the city. Holding hands together and having picturesque views from a hill. You can also cover nearby National Museum of Singapore (SGD26).
Evening - Changi Point Coastal Walk (Free): Coastal walk for a stunning view of the sea, offshore kelongs and boats. Get enchanted by the heritage trees, the hilltop chalets, and the lush greenery as you enjoy a stunning sunset with your loved one.
Night Safari
Day 5: Kampong Glan
Today is the last day of your trip and your return flight is after 6 pm. You can checkout by 10 am, keep your luggage at hotel and go to visit the amazing Kampong Glan. Centered on busy Arab Street, Kampong Glam is known as Singapore’s Muslim Quarter. Notable landmark is the golden domed Sultan Mosque.
Haji Lane is in the Kampong Glam neighbourhood. Young people frequent the shophouses along this lane for the independent fashion boutiques and Middle Eastern cafes. It is one of the hottest spots in the city. Its 19th-century shop houses have been turned into feel good stores and casual restaurants. Finish your lunch in one of these cafes. Cafes offer huge discounts on the menu even though if it is not written.
There is one more nearby place which is a popular shopping destination and is renowned for its reasonable pricing, awesome collection, and lip smacking delicacies. This is known as Bugis Street. A fun and friendly place where you can have a great time shopping to your heart’s content. Shop everything you can with your remaining budget, takes back loads of shopping bags along with a happy and a content smile.
Reach the airport at least 3 hours before your flight time as the last attraction of the trip is yet to be explored, World's Tallest Indoor Waterfall at Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore. The 40-metre-high indoor waterfall also known as the “Rain Vortex”. It’s cascading water through glass and steel dome in the centre of the lush forest.
Things to Remember:
In Singapore, stop chewing your gum if you see the police. Or simply don’t carry one. Currently, it is banned except without medical prescription.
There is always a chance of thunderstorms during the day, so it would be best to carry an umbrella when going out.
Alcohol is pretty expensive in the cities and it’s best to buy from duty-free shops before you leave the airport.
One more thing that you need to know in regards to alcohol, is that you cannot buy or drink in public after 10:30 PM. However, you can enjoy your drink at one of the restaurants, pubs or maybe even your hotel room.
Selling of loose cigarettes in not allowed and pack of 20 will cost you around 15 SGD. Better to carry from your home country if you are chain smoker.
Singapore has designated smoking areas or zones around the city. Public places are out of bounds for smoking and if you are caught while smoking a cigarette, you will have to pay a hefty fine of SGD 1000. So always look for a designated smoking area before you light up a cigarette.
There are ample restaurants in Singapore that offer both local and international food. However, if you want to enjoy delicious food without spending too much, you must hit the hawker streets of the city.
Taxis in Singapore are increasingly expensive. On the other hand MRT (metro) is very well connected. Purchase a Singapore Tourist Pass for getting around Singapore. These allow you unlimited travel on the MRT system for one day (S$10), two days (S$16) or three days (S$20). Most of Singapore's key attractions are within walking distance from an MRT station.
An unspoken rule that many abide, it is a common sight to see people forming a single line on the left side of the escalator. Keeping the right side empty allows people who are rushing to quickly climb their way through without interruptions.
Carry water wherever you go or you have to pay 2 SGD for 1lit.
Buy attraction / park tickets in combinations. Refer Klook or online for offers, you might get good deals with 20-25% off.
Do not carry any drugs in Singapore. Drug possession in Singapore is a serious crime. It can lead to long-term imprisonment or even facing the death penalty.
Singapore weather is hot and humid so dress accordingly.
Do not drink and eat on public transport.
Singaporeans use the issue paper packets to reserve a seat in food courts. Do not attempt to pick up or take that spot.
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