Welcome to Singapore!
The Gateway to Asia
This city-state might be small, but it’s full of personality. Singapore is where modern architecture meets tropical greenery, where hawker stalls serve up Michelin-worthy meals, and where cultures blend effortlessly. Whether you’re walking through colourful neighbourhoods, having a cocktail on a rooftop, or escaping the heat in a lush garden, Singapore has a way of surprising you at every turn. So enjoy my tips and tricks in this Singapore travel guide!
Singapore was my first stop in Asia, and I fell for it right away. As a bit of a foodie, I couldn’t get enough of the local dishes at every corner. Everything felt so clean, green, and easy to love. I’m already dreaming about going back. So enjoy my tips and tricks in this Singapore travel guide!
Singapore Quick Facts
Language: English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese, Tamil
Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Electricity: 230V, Plug Types C, G, and M
Time Zone: Singapore Standard Time (GMT+8)
Best Time to Visit Singapore
Singapore is a year-round destination with a tropical climate, so expect warm temperatures and humidity no matter when you go. I visited in late August and it was exactly what you’d imagine: hot, humid, and with short bursts of rain here and there. It wasn’t too bad, though. It just gave me a good excuse to head to more Hawker Centers and try even more local food.
If you’d rather skip the wetter months, November to January tend to see the most rainfall. On the other hand, if you’re curious about local culture, time your trip around Chinese New Year or Deepavali for some extra color and celebration. Just pack light, breathable clothes and don’t forget a small umbrella or rain jacket.
more singapore guides
Top 10 Places to Eat and Drink in Singapore
Check out my post about the best spots to eat and drink in Singapore! From hawker centres, to rooftop bars, and cute bakeries – your foodie guide starts here.
Where to Stay
I stayed three nights at the Naumi Hotel in Singapore. When choosing accommodation, the only thing that really mattered to me was having a rooftop pool. And that’s probably the hotel’s greatest highlight! From up there, you get an amazing view of Singapore’s skyline, which looks even better after dark.
The room I booked, called “Habitat,” was spacious, clean, and modern. It was honestly the perfect spot to unwind and relax after a long day of sightseeing.
Naumi’s location is right in the heart of everything, yet it feels quiet and removed from the city’s hustle and bustle. In just a few minutes, you can reach great food spots, shopping centers, a metro stop, and the marina is a quick walk away. Plus, right next door is the famous Raffles Hotel. So if you’re in the mood, you can easily head over and enjoy a classic Singapore Sling cocktail.
Breakfast was a bit of a letdown. The selection was limited, and for the price, it didn’t feel worth it. Instead, I’d recommend heading out to grab roti or Kaya toast nearby, or just pop into 7/11. But that’s really the only downside I found!
Price: from 250€ per night
Budget
- The Robertson House managed by The Ascott Limited (from 160€ per night)
- Hotel NuVe Heritage (from 160€ per night)
Mid Range
- Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay Singapore (from 300€ per night)
- Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore (from 220€ per night)
- Hotel Bencoolen at Hong Kong Street (from 230€ per night)
High End
- Marina Bay Sands (from 650€ per night)
- Raffles Singapore (from 700€ per night)
How to get around Singapore
Cycling
Recently, cycling and electric scooters have become more and more popular. There are dedicated cycling paths in parts of the city and bike-sharing services like Anywheel or SG Bike.
Metro
Singapore’s MRT is the backbone of public transport. It’s easy to navigate with English signs and announcements, and you can pay using a contactless card like the Singapore Tourist Pass or an EZ-Link card.
Bus
The bus network complements the MRT and goes to areas that the metro doesn’t cover. Buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and really affordable. Like the MRT, you can pay with the same contactless cards.
Taxis
Taxis are a good choice if you’re traveling with luggage, or want it more comfortable. You can hail them on the street, or book through apps like Grab or Gojek, which is equivalent to Uber.
Health & Safety
Singapore is super clean, safe, and easy to travel around. You probably won’t run into any major health issues, but it’s still a good idea to take a few basic precautions before you go. Here’s a quick list of how to stay healthy, and keep your trip running smoothly.
Health Precautions
I hope you enjoyed this little Singapore travel guide! If you’re interested in where to go to have the best foodie experience in town, check out my post here!