One Day in Singapore: Best Things to Do and See
Cover Image by Andrzej from Pixabay
Tips for Visiting Singapore
- Best Time to Visit Singapore: Singapore is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the cooler months from December to February.
- SIM Card: To stay connected during your visit, consider purchasing a local SIM card at the airport or a shopping mall.
- Travel Insurance: It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance when visiting a new country, especially if you plan to participate in activities like theme parks or water sports.
Getting around Singapore
Public Transportation
Singapore has an excellent public transportation system efficiently connects all the main attractions. The best way to explore the city is by using the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) or buses, which are both convenient and affordable. The Singapore Tourist Pass is a great option for visitors who have limited time. This pass is available for 1-3 days and allows unlimited travel on public transport.
Taxis
While taxis are available and metered, they can be expensive, especially during peak hours. However, taking a taxi can be a better way to get around quickly if you’re short on time or traveling with luggage.
Where to Stay in Singapore
How We Spent Our Day in Singapore
Gardens by the Bay
Our first stop was Gardens by the Bay, a 250-acre nature park in the city center. The park is famous for its Cloud Forest, which houses the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at 35 meters, and the Flower Dome, a greenhouse filled with exotic plants from around the world. The Supertree Grove is another highlight, especially in the evening when the trees light up in a mesmerizing display.
Merlion Park
Next, we visited Merlion Park to see Singapore’s 8.6-meter Merlion statue. This is a great spot for photos, with views of Marina Bay Sands in the background. The Merlion, a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, symbolizes Singapore and represents the city’s origins as a fishing village.
Singapore Flyer
We then headed to the Singapore Flyer, a giant Ferris wheel offering some of the city’s best views. On a clear day, you can see the city skyline, Marina Bay Sands Hotel, and even parts of Malaysia and Indonesia.
Marina Bay Sands and SkyPark
A short walk from the Singapore Flyer brought us to Marina Bay Sands. This luxury hotel and casino is home to the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool, offering a fantastic view of the city lights. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, visiting the SkyPark is a great way to view the city from above. Don’t miss the Supertree Grove light show from this vantage point.
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, one of Singapore’s largest luxury shopping malls. Here, you’ll find a mix of high-end fashion brands, gourmet dining options, and even a canal where you can take a gondola ride. The Shoppes is the perfect place for a bit of retail therapy.
ArtScience Museum
Located within Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum is known for its striking lotus-shaped architecture. The museum offers both permanent exhibitions and rotating displays that explore the intersection of art, science, and technology. One of the popular exhibits is Future World, an interactive digital art display that’s fun for visitors of all ages.
Clarke Quay
For a change of pace, we visited Clarke Quay, a historic riverside quay known for its vibrant nightlife and waterfront dining. It’s a great place to unwind, with plenty of bars and restaurants offering various cuisines. If you’re up for a unique experience, consider taking a Singapore River Cruise to see the city from a different perspective.
Little India and Serangoon Road
To immerse ourselves in the cultural diversity of Singapore, we explored Little India. Walking along Serangoon Road, we visited the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore. The streets of Little India are lined with shops selling traditional Indian goods, and it’s a great place to try authentic Indian food.
Kampong Glam and Arab Street
Another cultural gem is Kampong Glam, the Malay-Muslim quarter of Singapore. The area around Arab Street is known for its colorful shophouses, boutique stores, and the majestic Sultan Mosque. Haji Lane is a narrow alley in Kampong Glam famous for its street art, quirky shops, and hip cafes—a perfect spot for a nice walk.
Orchard Road
Before wrapping up our day, we visited Orchard Road, Singapore’s premier shopping street with a mix of luxury boutiques, department stores, and shopping malls. Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion or unique souvenirs, Orchard Road is the place to go.
Night Safari and Singapore Zoo
If you have enough time, consider visiting the Night Safari at the Singapore Zoo. This allows you to see animals in their natural habitat after dark, offering a unique way to end your day.
Check out my recap video sharing highlights of our layover in Singapore
Where to Eat in Singapore
Satay by the Bay
For dinner, we dined at Satay by the Bay, an open-air food court located near Gardens by the Bay. It’s a great place to try traditional Singaporean dishes like Chilli Crab. Chilli Crab is the national dish and usually served with rice and sold at market value. I skipped the rice and shared a piece of a full crab with my friends. The food court offers a wide range of local and international cuisines, making it a great stop for a quick meal.
Killiney Road
Another great place for food is Killiney Road, about a 30-minute walk from the city center. It’s known for its variety of street food stalls and restaurants offering affordable meals. Killiney Road is the right place to go if you’re looking for a local experience away from the more touristy areas.
I hope this one day guide to Singapore was helpful in your trip planning. If you are using this guide as a reference, remember to keep travel time with public transportation or taxis in mind.
Whether you’re flying with Singapore Airlines on a layover or planning a dedicated visit, Singapore is a destination that is worth visiting. With its great public transport system, diverse attractions, and delicious food, even a single day in Singapore can be memorable.
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