Planning a trip to Singapore but confused about where to begin? Then, this Singapore Travel guide will help you plan your holiday with no hassle.

Singapore, aka the “Lion City”, is known for its street food, skyscrapers, nightlife, world-class restaurants and whatnot! Are you going to Singapore? Then, worry not, as this Singapore Travel guide will help you plan your trip efficiently. Whether you are strolling through the lush Gardens by the Bay, shopping on Orchard Road or tasting delicious hawker fare, every corner of this destination is ready to welcome you with a surprise.

Ready to jump into the magic of this lion land? Without any further delay, read this blog to know its must-visit landmarks, food to try, best time to visit, how to reach and many more so that you can explore Singapore like a local.

Book your dream vacation with Travelvichar's Singapore Tour Package.

Quick Information: 

  • Singapore Airport: Singapore’s Changi Airport (SIN)
  • Languages: English, Chinese (Mandarin), Malay or Tamil
  • Internet Service Providers – SingTel, Starhub, M1.
  • Currency Singapore Dollars | SG$ SGD
  • Best Time To Visit : Dec-May
  • Time Zone: Singapore Time (GMT +8)

 

Entry Requirements: 

If you are an Indian travelling to Singapore here’s what you need to know about the visa process: 

Visa Application : INDIAN NATIONALS must obtain a VISA prior to entry into Singapore. You can apply for a VISA through authorised visa agents or directly with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

Documents Required You will need to have certain documents to apply for VISA:

  • Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining from date of entry.
  • Completed visa application form (Form 14A);
  • T2 recent passport size photographs as per ICA specifications.
  • Flight tickets booked for return.
  • Singapore accommodation certificate.
  • Bank statements of last 3 months showing sufficient funds
  • A cover letter indicating the purpose of the visit.

Processing Time & Cost: Standard processing time is 3-5 working days. The visa cost is SGD 30 and you can pay online when you are applying.

Validity: Tourist visas are normally valid for 30 days and may allow multiple entries within a specified period.

 

Best Time To Visit Singapore

 

No, knowing the visa process is one thing but knowing the right time to visit Singapore is equally important so you can make the most of your trip. Singapore’s climate is consistently warm and humid throughout the year which makes it a year-round destination. However, there are some periods that can make your experience better:

  • February to April: This is considered the dry season and offers good weather to enjoy outdoor activities. But it's also peak tourist season in Singapore, so book flights and hotels early.
  • July to September: This period is packed with a variety of events and festivals, such as the Great Singapore Sale and the Singapore Food Festival, offering cultural and shopping experiences.
  • November to January : The Northeast Monsoon makes these months wetter, but they are also full of festival celebrations such as Christmas and Chinese New Year. That’s why people from all over the world flock to Singapore to celebrate Christmas and New Year. 

Getting Around Singapore

When you are in Singapore, then navigating through attractions is easy as the public transport system is easy and efficient: 

Public Transport: 

  • Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) The MRT system covers most areas of the city. You might want to think about getting an EZ-Link Card or a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited rides on the MRT and buses for a certain number of days. The system has more than 130 stations, and runs from 5:30 am to midnight. 
  • Buses: Complementing the MRT, buses reach areas not served by trains. The same payment cards are used across both systems. 

Ride-Hailing Apps: 

For convenient point-to-point travel, some of the commonly used services are Grab, ComfortDelGro and Gojek. These apps help you make cashless payments and give you fare estimates up front. With the help of these apps you can book your private taxis to your desired destination in Singapore .

Suggested read-  Nightlife in Singapore: Best Bars, Clubs, & Evening Entertainment

 

Free Things to Do in Singapore: 

Singapore tourism provides various free things to do so that you can explore the destination without worrying about your budget: 

  • Gardens By The Bay: Gardens by The Bay is one of the most popular tourist places in Singapore. The conservatories in the gardens require tickets, but you can stroll through the outdoor gardens and the Supertree Grove for free.
  • Marina Bay Sands Broadwalk: Take in panoramic views of the city skyline, particularly impressive during the evening light shows. The boardwalk is the perfect place to enjoy one of the mesmerizing sunsets.
  • Singapore Botanic Gardens Yet another Singapore travel destination you must not miss out is the Singapore Botanic Garden, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s 160 years old and free to walk around. The main attraction is, of course, the National Orchid Garden inside.
  • East Coast Park: A beautiful coastal park ideal for picnics, cycling and relaxing by the beach. It is the perfect place if you are traveling to Singapore with kids or if you want to spend some quality time without worrying about your budget.
  • Cultural Districts: Head to Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam for vibrant street art, temples, food and local markets.

 

Must-Try Singaporean Food

Food lover, this Singapore travel guide will help you find out what is the best food to eat on your trip:

  • Hainanese Chicken Rice: Poached chicken and fragrant rice, chili sauce and ginger paste.
  • Laksa: Spicy noodle soup with coconut milk, often served with prawns or chicken.
  • Chili Crab: fresh crab cooked in a spicy and tangy tomato based sauce and best eaten with mantou buns.
  • Char Kway Teow: Stir-fried flat noodles with eggs, Chinese sausage and bean sprouts in smoky taste.
  • Satay: Meat on skewers, grilled and served with a thick peanut sauce.

 

Where To Shop in Singapore

Singapore is home to different shopping experiences that you cannot miss, from luxury malls to street markets:

  • Orchard Road: World Renowned Shopping District with International Brands and Department Stores
  • Bugis Street Market: Great for budget fashion, accessories and souvenirs.
  • Haji Lane: A tiny street in Kampong Glam, known for its indie boutiques and eccentric shops.
  • VivoCity: A huge shopping mall offering a wide variety of retail, dining and entertainment.
  • Chinatown Street Market: Bustling market with stalls selling traditional goods, antiques and local snacks.

 

Nightlife in Singapore

Singapore has an electric night scene with a variety of rooftop bars, nightclubs and places to grab late-night street food:

  • Clarke Quay - A lively riverside area of bars, clubs and restaurants. Zouk, one of Asia’s best nightclubs, and Crazy Elephant, which features live rock music, are popular spots.
  • Marina Bay Sands, SkyPark & Ce La Vi: Enjoy a lavish rooftop experience at iconic Marina Bay Sands. Ce La Vi – Enjoy the nightlife of Singapore with premium cocktails and breathtaking city views.
  • HHaji Lane – A hip Singapore nightlife enclave with indie bars, craft beer joints and live music venues. It's perfect for those who want a laid back but stylish night out with your loved ones.
  • Hawker Centers At Night Singapore’s food culture goes well into the night too. Places like Newton Food Centre and Lau Pa Sat are open to serve you tasty local eats well past midnight.

 

Festivals & Events in Singapore 

Singapore has many vibrant festivals and events throughout the year and you can make the most of your Singapore travel. Some of these are:

  • Chinese New Year (January – February) Celebrate the festive season with dragon dances, street performances and traditional markets in Chinatown.
  • Thaipusam (January – February): A Hindu festival where devotees take a sacred pilgrimage with Kavadis (decorated structures) to temples, praying for the well-being of the community.
  • Hari Raya Pausa (Eid-al-Fitr): The Malay-Muslim community celebrates this festival to mark the end of Ramadan with grand feasts and festive bazaars in Geylang Serai.
  • Singapore National Day (August 9th): The birthday of city-state is celebrated with a spectacular parade, fireworks and aerial displays which you cannot miss if you are planning to visit Singapore during August month.
  • Deepawali (October-November): Another Hindu festival of lights when Little India becomes a spectacular display of colorful decorations and traditional performances.
  • Singapore Grand Prix (September) If you are a fan of the Formula 1 race, then you should visit Singapore during this event. The race is held on the Marina Bay Street Circuit. It is the world's first night race attracting thousands of motorsport fans from all over the world.

 

Singapore Travel Guide FAQs

 

Where to go with kids and family in Singapore?

Singapore is a good place for kids. You can enjoy the thrill rides at Universal Studios Singapore, check out the beaches and adventures at Sentosa Island or see wildlife at the Singapore Zoo & Night Safari. Have educational fun at Gardens by the Bay, Science Centre Singapore and the ArtScience Museum. The Singapore flyer also gives you a breathtaking view of the city.

The ideal time to visit Singapore is in April.

Singapore has a tropical climate all year round. The best time to visit Singapore is from December to June. February to April is the dry season with good weather, less humidity and rain, making it easier to enjoy outdoor activities. Shopaholics and discount lovers should come during the Great Singapore Sale (June) or experience vibrant cultural festivals such as Chinese New Year (January-February).

What to do and what not to do in Singapore?

Do: Obey local laws and customs. Dispose of rubbish properly. Stand to the left on escalators. Dress modestly at religious sites. Dont’s No chewing gum (illegal), jaywalking, eating/drinking on the public transport. Never disrespect the local culture or make rude hand gestures. Watch out for strict no smoking zones or big fines for littering or spitting in public.

How to save money on your vacation to Singapore?

Take public transport instead of a taxi, which is cheap with an EZ-Link Card. Eat at hawker centers for cheap and yummy meals. Book attractions online to get discounts and use combo passes for multiple sites. Stay in a hostel or cheap hotel. You can also save some bucks by taking advantage of free attractions like Marina Bay Sands light show, Merlion Park and Botanic Gardens.

Ready to explore the best of Singapore with a hassle-free itinerary? Book your dream vacation with Travelvichar's Singapore Tour Package.