Singapore

Singapore, Asia

Experience a city that balances nature, architecture, and diverse cultures with ease.

Singapore: Compact, Clean, and Culturally Rich

(Singapore – Asia)

Singapore-Gardens-by-the-Bay

Singapore-Gardens-by-the-Bay

Singapore is a city-state at the crossroads of Southeast Asia, widely celebrated for its cleanliness, efficiency, and vibrant multicultural society. Historically a British trading port, Singapore evolved rapidly post-independence into a global hub of finance, trade, tourism, and innovation. Today, it combines gleaming skyscrapers, tropical gardens, traditional districts, and island getaways in a seamless urban tapestry. Keywords like “Singapore travel,” “things to do in Singapore,” “Singapore food,” “Singapore itinerary,” and “Singapore attractions” are heavily searched by travellers planning their Asian excursions.

For Indian tourists, Singapore offers comfort with familiarity: a large Indian diaspora, abundant Indian restaurants, easy connectivity (direct flights from many Indian cities), and a safe, English-friendly environment. Singapore appeals to families seeking theme parks and zoos, couples chasing romantic skyline views, solo travelers looking for urban ease, and food lovers eager for hawker cuisine and fine dining alike. It’s special because of its balance — whether you want nature inside a city, heritage neighborhoods nestled among modern towers, or weekend escapes to Sentosa — Singapore is compact yet full of surprises.

How To Reach Singapore

Singapore is one of the most well-connected international destinations from India, with multiple daily direct flights from major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. The country’s Changi International Airport — consistently ranked among the world’s best — serves as the main entry point for most Indian travelers.

By Air (Most Convenient Option):

  • Direct flights to Singapore (Changi Airport) are available from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Kochi, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad, operated by airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Air India, IndiGo, Vistara, and Scoot.
  • Average flight duration:
    • South India → Singapore: ~4–4.5 hours
    • North/West India → Singapore: ~5–6 hours
  • Tip: Book early for better fares; mid-week flights are often cheaper.

By Sea (Cruise Option):

  • Several luxury cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Dream Cruises, and Resorts World Cruises, connect Singapore with Malaysia and Thailand.
  • While not direct from India, travelers can start from Mumbai or Cochin and connect via Penang or Port Klang (Malaysia) to Singapore — ideal for those looking for a unique luxury route.

By Road / Train (Indirect):

  • There is no direct land route from India to Singapore. Overland travel involves crossing through Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia, which requires multiple visas and is suited only for long road expeditions.
  • Train and bus connections are available within Malaysia — e.g., Kuala Lumpur to Singapore (approx. 6 hours by bus or 5 hours by train).

Local Transportation in Singapore:

  • MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) — clean, safe, punctual; covers all major attractions.
  • Public Buses — affordable and air-conditioned, well-connected to neighborhoods.
  • Taxis / Ride-hailing Apps (Grab, Gojek) — widely available; convenient for late-night travel.
  • EZ-Link Card / Singapore Tourist Pass — best for unlimited rides on MRT and buses.

Safety Tips:

  • Changi Airport has excellent signage and free Wi-Fi for navigation assistance.
  • Always use official taxis or ride apps; avoid unlicensed services.
  • Keep passport and travel documents handy for immigration clearance at arrival and departure.

Tourist Attractions In Singapore

Here are some of the best attractions, must-visit places, and sightseeing spots in Singapore:

  • Gardens by the Bay — futuristic Supertrees, Flower Dome and Cloud Forest conservatories.
  • Marina Bay Sands & SkyPark — rooftop views, infinity pool, shopping & entertainment.
  • Universal Studios Singapore (on Sentosa) — theme park rides, shows, family fun.
  • Singapore Zoo & Night Safari — leading zoological parks with open habitats & nocturnal experience.
  • Singapore Botanic Gardens — UNESCO World Heritage botanical gardens & orchid collections.
  • Merlion Park — iconic Singapore mascot statue at Marina Bay.
  • ArtScience Museum — architecture, arts, tech & interactive exhibits.
  • Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam — heritage districts filled with culture, temples, and street life.
  • Singapore Flyer — giant observation wheel for panoramic city views.
  • Sentosa Island (beaches, cable car, attractions) — a resort island for relaxation & fun.

Things To Do In Singapore

  • Ride the MRT, walk through Gardens by the Bay, catch the nightly light show
  • Explore heritage quarters: Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam
  • Visit the Singapore Zoo and ride the Night Safari
  • Spend a day at Universal Studios Singapore on Sentosa
  • Wander through the Singapore Botanic Gardens and National Orchid Garden
  • Shop along Orchard Road and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
  • Visit ArtScience Museum and other immersive exhibitions
  • Take a bumboat ride along the Singapore River / Clarke Quay
  • Try local hawker food in Maxwell Market, Lau Pa Sat, or hawker centres
  • Ascend to the Singapore Flyer or SkyPark observation decks
  • Relax on Sentosa’s beaches, or take cable car rides
  • Go for a heritage walk in Tiong Bahru, Haji Lane, or Joo Chiat

Best Time To Travel

  • February to April: ideal — warm, moderate humidity, fewer heavy rains.
  • June to August: good time — slightly hotter and occasional rain, but still very viable.
  • September to November: wetter monsoon months — rainier days, more indoor plans.
  • December to January: peak holiday season — busy, slightly cooler, great for festivals and events.

The best seasons combine comfortable weather and manageable crowds. In the wetter months, plan more indoor or sheltered activities.

Events & Precautions

  • Major festivals & events: Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa, Singapore Grand Prix (F1), Christmas & New Year celebrations, National Day (Aug 9).
  • Precautions: In crowded celebrations, guard your belongings. During heat waves or high UV days, stay hydrated and avoid lengthy outdoor exposure midday. In rainy months, have backup indoor plans.
  • Respect local rules (no littering, no smoking in prohibited zones).

Useful Travel Tips

  • Transport & Local Guide: Use Singapore’s MRT, buses, taxis, ride-hailing (Grab, Gojek). The system is efficient and safe.
  • Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD). Cards are accepted widely; carry small notes/coins for hawker centres.
  • Accommodation: Broad range from hostels & boutique hotels to luxury shoreside resorts; choose near MRT lines for convenience.
  • Internet & Connectivity: Buy tourist SIM/eSIM (e.g. Singtel, StarHub); free WiFi in malls, public spaces.
  • Language: English is widely spoken and official, along with Mandarin, Malay and Tamil.
  • Sustainable Travel: Use public transport, reduce plastic waste, support green-certified hotels.
  • Health & Wellness: Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, wear comfortable walking shoes.
  • Packing Essentials: Lightweight clothes, umbrella or rain jacket, sunscreen, power bank, comfortable walking shoes.
  • Connectivity & Communication: Save maps offline (e.g. Google Maps), carry universal plug adapter (Type G).
  • Local Etiquette & Cultural Norms: Be respectful in religious sites (cover shoulders/knees), no slurping or loud eating, queue politely.
  • Shopping Guide & Souvenirs: Buy Merlion memorabilia, Peranakan porcelain, local snacks (kaya jam, bak kwa), orchid products, electronic gadgets during sales.

Things Not To Do / Avoid

  • Don’t litter — fines are strict.
  • Don’t chew gum (sale/import is restricted).
  • Don’t jaywalk — use pedestrian crossings and obey signals.
  • Don’t smoke in non-smoking zones; fines apply.
  • Don’t eat or drink in MRT or buses where prohibited.
  • Don’t photograph restricted government or military sites.
  • Avoid giving money to beggars; socialize through proper charity channels.

Things To Remember

  • Packing: breathable clothes, umbrella, modest wear, sun protection, adapter.
  • Health & Safety: travel insurance, basic meds, insect repellent for parks.
  • Emergency Contacts:
    – Singapore Police / Ambulance: 999
    – Non-emergency: 999 / 995 (fire)
    – Visit Singapore (tourist info): via official site visitsingapore.com

Suggested Itinerary Options

3-Day Singapore Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival → Marina Bay Sands & SkyPark → Gardens by the Bay → Merlion & evening light show
  • Day 2: Zoo + Night Safari in evening → daytime at Singapore Botanic Gardens & Orchard Road
  • Day 3: Sentosa day (Universal Studios, beaches) → Chinatown / Little India → depart

5-Day Singapore Itinerary (Popular)

  • Day 1: Arrival, settle, visit Marina Bay, evening light show
  • Day 2: Gardens by the Bay, ArtScience Museum, shopping & heritage walk
  • Day 3: Sentosa island (Universal, SEA Aquarium, beaches)
  • Day 4: Zoo, Night Safari, Botanic Gardens
  • Day 5: Chinatown, Little India, Haji Lane, depart

7-Day Singapore Itinerary

  • Day 1–3: as per 5-day plan
  • Day 4: Explore Pulau Ubin, Chek Jawa, cycle trails
  • Day 5: Jurassic Mile (Jurong Bird / River Wonders) & science museums
  • Day 6: Day trip to Johor Bahru, Malaysia (if visa allows) or explore lesser neighborhoods
  • Day 7: Last shopping, relaxing, depart

Nearby Destinations For Extended Trip

  • Johor Bahru, Malaysia — ~30 km; by bus or train, great for cross-border day trip.
  • Batam, Indonesia — via ferry (~1 hour); beach escape just across the strait.
  • Malacca, Malaysia — ~200 km by road + border, historic town with colonial charm.
  • Bintan Island, Indonesia — ferry from Singapore (~1–2 hours) for beaches & resorts.
  • Desaru, Malaysia — ~2–3 hours by car + ferry; seaside resort region.
  • Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — ~350 km; short flight or ~5 hours by road.

Trip extension tip: Use Singapore as base and combine with short ferry or bus trips into Malaysia & Indonesia. Always check visa/entry rules.

Must Try — For Foodies

Indian Veg

  • Nalan Restaurant (City Hall / Little India) — pure vegetarian Indian, gluten-friendly options.
  • Annalakshmi (Clarke Quay / Little India) — Pay-as-you-can vegetarian Indian concept. (Yelp, Indian restaurant listings)
  • Komala Vilas (Little India) — longstanding South Indian vegetarian restaurant.

Indian Non-Veg

  • Thevar (River Valley) — modern Indian, awarded two Michelin stars.
  • Shahi Maharani (Raffles City / City Hall) — North Indian classic menu in upscale setting.
  • Firangi Superstar (Singapore) — creative modern Indian restaurant & bar.
  • Banana Leaf Apolo — classic banana leaf style South Indian & biryanis.

Local Cuisine (Singapore / Multiethnic / Hawker)

  • Try Hainanese Chicken Rice (e.g. Tian Tian at Maxwell Food Centre)
  • Laksa, Chilli Crab, Char Kway Teow, Satay — in hawker centres like Maxwell, Lau Pa Sat, Old Airport Road
  • Visit hawker centres in Chinatown, Geylang for Malay / Chinese / Peranakan specialties

Other International Cuisines

  • Wide range: Japanese, Korean, Thai, Western, fusion — especially in Orchard Road, Marina Bay Sands, Clarke Quay.

Additional Information

  • Official Tourism Site: Visit Singapore — for attractions, passes, guides.
  • Singapore Attractions Pass / Combo tickets: Go City offers bundled access to 40+ attractions for savings.
  • Emergency & Tourist Help: Singapore Police (999), tourist helplines via visitor centers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — Indian passport holders typically require a Singapore tourist visa, which can be applied online or via authorized visa agents.

Yes — Singapore is among the safest cities globally. Standard precautions suffice.

Use MRT, buses, taxis, and ride apps. MRT is highly efficient for most tourist routes.

3 to 5 days are ideal to cover major attractions; 7 days allows more relaxed pace and side excursions.

Yes — in Little India, hawker centres, and many Indian / veg restaurants across the city.

Yes — it is relatively more expensive, especially for accommodation and dining in premium places.

Yes — MRT + Sentosa Express, cable car, or buses connect the island.

Evening 7 pm–9 pm is great for light shows (Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay), and Night Safari.

Yes — for eligible shopping, you can claim Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) at Changi airport.

Yes — Singapore’s tap water is potable and high quality.