Things to Know Before Visiting Singapore 🇸🇬
Singapore is that friend who’s effortlessly put-together — perfectly groomed, incredibly clean, and somehow always on time. It’s where futuristic architecture meets street hawker magic, and where chilli crab and Michelin-star chicken rice exist in the same meal plan. Small? Sure. Boring? Never.
Where Is It?
Singapore sits snugly at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, in Southeast Asia, just north of the equator. It’s a city-state — meaning it’s its own country, city, and island all at once — with Malaysia to the north and Indonesia to the south.
It’s one of the world’s busiest transport hubs, so chances are, even if you’re just passing through, you’ll end up here sooner or later.
How to Get There & Get Around
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) is one of the world’s best — sleek, efficient, and connected globally. It regularly tops the list of best airports in the world — it’s basically a destination on its own. Think butterfly garden, rooftop pool, and indoor waterfall.
Other ways of getting there are:
By land: cross over from Johor Bahru, Malaysia, via the Causeway or Second Link bridge.
By sea: cruise ships and ferries connect Singapore with nearby Indonesian islands, such as Batam and Bintan.
Once you’re in the city, you’ve got a few options:
🚅 The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): clean, cheap, fast, and blessedly air-conditioned — it’s the best way to get around.
🚕 Taxis or Grab (Southeast Asia’s Uber) are super convenient, but costs vary depending on time and traffic.
🚌 Buses cover the whole island and are easy to use with contactless cards.
👟 Walking is simple due to the well-maintained sidewalks, particularly around Marina Bay and Chinatown, but remember — the humidity here hits like a wall. Bring water. And deodorant.
Seasons & Best Time to Go
Singapore doesn’t really experience seasons — it has a tropical climate, meaning hot, humid, and with a good chance of rain, regardless of when you visit. We visited in early-April, and the weather was a mix of hot, lightly humid heat.
December to February: slightly cooler and less humid.
March to August: hot and humid, with fewer crowds.
September to November: expect rain showers, but they usually pass quickly.
🔆 Best for weather: December to February.
💲 Best for budget: March to May.
How Long to Stay
We stayed for four days as a quick stop before we flew back to Oz. You can see the highlights of Singapore in 2–3 days, but if you want to slow down, savour the city's diverse cuisine at hawker centres, and immerse yourself in its rich culture, 4–5 days is ideal.
Best Area to Stay
Singapore is small, but neighbourhoods vary wildly in vibe and budget — we're just going to say it, Singapore is expensive! Here are some of the highly rated areas to stay for every budget:
Marina Bay: modern, sleek, and where you’ll find the famous skyline and luxury hotels.
Chinatown: good mid-range options, rich culture, and unbeatable food.
Clarke Quay: fantastic mid-range options and vibrant nightlife.
Little India: colourful, vibrant, and budget-friendly.
Sentosa: family-friendly and home to Universal Studios.
We've been in Singapore a handful of times and try out new areas each time. This time around, we based ourselves in Chinatown and loved the ample food choices on offer. For first-timers, we recommend Clark Quay or Marina Bay, as they suit varied budgets, but both give easy access to sights, shopping, and dining.
What to Do
Singapore might be small, but there’s zero chance of running out of things to do. Between nature, culture, and sky-high architecture, every corner feels like a discovery. Here are a few highlights:
Marina Bay Sands SkyPark: unbeatable city views (and some serious pool envy).
Gardens by the Bay: home to the iconic Supertree Grove — go at sunset for the light show, it's free!
Sentosa Island: beaches, Universal Studios, and resort vibes just 15 minutes from downtown.
The Merlion: Singapore's official mascot, positioned in a prime position overlooking Marina Bay.
Jewel Changi Airport: yes, the airport you likely flew into. Don’t skip the Rain Vortex — it’s literally an indoor waterfall.
Useful Tips
💬 English is one of the four official languages, so getting around is easy.
💳 Money: Singapore is very card-friendly, but it's always wise to keep some cash on you just in case (Singapore Dollar).
⚡ eSIM: Saily offers great eSIM plans.
💡 Bonus tip: Bring a reusable water bottle and portable fan — it’s hot out there.
Our Real Costs
($AUD based on two people over 4 days — 2025)
✈️ Getting there: $353 (one-way from Chiang Mai)
🏠 Accommodation: $253 per night (mid-range hotel)
🍜 Food: $71 per day
🚇 Transport: $4 per day
🎟️ Activities: $0 (we used our activity budget on food 😆)
📱 Data: $6 total (eSIM)
Our Thoughts
There's a reason we continue to come back to Singapore — no, not because it’s famously clean or organised (it is), but because it's efficient yet charming, sleek yet quirky, and somehow manages to feel like a big adventure in a tiny package.
Yes, it’s more expensive than most of Southeast Asia, but it’s also one of the easiest, safest, and most rewarding cities to explore. We’d come back just for the food.