This is it, the ULTIMATE Singapore travel guide for 2023. Find out EVERYTHING you need to know about this unique city in this comprehensive post! From where to go, to where to stay and what to pack… and so much more!
what makes singapore special?
Singapore is a city-state (“Stadtstaat” in German) located in Southeast Asia. The country has a population of roughly 5.6 million people and is one of the most diverse nations in the world. There are different ethnic groups that call Singapore their home, which has led to the country proclaiming four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil. This multi-culturalism is also reflected in the religion: you’ll find Buddhist temples, mosques, and Hindu temples. Besides this, Singapore has developed into one of the largest financial hubs in the world, with many modern skyscrapers shaping the city’s skyline.
the climate
Singapore’s climate is very HOT AND HUMID! Being so close to the equator there are no distinctive seasons throughout the year, and the temperature is mostly uniform. You can expect temperatures between 23 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius year round. That means, even at night you likely won’t ever get cold 🙂
However, while the temperatures might sound very appealing, you also need to know that tropical climates come with a lot of rain! The official monsoon season lasts from November to February. In these months the rain is obviously the worst. However, I was there in August and we still had rain every day while we were there. In my experience, the rain came in short, strong bursts and the sky would (partially) clear up again after that.
entry & visa requirements
Singapore is quite a regulated state. Following this, the entry process is also very well structured and documented. Here is what you need to check before you land in Singapore:
- Valid passport: As the majority of countries, Singapore too requires visitors to have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months post entry into the country.
- Visa: The majority of countries DON’T need a visa to visit Singapore. However, just in case you might want to check out this website to confirm that your passport is eligible for a visa free entry.
- SG arrival card: The SG Arrival Card is a document that every traveller needs to fill out online at least three days before their arrival. If you don’t have this document, you will likely have some issues at the passport control upon arrival. This link will take you directly to the online form.
what to pack
As you might have gathered so far, Singapore is very hot and veeeery humid. This should definitely be at the top of your mind while packing. Here is a sample list of what I would bring on a trip to Singapore:
- Flowy, lightweight shorts (preferably linen or cotton)
- Waterproof sandals or flip flops
- Rain jacket or umbrella
- Light, flowy and comfortable t-shirts and tank tops (again, ideally linen or cotton)
- Bikini / bathing suit (you might want to go to the beach or hang out at a hotel pool!)
- A cover up / shawl for visiting mosques and temples
- Flowy, lightweight long pants or skirts (also temple and mosque appropriate!)
- Sneakers (for some of the trails)
- Sports attire (also for the trails)
- A nice dress / evening outfit (in case you want to visit a fancy bar or restaurant, there are plenty to choose from!)
What NOT to bring:
- Thick jackets (trust me, you will not be cold in Singapore)
- Leather shoes / sandals (the rain will completely ruin them!)
- Tight clothes (you’ll be way to hot and sweaty)
what to see & do
Singapore is a fascinating city. On one side it is one of the most modern and clean cities in the world. At the same time, the multiculturality and its rich history is also still reflected in many parts of the city. This gives you plenty of sights, both modern and traditional, to explore during your time there. Here are my top recommended sights to check out while you’re there:
- Visit the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel
- Stroll through the Gardens by the Bay
- Go shopping at The Shoppes
- Take a picture with the Merlion statue
- Walk along Arab Street
- Visit the temples in Chinatown
- Take the cable car up to Mount Faber
- Hike along the Southern Ridges
- Marvel at the orchids in the Orchid Garden
- Relax on Sentosa Island
- Do the Tree Top Walk
- Visit the famous Singapore Zoo
I have a full blog post up on my page about what to see and do in Singapore with a lot more details. Check it out here!
how many days you should stay
Due to its geographical location, Singapore is a popular stop-over destination. That means, that a lot of people only visit for a day or two on their way to another final destination.
If it’s your first time visiting Singapore I’d say you can get a good first impression of the city in two days. This will give you enough time to visit all the main attractions, such as the Marina Bay Sands and the Gardens by the Bay.
If you have more time to spare, and are interested in seeing some less touristy things as well, you can easily spend up to five days in the city without getting bored. If you’re looking for a longer itinerary, check out my itinerary on how to spend 5 active days exploring the city and its surroundings!
where to stay
If you’re visiting for the first time and don’t have a lot of time, I would recommend to stay around the city centre, as this is where the main tourist attractions are located!
clarke / boat quay
Specifically, I would recommend staying in the Clarke / Boat Quay area. The area is very walkable, close to Chinatown and Marina Bay and offers many restaurants and bars within close vicinity. The area is also very well connected with the public transportation system. Accommodation wise you can find anything from budget hotels to high end hotels.
accommodation suggestions @ clarke / boat quay
Budget: KINN Capsule Hotel. We walked past this hostel many times and it looks super modern and just unique.
Mid-range: Hotel NuVe Elements. We stayed in this hotel. The rooms are very small but everything else is perfect. If you’re out all day anyway then this is a good option.
Luxury: PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore. The architecture and attention to detail in this hotel is just STUNNING!
chinatown
Chinatown is also a great area to stay in, especially for younger travellers. There are many budget options and there is always something going on. Chinatown is within walking distance of Marina Bay and Clarke / Boat Quay, which means you are close to the main attractions. The area is also very well connected with the local public transportation system. You’ll find many hostels (even some very quirky ones!) and great mid-range hotels. If you’re looking for luxury, however, this might not be the place for you.
accommodation suggestions @ chinatown
Budget: Galaxy Pods @ Chinatown. If you’re up to experience something new, check this place out!
Mid-range: The Scarlet Singapore. Traditional on the outside, modern on the inside.
Luxury: Capri by Fraser China Square, Singapore. Modern high-rise with a rooftop pool.
marina bay
Lastly, if you’re ready to splurge on your accommodation, then you should DEFINITELY stay in the Marina Bay area. Here you’ll find some of the most iconic hotels in Singapore, such as the world famous Marina Bay Sands and the historic Fullerton Hotel. These hotels offer great views of the Marina and all the fancy skyscrapers of the Central Business District.
accommodation suggestions @ marina bay
Budget: Not available
Mid-range: The Fullerton Hotel Singapore. A landmark hotel in Singapore with views on the Marina Bay Sands.
Luxury: Marina Bay Sands. Need I say more?
If you’re still undecided or just want to find out more about all possible accommodation options, check out this guide where I go into a lot more details about where to stay in Singapore!
best time to visit singapore
As I’ve mentioned before, the weather is hot and humid all year round. However, if you have the choice, it is best to avoid the monsoon season between November and February. The months of May-July tend to be a little less humid and a little less rainy, which might make your stay more enjoyable. But don’t worry, if you’re well prepared you can enjoy and go sightseeing despite the rain!
Other than that, Singapore is a great destination all year round 🙂
THAT’S IT, NOW YOU ARE TOTALLY READY FOR YOUR TRIP TO SINGAPORE!!! If you’re looking for some more info for your upcoming trip to Singapore, check out these 13 tips for your first time in Singapore!