The Ultimate 5-Day Singapore Itinerary
Singapore was a place we had been aching to visit for years but we still had no idea how much we would fall in love with it! In 2020 we booked our trip there and originally considered a 2-3 day stopover during one of our trips to Japan as well as a brief stop in South Korea.
However, 2020 happened and we had to cancel the trip. A few years later when we rebooked using our travel vouchers, we couldn’t follow our same itinerary so we decided we might as well spend a full week in Singapore!
We immediately fell for the interesting historic sites, beautiful tropical gardens, and of course, the food… I still think about the delicacies we consumed at hawker stalls and Peranakan restaurants. In this Singapore Itinerary, we’ll cover everything from the best places to stay in Singapore, our favorite Hawker Stalls, worthwhile restaurants in Singapore, and the best things to do in Singapore for a 5-day Singapore itinerary.
A Brief History of Singapore
The modern Singapore that we know today dates back to the early 19th century when British statesman Stamford Raffles traveled to Singapore in 1819 and negotiated a treaty allowing the British to establish a trading port on the island thus creating a crown colony in 1867. At the time of Raffles landing an estimated 1,000 people lived on the island but after British colonization, that number rose to over 100,000 by 1871.
During World War II, Singapore was occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. When Japan surrendered Singapore was returned to British control.
In the late 1960s, Singapore faced a severe unemployment and housing crisis thus they embarked on a modernization program to establish a larger manufacturing industry and invest in public education and infrastructure. The result? Singapore became one of the world’s most prosperous nations by the 1990s. Today Singapore has become a popular tourist destination with over 13 million visitors annually!
Knowing even a little of Singapore’s history is important for understanding the diaspora of the varying cultures, cuisines, worship spaces, and architecture you’ll find while visiting Singapore.
Things to Know Before You Visit Singapore
Currency: Singapore dollar (SGD) – Check the current exchange rate.
Language: There are four official languages in Singapore – English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. English is a commonly used language and you’ll find many signs and restaurant menus in English.
Weather: Singapore is hot and humid all year round, with temperatures usually reaching over 30°C (86°F). Rain is also very common year-round in Singapore.
Power Plug: Singapore uses 220-240 volt AC and power plugs are the same as British three square prongs.
Time Zone: Singapore Time (GMT/UTC plus eight hours)
Visas: Singapore requires a passport that is valid for at least six months. If you are traveling from the United States you do not need to apply for a visa before travel but you are issued a 90-day entry on arrival.
Tipping: Tipping is not practiced in Singapore but you’ll often see a 10% service charge and 7% GST on restaurant and bar checks.
Emergencies: Police – 999, Fire & Ambulance – 995. Make sure you register your travel plans with your local government before leaving on any trip!
Laws in Singapore
Before visiting Singapore, you should know a few important rules and laws!
- Chewing gum is illegal: If you’re someone who enjoys chewing gum you’ll have to leave it behind on your trip to Singapore.
- No spitting in public.
- No public nudity. This includes being naked in your hotel or home without the windows being covered.
- Carrying drugs is an offense punishable by death. This includes cannabis. Be sure to leave any vape pens, edibles, etc behind.
When is the Best Time to Visit Singapore?
The temperature in Singapore is fairly consistent throughout the year with an average high of 88°F (31°C) and relative humidity of 85%. However, rainfall is highest from November to January and lowest in June and July making those months more pleasant. Singapore’s peak travel season is from mid-December through January or February for Lunar New Year. We visited Singapore in September which was the start of Mid-Autumn Festival.
How Long Should I Stay in Singapore?
Singapore is a popular stopover destination when visiting other countries in Asia. I think that 3-4 days in Singapore is the perfect amount of time to do the highlights but you can do several things within two days if you have less time or if you want to extend your stay there are enough things to do for 5-7 days as well. On our first visit, we planned to stay 7 days in Singapore but only had 5 days in Singapore due to unavoidable flight changes.
5-Day Singapore Itinerary Packing Guide
Since Singapore is hot and humid year round it’s important to pack light, breathable, and comfortable clothing! Here is what we packed for our 5-day Singapore itinerary.
PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR SINGAPORE
- Universal adaptor: Make sure to check the voltage of any hair tools, shavers, etc that you might bring.
- Reusable water bottle
- Scarf or shawl: To use when visiting religious sites.
- Comfortable shoes: My personal favorites are my On: The Roger for more “dressy” white tennis shoes or my Hoka Transport for more athletic sneakers.
- Hiking shoes (optional): If visiting nature reserves you’ll want to bring some hiking shoes or tennis shoes that have good support and grip. Many of the trails are muddy and rocky.
- Bug spray: I like Ben’s bug spray wipes or Off Bug Spray Wipes which are incredibly convenient to carry on you as you travel.
- Sunscreen: Make sure you wear at least an SPF 30 to protect yourself!
- Small portable umbrella: Being a tropical climate it does rain a lot in Singapore but when it does it usually is for a short period.
- Portable charger: I always bring a battery pack from Anker when I’m traveling.
- Wool socks: Wool socks are terrific for travel because they don’t absorb odors, or wick sweat, and can be easily washed and hung to dry.
- Small first aid kit: I usually carry different sizes of band-aids with me as well as a pill organizer with essentials like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, stool softeners, immodium, allergy medication, and pepto bismol. Many of these are available in Singapore but you don’t want to have to rush to a pharmacy for an emergency.
- Prescriptions: Make sure to put any prescription medicine you have in your carry-on!
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES FOR SINGAPORE
Kallsy’s wardrobe
- Dresses: I brought a variety of dresses in bright colors to contrast the tropical foliage of Singapore.
- Skirts: Loose flowy skirts that were perfect for Singapore!
- Linen or Cotton Pants: You can wear shorts in Singapore but if you plan to visit any religious sites make sure you wear something with more coverage that day. I prefer to wear linen or cotton pants for more sun coverage and they are breathable.
- Bike Shorts: I wore bike shorts under my skirts and dresses to prevent friction burns or any potential wardrobe malfunctions.
- Undergarments: Cotton underwear is a must for humid climates!
- Shoes: My favorites are always a classic pair of white tennis shoes, a pair of comfortable sandals, and an athletic pair of sneakers.
- Small Crossbody Purse: I always like having a purse for when I go to dinner instead of lugging around my backpack (although I do occasionally bring that with me to dinner instead!).
- PacSafe Backpack: I’ve had this backpack since 2018 and it’s my absolute favorite! I love that it’s stylish but also holds a lot.
Logan’s wardrobe
- Shorts: Logan usually brings a combination of nicer athletic shorts and shorts to wear out. Lately, his favorites are from Lululemon.
- T-shirts: Of course, the classic solid color t-shirt is great to bring in a variety of colors but he also brings some of his favorite graphic or branded tees.
- Button-up Shirts: (Short Sleeve and/or Long Sleeve): For nicer restaurants, Logan brought some short-sleeve collared button-up shirts. None of the restaurants required long-sleeved shirts but if you plan to dine at a place that does, make sure to bring one!
- Dress Pants (optional): Logan didn’t bring any dress pants on this trip because none of the restaurants we ate at required them. But this is something he has brought on other trips.
- Undergarments: Logan swears by Saxx underwear for travel to help prevent chafe.
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How to Get to Singapore
The flights to Singapore from the United States are LONG. I mean, one of the longest flight paths available. Since we live on the East Coast of the U.S. the best flights we could find with points at our time of booking had two layovers making our travel time around 30 hours. I recommend splurging a little to find a flight with fewer layovers or shorter layovers to make your travel there easier.
That being said, the best way to get to Singapore is by flying into Changi Airport. Direct flights from the U.S. can be found at San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), and New York Airports (EWR and JFK).
Transportation in Singapore
Getting to the City Center from the Airport
The best way to get from Changi Airport is by either the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, the airport shuttle bus, or a taxi. I will cover these options below.
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
Four operating lines on the MRT run from 6am-12am daily.
- The North-South Line (red) runs from Jurong East to Marina Bay
- The East-West Line (green) runs from Pasir Ris and Changi Airport to Boon Lay
- The North-East Line (purple) runs from Punggol to HarbourFront
- The Circle Line (orange) runs from Dhobu Ghaut to HarbourFront
- The Downtown Line (blue) runs in most of the main parts downtown.
EZ Link Cards are pre-paid and refundable cards that are convenient for using MRT, LRT (overground light railway), and buses. You can purchase a one, two, or three-day tourist pass from the Changi Airport and MRT stations or online.
However, if you have a Visa or Mastercard that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees you can also tap in on the MRT or buses with your credit card which is the easiest option for traveling in Singapore.
Taxis in Singapore
I recommend downloading the Grab and Zig apps before leaving for Singapore so you can call taxis easily but you can also have restaurants and hotels call taxis as needed. Most taxis take credit cards but some only allow cash so keep that in mind when you ask someone to call a taxi for you. While more expensive than public transit, I found taxis in Singapore to be more affordable than taxis in the United States. We used taxis to go to and from the airport and a few restaurants that were further from public transportation.
Buses in Singapore
Singapore has a very comprehensive bus network. The Transitlink online journey planner is a helpful tool for understanding the stops and timetable.
SIA Hop-on Bus is another option for bus transportation in Singapore. These buses hit over 20 popular spots including Chinatown, Orchard Road, Little India, and Sentosa.
- FARE: $12, or $6 SGD for those traveling with Silk Air or Singapore Airlines.
Driving in Singapore
To drive in Singapore, visitors must have a valid driver’s license from their country of residence including an English translation of their license document, or International Driving Permit. While we love renting a car to drive in other countries (we’ve done many road trips in Japan) I don’t think it’s necessary to rent a car in Singapore. Yes, you could save time going from place to place, but parking in high-traffic areas is difficult, costly, and time-consuming.
Where to Stay in Singapore
Neighborhoods in Singapore
There are many different neighborhoods in Singapore each with charm, restaurants, and attractions. Here are some of the most popular areas to stay in Singapore.
Colonial District, Marina Bay, & The Quays
- PROS: Extremely central to most popular attractions in Singapore and has good transportation options. Has a wide variety of accommodation options from inexpensive hostels to luxury hotels.
- CONS: Can be a little noisy.
Chinatown, Tanjong Pagar & the CBD
- PROS: Close to great restaurants, bars, and nightlife. Good transportation links and unique accommodation options.
- CONS: Can be noisy and touristy.
Little India & Kampong Glam
- PROS: Largest area for inexpensive accommodations as well as boutique hotels, close to good transportation, and more unique than some of the other popular areas.
- CONS: Can be very noisy.
Orchard Road
- PROS: Tons of high-end international hotel chains and close to Singapore’s best shopping scenes.
- CONS: Most of the hotels are more expensive.
Eastern Singapore
- PROS: Close to the airport and a quiet place to stay.
- CONS: Public transportation isn’t as easily accessible.
Holland Village, Dempsey Hill & The Botanic Gardens
- PROS: Close to the busy Orchard Road but far enough away it is quieter.
- CONS: Not easily walkable and public transportation doesn’t have many direct routes.
Northern & Central Singapore
- PROS: Perfect for those wanting to enjoy many outdoor activities.
- CONS: Far away from other main attractions and most easily accessed by taxi which can add up in cost.
Sentosa Island
- PROS: Great for families due to its resort-like vibe and easy access to beaches, sports, and kid-friendly activities.
- CONS: Getting to the city center is a little tedious and there isn’t as much unique character here.
West & Southwest Singapore
- PROS: Museums, nature reserves, and other quirky attractions.
- CONS: Not terrific for public transportation.
During our Singapore itinerary, we stayed in two different areas of Singapore. the Marina Bay area and the Central area. We found both areas to be perfectly located for our 5-day Singapore itinerary with many of Singapore’s top attractions and restaurants nearby. I would recommend both of these areas to anyone who is visiting Singapore for the first time or has limited time to visit Singapore!
Luxury Hotels in Singapore
Our stay at The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore was flawless. The service is top notch and the rooms are stunning which is to be expected for a five-star hotel. It is centrally located and a short distance from the Marina Bay area and the Colonial District.
We booked our stay on my Amex Platinum credit card which also gave free breakfast daily at their restaurant, Colony, a $100 USD credit at the hotel, noon early check-in, a complimentary room upgrade (when available), and guaranteed 4pm late check-out. One of my favorite features of our King room at The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore was the stunning view of Marina Bay Sands from our bathroom!
- Location: Colonial District, Marina Bay, & the Quays // MAP
Our stay at the Andaz Singapore was also fabulous and I think I might have enjoyed its location even more than The Ritz because of its convenience. It is centrally located by a few bus stations and within walking distance of Kampong Glam. It also has an elevator in the hotel that takes you down to the subway station making it perfect for public transportation. The king room offered terrific Singapore skyline views and the functionality of the room made our stay extremely comfortable.
- Location: Central // MAP
Another iconic hotel in Singapore is the luxurious 5-star Raffles Hotel. This hotel was built in 1887 and is one of the last remaining 19th-century hotels in the world. It is truly an oasis with 115 suites in the beautiful architectural hotel. While we haven’t stayed at the Raffles Hotel we did stop there to get their legendary cocktail, the Singapore Sling!
- Location: Colonial District, Marina Bay, & the Quays // MAP
The Marina Bay Sands Hotel is one of the most iconic hotels in Singapore, especially after being featured in the movie, Crazy Rich Asians. But it is also one of the best luxury hotels in Singapore with stunning rooms and architecture and its convenient location to Gardens by the Bay and indoor shopping malls.
- Location: Colonial District, Marina Bay, & the Quays // MAP
Mid-Range Hotels in Singapore
Hotel Indigo Katong is a Peranakan-inspired hotel with stunning details that take inspiration from the traditional Singaporean neighborhood in which it resides. Splurge a little for a premier room to enjoy the stunning soaking tub and take a dip in the infinity pool with panoramic views of Joo Chiat.
- Location: Katong // MAP
Best Hotels for Families in Singapore
For active families, I recommend staying at the Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa. It is located on Sentosa Island which has countless outdoor activities for families including, biking paths, rope bridges, hiking paths, beaches, and more. It is also close to Universal Studios and many other theme parks. They have spacious family suites, dining options, and on-site activities specifically tailored for adults and kids.
- Location: Sentosa Island // MAP
For those looking for a bit of whimsy in a great location, I recommend checking out the Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay. They have terrific family rooms that offer more privacy and some even have themes!
- Location: Colonial District, Marina Bay, & the Quays // MAP
Hostels in Singapore
CUBE takes the average hostel and turns it into a boutique experience! They have a few locations around Singapore but the most popular is their location at Kampong Glam because of its location. It is a capsule hotel so each bed is in its own private space. In addition, they have queen-size capsules and a female-only capsule floor.
- Location: Kampong Glam // MAP
The Hive Singapore is a hostel with shared dorm rooms and even private rooms some with en-suite bathrooms. It is a little further away from some of Singapore’s main attractions but still close to many terrific neighborhoods in Singapore.
- Location: Kallang, Little India // MAP
The Best Things to Eat in Singapore
One of the things I was most looking forward to when we visited Singapore was the food! Singapore is known for having some of the best and most diverse cuisine choices and lived up to that expectation. While we were there I kept telling Logan I only wish we had more time or stomach space to keep gorging! Here are some popular Singaporean dishes and things to eat in Singapore.
- Chicken Rice: Probably one of the most recognizable dishes to get in Singapore is chicken rice. This comfort food consists of either boiled or broiled chicken with delicious oily rice.
- Chili Crab: This is by far one of my favorite things. Prepare to get messy with it, it’s just part of the experience. I also had a chili crab puff that I want to recreate at home because it was so delicious.
- Laksa: This delicious, noodle soup is spicy and rich. It is commonly made with coconut milk or sour asam.
- Satay: A dish that originated in Indonesia is now popular all over the world and you can find plenty of satay in Singapore at Hawker Centers and fine dining. Satay is skewered barbecued meats and seafood and served with a special satay sauce commonly made with peanuts.
- Oyster Omelette: As the name suggests this omelette is primarily made with oysters making it a savory and salty omelette to enjoy. Oysters aren’t my favorite but I did enjoy trying this omelette!
- Biryani: This popular mixed rice dish is made with spices, vegetables, rice, and usually you can add some type of meat.
- Prata: Prata is an Indian flatbread that is made from a dough stretched thin before being folded and cooked on a flat pan. It can be served plain or with fillings like cheese, onion, or egg. It makes for a great snack!
- Peranakan Cuisine: Peranakan Cuisine is something that you can’t miss while in Singapore. Its influence is that of Malay, Chinese, Javanese, and South Indian origin. Later I’ll share some of our favorite Peranakan restaurants.
- Durian: Durian is a popular fruit in Southeast Asia, especially in Singapore. You can find durian stands and dessert shops with durian sweets all over Singapore. I had heard a lot about this unique fruit before visiting and had been anxious to try it. It does have a pretty pungent smell which is a turn-off for many, but the taste is fascinating. First, it has a creamy, custard-like texture. I can best describe the flavor as vanilla mixed with cheese and chives or herbs. I believe everyone should try it once!
The Best Places to Eat in Singapore
Now I can’t just tell you about some of the delicious things to eat in Singapore without giving you places to try them! From hawker stalls to fine dining, there is amazing dining in every neighborhood and on every corner. Here are a few of the best places to eat in Singapore.
The Best Hawker Centers in Singapore
Hawker Centers are one of the best places to eat in Singapore. There are always a variety of different choices and some of the most amazing and affordable things to eat.
Helpful Tips for Hawker Centers:
- Purchase your tissues (napkins) before you go. You can purchase tissue at most convenience stores, grocery stores, or pharmacies but if you forget you can also commonly purchase them from a drink stand or convenience stall in some hawker centers. No tissues are provided for you so this is a must-have!
- Use your tissues to mark your spot. If you see packs of tissues or other personal belongings on a table it means that table is taken. You can save yourself a spot by putting down your pack of tissues, an umbrella, or some other personal belongings to secure your seat.
- Return your tray or risk being fined. All hawker centers have designated areas to return trays and dishes.
- Order a lot of dishes to share. This is the best way to experience a variety of food stalls and menu items!
- The longer the line, the better the food. Of course, this may not always be the case but typically the most popular places are going to have long lines!
Old Airport Road Food Centre
One of Singapore’s most beloved hawker centers that opened in 1973! It has over 150 food stalls and is popular for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Food stalls to check out at the Old Airport Road Food Centre:
- Pho Mien Tay
- Salt
- Wang Wang Crispy Curry Puff
- Yi Lu Fa Curry
- Tong Kee Charcoal BBQ
- Munchi Pancakes
- Location: Changi Airport area // MAP
Maxwell Food Centre
The Maxwell Food Centre is one of the most well-known hawker centers in Singapore. It has been open since the 1950s and was originally a place for street vendors. But as it grew in popularity the Singaporean government saw a need to open a designated space for vendors thus Maxwell Food Centre opened in 1986.
Food stalls to check out at the Maxwell Food Centre:
- Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
- Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice
- Heng Heng Tapioca Cake (Xing Xing)
- Sichuan Cuisine
- Location: Chinatown // MAP
Amoy Street Food Centre
Amoy Street Food Centre is a two-story hawker center with many stalls listed in the Michelin Guide and Bib Gourmand.
Food stalls to check out at the Amoy Street Food Centre:
- Coffee Break
- Li Xing Nasi Lemak
- Ah Seng (Hai Nam) Coffee
- J2 Famous Crispy Curry Puff
- Wah Kee Noodle
- 標记 Piao Ji Fish Porridge
- Amoy Nasi Lemak
- Location: Chinatown // MAP
Tiong Bahru Market
Tiong Bahru Market is another two-story food center with a unique Art Deco exterior, affordable hawker stalls, and a wet market selling items such as meat, fish, produce, and flowers.
Food stalls to check out at Tiong Bahru Market:
- Super Shiok Nasi Lemak
- Tow Kwar Pop Tiong Bahru Market
- Kong Wai Cantonese Cuisine
- Location: Bukit Merah // MAP
Tekka Centre
Tekka Centre was one of my favorite hawker centers in Singapore. It serves predominately Indian food and has many halal hawker stalls. On the other floors, you can shop for souvenirs like saris, silk fabrics, and more.
Food stalls to check out at the Tekka Centre:
- AR-Rahman Cafe: Prata and curry
- 545 Whampoa Prawn Noodles
- Zham Zham Muslim Food
- Raja Bojun Sri Lankan Food
- Location: Little India // MAP
Makansutra Gluttons Bay
Makansutra Gluttons Bay is one of the smallest hawker centers in Singapore and I’ll admit it wasn’t my favorite that I visited but I did have some terrific things to eat here and it’s in a very convenient location in Marina Bay!
Food stalls to check out at Makansutra Gluttons Bay:
- Syifa’ Satay
- Sokhathai Thai Food
- Ran Ran BBQ Chicken Wings
- Do Rae Mee
- Location: Marina Bay // MAP
Food Republic at VivoCity
While on our way to Sentosa Island, we stopped by Food Republic which was one of the busiest hawker centers we visited in Singapore. I think it might have been due to the timing of our visit but it is also connected to VivoCity mall. The vibe isn’t the same as other food halls, it feels a bit more commercial like a mall food court with higher prices, but it does feature some of Singapore’s famous hawker centers and the food we had was terrific!
Food stalls to check out at Food Republic:
- Xia Yi Tiao Prawn Mee
- BBQ Chicken Wings
- Tan’s Tutu Coconut Cake
- Location: VivoCity // MAP
The Best Restaurants in Singapore
We spent a lot of time dining at hawker centers but we also visited a few sit-down restaurants during our 5 days in Singapore. Here are some of the best restaurants in Singapore we dined at!
Ya Kun Kaya Toast
If you spend even a few hours in Singapore you’re bound to come across Ya Kun Kaya Toast, one of Singapore’s most famous breakfast spots. Ya Kun Kaya Toast was started in 1944 by Loi Ah Koon, a Chinese immigrant who made his way to Singapore at the age of 15 and began working at a local Hainanese coffee stall.
This sparked a desire to start his own business which he did alongside two of his friends a few years later. He began by selling coffee, toast, and eggs but after he got married, his wife began to make homemade kaya, a delicious spread made with coconut and egg. His stall quickly gained popularity and he began to open more. Today it is a Singaporean staple with locations all over Singapore and even a few global locations.
When we first visited Ya Kun Kaya Toast we went here with the expectation that it would be a place we’d visit once to try this simple breakfast but boy was I wrong! We loved it so much that we ate here three times during our trip including one last hoorah at the Changi Airport.
For a classic meal, I recommend trying the kaya toast with butter set (Set A) which comes with four pieces of crispy kaya toast generously smeared with the signature kaya spread and two slabs of salted butter inside. Alongside the kaya toast, you’ll get two soft-boiled eggs you can eat alone, or add some finely ground pepper and soy sauce to them and dip your Kaya toast in the soft eggs! Last, the set is served with tea or coffee. Truly I can’t stop thinking about the bold, roasted flavor of this coffee and that’s one of the reasons I went back so often!
If you want to switch it up try the steamed bread set (Set F) which comes with pillowy steamed bread half with kaya spread and the other half with peanut spread alongside the same soft-boiled eggs and coffee.
The breakfast itself is fairly simple, but there is something about it that feels equally nostalgic and decadent.
LOCATION: Locations can be found all over Singapore // MAP
Violet Oon
Violet Oon was one of my favorite restaurants I visited in Singapore and has gained even more attention yearly. The restaurant’s name came from its founder and head chef, Violet Oon who shares with patrons delicious Peranakan and Singapore cuisine with flavors and dishes also inspired by Chinese, Malay, and Indian cuisine.
Violet Oon now has three locations in Singapore and we visited the location in the National Gallery. The ambiance was beautiful and tranquil, and I was floored by the attention to detail in the decor as soon as we walked in.
It was hard for us to choose dishes at Violet Oon because everything looked so incredible but we ultimately settled on some of the most famous dishes. We started with the chicken satay which is a skewer of cubed pieces of chicken that is marinated in a blend of spices and then grilled. It is served alongside a spicy peanut sauce for dipping and topped with grated pineapple, cucumber, red onion, and steamed rice cake.
Next, we ordered two main dishes, the dry laksa and beef rendang. The Dry Laksa is Violet Oon’s signature dish so we knew we had to try it! It comes with fresh rice noodles that have been lightly tossed in laksa gravy then topped with large prawns, tah pok (dried beancurd puffs), and bean sprouts. I love laksa so I was excited to try it this way and loved it! I had to remind myself to slow down because it was just that good!
The beef rendang is a beef shin that is slow-cooked with a medley of spices, kaffir, and bay leaves in a creamy coconut sauce. The beef was exceptionally tender and the spices enhanced this rich dish.
Violet Oon is an exceptional restaurant to try Singaporean cuisine! Make sure to make a reservation before your visit.
LOCATION: 1 St Andrew’s Rd, #02–01 National Gallery, Singapore 178957 // MAP
Candlenut
Malcolm Lee is the head chef and owner of Candlenut and offers a fine dining experience worth every penny. Candlenut is the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant and serves refined, traditional dishes with a mélange of flavors. While you can order a la carte, I recommend choosing the tasting menu which changes each month to accommodate for the freshest ingredients by season.
We opted for the dinner tasting menu which came with four starters, six entrees, and five small desserts that were carefully selected, prepared, and presented. The menu is designed to be shared with everyone at the table perfectly portioned for those having the tasting menu.
The starters were brought out on individual plates and portioned for each of us. These included:
- Kueh Pie Tee Shell with Boston Lobster, Buah Keluak Sambal, Serunding Ikan
- Deep Fried Mantou, Itek Sio, Cucumber, Green Chili, Sawtooth Coriander
- Mee Sua Kueh, Sakura Ebi, Dried Scallop and Oyster, Kicap Pedas, Spring Onion, Chilli
- Charcoal Grilled Malmoa Lamb Neck Satay, Kicap Manis Glaze
After our delicious starters, we were presented with a steaming dish of Thai Hom Mali rice which has a fragrant flavor and paired perfectly with the entrees.
- Yong Tau Foo Soup: Stuffed tofu puff, stuffed shitake mushroom, sayur manis, slow-cooked soybean, and ikan bilis chicken broth
- Sweet Corn & Honey Pineapple Kerabu: Chitose x Cameron Highland sweet corn, honey pineapple, ulam raja, lemongrass, ginger flower, cashew nut, ikan bilis, and homemade kerabu dressing.
- Udang Gulai: Angkar prawn, brinjal, long bean, Japanese Aburaage tofu puff, laksa leaf
- Ikan Chuan Chuan: Kulbarra barramundi cooked in fermented soybean paste and ginger sauce, Cameron Highland spinach, chives, spring onion, fried ginger, fried shallot
- Sotong Masak Nyonya: wild-caught Sugata baby squid with aromatic nyonya rempah, ginger flower, okra, starfruit, coriander
- Beef Kapitan Curry: Margaret River beef cheek slow-cooked in kapitan curry sauce, candlenuts, fried shallots, kafir lime leaf.
After finishing our entrees we talked with our waiter and I shared that we had yet to try Singapore’s famous chili crab. He left and returned with a small portion of Candlenut Blue Swimmer Crab Curry which had flavors of turmeric, galangal, coconut milk, and kaffir lime leaf. He explained that we still needed to try chili crab (which we had 2-3 times after) but that this is one of his favorite dishes at Candlenut.
After trying it, I can understand why. It was truly one of the best curry dishes I’ve ever had and I’d go back solely to order a larger portion just for myself. Then came the desserts which were presented on a plate together.
Our desserts included:
- Goji & Bunga Ice: wolfberry sorbet, chrysanthemum shaved ice, wild tea tree honey, peach gum
- Snow Skin Mooncake: taro paste, coconut, blue pea flower
- Dadar Kelapa: vanilla crepe, caramelized grated coconut, gula melaka cream and coconut streusel
- Ginger Cake: light vanilla sponge cake, grated ginger cream
- Black Sesame Creme with coconut and butter crust
Although there are five desserts they are small and represent some of the flavors of Singaporean sweets. This was one of our most memorable meals in Singapore with ingredients and flavors I had yet to try prior that left me stunned. I highly recommend making a reservation in advance to enjoy it yourself!
LOCATION: 17a Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249676 // MAP
Fat Cow
Fat Cow is a contemporary restaurant serving traditional Japanese dishes with wagyu. Make a reservation for one of the lunch sets which comes with salad, miso soup, chawanmushi, a savory egg custard, and a dessert alongside your main dish. We ordered the Kyoto miso marinated cod and the wagyu shabu shabu. But you can also make a special reservation for the wagyu sandwich which is one of their famous menu items! If you want to enjoy some delicious Japanese beef in Singapore, Fat Cow is the place!
LOCATION: 1 Orchard Blvd, #01-01/02 Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649 // MAP
READ MORE: The Best Kobe Beef Restaurant in Kobe, Japan
The Best Dessert in Singapore
Birds of Paradise
I like to consider myself an ice cream connoisseur. In fact, I’ve made it my mission to try new ice cream flavors every time we visit Japan and so far, I think I’ve tried over 60. But I can officially say that Birds of Paradise is one of the best ice cream shops I’ve been to EVER!
The flavors are unique and they are extremely creamy without being overly sweet. My favorite flavors from Birds of Paradise have been strawberry basil, sea salt hojicha, roasted sesame, spiced pear, earl gray & lemongrass, and white chrysanthemum. Ok, now can you tell I enjoy ice cream? Honestly, any flavor you get will be terrific so try something new and enjoy!
LOCATION: There are a few Birds of Paradise locations in Singapore but we visited the one in Craig // MAP
READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide to Ice Cream in Japan
Tai Chong Kok 大中国
Tai Chong Kok is a Chinese bakery with a few locations in Singapore. They have a variety of traditional Chinese pastries and sweets like coconut cookies, almond cookies, pineapple roll, and a variety of mooncakes. My personal favorites are the almond cookies, snowskin mooncakes, and traditional lotus paste mooncakes.
LOCATION: 38 Sago St, Singapore 059028 // MAP
Tan’s Tutu Coconut Cake
Tan’s Tutu Coconut Cake has one of the best and most interesting desserts I’ve had! They serve tutu kueh a small, rice flour cake that is traditionally filled with coconut or peanut mixed with sugar. This Singaporean treat has been a favorite since the 1930s when Tan Yong Fa began selling song kueh without fillings. He later created his twist filled with sweet peanut and coconut fillings that made his stand extremely popular! So popular you can often wait up to 45 minutes to get some.
LOCATION: 22B Havelock Rd, #01-25, Singapore 162022 // MAP (I visited their location inside Vivo City)
The Infamous Ice Cream Cart Uncle
The ice cream cart uncle has been a longstanding symbol of Singaporean culture and it’s a tradition that is sadly becoming less common. They sell treats called ice cream potong which are ice cream blocks that are sliced off and made into an ice cream sandwich. But it’s not the ice cream sandwich you might be familiar with. Instead, the ice cream is placed between a slice of folded white bread, a snack that brings nostalgia for many Singaporeans. We found one of the ice cream carts near Marina Bay Sands where we ordered durian and taro ice cream sandwiches.
5-Day Singapore Itinerary
I’ve broken up this itinerary into two parts. Since most people traveling to Singapore only spend 2-3 days I have included the first part of this itinerary to cover the most popular things to do in Singapore. Since we spent a week in Singapore, the second part of this itinerary will cover additional things to do if you have more time in Singapore.
DAY 1 Singapore Itinerary – Changi Airport, Kampong Glam, & Little India
Stop At the Jewel at Changi Airport
Depending on when your flight arrives you may have time to spend in the Changi Airport upon your arrival or on the day you fly out. However, if it fits your schedule better to move this toward the end of your trip that’s okay too!
One place I recommend visiting at Changi Airport is the Jewel at Changi. Specifically, the Shiseido Forest Valley can be visited with or without an airplane ticket. It has soothing music, illuminated trees, and over 900 trees and 60,000 shrubs that line the walking paths with Changi Airport’s most iconic attraction, the Rain Vortex. The Rain Vortex is the world’s largest, tallest indoor waterfall, at 40 meters (130 ft) high! It is beautiful during the day and in the evening when the water is illuminated with hundreds of lights and a sound show!
Things to Do in Kampong Glam
%Arabica
There are two places I highly recommend stopping at on Arab Street, the first is %Arabica. %Arabica started in Kyoto but quickly expanded on a global scale. I first visited %Arabica shortly after it opened in 2015 and on every trip to Japan after, I would stop there for coffee. I was thrilled to find out that they have locations in Singapore. I recommend stopping in for a rich Kyoto latte or matcha latte to kick start the day and buy some coffee beans to take home with you!
LOCATION: 56 Arab St, Singapore 199753 // MAP
Sifr Aromatics
The second place I recommend stopping is Sifr Aromatics. Logan and I spent over an hour in Sifr Aromatics smelling the many stunning perfume options before each purchasing a fragrance. My only regret is that I didn’t book their fragrance experience where you can make a custom fragrance.
LOCATION: 42 Arab St, Singapore 199741 // MAP
Sultan Mosque
At the end of Muscat Street, you’ll find the stunning Sultan Mosque. This mosque has a rich history in Singapore dating back to 1824 when Sultan Hussain Shah, the former ruler of Singapore (previously Temasek), proposed the idea of building a mosque and two years later it was completed.
Although the mosque has gone through many changes and additions over the years, the Sultan Mosque still serves as a place of worship and as a cultural center for visitors to “learn, understand the religion, culture and the diverse ethnic group that makes up the Muslim Singaporeans today.”
- IMPORTANT: Please make sure you read their visitor guide before arriving for visiting hours and attire guides.
LOCATION: 3 Muscat St, Singapore 198833 // MAP
Vintage Camera Museum
As the name suggests, the Vintage Camera Museum is a museum that tells the story of the history of cameras. Once you arrive at the Vintage Camera Museum you’ll know immediately because, the museum is itself, a camera! The entry is even shaped like a camera lens. Once inside you’ll find nearly 1,000 cameras, rare photograph collections, and many other unique artifacts. If you are interested in photography, make sure you add this to your list!
LOCATION: 8C Jln Kledek, Singapore 199263 // MAP
Things to Do in Little India
Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple
Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple, also referred to as Temple of 1,000 Lights, is a Buddhist temple founded in 1927 by, Ven Vutthisara, a Thai monk. Today it is still one of the most highly visited Buddhist temples in Singapore. Inside the temple is a 15-meter-tall statue of Buddha who is seated and cloaked in yellow robes.
Each year on Vesak Day, which celebrates the birth and enlightenment of Buddha, people gather to donate money to the temple and are then given a sheet of gold leaf to place on a smaller statue of Buddha.
LOCATION: 366 Race Course Rd, Singapore 218638 // MAP
Tan Teng Niah
Tan Teng Niah house is the last surviving historic Chinese villa in Little India. It was originally built in 1900. Tan Teng Niah was a towkay or “Chinese businessman of good standing in the community”. He owned numerous sweets factories along Serangoon Road and used local sugarcane to make these sweets.
The house was restored in the 1980s and is now used for commercial use, historic preservation, and education about the area. Take a moment to stop by this colorful house!
LOCATION: 37 Kerbau Rd, Singapore 219168 // MAP
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple was founded in 1855 by a group of Bengali laborers who found themselves in Singapore due to British colonialism. It was the first temple in the area to be a place for Indian social and cultural activities helping many newcomers find community in the area.
In a specific and intentional decision, the chief deity of the temple was chosen as, Kali, a powerful goddess and destroyer of evil.
Many say that the reasoning was to allow those in the diaspora to feel more at home and protected. This rang even more true when numerous air raids took place in World War II. Many in the community took refuge in the temple and survived unscathed. Today it is one of the oldest temples in Singapore and is one of the most culturally significant religious sites in Singapore.
Make sure to take some time to view the amazing details of the temple and feel free to snap a picture of these details outside, just make sure to be respectful of those worshipping and omit them from your photos.
Visiting Etiquette:
- Remove footwear before entering.
- No tank tops, tube tops, off-shoulder tops, shorts, or mini skirts.
- Cover-ups are provided at the entrance of the temple for those who need them.
Read more about the history of Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.
LOCATION: 141 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 218042 // MAP
Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple
The last temple to visit in Little India is Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple which is a Hindu temple that is believed to have been founded in the 1830s by a woman who placed a photo of Amman under a nearby banyan tree at the site of the present temple. However, others believe it was established around 1870 by the Hindu population living in the area. Like Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple is dedicated to the goddess Kali, the “Destroyer of Evil.”
Over the years the temple has undergone many renovations, the most recent in 2015. One of the most interesting features of this temple is its beautiful exterior. On the outside, you’ll see colorful statues depicting many different Hindu deities allowing people to pray even without entering the temple.
LOCATION: 555 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 218174 // MAP
DAY 2 Singapore Itinerary – Marina Bay
Things to Do at Marina Bay
Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is perhaps one of the most iconic destinations to visit in Singapore. Most people know it as a filming location for Crazy Rich Asians but this park is so much more expansive than you can even imagine and it lives up to all the hype! During our 5 days in Singapore, we visited Gardens by the Bay three different times the first so we could visit the attractions during the day and then twice at night to see the iconic Supertrees illuminated and enjoy the nightly music show, Garden Rhapsody. Here are the best attractions at Gardens by the Bay!
Cloud Forest
Approximate Time Needed: 2 hours
We started our day at Cloud Forest which has one of the tallest indoor waterfalls, lush tropical vegetation, and unique aerial walkways. After you scan your ticket you’ll enter the forest only to be immediately greeted by the 35-meter waterfall! This area can get congested as the day goes on so we decided to take a few photos here before visiting the rest of Cloud Forest.
After leaving the waterfall we began to walk along the path ascending into the cloud forest which has controlled humidity giving the appearance of fog as you ascend. Along the way, we spotted hundreds of unique plants like carnivorous venus fly traps, pitcher plants, and rare orchids. One of my favorite areas of Cloud Forest was the Tree Top Walk, an aerial walkway surrounded by thousands of tropical plants.
Flower Dome
Approximate Time Needed: 1 hour
Next, we visited Flower Dome which is home to thousands of Mediterranean and African plants and trees. It is also the world’s largest glass greenhouse. The size of Flower Dome is comparable to 75 Olympic-sized swimming pools!
When first entering Flower Dome you’ll make your way through the Succulent Garden where you can learn more about the world’s succulents like cacti, crassula, and aloe plants. Then a journey through The Baobabs. These unique trees are native to many parts of Africa and are also referred to as The Tree of Life as it is used for many purposes in the savannahs.
Following is the Australian Garden which has unique native plants to Western and South Australia that thrive during long dry seasons. The South African Garden is full of colorful flowers and plant species most notably the Fynbos plants which come from the eastern and western cape zones of South Africa. Next is the South American Garden has plants native to central Chile including the Monkey Puzzle Tree and Chilean Wine Palm.
A short walk up the stairs takes you to the California Garden which is filled with shrubs and trees native to California. Last are the Mediterranean Garden and the Olive Grove which has olive trees, fig-trees, grapes, and pomegranates, all native plants that are part of the identity and culture of these areas. One of the highlights is a 1,000-year-old olive tree that is worth stopping at to take a photo of. On your way out of Flower Dome make sure to take in the sight of Flower Field which is changed often to reflect different seasons and other special events.
Floral Fantasy
Approximate Time Needed: 45 m-1 hour
After Flower Dome, we headed to Floral Fantasy. As soon as you walk you’ll enter the first scene, Dance, which has a stunning canopy of over 15,000 fresh and dried floral arrangements swaying gently from the ceiling. Next, you’ll reach Float, which has the soothing sounds of a bubbling brook, beautiful gardens, and fairies to find! Following is Waltz which was my favorite area of Floral Fantasy. It has the soothing sounds of rain, rock landscapes, and a vivarium with poison dart frogs. The last stop in Floral Fantasy is Drift which has cave formations filled with plants from Central and South America.
Supertree Grove
Approximate Time Needed: 1 hour
The Supertree Grove is the most recognized Gardens by the Bay attraction. Each Supertree is designed to harvest solar energy and act as a vertical garden with over 200 species of plants! At night, the Supertrees are illuminated with color-changing lights that pair with Garden Rhapsody, the nightly musical show at 7:45pm and 8:45pm.
OCBC Skywalk
Approximate Time Needed: 15 minutes
To further enjoy the Supertrees get a ticket for the OCBC Skyway which is a 128-meter aerial walkway between two Supertrees at 22 meters and allows you to get up close to the Supertrees and offers fantastic photo opportunities of the gardens below and Marina Bay.
Supertree Observatory
Approximate Time Needed: 30-45 minutes
The Supertree Observatory is the tallest point that visitors can visit in Supertree Grove! It features an open-air rooftop deck where you can have an unobstructed view of the gardens, Marina Bay, and the city skyline of Singapore. Below the rooftop deck is the observatory deck where you can view more scenery from the indoor viewing path or head out to the outdoor viewing deck for a view that will surely take your breath away!
Gardens by the Bay Ticket Information
There are countless ticket options for attractions at Gardens by the Bay. Some attractions are sold individually, some are sold as a combo ticket. To be sure you receive updated information including ticket combinations, pricing, and more I recommend booking your tickets to attractions directly on the Gardens by the Bay ticketing website.
LOCATION: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953 // MAP
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands & SkyPark Observation Deck
Most people know the Marina Bay Sands for the hotel but did you know it also features The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands? This area is a luxury shopping mall with countless restaurants and attractions including the SkyPark Observation Deck on the 57th floor where you can see panoramic views of Singapore and Gardens by the Bay for a unique view of the Supertrees.
At night Marina Bay Sands has a fantastic 15-minute water and light show that is free for anyone to visit. It has choreographed fountains, lights, mist effects, and more paired with a symphony of sound! Don’t miss viewing this at least one night in Singapore with nightly shows at 8pm and 9pm.
LOCATION: 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956 // MAP
ArtScience Museum
Near Marina Bay Sands is the ArtScience Museum which is a unique exhibition hall that combines art, science, technology, and culture. In the 21 galleries, you’ll find permanent and rotation collections. One of the most notable is Future World which is a collaboration with teamLab, an art team based in Japan known for their interactive art displays.
Some of the notable rotating exhibits held at the ArtScience Museum include The World of Studio Ghibli, Frida Kahlo: The Life of an Icon, Attack on Titan: The Exhibition, and Sneakertopia: Step Into Street Culture. Be sure to check the ArtScience Museum website to see what rotating exhibits are currently viewing!
LOCATION: 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974 // MAP
Millenia Walk
Another nearby shopping mall that we enjoyed in Singapore is Millenia Walk which is a modern shopping mall with a wide range of stores, restaurants, snack bars, and more.
LOCATION: 9 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039596 // MAP
Singapore Flyer
Like many other large cities, Singapore has its own iconic Ferris wheel, the Singapore Flyer. When you first walk in you’ll be able to view the small museum sharing information about the Singapore Flyer including its construction in 2008 and other interesting facts. For instance, did you know that each of the 28 capsules is the size of a city bus and can fit 28 people?
Of course, riding the Singapore Flyer is a terrific evening activity so you can see the city lights surrounding you as you make the 30-minute rotation. But it’s also great to visit during the day when you can see nearby Sentosa Island, Changi Airport, and even parts of Malaysia and Indonesia on clear days.
LOCATION: 30 Raffles Ave., Singapore 039803 // MAP
DAY 3 Singapore Itinerary – Chinatown, Clarke Quay, & Robertson Quay
Things to Do in Chinatown
Nus Baba House
Nus Baba House is a 19th-century three-story townhouse that was the original home of the Wee family. It was later acquired by the National University of Singapore and was renovated into a museum to showcase Peranakan architecture, furniture, art, and decor.
On the first floor, you’ll find an open courtyard followed by a reception hall and kitchen. The second floor has the main bedroom and second bedrooms. The third floor was an addition to the original space in 1910 as an additional bedroom. It was later converted into a gallery with rotating exhibits highlighting Peranakan culture.
LOCATION: 157 Neil Rd, Singapore 088883 // MAP
Sri Mariamman Temple
Sri Mariamman Temple was built in 1827 as a place of worship and is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. It is dedicated to the goddess Mariamman who is known for curing illnesses and diseases. The outside is a tower decorated with countless statues of temple deities. While we were in Singapore the outside of the temple was unfortunately under renovation so we couldn’t see it!
LOCATION: 244 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058793 // MAP
Thian Hock Keng Temple
Another temple in Chinatown you should visit is Thian Hock Keng. This Hokkien temple was built in 1839 using traditional Southern Chinese architectural styles with beautiful carvings of dragons and phoenixes carved in wood and stone. It was dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of the seas, and is where Chinese immigrants prayed for safe passage between Singapore and China.
In 1907, Emperor Guang Xu of the Qing Dynasty gifted a plaque to the temple that reads “Bo Jing Nan Ming” which translates to “gentle waves over the south seas.” This plaque was one of only three that was given by Emperor Guang Xu to temples in Southeast Asia. It is said that the plaque contained the only remaining yellow scroll from this era and it wasn’t found until 1998 when extensive renovations were underway in the temple. In 1973 Thian Hock Keng was designated as a National Monument securing future restorations
LOCATION: 158 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068613 // MAP
Chinatown Street Market
After visiting some temples take some time to shop at the Chinatown Street Market where you can catch a break from the sun’s rays under the colorful canopies covering the shops and restaurants. This is a great place to shop for souvenirs and grab a snack or bite to eat. One of my favorites is Tai Chong Kok, a Chinese bakery off Sago Street.
LOCATION: 29 Smith St, Singapore 058943 // MAP
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
I know I’ve recommended a lot of temples today but I have one last one for you in Chinatown, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Many people liken this to scenes from the Ghibli film, Spirited Away and I can see why! Buddha Tooth Relic Temple was built in 2007 using design styles and elements from the Tang Dynasty and the Buddhist Mandala. While it doesn’t have as lengthy of a history, it is still a temple with many historic features including two museums and important Buddhist relics.
Last, you might be wondering about where the temple’s name origin came from. This temple houses the left canine tooth of Buddha and is displayed on the temple grounds inside a stupa made from 320 kg of gold!
LOCATION: 288 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058840 // MAP
READ MORE: A Complete Guide to Visiting Ghibli Park
Tea Chapter
One of my favorite experiences in Singapore was having a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at Tea Chapter. Tea Chapter is located within a three-story shophouse in the heart of Chinatown and offers a relaxing environment to learn more about the art of Chinese tea ceremonies.
When we arrived we were shown to our private tea room and given a menu with a large selection of teas to choose from. We settled on an Imperial Oolong Tea which we loved so much we brought some home with us!
After selecting our tea, our host returned with a traditional Chinese tea set and shared with us the best way to enjoy our tea. First, she poured hot water into the tea cups to warm the cups to make them the same temperature as the tea. For the first brew, she cleansed the tea leaves to remove any dirt or other small fragments before pouring it out. After, it was time to enjoy our tea and begin brewing. She explained that different temperatures, steeping times, and how many times the tea leaves are used, alter the flavor giving us a different flavor each time we prepared our tea.
In addition to tea, Tea Chapter has a variety of small snacks and sweets you can enjoy alongside your tea. We decided to order some sugared peanuts and tea cookies that came in a few different flavors that paired nicely with the tea. I recommend booking in advance so you can choose the space you want to have your tea ceremony which you can occupy for 2 hours.
If you don’t have the time to enjoy the tea house, you can also visit the retail store located on the bottom level of Tea Chapter to purchase some tea to take home and enjoy later.
LOCATION: 9 Neil Rd, Singapore 088808 // MAP
Make A Reservation at Tea Chapter
Things to Do in Clarke Quay & Robertson Quay
Sri Thendayuthapai Temple
Sri Thendayuthapai Temple was constructed in 1859 by the Chettiar community for the worship of the Hindu deity, Lord Muruga. It has been renovated many times including its most recent renovation in 2022. It is most recognizable by its five-tiered gopuram, the monumental entrance tower with various statues of deities. At the time of its construction, it was one of the tallest in Southeast Asia. It is designed to allow visitors to see the temple from further away and pray if they are not able to visit at that time.
LOCATION: 15 Tank Rd, Singapore 238065 // MAP
Asian Civilizations Museum
The Asian Civilizations Museum is one of Singapore’s most important museums as it tells the stories of different cultures brought together in Singapore. It is the only museum in Asia with a pan-Asian scope of influence that is devoted to sharing the rich heritage of Singapore and between Asia and the world. The items you’ll see at the Asian Civilizations Museum all tell a story whether it be through religion, trade, or international commerce.
LOCATION: 1 Empress Pl, Singapore 179555 // MAP
Take A Singapore River Cruise
Sure it’s a little touristy but taking a Singapore River Cruise is one of the best things to do in Clarke Quay! After boarding you’ll travel through Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Marina Bay for the 40-minute cruise taking in some of the best sights in Singapore. I always say everything looks different from the water and this rings true for this Singapore activity!
LOCATION: // MAP
DAY 4 – Orchard Road & Colonial District
Things to Do on Orchard Road
Singapore Botanic Gardens & National Orchid Garden
Singapore Botanic Gardens were established in 1859 and it is currently the only tropical garden that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today the gardens are broken into different areas with four entrances making it easy to visit the gardens on foot or by car. Tanglin is the garden’s oldest area with a botany center, a swan lake, a sun garden with desert landscape and foliage, and the bandstand formerly used for military bands and is used today as a spot for weddings and artists.
Bukit Timah is located on the east side of the gardens and includes the eco-garden and eco-lake perfect for those who want to enjoy more of Singapore’s wildlife including rare birds. The Ethnobotany Garden near Eco Lake has over 300 species of plants from traditional cultures in South Asia, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This area also includes the popular Children’s Garden where kids can enjoy learning about the importance of plants with several hands-on experiences.
The Tyersall-Gallop area includes one of the most popular attractions in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the National Orchid Garden which in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful places in Singapore! There are over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchid varieties and a significant bromeliad collection. This garden has an admission fee of $15 SGD but is absolutely worth visiting!
The gardens are also full of history. In its early years, the gardens became important for agricultural development, preservation, and pollination experimentation. Later, it became a notable place from Singapore’s occupation by Japan from 1942-1945. If you look closely at the bricks paving walkways and walls you’ll see that some have engraved initials and other phrases done by prisoners of war as a sign of defiance and to indicate they were detained.
LOCATION: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569 // MAP
Emerald Hill
A historic neighborhood that was a former nutmeg orchard that later became a neighborhood for wealthy merchants. Today you can visit the colorful Peranakan shophouses and enjoy a cocktail at one of the swanky bars like No. 5 Emerald Hill or Alleybar.
Location: // MAP
Shopping on Orchard Road
Want to experience some luxury shopping in Singapore? Orchard Road has some of Singapore’s best shopping including countless malls and other stores that are perfect to visit after the Singapore Botanical Gardens. Here are some of the places we enjoyed on Orchard Road.
- ION Orchard: A multi-level mall with popular stores including luxury goods, clothing, shoe stores, and countless dining.
- Paragon Shopping Centre: International designer retail stores on 6 floors.
- Takashimaya Shopping Centre: A Takashimaya Department Store with a shopping mall attached.
Things to Do in the Colonial District
National Museum of Singapore
The National Museum of Singapore is Singapore’s oldest museum that shares over 700 years of Singapore’s history through artifacts and technology. It creates an immersive experience where visitors can learn about Singaporean art, history, and culture through permanent and rotating exhibits and events. One of the permanent collections at the National Museum of Singapore is the Singapore History Gallery which started in 1299 during the Paleozoic Era and ends in the present day.
LOCATION: 93 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178897 // MAP
Fort Canning Park
Fort Canning Park is home to some of Singapore’s oldest trees and has 9 historical gardens with many varieties of herb and spice plants and interesting historic significance. A few places that are worth stopping at in Fort Canning Park include Pancur Larangan, the Forbidden Spring, which was the spot where many people found clean drinking water and is also supposedly the spot where the wife of the Malay king used to bathe.
The Sang Nila Utama Garden is the park’s latest addition that pays homage to a Palembang prince who is believed to be the first Singaporean King. It features Southeast Asian architecture including Javanese entrance gates.
For more recent history visit the Battlebox which is the 1936 bunker that contained 30 rooms and even had a generator. It is here that Lieutenant-General Arthur E. Percival and Allied Forces surrendered to the Japanese during WWII.
One of the more famous attractions in Fort Canning Park is the Tree Tunnel which has become a popular photo spot for tourists. If you want to avoid long lines I recommend getting there early in the day or late afternoon.
LOCATION: // MAP
Peranakan Museum
Another interesting museum in the Colonial District is the Peranakan Museum which is a Peranakan art and cultural museum. The museum has three floors with different exhibits that explore Peranakan life through origins, art, food, home, style, and cultural identity shown through over 800 objects donated to the museum from the community.
LOCATION: 39 Armenian St, Singapore 179941 // MAP
National Gallery Singapore
The last museum in the Colonial District I want to recommend is the National Gallery Singapore which is the world’s largest public art collection featuring Singaporean and South East Asian 19th century art, modern art, and architectural history. Each exhibit has something unique to offer including some with interactive activities. Before leaving stop by the Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Gallery!
LOCATION: // MAP
Get A Singapore Sling at The Raffles Hotel
Raffles Hotel, named after Sir Stamford Raffles, is one of Singapore’s most iconic hotels. It originally opened in 1887 as a 10-room hotel and has been visited by countless movie stars, writers, authors, and travelers ever since. But even if you aren’t staying at Raffles Hotel it is worth stopping by The Long Bar to get an infamous Singapore Sling, a cocktail that was invented in 1915 by Ngiam Tong Boon, a bartender at Raffles.
During the time, women were not allowed to consume alcohol in public settings making fruit juices and teas the beverage of choice between women. Ngiam Tong Boon saw this as an opportunity to create a cocktail specifically for women that looked like fruit juice but was infused with gin and liqueurs for those who wanted an alcoholic beverage. It was an instant success among female patrons!
Today anyone can enjoy one of the iconic Singapore Slings which contains Widges London Dry Gin, Benedictine, Luxardo Cherry Sangue Morlacco, Ferrand Dry Curacao, Raffles Signature Grenadine, Pineapple Juice, Fresh Lime Juice, and a dash of Angostura Bitters. Overall, a delicious and refreshing cocktail perfect for a humid, hot day in Singapore.
LOCATION: 1 Beach Rd, Singapore 189673 // MAP
Merlion Statue
The Merlion Statue is one of the most iconic symbols in Singapore. Built by local artist Lim Nang Seng, its fish-like body symbolizes Singapore’s history of fishing villages and the statue’s lion-like head represents the original name of Singapore, Singapura, which means “Lion City” in Sanskrit. Stop by to take a photo of the majestic statue!
LOCATION: 1 Fullerton Rd, Singapore 049213 // MAP
DAY 5 Singapore Itinerary – Sentosa Island
Note: If you don’t plan on spending a lot of time on the beach or visiting Universal Studios and want to visit a few of the sites you might be able to add these attractions on the same day you visit Chinatown.
Things to Do on Sentosa Island
Sentosa Luge & Skyride
Looking for a thrilling adventure on Sentosa Island? Take a ride on the Sentosa Luge & Skyride! The luge is park toboggan, part go-kart but fully fueled by gravity. The Skyline Luge in Singapore has four tracks with countless hairpin turns, tunnels, and thrilling downhill slopes! You can enjoy the luge during the day or at night.
Also on-site is the Sentosa Skyride where you can see a bird’s eye view of the South China Sea and Singapore’s city skyline. Rides are also available in the evening which makes for a romantic setting under the stars!
LOCATION: 45 Siloso Bch Walk, Sentosa, Singapore 099003 // MAP
Sentosa Island Beaches
One of the main attractions on Sentosa Island is, of course, the beaches! There are several different beaches to visit in Sentosa including:
- Siloso Beach: The northern beach with great places to enjoy the sand, paddleboarding, and more.
- Tanjong Beach: The southernmost beach on Sentosa Island with a beach club.
- Palawan Beach: A centrally located beach on Sentosa Island with calm waters and a suspension bridge that links to the small, Palawan Island to explore along with the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia!
Fort Siloso
Fort Siloso is a well-preserved coastal fort that was formerly a military fort. Today there is a military museum with WWII memorabilia. On-site is the Fort Siloso Skywalk which is 11 stories tall and allows visitors to take a treetop walk to Fort Sioso’s museums and attractions.
LOCATION: // MAP
Universal Studios Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore is perhaps the most popular attraction on Sentosa Island and the first and only Universal Studios theme park in Southeast Asia! Popular rides include Battlestar Galactica: Human vs. Cylon, Revenge of the Mummy, Puss in Boots’ Giant Journey, and Transformers the Ride: The Ultimate 3D Battle.
LOCATION: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269 // MAP
Haw Par Villa
Haw Par Villa was created with the vision of Aw Boon Han, the man who created Tiger Balm. He wanted to create a grand mansion for his brother which later became an outdoor art gallery open to the public. His goal was to preserve history and share meaningful Chinese stories by decorating the grounds with colorful sculptures and dioramas depicting different legends. At the time of its creation in 1937 it cost $1,000,000 SGD to build!
Although many of the scenes show age with faded paint and chipped statues, I still found it to be a fascinating place to visit. There are many different trails and tours you can take to learn more about the dioramas and sculptures.
Note: Haw Par Villa is not located on Sentosa Island but it is somewhat closer to Sentosa Island which makes it convenient to visit when also visiting the island.
LOCATION: 262 Pasir Panjang Rd, Singapore 118628 // MAP
With More Time in Singapore – Jurong & Bukit Batok
Even with a week in Singapore, we didn’t have enough time! Here are some additional things to do in Singapore that are on our list for our next visit. Feel free to add any of these to your Singapore itinerary as well!
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
One of Singapore’s most popular hiking areas is Bukit Timah Nature Reserve which has some of Singapore’s preserved, undisturbed tropical forests. It was established in 1883 and was one of the first reserves in Singapore. Here you can climb Singapore’s highest peak, the Bukit Timah Hill (163 meters), enjoy Singapore’s tallest rainforest trees and view countless wildlife.
LOCATION: // MAP
Bukit Batok Nature Park
Next to Bukit Batok Nature Reserve is Bukit Batok Nature Park which was developed in 1988 on an abandoned quarry site. The park has beautiful clear waters and peaceful nature walking trails. Bukit Batok Nature Park is known for being a popular birdwatching spot and you can often spot long-tailed macaques.
LOCATION: // MAP
Jurong Lake Gardens
Jurong Lake Gardens is a 90-hectare preserve containing the Lakeside Garden, Chinese and Japanese Gardens, and Garden Promenade area near the Chinese and Japanese gardens. The Lakeside Garden is a large section of the gardens comprised of 60 hectares on the park’s west side. As the name suggests, it is located by Jurong Lake and has a variety of biking and walking trails. Rasau Walk is one of the neatest nature trails with a 300 m boardwalk surrounding the water’s edge. The Chinese and Japanese gardens have tranquil settings with pagodas, small ponds, tea pavilions, and water lilies. It’s a terrific place to enjoy a leisurely walk in nature!
LOCATION: // MAP
Tiger Brewery
If you are interested in beer take some time to go on a guided tour at Tiger Brewery, Singapore’s refreshing, tropical beer! If you book a tour through the beer-making facilities you can get an unlimited tasting session at the end of your tour.
LOCATION: 459 Jln. Ahmad Ibrahim, Singapore 639934 // MAP
MacRitchie Nature Trails
Within the Central Catchment Nature Reserve are the MacRitchie trails, a 20km trail network located in 2,000 hectares of forest. The beauty of the MacRitchie Nature Trails is that there are trails suited for all ages and skill levels! Some of the most popular trails include.
- Prunus Trail: Boardwalk trail through the Prunus Trail and Petai Trails which offers a stunning rainforest backdrop and chances to spot wildlife.
- Length: 3km
- Level: Easy
- Estimated time: 1 hour
- Chemperai Trail: A short, easy trail that has panoramic views of the water and a popular spot for birdwatchers.
- Length: 1.5km
- Level: Easy
- Estimated time: 30 minutes
- TreeTop Walk Trail: This trail goes from Windsor Nature Park to the TreeTop Walk which has a 250-meter freestanding suspension bridge, the first in Singapore. Here you can see panoramic views of the park!
- Length: 7km
- Level: Moderate to difficult
- Estimated time: 3-4 hours
LOCATION: // MAP
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a nature reserve in Singapore that is most well-known for having a high variety of bird species that bring bird watchers from all over. In addition to the flora and fauna, you can enjoy countless hiking trails and nature walks. If you visit on a Saturday you can sign up for a guided nature walk in the morning or go on one of their self-guided walks. Nearby is also Hay Dairies Goat Farm which has milking demonstrations, feeding opportunities, and a shop selling goat milk goods.
LOCATION: 301 Neo Tiew Cres, Singapore 718925 // MAP
My Favorite Things to Do in Singapore
If you’ve finished this 5-day Singapore itinerary feeling even more confused by the countless museums to choose from or unsure of what places you’ll find worth visiting. Here are my favorite things we did in Singapore from this itinerary to hopefully help get you started!
- Gardens by the Bay: We spent almost an entire day here during our time in Singapore. I recommend getting a ticket for ALL of the attractions because they are absolutely worth your time!
- Get Breakfast at Yun Kun Kaya Toast: I seriously ate here three times for breakfast.
- Tea Chapter: I loved relaxing here and experiencing the traditional Chinese way of enjoying tea.
- Getting A Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel: Sure it’s just a cocktail and an expensive one at that, but it’s one of the most iconic things to do in Singapore!
- Haw Par Villa: This one might be a hot take but I enjoyed the kitschy vibes of this place!
- Sifr Aromatics: If you are interested in fragrance book the class to create a custom fragrance here! Otherwise, pop in to buy a unique souvenir or gift.
- Dining at A Peranakan Restaurant: Enjoy a meal at Violet Oon or Candlenut, both if you can. These were very memorable dining experiences.
- National Orchid Garden: This was one of the most beautiful botanical gardens I’ve ever visited.
- HAWKER CENTERS! Of course, the best thing to do in Singapore is eat! My favorite Hawker Centers were Tekka Center, Maxwell Food Centre, Old Airport Road Food Centre, and Amoy Street Food Centre.
- Admire the Architecture: Especially at temples and mosques. Little India was one of my favorite areas for this.
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