Singapore
Visited in March 2008
At a glance
- Country
- Singapore
- Region
- —
- Population
- 5.9 million
- Best time to go
- February to April
- Main airport
- Singapore Changi (SIN)
- Coordinates
- 1.29°N, 103.85°E
Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Singapore packs a lot into a small island: futuristic architecture, tropical gardens, colonial buildings and neighbourhoods shaped by Chinese, Malay and Indian heritage.
It's clean, safe and easy to get around, and the food is the highlight. Eat at hawker centres, where world-class dishes cost very little.
Things to see
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Photo: Shiny Things, CC BY 2.0 Gardens by the Bay
The Supertree Grove (free to walk around) and the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest conservatories.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Supanut Arunoprayote, CC BY 4.0 Marina Bay Sands
The iconic hotel with the SkyPark observation deck on top.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Velela, Public domain Singapore Botanic Gardens
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with the National Orchid Garden.
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Photo: Bob Tan, CC BY-SA 4.0 Chinatown
Temples, shophouses and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.
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Photo: KimonBerlin, CC BY-SA 2.0 Little India and Kampong Glam
Colourful streets, the Sultan Mosque and Haji Lane's boutiques.
Things to do
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Photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0 Eat at a hawker centre
Try chicken rice, laksa and chilli crab at Maxwell, Lau Pa Sat or Newton.
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Photo: Allie Caulfield, CC BY 2.0 Night Safari
The world's first nocturnal zoo, next to Singapore Zoo.
Find tours -
Photo: Chensiyuan, CC BY-SA 4.0 Sentosa Island
Beaches, Universal Studios and the S.E.A. Aquarium.
Find tours -
Photo: Shiny Things, CC BY 2.0 Garden Rhapsody light show
A free evening light and music show at the Supertrees.
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Photo: LN9267, CC BY-SA 4.0 Explore Jewel Changi
The airport's indoor waterfall is worth arriving early for.
Where to stay
Marina Bay
Skyline views and luxury hotels close to the main sights.
Hotels in Marina BayChinatown
Central, characterful and full of food, with boutique hotels in old shophouses.
Hotels in ChinatownOrchard Road
The main shopping street, with lots of big hotels.
Hotels in Orchard RoadClarke Quay
Riverside restaurants and nightlife.
Hotels in Clarke Quay
Getting around
The MRT is fast, air-conditioned and covers the whole island; tap a contactless bank card or phone to pay. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are reasonably priced.
Changi Airport is about 30 minutes from the centre by MRT or taxi, and is consistently rated one of the world's best airports.
When to go
Singapore is hot and humid all year, with frequent short downpours. February to April tends to be the driest and sunniest. The north-east monsoon brings more rain from November to January.
Plan your trip to Singapore
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More about this.
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.
