My Ultimate Travel Guide: Singapore- Part 1

In February 2024, we went on our dream holiday to Asia, visiting Singapore and Malaysia. We explored many places, including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi. In this Ultimate Travel Guide to Singapore, I will share several posts about everything we did in Singapore. I will feature Malaysia in later posts. Lets get to know a little bit about Singapore so that you are well educated about it before you plan your trip.

Where is Singapore

Singapore is in Southeast Asia. It is a small island nation. Singapore is at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It is close to Malaysia and Indonesia.

Climate in Singapore

Singapore has a tropical climate. It is hot and humid all year round. Temperatures are usually between 25°C and 31°C. There is a lot of rain, especially from November to January.

Best Time to Visit Singapore

The best time to visit Singapore is from February to April. During this time, the weather is dry and pleasant. You can enjoy outdoor activities without much rain.

Currency in Singapore

The currency in Singapore is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). It is easy to exchange money. Credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are also common.

Language in Singapore

Singapore has four official languages. They are English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. English is the main language used. Most people speak English, so communication is easy for tourists.

Religion in Singapore

Singapore is very diverse in religion. Major religions include Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Taoism. You will see temples, churches, mosques, and other places of worship.

How to Get to Singapore from the UK

The best way to travel to Singapore from UK is by air. Many airlines offer direct flights from London to Singapore. The main airport in Singapore is Changi Airport. Direct flights from London to Singapore take about 13 hours. Major airlines like British Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Qantas operate these flights.

Booking Flights

You can book flights online through airline websites or travel agencies. It’s good to book early for better prices and availability. If you prefer cheaper options, you can book connecting flights. These flights might have layovers in cities like Dubai, Doha, or Kuala Lumpur. They usually take longer, around 16-20 hours.

Travel Arrangements

To travel to Singapore, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months. UK citizens do not need a visa for short visits (up to 90 days). Check for any travel advisories or health requirements before your trip.

All travellers are required to submit their Singapore Arrival Card before arriving in Singapore, except: Those transiting/transferring through Singapore without seeking immigration clearance; and Residents travelling through the land checkpoints. We did have to fill in a form three days prior to our flight. This can be done by downloading the App, which allows you to fill in and submit the form on line.

Luggage Allowance

Most airlines allow a 23kg suitcase, a cabin bag, and a small handbag. However, be mindful that shorter internal flights with local airlines have a lower luggage allowance. I suggest you keep this in mind and  pack carefully to avoid paying excess luggage charges on internal flights by Firefly and Air Asia. 

If, like us, you are taking several flights during your trip, I recommend investing in a PAJ ALLROUND Finder luggage tracker. It’s simple to use. Download the PAJ App, charge the tracker, and place it in your suitcase. The battery life lasts up to 20 days. The tracker gives you peace of mind since you can check the live location of your luggage through the app on your phone.

Arrival at Changi Airport

Upon arrival at Changi Airport, follow signs for immigration and baggage claim. The airport is well-organized, with clear instructions in English. From there, you can take a taxi, MRT, or shuttle to your hotel.

How Far is Changi Airport to the Centre of Singapore

Changi Airport is about 20 kilometres from the centre of Singapore. It takes around 20-30 minutes by car. Public transport options are also available. Grab cabs are easy to book through the Grab App and there is an easy pickup area at Changi Airport for these.

How to Travel in Singapore as a Tourist

Traveling in Singapore is convenient and efficient, thanks to its well-developed public transportation system, which includes the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), buses, and taxis.

MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)

Fast and Extensive: The MRT is a rapid transit system that covers most parts of the city, making it a quick way to travel around. It is immaculately clean, very efficient and very clearly signposted.

Tourist Passes

One of the best options for tourist passes is the Red SG Three-Day Tourist Pass, which costs 29 SGD. This pass allows for unlimited rides on public transport (MRT and buses) for three consecutive days. It can be purchased from any large MRT station office and does not require a deposit.

Apart from the Red SG Three-Day Tourist Pass, there are other passes available that offer more flexibility and may include additional excursions. These passes typically require a 10 SGD deposit fee, which is refundable at any station after use. These options can be ideal for tourists looking to explore specific attractions or enjoy a bit more flexibility in their travel plans.

Buses

Comprehensive Network: Buses complement the MRT by covering routes and areas that the MRT does not. They are a reliable option for getting around the city. Integrated Payment: The same Tourist Pass used for the MRT can be used on buses, making it seamless to switch between different modes of public transport.

Taxis

Convenience: Taxis are readily available throughout the city. We found the GRAB taxis very convenient to use. All you need to do is down load the app and book your taxi using the app. They are a more expensive option compared to public transport but can be useful for reaching destinations not easily accessible by MRT or bus.

What Types of Clothes are Suitable for Singapore Travel

Wear clothes made from lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. These materials help you stay cool in Singapore’s hot and humid climate. Pack shorts and t-shirts for casual wear. They are comfortable and suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Light dresses and skirts are good options for women. They are stylish and keep you cool. When visiting religious sites, wear modest clothing. Cover your shoulders and knees out of respect. A scarf or shawl can be handy for this purpose.

Wear comfortable footwear like sandals, sneakers, or flip-flops. You will do a lot of walking, so make sure your shoes are comfortable. Bring swimwear if you plan to visit the beach or use the hotel pool. Singapore has many places where you can enjoy swimming.

Light Jacket or Sweater

Even though it’s hot, indoor places like malls and restaurants can be cold due to air conditioning. A light jacket or sweater is useful. Singapore has frequent rain showers. Pack a small umbrella or a lightweight raincoat to stay dry.

Wifi and Data

Most hotels have WiFi. However, using your phone when you’re out can be expensive. I suggest buying an eSIM like Airalo. It works well and is compatible with most smartphones. You can top it up as much as you need during your vacation. Singapore is not a cheap country, so set a daily budget and stick to it. It’s very easy to overspend.

If you found this Ultimate Travel Guide: Singapore useful , why not check out the highlights of my Singapore Travels on Instagram

If you enjoy my posts why not check out citrus spice and travels Instagram channel that features highlights of my Travels.

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In my forth coming posts, I will cover a three day itinerary of my Ultimate Travel Guide Singapore.

My Ultimate guide to Singapore Day 1

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