A Comprehensive Guide for Travelers Visiting Singapore: Must-Know Tips and Experiences

Singapore is a city brimming with vibrant culture, incredible attractions, and unique experiences. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore more, here’s a guide to help you plan an unforgettable trip.

1. Stay at Sentosa Island for At Least One Night

Sentosa is a must-visit destination, offering a wealth of activities in one place. Staying overnight gives you ample time to explore. Be sure to book a Sentosa Fun Pass in advance to save money, as it bundles attractions together, giving you better value for your visit.

2. Top Attractions in Sentosa

There’s no shortage of exciting things to do in Sentosa, including:

• Universal Studios Singapore: A theme park that offers thrilling rides and attractions for all ages.
• S.E.A. Aquarium: Marvel at sea creatures like jellyfish, seahorses, sea dragons, and starfish.
• Madame Tussauds Wax Museum: Get up close with lifelike wax figures of your favorite celebrities.
• Skyline Luge Sentosa: A fun gravity ride down a track with scenic views.
• Wings of Time: End your day with this breathtaking outdoor night show featuring water, laser, and fireworks.

3. Take the Scenic Cable Car Ride

For a unique way to get to Sentosa, ride the cable car from Mount Faber. The stunning views of the city and the island make this an unforgettable experience. It’s a perfect way to kickstart your adventure.

4. Plan for Universal Studios: Express Pass or Two Days

Universal Studios can get crowded, even on weekdays. To avoid long wait times (up to 45 minutes per ride), it’s a good idea to buy the Express Pass or plan for two days if you want to fully enjoy all the attractions.

5. Explore the S.E.A. Aquarium

The S.E.A. Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world and a peaceful escape within Sentosa. Don’t miss the colorful array of marine life like jellyfish, seahorses, and starfish—it’s a hit for both kids and adults alike.

6. Make the Most of Free Transport

Sentosa offers free tram and train rides within the island, so take your time to explore at a leisurely pace and enjoy the beautiful scenery without worrying about transport costs.

7. Create a Personalized Perfume at Scentopia

If you’re into fragrances, Scentopia offers the chance to create your own perfume. Though it may not appeal to everyone, it’s a fun and creative activity for those interested in personalized experiences.

8. Indulge in Malaysian Street Food

Right outside Universal Studios, you’ll find a Malaysian street food court. It’s a great spot to try authentic dishes like laksa—a spicy noodle soup with eggs in a rich broth similar to Thai curry.

9. Claim Your GST Refund While Shopping

When shopping in Singapore, don’t forget your passport. If you spend more than SGD 100, you can get a GST refund at the airport. The refund counter is located at one end of Terminal 2 Departures near gate 12, and the process is quick and efficient. If you opt for cash, you can collect it after immigration at the counter near the gates.

10. Enjoy Changi Airport’s Attractions

Changi Airport is an attraction in itself. Download the Changi App to explore the airport’s many features, from stunning art installations to themed gardens. If you’re looking for a place to relax, check out the Ambassador Lounge near the Sunflower Garden.

11. Cash Is King in Local Shops

Many small local shops do not accept Visa or Mastercard, so it’s wise to carry some cash for purchases.

12. Singapore Zoo & Bird Paradise

• At Singapore Zoo, take the tram to explore the park. You can hop off at different stations to explore animal exhibits up close. Pre-purchase feeding tickets if you’re interested in feeding some of the animals.
• Bird Paradise is another must-visit. Purchase feeding tickets and catch the live shows at the amphitheater—great fun for all ages.

13. Don’t Miss Gardens by the Bay

A visit to Gardens by the Bay is a must, especially the Cloud Forest—a mist-filled conservatory full of lush greenery and waterfalls. Stay for the Supertree Grove light show in the evening, which is best enjoyed from the Skyway while lying on the ground to take in the magnificent view.

14. Shuttle Bus to Singapore Zoo

If you’re visiting Bird Paradise and plan to head to the Singapore Zoo, there’s a shuttle bus connecting the two. However, if you can’t find the stop, local buses are a convenient alternative.

15. Museum of Ice Cream: Perfect for Kids

If you’re traveling with younger kids, the Museum of Ice Cream is a fun, Instagram-worthy stop. While the ice cream itself may not be extraordinary, the interactive displays and whimsical atmosphere are great for kids (and Instagrammers). The Mango Sorbet is a standout. Remove all rings and loose jewelry when entering the sprinkle pool at the end.

16. Taxis: Use Tada and ZDG Apps

For easy and affordable transport, download the Tada or ZDG apps. They are popular choices for getting around Singapore, and you can avoid long waits by using these services.

17. Cycling Around Singapore

Singapore is bike-friendly, with bike rental stands available around the city. You can rent a bike and drop it off at designated stands throughout the city. If you’re planning to cycle often, opt for a day pass or just pay per ride.

18. Duty-Free Liquor Shopping

If you plan to buy liquor, Changi Airport offers great options at duty-free prices. You’ll find popular brands like Johnnie Walker, Dewar’s, and Chivas at competitive rates.

19. Marina Bay Sands Observatory

Book tickets in advance for the Marina Bay Sands Observatory, Singapore’s highest viewpoint. From here, you’ll get breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Stick around for the Spectra Sound and Light Show near the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. For the best experience, catch the show from both near the hotel and from the Merlion side.

20. ArtScience Museum

This museum offers an interactive and sensory experience, perfect for families and art lovers alike. It’s not your typical museum—expect to see your senses come alive with creative displays and immersive exhibits. Give yourself plenty of time to explore.

21 Singapore arrival card

Fill up the Singapore arrival card on the myICA app a day before, it will save you time while exiting the airport from immigration

22. Little India and Chinatown

Little India is home to Mustafa Supermarket, similar to other supermarkets but has a standout perfume section with a great selection at reasonable prices. I also found some nice Singapore-themed T-shirts there. The area has a few temples that you can explore, especially if you're religious or interested in cultural sites. For food, you can enjoy delicious North and South Indian cuisine; I had an amazing goat bone curry with rotis.

Chinatown is ideal for buying small souvenirs, with plenty of shops offering good prices. What’s interesting is that each shop tends to have unique items, so it’s worth taking your time to explore. The seafood is tasty and affordable, and drinks are reasonably priced, making it a fun spot for a shopping and dining experience.

Both Little India and Chinatown are best visited in the evening when the decorations light up the streets. Plus, they're close to each other, making it easy to explore both in one trip

23. Wild Wild Wet

water park has some amazing slides and super clear water. It is good for small kids and big daring people as well. It was a day well spent there. Some of the rides were scary as hell, specially the torpedo.

Conclusion

Singapore offers an incredible array of activities, from theme parks to nature reserves, world-class shopping, and culinary delights. Planning your itinerary in advance will ensure you make the most of your time in this fascinating city. Whether you’re exploring the island of Sentosa or enjoying the urban marvels of Marina Bay, Singapore promises to leave you with cherished memories.