Estimated reading time: 6 minutes A trip to Singapore has been on the cards for a long time. And somehow, we just delayed it for one reason or the other. This August, we decided to fulfill the prolonged desire for a short vacation in Singapore. The Island City was too irresistibly accessible with many direct flights from India. Tickets were booked, bags packed and with a long list of must-see places we landed in Singapore.
Singapore Itinerary
We did all sorts of touristy and fun things in Singapore. From spending a day at Bird Park, enjoying dinner at Clarke Quay, to getting clicked at Universal Studios, we did it all. The tourist destinations we toured during our brief stay in Singapore are:
Bugis Street Chinatown Sentosa Island Universal Studios Jurong Bird Park Marina Bay Sands Gardens by the Bay Riverside and Civic District Singapore Zoo Night Safari
A piece of useful advice to help you plan a better itinerary, attractions like Universal Studios and Sentosa Island require one full day to get explored. And places like Riverside, Marina Bay Sands, and Gardens by the Bay are best enjoyed after the sunset. So plan your schedule accordingly. There are well-updated official websites of most of these attractions. I recommend browsing through them before making your layout to check the ticket price/show timings/opening hours/holiday calendar etc. For Bird Park + Singapore Zoo + Night Safari + River Safari, you can buy a 4-in-1 pass online at a concessional price. In fact, for Universal Studios, you can also buy a premium pass online to skip the long ride queue.
What to eat in Singapore?
If you plan a trip to Singapore, be ready for a diverse gastronomically gratifying experience. The love for the Hawker Centers defines Singaporean Cuisine that goes beyond national and political boundaries. So when you eat local dishes, you ingest a blend of Malay, Chinese, Indonesian, Indian and Western Cuisines. And one is spoilt for choices in Singapore. It is a food-crazy culture. During our trip, for breakfast, we stick to the neighborhood bakeries serving the most delicious Kaya Toast, eggs, Iced Kopi C, and an array of local sweet and savory bakes. These small cafes serve decent sandwiches and poached eggs as well. As the sun sets, the scene at hawker centers gets more lively, hustling – bustling with food lovers. It is best to sit at one of these places, savor the local flavors, and latch into an interesting conversation with your fellow diners. The servers and the cooks at these small food joints are super friendly and helpful. One more piece of good news, Roti-Prata House and Indian Food Joints can be easily discovered in Singapore. Our must-try recommendations – are Singapore Chicken Rice, Chili Crab, Laksa, Satay, Ice Kacang, Popiah, Curry Puff, Kaya Toast, and Kopi.
My Pro Travel Tips For Singapore
Eat at hawker centers — Meals are cheap, delicious, and freshly prepared. And it is probably the best way to taste the local flavors of Singapore. Travel via MRT/Buses — Public transport in Singapore is quite efficient and well connected. And probably this is the most budget-friendly way to navigate through Singapore. At times we used Uber cabs as well, the drivers are quite hospitable, and they don’t hitch back from building an engaging conversation with you. Stay at Airbnb — This is a good way to socialize with the local folks and closely observe their culture. You can book in advance according to your budget and requirement. Don’t be shy. Interact with your host and learn much more about the vicinity you are staying. Use a good mobile app — Go on a do-it-yourself (DIY) around Singapore’ by using good mobile applications to learn more about the bus timings, nearby MRT stations, food joints, etc. Many awesome things in Singapore don’t cost a dime. Moovit, HungryGoWhere, GoThere, and the obvious Google Maps. Shop at supermarkets: Explore the nearby supermarkets for daily needs such as – munchies/beverages/battery packs etc. One, you get products at a good price. Second, it is a great self-learning and an eye-opening experience. Trust me on this one!!
Must-Pack Items for Singapore Trip
A pair of running/sports shoes. Walking is one thing you cannot skip in Singapore. So pack your most comfortable footwear for the trip. A high SPF sunblock/sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun-protecting hat/cap if you can. Don’t even think of stepping out in Singapore without these essentials during the day. An umbrella for unexpected showers or a sunny day (optional if your baggage space permits). To munch during the day-long excursions, carry energy bars, healthy trail mixes, nuts, and dark chocolates. These keep you energized the entire day. Pack your favorite sipper as well. You need plenty of fluid to beat the heat. Instead of fashionable handbags, stick to trendy backpacks. You can stuff your snacks, water, passport, power bank, face towel, and more. Plus, they are super comfortable to carry around. Cotton/linen/soft lycra are the fabrics that will keep you cool in Singapore. Light fabric clothes with dull colors help to keep the heat at bay and absorb sweat. Tight-fitting denim could not be your best sidekick in Singapore. Don’t miss out on carrying a loaded iPad and kindle. There is plenty of time while traveling via buses/MRTs. You can sit comfortably and do reading or browsing. Most of the places in Singapore have free Wi-Fi access. But if you are a social media freak and believe in sharing live updates, take a local sim (easily available at Seven Eleven or similar places) or activate your international data services. Too much sun at the beach. Too much wine with dinner. Or too much walking during the day. A good pain reliever is all you need by the end of the day. Consult your physician before including one pain relieving ointment and tablet in your travel bag.
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