Timeless Traveler's Guide
Ultimate Travel Guide to
Singapore
Flights, Hotels, Connectivity & Insurance
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Welcome to Singapore
Futuristic skyline, culture, food heaven!
Singapore, a gleaming city-state at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, is a compact marvel where 5.7 million residents thrive in a fusion of steel spires, colonial charm, and tropical lushness. Dubbed the “Lion City” from ancient lore, it’s a place where the scent of satay sizzling on hawker grills mingles with the hum of Marina Bay’s neon glow, and temples in Chinatown stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Little India’s spice bazaars. From the gravity-defying Gardens by the Bay to the tranquil shores of Sentosa, Singapore is a masterclass in blending East and West—whether you’re sipping a Singapore Sling at Raffles, marveling at Merlion’s spray, or wandering Orchard Road’s endless malls, this island nation delivers an adventure that’s as sleek as it is soulful.
Best Flights to Singapore this year
Singapore’s gateway is Changi Airport (SIN), 20 km east of the city center, a world-renowned hub consistently voted among the planet’s best, with its Jewel waterfall and butterfly gardens.
Malaysian Airlines: Fly with Malaysian Airlines for a seamless, affordable experience. Their Singapore-bound flights offer top-tier service and competitive pricing. Book your flights now!
Expedia: Are a great option for searching for the perfect flights from practically any location on earth. Search for your flights now!
See our Flights page for more options.
Popular Airlines and Routes
From Europe: London, Paris, or Frankfurt flights range $500–$1,000 (12–14 hours) with Singapore Airlines, Emirates, or Lufthansa—direct from major hubs like Heathrow or Charles de Gaulle, one stop via Dubai or Munich otherwise.
From the U.S.: New York or L.A. to Singapore costs $700–$1,500 (17–22 hours) via Singapore Airlines, United, or ANA—direct from LAX or JFK (world’s longest flight at 18+ hours), one stop in Tokyo or Taipei elsewise.
From Asia: Bangkok or Jakarta flights run $80–$300 (1.5–3 hours) with Scoot, Jetstar, or Singapore Airlines—direct options galore from Seoul, Manila, and Hong Kong too.
From Australia: Sydney or Perth to Singapore is $300–$800 (5–8 hours) via Qantas, Singapore Airlines, or Scoot—direct from all major cities, budget-friendly from Darwin or Cairns.
When to Book for the Best Deals
High season (Dec–Feb, Jun–Aug) peaks with dry weather and holidays—book 3–4 months ahead to keep fares under $1,000 from the U.S. or $600 from Europe. Mid-week flights (Tuesday/Wednesday) can cut $50–$150 off. Shoulder seasons (Mar–May, Sep–Nov) bring warm rains and better rates—watch for monsoon-end sales from Scoot or festive promos from Singapore Airlines.
Singapore Travel Tips
Airport Transfers: From SIN, the MRT to City Hall costs SGD 2.30/$1.70 USD (30 minutes)—fast, air-conditioned, and fuss-free. Taxis run SGD 20–40/$15–$30 USD (20–30 minutes)—pre-book via Expedia or grab a Grab ride (SGD 15–$25/$11–$18 USD) for app ease. Shuttle buses to downtown hotels are SGD 10/$7 USD (40 minutes)—book at Changi counters.
Visa Requirements: U.S., UK, and Aussie citizens get 90 days visa-free; most others 30 days on arrival—bring proof of onward travel (e-ticket). Extensions up to 90 days via ICA online (free)—check singaporeimmigration.gov.sg for e-services.
Add where your leaving from, add Singapore in the Going to field, add your Check-in and Check-out dates, hit search and find the perfect flights for you. Don't leave your travel arrangements to chance. Put them in hands you can trust with Expedia.
Top Places to Stay in Singapore
Whether you’re traveling on a shoestring budget or looking for high-end luxury, Singapore offers accommodation to suit every type of traveler. From city center luxury hotels to Harbourside apartments, here are our top recommendations:
Sometimes the easiest way to book a hotel or resort is to see all the options available on a handy map. Choose your dates, choose your preferred location and see a myriad of options. Book your place in Singapore now!
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See our Accomodation page for more options.
Where to Stay: Hotels in Singapore
Singapore’s neighborhoods offer everything from budget bustle to sky-high luxury—pick your perch.
Budget: The Pod @ Beach Road in Kampong Glam (SGD 40–100/$30–$74 USD/night) offers sleek capsule beds near Haji Lane’s hip cafes, or Backpacker Cozy Corner in Chinatown (SGD 30–80/$22–$59 USD/night) puts you steps from hawker stalls—both are social and central.
Mid-Range: Hotel G in Bencoolen (SGD 150–250/$111–$185 USD/night) blends boutique chic with MRT access and rooftop views, or Village Hotel Bugis (SGD 180–300/$133–$222 USD/night) sits amid Arab Street’s charm—perfect for culture buffs craving convenience.
Luxury: Marina Bay Sands in Marina Bay (SGD 500–1,000/$370–$740 USD/night) stuns with its infinity pool atop three towers—iconic excess with bay vistas. Raffles Singapore in Colonial District (SGD 800–1,500/$592–$1,110 USD/night) oozes history, white marble, and that famous Sling—timeless elegance reborn.
Find your ideal place to stay with Expedia. With everything from Luxury Resorts & 5-star Hotels to local Boutique Backpackers. We have something here for everyone. All conveniently displayed on a easy map to quickly find exactly where you want to stay. Enter where your going, the dates, hit search and find the perfect place to stay.
Best Local Food in Singapore
Singapore’s cuisine is a hawker-led symphony—Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan flavors collide in a steamy, spicy dance.
Hainanese Chicken Rice: Poached chicken with cucumber and fragrant rice—subtle perfection. Tian Tian at Maxwell (SGD 6/$4.50 USD).
Laksa: Coconut-spicy noodle soup with prawns—fiery comfort. 328 Katong Laksa (SGD 8/$6 USD).
Chilli Crab: Mud crab in sweet-spicy sauce—messy decadence. Jumbo Seafood (SGD 80+/$59+ USD/kg).
Traditional Singaporean Dishes to Try
Nasi Lemak: Coconut rice with sambal, peanuts, and anchovies—Malay breakfast bliss. Selera Rasa at Adam Road (SGD 5/$3.70 USD).
Roti Prata: Flaky flatbread with curry dip—Indian-Singaporean soul. Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s (SGD 3/$2.20 USD).
Satay: Grilled meat skewers with peanut sauce—street-side smoky joy. Lau Pa Sat stalls (SGD 10/$7 USD for 10).
Kaya Toast: Toasted bread with coconut jam and butter—sweet nostalgia. Ya Kun Kaya Toast (SGD 5/$3.70 USD).
Best Restaurants in Singapore
Odette (National Gallery): Michelin-starred French-Asian—art on a plate (SGD 300+/$222+ USD mains)—book months ahead.
Burnt Ends (Chinatown): BBQ mastery—smoked meats and bold vibes (SGD 100+/$74+ USD mains)—queue-worthy.
Newton Food Centre (Newton): Hawker heaven—oyster omelets and satay (SGD 15/$11 USD mains)—bustling and cheap.
Candlenut (Dempsey): Peranakan spice—buak keluak chicken shines (SGD 40/$30 USD mains)—refined heritage.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Whole Earth (Tanjong Pagar): Plant-based Peranakan—vegan laksa (SGD 18/$13 USD)—rich and meat-free.
Loving Hut (Joo Chiat): Veggie hawker hits—mock satay (SGD 10/$7 USD)—simple and flavorful.
Staying Connected in Singapore
Best eSIM Providers for Singapore
Singtel, StarHub, and M1 deliver blazing 4G/5G across Singapore’s urban grid—rarely a dead zone, even underground. Airalo’s “Singapore” plan (5GB, $15, 10 days) suits short trips—activate pre-landing. Ubigi’s packs (500MB for $2, 10GB for $25) flex for longer stays or data hogs. Free Wi-Fi at Changi and malls is fast—public spots less so; mobile’s your safest bet!
iRoamly eSIMs: iRoamly offers eSIM data packages tailored to Singapore and Asia, with fast and affordable plans. You can activate it before departure and start using it as soon as you arrive. Get your iRoamly eSIM here!
easySim: For frequent travelers, easySim offers global coverage and flexible data plans perfect for staying connected no matter where you go. Purchase your eSIM now!
See our Travel eSIMs page for more options.
Best Attractions in Singapore
Must-Do in Singapore: Unmissable Experiences
Singapore’s a dazzling mashup of future and tradition—here’s your must-see list, packed with details.
Marvel at Gardens by the Bay
Why: Supertrees and sci-fi domes—a green wonderland meets urban fantasy.
Details: Free to roam gardens, 5 AM–2 AM; Cloud Forest/Flower Dome SGD 32/$24 USD, 9 AM–9 PM. Allow 2–3 hours.
Tip: Catch the free Supertree light show at 7:45 PM—stake out a spot under the giants.
Explore Sentosa Island
Why: Beaches, rides, and resorts—Singapore’s playground off the mainland.
Details: SGD 6/$4.50 USD Sentosa Express from VivoCity, 7 AM–12 AM; Universal Studios SGD 88/$65 USD. Full day adventure.
Tip: Hit Palawan Beach at dusk—pirate ship vibes and free suspension bridge walks.
Wander Chinatown
Why: Temples, shophouses, and hawker eats—heritage with a modern pulse.
Details: Free, 24/7 (best 10 AM–10 PM). Needs 2–3 hours for Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and markets.
Tip: Light an incense at the temple—grab a trinket from Pagoda Street (SGD 5–$15/$4–$11 USD).
Shop Orchard Road
Why: 2.2 km of malls and luxury—a retail paradise with neon nights.
Details: Free entry, most shops 10 AM–10 PM. Spend 2–4 hours browsing ION or Ngee Ann City.
Tip: Hunt for deals at Lucky Plaza—cheap souvenirs beat designer tags if cash’s tight.
Visit Merlion Park
Why: Iconic lion-fish statue—Singapore’s mascot spitting into the bay.
Details: Free, 24/7. Quick 30–60-minute stop with Marina Bay views.
Tip: Sunrise beats crowds—snap the skyline with Helix Bridge in frame.
Ride the Singapore Flyer
Why: Asia’s giant observation wheel—360° views of city and sea.
Details: SGD 40/$30 USD, 8:30 AM–10:30 PM. Takes 30 minutes per rotation.
Tip: Sunset rides glow—book online for a champagne pod if you’re feeling fancy.
Relax at Haw Par Villa
Why: Quirky park of Chinese mythology—grotesque statues and moral tales.
Details: Free, 9 AM–7 PM. Spend 1–2 hours in its bizarre Ten Courts of Hell.
Tip: Morning visits dodge heat—bring a camera for the wild tiger balm legacy.
Travel Doctor
We hope you'll never find yourself in the intrepid position of needing a doctor whilst you're on the other side of the planet. But life happens! And so does the need for quality medical care.
Air Doctor: Need immediate access to a qualified doctor you can not only trust, but also understand? Choose from over 20,000 doctors worldwide. Book a consultation.
Protecting Your Trip to Singapore
Minor hiccups like pickpockets in crowds or a slip on wet tiles can hit—clinic visits start at SGD 50/$37 USD. Insurance covering cancellations, health, and lost gear costs 5–8% of your trip—$50–$100 for a $1,000 journey. Check out the great options below.
Faye Travel Insurance: Whether you’re planning adventurous activities like diving or trekking, Faye Travel Insurance offers comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations and even has add-ons for adventure & extreme sports. Get a free quote here.
OnshoreKare Travel Insurance: For those seeking a range of coverage options, OnshareKare offers affordable plans that include trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency medical assistance. Protect your trip today!
Freely Travel Insurance: Need specialized coverage? Freely offers essential travel insurance that is customizable with the add-ons you need to suit the needs of families, solo travelers and adventurers alike. You can even add daily boosts to suit those last minute trips. See your insurance options.
See our Travel Insurance page for more options.
Practical Tips for Singapore
Best Time: Dry season (Feb–Apr) for clear skies—peak polish; monsoon (Nov–Jan) brings rain but cool relief—festive buzz; Jun–Aug hits 32°C/90°F—humid but vibrant.
Getting Around: MRT (SGD 1–2.50/$0.74–$1.85 USD) is spotless—EZ-Link card (SGD 10/$7 USD) covers buses too. Taxis start at SGD 4/$3 USD—Grab rides SGD 8–20/$6–$15 USD beat haggling. Walk Chinatown or Marina Bay—city’s compact core shines on foot!
Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD); $1 USD = ~SGD 1.35. Cards everywhere—cash for hawkers; ATMs are fee-free at DBS/POSB.
Pack: Light layers, umbrella, comfy shoes, a reusable bottle—Singapore’s hot, wet, and walkable year-round.
Let the Good Times Roll in Singapore
Singapore dazzles with its skyline swagger, hawker soul, and tropical finesse. From Supertrees piercing the heavens to chili crab staining your fingers, it’s a city-state that fuses tomorrow with yesterday in every bite and view. Book savvy flights, pick a stay that fits your pulse, savor its multicultural feast, and explore its manicured marvels for a journey that lingers like a Sling’s buzz. With this guide—covering flights, hotels, eSIMs, and insurance—you’re set to conquer the Lion City. Get ready to embrace Singapore’s magic this season!
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