Do you only have 24 hours in Singapore? Maybe you've got a long layover in Singapore, or maybe you're having a short, and thus affordable, respite from SE Asia.
Whatever the reason, we've got you covered. I loathe to use the word 'done' when it comes to countries, like: 'Singapore can be done in a day', because lots of people get touchy about it, but really, if you think about how little time you have in your life, and how many countries you want to go to, there are worse crimes than saying Singapore can be done in a day.
Okay, so now we've discussed terminology, let's get to it: How can you make the most of your 24 hours in Singapore?
What you'll learn in this post
What to do in Singapore if you only have 24 hours
How to get around Singapore
Where to stay in Singapore
Top Things to do in Singapore
Now how much you do in Singapore depends a little on how much you want to do, so maybe you'll get all of these things done and more, maybe you'll only do one and do it well, whatever you do I hope this part gets you excited for your trip to Singapore:
1. Gardens By The Bay
I've put this first as it was our favourite thing about Singapore, though chances are this will be one of your last stops on your 24 hour trip.
Gardens by the Bay does what it says on the tin: it's literally a garden by the bay, though nevertheless a very beautiful one.
The best time to go is around 7.30pm or 8.30pm, because at 7.45pm and 8.45pm the garden puts on an impressive 10 minute show (free).
2. Marina Bay Sands
Right next to the Gardens by the Bay is the Marina Bay Sands. Almost everyone incorporates Marina Bay Sands into their Singapore trip in one way or another as it's so huge and hard to miss. Here are a number of ways you can 'do' the Marina Bay Sands:
- Observation Deck - Go up to the Skydeck for the best views of Singapore.
- Visit the ArtScience Museum located at the Marina Bay Sands - find your ArtScience Museum Admission Ticket here
- Bar/restaurant- If you want to enjoy the views whilst enjoying a drink and/or meal head up to one of the SkyPark's Bars and Restaurants
- Take a Mini Segway Tour
- Stay - simply stay at the Marina Bay Sands! Hot tip: book with hotels.com for the best rates
Note: You cannot use the famous pool unless you are a guest.
It's debatable whether the Marina Bay Sands or the Merlion is the most iconic site in Singapore (MBS has the size and fame, the Merlion appears on the coins and all the brochures). At any rate, make sure you go and see both! They are opposite each other and easy to tick off together.
Singapore is an incredibly religiously diverse nation. The 2015 census of Singapore shows Buddhism, Christianity, Atheism, Islam, Taoism and Hinduism are represented in almost equal percentages (33%, 18.8%, 18.4%, 14%, 11% and 5% respectively). Compare that with say the UK (49% Atheism, 42% Christianity, 5% Islam) and I think that's pretty impressive. It's nice to respect the diversity by visiting one (or more) religious structures in Singapore.
Other sites
Sites we wished we'd seen but didn't have time for include the Singapore Botanic Gardens, China Town and one of the Cat Cafes.
5. Treat yourself to a luxury hotel
Most people will tell you how expensive Singapore is, we were pleasantly surprised to find it no more expensive than Europe. Nevertheless this means that it is indeed more costly than say Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam, especially when it comes to finding a hotel.But we have a rule when it comes to expensive countries: don't go for budget accommodation. If we're going to pay for hotels we're going to want to make sure it's a good one. It may sound counterintuitive, but if we're going to pay say £50 per night for something we think is only worth say £20, than I'd rather pay £150 per night and at least have a decent experience..
ANYWAY, our biggest recommendation is to use Singapore as your respite from SE Asia madness, treat yourself and/or tie in your trip with a special occasion: a birthday, a graduation or, like in our case, an anniversary. But more on fancy accommodation below, first, transport:
How to get round Singapore
Singapore is pretty easy to get around. The metro system is very good: pretty clean, very clear, with a super-modern look.
One thing we particularly liked about it, is that if you get lost (like we did), and go one or more stations further than you've paid for (like we did), you can simply top-up your card when you exit.
There is also a system of paying a little bit extra for your metro ticket, and if you re-use it the third time is cheaper to make back the cost. This is good as it encourages people to re-use that one card.
The system really is very clear (we got lost because we're stupid) here's a useful map to help Singapore MRT & LRT System Map (note there is no need to print this off as this map is in all of the stations).
There are two problems with the metro though: firstly, it doesn't really stretch across the whole city (which is crazy considering how small Singapore is). There will be times where you have to get a car, or walk for ages and ages.
The second problem is that despite the metro going right into the airport (which is great), it still doesn't guarantee that you will get to your plane on time if you take an early flight, because of rush-hour and such.
Anyway, we had an early flight and decided to go with a hire car company. This was one of the best decisions we've ever made. Money and status are very big in Singapore, and we felt super cool 'keeping up with the Joneses' and racing through the city in a sleek Mercedes.
Where to stay in Singapore
Marina Bay Sands
prices from £273.76 for a Deluxe
The Marina Bay Sands is without a doubt a luxurious and grand hotel, and staying here is the only way you'll be able to snap a insta-good photo of you in their infinity pool to make your friends jealous.
prices from £160.28 for a Deluxe Double
The Shangri-La Singapore is our absolute favourite place to stay in Singapore, it's beautiful, it's classy and it's beyond luxurious. We highly recommend you stay here if you get the chance, you won't regret it.
Best rates can be found on hotels.com
prices from 60.40 for a Superior
The Parc Sovereign can't really hold its own against the likes of the Marina Bay Sands or the Shangri-La, but if you're just looking for a nice place to sleep that's conveniently near the tube station, the Parc Soverign is for you.
House Sitting used to be our favourite way to travel. It's true that there aren't that many house sits available in SE Asia, but Singapore isn't really like the rest of SE Asia, and with lots of expats from the UK and Australia living there, house sits in Singapore do pop up now and again.
Have a browse of House Sits in Singapore to see if any are suitable to you, and don't forget to sign up to our mailing list (at the bottom of every page) for your 10% discount to house sitting!!
Further info
We have happily started making daily vlogs on YouTube, this is our playlist of the time we spent in Singapore, enjoy!
Parc Sovereign Hotel
prices from 60.40 for a Superior
The Parc Sovereign can't really hold its own against the likes of the Marina Bay Sands or the Shangri-La, but if you're just looking for a nice place to sleep that's conveniently near the tube station, the Parc Soverign is for you.
House Sitting
House Sitting used to be our favourite way to travel. It's true that there aren't that many house sits available in SE Asia, but Singapore isn't really like the rest of SE Asia, and with lots of expats from the UK and Australia living there, house sits in Singapore do pop up now and again.
Have a browse of House Sits in Singapore to see if any are suitable to you, and don't forget to sign up to our mailing list (at the bottom of every page) for your 10% discount to house sitting!!
Further info
We have happily started making daily vlogs on YouTube, this is our playlist of the time we spent in Singapore, enjoy!
and if you do enjoy, please subscribe! :)
Singapore is known for its weird and wacky rules - for example did you know gum is illegal there? Click here for more interesting facts about Singapore.
Conclusion
Like many, our stay in Singapore was short but sweet: long enough to enjoy the beauties of being able to drink the tap water and flush toilet roll, but short enough not to take these wonders for granted.
Singapore is known for its weird and wacky rules - for example did you know gum is illegal there? Click here for more interesting facts about Singapore.
Conclusion
Like many, our stay in Singapore was short but sweet: long enough to enjoy the beauties of being able to drink the tap water and flush toilet roll, but short enough not to take these wonders for granted.
For more help why not check out a Half Day or Full Day Private Custom Walking Tour of Singapore
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
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