Michelle Cacija

Have you ever visited an Asian country before? No? Me neither until I explored Singapore – a vibrant city-state where modernity meets tradition and a rich tapestry of cultures comes alive. Singapore is known for its modern infrastructure, diverse culture, and delicious food. It stands out in Southeast Asia due to its strong Western influences, making it a great starting point for traveling in Asia. During my journey to Australia in 2023, I had a three-day layover in Singapore. Dive into my three-day itinerary to discover more about this dynamic city. Servus, and welcome to my Singapore blog!

As always, I want to remind you that this blog isn’t perfect because everyone travels differently, and plans often change. However, everything on this website has been personally experienced, photographed, and written by me. Since I finance all my travel expenses independently, the stories and opinions shared here are entirely my own. If you’re interested in seeing more travel pictures or videos, feel free to check out my Instagram: @michellecacija or my Tik Tok @michellecacija.

Index

1. The Basics about Singapore
2. Things you need to be aware of
3. Medical insurance
4. Itinerary
5. Summary of activities

The Basics about Singapore

When to Visit

Being in Southeast Asia, Singapore experiences two main seasons: wet and dry. The dry season lasts from June to September, while the rainy season typically occurs from December to early March. If you prefer to avoid heavy rainfall, the best time to visit is during the dry season. I visited in early February and was very lucky, as it barely rained during my three-day stay. I did experience a heavy monsoon rain one afternoon, but apart from that, it remained dry. However, it was incredibly humid, with temperatures usually around 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F).

Time period

In my opinion, three days is the perfect amount of time to explore Singapore. You’ll have enough time to discover the main sights and visit nearby attractions. However, how long you stay ultimately depends on what you want to see and do in the city.

Getting There

You can reach Singapore by cruise or plane, depending on where you’re coming from and your travel preferences. I flew from Vienna to Taiwan, with a connecting flight to Singapore Changi Airport, one of the busiest and best-connected airports in the world. The journey took me about 19 hours in total.

Where to stay

Singapore offers a wide range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Popular areas to stay include Marina Bay, Orchard Road, and Clarke Quay, which offer convenient access to attractions, shopping, and dining spots. As a solo traveler, I opted for a budget-friendly hostel in the Katong/Geylang area. This district is known for its many restaurants, cafes, and cultural sights, which I highly recommend. Most attractions were within a 30-minute walk.

On Arrival

You’re most likely to arrive at Changi Airport Singapore. To get to the city you can use the public transportation system, including the MRT (subway), buses, and taxis. I found the MRT to be affordable, clean, and very easy to use when traveling to and from the airport. Alternatively, you can book a Grab ^{(unpaid ad)} (the Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber), which I found very convenient.

Getting Around

Navigating Singapore is very convenient! You can use the MRT, buses, or Grab rides. The city is also pedestrian-friendly, and I spent much of my time walking from place to place.

What to pack

Singapore’s high humidity—especially during the wet season—means packing light, breathable summer clothes is essential. If you plan on walking a lot, bring comfortable shoes. Additionally, pack a small medical kit with essentials like Band-Aids, painkillers, and bug spray. If you’re coming from outside Singapore, don’t forget a Type G power adapter.

Cost of Travel

The amount you’ll spend in Singapore really depends on several factors, including how long you plan to stay, your travel style, and your activities. Singapore is known to be one of the most expensive countries in the world, but with some research and proper planning, it can still be relatively affordable.

Things you need to be aware of

Water in Singapore. You can safely drink tap water in Singapore, as it meets World Health Organization standards.

Toilet situation. Public toilets in Singapore, particularly in shopping malls, parks, and public areas, are usually free.

Tipping. Tipping is not customary in Singapore. Most restaurants include a service charge in the bill.

Sim card. I recommend getting a SIM card while in Singapore. It was affordable, and having internet access made things much easier.

Currency. The local currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). While cash is widely accepted, card payments are also common.

Language. English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil are the official languages. English is the primary language for business and administration, so you’ll find it widely spoken.

Prohibited Activities. Singapore has strict rules. Avoid chewing gum (buying or selling it is illegal), jaywalking, spitting, littering, smoking in public, drug offenses, vandalism, and not flushing public toilets.

Medical insurance

I highly recommend getting travel medical insurance while you’re traveling. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. SafetyWing offers two flexible plans tailored to your travel needs — whether you’re a short-term adventurer or a long-term expat, you’ll have reliable coverage anywhere in the world.

SafetyWing is especially great for remote workers and digital nomads, offering continuous global coverage even if you’re hopping between countries. Of course, it’s also a solid option for frequent travelers or those constantly on the go. But if you’re only traveling occasionally or just for a short holiday now and then, there might be better-suited alternatives.

Itinerary

Day 1

Upon arriving at my hostel, I quickly met a fellow traveler from my room. After a brief rest, we decided to explore the city together. Our first stop was the iconic Singapore Flyer, though we didn’t go on the observation wheel, which offers panoramic views of the city skyline. I imagine it would be a spectacular experience at sunset when the city lights up.

Next, we visited the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, a massive greenhouse showcasing exotic plants from around the world. If you’re a nature lover, this spot is a must-see. Since we visited in early February, the New Year’s decorations were still up, with a “Year of the Rabbit” theme.

Visitor information: If you plan on visiting the Flower Dome, you can either purchase tickets when you arrive or on their website.

Afterward, we strolled around the gardens and enjoyed dinner at a nearby food market, sampling traditional Singaporean dishes like Hainanese chicken rice and laksa.

In the evening, we attended the Garden Rhapsody light show at Gardens by the Bay, where the Supertrees come alive with dazzling lights and music. The show is held twice nightly, and it’s free — a must-see! We had tickets for the OCBC Skyway, so we watched the second show from above, with incredible views of the gardens and the city skyline.

Since we had purchased a package earlier that included access to both the Flower Dome and the OCBC Skyway, we decided to watch the second light show at 8:45 PM from above. The OCBC Skyway is an aerial walkway that connects several of the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay. It offers a unique, elevated perspective of the gardens, Marina Bay Sands—a luxurious resort with a hotel, shopping mall, museum, theaters, and restaurants—and the city skyline. Just a heads-up: if you have a fear of heights, be prepared, as the Supertrees reach between 25 to 50 meters (82 to 164 feet) tall. If you’re planning to visit the Skyway, be ready for some truly breathtaking views — we absolutely loved it!

Day 2

For our second day, we planned to explore some museums. Our first stop was the National Gallery of Singapore, housed in a beautifully restored historic building. The gallery offers an impressive collection of modern Southeast Asian art, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts and culture lovers.

Visitor information: You can either purchase tickets upon arrival or book them here in advance.

Afterward, we headed to the Marina Bay Sands area, where we visited the ArtScience Museum. This fascinating museum blends art, science, culture, and technology, and is well-known for its iconic lotus-shaped architecture and interactive exhibitions.

Visitor information: If you’re planning to visit, you can buy your tickets on-site or here in advance.

Later, we took a stroll around the Central Business District (CBD) and Chinatown. The CBD is the bustling heart of the city, filled with impressive high-rise towers and known for its dynamic business scene. It’s also home to landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and the famous Merlion statue, which is a symbol of Singapore.

Chinatown, on the other hand, offers a deep dive into Singapore’s rich cultural heritage. It’s a vibrant district filled with colorful shops, traditional markets, delicious restaurants, and beautiful temples. One highlight is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum. This stunning temple, located right in Chinatown, houses a sacred relic of the Buddha and is a revered site for Buddhists. For visitors interested in learning about Buddhism and the region’s culture, it’s a fascinating stop. Entrance is free, and upon arrival, they provide sarongs or other coverings to ensure visitors are dressed respectfully —a common practice in sacred places throughout Southeast Asia. The intricate architecture and interior decorations of the temple are definitely worth a visit!

Next, we planned to visit the Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, but unfortunately, it was undergoing construction. While we were allowed to enter, the temple was filled with construction materials and workers, which detracted from the experience. To top it off, we were caught in a sudden monsoon downpour, leaving us completely soaked! Despite this, it was quite an adventure. It’s a good idea to be prepared for these unexpected downpours during the monsoon season, so having an umbrella or raincoat handy is recommended.

Both the CBD and Chinatown offer unique experiences that showcase different facets of Singapore’s vibrant cultural diversity. After visiting a shopping mall to dry off and escape the rain, we decided to call it a day and head back to the hostel.

Day 3

On our last day together, we planned to explore the TreeTop Walk, a scenic and adventurous trail in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. This trail offers the unique opportunity to walk among the treetops and enjoy incredible views of lush greenery and wildlife. Due to the previous day’s rain and the surrounding tropical plants, it was extremely humid, and we ended up sweating more than we ever thought possible. I didn’t even know it was possible to sweat that much! Therefore, it’s essential to dress appropriately and bring plenty of water. Also, be cautious of monkeys along the trail—they are known to grab food or shiny jewelry. During our visit, one took an apple from my hand, a bracelet from my wrist, and a bag of chips from my friend’s tote bag.

Additionally, the trail is located quite far from the city center. To reach the park and the trailhead, you can either take public transportation to MacRitchie Reservoir Park or book a Grab, which will drop you off right at the entrance. The journey is worth it for nature lovers looking for an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Later in the day, my friend wanted to visit the Giant Panda Forest, so I decided to join her. Unfortunately, we accidentally bought tickets for the Zoo instead, as we didn’t realize that the Giant Panda Forest is part of the River Safari, a different park altogether. We had mistakenly thought both were connected and that a single ticket would give us access to both. Since we already had the Zoo tickets, we decided to explore it. While I’m not usually a fan of zoos, given that I prefer seeing animals in the wild, we made the best of it and spent about two hours there. The zoo houses over 4,200 animals in spacious and naturalistic habitats, which might appeal to those interested in wildlife.

Visitor information: If you’d like to learn more about the zoo or visit, tickets or combo packages can be purchased here.

Since our original plan was to visit the Giant Panda Forest, we also decided to head there. The Giant Panda Forest is an exhibit within the River Safari and is a must-see for anyone who adores pandas. However, I want to give a heads-up—it’s quite expensive for what you get. They only have a few pandas, and you have to be lucky to catch a good glimpse of them.

Visitor information: If you’d like to learn more about the Panda Forest or keen to visit, tickets can be purchased here.

Afterward, we returned to the hostel, and it was time for me to pack my things. Since my flight was really early the next morning, I decided to head to the airport around midnight to explore it—because Changi Airport is an attraction in itself. The airport is not just a transit hub but also offers a wide range of activities and facilities for visitors. You can shop at various outlets, dine at a variety of restaurants serving both local and international cuisine, or even visit attractions like the Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi Airport, the Butterfly Garden, or the Crystal Garden.

The Rain Vortex is one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls, standing 40 meters high, and is the airport’s most popular attraction. It is located in the heart of the Jewel complex, in Terminal 1, and is surrounded by lush greenery. In the evenings, the waterfall transforms into a mesmerizing light and sound show, which takes place at 8 PM and 9 PM from Monday to Thursday, and at 8 PM, 9 PM, and 10 PM from Friday to Sunday and on public holidays. Unfortunately, by the time I arrived, it was too late, and the show had already ended. Next time I have a layover or visit Singapore, I’ll definitely make sure to experience that magical moment!

If you’re dreaming of sandy beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture, maybe you should read my blog about Bali. Discover hidden gems, delicious food spots, travel tips, and unforgettable experiences that will inspire your next adventure to the beautiful island! Click here to get to my Bali Blog.

Summary of activities

• Gardens by the bay
• Marina Bay Sands
• TreeTop Walk
• Singapore Zoo
• Giant Panda Forest
• Singapore Flyer
• National Gallery of Singapore
• ArtScience Museum
• Supertree Grove
• Jewel Changi Airport
• Cloud Forest
• Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
• S.E.A Aquarium
• Universal Studios Singapore
• Botanical Gardens
• National Museum of Singapore
• Clarke Quay
• Fort Canning Park
• Marina Barrage