by Exploring the Wonders of Singapore: A Traveler’s Guide
Singapore, a vibrant city-state in the heart of Southeast Asia, seamlessly blends the old with the new, creating a captivating destination for travelers. From its lush green gardens to its towering skyscrapers, Singapore offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern marvels. As you plan your journey to this Lion City, prepare to be enchanted by its diverse attractions, delectable cuisine, and efficient public transport system, including the extensive and easy-to-navigate metro network.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to uncover more hidden gems, Singapore promises an unforgettable experience. Join us as we explore the must-see sites, local flavors, and essential tips to make the most of your trip. Welcome to Singapore, where adventure awaits at every turn.
Visiting Singapore by taxi if you’re short on time or if you don’t like the metro!
Taxis can be quite expensive, especially during peak hours after 6 PM. Prefer the Grab app if you want to get around Singapore by car.
Afraid of getting lost in Singapore?
You can also download the free maps.me app (Google Play link) or maps.me (iTunes link), which allows you to navigate anywhere in the world even in airplane mode. You can use it as a hiking GPS but also in a car. We use it everywhere!
Simply download the Singapore map before your departure or from any WiFi spot once you’re there.
The Question of Travel Insurance and First Aid Kit
We highly recommend reading our article on travel insurance, even for stays of less than 90 days. You might realize that you are not as well insured as you think during your travels, especially if you plan to do sports activities. Credit card insurance and your civil insurance do cover you, but have you ever studied and compared the coverage limits and all the services offered with travel insurance like those provided by Chapka Assurance? In any case, it doesn’t cost anything to get an online quote!
Like you probably, we and insurance were not a perfect match. But when we delved into it, we realized we weren’t necessarily as well covered as we thought. Chapka Assurances is an expert in online travel insurance. They insure thousands of travelers around the world throughout the year. We highly recommend them. Their reimbursements are also known to be quick.
Regarding the travel first aid kit, we also discuss it extensively in a dedicated article. The Pasteur Institute website will provide you with all the useful health and vaccination information for Singapore.
The Question of International SIM Cards When Traveling to Singapore
For this trip, we once again chose to buy a SIM card plan from Explod. As heavy data users, we never ran out during our stay in Singapore, just like in Thailand, Bali, or Vietnam. We 100% recommend Explod for its low prices, ease of use, and you receive your SIM card directly at home by mail before departure without delivery costs.
The technical advantage is that your phone connects to the most efficient network depending on its location, which is not the case when you buy your SIM card directly at the airport, as your SIM card then depends on the chosen operator. Moreover, your connections are made securely.
Reserve your Explod SIM card
The Question of Safety When Visiting Singapore
This question came up frequently in your questions on Instagram. There is no sense of insecurity in Singapore. There are surveillance cameras everywhere. For instance, in restaurants and markets, locals even leave their credit cards or cell phones on the tables to reserve their seats!
The government even encourages reporting any offenses observed in daily life. We found it might even be excessive. But at least, everyone respects the law in Singapore.
Cost of Living in Singapore
Singapore is a city that caters to all budgets.
Budget travelers will prefer hostels and dormitories for 10 to 15 EUR per night per person. However, if you are looking for a hotel room, prices can quickly rise to hundreds or even thousands of euros per night. To limit our accommodation budget, we opted for renting an apartment. We discuss this more in the following paragraph.
When it comes to food, by sticking to local food in hawkers or fast food, you can manage between 5 and 10 euros per person. On the other hand, if you’re looking for international cuisine, the bill will rise quickly. Cocktail prices will follow suit, just like in any major capital city.
Regarding transportation, as mentioned earlier, here’s what you need to remember. For budget travelers, prioritize the metro. If you want to save time (or are pressed for time), taxis are the way to go.
Where to Stay in Singapore? Our Accommodation Tips
Accommodation prices in Singapore are quite high. To enjoy a comfortable place to stay, we recommend renting an apartment. This is especially advisable if you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or with family.
We chose to rent an apartment through the Abritel rental site for our 5-day, 4-night stay in Singapore. Conveniently located in the green Orchard/Central district, the accommodation is easily accessible from the red and blue metro lines. There is also a supermarket just a 5-minute walk away.
Located on the 6th floor with elevator access, the apartment is quiet, clean, and air-conditioned. It has two lovely bedrooms and two bathrooms with showers, sinks, and toilets. The living room area features a sofa and a flat-screen TV. The open kitchen is quite basic with a stovetop, microwave, and refrigerator. It’s a nice apartment, though a family might find it a bit cramped.
Price: €142 per night
Check out apartments in Singapore offered by Abritel
If you prefer staying in a hotel, you’ll find a range of prices, but be aware that, in general, prices are 70% higher than in France. If you’re traveling solo, consider staying in a hostel dormitory.
Find your hotel in Singapore here
After all these great tips for visiting Singapore for the first time or during a layover, here are the 10 must-see sights and activities we tested in the “Garden City.” You can find these and many more in the online magazine of the airline Air France, Air France Travel Guide.
Farewell to the Lion City
As your journey through Singapore comes to an end, you’ll find yourself reflecting on the vibrant memories and experiences you’ve gathered. From the bustling streets of Orchard Road to the serene pathways of the Botanic Gardens, the cultural richness of Chinatown, and the futuristic wonders of Marina Bay Sands, Singapore has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on your heart.
The city’s efficient metro system has seamlessly guided you through its diverse neighborhoods, allowing you to explore its myriad attractions with ease. Whether savoring the exquisite flavors of hawker centers or indulging in fine dining, Singapore’s culinary scene has tantalized your taste buds at every turn.
As you prepare to depart from this dynamic metropolis, remember that Singapore is more than just a destination—it’s an ongoing story of tradition and innovation, constantly evolving and inviting you to return. So, bid farewell to the Lion City with a promise to return, for there is always more to discover, more to savor, and more to experience in this enchanting corner of the world. Safe travels, and until we meet again in the vibrant streets of Singapore.
