by Exploring Singapore for the first time is akin to stepping into a city of myriad wonders. From the iconic Marina Bay Sands with its surfboard-shaped rooftop to the verdant splendor of Gardens by the Bay, Singapore captivates with its blend of modernity and cultural richness.
Visiting Singapore for the first time means exploring a city of myriad facets. Iconic landmarks like the Marina Bay Sands hotel, with its surfboard-shaped rooftop, and the Gardens by the Bay, featuring towering supertrees that come alive day and night, are etched in everyone’s minds.
Singapore ranks as the world’s 4th leading financial hub, evident from its skyline dominated by skyscrapers. Yet, this ultramodern city-state also exudes a cosmopolitan and multicultural charm, especially evident in its Chinatown, Arab Street, and Little India neighborhoods.
These districts, like villages within the city, preserve the unique heritage and traditions of their respective cultures. Staying in Singapore allows immersion in a city-nation that has retained much of its ethnic and cultural diversity, earning its nickname, “Asia’s melting pot.” This aspect often surprises travelers who don’t expect such ambiance in a city where one in six residents is a millionaire – and where a single metro ticket suffices!
Dubbed the Garden City, Singapore is lush with greenery. While Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Botanic Gardens are must-visits, green spaces are ubiquitous – there’s a park within 400 meters of any residential area. Green buildings are also abundant, showcasing Singapore’s commitment to sustainability.
It’s this balance between modernity and cultural preservation that makes Singapore so fascinating.
As a pivotal tourist and commercial hub in Southeast Asia, Singapore, nestled between Malaysia and Indonesia, welcomes many travelers through its splendid airport during layovers. We were among them five years ago during a long layover en route to Bali, Indonesia, a destination we cherish.
We had the chance to visit Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay, magnets for tourists worldwide. This time, spending a few days in Singapore was truly rewarding. The city-state is incredibly rich, offering countless facets to discover. Here are practical tips for making the most of your visit to Singapore.
1. When and How to Visit Singapore for the First Time?
Here’s an interactive map of Singapore to help you navigate. Since gaining independence in 1965, Singapore has grown from 64 islands to a land area of 719 km², expanding by 25% through land reclamation!
Singapore’s population comprises 76% Chinese, 15% Malays, and 7% Indians. The remaining 2% represent the rest of the world, including a well-established French community. English is widely spoken, but four languages are official.
Situated near the Strait of Malacca, between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, Singapore lies along one of the world’s busiest maritime routes. This strategic location ensures the city is well-supplied, considering everything here is imported.
Here’s everything you need to know and our tips before visiting Singapore.
1.1. When to Visit Singapore? Consider the Weather and More!
Singapore has a hot and humid climate with around 150 rainy days annually. Throughout the year, temperatures range from 24°C to 32°C.
From February to October, Singapore experiences the driest season, making it the most pleasant time to visit. During our 5-day visit, we encountered only sporadic rain over one day, with daytime temperatures hovering around 30°C – quite delightful compared to winter temperatures in metropolitan France at the same time.
1.2. How to Visit Singapore from France? Flights and Administrative Documents
French nationals don’t need a visa for stays in Singapore of up to 90 days. More information is available on the official website.
Singapore is 11,000 km from France, with numerous daily flights from various airlines serving Singapore (SIN) from Paris (CDG).
Visit Skyscanner to compare flight options and prices. We flew with Air France, which offers direct flights in a Boeing 777-300, taking 12 hours and 50 minutes outbound and 13 hours and 20 minutes return, with 10 flights weekly.
Paris (CDG) – Singapore (SIN)
We traveled in economy class with Air France. Did you know you can access the lounge and enjoy all business class services for an additional €50 per passenger? We tested this option and were pleasantly surprised.
After checking our luggage, we accessed the lounge where we comfortably waited until boarding our flight to Singapore.
The CDG lounge offers an impressive array of services: unlimited drinks and food, wellness and relaxation areas with a Clarins spa, a game zone, and a cocktail bar, among others. It surpasses similar facilities we’ve experienced elsewhere. An excellent perk for Air France passengers, ensuring a serene pre-flight experience – we might get used to this for future flights!
And that’s not all – onboard, you can further enhance your flight with special meals for around €20, offering restaurant-quality dining, served among the first. It’s a significant upgrade from standard airplane meals, enhancing the journey’s comfort in economy class.
Upon arrival, we landed at Terminal 3 of ChangiAirport, the world’s 7th busiest airport for international passengers. Changi is modern, with four well-connected terminals. Jewel, its central hub designed by architect Moshe Safdie (also behind Marina Bay Sands), stands out.
Jewel houses shops for all budgets, a rainforest, waterfalls, and lush green walls under a massive glass dome. The star attraction is the Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at 40 meters, powered by rainwater – truly impressive!
1.3. Getting to Singapore’s City Center from Changi Airport? Getting Around Singapore?
1.3.1. Getting to Singapore’s City Center from Changi Airport
Changi Airport is 23 km east of Singapore’s city center, accessible by various means.
Taxi: Available 24/7 from Halls 1 and 2, taxis reach the city center in about 30 minutes for approximately $30 SGD (€20).
Bus: Take SBS 36 to Orchard Road, departing every 15 minutes from 6 am to around 10:50 pm, costing $2 SGD.
Metro: Known as MRT in Singapore, take the skytrain to Expo station (8 minutes), then the DownTown Line (blue line) to the city center. Trains run every 2 to 7 minutes from 5:30 am to midnight, costing $2.80 SGD per trip. The journey takes 1-1.5 hours, including transfers. Don’t forget to request a refund for any remaining balance on your card at the end of your trip.
1.3.2. Getting Around Singapore for Sightseeing?
Use the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) for the easiest and cheapest way to navigate Singapore’s neighborhoods. It’s modern and impeccably clean – eating, drinking, or smoking is strictly prohibited, with fines reaching up to $500 SGD for food and drink offenses, and $1000 SGD for smoking or carrying inflammable items. Quite unlike the Parisian metro!
Several ticket and card options exist. Opt for a single ticket for 1 or 2 days of sightseeing (usable for 6 trips), or the EZ-Link card for stays of at least 3 days, which offers cheaper fares. The EZ-Link card costs $5 SGD and can be purchased at MRT stations or 7-Eleven stores, reloadable at MRT station machines. The Singapore Tourist Pass allows unlimited MRT rides for 1, 2, or 3 days, extendable for an additional day, costing $20 SGD for 3 days.
As a global hub of finance and culture, Singapore beckons travelers with its unique blend of skyscrapers and cultural enclaves. Whether wandering through Chinatown, Little India, or Arab Street, every corner reveals a piece of the city-state’s vibrant heritage. Discovering Singapore is not just a journey through a city, but an immersion into a world where tradition meets innovation, making it a truly unforgettable destination.
