Singapore Itinerary with Legoland Malaysia & Universal Studios Tour for First-Timers

Singapore is one of the best places for travelers going on their first trip abroad. Here, you can enjoy many exciting destinations like Universal Studios Singapore, Sentosa Island, Gardens by the Bay, museums & multi-cultural districts.

Singapore is also perfect for aspiring passport stamp collectors. After one short land trip over the border, you can already find yourself in Legoland Malaysia. A 1-hour ferry crossing can take you to Batam or Bintan island in Indonesia.

Of course, you can also take advantage of Singapore as a major flight gateway in Southeast Asia & jet set to more destinations in Southeast Asia & beyond.

This guide will make it easy for you to plan a trip to Singapore.

I’ve included a sample 4-day itinerary + suggestions on how to spend 3, 5, 6 days & more.

Scroll down to see the detailed do-it-yourself (DIY) trip guide, followed by the budget breakdown and lots of extra travel tips.

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Trip Checklist

Before we go on with the actual itinerary, here are things you might need to prepare and bring for a hassle-free trip.

I’ve posted a lot of discounts on this guide. Make sure to check them out and pre-book online to save money, time & avoid the hassles of bringing/exchanging cash during your trip.

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Singapore Itinerary Blog Contents

Trip Checklist

Singapore Itinerary

Singapore Budget

Where to Stay in Singapore

Travel Tips Before You Go

See More Travel Guides & Blogs

Singapore Itinerary

This sample 4 days and 3 nights (3D2N) itinerary is suited for travelers who want to go sightseeing to the top tourist spots in Singapore including Universal Studios Singapore, Sentosa, Gardens By The Bay, Chinatown & Merlion. It also includes a one day trip over the border to Legoland Malaysia.

Feel free to tweak the activities & timings based on your traveling style, schedule, & attractions that interest you the most.

4 Days Singapore & Legoland Malaysia Itinerary

After reading the step-by-step tips below, scroll down for recommendations on planning Singapore trips for 3 days, 5 days & more

Day 1: Gardens by the Bay, Merlion & Singapore River

Enjoy your first-day sightseeing in Singapore’s historic and modern districts.

Flight to Singapore

Arrive on the earliest flight to Singapore to maximize your trip.

All flights to Singapore arrive at Changi International Airport (SIN). This airport is the 6th’s busiest in the world & among the world’s best. You’ll experience easy arrivals here and convenient transfers to the city center by train, taxi, ride-sharing or private car.

Manila to Singapore flight itinerary.

Step 1 (0300 am): Arrive at Manila-NAIA Airport. Arrive 3-4 hours before your flight departure. Expect long queues at check-in/bag drop counters, immigration & security checkpoints.

Step 2: Pay the Philippine Travel Tax (for outbound Philippine residents only) — Price is P1,620 per person on economy class ticket.

Step 3: Proceed to the bag drop counters if you’re bringing checked-in luggage. Always use web/mobile check-in at least 4 hours before your flight, well before arriving at the airport. The earlier the better.

Step 4: Clear Philippine immigration checkpoint.

Step 5: Wait for boarding call at the pre-departure area.

Step 6 (0600 am): Manila to Singapore flight departure.

1000 am: Singapore-Changi Airport arrival

Arriving at Changi International Airport

Step 1: Clear Singapore immigration checkpoint.

Step 2: Claim checked-in luggage (if any) and clear customs checkpoint.

Step 3: Exchange currency to Singapore dollars or withdraw money at ATM.

Step 4: Claim pre-booked SIM card/pocket WiFi hotspot at the designated claiming area.

Google Maps is a must-have app when traveling on your own. Use the “transit” directions feature to see suggestions on how to get around by public transport.

Google Maps directions includes all train/bus routes in Singapore & travel time estimates. This is very helpful because this itinerary makes good use of Singapore’s train & bus system.

Remember, the directions feature only works online, so you will need mobile internet access. Either buy a local SIM Card, rent a pocket WiFi device or get a good roaming data plan from your current provider.

Singapore pocket WiFi hotspot rental — SGD 9 discount price online. Includes unlimited 4G internet. Connects up to 8 devices. Regular price is SGD 10.

Book discount here

Singapore local SIM card — SGD 15. Includes 100GB 4G data + free 20 minutes of international calls

Pre-book here

Singapore Airport to city/hotel transfer

How to get to Singapore city center from from Changi Airport

You can take the train, Grab (ride-sharing app), private car, airport shuttle, taxi or public bus.

By train

Singapore has an excellent train (metro/subway) network. It’s an affordable, fast & convenient transport option to/from the airport & around Singapore.

Step 1: Go to the Changi Airport MRT train station located on the underground level between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.

From Terminal 1, you can take the free/complimentary airport Skytrain to Terminal 3 & walk to Changi Airport MRT train station.

From Terminal 4, ride the free/complimentary airport shuttle to Terminal 2 & walk to Changi Airport MRT train station.

Step 2: Buy an EZ-Link Card or Singapore Tourist Pass.

To get to the train platforms simply tap your EZ-Link Card or Singapore Tourist Pass on the card/ticket reader.

Step 3: Ride the MRT train from Changi Airport to the MRT station nearest your hotel. The EZ-Link card adult fare is around SGD 1.75 to SGD 2 per person. Travel time is 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Start at Changi Airport MRT station (CG2). Take the Green “East West” Line (towards Tanah Merah). You can board any train because Changi Airport Station is the end of the line.

If you are staying in Chinatown, here’s how to get there:

Step 4: Change trains at Expo station (CG1/DT35). Board the blue “Downtown” Line (towards Bukit Panjang)

Step 5: Drop-off at Chinatown.

Step 6: Walk or ride a taxi/Grab to your hotel.

If you are staying elsewhere, use Google Maps to get directions or ask the airport information desk.

EZ-Link Card — This stored-value (pre-paid) card is used to pay for train and bus rides in Singapore. EZ-Link Card holders enjoy discounted fares, usually 30% cheaper than the standard fare.

It can be purchased at Changi Airport station or any major train station in the city.

The initial price is SGD 12 per card. Includes SGD 7 stored value and SGD 5 non-refundable card cost. You can top-up at any 7-Eleven store. Only 1 person is allowed per card.

Singapore Tourist Pass — Offers unlimited rides on non-premium trains and buses. The price is SGD10 for the 1-day pass, SGD15 for the 2-day pass & SGD20 for the 3-day pass.

By taxi or ride-sharing

Taxi stands can be found at the arrival levels of each Terminal. A ride to the city takes around 30 minutes and costs between $20 and $40.

Better yet, use Grab for convenient & often cheaper rides in Singapore. You can download the app right now to get fare estimates.

Download app here

By private car

Book airport transfers online for stress-free private transfers between Singapore airport and your city hotel. Cars can seat up to 3, 5 and 9 people.

Pre-book here

1100 am: Singapore Hotel check-in

Cheapest ratesBest hotel reviews

1130 am: Lau Pa Sat Food Court

Explore Singapore’s multi-cultural cuisine, which includes Chinese, Indian and Malay dishes.

Lau Pa Sat is one of my favorite places to eat because of its airy ambiance and Instagram-able angles. This food court, made up of many hawker stalls, is housed in a stunning historic building & surrounded by towering glass buildings in the busy central business district.

You don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy good food in Singapore. Meal prices in hawker centers are very reasonable, ranging from SGD 3 to SGD 10 per dish. An easy way to spot if the food at a hawker stall is any good is to see a long queue of people waiting to order.

Book discounts here

How to get to Lau Pa Sat

Step 1: Ride the MRT train to Telok Ayer (DT18), Downtown (DT17) or Raffles Place station (EW14/NS26). The EZ-Link card adult fare is SGD 0.77 to 0.87 per person.

Step 2: Walk to Lau Pa Sat (5 to 10 minutes/300 to 600m walk).

1230 pm: Merlion Park & Singapore River

A trip to Singapore is not complete without a visit to the iconic half-fish half-lion statue at Merlion Park. Here, you can also enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of the soaring Singapore skyline and World-famous structures surrounding Marina Bay. Pass by the historic Fullerton Hotel and explore a section of the peaceful Singapore River.

Keep an eye out for several bronze sculptures that depict the life of people living and working along the river during the early days of Singapore.

If you arrive early & you’re up for a walk, cross the Cavenagh Bridge to see the old buildings, museums, and monuments in the Civic District. Including the Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall, Asian Civilizations Museum, Raffles Landing Site, Parliament Of Singapore & National Gallery Singapore.

How to get to Merlion Park from Lau Pa Sat

Step 1: Walk to Raffles Pl Stn Exit F bus stop (Stop ID: 03031) along Collyer Quay St. 3 minutes/200m walk.

Step 2: Ride bus #10, #75, #100, #130 or #196 from Raffles Pl Stn Exit F to 21 Esplanade Dr bus stop. The EZ-Link card adult fare is SGD 0.77 per person. Travel time is around 2 minutes.

When traveling on buses in Singapore, you should tap your EZ-Link card on the reader near the bus entrance/exit. Tap once after boarding. Tap a second time before exiting/alighting. Remember to enter through the door near the driver & exit using other door.

Step 3: Drop-off at the next stop, at Fullerton Sq (Stop ID: 03011) beside Fullerton Hotel.

Step 4: Walk to Merlion Park. 3 minutes/200m walk.

From the bus stop, go inside Fullerton Hotel & walk through the underground link to One Fullerton building. This walkway is air-conditioned and passes through the beautiful lobby of the hotel.

You can also just walk towards the Singapore River & cross the footpath under the bridge to get to Merlion Park.

0300 pm: Gardens by the Bay

The Gardens by the Bay was built to transform Singapore from a “Garden City” to a “City in a Garden.” This is my #1 favorite attraction in Singapore. There’s nothing on Earth quite like it. Best of all, admission to the outdoor gardens is free! There are two conservatories that you can visit as well. Both are well worth paying for admission. Take at least 1 hour to visit each conservatory.

The Flower Dome, inspired by a world of perpetual spring, houses colorful blooming flower fields and exotic plants.

Meanwhile, the Cloud Forest Dome recreates a botanical jungle veiled in mist. Inside you’ll find a 50-meter high man-made waterfall, the tallest indoor waterfall in the world and elevated walkways that get you close-up views of the forest-covered mountain.

If you have extra time, take a breathtaking walk along the OCBC Skyway for a canopy view of the amazing Supertrees.

Could Forest Dome + Flower Dome admission/entrance fee — SGD 23 per adult discount price online for the 1-Day Ticket. The regular walk-in price is SGD 28 if you buy on site.

Book discount here

OCBC Skyway admission — SGD 8 per adult walk-in price.

How to get to Gardens from the Bay from Merlion Park or Fullerton Hotel

Step 1: From One Fullerton building & Merlion Park, follow the waterfront footpath towards Marina Boulevard. Walk to ‘The Sail’ bus stop (03381) along Marina Boulevard. 9 minutes/700m walk.

Step 2: Ride bus #400 from ‘The Sail’ to ‘Before Gardens by the Bay’ bus stop (3 stops away). The EZ-Link card adult fare is SGD 0.77 per person. Travel time is around 3 minutes.

Step 3: Drop-off at ‘Before Gardens by the Bay’ bus stop (03371).

Better yet, go by taxi or Grab to avoid long walks.

0745 pm: Garden Light & Sound Show

This show runs every night at Gardens by the Bay. It is one of the best things to do in Singapore, for free!

You’ll see the entire Supertree Grove sparkle with a 15-minute display of colorful lights. The best spot is directly beneath one of the towering Supertrees. You can lie down and enjoy the magical views facing the dark night sky.

Gardens By The Bay light & sound show schedule — Every night at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM.

While waiting for the first show to start, have dinner at nearby Satay by the Bay hawker centre. If you have the budget, enjoy dining at Indochine restaurant found on the pinnacle of the tallest Supertree.

0930 pm: Marina Bay Sands Light & Water Show

End your first night with The Wander Full Light and Water Show at Marina Bay Sands. This 13-minute synchronized fountain show is set against the bright lights of Singapore’s skyline. Take your spot in the middle section of the stage for the best views.

Marina Bay Sands light & water Show show schedule:

Sunday to Thursday — 8:00 pm, 9:30 pm.
Friday & Saturday — 8:00pm, 9:30pm, 11:00pm.

After the Garden Rhapsody Light & Sound Show, you can to Marina Bay Sands and arrive in time for the 9:30 PM (second) show schedule.

How to get to Marina Bay Sands from Gardens by the Bay

Step 1: Walk towards Marina Bay Sands.

Step 2: Cross the Lion’s Bridge (overpass) that connects Gardens by the Bay to Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

Your can also pass through the underground link that connects Gardens by the Bay to the Bayfront MRT station & Marina Bay Sands.

Step 3: Walk through the hotel & The Shoppes at Marina Bay.

Step 4: Exit the main (waterfront) entrance of The Shoppes at Marina Bay and walk to the sort of amphitheater-type seating that fronts the water show.

Day 2: Universal Studios Singapore & Sentosa

Experience must-visit attractions & theme parks on Sentosa Island!

0930 am: Universal Studios Singapore

No doubt, most of you first-timers to Singapore have already planned to go to Universal Studios Singapore.

Famous attractions here include the Battlestar Galactica dual roller-coaster ride, WaterWorld show, TRANSFORMERS The Ride, Shrek 4-D Adventure ride & Revenge of the Mummy ride.

Avoid larger crowds later in the day by visiting in time for 10 AM opening.

Make sure to check the show schedules so you don’t miss it, especially the WaterWorld show.

Universal Studios Singapore admission/entrance fee — SGD 72 per adult discount price online for the 1-Day Ticket. The regular walk-in price is SGD 76 if you buy on site.

Book discount here

How to get to Sentosa Island

OPTION 1: By Singapore Cable Car

Most scenic way to get to Sentosa.

Step 1: Ride the MRT train to HarbourFront station (Purple line NE1/Orange line CC29). The EZ-Link card adult fare is SGD 0.77 to SGD 1.2 per person. Travel time is around 20 minutes.

Step 2: Take Exit B to Harbourfront Centre and follow the signs leading to the Singapore Cable Car at Harbourfront Tower II.

Step 3: Ride the cable car from Harbourfront to Sentosa station.

Step 4: Drop-off at Sentosa station.

Step 5: Walk to Imbiah Station of the Sentosa Express monorail.

Step 6: Ride the monorail to Waterfront Station.

Step 7: Drop-off at Waterfront Station & walk to the entrance of Universal Studios Singapore.

If you want to have early lunch before going, there’s a Malaysian Food Street filled with affordable hawker stalls found near the main entrance.

Singapore Cable Car admission/entrance fee — SGD 19 per adult discount price online for the Sky Pass Ticket. The regular walk-in price is SGD 33 if you buy on site.

Book discount here

OPTION 2: By Sentosa Express monorail

Cheaper option compared to the cable car.

Step 1: Ride the MRT train to HarbourFront station (Purple line NE1/Orange line CC29). The EZ-Link card adult fare is SGD 0.77 to SGD 1.2 per person. Travel time is around 20 minutes.

Step 2: Take Exit E to VivoCity & walk to the Sentosa Express monorail station at Level 3.

Step 3: Ride the monorail to Waterfront Station.

Step 4: Drop-off at Waterfront Station & walk to the entrance of Universal Studios Singapore.

Sentosa Express monorail ticket — SGD 4 per adult price online. Includes unlimited rides on the Sentosa Express + Sentosa island admission fee

Pre-book here

OPTION 3: Sentosa Boardwalk

From VivoCity, you can walk all the way to Sentosa Island via the Sentosa Boardwalk. This is the cheapest option, costing only SGD 1 per person.

I recommend that you take either the Sentosa Express monorail or Singapore Cable Car. Save all that walking for your full-day sightseeing instead.

0400 pm: Sentosa Island attractions

Spend a fun day at Sentosa Island, dubbed as Asia’s Favorite Playground.

See all discounts

Sentosa Merlion Tower admission/entrance fee — SGD 9 per adult discount price online. The regular walk-in price is SGD 12 if you buy on site.

Book discount here

Sentosa FUN Pass
— SGD 46 per adult price online. The lowest package includes entry to 3 attractions.

Pre-book here

iFly Singapore — SGD 95 per adult discount price online. Includes pre-flight training, 2 sky dives & more. The regular walk-in price is SGD 119 if you buy on site.

Book discount here

0600 pm: Sentosa Beaches

Explore the sandy beaches in Sentosa Island: Siloso Beach, Palawan Beach & Tanjong Beach. Cross a hanging bridge & walk to the top of the wooden watchtower on tiny Palawan Island.

How to get to Sentosa Beaches

Step 1: Ride the Sentosa Express monorail to Beach Station.

Step 2: Ride the free beach tram to Siloso Beach, Palawan Beach or Tanjong Beach.

0730 pm: Wings of Time

Enjoy a magical night at the Wings of Time Open-Sea Light Show.

Show schedule — 7:40 PM & 8:40 PM daily.

Wings of Time admission/entrance fee — SGD 9 per adult discount price online. The regular walk-in price is SGD 18 if you buy on site.

Book discount here

Day 3: Legoland Malaysia

A trip to Legoland hits two birds with one stone: (1) A fun experience in the only Legoland Theme Park in Southeast Asia (2) a side trip across the border. It’s perfect for Lego fanatics, families traveling with kids and travelers who simply want to collect passport stamps & visit more countries in one trip.

0830 am: Singapore to Legoland transfer

Pre-book your shared bus ticket or private car online for easy transfers over the border to Legoland Malaysia.

Legoland & Hello Kitty Town Transfers from Singapore — SGD 12 per adult price online.

Pre-book here

How to get to Legoland Malaysia from Singapore

Step 1: Pre-book your transfers onilne using the link above.

Step 2: Proceed to the pick-up location at least 30 minutes before the departure time. For Singapore Flyer pick-up, the bus departs at 9:00 am and 10:30 am. For Big Box Jurong East pick-up, the bus departs at 9:30am and 11:00am.

Step 3: At the Singapore border control, you will need to get off the bus to clear the Singapore immigration and customs checkpoints.

Step 4: Board the bus again for the transfer to the Malaysia border control.

Step 5: Clear the Malaysia immigration and customs checkpoints.

Step 6: Board the bus for the transfer to Legoland Malaysia

Legoland transfers from/to Singapore or Changi Airport — SGD 100 per car price online. Seats up to 5 people. This is the most convenient and fastest option. No need to get off the car at Singapore and Malaysia immigration checkpoints

Pre-book here

1000 am: Legoland Malaysia

Don’t miss the impressive miniature Lego recreations of many of Asia’s best-known landmarks. I really loved it because it made me feel nostalgic about my trips to these places. If you’re set to explore more countries in Asia, the Miniland in Legoland Malaysia is sure to inspire your wanderlust.

Legoland Malaysia Theme Park admission/entrance fee — SGD 52 per adult discount price online for the 1-Day Ticket. The regular walk-in price is SGD 67 if you buy on site.

Book discount here

Queues at the immigration checkpoints are usually longer during the late afternoon rush hours.

Aim to depart Legoland at around 5:15 pm so you can arrive in Singapore by 6:30 pm.

0630 pm: Marina Bay Skypark (Option #1)

See discounts

See a bird’s eye view of Singapore at Marina Bay Skypark or the Singapore Flyer. You can actually visit both in one afternoon if you’re really up for it. The best time to visit is during sunset to dusk when the sky comes alive with golden hues.

From Marina Bay Skypark, you can see a 360-degree overlooking view of Singapore including the central business district skyline, colonial heritage district & Gardens by the Bay.

How to get to Marina Bay Skypark

From the drop-off location at Singapore Flyer, cross the Helix Bridge towards Marina Bay Sands.

Walk to Marina Bay Skypark entrance/ticketing booth located outside The Shoppes mall, on the same side as Louis Vuitton store, ArtScience Museum & Helix Bridge.

If you are coming from eslsewhere, ride the MRT train to Bayfront Station (Orange Line CE1/Blue Line DT16).

Marina Bay Skypark skip-the-line admission ticket/entrance fee — SGD 22 per adult price online.

Pre-book here

Singapore Flyer (Option #2)

See discounts

The views are not as high as Marina Bay Skypark, but the Singapore Flyer is definitely a more exciting experience. This observation wheel was the tallest Ferris wheel when it opened in 2008. Each “flight” or rotation lasts for about 30 minutes, just the right speed to enjoy the views without too much thrill.

How to get to Singapore Flyer

From Marina Bay Sands, cross the Helix Bridge back to Singapore Flyer.

If you are coming from eslsewhere, ride the MRT train to Promenade Station (Orange Line CC4). Then, walk to Singapore Flyer.

Singapore Flyer admission — SGD 33 per adult walk-in price.

Helix Bridge

This man-made marvel is not only an impressive architectural feat, it also provides stunning views of Marina Bay and the Singapore skyline. The best time to visit is during the “blue hour” at dusk, after sunset.

0800 pm: Makansutra Gluttons Bay

This is one of my favorite places to eat dinner in Singapore. Don’t miss the BBQ stingray and cereal prawns! Makansutra Gluttons Bay is located beside the Esplanade building, on 8 Raffles Ave, #01-15, Esplanade Mall.

How to get to Makansutra Gluttons Bay

It’s an easy walk from Singapore Flyer. Nearest train station is Promenade MRT station (Blue Line DT15 / Orange Line CC4).

0900 pm: Suntec Fountain of Wealth

Inspired by the symbol of wealth and life & based on Hindu mandala, the Fountain of Wealth in Suntec City is one of the largest fountains in the world. The best time to see it is during the nightly Laser Show.

Fountain of Wealth musical performance schedule — 7 pm to 9:30 pm during Mondays to Thursdays. 8 pm to 9:30 pm during Firdays to Sundays.

Fountain of Wealth laser message dedication schedule — 8 PM, 8:30 PM and 9 PM every night.

How to get to Suntec Fountain of Wealth

It’s an easy walk from The Esplanade building, Makansutra & Singapore Flyer. The nearest MRT train station is Promenade (Blue
Line DT15/Orange Line CC4).

Day 4: Chinatown & Shopping

0900 am: Singapore Chinatown

On your last day, go sightseeing and enjoy a food tour in historic Chinatown. This area is where you can visit Taoist temples, Buddhist temple, a mosque, and Hindu temple all in one walk. There are a lot of shops here that sell cheap souvenirs if you want to buy pasalubong before your flight back home.

Spots to see in Chinatown

Where to eat in Chinatown

Chinatown Food Street discount coupon — SGD 4.5 discount price online for the SGD 5 coupon. Enjoy 10% off at Chinatown Food Street.

Book discount here

How to get to Chinatown

Step 1: Ride the MRT train to Chinatown Station (Purple Line NE4/Blue Line DT19). The EZ-Link card fare is SGD SGD 0.77 to SGD 1.2 per person (adult). Travel time is around 15 minutes.

Step 2: From Chinatown Station, attractions in Chinatown are easily reached on foot.

1200 pm: Shopping

Want to do more shopping? Here are some places that you can go:

0300 pm: Hotel check-out & Singapore Airport transfer

0330 pm: Singapore Airport & flight check-in

Departing from Singapore-Changi Airport

Step 1: Arrive at Singapore-Changi Airport three hours before your flight so that you have enough time for check-in, baggage drop, and immigration procedures

Step 2: At Changi Airport MRT station, proceed to the refund booth if you want to refund the remaining balance of your EZ-Link card.

Step 3: Bag drop/check-in for Singapore return flight. No additional airport/departure taxes or terminal fees are collected on outbound flights from Singapore. All taxes & fees should be included in the flight ticket price.

Step 4: Clear Singapore immigration checkpoint

Step 5: If bought items applicable for a Goods and Services Tax (GST) refund, you can claim it at the GST refund booths.

Step 6: Wait for boarding call at pre-departure area.

Step 7: Singapore flight departure.

Singapore Budget

Your travel expenses will largely depend on your traveling style and how much you plan to spend on activities, accommodations & food. To help you set your own budget, here are budget estimates if you follow the days itinerary posted above. Make sure to review all discounts & online booking prices.

I’ve included backpacker budget estimates for food & accommodations to give you an idea of how cheaply you can do the trip. As you know, actual budgets/expenses may be different depending on many factors including personal traveling styles, time of visit, etc. If you have money to splurge on hotels, food, and extra activities, simply use the expenses posted to calculate your estimated budget.

Where to Stay in Singapore

Book your stay near MRT train stations if you plan on getting around conveniently by public transport.

Clark Quay (Riverside), Chinatown, Little India & Bugis are the most popular places to stay for backpackers and budget travelers.

You can find most of the mid-range and luxury hotels in Orchard Road, Marina Bay, Promenade/City Hall area & Sentosa Island.

Click below to see rates and compare hotels in Singapore within your budget. The best locations & properties with the highest review scores are pre-selected so you can easily pick the perfect place to stay.

Travel Tips Before You Go

Do I need a visa to visit Singapore?

Citizens of almost 80% of the world’s countries may enter Singapore without a visa for tourism/transit purposes. Maximum stays vary from 30 days or 60 days depending on nationality.

Countries that enjoy visa-free entry to Singapore include Philippines, Malaysia, United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, EU Member States…

Visit the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority website for more info. You can also check this page on Wikipedia for an overview of Singapore’s visa policy.

For a hassle-free trip, make sure that you are able to provide the following typical requirements at the immigration checkpoint:

Singapore tourist visa for Filipinos

Filipinos/Pinoy tourists do not need a visa to enter Singapore granting the purpose is tourism or transit. Philippine passport holders get a maximum stay of 30 days.

Simply show up at the immigration checkpoint and get your passport stamped.

Always remember that all countries have the right to refuse entry to any person even if they are eligible for the free tourist visa or have a valid visa on hand at the border.

Make sure that you are able to provide the requirements listed above to avoid raising concerns from both Singapore & Philippine immigration.

At the very least, have these on hand at the immigration checkpoint: Return/onward ticket, hotel reservations, & tours/attraction ticket confirmations that you have pre-booked online.

These documents will help to convince them that you are really are visiting as a tourist, NOT for work, and you are able to fund the entire duration of your trip.

Malaysia tourist visa for Filipinos

Filipinos/Pinoy tourists do not need a visa to enter Malaysia granting the purpose is tourism or transit. Philippine passport holders get a maximum stay of 30 days.

Remember to bring your passport during your day trip to Legoland. Plus your Singapore return flight & hotel reservation, just in case.

Indonesia tourist visa for Filipinos

Filipinos/Pinoy tourists do not need a visa to enter Indonesia granting the purpose is tourism or transit. Philippine passport holders get a maximum stay of 30 days.

Remember to bring your passport during your trip to Bintan or Batam. Plus your Singapore return flight & hotel reservation, just in case.

How to book cheap flights to Singapore?

If you are flying to within the next 2-3 months, the general rule to spend less on flights is by booking sooner rather than later. In case you are booking well ahead of your trip, keep a lookout for airline promo fares & seat sales.

The easy way to find the cheap flights that you can book right now is to use flight search engines. These sites compare prices on different airlines to show you the cheapest flights. Check multiple flight search engines listed below:

MomondoSkyscannerWegoTripAdvisor

Always check promo fares before booking. Visit the airlines’ official website, mobile app, Facebook, Twitter & other social media accounts for updates.

You can also check the latest airline promo alerts posted here on Detourista. Click below to start:

Subscribe to the email alerts to save time from checking many websites frequently.

You can also get updates by following Detourista on Facebook. Remember to select the “See first” in news feed option.

To learn more, visit the guide on how to book cheap flights.

How to get Singapore Dollars?

Singapore’s currency is called Singapore Dollars (SGD or SG$). You should be able to exchange your PHP, USD, HKD, EUR, GBP & other major currencies easily at most money exchange stalls. Don’t exchange a lot at the airport. Branches found in the city usually offer better rates.

ATMs — I use my ATM card a lot when I travel. It’s way more convenient than to worry about bringing and exchanging cash. Because banks charge a fee (usually USD 5 or more) per withdrawal, I make sure to withdraw large amounts instead of several smaller ones.

It’s important to check if your bank requires you to activate your card for international withdrawal. Your card might be useless otherwise. For example, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) requires me to call their 24-hour hotline to activate my Cirrus ATM card before I travel abroad. On the other hand, My Unionbank debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) does not need activation to withdraw money abroad.

Philippine Peso to Singapore Dollar

PHP is widely accepted at currency exchange stalls in Singapore because of the large number of OFWs based there. As mentioned, exchange most of your money at the city center, not at the airport.

Better yet, save time by withdrawing from an ATM or find a way to exchange your pesos to Singapore dollars before you leave.

Useful travel apps & websites for Singapore

Google Maps — Remember to download the offline maps before you go to access the map even if you don’t have mobile data.

Use the directions feature if you plan to get around Singapore on your own. I love this feature because I like to wander around places that I visit & see the sights on foot. The directions on Google Maps is also super useful because it displays train & bus routes in Singapore. It only works online, so you will need internet access.

Maps.me — Excellent Google Maps alternative that automatically saves offline maps.

Grab & Uber — I use these reliable ride-hailing apps frequently as an alternative to taking the taxi. To see fare estimates in Singapore, click below to install the apps on your phone. I often like to check prices for my pre-trip budget planning.

Get Grab for iOSAndroid

Get Uber

12go.asia — Handy for checking fares on buses, trains, ferries & other transport in Asia. Book online to avoid fully-booked seats. Also check BookMeBus in case they have cheaper prices & routes/operators not listed on 12go.asia.

Go to website

XE Currency — Free & easy currency converter.

Google Translate — Very useful when communicating with locals who do not understand/speak English.

Agoda & Booking.com — My go-to for convenient hotel bookings & cheap rates. For home/apartment rentals, I use Airbnb as well.

Skyscanner & Momondo — These top flight search apps make it super easy to compare airfares from multiple airlines. Download the app & sign-up to the price alerts to get updates on cheap flights.

Get Skyscanner for iOSAndroid

TripAdvisor — Great for restaurant reviews & recommendations. One of the features that I use often is the “cheap eats” filter & the map view.

Go to website

How to get mobile internet in Singapore?

Stay connected online during your whole trip. Not only does it make it possible to share your travel moments instantly, you can also travel better by having access to all your favorite travel apps anytime. If you can’t get a good roaming data plan from your current provider, pre-book a local/roaming SIM card online.

Book SIM card here

Book WiFi hotspot here

Should I book my Singapore hotel online?

Here are these trusted booking sites that I use them frequently to grab rock-bottom prices & enjoy hassle-free trips. Click below to see today’s lowest prices.

AgodaBooking.com

Book your stay sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms tend to get fully-booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Having hotel reservations is very important when traveling abroad because immigration officers often require tourists to provide the address of their accommodation. In addition, here top reasons why I prefer to book online & why you should too:

Should I book Singapore tours & attraction tickets online?

I often book online to enjoy discounts and cashless convenience during my actual trip. Always check prices of tours and attraction tickets on these booking sites:

KlookGetYourGuide

If you’re booking tours and you’ve already finalized your travel dates, book early, especially if you are traveling in a group to lock-in those open slots for your group.

Don’t Stop Here

Did you find this travel guide helpful? Share your Singapore experience & tag #detourista. Follow trip updates on: Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest.

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Check out these pages for more travel inspiration beyond Singapore: