Plan a city trip to Singapore
Singapore is a true metropolis. It is a dynamic Asian destination with plenty to experience. A city trip to Singapore offers everything you seek for a unique vacation. Officially, Singapore is an island, but it distinguishes itself well from other Asian islands. You can enjoy a delightful tropical climate combined with real city life.
Singapore is known for its stunning skyline full of tall skyscrapers. If you want to book a city trip to Asia and not spend the whole day on the beach, then book a city trip to Singapore. From swimming in the Marina Bay Sands infinity pool to shopping on Orchard Street, and from delicious Chinese food at a traditional Hawker to a ride on the Singapore Flyer. Singapore offers the coolest activities and attractions. Singapore is a trendy destination that you really must visit during a city trip.
Cost of a city trip to Singapore
Singapore is one of the world’s most expensive travel destinations. However, this should not deter you, as you can travel there on any budget. Whether you are traveling as a backpacker or with a larger budget, everyone can have a fantastic time in Singapore!
Flight to Singapore
If you want to book a city trip to Singapore, we recommend doing so at least 3 months in advance. This way, you can ensure you find a good deal. An average direct flight from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Singapore costs between €695 and €895. There are also regular deals available, allowing you to fly to Singapore for between €480 and €600. To stay well informed of current offers, it is advisable to subscribe to the Cheaptickets.nl newsletter. It’s also a good idea to sign up for newsletters from the airlines themselves. KLM and Singapore Airlines fly daily to Singapore and often have unique offers to this vibrant destination.
Accommodation in Singapore
Since Singapore is a true backpacker destination, you can find many hostels there. If you are traveling on a smaller budget, this is ideal. There are also differences within the hotel world. You have very cheap hostels where you can reserve your bed for €27 per night. Do not expect luxury here. Just a bed in a dormitory with 9 to 16 others. Not ideal for everyone, but available at a very accessible price.
If you prefer to stay a bit more luxuriously but don’t have the budget for a hotel room, consider pods. Pods are special beds where you can completely close yourself off. This concept is also seen in many hostels in Singapore. You still stay in a room with several others, but you have much more privacy. These pods are also available with a double bed. Convenient if you are traveling with your partner.
In the hostels, there are many communal areas. Pod hostels often have more luxurious amenities. It’s truly an experience, and you can book a pod from €40 per night.
If you have a larger budget and want to opt for a hotel room, this is possible from €100 per night. You won’t be in a super luxury hotel, but you will be in a clean hotel located centrally with your own bathroom. If you want more luxury and have a large budget, a night or two at the world-famous Marina Bay Sands hotel is highly recommended. This luxury hotel is connected to the Marina Bay Sands shopping mall and has the world’s largest 360-degree pool. This pool is also an infinity pool with a spectacular view of the city. The pool is located at a height of 192 meters. Swimming here is a must. Rooms can be booked from €300 per night.
Food and drink in Singapore
As in many Asian countries, you can eat very cheaply in Singapore. You will find so-called ‘Hawker Centers‘, where you can eat traditional Chinese, Singaporean, Malay, and Indian food. Think of various wok dishes, delicious fresh noodles, rotis, and curries. Eating at these Hawker Centers varies by location. In the center, you pay between €5 and €10 for a dish. If you go outside the center to less touristy places, like a Hawker Center in the Chinese district Ang Mo Kio, you can have a meal for about one euro.
Another tip: Look for the food courts in large shopping malls. Here you can enjoy delicious food at low prices. If you prefer real restaurants, keep in mind a price tag of €35 to €50 per person for dinner.
Transport in Singapore
Singapore has an extremely well-organized public transport system. The MRT, their version of the metro, takes you everywhere. There are many different lines that can take you from one end of the island to the other. Sometimes you have to transfer, but everything is clearly indicated. The public transport network in Singapore is very straightforward. The MRT also runs every 3 to 5 minutes. You never have to wait long, and there are rarely problems with public transport in Singapore. There are also many city buses in the center, and you can also use taxis. Download the Uber and Grab apps to book your taxis. A taxi ride in Singapore is significantly cheaper than in the Netherlands.
Activities and attractions in Singapore
Although Singapore is an island, it doesn’t really have a tropical island vibe. You won’t find large tropical beaches like in Bali or Phuket. However, there is a man-made beach called Sentosa Beach. Here you can enjoy a beach day and relax in one of the beach clubs.
A walk around the Marina Bay Sands hotel is also a great idea. You walk along the water and enjoy a beautiful view of the sea and the unique skyline of Singapore. Continue walking to Gardens by the Bay. This is a futuristic nature park where real nature meets landscaped nature. It is a unique park where you can also enjoy light shows, making it definitely worth discovering.
If you like shopping during a city trip, Singapore is also a great destination. There are endless shopping malls and trendy shopping districts. The big favorite is Orchard Road. Here you can find all the luxury brands as well as smaller local boutiques.
Another advantage of a city trip to Singapore is that you can visit many different neighborhoods. Little India and Chinatown are immensely popular. Here you can truly immerse yourself in the local culture. From delicious local food to colorful murals. These neighborhoods are a must-visit during your city trip.
Singapore is also a great destination to explore by bike. It is a very safe cycling city, and there are many bike paths. Unlike many other Asian countries, the traffic is relatively calm. Baja Bikes offers various options. The most popular option is the Singapore Highlights bike tour. During this ride, you cover about 18 kilometers. This bike tour lasts an average of 4 hours, and you cycle past various attractions. Some attractions you will visit include Chinatown Carke Quays, Robertson Quays, and Marina Bay.
Tip: Want to know more about what to do in Singapore? Read our article for the best tips!
Safety in Singapore
Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world. There is hardly any crime, and tourists are not bothered at all. It is a country with a very respectful population that adheres to centuries-old traditions. Everyone is busy with their own thing, and no one bothers each other. You can walk the streets in the middle of the night with your most expensive jewelry and designer clothes, and no one will bother you. It is the perfect destination for solo travelers, but it is also a fun city trip destination for couples and friends.