[9X REVIEW] Traveling Solo in Singapore A-Z Guide 2024 - Mytour - Mytour

Comprehensive Guide to Independent Travel in Singapore from A to Z

The Best Time to Visit Singapore

Singapore has a tropical climate with seasonal winds, year-round sunshine, and an average temperature of 27 °C, accompanied by high humidity around 84%. Due to the warm weather throughout the year, choosing the right time to visit Singapore largely depends on your travel purpose rather than being heavily influenced by the weather.

• To answer the question when is the best time to visit Singapore? I recommend around June to August and after Christmas until early next year. During this time, the weather in Singapore is cool, pleasant, with less rain, making it convenient for city exploration. Additionally, you may find many discounted items up to 50% off or available at original prices.
• If you want to savor all the enticing cuisines in Singapore, don't forget to come here in April and join the food festival.
• For regular tourists, you can choose to visit the Lion City at any time of the year. Note that the dry season in Singapore lasts from March to August, while the rainy season is from September to December. However, not every rainy season day means constant rain; it just has a higher chance of rain, so you can feel completely confident about your travel plans.

Optimal Travel Period to Explore Singapore is from June to August

What to Prepare for Independent Travel in Singapore

Essential Documents You Need

Similar to other international travel destinations, you will need various documents for your trip to Singapore such as:

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months before departure.
• Exchange currency to Singapore Dollars.
• Other documents such as flight tickets, hotel reservations, travel itinerary, and more.

It's advisable to make photocopies of your ID and passport in case your luggage gets lost, and contact the embassy for assistance.

Additionally, refer to the immigration procedures for Singapore for convenience in the entry process.

Singapore Currency

The currency unit in Singapore is the Singapore Dollar (SGD), available in both banknotes and coins.

The exchange rate is 1 Singapore Dollar = 17,650 Vietnamese Dong and 1 US Dollar = 1.34 SGD (Rates as of March 2023, subject to change).

When traveling independently in Singapore, it's advisable to exchange Singapore Dollars before your trip and carry both banknotes and coins for train fare.

• In Vietnam, you can exchange Singapore Dollars on Hà Trung Street, at banks in Hanoi, or gold shops on Lê Thánh Tôn Street, District 1, and Lê Văn Sỹ Street, District 3 in the Saigon area.
• In Singapore, some locations like People’s Park Complex (1 Park Road), The Arcade (Raffles Place), Mustafa Centre (145 Syed Alwi Road), etc., make currency exchange convenient for shopping.

Luggage Essentials for Traveling to Singapore

What to Prepare for a Trip to Singapore? Make sure to pack various clothing, footwear, hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, medication, phone charger, 4G SIM card,... Additionally, carry a universal adapter as Singapore typically uses 3-pin sockets.

Note that Singapore's climate is similar to our country, so check the weather and pack accordingly. Also, remember to bring some formal clothes for visiting temples or sacred places to ensure your Singapore travel attire is suitable!

Prepare your luggage well for an amazing independent trip to Singapore

Book Affordable Flights to Singapore

The primary mode of transportation to Singapore from Vietnam is by air. The flight duration from Hanoi to Singapore is approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes, from Saigon 2 hours, and from Da Nang 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Currently, Vietnamese airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Jetstar Pacific operate flights from Hanoi/ Saigon to Singapore. Additionally, there are international airlines with attractive fares to Singapore, including Cathay Pacific Airways, Singapore Airlines, Tiger Airways, and more.

Pro Tip: To book Singapore flights, monitor discount periods and consider purchasing tickets 3 - 4 months in advance. Alternatively, you can explore night flight deals which are often more budget-friendly. I've personally had a great experience booking through Mytour; their staff is excellent, and the process is incredibly simple!

Here's another money-saving travel hack for Singapore: after landing, consider staying overnight at the airport to save on a hotel room for that night!

Getting Around Independently in Singapore

How to Travel from the Airport to the Center of Singapore

To travel from the airport to the center of Singapore, you can choose from various transportation options such as public buses, subway (MRT), taxis, etc. Below are details on travel time, fare, and some important notes to keep in mind:

Common Means of Transportation in Singapore

In general, Singapore has a relatively small area; therefore, the island nation encourages the use of public transportation to avoid traffic congestion. Convenient modes of transportation include:

• MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): The subway system is the fastest and most convenient means of transportation in the Lion City. With the extensive MRT system throughout the country, it's convenient for tourists to move around key attractions. If you plan to travel for about 5-6 days and need to move frequently, consider purchasing the EZ Link card priced at 12$, available at stations.
• Take the bus in Singapore: Buses are the most common public transportation in Singapore, operating daily from 5:30 am until midnight, perfect for budget-friendly independent travel. Additionally, you can use night services like Nite Owl and NightRider; however, the fares range from 1.50 SGD – 3.00 SGD, depending on the distance, and are higher during these extended hours.

Transportation in Singapore

• Take a taxi in Singapore: Taxi fares in this island nation are relatively expensive, especially during peak hours when it's challenging to hail one. Singapore taxis come in 3 types: Regular, Chrysler, and Limousine. The initial fare for 1 km is around 3 - 5$, with subsequent kilometers costing 0.5$. During peak hours from 6 am to 9:30 am and 6 pm to 9 pm, as well as on public holidays, an additional 25% surcharge applies. If you take a taxi between 12 am and 6 am, the surcharge increases to 50%.
• Use Grab in Singapore: In Singapore, you can also use Grab, and fares may increase during peak hours. Additionally, if you have children and require a baby seat, drivers may decline the ride. A helpful tip when taking a taxi or Grab in Singapore is to wait at designated pick-up points, as these vehicles strictly adhere to regulations, and you won't be able to flag them down along the roadside.

Which hotel to choose in Singapore?

Known as one of the most expensive countries globally, hotel prices in Singapore are relatively high.

For an affordable solo or small group trip to Singapore, it's best to opt for dormitory-style accommodations (rooms with multiple beds, one per person). You can rent such rooms at hostels; however, it's advisable to choose a hostel near bus stops or MRT stations for convenient transportation.

You can choose from some budget hotels or 3-star hotels in Singapore with prices ranging around $100. For those travelers seeking a more luxurious experience, there's the option to go for 4 or 5-star hotels.

The room rates for high-end hotels in Singapore are relatively high, ranging from $200 to $300. Additionally, since each traveler has different preferences, I'll provide some suggestions on areas to stay for you:

Pros and cons of various areas for choosing hotel accommodations in Singapore

Must-Visit Destinations

Famous tourist spots in Singapore

When traveling independently in this beautiful island nation, you have a plethora of options for sightseeing, from the most renowned tourist attractions to delightful shopping spots and indulging in enticing cuisine. Singapore is always ready to welcome you.

Marina Bay

This area stands out as one of the most captivating tourist destinations in Singapore. From bustling streets to modern architecture, Marina Bay is considered the heart of the Lion City.

Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore luxurious and prestigious shopping complexes, especially the Marina Bay Sands hotel with its unique architecture and the world's largest infinity pool.

The luxurious scenery of Marina Bay

Moreover, you can't miss the Merlion Park - the symbol of Singapore, and the Lau Pa Sat food market. If you want to experience the evening ambiance of Marina Bay, come here at night to admire the dazzling super trees of Gardens by the Bay.

Merlion Statue

Among the prominent attractions in Singapore, the Merlion Statue - the symbol of Singapore, is a must-mention. Nowadays, you can marvel at this legendary structure at Merlion Park where water spurts from its 8.6m high and 70-ton heavy mouth.

Merlion Sea Lion Statue - the icon of Singapore

Gardens by the Bay

An unforgettable experience in Singapore is immersing yourself in 'Instagrammable' photos amidst the vast lush greenery amidst the heart of the modern city.

This sprawling 100-hectare garden is ingeniously designed, combining magnificent botanical structures to create an architectural and artistic masterpiece.

Exploring Gardens by the Bay is completely free, except for the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, which require separate tickets. The entrance fee for these two areas is 28 SGD for adults and 15 SGD for children.

Lost in the midst of the giant forest at Gardens by the Bay

Chinatown

If you're looking for free attractions in Singapore, head to Chinatown with its lively commercial centers and charming appeal for tourists visiting Singapore.

Moreover, this place is considered a Singaporean culinary paradise with numerous aromatic street food stalls lining every street. With just 30 SGD in hand, you can fill your hungry stomach to the brim.

Best Souvenir Shopping in Chinatown

Sentosa Island

This is one of the most famous travel destinations in Singapore that visitors should not miss. Sentosa is one of the 4 largest islands in Singapore, a favorite spot for leisure seekers.

In the past, it was a small fishing village covering only 3km2, but later, entrepreneurs invested and transformed it into a top-notch resort area combined with supreme entertainment.

Entertainment zone with various appealing areas for you, such as:

In addition to the famous tourist spots in Singapore mentioned above, don't overlook other enticing entertainment spots on the beautiful island like: the culturally rich Little India, Tiong Bahru area with various bookshops, bakeries, cafes, and more.

Make sure to add Famous Travel Spots in Singapore to your itinerary!

After reading this, surely within you, the spirit is bubbling to set foot in this beautiful Lion Island on your own. Let's explore the popular Singapore tours at Mytour right below!

Must-Try Local Delicacies in Singapore

Irresistibly delicious with Singaporean cuisine

In general, Singaporean cuisine is highly diverse, showcasing dishes from various cultural backgrounds. In Singapore, you'll find food courts (similar to buffets, but you pay for the food at each counter) scattered everywhere, from shopping centers to subway stations, offering a variety of dishes from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and more.

Chilli Crab

As a dish embodying the soul of the nation, Chilli Crab ranks 50th on the list of the world's best dishes voted by CNNGo. Chilli Crab has a sweet and spicy Chinese-style flavor, accompanied by succulent crab meat served with steamed buns. Prices range from 35 - 50 SGD per serving.

National Culinary Pride of Singapore - Chilli Crab

Hainanese Chicken Rice

This traditional dish embodies the essence of the Lion Island, available everywhere from upscale restaurants to casual eateries and food courts. Prices range from 3.5 - 10 SGD, depending on the establishment.

Enjoy chicken rice from casual eateries to upscale restaurants

Frog Porridge

You can savor this famous Singaporean specialty anywhere you go. Singaporean Frog Porridge consists of white porridge and frog meat with a unique spicy and salty flavor. Prices range from 12 - 17 SGD.

Savor the unique flavor of Singaporean Frog Porridge

Dimsum

Dimsum is a Chinese dish consisting of light snacks made from wheat flour, rice flour, seafood, and meat fillings. In Singapore, you can enjoy various famous dimsum dishes like siu mai, har gow, baozi, rice cakes, and various types of rolls...

Experience delicious and enticing dimsum varieties

Grilled Satay Skewers

Grilled skewers are made from various meats such as chicken, pork, lamb, etc. The meat is marinated with spices, skewered, and grilled to perfection, served with sauce, peanuts, and cucumber. You can enjoy this dish on every street in Singapore.

These Satay skewers will make you swoon with delight

To understand more about the culinary heritage of the Lion Island, you can read this article!

Smart Shopping Strategies in Singapore

When traveling to Singapore on your own, don't forget to spare some time to explore the major shopping centers and fantastic shopping spots in Singapore for a satisfying shopping experience. It's best to visit from June to August or during Christmas, as many large shopping centers and prominent stores offer weekly discount programs that are truly remarkable.

The most famous shopping destinations in the Lion City that you should check out include Orchard Road, City Hall & Marina Bay, Chinatown,... Additionally, consider exploring some affordable shopping places in Singapore such as:

• Bugis Area: With over 800 stalls offering a variety of cosmetics, jewelry, clothing, electronics, and beauty services.
• Mustafa Centre: A hub for items like clothing, cosmetics, electronics, snacks, and affordable food.
• Lucky Plaza: Known for reasonably priced items like fashion accessories, clothing, perfume, watches, eyewear,...
• Far East Plaza: A bustling shopping district with a variety of jewelry, electronics, and fashion items.

Affordable Shopping Spots in Singapore

Essential Tips for Independent Travelers in Singapore

Must-Dos

• Pay attention to neat, polite, and modest dressing, especially in sacred areas. For beach outings, you can dress more casually.
• When visiting sacred areas, temples, and shrines in Singapore, remember to leave your shoes outside.
• After shopping in Singapore, keep your receipts to claim a 7% tax refund at the airport.

Things to Avoid

• Do not litter as Singapore is known for being the cleanest city globally. Littering may result in a fine of up to 5000 SGD.
• No smoking in public places such as movie theaters, trains, buses, elevators, or tourist spots. Violating smoking rules can lead to a fine of 500 SGD.
• Chewing gum in Singapore is considered illegal and can result in a fine of 1000 SGD and 10 hours of community service.
• Avoid discussions on political issues, religious conflicts, or racial discrimination in this country.
• Do not bring durian to crowded areas in Singapore as the odor can be offensive to others. You will encounter signs prohibiting durians in public places.
• Note that eating is not allowed on the MRT (subway) in Singapore, so have your meals before or after the journey. Eating on the MRT in Singapore can result in a fine of 500 SGD.

Hope these independent travel experiences in Singapore provide you with valuable information on transportation, sightseeing, dining, etc. for a complete and enjoyable journey. If you're planning a trip to this beautiful country, don't hesitate to click the tempting orange button below with Mytour!