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Traveling to Singapore for the First Time: All You Need to Know

budget hotels in singapore

If you’ve ever wandered into Singapore for the first time, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve stumbled into a paradox—an urban jungle that’s at once futuristic and profoundly traditional. I’ve been there twice, and each visit unraveled new layers of this young and small country’s genius. It’s a place where skyscrapers nestle against verdant gardens, and food markets burst with flavors that defy their size. Singapore is a testament to the idea that small spaces can harbor grand ambitions. From the architectural marvels of Marina Bay Sands to the untouched beauty of Sentosa’s beaches, this country is a small wonder brimming with big surprises.

Singapore Travel Planning: How to plan your trip to Singapore

Our Singapore travel guide will help you plan the perfect city trip. You’ll also find our best tips on cultural and culinary highlights. As such, the city offers a relaxing and refreshing experience to anyone looking to unwind. You’ll find luxury on every corner, with five-star hotels, rooftop pools, cocktail bars, restaurants of the highest quality, and spas galore. Singapore Changi Airport has a rooftop swimming pool for those looking to cool off before or after a flight. Our complete travel guide will help you discover all the best spots in Singapore. 

budget hotels in singapore
Your first time in Singapore means checking out the murals and street art at Tiong Bahru

Bus networks like Transtar Travel Pte Ltd and First Coach bus provide fast and reliable connectivity from Malaysia to Singapore and back. For Malaysians, booking tickets is easy in their native language with bas online ticket. You can plan your Singapore trip, book attraction tickets, and book ferry tickets to islands like Tioman all in one place. 

Is it Safe to Travel to Singapore Alone?

Traveling solo as a woman in Singapore? Absolutely, and here’s why. I’ve roamed Singapore’s streets alone twice, and I can tell you, it’s one of the safest countries you’ll ever set foot in. This city-state doesn’t just brag about its low crime rates for nothing. It’s a place where you can wander through the bustling markets or stroll down dimly lit alleys without a second thought. The public transport is spotless, reliable, and easy to navigate, and the locals, while reserved, are generally polite and helpful. You’ll find that safety is woven into the very fabric of the city’s ethos. From the glitzy Marina Bay Sands to the tranquil Gardens by the Bay, Singapore’s charm is matched only by its security. So go ahead, pack your bags and explore—it’s a city where solo adventures are not just safe but warmly welcomed.

Is Singapore expensive to travel?

Is Singapore expensive? Well, it’s all relative. I’ve ventured to Singapore alone twice and can tell you it’s not the wallet-busting beast some might assume. Sure, if you’re after luxury and high-end dining, you’ll find your bills climbing. But the Singapore offers a surprisingly spacious playground for budget travelers. Street food stalls and hawker centers serve up top-notch meals at prices that won’t drain your bank account. Public transport is efficient and affordable, and budget accommodations are plentiful. Singapore’s allure isn’t solely in its glitz but in its versatility. You can experience its marvels without burning a hole in your pocket. The trick is to savor the local gems and embrace the value-packed side of this urban wonder.

Singapore’s Best Time to Visit

When is the best time for you to visit Singapore? This seasonal information will help you learn more about the weather in Singapore.

Hot season (June to August): Singapore’s humidity is almost always high, but June and August are the hottest months and have the lowest levels of humidity. Temperatures can reach up to 32-34 degrees Celsius during this period. This season is not only the warmest but also the most popular due to the lower humidity. It attracts tourists and people who want to escape cooler temperatures in places like Australia and New Zealand. It’s the most popular season for tourism. Hotel prices are higher and tours and accommodations are booked faster.

Booking a hotel with a rooftop swimming pool is a great way to cool off after sightseeing.

The Wet Season in Singapore (November to January): Singapore experiences heavy rains during this period, but they do not last long. Singapore’s wet season is characterized by short and heavy rains, often accompanied by mesmerizing storms. You may have to take shelter, but you will be out exploring again. It’s also the best season for backpacking, with fewer tourists and cheaper prices.

Cool season (December-February). Temperatures in Singapore are relatively constant throughout the year, but December and February offer the most pleasant temperatures. This is the best time to explore the city, and enjoy outdoor activities on the jungle fringes. Booking early is recommended because December can be a busy time. Accommodation and tours are more expensive.

Singapore’s beaches and coastlines

Singapore has some lovely urban beaches, even though it’s not known for its coast. Locals consider Sentosa Island to be one of Singapore’s best attractions, with its beautiful beaches such as Palawan Beach and Tanjong Beach. It is known primarily for its beach clubs and water parks. The island is more of a destination for entertainment than beach relaxation.

East Coast Park offers a respite to the city. Families love it for picnics, BBQs, rollerblading and picnics. Locals and tourists love this space, even though the water isn’t always the clearest. Rent a bike to explore the natural surroundings in the sprawling urban jungle.

first time in singapore

The jungles and nature reserves that surround the city offer more natural experiences. They are only a short bus ride away.. You can spend your Singapore vacation spotting monkeys at the Bukit Timah nature reserve, riding the cable car up Mount Faber or searching for crocodiles, monitor lizards, and crocodiles in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

Singapore is a unique city to visit because of its countless natural experiences. You won’t find anywhere else that you can enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning under skyscrapers and then spend your afternoon in a tranquil jungle. Singapore has it all: zipline across Sentosa Island and marvel at the waterfalls in the cloud forest. Cross suspension bridges at MacRitchie Reservoir in the forest canopy.

Food, Culture, and Religion

Singapore, a city-state with a history of colonization and immigration, is a melting pot of cultures and religions. The community is very harmonious, and people of all backgrounds come together to enjoy different traditions. Singapore is a fascinating place to visit.

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Religion

Singapore has no dominant religion. The city is a melting pot of religions, including Islam, Buddhism and Christianity. It also has a lesser-known philosophy called Taoism. Due to the wide range of religions co-existing in Singapore, visitors will find a variety of temples. The most notable are the red Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, and the white cathedral of St Andrews.

Food

Singapore’s food scene is legendary and one of the best things about a Singapore holiday! Multiculturalism in Singapore has produced a plethora of tastes, from the spicy Indian food to the fragrant and cheap hawker stands of Chinatown. Hainanese Chicken Rice, Chili Crab, and Nasi Lemak are all influenced by Chinese and Malaysian cuisine. You can also enjoy the best Roti and Biryani Curry under the colorful facades in vibrant Little India. The city has also become a hub for international cuisine, including upscale restaurants led by chefs from around the globe.

Enjoy a variety of cuisines. You can eat with your hands on stools in Little India or sample the delicacies of each vendor at the hawker centers. Or reserve a seat in one of the Michelin Star Restaurants and enjoy regional dishes while enjoying the night views of the city. Singapore has a variety of restaurants and dishes for all travelers. Enjoying the food in Singapore is one the best things to see and do!

Try the Hawker’s favorite, Char Kway Teow. This delicious wok-noodle dish is from China and usually served on banana leaves with a squeezed lime. ).

Culture

Singapore’s culture is warm and vibrant. It is a reflection of the harmony in the community. The city is a social melting pot where people of different languages, religions and nationalities live together. They celebrate holidays and traditional dishes, as well as their dialects. Singapore’s icon is the Merlion statue, which has a head of a Lion and a body of a Fish. It represents Singapore’s humble beginnings as a small fishing village, and its fusion of cultures. Celebrate world-famous festivals such as Chinese New Year or Deepavali and discover the arts of Malay dancing, Chinese opera or Indian music during your Singapore vacation.

Traveling in Singapore is a multicultural feast!

Why you should travel to Singapore

Singapore is a city full of possibilities. Singapore is a city of contrasts, with the fusion between cultures and religions and the juxtaposition of tradition and modernity. No other city offers such a contrasted landscape, with a rainforest inhabited by monkeys growing between architectural marvels. There’s so much to discover and enjoy in this city. You can always come back for another trip to Singapore.

Singapore is a beautiful city with many luxury hotels and restaurants. It also has some of the best shopping and dining in the world. Singapore is not just about the glitz and glamor. There’s also a lot of history and tradition in districts such as Little India and Chinatown, with their colonial architecture, temples and authentic streets. In just 24 hours you can explore traditional temples and lanterns, spot monitor Lizards on the streets, and eat the finest food.

If you’re looking for a Singapore bucket list item, visit the Gardens by the Bay. You can enjoy one of the most impressive free light shows accompanied by music that is echoed from the avatar-like structures. For those who enjoy a bit of adrenaline in their day, you can ride roller coasters at Universal Studios or go ziplining on Sentosa Island. You can also be amazed by the G force generated by the cars during the Singapore Grand Prix.

Jona of Backpacking with a Book

Hi there, I’m Jona, originally from Cebu, Philippines, had live in Hanoi, Vietnam, and now currently based in Munich, Germany. This blog used to house thoughts on life and books, but eventually it morphed into a travel blog. For collaborations, projects, and other things, please email me at backpackingwithabook@gmail.com. For essays, creative nonfiction, and others, find me elsewhere.

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