Thinking of travelling to Singapore? You won’t be disappointed: this hypermodern country has elements of Japan, Europe, and Dubai all rolled into one aesthetically-pleasing package. Put simply, it has plenty to offer curious travellers. From world-class food to outstanding attractions and architecture, it’s a country that rarely fails to live up to people’s expectations. If you’re wondering about the best times of the year or whether you should go on a food tour (hint: the answer is yes), here are some useful travel tips for first-time visitors to Singapore!
The end result? A trip that shows you the very best that Singapore has to offer.
Useful travel tips for first-time visitors to Singapore
1. Avoid the rainy season
Just like everywhere else in Southeast Asia, you’ll encounter humid conditions no matter when you’re visiting Singapore — it’s just how it is there! Still, there are periods that are better to visit than others. For instance, the rainy season runs from November to January, so if you’re not a fan of monsoon-style weather, don’t plan your trip for that time of year. If you’re travelling to Singapore, come during the driest period: February to October. (Just be sure to pack sunscreen!).
2. Take a sightseeing tour
It’s highly recommended to jump on a sightseeing bus when you first land in Singapore, especially if you’re only visiting for a few days. We think it’s a good idea to do this no matter where you are, but it’s especially beneficial in Singapore since it’ll take you to all the key attractions (there are a lot of them) and help to get your bearings. There are a bunch of companies to choose from, and they all essentially offer the same thing.
3. Try the street food
A word of advice when travelling to Singapore: Bring your appetite with you! Singapore has some of the world’s best food, so you’ll be eating well while you’re there. Singapore has a reputation for being an expensive country, yet while it’s true that you can go to very expensive (and delicious) restaurants, you’ll find enough cheap eats to keep you fully satisfied. After all, there’s a reason why street food in Singapore is among the best in the world!
If you’re a true foodie, join a food tour of Singapore; they’ll take you to all the hidden spots that you probably wouldn’t find on your own.
Also read: 10 Best Hawker Centres in Singapore That Locals & Travelling Foodies Swear By
4. What to see and things to do
The list of things you can see and do in Singapore is long, so we won’t tell you everything. Instead, there are a few places that people often overlook.
The Marina Sands Bay casino, for instance, is well worth a visit — it’s routinely voted one of the best in the world, and even if you’re not a gambler, you’ll at least enjoy the stunning decor. Though for the true experience, brush up on your casino skills before you go, and spend some time at a table or slot machines. Once you’ve finished, head up to the observation deck at the same location — it offers the best view of the country.
Also, try to visit Gardens by the Bay — an absolute stunning must-visit — early on in the day, when the crowds are fewer.
5. Use public transport
In some cities, it’s best to rent a car or take taxis. However, Singapore is not one of these places. The public transport system is an experience in itself, purely because it’s so efficient.
But forget the experience aspect: From a purely functional perspective, it’ll get you to all the places you need to be in a jiffy without breaking the bank.
6. Avoid fines
Finally, one of the most important travel tips when in Singapore: Don’t have your trip rudely interrupted by a fine from the police! You’ll notice how clean and orderly Singapore is, and that doesn’t happen by accident. If you spit or even fail to flush a toilet, you could be fined.
Fines are also dished out for things that would be perfectly normal elsewhere, such as crossing the street without waiting for the green man or connecting to another person’s WiFi.
Also read: 7 Tips for Travelling to Singapore on a Budget, According to Locals
Are you excited to finally tick the exciting Little Red Dot off your bucket list? Tell us all about your time in Singapore on our Facebook Page, or by tagging us on #TripZillaShare on Instagram!
Featured image credit: Kin Pastor | Pexels