Introduction: Overview of Singapore as a Travel Destination
Singapore is an incredible travel destination, offering a unique blend of culture, food, and attractions. Whether you are looking to explore the vibrant city life or take in its iconic sights, this 5-days and 4-nights ultimate Singapore travel guide can help you get the most out of your visit.
From top-notch hotels to exciting activities and must-see attractions, this Singapore travel guide will provide you with all the information you need to make your trip smooth and memorable. So grab your passport and get ready for an adventure—it’s time to explore the lion city with this helpful travel guide.
Best Areas to Explore and Stay in Singapore
There are 3 areas in Singapore that I highly recommend on this Singapore travel guide where you can book your stay. These are Orchard, Marina and Clarke Quay.
On my recent visit to Singapore, I stayed at the Orchard area, the shopping belt in central Singapore.
Why would you stay in the Orchard area?
It is one of most famous shopping streets in Singapore, it’s an ideal district to shop, dine or have a pleasant stroll along its tree-lined street.
Recommended hotel in Orchard area
Yotel Singapore- Given its posh location in Orchard road, smart, futuristic design, top-notch service and amenities, inviting ambiance and comfortable stay, YOTEL Singapore is ultimately the best-value hotel in Orchard. You can read my full hotel review here.
Click this link to check prices and get a discounted rate.
How to get to Orchard via MRT
Travel by MRT is very convenient! Alight at Orchard and Somerset stations, purchase your train tickets from the ticketing counters, or you can get the Singapore Tourist Pass at the airport which gives you unlimited access to transportation all around the city.
Why would you stay in the Marina area?
If you love watching the Singapore Skyline and its very famous landmark which is the Merlion. Marina area is the place to be, it can give you the best views of the city landscape, and one of its most iconic buildings—the Marina Bay Sands. You will also love the scenic stroll along the Singapore River with a beautiful landscape as your backdrop.
Recommended hotel in Marina area
The Fullerton Hotel – This hotel set extremely high standards. The best facilities you would ever experience in a hotel in Singapore. They have a very comfortable bed and sofa. Well stocked mini bar with glasses, smart bathroom with lovely towels and a modern toilet. The hotel has a nice pool, gym and spa. Staff are noted to be very friendly and offer an unbelievable view across the bay with the laser show. A stay in Fullerton hotel is a must for a special occasion. It was a real treat to stay here.
Click this link to check prices and get a discounted rate
How to get to Marina via MRT
You can alight at Bayfront, Marina bay or Raffles place station depending on where you plan to go in the Marina area.
Why would you stay in Clark Quay?
If you love a vibrant nightlife, Clarke Quay is the best place for you to stay in Singapore, this area runs along the Singapore River. It is a unique place with preserved historic landmarks. Its cementing its reputation as one of the liveliest areas in Singapore.
There are many restaurants located facing the waterfront, giving you stunning views and cool breeze from the Singapore River.
Recommended hotel in Clarke Quay area
InterContinental Singapore- Known for luxurious comfort with elegance and a touch of class. They have a very comfortable bed, great view from the room, and an awesome breakfast. The hotel service is impeccable and remarkable.
Click this link to check prices and get a discounted rate
How to get to Clarke Quay via MRT
You can alight at Clarke Quay MRT station to start exploring this area.
To browse more hotels in Singapore depending on your budget, simply click this link.
Top Attractions and Experiences Not to be Missed in Singapore
These are some of the top attractions and experiences in Singapore that should be part of your itinerary. I highly recommend to book your ticket in advance in some attractions to avoid falling in line.
National Museum of Singapore – The oldest museum in Singapore, which showcases works and exhibitions of Singapore art and culture. Book a discounted ticket here!
Emerald Hill Road – A great place to eat and If you fancy a drink, such a vibrant busy and hipster little area with great food and cocktails.
The Merlion – Spouting water from its mouth, the Merlion statue stands at 8.6 metres and weighs 70 tonnes. It’s the official mascot of Singapore which attracts an enormous number of tourists to Singapore every year.
Marina Bay Sands – A 2,561 room hotel, topped by a Sky-park giving you a 360-degree view of the city. There is also the world’s largest Infinity pool offering you one of the best views of Singapore’s landscape.
Singapore Flyer – A giant Ferris Wheel which gives stunning views of the city’s landscape and historical landmarks. You should take a ride if you love the Singapore city skyline. The best time to enjoy the ride is after 7 pm to give you the amazing view of the city at night. Book a discounted ticket here!
Gardens by the Bay – Its showpiece is a colorful futuristic, horticulture and garden artistry that presents the plant kingdom in a whole new way. It is known for its super tree structures, skywalk and Conservatory domes. Book a discounted ticket here!
Universal Studios Singapore (USS)– The place that can be enjoyed by all ages adults and kids alike. From theaters to rides to everything else, this place is simply amazing and shouldn’t be missed on your Singapore itinerary. Book a discounted ticket here!
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple – A famous Buddhist temple with a museum concept that has attracted numerous tourists. Plan your visit to go in and leave enough time to pray and appreciate the thousands of buddhas inside.
Tips for Getting Around Singapore Efficiently—Use MRT with Singapore Tourist Pass
The best way to get around Singapore is via the MRT, which is clean, efficient and pretty cheap.
The MRT (subway) System
The Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) system is the subway and my favorite and usual way to get around Singapore. I normally buy a Singapore tourist pass to have unlimited rides on public transportation. You can find a booth at MRT Changi Station. I got mine for 20S$ for 3 days unlimited ride + 10S$ refundable card deposit, which you get if you return the card within 5 days after you buy it. It gives you unlimited travel on MRT and LRT trains and basic bus services.
The train lines are color-coded and signs are in English, which makes it reasonably easy to follow. The lines crossover all over Singapore making it really easy to get where you want to go and, if there’s no train to get you there, the bus lines certainly will.
Trains run from 5.30am to around midnight daily every 2 to 3 minutes during peak hour (7am-9am) and 5 to 7 minutes off-peak. Mobile phones work in the stations, trains and the tunnels, however, there are strict rules about eating, drinking or smoking.
Sample 5-days and 4-nights Singapore Itinerary (Singapore Travel Guide)
Pre-arrival and arrival reminder
- Obtain proof of vaccination
- 3 days before departure: Submit SG Arrival Card and e-health declaration via the official and free e-service on the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website.
- Buy SIM Card – Cheaper at 7/11
- Buy SG Tourist Pass at Changi MRT Station
Day 1
- Check in to your hotel
- Visit Art Science Museum– Open from 10AM-7PM
- How to get to the ArtScience Museum: take the MRT train to Bayfront Station (Exit D) then walk 7mins to the ArtScience Museum.
- Ride Singapore Flyer – Open from 2PM-9:15PM.
- How to get to Singapore Flyer: It can be reached by 20mins walk from Art Science Museum or 6 minutes via taxi or grab.
- Visit Art Science Museum– Open from 10AM-7PM
Day 2
- Visit Singapore Zoo – Open from 8:30AM – 6:00PM
- How to get to Singapore Zoo: Take a train to newton station then transfer to red line then drop at Khatib Station. Exit A then take a bus to Singapore Zoo.
- Gardens by the Bay
- How to get to Gardens by the bay: Take a train going to the brown line then drop at Gardens by the bay MRT Station.
- Dinner and shopping at Marina Bay Sands
Day 3
- Walk around Chinatown, eat at a hawker center and visit Buddha Tooth Relic
- How to get to Chinatown Singapore: Take an MRT to Chinatown station.
- See the Merlion and walk around the esplanade
- How to get to Merlion: You can take an MRT and drop off at MRT Raffles place station and walk toward One Fullerton.
- If you want to shop visit orchard road at night and fancy a drink at Emerald Hill Road
Day 4
- Have fun and exciting rides at Universal Studios Singapore
- How to get to Universal Studios Singapore: Take Mrt to Chinatown transfer to Violet lane drop at Harbourfront Walk into the VivoCity Mall and climb to Level 3 of the Mall. Then proceed to Lobby L. You know you’re at Lobby L when you see Food Republic. Fall in line and purchase a ticket. The ticket costs S$3 and it already includes Sentosa Island Admission. Then board the monorail train going to Sentosa.
- Discover Clarke Quay: Look for a nice place to eat, have some drink and live it up along the Singapore River.
- How to get to Clarke Quay: Ride the MRT to Clarke Quay Station.
Day 5
- If you have a late flight, you can check out early to your hotel, ride the train to Airport and explore Jewel Singapore— a nature-themed entertainment and retail complex surrounded by and linked to one of the passenger terminals of Changi Airport.
Singapore isn’t that big but it’s packed with adventure and interesting things to do. It’s very modern, instagramable, clean, and safe. It’s also packed with nice cafes, restaurants and bars.
I hope this 5-days and 4-nights Singapore travel guide can give you enough time to see the major sights and at the same time have a more relax stay.
