A land with a step into the future with its skyscrapers, Singapore is a progressive country, filled with a magical aura from all the world’s regions. When traveling to Singapore, this 5-day itinerary includes the best sites and recommendations of where to eat.
Singapore is famous for its developmental powers in recent years. Its Changi Airport is rated one of the best in the world, especially with the addition of the rain vortex.
The new and impressive shopping malls, exquisite restaurants and dine-ins, luxurious hotels, and intimidating views of land make this country different from the rest.
Singapore has also got all the funky activities alongside the historical locations. The nightlife here is much lit and happening. The street music and environment make you dance your heart out with friends.
Apart from all the modern attractions, this place is quite close to nature with its botanical gardens, Flower Dome, and Supertree Grove. It is an ideal southeast Asia destination for people traveling alone as well as ones traveling with their families.
Some who travel to Singapore do so enroute to another Asian country. Instead of flying through, please spend time absorbing its beauty, culture, and everchanging landscape.
There is comfort in Singapore for all kinds of travelers with their flexible hotel expenses and various options you can choose from.
Where To Stay In Singapore
Singapore is a small city and country so no matter where you stay, you can access its main attractions by transit. While a Singapore trip can be expensive with numerous luxury hotels, there are accommodations for all budgets.
For luxury stays, guests at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel enjoy the perk of swimming in a roof-top infinity pool in the Skypark.
Alternatively, the iconic Raffles Hotel offers an idyllic location in central Singapore. Its classic white colonial architecture delights patrons who stay there. Guests have access to a wellness spa and fitness center.
They can also enjoy the British Raffles Hotel afternoon tea in the Tiffin Room or quench their thirst with a signature Singapore Sling in the Long Bar.
For hotels that won’t break the bank, the Swissotel the Stamford offers panoramic views of the city skyline, and it’s accessible right from the MRT station. During my stay, I enjoyed a fantastic fitness center, two swimming pools, and a spacious room, overlooking the harbour. You can read our review of the Swissotel the Stamford.
Be sure to book a harbour view room. While costing extra, it’s worth every extra dollar to savour the view both night and day.
Located near the Buddha Tooth Temple, the AMOY by Far East Hospitality has lovely rooms at reasonable prices. This boutique hotel has a lot of character and is close to many cultural places. Guests enjoy a lovely breakfast in the cafe.
The Ji Hotel Orchard provides a budget-friendly stay near an MRT station. We stayed here too and liked the easy access to the mass rapid transit system, that could get us anywhere quickly.
Singapore has many capsule hotels for those wanting to stay on the cheap and don’t mind sacrificing space. A capsule hotel provides a bed if you’re not claustrophobic and traveling solo.
Getting Around Singapore
Since Singapore is a small country, a vehicle isn’t required to get around. Their MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) provides fast and efficient transit from one area to another. We used the MRT every day of our one month stay, and all rides cost us under SGD 2.
Alternatively, the Singapore Tourist Pass gives unlimited ridership for the number of days purchased. We preferred the Stored-Value Smartcard which costs SGD 10 and comes with an SGD 5 credit loaded to the card.
Singapore supplements its MRT with buses, which have an extensive network of routes. Buses provide a more scenic way to get around by, but we found them harder to navigate, since the driver doesn’t announce the stops.
Taxis are readily available but may not be the most economical way to get around. Since Singapore has many toll roads, the fare may vary by the route chosen.
The Singapore cable car offers an overhead ride from Mount Faber to Sentosa Island. On the island, the Sentosa Line gets you from one area to another, all while enjoying the views from above.
Since Singapore is quite compact, you can also explore areas on a walking tour. So, here is a 5-day itinerary to beautiful Singapore with countless things to offer.
Day 1: Explore Singapore’s Indian Culture
On the day of your arrival in Singapore, rest a bit and head towards the Kampong Glam neighbourhood. Start an expedition from the “Little India and Arab Street.” This place is a famous tourist spot so it’s easy to find.
Arab Street has years-old structures, shops, and stalls filled with Arabian souvenirs and cultural items. I had fun browsing the fabric shops, gift stores, and carpet dealers.
Don’t miss the authentic Arabic food and snacks while walking around the street. The environment and the architecture will take on a spin of Arabic values in just a short time.
Alternatively, Haji Lane offers a vibrant atmosphere with eclectic shopping, mesmerizing street art, and quaint cafes. The diverse selection of goods is a little quirky, and maybe that’s what makes Haji Lane so alluring.
Continue onto to the eastern region by visiting one of the most beautiful historical places in Singapore, “The Sultan Mosque.” This mosque is just down the road from the Arabic and Indian streets.
With a history of almost three centuries, this is a must-visit place. Its majestic domes and glass bases, along with the grand prayer area, captivate your sense of seeing. The mosque is a national monument as well as the heart and soul of the Singaporean Muslim community.
To enjoy an explosion of color, pop by the Sri Veeramakaliamman Hindu Temple, initially built as a shrine to the Hindu Goddess Kali. We found the colorful figures on the exterior are as interesting as the temple’s interior.
End the day with an authentic Turkish experience at the Anatolia Turkish Restaurant, a short walk away from Sultan Mosque.
This place is known for its classic Turkish ambiance, with numerous sweets made from traditional Turkish recipes. You can enjoy a perfect dinner ending your night with exclusive Turkish drinks.
Day 2: Discover Singapore’s History
Singapore is a hub of heritages from all the regions of the world. There aren’t any places devoid of its rich culture with its numerous fantastic museums.
Among all these museums, National Museum Singapore is home to one of the most unique antiques and historical works. This place has two main galleries: the Singapore Living Galleries transports visitors on a mini tour around Singapore.
They exhibit food, photography, films, and fashion from the country. The second house is the History Gallery, which summarizes the history of Singapore since the 14th century.
Alternatively, art enthusiasts may prefer the National Gallery Singapore. It features the most extensive collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asia art worldwide. The pieces date from the 19th century onwards. Knowing about the history of a place is the best part of being a traveler.
Alternatively, Fort Canning Park offers a fresher experience of the past. It is located right in the centre of Singapore and is one of the most significant historical places there. The highlight of my visit to Fort Canning was the underground bunker called the Battle Box.
Apart from its historical importance, lush green foliage fills the park. The environment is home to many stray birds, and there is always a pleasant wind blowing through the corridors and garden.
Since the day went too formal, end it with a party at Clarke Quay – one of the most popular places among travelers. This place is for the people who like to stay up all night.
Clarke Quay buzzes with energy, and visitors can enjoy drinks and local food from the stalls and shops there. Walking down the street, thrill seekers can enjoy the reverse bungee jumping or be mesmerized by the neon lights display.
If time allows, consider visiting Merlion Park, further down the Singapore River. The Merlion is a mythical creature with a lion’s head and a fish body. Its head represents the current “Lion City” and the body, its humble beginning as a fishing village.
Day 3: Visit Singapore’s Chinatown
No Singapore itinerary is complete without experiencing the beautiful Chinese heritage on the third day. Start it with a walk through Chinatown. This place can be a little busy but offers an immersion in Chinese culture.
I suggest skipping souvenir shopping at Pagoda Street and save for all the scrumptious food at Smith Street. This is Chinatown food street with an exceptional display of hawker stalls.
For more Chinese history and culture, walk to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. The striking Buddhist temple was constructed based on the Tang dynasty architectural style.
The four storey building houses a number of smaller museums and gold-gilded statues adorn its halls. You’ll find the Nagapuspa Buddhist Culture Museum on the third floor, with relics from Thailand, Korea, China, and other Asian countries.
On your walk down the heritage road, the next stop should be Changi Museum. It is a Japanese museum that displays the history of Japan in WWII.
This place is divided into five sections, each with different writing scripts and audio-guided tours of the artifact’s exhibitioner. The museum is specifically catered to people who have read and know about the history of World War II.
You’ve come to Singapore and haven’t encountered any animals yet. Well, it’s time to visit the Singapore Zoo, known for its rainforest environment.
It is famous for its eye-catching models of animals, designed to keep animals in larger spaces and make them feel less like entrapment.
This zoo is home to more than 300 animal species, 15% of which are endangered ones. For added excitement, take the river safari or night safari, to see animals that are active at night.
Jurong Bird Park offers an array of feathered friends, presenting a choice for those opting out of the zoo experience. With over 400 species, visitors can marvel at colorful varieties, many of which may not be native to their own country.
End your day by savoring a meal at Madame Fan, a Michelin-star restaurant offering Cantonese dishes. Be sure to try the chive dumplings and aromatic duck, while you listen to live music.
Day 4: Spend A Day On Sentosa Island
It’s time to see a beach on the fourth day, and there’s no better place than Sentosa Island. From beaches to amusement parks and dine-ins, Sentosa Island has it. Resorts World Sentosa offers a diverse island playground to Singapore city.
Sentosa Island provides a day out for families or individuals seeking Singapore’s bucket list adventures. Bungee jumping, giant swing, and indoor skydiving are available here.
It is an island resort on the southern coast that can be reached by road trips, cable cars, pedestrian boardwalks, and monorail.
Select from exhilarating beach spots where kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming are encouraged. These beaches include Siloso Beach, Palawan Beach, and many more beach resorts you should explore.
Talking about exploration, nobody should miss the S.E.A Aquarium of Singapore. The sea aquarium is one of the world’s largest, home to more than 10,000 marine animals from more than 40 underwater habitats.
From the depths of the sea to the heights, one should explore every part of the place they visit. The most exciting thing for people who like to take a quick scan is the Tiger Sky Tower.
It provides a magnificent bird’s eye view extending to Indonesia.
For thrill lovers, Sentosa has Universal Studios Singapore, with one of the world’s fastest and most thrilling rides.
So, whether traveling solo traveler or with family, this is your place. Don’t miss out on the Trick Eye Museum; it is fun for both adults and children.
For a well prepared meal, check out The Kitchen Table on Sentosa Island. The service is impeccable, the food fresh, and the restaurant exudes a lovely ambiance.
Day 5: Enjoy Singapore’s Gardens
Spend the last day in the most scenic areas of Singapore. There is no such healer as nature, which the Singapore Botanic Gardens provides.
This place is filled with exotic plants and, of course, Singapore’s national flower, orchids. The Botanic Gardens are extensive and the highlight for us was the National Orchid Garden. While there’s a fee to enter, we felt it was worth every dollar.
The ducks and swans beautify the lakes and water bodies, which enhances the park. The morning wind here feels very refreshing and purified. You can continue your tour for a nature spree at the Punggol Water Park.
When traveling to Singapore with a family, Punggol Waterway Park is a great place to enjoy the beauty of nature. This place is divided into four theme parks, each worth spending hours at; Recreation Zone, Heritage Zone, Nature Cove, and Green Gallery.
Alternatively, avid gardeners may prefer Gardens by the Bay. Located on the river, it’s a uniquely built green space that looks beautiful during the day.
At night, the Supertree Grove provides a breathtaking light and music show called Garden Rhapsody.
While we enjoyed the light show, visiting in the day provided a contrasting experience, and a visit with smaller crowds.
Gardens by the Bay has three zones, and we couldn’t see it all in one day. However, pick what appeals to you. Its Flower Dome is the largest glass greenhouse globally, an its display changes with the season.
We visited during Chinese New Year when the glass house featured dragons made of flowers. Adjacent to it, you can enjoy the gentle mist of a waterfall inside the Cloud Dome.
We’ve done everything, but how can we miss shopping? Orchard Road is famous for its variety and availability of all kinds of products. This place is heavily packed and ideal for satisfying the shopping addicts.
Orchard Road has 22 malls and 6 department stores; all of this in one place is quite a sight for a traveler. Moreover, it’s a chance to interact with many different kinds of people at one stop.
Are Five Days Enough In Singapore?
A five-day trip to Singapore can cover most of the popular attractions, and the itinerary can be tweaked to suit your interests. If taking a cruise from the Singapore port, adding a few days to see the city’s highlights makes sense.
I recommend riding the Singapore Flyer or visiting the Marina Bay Sands Skypark for impressive aerial views of the city.
There is much more to do in Singapore other than the above attractions. Since Malaysia sits next to Singapore, some combine their trip with time in Malaysia. 355 km northwest, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital, has many exciting attractions of its own.
However, to explore another country, you’ll need more than five days. By not covering everything in Singapore, the country will entice you to return for an encore visit.
