Singapore Travel Guide
Experience the extraordinary energy of Singapore
Experience the extraordinary energy of Singapore
Gleaming modernity, colonial heritage and the world’s great cuisines meet on one remarkable island in Singapore. From the glittering Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay and the shophouse-lined streets of the historic cultural quarters to the legendary hawker centres and the timeless serenity of the Botanic Gardens, Singapore is a destination that consistently exceeds expectations. One of the world’s great city-states, Singapore has transformed itself into an icon of urban ambition while carefully preserving the diverse cultural precincts – Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian – that give it its unique character. See more, do more and experience more on a perfectly packaged Singapore Tour.
Population
5.9 million
Time zone
UTC+8
Best time to visit
Year-round
Capital city
Singapore
Electricity
230V; Type G (three-pin plug, same as Australia)
Flight time
Approx. 8 hours from Australia’s east coast
Currency
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Visa requirements
Not required for stays of up to 30 days
Immerse yourself in Singapore’s dazzling Marina Bay precinct
Immerse yourself in Singapore’s dazzling Marina Bay precinct
Marina Bay is Singapore at its most spectacular – a waterfront precinct where iconic architecture, world-class gardens and the shimmering city skyline create one of the most photographed urban landscapes on earth. The Marina Bay Sands dominates the horizon with its extraordinary rooftop SkyPark, offering panoramic views stretching to Sentosa Island and beyond. The ArtScience Museum houses rotating exhibitions where art, science and technology intersect, while the towering Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay glow against the darkening sky as evening falls in one of Singapore’s most unforgettable spectacles.
Things to do while touring Singapore
Singapore’s historic ethnic quarters each preserve a distinct cultural identity within the fabric of this thoroughly modern city. In Chinatown, century-old temples and clan associations sit alongside hawker centres and the Singapore City Gallery, anchored by the Sri Mariamman Temple rising in a blaze of painted gopuram sculpture. Little India, centred on Serangoon Road, is a riot of marigold garlands, sari shops and spice merchants. Kampong Glam, the historic Malay quarter, is home to the golden-domed Sultan Mosque, the Malay Heritage Centre, and the hip boutiques and street art of Haji Lane.
Singapore’s hawker culture is the beating heart of the city’s social and culinary life. At Maxwell Food Centre, Chan Kee Chicken Rice draws daily queues; at Lau Pa Sat, satay stalls fire up at dusk; and at the Airport Road Food Centre, Michelin-recognised stalls serve laksa, char kway teow and roti prata. Singapore is home to the world’s first Michelin-starred hawker stall – a reminder that extraordinary food here comes at every price point.
Singapore’s Civic District preserves the grandest legacy of its colonial era, with wide boulevards and elegant buildings that speak to the ambitions of Stamford Raffles. The National Museum tells the island’s story from prehistoric times to the present, while the Asian Civilisations Museum at Empress Place houses one of Asia’s finest collections of pan-Asian art.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer 160 years of horticultural excellence across 74 hectares of manicured lawns, rainforest fragments and the spectacular National Orchid Garden. The Southern Ridges walking trail connects a chain of parks across the island’s southern hills, offering canopy walkways and coastal views. Sentosa Island, minutes from the city by cable car, blends beach leisure, adventure attractions and a growing food and arts scene into a perfect afternoon escape.
Orchard Road is Singapore’s famous retail boulevard, a kilometre-long corridor of shopping centres, international flagships and luxury brands. Beyond the mainline shopping, the leafy enclave of Dempsey Hill – former British army barracks reinvented as a precinct of antique galleries, destination restaurants and artisan coffee roasters – invites you to enjoy Singapore at its most relaxed and unhurried.
Top destinations
Singapore Botanical Gardens
Singapore’s Botanic Gardens offers a refreshing retreat from the city’s buzz, blending tropical beauty with rich heritage. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s best known for its sweeping lawns, tranquil waterways and the stunning National Orchid Garden. Stroll through shaded rainforest trails, pause by peaceful lakes and soak up a calmer side of Singapore, right in the heart of the city.
Chinatown
A network of heritage shophouses, clan temples and excellent hawker centres, Singapore’s Chinatown has survived waves of modernisation with its spirit intact. The Sri Mariamman Temple, Chinatown Heritage Centre and Buddha Tooth Relic Temple are the headline attractions, but the greatest pleasure lies in wandering the lanes and absorbing an atmosphere that carries the weight of generations.
Civic District
Singapore’s Civic District is where the city’s past and present come together in a compact, culture-rich precinct. Framed by grand colonial architecture and modern landmarks, it’s home to renowned museums, historic buildings and the scenic Singapore River. Spend time exploring galleries, strolling waterfront promenades and soaking up the stories that shaped the nation.
Singapore frequently asked questions
Australian passport holders do not require a visa to visit Singapore for stays of up to 30 days. Entry conditions may change from time to time, so it’s best to check the latest information before you go. Stay up to date with Smartraveller.
Singapore’s equatorial climate means warm, humid conditions year-round, with no single definitive best time to visit. February and March tend to be the driest months, while the festive seasons –Chinese New Year, Deepavali and Christmas – bring exceptional atmosphere and cultural events.
Singapore’s MRT rail network is one of the world’s finest urban transit systems – clean, punctual and comprehensive. A stored-value EZ-Link card provides seamless access to trains and buses across the network. Taxis and ride-hailing services are plentiful and relatively affordable. Singapore’s compact geography means most major attractions are within a short commute of one another. On a guided tour with My Touring, you’ll enjoy private deluxe coach transportation and internal flights between destinations, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Singapore is among the more expensive destinations in Southeast Asia, though its hawker centres and kopitiams offer extraordinary food at very modest prices. Many of the city’s finest attractions, the Botanic Gardens, the cultural precincts and the nightly Marina Bay light show are free. Booking a Singapore touring package with exclusive Bonus Savings can help stretch your spend further. Led by Touring Experts, My Touring handcrafts perfectly packaged tour holidays with accommodation, transportation and curated experiences bundled together for outstanding value.
Singapore is consistently rated one of the safest cities in the world, with extremely low crime rates, outstanding infrastructure and a population noted for its warmth toward visitors. The city’s strict laws contribute to its remarkable cleanliness and order. Visiting Singapore on a guided tour adds an extra layer of comfort and local knowledge, with experienced guides ensuring seamless and secure travel throughout. As with any destination, it is important to stay informed, be aware of your surroundings, respect local customs and follow official travel advice during your visit.
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Delve deeper into Singapore with My Touring, with handcrafted itineraries that venture further into the world’s most sought-after destinations. Led by Touring Experts, our Singapore tours blend the dazzling spectacle of innovation, the sensory richness of the cultural precincts and the extraordinary breadth of Singapore’s food culture into one unforgettable experience. Start planning your next adventure today.