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Singapore is a regular transit for me whenever I fly from Europe back to Penang my hometown. Too rarely I make a stopover but this time we made it happen. It was a short one which allowed us 24-hours to explore Singapore
Getting to Singapore
Our arrival into Singapore was after a 30 + hour flight including transit time into Terminal 1. We headed to the Ground Transport Concierge at the Arrival Hall of Terminals. *Money $aving Tip: We had pre-booked the Shared Changi Airport Hotel Transfer via Klook. This is a great way to get into the city with luggage. Its way cheaper than taxis for the single traveller and faster than the MRTs. It costed us SGD9 per person and brought us to the Hotel doorstep. Read all about our Hotel stay here.
Getting Around in Singapore
The Hotel provided us with much needed rest from our long flight. After a good breakfast, we were ready to explore Singapore. Located in Little India , that was a good starting point. We decided to get a MRT Tourist Pass. This gave us unlimited transport rides on MRT and buses for the day.
Sights of Singapore
Little India
The very colourful area wherever you look is accompanied by Indian spice smells. Our visit in October showed us the preparation for the Diwali celebrations. A lot of decorations are already up and gives the area an even more festive feel. Little India is full of Indian restaurants and shops selling spices. We made another visit in the evening where there was a night market.
Kampong Glam
We took the MRT from Little India to Bugis MRT Stop. We walked to Haji Lane. Plenty of tourists walk the streets here. This area is made famous by Instagrammers showcasing colourful murals and street art. There are a lot of little charming shops in the narrow lanes.
The Sultan Mosque can be prominently seen as an important landmark here in the Malay Heritage District. It is a beautiful outstanding landmark. Here is the link to opening times and guidelines.
Marina Bay Sands
After Kampong Glam we took the Bus 133 from the Opp. Stamford Primary School stop to Bayfront Station. Our first stop is to the Art & Science Museum which we have pre-booked tickets for. We stopped a few times for photos as the views are lovely. Here is the link for further information for the Art & Science Museum.
*MoneySavingTip: Check out the Klook app for availability of cheaper tickets. We got ours for SGD 3 cheaper per ticket. Our ticket was for Future World and it was good for adults and children alike.
Cloud Forest
After the Art Science Museum , we made our way to the Cloud Forest with pre-booked tickets. *MoneySavingTip: Don’t forget to check Klook for attraction bundles. We walked about 1 km from the Art Science Museum and later found out that there is a shuttle service from Bayfront to the Conservatories. For SGD3 you can take unlimited rides on the shuttle for the day. Here is a link to check for special events and Attraction Bundle prices.
Marina Bay Sky Park Observation Deck
After the gardens the sun was beginning to set. So it was time to get to the Observation Deck – again with pre-booked tickets. We took the shuttle and joined the queue for going up the Sky Park on the 57th floor of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Here is the link to check out special events and tickets. For a short trip to Singapore – the deck affords some awesome views of the Bay and the Gardens. Sunset is a popular time for visitors and we managed to see the Super Grove Tree Light Show at 7:45pm from the top.
We decided to eat near the Hotel in Little India where there is good and less expensive food. Although there is plenty of food options in Marina Bay area but it is pretty expensive. We took the MRT back from Bay station which we could easily get to at the Basement of Marina Bay Sands to Little India. We ended up eating local Singapore cuisine at the Food Court at City Square Mall and walked around at the night market in Little India where vendors were selling Diwali stuff from cookies to decor. A nice end to a day of seeing Singapore.
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I went to Singapore about 8 years ago, and I wish the Cloud forest existed at that time. How beautiful!! I love that Singapore has it all, from modern architecture to Buddhist temples and mosq. What a multicultural country! A well written article that shows the real Singapore. I love it, and I would definitely go back using this guide. cheers!!
The only trips I make in Singapore are 24-hour ones! It’s the perfect stopover destination. I’m familiar with many points in your post, especially Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. I’ll have to stop by Little India and try it out on my next stopover there!
We have thought of using Singapore as a gateway to SE Asia. It is a good idea to get a MRT pass to get around. I do remember that Singapore had good public transit. I never heard of the Cloud Forest so that will go on our list for sure. And we were disappointed on our last visit to miss the Marina Bay observation deck. All good reasons to visit Singapore again.
Never been to Singapore, and I think it is too luxury for me. But in case I will have a stopover there it’s good to read your article. MRT unlimited transport pass is, for sure, a good idea. I might consider seeing Little India and Marina Bay Sands. Everywhere else seems to be very crowded or maybe I’m wrong? This city looks very artificial and concrete for me. Do you think I can find some nature there?
Singapore was our home for 6 years so it was lovely to be able to read your experiences in Singapore. You packed a lot in in your 24 hours. So glad you made it to Little India and the Marina Bay Sands, two of our favourite destinations. Singapore is such an easy city to get around.
It’s been years since I visited Singapore, I used to love staying in Little India. Guess it’s time for a return though, I’m not familiar with Kampong Glam – I’m sure that wasn’t there last time. And I never visited the Marina Bay Sands. You packed a lot in in 24 hours 🙂
Singapore is definitely high on my list of places to visit! I love how colorful it looks, especially LIttle India. The Super Grove treelight show looks spectacular! You had such a full 24 hours. Good to know that a lot can be packed in if need be!
Great list!! I loved my time in Singapore, even though I was out exploring for 6 days I still didn’t manage to see all the things and places that I wanted to see and do there. Nevertheless it is lovely to read that there is a possibility to see all the great place in Singapore.
Singapore is lovely!!! I haven’t made the journey as of yet. I hope that I get to get there one day! 24 hours is such a short time but you maximized the experience.