How to spend a weekend in Singapore!
Hi, I’m Ash, an English girl who loves to travel. My ultimate life goal is to watch the sunset in every country in the world!
This beautiful city is one of the most modern cities in South East Asia! It's so well organised and clean, with excellent transport facilities and some of the lowest crime rates in the entire world. Literally the ONLY downside is the slightly insane humidity… but considering its located ON the equator its expected!
THE BEST ACTIVITIES
Marina Bay Sands
The beautiful city is home to the famous 'cruise ship skyscraper' with the infinity pool right at the top! The actual name of this insane building is the Marina Bay Sands (a very gorgeous and very expensive hotel). It literally looks like a ginormous cruise ship stuck on top of three very tall skyscraper towers!
There is also a great bar right next to the infinity pool that is open to the public (Ce La Vi Skybar). However, if you want to actually use the famous infinity pool (which is actually one of the HIGHEST infinity pool in the entire world) that is 57-floors up, you will have to book a room at the hotel as the pool is only to be used by guests.
If you don’t want to spend money, then just head up to the top floor pretending you're going to visit the bar, then simply look at the view (enjoy it quickly!) and then say you've changed your mind and head back down - a bit cheeky but if you're broke then that’s an alternative!
If you're in the area during the evening, head over to the north side of the harbour (about ten minute walk from Marina Bay Sands hotel) to see the famous light show over the water!
Singapore sling at Raffles!
As a first time tourist in Singapore, having a Singapore Sling cocktail in Raffles is essential. Yes it's pricey but the cocktails are delicious and the history of the Bar is fascinating! You can even throw your nut shells directly onto the floor, exactly how people used to do in the 20th century!
Sentosa Island
This gorgeous island is completely manmade. It's over 1200 acres and found just below the south coast of Singapore. This island has some really beautiful beaches, and rope bridges that allow tourists to cross from one mini island to the next! There are SO many activities to do, but actually one of my favourite parts was taking the gondola ride from mainland Singapore across to Sentosa Island because the views were AMAZING. The island is actually also home to the famous Universal Studios Singapore and S.E.A aquarium too!
Night safari
One of my all time favourite activities in the city! I remember visiting this place for the first time when I was really young and just being so excited that we were allowed into the zoo at NIGHT. This is the world's first safari for nocturnal animals! You ride around the park on the complimentary shuttles, the tours take about 40 minutes. If you're visiting at weekends you can even book to see the tiger-feeding sessions! They also have incredible fire breathers for entertainment.
Gardens by the Bay
This huge forest of giant metal trees covered in plant life is INCREDIBLE. Don't miss the Flower Dome, Cloud Forest Dome, and the Supertree Grove (this has a huge sky walkway 22 metres up)! Plus, at night, the Supertree Grove lights up in different colours!
Visit Chinatown
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and the Sri Mariammam Temple are incredible to see! This entire neighbourhood is definitely worth visiting. It’s a big blend of Chinese heritage and new modern developments. Plus, there are tonnes of stalls to have a look around and lots of amazing food options.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Singapore botanic gardens are completely FREE to visit and they have the most beautiful waterfalls! This place was actually founded in 1859 so it's been growing for a while! One of the main attractions is the beautiful orchid garden, but you do have to pay a small fee to visit this part (about £3).
River boat cruise
You can take a cruise along the river with a full guided tour of Marina Bay and the Singapore river, with views of the famous Merlion statue, the Esplanade and Marina Bay Sands! There are various operating companies, most of which leave from Clarke Quay.
FOOD
Dinner on Purvis Street
There is a huge selection of amazing restaurants in Purvis Street. After lunch, you can easily walk to the famous Merlion statue (half fish - half lion) which is the Singapore mascot!
Dim Sum
The city has so many options for dim sum but one of the best is Asia Grand! Highly recommend making a reservation (check out their website: https://asiagrand.com.sg/ )
ACCOMODATION
We stayed in 30 Bencoolen hotel within the cultural district of Bras Basah. I would highly recommend this hotel if you’re travelling on a slight budget but still want a nice comfy private hotel room.
The location was excellent, all the main tourist attractions were within easy walking distance and there were some excellent restaurants right near the hotel. Plus the hotel itself had a rooftop pool!
Weather
High / Low / Month
31° / 24° January
31° / 25° February
32° / 25° March
32° / 26° April
32° / 26° May
32° / 26° June
31° / 26° July
31° / 26° August
31° / 25° September
32° / 25° October
31° / 25° November
31° / 25° December
PERSONAL FAVOURITES
The Marina Bay Sands hotel, the view from the top with that infinity pool - it’s AMAZING.
