The ULTIMATE Guide To Singapore: How To Spend 3 Days In Singapore
Sharing my top tips on how to make the most of your trip to Singapore! From where to stay, eat and explore!
Ahhhhhh, Singapore I bloody ADORE you (but, you gals already knew that right?! You can catch my previous posts on Singapore here and here if you're looking for more things to do/hotel recommendations etc!).
Ben is half Singaporean and my recent trip to Singapore was actually my third time in that beautiful country (I'll also be rounding off my trip in Bali with four nights in Singapore too and I'm already so excited to go back, especially with Ben!).
I wanted to put together my ULTIMATE girls guide to Singapore - because, it's about bloody time that Singapore was seen for the incredible country that it is, and SO MUCH MORE than just a flight stopover to Oz/far away destinations!
I've rustled up my top tips for exploring Singapore including the neighbourhoods you need to explore, restaurants you need to check out, the new boutique hotel on the block, and how to fly there in style (on a budget!!).
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First things first - how to get to Singapore! Norwegian have recently launched a new direct flight from London Gatwick to Singapore (the only low-cost airline in the UK to fly nonstop to the USA, Asia and South America!).
With return flights to Singapore starting from as little as £309 return, Norwegian are providing a low cost flight - the perfect way to travel to Asia on a budget!
We were fortunate enough to fly to Singapore in the Premium Cabin and I honestly couldn't recommend it anymore! This is the third time I've flown Premium with Norwegian (twice as guests of Norwegian) and once on a holiday, I paid for the upgrade as I love the service so much and think over a metre of legroom makes the WORLD of difference on a long haul flight!
Other benefits of flying Premium with Norwegian include; lounge access, three course meal, complimentary drinks, 2 checked bags and fast tracked check in! I love that Norwegian are offering a Premium service at a not-so-premium price tag!
London > Singapore: Return Economy flight: £309 | Return Premium flight: £1,119
Unsure on whether to book Premium or Economy with Norwegian?! I wrote a blog post comparing both cabins HERE, and also vloggged my experience on both cabins HERE to give you a better idea!
Where to stay: Nuami hotel, 41 Seah Street, Singapore, 188396
Nuami, pronounced "know-me" is a luxury boutique hotel situated in a prime location opposite Singapore's iconic Raffles Hotel. We spent three nights at Nuami Hotel and it was an incredible stay, from the luxe rooms, to the comfy beds, prime location and the rooftop pool with a breathtaking view of Singapore's CBD (Central Business District).
With prices starting from $289 Singaporean Dollars per night (approx. £161 on the date this post was published), the hotel offers a middle of the range in terms of price, but a luxe boutique room in a beautiful hotel - a must if you're looking for somewhere to stay in SG!
BOOK THE NUAMI HOTEL HERE VIA SMALL LUXURY HOTELS!
Neighbourhoods to explore: Little India
Okay so I absolutely HAD to start this guide by sharing off my favourite neighbourhood in Singapore; Little India! As the name would suggest it's vibrant, fun and just so beautiful, a real slice of India (or what I imagine India to be like!) in the heart of Asia.
From the Tekka food market, to colourful flower stalls, fabric shops, and street art - this area really is a must! I'm so glad that I've explored Little India as it's by far my favourite neighbourhood in Singapore and one that i'd definitely recommend exploring!
Neighbourhoods to explore: Kampong Glam
Experience Malay culture in Kampong Glam, this vibrant neighbourhood is bustling with culture, street art and local restaurants! Start your trip at the stunning Sultan Mosque and wander around the lanes of Kampong Glam (Haji Lane is my favourite - packed full of colourful streets and wonderful street art; a must visit!).
Neighbourhoods to explore: Marina Bay & Gardens By The Bay
Marina Bay Sands; aka the most famous hotel in Singapore and one of the most iconic hotels in the world! Marina Bay doesn't only offer a hotel, but a casino, shopping mall, the Art Science Museum, tonnes of restaurants to eat at, and of course Gardens by the Bay is just next door! Note* - you can only use the iconic pool at Marina Bay Sandsif you're staying at the hotel, but take a trip to Spago; the hotels cocktail rooftop bar, for a beautiful view of the city from above!
If you're after some nature then Gardens By The Bay is a must for your trip to Singapore (whether you're into nature or not - I'd highly recommend a visit to this spectacle!). Set in 101 acres, Gardens by the Bay is a treat for the eyes!
When to go? I'd recommend visitng in the evening, as they hold a light show every evening at 7.45pm and 8.45pm which is so great to see, lie back on the grass and watch the show unfold!
How much? It's actually free to visit Gardens by the Bay; so well worth a visit. You'll have to pay if you want to walk along the skyway or enter the cloud forrest (I'd recommend doing both as they're great fun!).
Where to eat in Singapore...
Good for: an occasion meal - Candlenut
Where? 17A Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249676
The worlds first One Michelin Star Peranakan restaurant (Peranakan means 'locally born Chinese'), Candlenut takes a contemporary yet authentic approach to the traditional Straights-Chinese cuisine. Candlenut is a must if you're looking to try out some incredible Peranakan food whilst in Singapore.
Note* - as Candlenut is a Michelin Star restaurant the prices are slightly higher. The artfully curated set dinner menu will cost you $118 Singaporean Dollars per person. The food and service were both impeccable - a great restaurant to try for a special occasion!
Good for: nostalgic Singaporean cuisine - Folklore
Where? Level 2, Destination Singapore Beach Road
Folklore celebrates Singapore's heritage through food, creating a menu of nostalgic dishes. Head chef Damian D'Silva has created a menu that pays homage to the Eurasian-Peranakan food he loved growing up in Singapore. Every dish we tried was delicious; Folklore is well worth a visit if you'd like to experience some authentic Singaporean cuisine!
Good for: local street food- Satay Club
Where? Telok Ayer Market, 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
Satay Club was one of Ben's favourite (and still is) places to eat in Singapore when he was younger... and I totally get why! Located by the Telok Ayer Market, for Satay Club the street is shut off and replaced by tables and chairs. Order yourself a couple of cold Tiger beers and a set of satay (my favourite is chicken, but you'll find mutten and prawn too!). Expect to pay very little here, we ordered a set of 15 chicken pieces for just $14 (approx. £8) and two beers for $11 (approx £6).
Other local hawker stalls to check out for cheap food: Newton Circus | Maxwell Food Centre | Tekka Centre
Good for: local Indian cuisine - Tekka Centre, Little India
Where? Tekka Food Centre, Little India
One of my favourite culinary experiences on our trip to Singapore was a morning spent at the Tekka food centre in Little India with Wok'n'Stroll! Wok'n'Stroll organise some incredible culinary adventures around Singapore (well worth a book to discover local cuisine and learn more about the cultures in Singapore!), we spent the morning trying out some delights at the Tekka Food centre in Little India including my fsvourite Roti Prata (a must try in SG!).
Good for: coffees & fresh juices - A Juicery
Where? 21 Lor Telok, Singapore 049033
A Juicery is a fab juice/coffee bar - great for a takeaway drink, catch up with friends or an obligatory Instagram shot in this Insta-worthy pink shop! Myself and Scarlett ordered an iced latte and went to pink heaven! On a real though, the coffee was great and they had the most incredible selection of juices!
There we have it guys; by HUGE guide to Singapore! From how to get there, where to stay, neighbourhoods to explore & where to dine! No doubt there will be plenty more Singapore posts from me in the future as you know how much I love that country! But for now; I hope you enjoyed this post & found these tips helpful!
Looking for more tips on Singapore?! My lovely friend Emily wrote an EPIC 3-day itinerary guide to Singapore HERE - and the lovely Chloe has published a HUGE guide on things to do in Singapore which you can check out HERE!
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Have you been to Singapore before?! Did you love it as much as I did? Has this post inspired you to take a trip?
*A HUGE thank you to Norwegian & Visit Singapore for a magical four days in Singapore!