2 Days in Singapore, advice on my itinerary?

subywagon on 17/02/2014 - 00:47

I'm spending two days in Singapore before heading to Thailand I'm
trying to plan what to do. It's my first time to explore S.E Asia. I'm with my wife and my 5 year old daughter.

I'm not really interested in going to theme parks as I've just been to
Disnyland, Disney Sea, USJ and a few others while in Japan.

Basically I just want to relax, stroll around, see the sites and try
nice food. I'm planing on doing all my shopping in Bangkok.

We arrive at 8am with only carry on luggage so I was thinking to try and
make the 9am free Heritage Tour from Changi airport, if I miss it then
maybe the 11am one. Then explore the airport as I've read it's worth checking out.

After that we'll head to my accommodation and check in.

Then we'll head into the CBD and Merina Bay to see the Merlion, and the Gardens.
I was also thinking about going on a river cruise maybe. There's
a few Garden and river cruise deals I found on deals.com.sg S$19 to see two garden domes and go on a cruise but I'm not sure if I can use them as I'm not a resident or if they're worth it.

I was also thinking to check out some markets, maybe a shopping mall
(some recommendations would be great) just for window shopping really.

Also probably Chinatown, Little India, Arab Street.

Not sure what to do after all that… is that too much to fit into one
day? Would I need to spread that out over two days? Anything else I
should add or any suggestions on places I should visit etc?

Thanks for your advice!

Travel

Comments

  • PSPeter on 17/02/2014 - 00:57

    I reckon checking out the Marina Nay Sands hotel is nice, you don't have to stay there, you can visit the boat at the top of the hotel for $20 per person. It's a very beautiful view at night.
    Also the Night Safari is worth going to especially for the kids.

    • Little Miss on 23/02/2014 - 22:18
      +1

      Don't spend the $20, book in to the chocolate bar which is a level above the observation area and you can get up to the top and do a chocolate buffet instead.

  • Archi on 17/02/2014 - 09:51

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/106510

    you might find this link helpful

  • Davros on 17/02/2014 - 10:01

    I always make sure I get in at least one bowl of Laksa at 328 Katong which many believe to be Singapores best.(last time in Singapore I ate here for 6 out of 8 meals)
    Nothing cafe and zero service but that's not why you go.
    I even base my accommodations on this staying at the the Mercure Grand Roxy which, if you pick your times right has rooms for less than $100/night.
    Regular transport to any where leaves from over the road.

  • rvsure on 17/02/2014 - 11:02

    I think you already have a big list to fit into two days of time. The 2-4 hour tours from the airport are convenient way to explore Singapore. You may not be able to catch the 9AM tour as the Singapore airport is so big that it takes 20-30 mins to walk from the gates to the immigration depending on the gate you arrive at.

    The airport is worth exploring, especially the T3 terminal. Though you are not interested in theme parks I recommend visiting Sentosa Island resorts in the evening. They have some amazing shows at around 7PM and 9PM. One show called "Songs of the sea" is a must watch. And the another one is "Crane dance" is something different and new and is worth watching. But just visiting Sentosa and watching the shows will take half day of your already packed two day trip.

    I recommend you check the list of attraction and reviews on trip adviser website and decide which ones you want to see and plan accordingly. And as it is your first trip to Asia be prepare to face hot and humid weather in Singapore. Wear sensible clothing and use public transport or taxis for travel. Both of them are very cheap compared to Australia.

    If you want to do just window shopping Orchard road is the place. If you are going to be there on a weekend I recommend you avoid it though. The road will be so crowded on weekend.

  • Kjjd on 17/02/2014 - 11:06

    Not sure if a 5 year old is up to staying up late for the Night Safari but do agree that it is worth going. If you prefer something during the day, Singapore Zoo is great. Bring bathers for the 5 year old as there is a great water play area for a lunch stop or break. Only choice for food at the water play area is KFC . The river safari has just opened too and it is a different type of zoo. Went there before the boat was operating and the kids enjoyed it,. Most of it under cover so if you want something outdoors but not directly under the open sun, that is a good option. Singapore Zoo, River Safari and Night Safari all are located next to each other. catch a cab out to it as it is quite far from the CBD area.

    If you do head to Chinatown, there is a nice small little coin museum there. No direct interest but have eaten there. Not in the main hub of Chinatown but a nice restaurant, Lee Tong Kee., South Bridge Road, Singapore. Serves nice hainanese chicken rice style chicken and also Ipoh hor fun.

  • mel82 on 17/02/2014 - 12:04

    +1 for the night safari my kids 4&10 loved it. We enjoyed the chair lift over to sentosa. Also the mercury grand roxy is an excellent place to stay the free shuttle to n from the airport is well worth it.

  • [Deactivated] on 17/02/2014 - 22:02

    +1 for the zoo, I went during the day and got to see the animals being fed.

    Bugis junction is great for reasonably priced high quality shopping - BHG, Uniqlo and lots of boutiques.

    The Singapore Flyer (Ferris wheel) has a great little food court underneath it - the chicken stall and the oyster egg omelette stall are tops and very affordable. Walkable distance from Merlion.

    Tricky with a 5 y.o, but you can go to the bar on top of MBS by taking the elevator up to the bar from the hotel lobby. For the price of a drink you don't need the overpriced ticket. The view while pretty good is definitely not worth the full admission price you would have to pay for a ticket from the admission on lower ground.

    Places that aren't so good for shopping if value oriented / Orchard Rd and the MBS shopping mall. Chock full of expensive boutiques - might as well just go to Westfield on Pitt St mall same same.

    Enjoy the trip!

  • Davros on 19/02/2014 - 17:53

    Zoo is great - we did the Orangutan breakfast show and sat up front so you are about 10 feet from the orangutans with no glass or wire.
    My wife got to go and sit while the handlers bought them across to sit with her and we have a nice picture of one with its arm around her.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join