What to do at Singapore for 3.5 days

Diesmile on 14/03/2018 - 16:11
Last edited 15/03/2018 - 16:53

dear fellow ozbargainers, Mr and Mrs Diesmile will go to singapore for the first time for about 3.5 days in 3 days!!!

i have done plenty of research, looking at itinerary online and point of interests etc. but i am still open to any suggestions for us to do at singapore.

for now, we are staying at hilton garden inn at little india.

and we decided to spend whole day monday (19/3) at universal studio and watch wings of time at night.

other places i want to go:

gardens at the bay on sat, since there is an anime show on the weekend

visit maria bay sands.

not really into long distance walking, especially in 30 degress + heat :)

edit: + flyer for city view. although i am a bit fright of height :)

looks like my itinerary is getting to final version soon:

day 1:
arrival at SG at pm, purchase local sim card, travel card
take the MRT to hotel, shower, clean up
take the MRT to marina bay, visit garden at the bay 2-3 hours
visit maria bay sands, watch light show

day 2:
visit china town, chinese temple and eat lots of durian.
book a table at jumbos for chilli crab
singapore flyer?
chicken rice from tiantian

this is the part where i need help to fill!

day 3:
take MRT to bayfront, then catch express to sentosa
spend 1 day enjoy all the rides at universal studio
watch wings of times and enjoy dinner

day 4:
singapore zoo for all day

go back to airport for mid night flight home.

Travel

Comments

        • Diesmile on 15/03/2018 - 14:42

          haha, i normally settle for lemon lime bitter, maybe try mrs's while i order one for her.

    • TheBean on 16/03/2018 - 18:46

      Anyone can have it. It was made famous at the Raffles Hotel, wouldn't try it anywhere else is you're looking for the history and what special about it. Unless you really like it…

      Personally think it's bloody expensive for what it is, but drinkable at the same.

  • peterw1 on 15/03/2018 - 14:56

    bring out your inner child with the slide at changi airport:
    http://www.changiairport.com/en/airport-experience/attractio…

    • Diesmile on 15/03/2018 - 15:06

      For every $10 spent at Changi Airport in a single same day receipt*, visitors can redeem one ride at the Terminal 3 Level 1 Information Counter.

      might give it a try if wife bought more luxury bags at airport. :(

    • fruxo on 16/03/2018 - 00:01

      That's pretty cool, have to check it out next time we're at singapore airport.

  • movieman on 15/03/2018 - 14:59
    +1

    Thanks OP. Perfect timing.

    We are headed there next month for basically the same time, and will definitely be following this thread.

    Can anyone recommend a nice walk/natural walk?

    Also, is any of the local amazing fulood suitable for vegetarians?

    Thanks

  • tighttighttight1 on 15/03/2018 - 15:11
    +1

    Gardens by the Bay is amazing!
    Marina Bay Sands is okay.
    I really enjoyed the night safari.
    Haw Par Villa was great to gain an insight into culture.
    Have a Singapore Sling @ Raffles Hotel.
    Singaporean Chilli Crab @ Jumbo @ Clarke Quay

    • Diesmile on 15/03/2018 - 15:12

      ok, it seems night safari might be back on the list

      wife not interested at culture, lol only want take selfies

      and for sure will try the crab at jumbo, but can't find price on the menu.

      • BiotBargin on 15/03/2018 - 21:48

        night safari should be towards the top of the list….its an experience and a half!

      • LightningMcQueen on 16/03/2018 - 23:04

        You can make use of your Singapore airlines boarding pass, if you fly in that airline, in gardens by the bay, they gave some discount.

  • obium on 15/03/2018 - 15:12

    Was there last month on a business trip. Had the weekend to explore and I enjoyed Boat Quay and Clarke Quay. But then again, I did have a lot of half priced cocktails while I was there…..

  • Giamsiap on 15/03/2018 - 15:37

    The esplanade theatres by the bay if you're into arts. it's air-conditioned too!!

  • Cluster on 15/03/2018 - 15:54

    Visit the casinos on Saturday night and marvel at the number of baccarat players. Free entry for foreigners. Bring your passport.

    • Diesmile on 15/03/2018 - 15:58

      not too big on gambling, prob spending enough already :)

  • [Deactivated] on 15/03/2018 - 16:09
    +1

    Flyer, Marina; [especially in the evening to see the light display], Gardens By The Bay, Old Chinatown; [especially the big Buddhist Temple], Raffles [bit of refurbishment going on at the moment]. Use the MRT to stay out of the heat. Buy a 3 day pass and surrender it for a refund on your last journey.

    • Diesmile on 15/03/2018 - 16:20

      is old china town different to china town? will def visit the temple. will get ezlink or net flash pay at airport instead of the 3 days pass though

      but what is raffles?

      • 1Kenobi on 15/03/2018 - 18:18

        go to
        - the top of the temple where the prayer wheel is
        - china town museum (shop house) nearby

      • [Deactivated] on 16/03/2018 - 10:01

        Raffles is an old Colonial hotel. However I have just been over and found out it is completely closed for about 6 months, so cross that one off!

    • ThirdRonnie on 16/03/2018 - 04:10

      Beware that the 3-day pass is 3 days from midnight to midnight. If you buy one in the afternoon and use it, your first day will disappear at midnight that day. It's at odds with most other countries' 24/48/72 hour transport passes and is a trap for the unwary. I actually think it's a deliberate ruse.

      • Diesmile on 16/03/2018 - 09:34

        i don't think we will buy the 3 days pass, we prob will spend less than 20 dollars on transport during our visits.

        • [Deactivated] on 17/03/2018 - 12:45

          Make sure that you have lots of change for the ticket machines and be prepared to queue at the MRT stations for your tickets.

  • djprima on 15/03/2018 - 16:27

    Carrot cake and chwee kueh for the best savoury breakfast you've ever had

    Can't find it here, end up making from scratch…

  • oakoak on 15/03/2018 - 16:46

    Don't miss the chicken rice at Tian Tian. The best I have ever had. It is not far from China Town.

    • Diesmile on 16/03/2018 - 09:34

      will add to the list

  • bargainy on 15/03/2018 - 16:49

    China town and if you're in Little India definitely should go to Bismillah Biryani Restaurant. Maybe Sentosa which has a great aquarium. Our family thought night safari was boring as.

  • Diesmile on 15/03/2018 - 16:51

    looks like my itinerary is getting to final version soon:

    day 1:
    arrival at SG at pm, purchase local sim card, travel card
    take the MRT to hotel, shower, clean up
    take the MRT to marina bay, visit garden at the bay 2-3 hours
    visit maria bay sands, watch light show

    day 2:
    visit china town, chinese temple and eat lots of durian.
    book a table at jumbos for chilli crab
    singapore flyer?
    chicken rice from tiantian

    this is the part where i need help to fill!

    day 3:
    take MRT to bayfront, then catch express to sentosa
    spend 1 day enjoy all the rides at universal studio
    watch wings of times and enjoy dinner

    day 4:
    singapore zoo for all day

    go back to airport for mid night flight home.

    • websterp on 15/03/2018 - 17:01

      Not sure if you'll want to spend a whole day at the Zoo. Perhaps try to combine one or more of these with the Zoo experience:
      Breakfast with orangutans (The breakfast buffet is extremely good value for money and watch the orangutans descend from the treetops and you can take photos with them in the background)
      Do the river safari

      • Diesmile on 15/03/2018 - 17:04

        it wasn't literally the whole day, but i am putting down as single activity, so no need to hurry up etc. river safari seems is next to the zoo, might do that too in the afternoon.

        • brih on 16/03/2018 - 09:44

          It's worth allowing the day just for the zoo. Sleep in and check out 10 or 11, whenever your hotel allows. Go to zoo (bus is easy but takes a while). Spend most of the day there. Back into town in the early evening for dinner then heading to the airport.

          Personally I was planning to do both the safari and the zoo in the same day - but after so much walking around the zoo, my feet were too sore to contemplate going to the safari!

          The zoo is fabulous though, don't miss it. One of the best zoos in the world. The night safari was "ok" (lots of animals not visible). Haven't done the safari yet but planning too on my next visit in May.

    • retiredfeline on 15/03/2018 - 17:31

      If you arrive outside working hours you won't be able to buy the travel card from the MRT station but have to buy a more expensive version from the tourist desk which has no refund for the card.

      Also you will not find the cheaper SIMs at the airport outlets. I bought the $8 VF SIM in Little India.

      • Diesmile on 16/03/2018 - 09:35

        you can buy hitouirist sim at :

        Singapore Changi Airport (Terminal 1, 2 and 3)

        Travelex Currency Exchange Counters
Changi Recommends Counters
        • retiredfeline on 16/03/2018 - 09:42

          You can get cheaper SIMs than that if you wait until you get to Little India.

      • [Deactivated] on 16/03/2018 - 10:10

        The MRT station at Changi is open until 9 pm. You can buy the tourist pass there which has a $10 refundable deposit.

        • retiredfeline on 16/03/2018 - 10:22

          The station is but you can buy the pass from the ticket counter only, not at the gate or vending machines, so office hours only. Happened to me.

        • [Deactivated] on 16/03/2018 - 10:25

          @greenpossum: The ticket office is open until 9 pm.

        • retiredfeline on 16/03/2018 - 10:28

          @4sure: Ok noted, I wish they had been open earlier in the morning than 8 am.

  • MetaphorOZB on 15/03/2018 - 17:48

    Sentosa Island was a fun visit.

  • websterp on 15/03/2018 - 18:01

    If you are going to sentosa get a play 3,5 or unlimted pass from Klook depending on how you'd want to spend the day. Way cheaper than over the counter prices and you can use it for wings of time as well. In my opinion Universal studio does not take a whole day and try to go on a weekday and be there 10am sharp when they open to avoid the crowds and this will save you from having to buy priority passes or line up for 45 mins at popular rides.

  • Sigiriya on 15/03/2018 - 21:23

    We are planning for a 5 day stay during new years eve. Same hotel as OP. Want to watch fireworks at Marina bay with kids. Any of you done that before? Any suggestions?

  • kaleidoscope on 15/03/2018 - 21:49

    Get the $14 tourist singtel sim card and mrt card from airport.
    There is free city tour for tourists
    One day : zoo or bird park + local massage
    Next day: sentosa + universal + local massage
    Day after: gardens by the bay, super trees , bugis street street food + shopping + local massage
    Last day : local massage + mustafa shopping centre then airport.

    Universal studios rides are unlimited after entry. Sentosa island activities are charged per ride / activity.
    Do your research to find out local massage joints.

    Most inportantly dont buy phones from sim lim square.

    Have fun.

  • KaTst3R on 15/03/2018 - 22:06

    Skip the Singapore Flyer, it is a complete waste of time.

    And express train ($4) to Sentosa is at Harbourfront Station, not Bayfront. Bayfront is the station for Marina Bay Sands. Harbourfront station is the Purple North East Line. If you staying at Little India, you can catch the purple line at Ferrer Park Station take to the last stop. Harbourfront has Vivocity shopping centre, it is a freaking huge place. You can also take a short 15 min walk into Sentosa for free and it is a nice walk across the bridge.

    For Day 2, I suggest you eat Tian Tian chicken rice for lunch and have Jumbo Seafood for dinner. Because Tian Tian will likely sellout before dinner time and Jumbo is at Clarke Quay which has great night activities and pubs etc.

  • Natt on 15/03/2018 - 23:03
    +1

    We found Fort Siloso an interesting piece of history if you are so inclined:

    https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g294264-d32…

  • rizza on 15/03/2018 - 23:32

    3.5 days is actually a lot of time for Singapore. Transport is efficient and it is not that big.

    The most important thing though is don't do it off the cuff. Plan it, otherwise you will do what I did and waste time going back and forth between some of the same places.

    Perhaps think of the Island in stages and move from one part to the other (well factoring for your hotel as well).

    if you want to shop figure that out as well. Orchard Road, Marina Bay wherever, just figure it out before you head out. Clubbing? Clark Quay is good, but once again plan things to get the best out of time. Marina Bay is pretty expensive though (don't shop there unless you are rich).

    You can't go wrong with all the suggestions about Safaris, Garden by the Bay etc., Sentosa whatever. They are all good…just do what I said, don't keep going back and forth, be efficient with your time!

    The food! Best thing about the place! More variety in their foodcourts than any foodcourt I have been to in Australia and cheaper! Fastfood in Singapore is 10 time better than what we experience in Oz.

    Beer? Tiger Beer Sucks……..don't buy it.

    I'll leave it here for now, since so many people have already commented.

  • snivy on 16/03/2018 - 01:06

    I feel you can skip Jurong bird park. It’s a bit far (by their standard) and smallish. Unless you’re bringing kids, which I don’t think you are.

    MBS and the gardens are nice to walk around. It’s SUPER humid there though.

    If you want a nice photo with MBS as the backdrop, go to the top level of National Museum. There’s a bar up there at night but you’re free to wander during daytime.

    Maybe you should walk around Orchard Rd as well, just to get sense of it. The basement level food court (Food Opera) at ION has good selection of local dishes. Pricey though.

    Taxi is cheap but beware the price changes after midnight. Be wary about using Uber and Grab, their pricing systems are quite funny.

    Clarke Quay area is very picturesque at night as well.

    Bugis is pretty good now. They covered some streets with glass roofs, so it’s like you’re enjoying walking outdoor but not really. Air conditioned too. Full of young people and students.

    Chinatown is nice place too visit.

    I think you have enough suggestions for 3.5 days though.

    I will also point out that they’re currently crazy about salted fish skins. Irvine’s ones are pretty good and they sell them at the airport (terminal 2 and 3) but they sell out pretty quickly. I missed it out three times last year. 😕

  • 007loaded on 16/03/2018 - 02:11

    I was in Singapore from the 4th of March till the 8th. I flew from Perth and landed around 3 am. First thing first, if you are looking for a sim card, I purchased a tourist Singtel sim which pretty much gave me 100GB internet and almost more than sufficient calls to Australia and locally. total cost for that was $15, other options available See link https://www.singtel.com/personal/i/phones-plans/mobile/prepa….

    My Day 1 was at Met a Space Pod in little India. got a NETS card, which was handy to travel with. Little India has 2 nice Hindu temples you can visit. Singapore is a food Heaven, so don't miss out on the food. Orchard area is known for nightlife, you can check it out.
    Smith Street Michelin Star Rice, is not to be missed. Try some food in Little India too. Marina Bay Casino if you're into gambling, Just near Orchard area. there are amazing malls. You will literally spend a whole day there.

    Places like sentosa, raffles area along the river and the national park. Pls dont miss it

  • Gershom on 16/03/2018 - 09:15

    Change Alley, Bugis St., Newton's Circus. I guess those days are gone.

  • retiredfeline on 16/03/2018 - 10:43

    As with subway systems all over the world, it will save walking to select the correct exit from the station. That's where the map app (with cached map in case you don't have a SIM yet) comes in. Otherwise there will be locality maps in the station to help orient yourself.

    Some of the interline transfers are quite a walk. Good exercise.

    Bugis Street is now a cleaned up undercover air-conditioned version of what it used to be. Chinatown has cleaned up facades too. But then even young SG people have no experience of the old days, SG is a thoroughly modern city now, for better or worse.

    • Diesmile on 16/03/2018 - 10:48

      what is this app called please? i agree need to find correct exit is always hard if you don't know the place.

      • retiredfeline on 16/03/2018 - 10:51

        Google Maps, there's a caching option.

  • Excelsior on 16/03/2018 - 11:57
    • Gardens by the Bay - the evening light show is spectacular
    • MBS is also super cool to walk around in. They also do light shows at night
    • Shopping- Orchard Road, Vivo City, Bugis (if you're also into street stalls/vendors)
    • Eat lots and lots of local food - plenty of recommendations already
    • Nightlife - lots of really nice bars around the bay area, plus Clarke Quay
    • Standard touristy things: Zoo, night safari, aquarium, Jurong bird park, Sentosa, Universal
  • jason101 on 16/03/2018 - 13:13

    Might not be in the Ozbargain spirit but Taxi's aren't that expensive, hauling your cases on the train immediately after a flight, working out where to go when you are sleep deprived, hot and stinky, then walking down the street with your cases - even if it is just a 5-10 minute walk is no fun. I'd vote to catch a taxi from the airport to the hotel - plus you get to look around above ground and get a feel for the vibe of the city, in my view the best $30-40 you'll spend on the trip.

    • Diesmile on 16/03/2018 - 13:17

      Lol I am too cheap for transport when mrt costs like 2 dollars. Haha and we only have carry on with us

    • ChickenAdobo on 17/03/2018 - 21:45

      It is expensive compare to MRT and walking. I'm a tight arse so I walk and use MRT.

  • 4tran on 16/03/2018 - 15:59

    Should get a Singapore Ultimate Pass, given all of the activities you have on your itinerary is included on it, you can fit in other nearby activities i.e. given USS isn't that big, you can fit in all the other attractions in Sentosa that's included on the pass.

    https://www.viator.com/tours/Singapore/Singapore-Ultimate-At…

    Even just going to the high priced activities, you would already save with the pass.

    • Diesmile on 16/03/2018 - 17:02

      it is not available atm, so can't tell the package price, but overall, by searching through klook, i can't find much value in them.

  • RedHab on 16/03/2018 - 16:05

    Is visiting Johor Bahru across the causeway worthwhile?

    I'd be interested to hear from anyone who has done it.

    • belongsinforums on 16/03/2018 - 17:35

      been to the depot there. absolutely nothing there IIRC

    • WreckTangle on 17/03/2018 - 15:35
      +1

      Legoland is in johor

  • belongsinforums on 16/03/2018 - 17:34

    Eat sambal stingray, lady m (cakes) and Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice!

  • belongsinforums on 16/03/2018 - 17:36

    are you flying singapore airlines? if so, make sure you order a lot of cocktails on the flight!

  • Foreveryone on 16/03/2018 - 17:50

    Go to Lau Pa Sat and eat hawkers food. Sambal stingray (to die for…!), oyster omelette, fried hokkien mee, chicken satay.

    Btw, I don't see Orchard Rd on your itinerary? If it is your first time, I suggest you to stroll along Orchard Rd.

    • Diesmile on 16/03/2018 - 18:01

      Lol i dont want another lv bag…..

  • belongsinforums on 16/03/2018 - 18:04

    I forget the road. Maybe called geylang? Full of street hookers. Fun to walk through.

  • belongsinforums on 16/03/2018 - 18:05

    Also, go into town, get a beer from 7/11, and sit by the water and people watch

  • Diesmile on 16/03/2018 - 22:47
    +2

    ok, i am leaving tomorrow morning, wish us luck, guys.

  • Diesmile on 17/03/2018 - 18:49
    +1

    We have just arrived at the airport. The money exchange is just outside the air port, current exchange rate is 1 to 1.005

    We purchased hi tourist sim card at the money exchange, 15 dollars for 100gb data is god sent.

    Then out of the airport for the MRT. Paid 12 dollars each for an EZ link card.

    Now on the way to hotel

  • ChickenAdobo on 17/03/2018 - 21:42

    Bring an umbrella. If you think Australia is hot. Wait till you are in SG. I'm currently in SG for another 8 days.

  • Diesmile on 18/03/2018 - 01:11
    +2

    OK, after freshing up at Hilton, we took the MRT to gardens at the bay. Just by chance it is also anime expo at the gardens.

    We saw pikachu parade and some not attractive cosplays.

    Anyway we went to the flower doom first, it showcased lots of nice flowers, especially cherry blossoms. Make sure you get re entry stamps, just in case you want re-enter later.

    Cloud garden is truly amazing, although I didn't see any cloud effects, but overall they are very nice.

    After that, we went and lay down below the super trees and rested until our feet recovered.

    Overall, you need 2-3 hours of you want relaxed explore.

    Afterwards we went to Marian bay sands and saw the spectra water show. Make sure you go to the front, otherwises you can't see anything. The show is not too exciting, but it had very nice sound effect. And free is free.

    Now we are back at hotel with very tired feet. Time for shower.

    • Eeples on 18/03/2018 - 09:00

      Go to Clarke Quay tonight for a meal and beer.

    • [Deactivated] on 18/03/2018 - 10:27

      The 'misting' takes place on the hour. It's worth trying to see it.

  • ameyas7 on 18/03/2018 - 09:07

    i'd suggest to skip flyer and go for skypark at bay sands instead because 1) the flyer is bit too slow (i know its by design) 2) is an enclosed cabin 3) requires commitment for 30-40 mins once you step in. can't recall pricing but is surely comparable with skypark, gives you the same view with bit more flexibility. also i'd recommend to visit sentosa on first day instead of last. there are plenty of things to do in sentosa. you do not want to discover things that interests you on your last day. you can check out things to do at sentosa from tripadvisor. last but not least shop around for deals on tickets (beware as some shows may require date+time booking so need to plan accordingly). you can really save lots of $ on tickets if you find deals based on your interest and combine venues. also speak to your hotel staff/ reception they can recommend few things too.

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