Tradition and modernity blend seamlessly in this stunning southeast Asian city/state of just over six million inhabitants. Within its 736 square kilometres (284 sq. miles) there’s something on offer for every traveller, from iconic skyscrapers to beautiful gardens and traditional culture to outdoor adventure. When you plan a dream tour to Singapore, you balance adventure and relaxation, and here´s an outline for a comprehensive six-day itinerary that does just that!
Day 1: Arrival, Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay
Morning: Arrival in Singapore
After landing at Changi Airport, head to your hotel to check in and freshen up (to make this possible, you´ll need to book the hotel the night before, as check-in times are usually 3-4 pm; otherwise, drop your bags at the hotel and spread the following out to include the morning, with a break in the afternoon to come back and check in).
Afternoon: Marina Bay Sands
Assuming you´re not already staying here, this 15-year-old, now iconic luxury hotel with 1,850 rooms (top) is a must-visit, also home to a glamorous shopping mall; an observation deck with stunning panoramic views of the city; and other attractions including sampan rides along the hotel´s own canal, the ArtScience Museum, and Digital Light Canvas,
Evening: Gardens by the Bay
Enjoy a relaxed stroll through this 260-acre (105-hectare) park just a short stroll away from Marina Bay Sands and be wowed (especially after sundown) by its "Supertree Grove" (above), with 18 towers up to 50 meters (160 feet) high and high walkways between them, the enormous Flower Dome greenhouse (the world´s largest); and Cloud Forest Dome, a mist-filled mountain-style landscape right in the heart of the city.
Night: Light Shows
After night has set in, return to see the dazzling daily Spectra light and water show at Marina Bay Sands (held at 8 and 9 pm Sunday through Thursday and 8, 9, and 10 pm on Friday and Saturday) and Garden Rhapsody light show at Gardens by the Bay (daily at 7:45 and 8:45). And of course have a memorable dinner at one of the hotel complexes 48 eateries and experience its marvelous shows and nightlife.
Day 2: Cultural Exploration and Local Experiences
Morning: Chinatown
Singapore is about 76 percent Han Chinese, so this is a vibrant district, with a largely Cantonese flavour, centrally located next to downtown, and its main streets include Keong Saik Road and Kreta Ayer Road, lined with shops, food stalls, and restaurants, and day and night markets (and although some smaller traditional Chinese businesses have fallen by the waysiide, many remain). And of course the atmospheric Buddhist and Taoist temples such as the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Siang Cho Keong, the Temple of the Heavenly Jade Emperor, and Thian Hock Keng. There´s also a visitor center, a heritage center, the Baba Museum of Singapore Chinese history and culture; and numerous walking tours (a number of them deliciously food-oriented).
Afternoon: Little India
Making up 7½ percent of the population, with its roots in young Indian workers - expecially from the Tamil areas of the south - who came here during the British-Empire days of the 19th century, this former cattle-trading district a few blocks north of Chinatown is a heady burst of vibrant colours and culture. Its main drag is Serangoon Road (which also happens to be one of Singapore´s oldest streets), on which you´ll find the Tekka Centre, a complex including a wet market, food stalls, and various shops. Other highlights include the modern Indian Heritage Centre, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, and the Angullia Mosque. You´ll be here for lunch so enjoy the traditional flavours at the Tekka Centre or one of the district´s many quality Indian restaurants.
Evening: Kampong Gelam
Another blend of tradition and modernity, this smaller district (above) a short stroll from Little India, is also known as Kampong Glam and the Malay-Muslim Quarter, is the hub of the city´s Malay community, which makes up about 15 percent of its population, and is rooted in Singapore´s early-19th-century origins as part of the Sultanate of Malacca, now part of Malaysia. You´ll want to visit the majestic Sultan Mosque, where the streets nearby are filled with trendy cafes and boutique shops. Stroll along Haji Lane, Arab Street, Baghdad Street, and Bussorah Street and discover their own many shops (including great places to browse for textiles and carpets), galleries, cafés, bars and restaurants. Also don´t miss the Malay Heritage Centre, housed in the 206-year-old former Malay palace Istana Kampong Gelam; the its nearby annex Gedung Kuning; and the Hajjah Fatimah Mosque, a mid-19th-century mix of Malay and Western influences.
Day 3: Nature and Adventure
Morning: Singapore Zoo
This cageless 28 hectares (69 acres) is considered one of the world’s best zoos, and the world´s top "rainforest zoo." With more than 4,200 animals
Afternoon: River Safari
This is a unique experience that teaches you about the river ecosystem of the entire world. You also get to see animals like giant pandas and manatees.
Evening: Night Safari
As this unusual nocturnal zoo, you get to explore the animal kingdom under the stars, seeing creatures including leopards, flying squirrels and more that come out only in the night.
Day 4: Sentosa Island – Beach, Adventure, and Relaxation
On the fourth day, you’ll be visiting the world famous Sentosa Island for some fun on the beach, a bit of adventure and also for unwinding a bit.
Morning: Sentosa Island
Set aside the whole day to explore Sentosa Island. You’ll find a lot to do in this resort island that has a beach, many exciting attractions and entertainment options. Kick off your visit to Sentosa Island at the Siloso Beach where you relax for a while soaking up the sun and enjoying the thrill of water sports.
Afternoon: Universal Studios Singapore
After the beach, the next stop is the Universal Studios of Singapore. You are sure to enjoy taking the thrilling rides and shows at the themed zones here. Adrenaline junkies love it here as do families.
Evening: Wings of Time
Bring the fourth day to a close with the Wings of Time Show, a multimedia spectacle where water, fire and laser effects combine to create a dazzling performance. End a lovely fun-filled day with the mesmerising show. It’s Sentosa Island that has made a visit to Singapore such a popular international tour packages.
Day 5: Shopping and Dining in Orchard Road and Clarke Quay
On the fifth day, you go shopping and dining at the upmarket and glamorous Orchard Road and Clarke Quay.
Morning: Orchard Road Shopping
Singapore is no less than paradise for those who love shopping. Explore Orchard Road in the morning, Singapore’s main shopping destination. Shopaholics love this place, home to malls, department stores and luxury boutiques.
Afternoon: Visit Clarke Quay
Head to Clarke Quay in the afternoon. There are cosy restaurants here at this quay by the river and the nightlife is very vibrant! Relax in a riverside cafe or take a ride on a boat along the Singapore River.
Evening: Dinner at Clarke Quay
Step into any of the lovely restaurants in Clarke Quay and dig into a sumptuous dinner. There’s a range of cuisines served here, global flavours to local Singaporean dishes.
Day 6: Day Trip to Pulau Ubin and East Coast Park
Morning: Pulau Ubin
Begin the day with a relaxing boat ride to Pulau Ubin. Nature lovers love the greenery here. You can rent a bike here and go out to explore the island known for its wildlife and mangroves. Meet friendly locals at the rustic villages here.
Afternoon: East Coast Park
After your adventure at Pulau Ubin, enjoy a relaxing evening at the East Coast Park. Take a walk along the coastline or go cycling. A picnic on the beach would be great! Try exciting water sports like kayaking.
Evening: Seafood Dinner
End your last day in Singapore with a sumptuous seafood dinner at a popular restaurant near East Coast Park. Don’t miss the local favourite here, Chilli Crab; Singapore’s famous for it!
For a fantastic Travel Saga package including all of these fantastic sites, sights, and activities, click here.
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