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A Five-Day Travel Itinerary to Singapore

Super trees in Gardens by the bay
Super trees in Gardens by the bay | © .Martin./Flickr

For a seemingly small country on the map, there is so much to see in Singapore that you would need at least a few weeks to fully experience what the country has to offer. However, if you’ve only got less than week in Singapore, check out our five-day itinerary below to get your bases covered.

Day 1 : Time to soak up the local culture

If this is your first time in Singapore, it is always a good idea to learn more about its culture before anything else. For starters, you can head down to tourist hot spots like Chinatown, Little India and Kampung Glam to learn more about the various cultural heritages in Singapore. These areas are mostly preserved to provide a glimpse into Singapore’s own heritage, so you can expect to visit old temples, grand mosques and traditional shops under preserved shophouses.

Exterior view of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

For folks who consider themselves adventurous when it comes to food, do check out Singapore’s local delicacies in famous eateries like People’s Park Complex, Kampung Glam Cafe and Tekka Food Centre. If you have some time left, head down to Mustaffa Center, Singapore’s largest 24-hour mall located in little India that sells lifestyle products at bargain prices.

Exterior view of Sultan Mosque in Arab Street

Day 2: Visit Singapore’s Museums

If a day trip around Singapore’s cultural sites leave you wanting more, why not head down to Singapore’s very own museums for a quick lesson on the country’s art history? Museums worth visiting include National Gallery Singapore, National Museum of Singapore and the Singapore Art Museum (SAM). While these museums house different forms of art, visiting all three museums gives you a holistic appreciation of Singapore’s visual arts history. Do note that most museums close after 5 p.m., so make sure to plan your time properly.

Grand opening of National Gallery Singapore

Once you are done with the museums, head down to the Singapore Flyer to catch a bird’s eye view of Singapore 165 meters above the ground. A ride on the Singapore Flyer is especially great at night, when the sun goes down and the city truly lights up.

If you still have a little bit more time to spare, check out nearby CHIJMES, a beautiful, historic building complex that used to be a Catholic convent but now houses a row of bars and eateries that go long into the night.

CHIJMES restaurant complex at night

Day 3: Viva la Sentosa

Sentosa Island, a lifestyle and recreational destination located off the shores of Singapore, houses some of the best activities that the country has to offer. For starters, explore the deep marine life at the S.E.A. Aquarium, Southeast Asia’s largest aquarium. With over 1,000 species of animals including Hammerhead Sharks, Nurse Sharks and the Giant Moray Eel, the experience culminates in a massive viewing gallery filled with exotic marine species.

S.E.A Aquarium’s massive viewing gallery

The S.E.A. Aquarium should take less than three hours to cover, after which you can move on to the nearby Universal Studios Singapore. From a 4-D theatrical experience to death-defying roller coasters, Universal Studios Singapore promises a fun day out for children and the young at heart. However, with queues that rake up waiting times of almost an hour at a time, if you can afford it, purchase express passes to save lots of time.

Iconic globe outside Universal Studios Singapore

Day 4: Live like a beach bum

This is your fourth day in Singapore, and since you have done so much walking and exploring for three days, it’s time you get a break. Live the life of a beach bum and head down to Sentosa Island and soak up the sun at the many beaches available. We recommend heading down to the iconic Tanjong Beach Club, Singapore’s favourite beachside al-fresco destination to fully take advantage of the calming waves and sun. Book yourself a nice shady deck and waste your day away with your favourite book, cocktail in hand.

Sunsets at Tanjong Beach

If that is not relaxing enough for you, why not book yourself a rejuvenating spa session to fully unwind? Sentosa is home to various luxurious spas like So SPA in Sofitel Resorts. With packages that go up to $190 per session, these spa packages may seem pricey, but you are guaranteed to feel renewed.

Outdoor Spa Pavilion at So SPA

Day 5: Keep Exploring

For your last day in Singapore, it’s time to explore the iconic Marina Bay. You can choose to take a nice stroll across the Helix Bridge into The Shoppes from Marina Square mall or alight directly at Bayfront MRT. Once inside, immerse yourselves in a unique shopping experience with a wide range of luxury brands from Prada and Chanel to Bally. If you have to stop and take a break, rest your feet at TWG, a tea paradise with hundreds of premium teas and delectable cakes available.

Interior view of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

If you enjoy surrounding yourselves with nature, head down to Gardens by the bay, which is just a short walk away from Marina Bay Sands. Besides the majestic view, you can purchase a ticket to enter the flower domes in Gardens by the bay, two large air-conditioned domes that house more than 1 million plants from all over the world. The tickets also give you access to the Cloud Forest, a mesmerising indoor waterfall that looks like it came out from a scene in Avatar.

Cloud Forest in Gardens by the bay

As night falls on Marina Bay, the city comes alive with the aid of bright lights and colourful hues. Conclude your day and whisk yourselves away to Ce La Vi, one of Singapore’s premier rooftop bars where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the Singapore skyline. With such a gorgeous view, it is an exquisite way to end your trip and reminisce about your favourite memories of Singapore.

View from the rooftop of Marina Bay Sands
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