Being consistently rated as one of the best airports in the world, Singapore’s Changi Airport is a common layover hub to many other different flights. The airport certainly offers lots of activities to keep both young and old entertained for hours on end, but don’t let that stop you from exploring Singapore on the outside.
If you have at least 8 hours to spare until your connecting flight, get out and experience more of this tiny island-state. You need at least 3-4 days to discover the whole of Singapore and fully dive into the local culture but you can still see the key attractions in a day.
Here’s a workable game plan to make the most of your Singapore stopover. Enjoy!
MORNING
EAT: To start the day, head out and try the basic Singaporean breakfast — Kaya Toast. It consists of toasted bread filled with butter and kaya — a jam made from eggs, sugar, coconut milk and pandan. Best eaten with soft-boiled eggs and a cup of hot coffee or hot chocolate. You can easily find them in Toast Box, Killiney or Ya Kun Kaya Toast with hundreds of outlets around Singapore.
DON’T MISS:
*Singapore Botanic Gardens, a 156-year old tropical garden that is a star attraction for both visitors and locals. It has more than 10,000 species of flora spread over 82 hectares. There is so much to see and explore in a day but you can opt to go on a walking trail that range from 40 to 90 minutes to get a glimpse of the wonderful sights, sounds, and wonders that the gardens offer.
Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens (Yellow Line, CC19)
*Orchard Road, just 5-10 minutes away from the Botanic Gardens is Singapore’s 2-km retail hub. It is home to famous designer brands, art galleries, classy restaurants and iconic shopping malls.
Nearest MRT: Orchard (Red Line, NS22)
AFTERNOON
EAT: On a budget, you can always go for lunch at the Hawker Centres. It is an open air complex housing many food stalls that sell a variety of inexpensive food. There’s also an indoor alternative, which is the food court inside shopping centres. Try the Hainanese Chicken Rice (considered as one of the country’s national dish), Nasi Lemak (fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf) or Hokkien Mee (stir-fried noodle dipped in pork bones and prawn head stock). These are all authentic local dishes that every Singaporean grew up with.
DON’T MISS:
*Chinatown is a great place to see Singapore’s Chinese culture and history. It’s a lively mix of old and new filled with colourful streets, shabby alleys, temples, mosques, cafes, and traditional shops. Visit Chinatown Singapore Centre for free weekly walking tour that features Chinatown’s ancient stories and experiences.
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (Purple Line, NE4)
*Haji Lane, a hub for quaint fashion stores, indie boutiques, multi-coloured shop houses and hip restaurants. It’s a popular area for younger crowd, with lots of great art cafes for delicious quick bites. Along with Arab Street and nearby parts, the area is known as Kampong Glam or the Malay Quarter.
Nearest MRT: Bugis (Green Line, EW12)
*Catch the sunset at Marina Barrage. It’s a hotspot for recreational activities and weekend family picnics. At the rooftop garden, you’ll find an amazing, unobstructed view of the city skyline including Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay and Singapore Flyer.
Nearest MRT: Marina Bay (Red Line, NS27)
EVENING
EAT: For more Asian food selections, dine at Makansutra Gluttons Bay. It’s a hawker-style food place near Marina Bay with great food and vibrant atmosphere. Try Satay (barbecued meat skewers served with peanut sauce), Char Kway Teow (stir-fried noodles), Cereal Prawns (deep-fried prawns coated in butter cereal) and Sambal Stingray (spicy barbecued stingray). These are combinations of Chinese, Indonesian and Malay delicacies.
DON’T MISS:
*Gardens by the Bay presents the Avatar-like Supertrees that come alive with exciting lights and sounds at night. At the Supertree Grove you’ll find 12 iconic tree-like vertical gardens that are about as tall as a 16-storey building. The Gardens by the Bay has an entrance fee but the Supertree Grove is of free admission.
Nearest MRT: Marina Bay (Red Line, NS27)
*Marina Bay is all things innovative, modern and stylish. It gives you access to the business district, luxurious shopping malls, fancy restaurants and several iconic structures that give Singapore its identity around the world including Marina Bay Sands, Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, The Merlion, ArtScience Museum, Singapore Flyer and the Double Helix Bridge. Witness Wonder Full, a 15-minute lights, music and sound show in the Event Plaza at the Promenade. It’s free daily (8:00 PM and 9:30 PM) and is open to the public.
Nearest MRT: Marina Bay (Red Line, NS27)
That’s too much to digest in a day, isn’t it? Singapore may sometimes be dubbed as too sterile and strict but that doesn’t mean boring. If you have more time and want extra hours to relax, you can break this list in 2-3 days. There’s also Sentosa Island for more fun and adventure. Or Robertson Quay to grab some drinks and chill along the Singapore river.
Have you been to Singapore?
What is your favorite stopover destination?
