theworldbyemstagramSingapore is a destination on any traveller’s bucket list. This small city state is found just off the southern tip of Malaysia and there really is nowhere else like it, with its futuristic skyline and vibrant mix of cultures. It is also an incredibly safe travel destination which makes it the ideal place for any solo traveller. In this travel guide for Singapore I’ll share my best tips for travelling to Singapore. (All prices in this travel guide are correct in May 2019)
Looking for a Singapore travel itinerary? Or wondering how you can travel Singapore on a budget? Or just need something to really inspire you to visit Singapore?
SOLO TRAVELLING SINGAPORE
The Basics
Currency: Singapore spend the Singapore Dollar (S$) which has an exchange rate of around $S1.8 = £1 (Nov. 2020).
Entry Requirements – If you are a British citizen, you don’t need a visa to travel to Singapore for up to 90 days. You will need at least 6 months validity on your passport, which should be in good condition. (For up to date travel information check out the Foreign Office travel advice. This information is from the UK government)
Language – the country combines a wealth of cultures, predominately Indian, Malay, Chinese and Indian, however the first language here is English so all of the signs, adverts and menus are in English. The majority of locals are bilingual and speak proficient English.
Weather – The climate in Singapore is pretty consistent all year around, with temperatures varying from 28°c – 34°c. With high humidity levels of around 80% the ‘feels like’ temperature is likely to be considerably higher. Singapore also has the tendency to be quite wet and stormy, seeing an average of around 165 days of rain each year.
Tap water – unlike other Asian countries the tap water here is perfectly safe to drink! This can help to keep lower the travel costs when you’re in Singapore. Just take your favourite reusable water bottle.
Getting Around in Singapore
The Singapore metro (MRT) is really easy to navigate, and very safe making it ideal for female solo travel. You simply go to a ticket machine, select your destination and pay the fair. Journeys typically cost between 1.40S$ and 1.80S$. I used the metro a fair bit and found it a very stress free way of travelling Singapore.
If you are going to need an airport transfer I recommend using the city shuttle bus. You simply go to the machine, select the hotel / hostel you are staying at and then pay the fair. It was the easiest airport transfer I have ever done and the bus had free wifi.
If you are backpacking in Singapore it’s likely you will need to plan an onward journey. A common route is to go to Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital. Head to the Golden Mile Centre where you will find an array of bus companies to book with. Tickets to KL are priced between 20-30S$ (£11-17).
Where to stay in Singapore
The cost of accommodation in Singapore can definitely significantly eat into your budget. If you are solo travelling Singapore you are likely to want a backpacker friendly hostel. Bohemian Chic Hostel is found in Chinatown and at £18 a night with free breakfast was the best value hostel I could find in the city. The staff were really helpful with great local knowledge. The hostel also offered discounted tickets to some of the main attractions such as Gardens by the Bay, which definitely helped with the backpacker budget.
Watch my travel vlog of me travelling to Singapore from the UK and heading the Bohemian Chic hostel.
The lights were always off in the room, the dorms were really quiet and there was no common area, so it was pretty much impossible to socialise and make any friends there. If you are a solo traveller make sure you check out the ‘atmosphere’ rating on Hostelworld before you book. Ones with higher scores tend to be more suited to solo travellers looking for company / to make friends.
Places to Visit in Singapore
There are so many things that are suitable to do alone in Singapore. The city state is home to so many unique and amazing attractions you’re going to be spoilt for choice. Follow my Singapore itinerary to make sure you get the most out of your trip.
Watch my Singapore travel vlog where I explore the city over 2 days.
Gardens by the Bay
This is simply a must do in Singapore – there is so much to explore here! The Supertree Grove is free to visit. The free Gardens of Rhapsody Light Show takes place here every evening at 19:45 and 20:45. There are two indoor conservatories At the Gardens – the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest – which you have to pay 28S$ (£15.75 – May 2019 prices) entry for. I would definitely recommend the Cloud Forest with the huge indoor waterfall. If you are sticking to a budget, just visit the Cloud Forest and skip the Flower Dome.
The OCBC Skywalk costs 8S$ (£4.50 – May 2019 prices) to walk along. There’s a great view from up here and it’s an excellent place to see the sunset. The hostel discount prices meant I got entry to the conservatories and the skywalk for 31S$ (£17.45 – May 2019 prices). With all this combined into one attraction, Gardens by the Bay is definitely one of the best places to visit in Singapore.
Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan)
You can find the Sultan Mosque at Muscat Street and North Bridge Road, not far from the Arab Street. It was named a national monument in 1975 and is free to visit.
Arab Street / Haji Lane
‘Singapore’s vetran creative hub’. There are some cool areas of vibrant street art around here as well as an array of shops selling food, clothes, fabric and rugs.
Chinatown
No trip to Singapore would be complete without a trip to Chinatown, a definite must do in Singapore. This is a great spot to grab some food – make sure you go to the street food stands. You can also find the beautiful Buddha’s Tooth Relic Temple here in Chinatown.
Marina Bay Sands Sky Park
As this boasts the best panoramic view in the city, this needs to make your list of places to visit in Singapore. It costs 23S$ (£13, May 2019 prices) to get up here and enjoy the view. It’s a great spot for sunset! The Skydeck sits on top of the world famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel which is one of the most photographed buildings in the world.
Little India
The Indian quarter of Singapore is great place to grab some cheap food. Head to the Tekka Centre and choose from an array of Indian dishes. Make sure you try Rotti Pratta, this will only set you back about 2S$. The hindu temple Sri Veeramakaliamman temple is also in Little India.
Bugis Street Market
This is one of the biggest and cheapest places to shop in Singapore and is the largest street shopping location in the country. If you are solo travelling Singapore you are likely to want to get some gifts or souvenirs, so this is the ideal place to buy some stuff that doesn’t blow your budget!
Merlion Park
The Merlion is the official mascot of Singapore, depicted as a mythical creature of a Lions head with a fish’s tail. Whilst checking out the giant Merlion fountain, hang around until the evening so you can see the Marina Bay area at night. Suntec City, the Singapore Flyer, the ArtScience Museum and Marina Bay Sands all look amazing lit up – definitely a Singapore must see!
Spectre Light and Water Show
You can watch lights and water dance on top of the Marina every night at 8 and 9pm. It was absolutely spectacular and is free to watch so should be on anyone’s Singapore itinerary.
Botanical Gardens
This is another free attraction so perfect for exploring Singapore on a budget! The gardens are over 160 years old and the only tropical gardens in the world to be a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has been ranked Asia’s top park attraction since 2013, so is definitely a great scenic spot in Singapore.
ArtScience Museum
The world’s first of it’s kind, the ArtScience museum was opened in 2011 and is found in the Marina Bay area. There are varying entry prices depending on what exhibitions you go and see. I would recommend the Future Worlds exhibition with it’s amazing Crystal Universe at the end.
Travelling alone, especially as a female, can undoubtedly be a daunting experience. My experience solo travelling Singapore was definitely a safe, easy and positive one, and hopefully this guide can help you do the same. Happy solo travel!
Enjoyed reading Solo travelling Singapore?
Check out some more of my Singapore content:
- Itinerary for Singapore: 3 Days in Singapore
Make sure you make the most of your time in expensive Singapore by sticking to this 3 day itinerary for Singapore. - Backpacking Singapore: A Budget Guide
Backpacking Singapore is likely to be more expensive than exploring the rest of SE Asia. Follow this budget guide to make backpacking Singapore as expense free as possible. - 15 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Singapore
Not sure whether or not to venture to Singapore? Here are 15 photos that will put this destination straight on your bucket list! - Solo Travelling Singapore: The Ultimate Singapore Travel Guide
Singapore is on any travellers bucket list. Follow this travel guide for all the top tips on solon travelling Singapore.
Loved this post. So glad you are following your dreams 💜 makes me want to go so baaaaaad!!!
Thank you so much!! If it’s something you want to do definitely aim to do it, it’s rewarding when you put your dreams into action xxxxx
Loved this post. So glad you are following your dreams 💜 makes me want to go so baaaaaad!!!
Loved this post. So glad you are following your dreams 💜 makes me want to go so baaaaaad!!!
Thank you so much!! If it’s something you want to do definitely aim to do it, it’s rewarding when you put your dreams into action xxxxx