Singapore Holidays

How to reach Singapore

Flight time:

• Direct flights to Singapore depart daily from London and take approximately 13 hours.

• Flights from other UK airports include a stopover, typically at a European or Middle Eastern hub, adding a few hours to the total journey time.

Transfer time:

• From Changi Airport, the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is the most convenient way to reach the city centre, taking 30–40 minutes to key areas like Marina Bay or Orchard Road.

• Taxis can be slightly quicker, depending on destination and traffic.

Price:

• A single MRT ticket from Changi Airport to the city centre costs around S$2 (£1.20).

• Alternatively, a taxi will be approximately S$20–S$40 (£11.50–£23).

Best time to visit Singapore

Very close to the equator, Singapore enjoys a tropical climate with similar weather year-round. Daytime highs average a fairly constant 31–32°C, with high humidity (over 80 percent). Showers can occur at any time of year, most commonly in the afternoon, but tend to be short. However, certain months may appeal more than others, depending on what you’re looking for in your holidays to Singapore.

• December to February is peak travel season, as Christmas and Chinese New Year festivities light up the city. These months tend to be slightly cooler than the average and bring more rain.

• March to May is ideal if you’re looking to avoid crowds, with temperatures rising slightly but an average amount of rainfall.

• June to August is popular due to European school holidays. These months have the year’s lowest humidity and rainfall.

• September to November can be quieter, making it an excellent time for sightseeing. It tends to rain more than in summer, but there’s still plenty of sunshine.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Singapore’s official languages are English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil, with English being widely spoken among Singaporeans.

• Local habits and customs: Singapore is a conservative and conformist country with strict laws. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport, and note that littering can incur heavy fines. Tipping isn’t customary but is appreciated in high-end restaurants.

• Currency: Singapore uses the Singapore Dollar ($ or S$). ATMs are widespread, and credit or debit cards are widely accepted.

• Getting around: The MRT and bus systems are efficient, affordable and offer good island coverage. Fares start from around S$1 (£0.60) for short trips, and you can tap in and out with credit or debit cards, even foreign ones. Taxis are also common, and meters are used. Ride-hailing services such as Grab, Gojek and Ryde are also good alternatives.

• Electricity and plug types: Singapore uses 230V and British three-pin plugs, so UK travellers do not need adapters.

• Time zone: Singapore is 8 hours ahead of GMT.

Best things to do in Singapore

Singapore is a tiny city-state that punches way above its weight regarding what it offers tourists. It has a unique mix of modern attractions, cultural heritage, nature, leisure opportunities and some of the best food in Asia. It’s a place where sleek skyscrapers sit alongside green spaces and colonial buildings. Here’s a round-up of the best things to do on your holidays to Singapore:

The best districts

• Chinatown: A must-visit for its historic charm and bustling atmosphere. Wander through heritage shophouses, explore temples like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and indulge in some of Singapore’s best hawker food.

• Little India: Known for its colourful streets, aromatic spices and stunning temples, this district offers a sensory feast. Don’t miss the famous Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and Tekka Market for authentic bites.

• Kampong Glam: This eclectic neighbourhood is home to the Sultan Mosque and a mix of trendy cafés and traditional textile shops. Its lively Arab Street is a hotspot for culture and street art.

• Sentosa Island: A popular resort island just off Singapore’s southern coast, Sentosa is packed with attractions, from beaches and nature trails to numerous leisure opportunities like Universal Studios Singapore.

Parks and gardens

• Gardens by the Bay: Another of the island’s iconic sights, this futuristic park blends nature and technology. The Cloud Forest Dome and Supertree Grove are highlights, offering an otherworldly experience as you wander through lush vertical gardens and misty waterfalls, and the supertrees are particularly stunning when illuminated at night.

Historical monuments

• Raffles Hotel: This iconic colonial hotel has a rich history dating back to 1887. It’s a symbol of old-world charm and the birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail. You don’t have to stay here to enjoy its grandeur – just pop into the Long Bar for a drink.

• Sri Mariamman Temple: Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, located in Chinatown, is a vibrant place to witness Hindu festivals and learn about the city’s multicultural heritage.

• Fort Canning Park: A historical landmark and a green oasis in the heart of the city, Fort Canning is known for its military history and archeological remains.

Day trips in the area

• Pulau Ubin: For a more laid-back, rustic vibe, head to this small island to explore its wildlife and mangroves. Rent a bike and cycle through the island’s kampong villages for a glimpse of Singapore’s past.

Activities for families in Singapore

Singapore is a fantastic, family-friendly destination with an incredibly wide range of activities to entertain everyone.

• Universal Studios Singapore: Located on Sentosa Island, this theme park offers exciting rides, movie-themed attractions and character meet-and-greets, making it perfect for all ages.

• Singapore Zoo: With its offshoots, Night Safari and River Wonders, this is one of the best zoos in the world. With many animals housed in natural enclosures, it’s a great place for a half-day or evening visit.

• Parks and playgrounds: East Coast Park offers a massive playground, cycling paths and sandy beaches. Gardens by the Bay also has a children’s garden with water play areas.

• Adventure activities: For adrenaline-seekers, Sentosa Island has some unique options. Try indoor skydiving at iFly Singapore, take on the Skyline Luge, or ride the MegaZip, which zips you 450m across the jungle and beach at thrilling speeds.

Free things to do in Singapore

From cultural experiences to nature trails, there are plenty of free activities and events to enjoy on Singapore holidays without breaking the bank.

• Free events: Singapore hosts numerous free events throughout the year, including the Singapore Night Festival and National Day celebrations, which feature dazzling fireworks and performances.

• Botanic Gardens: Singapore’s sole UNESCO World Heritage Site, this sprawling garden is free to enter for a peaceful walk or to relax with a picnic. Famous for its National Orchid Garden, boasting over a thousand species of orchids, you can also catch free open-air concerts on weekends.

Nature and outdoor activities

• National parks and nature reserves: Singapore boasts several green spaces, including Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world, and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, where you can spot migratory birds, monitor lizards and even crocodiles.

• Walks: Take a scenic walk along the Southern Ridges, a 10km trail connecting several parks and nature reserves. The trail offers panoramic city views and chances to spot native flora and fauna.

• Watersports: Sentosa Island is a hub for watersports, offering kayaking, wakeboarding, water-based jetpacks and jet skiing. The calm waters around East Coast Park are perfect for beginner paddleboarders.

Local dishes in Singapore

Singapore is an amazing place to eat out, with its diverse culinary scene influenced by Malay, Chinese, Indian and Peranakan cooking. From cheap but tasty street food at hawker food centres to more refined dining experiences, here are some dishes you must try:

Some typical dishes

• Hainanese chicken rice: A national favourite, this dish features steamed or boiled chicken served with rice cooked in chicken stock, chilli sauce and a rich broth.

• Chilli crab: Singapore’s most famous seafood dish, featuring fresh crab stir-fried in a rich, spicy tomato and chilli sauce. Be prepared to get messy!

• Laksa: A spicy noodle soup with a creamy coconut base, often with beansprouts and prawns or fishcake dumplings, topped with a boiled egg.

• Char kway teow: Stir-fried flat noodles with prawns, pork, eggs and beansprouts tossed in a savoury soy sauce.

Meat dishes

• Satay: Grilled skewers of marinated meat (chicken, beef or lamb) served with a tangy peanut sauce, cucumber, onions and sticky rice on the side.

• Rendang: A slow-cooked dry curry, typically made with beef, cooked in coconut milk and a blend of aromatic spices until tender.

Street food

• Chai tau kuay: Known locally as “carrot cake,” it consists of rice flour and white radish cubes fried with egg and garlic, sometimes flavoured with kecap manis, a sweet soy sauce.

• Roti prata: A flaky, buttery flatbread, commonly served with a side of curry for dipping, often eaten at breakfast or as a snack.

Local drinks

• Teh Tarik: A sweet, frothy milk tea that’s "pulled" to give it a smooth, creamy texture.

• Tiger beer: Singapore’s popular local brew is light and refreshing, perfect for cooling off in the city’s tropical heat.