Singapore Layover Guide (SIN)

Gardens By The Bay

This multi-award winning horticultural destination is now symbolizes Singapore. It covers 101 hectares of land, and is made up of two main areas, the Bay South Garden and Bay East Garden. It has a 128-meter long aerial walkway, panoramic vistas of the Marina Bay skyline, and massive Supertrees which are nine to 16 stories tall. You can stroll on a suspended walkway between two Supertrees. Enjoy the evening lightshow and the fantastic Cloud Forest. » book this tour

Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

Be dazzled by panoramic view overlooking Marina Bay and enjoy the world-class skyline from above in one of Singapore’s most iconic buildings. It is especially remarkable from the Observation Deck at Marina Bay Sands SkyPark on the 57th floor. Also see the vertical gardens of the Supertree Grove, where 162,900 tropical plants cover the tree-like structures of the nature park. » book this tour

Universal Studios Singapore

There are 4 Universal Studios in the world and Singapore has one of them. The park boasts 24 rides and attractions which are perfect for any moviegoer. You can satisfy every cinematic fantasy as you explore this 50-acre park that has 7 different movie-themed zones. Either hop in the roller coaster of Battlestar Galactica, ride the river rapids of Jurassic Park or see a 4D Shrek show. » book this tour

National Gallery Singapore

This gallery holds more than 8,000 works and therefore it is the largest public collection of modern art in Southeast Asia. There is a lot to see in this gallery but make sure not to miss the inaugural exhibit, “Siapa Nama Kamu? Art in Singapore Since the 19th Century.” n advance online.

Time required: 2 hours to a full day.

Airport to here: Taxi takes an average of 25 minutes while public transport takes an hour.

Merlion Park

This park was established in 1972 and is usually packed. The promenade overlooking Marina Bay has Singapore’s iconic Merlion statue. The statue is a half-fish, half-lion stone carving that shoots water into the bay. It is also 28-foot tall and it symbolizes Singapore’s start as a fishing village while the lion head is a nod to Singapura, which means “Lion City” in Malay.

Time required: You will need at least an hour to enjoy the Merlion Park.

Airport to here: Taxi takes an average of 20 minutes while public transport typically takes an hour.

Haw Par Villa

This is an Asian cultural park is quite a bizarre feast for the eyes.There are over 1,000 detailed sculptures and dioramas representing Chinese values. Learn about Aw Boon Haw who was a philanthropist and the founder of the Tiger Balm.

Time required: At least an hour would be the minimum.

Airport to here: Typically takes a Taxi 40 minutes and public transport takes an hour and 30 minutes on average.

Thian Hock Keng

Thian Hock Keng or Tianfu Temple, is the oldest Buddhist temple in Singapore. The temple has such an elaborate architecture, following the traditional southern Chinese style. It is claimed that the temple was built without using a single nail. It has many dragon and phoenix sculptures and Fujian-style broken porcelain roof ridges. The temple does not allow photography but there is free admission into the temple.

Time required: 2-3 hours.

Airport to here: Typically takes a Taxi 30 minutes while public transport can take a little more than an hour.

Sri Mariamman Temple

Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple is surprisingly found in the middle of Chinatown. The temple is still in use as a religious, cultural and social centre for Hindus. Many come with the believe that the deity goddess Mariamman can cure illnesses. The temple building immensely ornate and vibrant, with a large entryway lined with hundreds of sculptures depicting figures in Hindu mythology.

Time required: Set aside an hour or 2 to enjoy the temple.

Airport to here: Taxi takes an average of 35 minutes while public transport typically takes an hour.

Clarke Quay

Clarke Quay is one of Singapore’s food, drink and entertainment hubs. Be sure to explore the entire open-air pedestrian area filled with restaurants, bars, and clubs. In the past, this quay near modern-day Fort Canning Park served as a center of trade, when barges would transport goods upstream for storage in the warehouses. The history of the quay is still evident only with a few changes such as warehouses which have been restored and painted in rainbow hues.

Time required: Set aside 2 or 3 hours to explore the Clarke Quay.

Airport to here: Typically takes a Taxi 40 minutes and public transport takes an hour.

Night Safari

Singapore has one of the world’s first safari park for nocturnal animals. It is housed on an 86-acre reserve hosts an estimated 2,500 animals from 130 species. Riding on guided trams, allows you to see many of the endangered animals in the safari. The tour itself takes about 40 minutes and covers seven themed geographic areas. There are even living tiger feedings on the weekend.

Time required: Set aside 3 or 4 hours to enjoy the Night Safari.

Airport to here: Typically takes a Taxi 40 minutes and public transport takes an hour.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Singapore Botanic Garden is carved into four main areas. The major one for tourists is the Central Core this is because it has about 1,000 species of orchids and 2,000 hybrids are on display. This garden has a lot of places to take photos and relax. Other parts of the gardens have treehouses, a suspension bridge, and even a farm.

Time required: Set aside 2 or 3 hours to explore the Clarke Quay.

Airport to here: Typically takes a Taxi 30 minutes and public transport takes an hour.