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Singapore, skyline with Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay
Home › Destinations › Asia › Singapore
Destination

Singapore

approx. 12 hrs from Frankfurt
Feb–Apr
City · Food · Nature
Singapore
90 days
Visa-free (DE passport)
Feb–Apr
Best time
GMT+8
Time zone
SGD
Currency
Country Guide

Why a visit to Singapore is worth it

In January 2024 I visited Singapore for two days, as a stopover on my trip from the Philippines to Thailand. I didn't have much time, but even that short stay was enough to understand why so many travelers rave about this city-state.

Singapore is one of the most modern and cleanest city-states in the world, and at the same time a culinary and cultural melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Western influences. What won me over most was the mix of efficiency, cleanliness and green escapes right in the middle of the city.

As one of Southeast Asia's most important hubs, Singapore works both as a standalone destination for a few days and as the perfect stopover on the way to other places in the region, exactly how I experienced it myself.

Good to know
Even 2 days are enough for the main highlights, ideal as a stopover on the way to Southeast Asia or Australia
Gardens by the Bay with the iconic Supertrees and a free light and music show every evening at 7:45pm and 8:45pm
Before entry, the free SG Arrival Card with health declaration is mandatory, online, up to 3 days before arrival
Short-stay hotels like ST Signature Bugis Middle (check-in from 8pm) are a smart, cheap option for just one night
From Changi Airport it's 20–30 minutes to the center by Grab, the MRT is the cheaper alternative
Interactive Map

Our Stops on the Map

Highlights

My stop in Singapore

You'll find accommodations, beaches, food and activities directly on each place's detail page.

Singapore, Marina Bay Sands and skyline
Central Singapore
Marina Bay & Gardens by the Bay

With only two days, I focused entirely on the center around Marina Bay: the futuristic skyline, the Supertrees of the Gardens by the Bay and a walk along the Singapore River to the Merlion. I stayed nearby in the Bugis neighborhood, from where everything is easy to reach on foot or by MRT.

Supertree Grove with a free light and music show, daily at 7:45pm and 8:45pmWalk along the Singapore River with a view of the Merlion statueSkyline view of Marina Bay Sands, especially beautiful at dusk
Learn more about all of Singapore →
Everything You Need to Know

Practical Info

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Getting there & transport

Direct flights from Frankfurt and Munich to Singapore (around 12 hrs). From Changi Airport I took Grab to my hotel (around €20–30, 20–30 minutes), it's cheaper with the MRT, which connects the airport directly with the center.

Locally, the public transport network (MRT) is cheap, clean and reliable, you practically don't need your own vehicle in the city. Important before your trip: within three days before arrival you must fill out the SG Arrival Card with a health declaration online, free via the e-service of the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ica.gov.sg). Your passport should still be valid for at least six months on entry.

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Accommodation

From hostel beds starting at €15–25 to mid-range hotels from €60–100 to luxury hotels from €200. Singapore is one of the pricier destinations in Southeast Asia.

For just one night in transit, short-stay hotels like ST Signature Bugis Middle are worth it: I booked the 11-hour option there (check-in from 8pm, check-out by 7am) for around €75, tiny but modern and clean rooms, in exchange for a very central location in Bugis. For longer stays it's worth looking at regular rooms.

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Food & drink

Hawker centers offer high-quality Chinese, Malay and Indian food from as little as €3–5. Tap water is safe to drink in Singapore.

With only two days I sadly didn't make it to the hawker centers, but I did take a tasty burger break at Shake Shack in the Gardens by the Bay, conveniently right on the way while exploring the gardens.

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Packing list

Light, breathable clothing is ideal given the year-round high humidity, for air-conditioned interiors and restaurants a light sweater or thin jacket is also worth packing.

An umbrella or a light rain jacket is useful year-round, since tropical showers can happen at any time. Comfortable shoes make the many walks between neighborhoods easier. An adapter for Type G outlets is needed for devices from Germany.

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Drone rules

Very strict drone rules apply in Singapore, operating one in most places requires prior approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).

In large parts of the densely populated city, especially near the airport and over government buildings, flying without a permit is generally banned. Spontaneous drone flights are therefore hardly possible, anyone wanting to bring a drone should thoroughly research the CAAS rules before their trip.

Full drone guide for Singapore →
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Health & safety

No mandatory vaccinations, though standard immunizations (including Hepatitis A+B) are still recommended. Singapore is one of the safest destinations in the world, with high hygiene and medical standards.

Malaria isn't an issue in Singapore, the country is considered malaria-free. Occasional dengue cases can occur, so mosquito protection makes sense. Medical care is at a very high Western standard, though correspondingly expensive, travel health insurance is still recommended. Laws are strictly enforced in Singapore, including high fines for bringing in chewing gum or for littering, which contributes to the country's overall cleanliness and safety.

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Culture & etiquette

Singapore is multicultural and generally tolerant, but politeness and consideration are taken seriously. Take off your shoes and wear appropriate clothing in temples and religious sites.

Strict laws against littering, smoking in public places outside designated zones, and bringing in chewing gum should definitely be observed, violations are consistently penalized. Queueing is taken seriously, cutting in line goes down very badly. In the different neighborhoods like Little India or Kampong Glam, it's worth briefly researching cultural and religious customs beforehand, for example before entering mosques or temples.