- Ideal trip length
- 3 to 5 nights
- Best time to go
- Year round; February to April is driest
- Time zone
- GMT+8 (Singapore Standard Time)
- Currency
- Singapore dollar (SGD)
Entry update
Submit the SG Arrival Card online within the three days before you arrive.
About Singapore
I live in Singapore, so I know it as both a destination and a home. This compact city does many things well: superb food at every level, lush gardens, clean streets and a skyline that keeps changing. Hawker centres sit minutes from fine dining rooms, and both deserve your time. Everything works, which makes it effortless for families and first-time visitors to Asia.
Beyond Marina Bay, I point my clients to the heritage shophouses of Joo Chiat and Tiong Bahru. Early mornings suit the Botanic Gardens, and a bumboat ride to Pulau Ubin shows a rural side few visitors see. Sentosa suits families who want a resort feel within the city. Singapore also makes an easy start or end to a wider trip, with short flights to Bali, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia.
When to go
Singapore is warm and humid all year, so any month works. February to April tends to be driest and sunniest. November to January brings heavier monsoon showers, usually short and easy to plan around.
Places to go
My picks in Singapore
The hotels I'd start with, and who each one suits.
3 MICHELIN KeysForbes Five-Star
Virtuoso
Raffles Singapore
Singapore
1 MICHELIN KeyForbes Five-Star
Virtuoso
Capella Singapore
Singapore
1 MICHELIN KeyForbes Recommended
Four Seasons Preferred Partner
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Singapore
1 MICHELIN KeyForbes Four-Star
Mandarin Oriental Fan Club
Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
Singapore
Shangri-La Luxury Circle
Shangri-La Singapore
SingaporeBefore you go
Arriving
Getting there
Changi Airport has direct flights across Asia, Europe, Australia and North America. Most central hotels are 20 to 30 minutes away by car.
Getting around
The MRT is clean and efficient, and taxis and Grab are easy to find. Many central areas are pleasant to walk early or after sunset.
Visa and entry
Many passports, including UK, US and Australian, get short visa-free visits; every visitor files a free SG Arrival Card within three days before arrival. Check the official source before you travel.
Checked November 2026
Money and culture
Money
Cards and contactless payments work almost everywhere; keep a little cash for older hawker stalls. Visitors can reclaim GST on eligible shopping at Changi Airport.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected. Hotels and restaurants add a service charge, and a small tip for exceptional service is a personal choice.
Local customs
Laws are strict and enforced: no littering, and no eating or drinking on the MRT. Vapes and e-cigarettes are illegal, including for visitors.
On the ground
Language
English is the working language, alongside Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. Singlish, the local blend, is friendly and easy to pick up.
Plugs and power
Type G, the three square-pin British style.
Safety
Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world. Stay hydrated in the heat, and carry an umbrella for sudden showers.
Singapore: quick answers
When is the best time to visit Singapore?
Year round; February to April is driest. Singapore is warm and humid all year, so any month works. February to April tends to be driest and sunniest. November to January brings heavier monsoon showers, usually short and easy to plan around.
How long should I spend in Singapore?
3 to 5 nights is a good length for a first visit. Tell me what you enjoy and I'll shape the route around it.
Which luxury hotels do you recommend in Singapore?
My picks are Raffles Singapore, Capella Singapore, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore and Shangri-La Singapore. Each hotel page has my write-up, what guests say and the benefits I can add.
Do I need a visa for Singapore?
Many passports, including UK, US and Australian, get short visa-free visits; every visitor files a free SG Arrival Card within three days before arrival. Check the official source before you travel.
Updated November 2026
More ways to experience Singapore
Eastern & Oriental Express
Belmond's Southeast Asian sleeper train, on three-night journeys from Singapore through Malaysia.
Explore Ultra luxurySeabourn
Intimate all-suite ships, with winter seasons in Japan and Southeast Asia.
Explore Ultra luxuryThe Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Yacht-style voyages with Ritz-Carlton service, including winter seasons in Southeast Asia and Japan.
ExploreI plan Singapore as a local, matching each client to the right neighbourhood, hotel and tables.
- Benefits arranged before you arrive.
- One point of contact from start to finish.
- Hotels matched to how you travel.