You’ve got to appreciate miniature cities for the experiences they afford in a single weekend’s trip. In Singapore, a full three days mean seeing most of its landmarks and trying out its iconic attractions. Here’s an itinerary to guide your first-time visit, designed to fit a Friday afternoon arrival and Sunday night departure.
Evening 1
Sightseeing & photo ops
After checking into your accommodation, catch your breath with spectacular views of the city from the Singapore Flyer. Known as the largest observation wheel outside the US, the Flyer stands 165m in height, about 42 floors up. It’s taller than the London Eye by 30m, with views that span several landmarks: Raffles Place, Merlion Park, Singapore Bay. The skyline, seen from this capsule that accommodates 28, is absolutely breathtaking.
Klook Tip: Catch a flight at around 7PM, for which you can opt for Klook’s dinner package, where you can indulge in a 4-course dinner while enjoying the glorious colours of the sunset fill the Singapore skyline.
A short walking tour follows from the Singapore Flyer in Marina Centre: head on toward the Esplanade Theatre (a charming work of architecture that will remind you of a durian shell), across to the Fullerton (the former General Post Office, now a five-star luxury hotel), and then to the Merlion Park (where you’ll find Singapore’s fish-lion symbol). Enjoy a handful of photo opportunities around these landmarks, before settling in for a late dinner around Boat Quay.
From here you can call it a night and conserve energy for the following day. If you’re game for more, consider a stop at Clark Quay, the hangout of choice for many locals.
Day 2
A theme park & night safari
Start early with a trip on the Cable Car from Mount Faber, toward Sentosa Island. The 10-minute journey, a quintessential experience in itself, gives you a sprawling view of the Singapore River.
Klook Tip: On your way back from Sentosa Island, choose to have a sumptuous 4-course dinner, when you’ll be accompanied by the city’s spectacular skyline. There is the Singapore delights menu that includes local favourites like the Hainanese Chicken Rice, Chilli Crab as well, making it a truly local experience!
Once in Sentosa, spend a day over at Resorts World’s Universal Studios Singapore. Arguably, a first-time trip to the island is incomplete without this itinerary item! Our favourite rides include Transformers: The Ride, Battlestar Galactica: Human vs. Cylon, Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure and Revenge of the Mummy.
Klook Tip: To save time and avoid long queues, we highly recommend getting an express pass.
Of course, no trip to Singapore is complete, either, without a visit to the Night Safari– your last stop for the day. We highly recommend you on board the park’s tram where you can get up close and personal with the animals! Give yourself an hour or two’s rest before heading to the Singapore Zoo (allow travel time via train and connecting bus).
Klook Tip: the first Creatures of the Night show, featuring a star-filled cast of nocturnal animals, begins at 7:30PM, although we recommend arriving at least half an hour in advance to secure seats.
Day 3
Of gardens and exhibitions
Breathe some early morning air at Marina Bay Sands’ Gardens by the Bay. The manmade structures are quite spectacular, as are the collections of flora and fauna from around the world in their Flower Dome and Cloud Forest Conservatories.
Klook Tip: The gardens open at 9AM, but be sure to check their maintenance schedules over at their website for any temporary closures.
Next, head to the ArtSciene Museum, located within a walking distance away from the gardens. The ArtScience Museum, featured in Telegraph’s list of The Coolest Design Museums and is probably the only museum in Singapore with the most number of interactive exhibitions. Their newest instalment: the NASA: A Human Adventure Exhibition, is a must for space buffs. Going on till 19 March 2017, the NASA Exhibition is full of facts, replicas and artefacts of all things space! Don’t miss out on the other equally fascinating exhibitions like Future World and Escher’s World of Wonders as well!
Afterwards: unleash the inner Marvel geek in you and head to the west of the island for the Marvel’s Exhibition at the Science Centre Singapore. Get up close and personal with your favourite Marvel superheroes that include Captain America, Ironman, the Hulk, Black Widow and more in the exhibition’s biggest installation yet. Expect interactive exhibitions, attractive merchandises and even movie screenings that are sure to delight both young and old!
Do note that this exhibition goes on until 5 March 2017. To find out more about the Klook team’s experience at the Marvel’s Exhibition, click here.
As a last pre-airport stop, head over to Chinatown Food Street for dinner. The fully pedestrianised, al fresco dining destination is full of options for your fill of local fare, from Chicken Rice and Hokkien mee to Roast Duck and Chicken Satay!
So much to see, so little time
Despite being a tiny island, Singapore exudes so much charm and not to mention, there’s so much to see and do here. Whether it’s a much needed weekend shopping trip with the girls, or simply a scenery hopping adventure, Singapore is the place to be!
Do you have other recommendations for a first-time Singapore visit? How would you rework this itinerary? Share away in the comments!
