We would be delighted to offer recommendations if you seek an authentic and remarkable adventure in Singapore.
When you arrive in Singapore, checking the weather's a good idea. However, keep in mind that the information is only for reference. For example, we visited in June, typically known as the rainy and stormy month, according to the Singapore Tourism website. We only encountered rain on the first day of our trip. The rest of the days were sunny. It's difficult to predict the weather in tropical areas. Nevertheless, the upside is that there are plenty of things to do in Singapore.
When is the best time to visit Singapore by month?
Get prepared:
Select a tourist pass that suits your travel needs and helps you save money. The Go City Pass is an option that enables you to experience over 35 attractions in Singapore at set prices for specific days. The Go City Pass is an ideal choice if you plan to visit Universal Studios, zoos, museums, or art galleries.
Visit as many Singapore attractions as you wish over 2-7 days. The 3-day pass cost 384 Singaporean Dollars. Most of the time, the Go City Pass has a 20% off discount code. So keep an eye out when you book the Go City Pass. The All-Inclusive Pass include a few freebies, such as a complimentary Singapore sling cocktail at Raffles Courtyard or the Long Bar (worth $43), Kele Singapore Pineapple Tart or Ball Skyline Souvenir Box (worth $26).
You will need to download the Go City Pass app and connect the app to your Pass purchase. Then you will have a QR code that you need to show the customer service at each attraction to redeem your ticket. (In the US, I remember you don't need to redeem the ticket and just show the QR code at the entrance. They will let you in. This is what I think Singapore Go City Pass might need to be improved to make the process simpler.)
The full list of attractions included in the Pass can find here: https://gocity.com/singapore/en-us/products/all-inclusive
Explorer Pass
If you don't plan to go to Universal Studios and only want to visit a few attractions, you can also buy the Explorer Pass. This will be changed by how many attractions you want to go. It could save some money if you find a good combination with attractions. I personally don't think this Pass will save lots of money. Because each individual attraction on this page won't cost much: https://gocity.com/singapore/en-us/products/explorer
Klook Pass
I also saw many people recommending the Klook Pass. It is run by a different company. I did some calculations. It won't save us much. So I did not purchase it. But put it here for your reference.
https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/69622-singapore-attractions-pass/
Transportation and Telecommunication:
Arrive Card
Before you arrive in Singapore, you are required to fill out this online Arrive Card: https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart/entering-singapore/sg-arrival-card
Fill out the Arrive Card. It will send a copy to your email. Keep a copy of Arrive Card on your phone.
Phone SIM Card:
You can purchase a SIM card at the airport when you approach the exit and opposite these ATMs. They will need you to show them your passport. The SIM card for tourists is like $50 for 120G data. The telecommunication company and stand called "StarHub".
Public Transportation Card:
In New Zealand, we have been getting used to using a bus card to save transportation fees. So it is reasonable to purchase a traveller bus card. But NO! Don't do it.
You need a Visa Card, which you can use for all the metro trains and buses.
We thought purchasing a three days tourist transportation card for $50 was a good idea. However, it is not. When we use a Visa card, it only costs 6 NZD per day. So it only costs 18 NZD for three days.
The Singapore Airport has a Metro Station underground. So if you do not take much luggage, you can take a BRT train.
Use Google Maps to check the train and bus timetable and navigate to your destination.
Alternative to Uber:
Uber cannot be used in Singapore. You will need to download a ride-sharing app called Grab. Grab is like a king app in Southeast Asia. It has food delivery services too.
Currency Exchange：
Many banks in NZ, including ANZ, do not offer currency exchange now. They offer no fees when you withdraw from foreign ATMs.
Cash is convenient when enjoying street food or going to the supermarket. You can withdraw money from Airport ATM when you arrive. 600 Singaporean Dollars should be enough for two people for three days. Since the attractions and hotel fees are paid, you should only use the cash for food and drinks.
Breakfast:
Coconut Toast is a traditional Singaporean breakfast. So Ya Kun Kaye Toast is one of these cafes to go to. It has many chain cafes around the city. The breakfast is always in a combo. You can order two pieces of toast, two eggs, and a drink. Beware that milk in Singaporean coffee or tea is condensed milk. It is sweet, but I like it. They are cheap too. It is so fulfilling I can skip lunch.
http://yakun.com/
Day 1: Gardens and Zoos
This will be a long day with walks, so wear comfortable shoes. Book the Night Safari 24 hours before you go there.
To make a reservation, please email apacbookings@gocity.com at least 24 hours before your desired date and time of visit. Please include your pass numbers, the number of tickets required, and your preferred date and time in the email. They will handle the booking process for you and send you an email confirmation and your e-ticket as soon as possible. Please note that once e-tickets have been issued, changes and cancellations are not allowed.
Botanic Garden ⭐️⭐️⭐️
A testament to Singapore’s reputation as a City in a Garden, the Botanic Gardens is the country’s first UNESCO Heritage Site. Embark on your journey with a refreshing and natural experience by strolling through the garden.
Highlights:
National Orchid Garden, With over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids on display, the splendour of Singapore’s national flower is a sight to behold at the National Orchid Garden. Lots of opportunities to take photos if you love flowers.
This is the only attraction not included in the Go City Pass. But it only cost like 10 dollars per person.
You can take a bus from Botanic Garden to Singapore Zoos. All the rest of the Zoos are really close to each other. But there have so many things to see. It will take a whole day to complete. You can skip the one that you are not interested in. My experience is we keep an eye on the time to ensure we can complete those zoos in half a day.
Although the Go City Pass saved you time to book these attractions, you must go to the Customer Services Office in each zoo to redeem your ticket. Then you can bring the ticket to the entrance to get in. (In Singapore, they can it ticket redemption. I found it sounds odd.)
Bird Paradise ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Come up close with over 3,500 birds across ten zones, including eight immersive walk-through aviaries at Bird Paradise - Asia’s largest bird park.
This is my least favourite zoo because there are so many cafes. The birds can smell the food and feel hungry all day.
Highlights: You can see all the beautiful birds you have never seen in other zoos.
There is a free shuttle to transfer in and out to Bird Paradise from Singapore Zoo (the site of the other three Zoos). You will only need to redeem your ticket at Bird Paradise and redeem your ticket for River Wonders and Singapore Zoo. And redeem your ticket at Night Safari. Just show your QR code via Go City Pass app, and they will do the rest and give you a ticket.
River Wonders ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is one of my favourite zoos. You can see many river fishes and learn about different rivers worldwide. You will be amazed by those beautiful river fishes. Besides, you can see Giant Pandas and Red Panadas here. It is my first time seeing Pandas, even though I have lived in their hometown Chengdu for three years.
Please note that entry to River Wonders is the only admission available. If you wish to experience the Amazon River Quest boat ride, purchase a separate ticket online. You can do this easily when you arrive at the attraction without pre-booking. Amazon River Quest is fun; it only needs to pay about 20 dollars and is worth it.
Highlights: All the beautiful river fishes, the pandas, and the Amazon River Quest, a boat tour.
As you have walked for half a day, this might be a good time to take a break and enjoy a late lunch. Outside of River Wonders/ Singapore Zoo, there has a food court. There have all kinds of delicious food and drinks.
Singapore Zoo ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best Zoo in the world. Explore the world-famous open-concept Singapore Zoo to see more than 2,400 fascinating animals up close. The zoo is home to over 300 species, 34% of which are threatened, as it is known for its conservation and breeding efforts.
Highlights: Many animals you cannot see in other zoos worldwide. You can get so close to them.
Night Safari⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Enjoy a Night Safari and get a unique insight into your favourite animals. See animals in their natural habitats at Night Safari. You’ll get to see a variety of species, including lions, leopards, Malaysian tapirs, hippos, tigers, hyenas, otters, bears and more.
Highlights: This must be the best place to experience Night Safari outside Africa. You will be on the cart, and it will take you to see different animals. The voiceover from the speaker will give you introductions to these animals.
The show started around 7:30 pm. The food court inside the Night Safari is nice. So have a drink before going to the show.
You can take a bus or use Grab to return to the city.
End of the day: Dinner and Drinks
Raffles Long Bar ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you want to have dinner before drinks, go to Raffles City. It is a mall, and the underground level has many restaurants there. This mall is opposite Raffles Long Bar.
Or go to the Chijmes, the church in Crazy Rich Asians (the wedding location). There have many restaurants, bars and food places near the church.
The Raffles Long Bar (the bar is closed around 9:30, but best to go there before 9:00)
To enjoy the one complimentary Singapore sling cocktail, show them the bar code when you pay the check. The cocktail at this place is very expensive, but they have the best Singapore sling. There has a big bag of roasted peanuts on the table for free. 🥜 You can drop the peanuts shells on the ground. It looks like a tradition to do that in the bar.
Now use Grab to take you to the hotel. Have a good rest and prepare for the next exciting day.
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