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Updated January 2025
Over the October holidays, my husband and I had the chance to travel to Singapore—and what a treat it was! This trip marked my third visit to the Lion City, but it felt like my first true opportunity to fully immerse myself in everything Singapore has to offer. My first trip was a whirlwind 24-hour layover, and the second was all business, so having the freedom to explore at our own pace this time around felt like such a luxury.
Singapore is a city that feels alive with energy—a seamless blend of cutting-edge modernity, rich cultural traditions, and lush greenery. Whether you’re here for shopping, food, or relaxation, this city-state has something for everyone. And with its reputation for luxury (thanks to Crazy Rich Asians), cleanliness, and efficiency, it’s a destination that truly makes travel easy and enjoyable.
Here’s our detailed 5-day itinerary to help you plan your own Singapore adventure!
Day 1: Arrival in Singapore
Flight: PVG > SIN, departed 3:45 PM, direct flight (6 hours).
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Orchard Road (room upgrade via IHG perks). We chose this location because it’s central, convenient, and close to all the activities we had planned. The breakfast admittedly was not the best we’ve had at an IHG property, but if you got there before 7am, at least you could beat the breakfast rush!
SIM Card: I pre-purchased a 14-day card with 100GB of data and calls for ¥44 ($6). We typically buy one SIM card and through a combination of hot-spotting each other and using hotel/public Wi-Fi, we can save on SIM card costs.
Day 2: Sentosa Island & Night Safari
Morning: Relaxation at The Palawan
We wanted to start our trip with a laid-back day, and Sentosa Island was the perfect choice.
The Palawan:
Rented a poolside daybed at +Twelve beach club and enjoyed ceviche, sushi rolls, and bubbly. The minimum spend on food was ¥270 ($37) then you could enjoy the lounger for free. Highly recommend booking in advance! The vibe here is beachy, luxurious, and perfect for unwinding.
Activities on Sentosa:
HyperDrive: Booked a go-karting slot in advance for the afternoon.
Ultra Golf: Played 18 holes of putt-putt while waiting for our go-karting slot.
Food Trucks: If we weren’t so full from the beach club, we would have indulged in the food here as the cuisine options were endless!
Evening: Night Safari
Tickets: Booked via Klook for ¥470 ($64) for two people.
What to Expect: This unique wildlife park (it’s the world’s first nocturnal zoo) lets you see nocturnal animals in their natural habitats. Highlights include majestic leopards, giant flying squirrels, and lions! The tram ride and walking trails are a must-do to fully enjoy the experience.
Day 3: Exploring the City
Morning: Shopping and Sightseeing
Wandered along Orchard Road, Singapore’s iconic shopping street.
Strolled through Clarke Quay and past the colorful Old Hill Police Station.
Souvenirs: We picked up Raffles Hotel Kaya Toast Jam (3 jars) and Pandan Tarts (2 boxes) via Klook. The total came to ¥360 ($49) which I thought was a steal and made perfect gifts for friends!
Evening: A Disappointing Food Tour
Every country my husband and I visit, we do a food tour or a cooking class! We had high hopes for the “Small Group: Singapore Street Food & Night Tour” with Monster Tours (booked through Viator), but it was a HUGE letdown.
The price came to ¥1,080 ($150) total.
No substantial food was provided, we had to ask to get water, and left hungry + disappointed despite my questions to the tour guide.
My recommendation: Skip this tour. Instead, explore Singapore’s amazing hawker centers on your own!
Day 4: Sights of Singapore
Morning: Chinatown Complex Market & Food Center
After the disappointing food tour the night before, we decided to head to Chinatown and try the market there ourselves. This is a food lover’s paradise and should be high on everyone’s Singapore to-do lists!
What We Tried:
Hainan chicken rice (a classic and oh-so-tender).
Sugarcane juice (refreshing and perfect for the heat).
Michelin-selected popiah (a fresh spring roll with a sweet and savory twist).
Old Amoy Chendol: A must-try dessert with palm sugar, red beans, and coconut milk.
Tip: Visit early—many stalls close by late afternoon!
Afternoon: Iconic Photo Spots
We had a stroll towards iconic Singapore photo spots after feasting in Chinatown.
Kingfisher Lake: A serene spot in Gardens by the Bay with stunning views of the Marina Bay Sands. Entry is free, and it’s an amazing place for photos.
Stayed for the Light Show at 7:45 PM. Unfortunately, it rained, but watching the lights under the rain added an unforgettable charm!
Evening: Raffles Long Bar
Enjoyed the iconic Singapore Sling at the historic Long Bar.
Klook deal: ¥510 ($70) for two cocktails + unlimited peanuts. It was quite steep, but the experience was unforgettable.
The bartenders were kind enough to take photos and videos for us—a great touch!
Day 5: Universal Studios & Gardens by the Bay
Universal Studios Singapore
We love theme parks…Disney, Universal, Ocean Park, you name it, so Universal Singapore was a must for us!
Highlights:
Battlestar Galactica Roller Coaster: Thrilling but worth the wait.
Revenge of the Mummy: So good, we rode it twice!
Waterworld Stunt Show: A classic that never disappoints.
Tip: Bring water and stay hydrated—it’s a hot day out!
Park Hours: 10 AM–5 PM. You can easily finish all the major attractions in one day.
Dinner at Jypsy
Dined at Jypsy at One Fullerton, overlooking the bay.
Sushi and tuna taco rolls were our favorites. Be sure top make a reservation as this is a prime location with high ratings, and outdoor seating get filled fast!
Evening
Returned to Gardens by the Bay for another light show.
This time, we laid back on the grass and soaked in the magical atmosphere.
Bonus: There was an art installation featuring the aurora borealis—foreshadowing our December trip to Iceland! You can read about our Iceland itinerary here.
Day 6: Morning Wandering & Departure
Morning Activities:
Took photos at Fort Canning Tunnel (just 15 minutes from our hotel).
Shopping along Orchard Road.
Airport:
Left early to explore Changi Airport and the Jewel.
The indoor waterfall never gets old—it’s truly a must-see!
Reflections
Singapore is a destination that truly has it all:
World-class shopping, vibrant culture, and jaw-dropping architecture.
A foodie’s paradise, with everything from Michelin-starred street food to iconic cocktails.
Unique experiences like the Night Safari, Sentosa Island, and Universal Studios.
While it’s not the cheapest destination, sites like Klook, Trip, and Get Your Guide help you find deals and stretch your budget further.
Thank you so much for reading! If you’re planning a trip, check out my FREE Google Maps guide with pins for everything we ate, saw, and did in Singapore.
Happy traveling!
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