Singapore Layover: Things to Do In & Out of the Airport in 24 Hours or Less

Explore Singapore on your own!

Before you get drawn into the next tab that says the magic word “FREE“, I recommend doing this DIY Singapore layover tour by yourself if you rather want the flexibility to choose the places that you actually want to go to.

After all, the free tours offered by Singapore Changi Airport typically don’t give you enough time to explore the city and its stops. This is aside from the fact that they have limited tour time slots.

IMPORTANT TIPS:
– Much like I’ve already mentioned above, this kind of Singapore layover itinerary is ideal if you have at least 6 hours in between your flights (8 hours being the safest) — this is taking into account traffic, transit, check-in, and immigration times.
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–Don’t forget to leave your luggage at the airport. It’s best to leave your carry-on too, as well as any other heavy backpacks because they will be a pain to carry when you explore the city.
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–It’s also best that you have all of your flights under the same airline, if not operated by airline partners so that you can have your checked-in luggage go all the way to your destination.(This saves you the hassle of checking in your luggage again after your Singapore layover or stopover).
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–To know how to get in and around the city, scroll up and check the “Travel Guide” section below.
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– Check out this great-for-valueSingapore Passthat will allow you to visit 2, 3, 4, or 5 attractions in Singapore for a discounted package deal! Choose from any of these places: Universal Studios Singapore, Gardens by the Bay Singapore, Singapore Cable Car, Skyhelix Sentosa Singapore, Singapore Flyer ticket, Singapore Zoo, Singapore River Cruise, Big Bus Singapore tour, and many more! The pass has a long validity period of 30 days so it will offer you some flexibility on your schedule.

Now, I’mNOTtelling you to do all of the below activities in one go, because that’s just impossible. Sure, Singapore may be a small mega city but it still holds tons of attractions and activities.

So what I suggest instead is that youpick 1 or 2 categories below(colored green, depending on your preference),and then you either do all the activities under it or a few(depending on how long your layover is).

◘◘The Typical Hotspots

Marina Bay Sands:This is an iconic resort complex that faces Marina Bay in Singapore and it features The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands Mall, a museum, two large theatres, restaurants, Crystal Pavillions, art-science exhibits, casinos and so much more!

• SkyPark Observation Deck= Providing breathtaking panoramic views over the city, this observation deck also has the world’s longest elevated swimming pool with a vanishing edge (a.k.a. infinity pool) that’s located 191 meters above the ground.(You can only swim in it though if you’re a guest of the hotel; but still and the same, this is a great spot to be in and you can buy entry tickets through thislink).
• Spectra Light Show= This is an amazing outdoor light and water show that’s displayed along the promenade. The show happens at 8PM and 9PM on Sunday to Thursday, and at 8PM, 9PM and 10PM on Fridays and Saturdays.(If you ask me, it’s better to watch this show from the other side of Marina Bay Sands).

Gardens by the Bay:This mystical oasis features more than 500,000 plants and about 18 Avatar-like Supertrees that will take your breath away! To book entrance tickets for this as a part of your Singapore layover, gohere. Take note that there are a LOT of attractions here but notable of which are the following…

• SuperTree Grove:These Avatar-ish trees light up at night and have a music and light show at 7:45PM and 8:45PM daily! It’s even possible to have your dinner inside this SuperTree and feel like a modern Tarzan and Jane (or Jake Sully and Neytiri, in line with the Avatar feel).
• Cloud Forest:This features the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at 35 meters as well as a scenic mist-filled Treetop and Cloud Walk!
• Flower Dome:This is the largest glass greenhouse in the world as listed in the 2015 Guinness World Records!
• OCBC Skyway:Placed 22 meters above the ground, this is an amazing stroll that goes through the Gardens and gives you a great view over the Marina Bay skyline as well.

Merlion Park:A landmark that you must NOT miss! Located at One Fullerton, you will find here the iconic Merlion, a mythical creature with a lion’s head and the body of fish — a widely used mascot of Singapore

Singapore Flyer:Reaching a height of 40 stories, I recommend riding this Ferris Wheel at night to have an amazing view over the entire Marina Bay. You can also try their signature drinks here such as the famous ‘Singapore Sling’ that dates back over 100 years! Also, unlike typical Ferris Wheel rides, the capsules here are huge.(Book your ticketshere).

Singapore Botanic Gardens:A 158-year-old tropical garden that is honored as aUNESCO World Heritage Site(Singapore’s first!).You will love the fact that entrance here is FREE from 5AM to 12AM(except for the National Orchid Garden – the park’s crown jewel – which is open 8:30AM to 7PM and charges SGD 5).

ArtScience Museum:This place is that giant white flower-like building that you see on Marina Bay and it is famous for its varied art and science exhibitions. One of the most popular of which is theFuture World exhibitionfor its impressive light set-ups(in collaboration with teamLab, a renowned Japanese interdisciplinary art collective).Entrance here typically starts from USD $9~ and you can grab discounted rates if youbook online.

S.E.A. Aquarium:This is said to be the biggest aquarium in the world that features state-of-the-art facilities that let you explore the depths of the oceans and glimpse at several sea creatures.(Book your ticketshere).

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◘◘For Shopaholics

The Shoppes in Marina Bay Sands:As one of the largest shopping malls in Singapore, this should be on your Singapore layover itinerary if you want to do some luxurious shopping

Orchard Road:This is a 2.2-kilometer-long major road in the city that is regarded as a famous shopping street. It holds a lot of fashion favorites, specialist stores, and so much more

Haji Lane:Considered a ‘hipster’ neighborhood, you will love the boutique shops in this area (not to mention the impressive wall art).

◘◘For Nightlife

Clarke Quay:This is a historical riverside in the city that is now a hotspot for bars, clubs, and restaurants

Orchard Road:After dark, the party animals come out to play at Orchard Road too! Be sure to check out Emerald Hill Road.

◘◘For Foodies

Singapore is passionate about food and you will find some of the best places in the following areas:

The Old Airport Road Hawker Centre:This is one of the biggest hawker centers and which a lot of Singaporeans swear by given its long history! You can never go wrong in any of the stalls as you try some of the famousSingapore fooditems such as chili crab, chicken rice,char kway teow(stir-fried rice cake),lor mee(noodle dish),satay(skewered and grilled meat), androjak(salad dish) among many others.

Kampong Glam:This is a neighborhood in the city that’s filled with watering holes, cafes, and restaurants to fill up your tummy. One of the places you must not miss is Zam Zam in order to try theirmurtabak (stuffed pancake)that has been famous since 1908.

Chinatown:This ethnic enclave is also a place that you must witness, other than its distinct Chinese cultural elements, you should enjoy the area by grabbing a bite at one of the hawker stalls and a drink too in places such as Tea Chapter. Don’t forget to buy some Chinese souvenirs!(Want a guided tour?Reserve your spot online now!)

Little India:As the name suggests, this is the center of the Indian community in Singapore. While here, head over to Serangoon Road to enjoy the atmosphere, and don’t forget to tryfish head curry!

Singapore Cable Car and Sky Dinner:If you’re still in the city during nighttime, I suggest riding the Cable Car Sky Network to soar above the city’s views and then have a romantic dinner.(Book this experiencehere).

Wondering whatSingapore foodor dishes that you must absolutely try?
Check out this blog post to find out:Top Singapore Food Dishes to Try & Where

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◘◘For Out-of-the-City Places

Pulau Ubin:If you’ve got the time during your Singapore layover, go ride a bumboat to reach Pulau Ubin, a nearby island that is famous for its wildlife, cycle trails, and footpaths. Truth be told, this might just be the last real ‘kampung’(village)in Singapore and you will love its unspoiled and rustic charm.

MacRitchie Nature Trail:This is a gateway to the city’s natural reserves and it is a well-known spot for nature lovers and exercise enthusiasts. One of the things you must try here is their Treetop Walks, a 250-meter aerial suspension bridge that spans the two highest points within MacRitchie. (Nearest train station: Marymount).

◘◘For Families

Sentosa Island:Not only for the kids but also for the ‘kids-at-heart’, this island resort off the southern coast is a leisure place filled with fun and recreation!(Nearby train station: Harbourfront).Here are just some of the many things you can do here…

• Universal Studios Theme Park= Go beyond the world of cinematic entertainment to enjoy the seven themed lands here in Singapore’s very own Universal Studios!
  • (Book your ticketshere.)
• Skyline Luge:Ride this fun half-go-kart and half-toboggan-like sled through two different trails. This is the only Asian site of New Zealand’s famous luge activity.
  • (Book your ticketshere.)
• Resorts World Adventure Water Cove:Escape the summer heat and visit this must-see attraction in Resorts World! Your young ones will love the Riptide Rocket and Rainbow Reef!
  • (Book your ticketshere.)

Singapore Zoo:Occupying 28 hectares of land within the city’s heavily forested area, this zoo has an “open concept” which means that you and your kids will get to closely experience the wonders of nature given that the animals here roam freely in their natural habitats.(Book your ticketshere).

Night Safari:This is the best way to see the world’s nocturnal animals. As a unique night safari experience and the world’s first nocturnal zoo, you can also board a tram that goes through the 86-acre rainforest! Don’t miss out on this unique experience!(Book your ticketshere).

River Safari:Can’t get enough of the wildlife? Make a stop at Asia’s first and only river-themed wildlife park where you can encounter manatees, giant pandas, and other creatures!(Book your ticketshere.)

◘◘NEW: Visit Changi Airport’s Jewel

Opened in 2019, Jewel Changi Airport is the newest 10-level glass-dome complex that has an array of attractions not limited to gardens, a hotel, aviation facilities, and 300 retail and dining facilities. Some things that you must NOT miss out on are…

• HSBC Rain Vortex: The world’s tallest indoor waterfall at 40 meters high and the nucleus of Jewel. Open daily from 8AM to 12:30AM.
• Canopy Garden: Take a stroll along creative garden trails, glide down giant slides, or hide in bowls of gentle mist!
  • Canopy Bridge:Suspended 23 meters above ground, with a glass bottom at the center portion for a gripping vantage point, the Canopy Bridge is sure to thrill and impress.
  • ManuLife Sky Nets:Experience the thrill of being almost weightless as you leap about this giant net! Stretching 250 meters long, even little ones can safely indulge in free play. At its highest point 8 meters above Canopy Park, you’ll feel like you can reach the sky.
  • Discovery Slides:As the name implies, this is a fun playground but also an amazing work of art!
  • Foggy Bowls:Let your child slip in among puffs of cloud and hide away in gentle bowls of non-toxic mist. Kids will love the chance to play in this dreamy setting and let their imaginations take flight.
• Shiseido Forest Valley: A lush green sanctuary and retreat in the core of Jewel.
• Hedge Maze: Have a field day weaving your way through Singapore’s largest hedge maze. Be rewarded with a bird’s eye view of the maze’s intricate windings when you reach the watchtower at its core.

NOTE: Jewel is found landside of Changi Airport so you need to clear immigration in order to explore this complex. But if you are short on time, you can still get a glimpse of this amazing building if you take the Skytrain that passes from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3 and back — or you can join a FREE tour(just click the second tab above for more details). Anyhow, Jewel is easily connected to the Arrival Hall of Terminal 1. A free airport shuttle bus service also goes between Terminal 4 and Terminal 2.

TOP TIP:Check out this great-for-valueSingapore Passthat will allow you to visit 2, 3, 4, or 5 attractions in Singapore for a discounted package deal!
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Choose from any of these places:Universal Studios Singapore, Gardens by the Bay Singapore, Singapore Cable Car, Skyhelix Sentosa Singapore, Singapore Flyer ticket, Singapore Zoo, Singapore River Cruise, Big Bus Singapore tour, and many more!The pass has a long validity period of 30 days so it will offer you some flexibility in your schedule.