To me, Singapore is slowly becoming an extension of home. No, I’ve never lived in Singapore. But, we all know home is more about the people and less about the place. Some good friends have moved there for work and more than visiting new attractions, I look forward to my next trip to see Singapore more with the ‘locals’ than as a tourist. So where would they take me? Tricia Mallari, a friend now living there, was happy to answer that with her Singapore Itinerary – one for Singapore newbies but with suggestions of her favorite things in the city. Read below for her itinerary! I’ve also put in my thoughts about those I’ve tried as a mini-review – in purple. At the end, I’ve also attached a Singapore itinerary I made for a friend.
Singafour: What to Do When You Have Four Days to Explore Singapore
Referred to as the “Little Red Dot,” Singapore is a small city-state that packs a massive punch. As a regional hub, bustling metropolis, and multicultural community, the Lion City is a must-see for anyone in need of an introduction to the best of Asia.
Day One: Vivo City, Sentosa Island
Start your trip by visiting one of Singapore’s most popular attractions—Sentosa Island. Part resort and part entertainment mega complex, one could easily kill a whole day (or two) [Save two days if you want to explore the whole Island] going around the island’s four stations—all conveniently connected by the Sentosa Express monorail.
Kick things off at VivoCity, Singapore’s biggest shopping mall [Buy items on sale because items at normal price are not necessarily cheaper in SG]. Accessible from the city via the Harbourfront MRT station (North-East and Circle lines), Vivo is the gateway to Sentosa Island. Board the monorail at the third level, or take a leisurely stroll along the Sentosa Boardwalk from the mall’s waterfront promenade to get to the next stop, Waterfront Station.
Easily regarded as the heart of Sentosa, Waterfront could be the most happening of all four stops as it is your link to Resorts World Sentosa. Home to numerous shopping and dining options, a casino, performing arts venues, and theme parks, Resorts World offers fun for everyone. Don’t miss the Trick Eye Museum [This is really fun. Go with goofy friends willing to spend time taking pictures. The concept is being replicated in different places though, so might not be unique. A bit pricey though], SEA Aquarium [Well kept and informative Aquarium enjoyable for people of all ages], Adventure Cove Waterpark, and of course, Asia’s first Universal Studios theme park [Fun way to spend the day, as in any Universal Studios theme park! But around 4-5 rides were unavailable when we visited]. Hungry? Check out Din Tai Fung, L’Atelier Joel Robuchon, and Resorts World Sentosa’s very own Malaysian Food Street.
Keep the ball rolling as you hit the next stop—Imbiah station. Be spoilt for choice with activities ranging from 4D entertainment to zip lines and the ever-popular Sentosa Luge and Skyride [This was a thrilling ride!]. Try your hand at the Flying Trapeze or enjoy views of the city and even Malaysia and Indonesia from the Tiger Sky Tower.
Slow down and make your way to the final stop, the Beach Station. Lounge by the shore at Siloso or Palawan beach, or sip some cocktails from any of the beach clubs dotting the area. Cap it off with a visual spectacle courtesy of Wings of Time and watch the beach light up like you’ve never seen before.
Day Two: Multi-cultural Singapore – Kampong Glam, Chinatown, Little India
Home to a population tracing their roots to Malay, Indian, and Chinese peoples, Singapore is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Asia. Add this to the city-state’s status as a regional center for various multinational companies and a global trading port and you’ll be assured of an interesting fusion of colors, cultures, and flavors. Experience unity in diversity on your second day as you explore Singapore’s multi-cultural communities.
Alight at Bugis MRT (East-West and Downtown lines) and head to Kampong Glam, home to Singapore’s old Arab quarter and an excellent glimpse at the Islamic influence present in the country. Aside from Halal specialties like Nasi Padang, Nasi Briyani, and Murtabak, Middle Eastern restaurants also abound in the area. Equally popular are Haji and Bali lanes, which are home to Instagram-worthy murals, homegrown fashion houses, quaint cafes and bars, and a handful of shops and bookstores to tickle your fancy.
A quick bus or cab ride will take you to Chinatown, one of the liveliest parts of the city. Head to Maxwell Food Center for the famous Tian Tian Chicken rice [If you have difficulty finding Tian Tian, just walk around and spot the long line. Tian Tian was delicious!] and other hawker center faves. Also close by are the Chinatown Food Street and People’s Park Complex, where you can sample the best of Singaporean and regional Chinese cuisines. Because Chinatown is also just a stone’s throw away from the CBD, happy hour is a major affair. Craft beer or customized cocktails? You’re sure to find what you’re craving for. Check out Potato Head Folk, Lepark, 28 Hong Kong Street, and Club Street Social for excellent tipples and nibbles.
A few stops from Chinatown along the North-East MRT line will take you to Little India. Together with nearby neighborhoods Farrer Park and Serangoon, a slice of South Asian culture becomes within arm’s reach. Enjoy traditional fare such as curries and tandoori with naan and wash it all down with cool lassi. For shopaholics, Mustafa Centre is also worth checking out, where jewelry, souvenirs, groceries, and even airline tickets are all available 24/7! Visiting during important Hindu festivals such as Holi and Deepavali also lets you experience Little India with bright lights and vibrant colours.
Day 3: Singapore the Garden City – Botanic Gardens, Cluny Court at Bukit Timah, Orchard Road, Gardens by the Bay
Another thing Singapore takes pride in is its being a “city within a garden.” Despite having limited land area, there is enough room for a buzzing city and green open spaces, with both coming together to create a unique atmosphere. Experience the best of both worlds on your third day here.
Take the MRT and alight at Botanic Gardens station (Circle Line) to visit one of Singapore’s most visited parks, which also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the different sections such as the National Orchid Garden and the Children’s Garden, or enjoy brunch at the several restaurants like Casa Verde and The Halia, which are located within the complex itself. Also check out Food for Thought for their all-day breakfast. A quick walk from the Bukit Timah gate also brings you to Cluny Court, a mini shopping centre set against the Bukit Timah neighborhood’s suburban backdrop. Don’t miss Relish for excellent burgers, pasta, and their popular luncheon meat fries.
Exiting at the Botanic Gardens’ Tanglin gate will bring you much closer to the city again, with Orchard Road being a short stroll away. Go crazy with finds from world-renowned luxury brands, high street and fast fashion staples, as well as up and coming homegrown designers. Visit Ngee Ann City for the designer boutiques as well as Japanese mainstays Takashimaya Department Store and Kinokuniya Bookstore. Take a break from all the shopping at with tea at P.S. Café in Palais Renaissance or relax as you take in a 360-degree view of the city below at ION Sky Observatory in ION Orchard.
From one Singapore icon to another, head on over to Marina Bay Sands and prepare yourself for even more spectacular views. Watch the Supertrees [SG is becoming iconic for the supertrees and with good reason. Standing in their midst transports you to a different world] light up the sky or enjoy dinner inside the Flower Dome, courtesy of Pollen and The Terrace at the Gardens by the Bay. If you still can’t get enough of Singapore’s majestic cityscape, take a trip to the Marina Bay Sands Skypark [Tbh, even though the view is beautiful, I’d hit two birds with one stone and visit a rooftop bar instead of going up the skypark], or better yet, scale new heights as you end the day with a night cap at Ku De Ta or Indochine.
Day 4: Off the (Tourist) Beaten Path
In a city as busy as Singapore, it’s very easy to get caught in a frenzy of tourists when hitting the usual spots. While you’re still sure to have a good time, some of us also crave to discover the less-crowded spots and take a more relaxed approach to exploring. Check these places out when you want to slow down and see a different side of the Lion City:
MacRitchie Reservoir
Accessible via a quick bus ride from Singapore’s city centre is MacRitchie Reservoir. Trek an 11-km trail to reconnect with nature and see some of the island’s lushest greenery. For those who prefer the water, the reservoir also has a lake that’s perfect for kayaking or paddle boarding. Do check out the TreeTop Walk and feel the thrill of traversing a suspension bridge connecting Macritchie’s two highest points.
East Coast Park
East Coast Park is another destination for when you want to unwind and take a break from the rush of the city. With amenities for cycling, jogging, skating, and BBQ parties, ECP is popular even among locals who want to chill with family and friends. Overnight camping by the beach is also allowed, but don’t forget to secure the necessary permits first. Ride a bike or walk through the Park Connector from Kembangan MRT (East-West Line) to reach ECP in no time.
Pulau Ubin
If you really want to go off the radar on your trip to Singapore, try visiting one of the outlying islands—most popular of which is Pulau Ubin. A short boat ride from the Changi Village Terminal, also in the East Coast, will be your ticket to a trip back in time. Pulau Ubin is the last of the “kampung” or villages in Singapore, so visiting will give you a glimpse of life on the island before it transformed into a global mega city. Bring your bike or trek around the village; just don’t forget to put on some insect repellent lotion to avoid Ubin’s mosquitoes.
4-day Singapore Itinerary
- I made this itinerary for a friend and his dad who were visiting Singapore for the first time. They wanted to walk around and see the architecture and look at art.
- My friend had catch-ups at night so most nights are free.
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The Itinearary Project – 4 Days in Singapore
Happy Travels! 🙂
the itinerary project 