Singapore
1° 17′ 0″ N, 103° 51′ 0″ E
Capital
Singapore
Language
English, Malay, Chinese and Tamil
Currency
Singapore dollar
Flight time
+/- 13 hours
The country of Singapore
Singapore, the place where futuristic architecture, state-of-the-art technology and age-old traditions converge. This bustling metropolis is anything but boring, if you ask us. Honestly: it has become one of our favourite cities! From street food in a colourful hawker centre to luxurious rooftop bars overlooking the skyline, Singapore knows how to surprise you at every corner. Discover botanical gardens full of tropical plants, stroll through districts like Little India and Chinatown, or be overwhelmed by the light show at Marina Bay.
In short: the ideal stop on your trip through Asia. Check out our tips and find out how to make the most of your visit to Singapore!
Travel advice for Singapore
Singapore has a positive travel advisory and is an incredibly safe country to travel through. In fact, it is among the safest countries in the world. Everything is tightly regulated here: public transport works perfectly, crime is low and the city feels safe day and night. As a result, we never felt unsafe here.
Of course, rules apply here too. And they are quite strict. Think high fines for throwing chewing gum on the street or smoking in places where it is not allowed. Sounds a bit strict perhaps, but it is precisely because of these rules that Singapore feels so organised.
In short, don't be put off by the rigid rules or the image of ‘perfect city’. Singapore is surprisingly fun, very accessible and an ideal place to start or end your trip!
As the security situation can always change, we recommend checking the current travel advice for Singapore check.
Best travel time for Singapore
Singapore has a tropical climate, resulting in temperatures between 25°C and 32°C lie, with high humidity. So there is not really a distinct ‘dry’ or ‘wet’ period, like in some other countries in Asia. Still, there are times when it is just a little more pleasant to walk around this metropolis.
The driest months are from February to April. During this period, you are most likely to have sunshine and a little less rain. But beware: a tropical shower can actually fall at any time of day, so an umbrella or poncho in your daypack is always smart.
Singapore is a popular destination, so in the months June, July and December (school holidays!) it can be a bit busier at places of interest. Want to experience the city a little more quietly? Then spring and autumn are ideal.
In short: Singapore you can actually excellent year-round visits. So don't let the weather affect you too much, because those tropical showers are just part of it!
Visa for Singapore
As Dutch or Belgian have you no visa required when you get there less than 90 days stays. So ideal as a stopover during your journey through Asia!
However, there are a few things to be aware of. Your passport must still be valid on arrival valid for at least 6 months are. In addition, you need the SG Arrival Card fill in. This is a digital form that you from 3 days before departure can be completed via https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard.
For the most up-to-date information, we recommend checking the official government travel advice check.
Vaccinations for Singapore
For a trip to Singapore no vaccinations are mandatory, but some are recommended depending on the duration of your trip.
The following vaccinations are recommended for short stays:
- DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and polio)
- Hepatitis A (infectious jaundice)
Are you coming from a country where yellow fever you do need to be vaccinated and show proof of this.
View the full and latest vaccination advice at GGD Travel Vaccinations - Singapore
Daily budget for Singapore
Singapore is known as one of the most expensive destinations in Asia, and fair is fair: it is. Prices here are a lot higher than in neighbouring countries such as Malaysia or Indonesia. Yet a visit to this ultra-modern city need not make you immediately broke. With a little planning, you can stay here quite affordably.
During our trip, we spent on average around €65 per person per day. This includes accommodation, food, transport and activities, but excludes flight(s). Note: this amount can of course be higher or lower, depending on your travel style.
Below is a rough overview of what you will spend approximately per day:
| Budget Traveller | €45 - €60 p.p. |
| Traveller | €60 - €90 p.p. |
| Traveller + | €90+ p.p. |
Singapore blogs
Singapore
Singapore, a destination that exceeded all our expectations! This cool destination effortlessly combines futuristic architecture with centuries-old culture. From the impressive skyline at Marina Bay and the green oasis of Gardens by the Bay to the lively streets of Chinatown and colourful Little India, Singapore surprises you at every corner. It is clean, well-organised and safe. Perfect to start or end your trip and definitely a place not to be missed.
Why choose Singapore?
Singapore may be small in size, but big in experience. This ultramodern city-state is a unique blend of cultures, with influences from China, India, Malaysia and the West. You wander effortlessly from futuristic architecture to colourful streets full of street food and temples. It is clean, safe, well organised and incredibly cool!
Whereas Malaysia especially excels in diversity and is a fantastic destination for every kind of traveller, Singapore, on the other hand, offers a totally different vibe. It is perfect as a stopover or to start or end a trip in style.
What makes this city so special? In one day, you can relax in a tropical park, shop in huge malls, taste world cuisine and end the day with a view of the skyline from a rooftop bar. It feels both western and eastern at the same time and it's this mix that makes it so much fun.
Do you have any questions or want more information? Feel free to contact us at [email protected]. Prefer a trip within Europe? Visit our landing page for more inspiration!
Is Singapore a nice holiday destination?
This question may be redundant if you've read the one above... but Singapore is definitely a fun holiday destination! You'll find a melting pot of cultures, ultra-modern architecture and traditional neighbourhoods like Chinatown and Little India. You can enjoy world-class street food in hawker centres, relax in green oases like Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Botanic Gardens, and shop till you drop on Orchard Road.
In other words; we think it's the ideal destination if you combine it with a trip through Southeast Asia or a tour of Malaysia!
What is the time difference between the Netherlands and Singapore?
When you fly from the Netherlands to Singapore, you fly east. In other words, you are flying to the right on the world map. As a result, you will have to deal with time difference. The time difference between the Netherlands and Singapore depends on daylight saving time.
- During our wintertime (late October to late March) it is in Singapore 7 hours later than in the Netherlands.
- During our summer time (late March to late October) it is in Singapore 6 hours later.
So if you travel from Schiphol in the morning, despite the long flight, you will often not arrive in Singapore until the next morning. Keep this in mind when planning your first day, especially if you want to dive straight into the city.
Which country is Singapore located in?
Singapore is an independent city-state in Southeast Asia. It lies at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, just above the equator, and is surrounded by Malaysia and Indonesia. Although geographically close to Malaysia, Singapore is a completely independent country with its own government, currency and laws.
Is Singapore an expensive country? For example, what does a beer cost?
Singapore is known as one of the more expensive destinations in Asia. A beer in a restaurant costs around €4 on average, but prices can be higher in bars or clubs. Fortunately, you can save by eating at local hawker centres, where you can have a delicious meal for just a few euros. Public transport is also efficient and affordable, which helps to balance your budget.
Want to know what we spent per day? Check the ‘daily budget’ section at the top of this page.
Is Singapore safe for tourists?
Sure! It is one of the safest cities in the world. The streets are clean, well-lit and the crime rate is low. Of course, it is always wise to watch your belongings, but in general, you can travel around here with peace of mind, even late at night.
What is all banned in Singapore?
Singapore is known for its strict laws. Some things to avoid:
- Throwing rubbish on the street or smoking in prohibited areas can lead to high fines.
- Eating or drinking on public transport is not allowed.
- The possession and use of chewing gum is restricted; importing it can cause problems.
- Failure to flush public toilets is punishable.
- Jaywalking (irresponsible crossing) can be fined.
It is important to follow these rules to avoid problems.
Is tap water in Singapore drinkable?
Yes, the tap water in Singapore is safe to drink.
Singapore has one of the strictest water quality standards in the world. The drinking water is continuously monitored and meets both World Health Organization (WHO) and local water authority guidelines. That means: no hassle with plastic bottles, no worries about stomach upsets, just fill your refillable bottle at the tap or a water station. Super sustainable and convenient!
Still looking for a good refillable water bottle? We are fans of these steel float which you can easily buy online at Bol.com ordered!
How many days do you need to see Singapore?
Singapore is compact but packed with attractions. With 2-3 days, you can discover the main highlights, such as Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Chinatown and Sentosa Island. Got more time? Then you can dive deeper into the various neighbourhoods, visit museums or just enjoy the delicious food. And as mentioned before; we think it's a perfect stopover on the way to other Asian destinations!
Transport in Singapore: how to get from A to B
In Singapore, public transport is organised to perfection. Whether you want to admire the futuristic skyline, sample street food at a hawker centre or explore the city's green oases, you can get there easily by metro, bus or taxi.
Arrival in Singapore
Grab: The most popular way (and our favourite) to travel from Changi Airport to your accommodation is via the app Grab, the Southeast Asian alternative to Uber. You can easily book a ride and the price will be displayed in advance. Please note that you need internet access to use the app.
Tip: Consider an eSIM from, for example Airalo To be online right on arrival. This way, you can arrange your transport right away and don't have to rely on wifi.
Public transport: Singapore's MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is efficient and reliable. From the airport, you can travel to the city centre by metro. Note: If you arrive late, check timetables as public transport can be less frequent in the evening.
Transportation within Singapore
MRT (metro): The metro network in the city is extensive and gets you to almost every district of the city quickly. The trains are clean and air-conditioned which is ideal with those hot temperatures!
Bus: The same goes for buses! They are a good addition to the metro network and take you to places that are not directly near an MRT station.
Singapore Tourist Pass: If you plan to use public transport a lot, consider the Singapore Tourist Pass. This allows unlimited bus and MRT travel for a fixed daily fee.
Bike: For the adventurous traveller, share bikes are available through apps such as Anywheel and SG Bike. A fun way to explore the city at your own pace.