Why Go to Singapore
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Singapore is clean, efficient and astonishingly green, a city-state that balances gleaming skyscrapers with gardens and nature everywhere. This former British colony is a vibrant blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Western cultures, and Singaporeans take great pride in what they've built.
Start at Marina Bay, where the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel overlooks the water, and visit Gardens by the Bay, with its towering Supertrees that light up in a nightly show, plus the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. Explore the colorful neighborhoods of Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam, each with its own temples, shops and food. Singapore is a food lover's paradise, and its hawker centers, where you can try dishes like chicken rice, chili crab and laksa, are an essential experience. Spend a day on Sentosa Island at Universal Studios and the beaches, visit the excellent Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, and stroll the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Singapore has strict rules, including on chewing gum, but they help make it one of the safest and cleanest cities in the world. It's a top Asian hub and cruise port. I'll plan your stay or stopover and connect Singapore with Southeast Asia.
BEST FOR
Food lovers, architecture enthusiasts, families, luxury city-break travelers and cultural explorers
BEST MONTHS
February to April, though Singapore is a year-round destination
EXPLORE
- Marina Bay: Waterfront skyline, Gardens by the Bay and flagship hotels.
- Civic District / City Hall: National museums, colonial-era landmarks and central transit connections.
- Chinatown / Tanjong Pagar: Historic streets, hawker food and lively dining areas.
- Little India / Kampong Gelam: Colorful cultural precincts with temples, mosques and distinctive shops.
- Orchard Road: Shopping malls, hotels and broad transit access.
- Sentosa: Beach clubs, family attractions and resort accommodations.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Singapore
Asia › Southeast Asia › Singapore
Futuristic gardens, hawker feasts and a world of cultures on one dazzling island.
Island Getaway
Tech
Culinary
Gardens
Shopping
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Catch the free Garden Rhapsody light show at the Supertree Grove, then walk to the waterfront for the free Spectra show at Marina Bay.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Stay for the free Garden Rhapsody light show at the Supertree Grove each evening.
Gardens by the Bay
A spectacular garden of towering Supertrees, plus the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories.
Watch the free Spectra light and water show on the waterfront promenade.
Marina Bay
The glittering waterfront heart of the city, with Marina Bay Sands, the Helix Bridge and skyline views.
Visit early in the morning, when it's cooler and locals are out jogging.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with lush gardens, lakes and the National Orchid Garden.
Ride the cable car over the harbor for a scenic arrival.
Sentosa Island
A resort island with beaches, Universal Studios Singapore, the S.E.A. Aquarium and adventure parks.
Try the Breakfast in the Wild experience with the orangutans.
Singapore Zoo
An open-concept zoo set in rainforest, where animals roam in naturalistic habitats.
A legendary colonial-era hotel, home of the Singapore Sling at the Long Bar.
Raffles Singapore
Civic District
Hotel Tags
An iconic hotel with the world-famous rooftop infinity pool overlooking the skyline.
Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay
Hotel Tags
A grand hotel in the former General Post Office building, overlooking Marina Bay.
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Marina Bay / Fullerton Square
Hotel Tags
A garden resort in the city, near Orchard Road, with lush tropical grounds.
Shangri-La Singapore
Orchard / Orange Grove
Hotel Tags
A luxurious resort on Sentosa set in restored colonial buildings and rainforest.
Capella Singapore
Sentosa Island
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Singapore
High 87°F · Low 76°F · Rain 10 in
Rains begin with the northeast monsoon, and holiday decorations go up.
Singapore is a year-round destination, with hot, humid weather and frequent short showers. February through April tends to be drier and slightly less humid. The northeast monsoon brings heavier rain from November through January.
Best Times to Visit Singapore
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Singapore is a food paradise, famous for its hawker centers, where you can eat world-class dishes for just a few dollars.
- Hawker centers: Try Maxwell, Lau Pa Sat and Newton for local favorites.
- Fine dining: The city is home to many Michelin-starred restaurants.
- Must-try: Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab, laksa, satay and kaya toast.
06
Walking
Singapore is walkable, with covered walkways for the heat and rain.
05
Cable Car
The Singapore Cable Car connects Mount Faber with Sentosa.
04
Taxis & Grab
Taxis and the Grab ride-hailing app are affordable and widely available.
03
Buses
City buses cover the island and use the same tap-to-pay system.
02
MRT
Singapore's MRT is fast, clean and reaches nearly every neighborhood. Tap a contactless card or phone to ride.
01
Flying In
Changi Airport (SIN), one of the world's best airports, is about 30 minutes from downtown by MRT or taxi.
Most visitors fly into Changi Airport, about 30 minutes from downtown. Once you're here, the MRT, buses and Grab make it easy to get around. You won't need a car.
Getting Around Singapore