Welcome to Singapore, kabayan! Okay, maybe, welcome to Singapore soon, if you're still in the planning phase.
Anyways, some info on Singapore. It is a small city-state famous for tourists around the world because of its stunning skyline, diverse culture (especially food), and world-class attractions (including the airport).
If you're a first-time Filipino tourist, I believe you're in for an unforgettable experience in this modern metropolis with this guide Your Filipina Ate in Singapore came up with.
Marina Bay Sands
Kickstart your Singapore adventure at Marina Bay Sands, an architectural marvel with its iconic rooftop infinity pool. Enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline from the SkyPark and immerse yourself in luxury shopping at The Shoppes.
But wait, that sounded too extravagant for your tipid travel, didn't it? I'm not recommending you to book a room and stay in one of the prestigious suites at Marina Bay Sands, 'cause frankly, I haven't stayed there myself (I find it too expensive for my kuripot wallet!). What I'll recommend is for you to take a walk within the vicinity, take a nice photo of the iconic beauty, and just take in the majestic architecture of Marina Bay Sands.
Sure you may want to explore the shops, go ahead. The Shoppes offers Insta-worthy spots, especially during Christmas season. There's also a food court where you can enjoy affordable meals while surrounded by luxury.
There's also the theatre where you can enjoy shows. This is my favorite part as I am a fan of musicals and shows. But it's not too cheap, just fyi.
Anyway, for a first-time tourist like you with a tight budget in Singapore, you can go window-shopping at The Shoppes and head out in the early evening to take a walk (or you can cycle) around the area. I find strolling in the area especially lovely at about 8 or 9 in the evening when I can feel the breeze on my face and look at the lights in the city. There's also Satay by the Bay nearby where you can have local delights in a cheaper price compared to when you dine inside Marina Bay Sands.
Of course, your activities depend on your interests and budget. I just hope you got a better picture of this tourist spot so you can plan better for your trip.
Merlion Park
You can't leave Singapore as a tourist without getting the chance to capture a classic photo with the iconic Merlion statue. This statue symbolizes Singapore's maritime heritage and offers fantastic views of Marina Bay.
It can usually get crowded during weekends, so I recommend you to head to Merlion Park on a weekday. It can be quite hot, so you can go at about 6 or 7 pm so it's a bit cooler. Don't worry, the sun sets at about 7 or 7:30 p.m. in Singapore, so 6 or 7 is still bright.
The nearest MRT is Raffles Place. You can just walk over to the park from the MRT station, and even take photos of beautiful buildings and bridges along the way. With regard to food, there are a lot of food options in Merlion Park so you can choose to have dinner there, too. Another option is to walk over to Clarke Quay (about 5 to 10 mins walk) where there are even more food options.
Gardens by the Bay
Lose yourself in the enchanting world of Gardens by the Bay, a horticultural wonderland featuring the Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, and Supertree Grove. This is my favorite tourist spot in Singapore, honestly. I am still amazed at how they were able to fuse architecture and nature, and beautifully at that.
I recommend you go to the area after lunch. Start at the Cloud Forest, then head over to the Flower Dome. Usually, I book with Klook to get tickets to the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, but you can also go to their website to purchase your tickets. I recommend you to purchase a package where the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome are included. Then if you happen to come across a package including the OCBC Skywalk ticket, that's even better, but I like the Skywalk experience better at night when the trees are all lit up. I'm afraid of heights, but I went for it still... for the experience, and so far, I didn't regret it.
If you want a free experience, just wait for the nightly Garden Rhapsody light and sound show at the Supertree Grove. You can just find a spot under the majestic trees and wait for the show. If I'm not mistaken, the first show is at 7:45 p.m. You can check their official website for more accurate timings.
Chinatown
If you're more of a culture enthusiast, you can head to Chinatown. There are several Instagrammable spots here, especially the vibrant streets adorned with colorful shophouses. You can also go for a food trip just as you would at Binondo Chinatown in Manila.
If you happen to visit Singapore on the Chinese New Year week, don't forget to swing by Chinatown for the food and souvenir that they sell. And oh, don't forget to check out the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum!
Little India
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of India in Singapore's Little India. Admire the intricate details of Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and shop for spices and vibrant textiles along Serangoon Road. You can also drop by the Mustafah Shopping Centre for some cheap finds, like chocolates and local products for your pasalubong!
After taking a walk and a few photos in Little India, you should extend your stroll to Haji Lane and Arab Street, which are near. You can do cafe-hopping here and there are a few Insta-worthy spots in the areas, too!
Sentosa Island
Sentosa is where you should go to if you have kids, but just a warning, it can be expensive to go to all the attractions here, but I think if you're in Singapore for a fun vacation with the young ones, just go for it -- or sabi nga nila, YOLO!
The best way to reach Sentosa is via cab, but of course that can be expensive. The next best option is to take the Sentosa Express from Vivo City Harbourfront (you can access it inside the mall) or to take the bus going to Sentosa from the same mall (but outside, in the bus stop area). I always take the bus (it's $1 only) and alight at Resorts World Sentosa. From there, just take the escalators up and you're in Sentosa already.
It's where you can take a photo with the Universal Studios background. It's often crowded with tourists but take your chance hehe. Head inside to the Universal Studios Singapore (USS) and start your fun-filled adventure. I recommend you to go during the weekdays as there are fewer visitors, which also means shorter queue for the rides. It's open 11am to 6pm, so better get lunch outside first (there's a food street and some restaurants in Sentosa) as the food inside is quite expensive and limited.
After your USS adventure, head to the cable cars. You can buy tickets online or on-site. There's also a Skyluge in Imbiah Station (access via the free Sentosa Express train or walk or cable car) which is a must. You'll enjoy this, I promise!
Another option for kids, if they're not fond of rides, is the S.E.A. Aquarium. I personally love this aquarium and I'm sure little ones will have a great time, too!
There's also the Madame Tussauds if you're a fan of all these wax figures of famous personalities (I haven't been there 'cause I don't have an appreciation for this kind of attraction, sorry! but you can try :D).
Sentosa Island is quite huge, so you might want to return to the area for another day out. Take the Sentosa Express and alight at the next stops, like Imbiah Station and Beach Station. You can watch the Wings of Time show (first show is at 7:45 p.m.) then head to the beach after that.
There's something for everyone in Sentosa, I'd say, so don't exclude it in your Singapore itinerary!
Singapore Botanic Gardens
If you're looking to escape the bustling city vibes of Singapore and immerse yourself in a lush oasis of tranquility, then the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site, should be included in your must-visit list! Nestled in the heart of the city, this botanical haven is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and plantitos/plantitas.
Make sure to pay a visit to the National Orchid Garden – a true jewel within the park – where you'll be treated to an awe-inspiring collection of orchids in every hue imaginable. And the best part? Entry to the garden is absolutely free!
Pro-tip: Go early in the morning or during the late afternoon to avoid the scorching midday sun.
Singapore Zoo and River Wonders
If you're seeking a wild adventure that's not just your ordinary zoo visit, then the Singapore Zoo and River Wonders must be in your itinerary -- especially if you have kids! Situated in the heart of Singapore, these two attractions promise an enchanting and educational experience that'll bring you face-to-face with some of the most captivating creatures on the planet.
Let's start with the Singapore Zoo – a place where animals roam in habitats designed to mimic their natural environments. From the towering giraffes gracefully munching on leaves to the mischievous monkeys swinging through the trees, every corner of this zoo is a window into the animal kingdom like no other. Don't miss the chance to catch the orangutans in their free-ranging habitat, showcasing their incredible agility and intelligence.
And if you're a fan of more aquatic wonders, the River Wonders is just a hop away. Here, you'll journey through river ecosystems from around the world, spotting playful giant pandas, elusive manatees, and even the mighty underwater predators like the fearsome piranhas.
For a truly immersive experience, take a boat ride down the Amazon River-inspired exhibit, where you'll feel like you're in the heart of the rainforest.
I recommend you purchase your tickets to both attractions online (Singapore Zoo website) and head to the zoo in the morning (it's open at 8:30am), have lunch at the zoo's restaurant or the food places just outside the entrance, and head to the River Wonders (just adjacent to the zoo, you can just walk over) in the afternoon. The pandas at River Wonders are often awake in the late afternoon, about 3:30pm-4:30pm so it's best to go there at that time if you want to catch them in their active state.
The best way to go to the Singapore Zoo is by taking the Mandai Shuttle from Khatib MRT. Just pay $1 for the trip (sometimes they even offer free rides).
Bonus Attractions
Hawker Centers
Don't leave Singapore without visiting any of the hawker centers. This is where locals eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can find a plethora of local cuisines in the hawker centers and prices are cheaper than in restaurants. Local favorites would be the kaya toast (breakfast), chicken rice, laksa, Hokkien mee, and chili crab. And don't forget the kopi or teh!
Lau Pa Sat
Lau Pa Sat is like a huge and popular hawker center in Singapore. You can access it via the Tanjong Pagar or Raffles Place MRT. If you ever go there, try the satay, which is a savory skewer of grilled meat (beef, chicken, lamb) served with a delicious peanut sauce. This place is more "active" at night, so better go there and have a look at about 7pm for your dinner!
Orchard Road
Orchard Road is a shopping paradise. It has a wide range of high-end boutiques, department stores, and specialty shops. But if you're not up for some luxury shopping, you can just take a stroll and admire the busy activities in this long stretch of shops and lights. Best if you can go on Saturday nights as there are street performances you can watch.
Lucky Plaza, where OFWs in Singapore get their Filipino shopping and food haul, is also at Orchard Road, so you can explore the place, too.
Bugis Street Market
This is where I recommend you to buy your pasalubongs as Bugis Street Market is for bargain hunters. It's like a bustling bazaar with a vast array of fashion items, souvenirs, and street food.
Clarke Quay
For those who want to explore Singapore's night life, head to Clarke Quay, a riverside hub pulsating with bars, restaurants, and clubs.
Hope you have more idea of what to do and where to go as a first-time Filipino tourist in Singapore!
Cheers,
Your Filipina Ate in Singapore
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