Singapore is regarded as the global financial centre of the world and is considered one of the most expensive countries in SouthEast Asia. Having been to many Asian countries and with only a 20 hour layover, there was a high anticipation to explore the main sites of Singapore.
Before we get into the attractions we want to mention if you have a long enough layover to explore outside the airport like us you have to enter Singapore through customs. Most countries can enter with only an arrival card that can be filled in at the airport but some countries need visas. Please check out this website before arriving.
https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart/entering-singapore/visa-free-transit-facility
Now lets get to the 5 attractions we chose:
- Jewel Changi Airport
- Gardens by the Bay
- Cheapest Michelin Star Meal
- Newton Food Centre
- Temples
Shop til you drop in Jewel Changi Airport
Address: 60 Airport Blvd., Singapore 819643
How to get there: After exiting customs follow signs to Terminal 1. Some you can walk straight into the Jewel, others you take a free short train or bus.
The Jewel; also known as Terminal 1 of Changi Airport. This 6 level shopping mall has all the shops you need to keep you occupied while waiting for your next flight. The Shiseido Forest Valley is also situated in the Jewel and is home to the famous 40 metre Rain Vortex.
The Rain Vortex is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall surrounded by breathtaking greenery. It is especially vibrant during the Light and Sound Show that is on twice daily through the week at 20:00 & 21:00 and 3 times on weekends at 20:00, 21:00 & 22:00.
If you are feeling a bit more adventurous you can opt for the Canopy Park, numerous mazes and various net walks, all for additional charges.
Ebony & Ivory Tip: There is a Baggage Storage company on Level 1 to drop your big bags for a hassle free experience while exploring the city. 24hrs: Small- $10 SGD, Big- $15 SGD and Extra Large- $18 SGD
There is also no need to get a public transport card as you can tap your debit/credit card on all public transport systems.
Gardens by the Bay
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
How to get there: From the airport take the MGT (train) taking the East West Line and the Downtown Line to Bayfront, from there you can walk to the Supertree Grove.
The Gardens by the Bay hosts one of the major attractions in Singapore; the Supertree Grove which is home to 12 Supertrees. Not only do these 25-50 metre structures look spectacular they also have environmental features that imitate trees.
The OCBC Skyway is an aerial walkway that whines through the supertrees and gives a stunning view of the 3 pillar Marina Bay Sands and the light and musical show each night. It costs $7.99 SGD to walk along the OCBC Skyway.
The 15 minute Supertrees light and musical show is on twice daily at 19:45 and 20:45. They change up their show monthly. We were lucky to be there on the 4th of May 2023 to see the Stars Wars Edition.
Ebony & Ivory Tip: Try getting to the Supertree Grove 30 mins early to see the shows as they get pretty busy. It also doesn’t hurt to bring something comfortable to sit on.
Cheapest Michelin Star Meal
Address: 466 Crawford Ln, #01-12, Singapore 190466
How to get there: Take the MGT East West Line to Lavender then walk to North Bridge Rd and turn right onto Crawford Ln.
When traveling on a backpackers budget any chance to have a bit of luxury at minimal expense should be explored in our opinion. Tai Hwa Eating House on Crawford lane is the place to grab a Michelin star meal for under $10 SGD.
If you have the time and want to have a story to tell, then this meal will serve up a treat. We opted for the $8 SGD size and it was very filling. Their signature dish is a seafood noodle soup, and yes, it tasted amazing.
Newton Food Centre
Address: 500 Clemenceau Ave N, #01-31 Food Centre, Singapore 229495
How to get there: Take the MGT East West Line to City Hall then the North South Line to Newton. Use Exit B, walk to Clemenceau Ave N
Have you seen Crazy Rich Asians? Well you’d remember the scene where Rachel and Henry relished the various cuisines from different stalls with their soon to be married friends. We loved the film so much we decided to check it out for ourselves and it did not disappoint.
The Food Centre has all the Asian cuisines you can imagine. It is a popular spot so it does get busy but we think this is what creates the energetic and exciting atmosphere. There are many other food centres in the city if you have more time to explore:
Hong Lim Market & Food Centre
Adam Road Food Centre
Amoy Street Food Centre
Ghim Moh Market & Food Centre
Maxwell Food Centre
Ebony & Ivory Tip: Just like Crazy Rich Asians buy a couple of different dishes from the different stalls to try.
Temples
Address: 220 Victoria St, Singapore 188022
How to get there: Take the MGT East West Line to Bugis
With a quick google search into what to see in Singapore we found ourselves making a short list for a long walk through what we thought was the most cultural part of the city. Little India and Bugis is home to the Sultan Mosque, Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, and the Sri Krishnan Temple. We reveled in the opportunity to walk from an Islamic place of worship, to a Buddhist temple, to a beautifully coloured Hindu building all within the same block.
Each landmark hosts its own unique architecture and colours, sounds, and smells. And if that wasn’t enough religion for one day, a church is never far away.
Bugis street is a dynamic little market strip with food, drinks, and shops. The fresh juice was particularly good on our hot day.
Ebony & Ivory Tip: Little India usually has the cheapest accommodation options within the city.
