Singapore in 4 to 5 days

Hi there, We're heading back for another trip to Asia. We've already been to Singapore in... 2008. Let's just say things have changed since then. We'll be arriving in February, either from Bangkok or Siem Reap in Cambodia. We have great memories of it. What are the must-sees these days? I can't wait to see what I think was a hotel under construction back in 2008 (it looks like a boat perched up high—I can't send a photo with 2000 pixels). Thanks in advance! TIALOU

looks like a perched boat—can’t send a photo with 2000 pixels

Hey, if you’re on Windows, did you know MS Paint lets you resize the image by 50%?

Thanks so much for your quick reply. I’d forgotten I could use Paint to resize! Best regards,

good evening, happy to help. Otherwise, I’ve been to Singapore 3 or 4 times, and I’ll admit there isn’t much to see. Anyway, that’s just my take.

hi,

it's Marina Bay Sands, a 5-star hotel. It must be nice to spend a night there and enjoy the rooftop pool 🙂

You can visit Gardens by the Bay, right next to this hotel, see the Merlion like everyone else, explore Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam, stroll along the quays, head to the beaches on Sentosa, and if you still have time, Pulau Ubin. And eat at the hawker centers.

and save a little time to "visit" the airport too!

Hi, Thanks for this new info. We’ll keep it in mind. Best regards, Happy New Year! TIALOU

Hi there,

I’ll add that you can enter the Marina Bay Sands freely. There’s a huge lobby with really beautiful decor. I spent two days in Singapore (not at the Marina Bay) at the end of July before heading to Malaysia. For Gardens by the Bay, don’t miss the light and sound show at the end of the day—there are two, and they’re stunning. Then, yes, the Merlion, Chinatown, and Little India, as mentioned in a previous post. And most importantly, The Jewel—the airport voted the world’s most beautiful—it’s absolutely gorgeous. Have a great trip!

Hello, Wishing you an amazing trip and all the best!

My favorite neighborhoods in Singapore: Chinatown (don’t miss Pagoda Street, the Hindu temple Sri Mariamman, and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple—try the Chili crab!), and of course, Marina Bay. We always go back with great pleasure!

Several countries in one! Because nearby, there’s Little India and Kampong Glam (around the Sultan Mosque), as well as the colonial district (go for a drink at the Raffles!). And the various museums… And Orchard Road, for its modern architecture and luxury shopping temples.

And the whole "signature" waterfront district, with the Merlion, the Helix Bridge, the giant Ferris wheel (Flyer), the Esplanade Theatres with its massive durian-shaped building, and the ArtScience Museum shaped like a lotus…

Marina Bay is fabulous: the gardens, the supertrees, the Flower Dome, the Cloud Forest. And Marina Bay Sands, with its luxurious shopping mall and rooftop bar… The waterfront keeps evolving.

Then there’s the Botanic Gardens and the green spaces on the outskirts. And Sentosa Island, with its attractions and golden sandy beaches!

For the curious foodies, exploring the "hawkers" (food courts) is endless fun!

Okay, I’ve probably forgotten something! I’m not a fan of everything, but we’re still hooked on this city-state that never fails to amaze us. It’s impossible to get bored, and the choices are tough!

Have a great trip!

Hi Chris, You seem to know this city really well—I’ve never set foot there yet. I’ll be stopping by in March before heading to Sumatra. Is it possible to just grab a drink on the Marina Bay rooftop without needing to sell a kidney 😂? Thanks, Christelle

Hi Christelle, It really depends on what you're into! 🤔 I don’t know Singapore well—I’ve only been there twice for 4 days each time. No, you won’t go broke—it’s pretty standard for upscale bars. The entry fee is 35 SGD, which can be deducted from your drinks. Cocktails are 25 SGD (+ taxes?).

The bar entrance is via an elevator in the MBS shopping mall, at the base of the 3rd tower—there’s a deck with two hostesses.

That said, I never actually made it inside because of the dress code 😅😅 (next time, maybe?). On my first trip, my partner was wearing shorts—nope. This time, he had long pants and a long-sleeve shirt (perfect, very chic), but… he was wearing flip-flops! Horror! “We can see his toes,” said the petite Asian woman with a disgusted look. Denied! Meanwhile, right in front of us, a guy in baggy jeans and an ugly T-shirt—but wearing flip-flops *with socks* (eww)—got in just fine. No sock shops nearby, so we decided to plan a third trip instead.

Have a great trip!

FYI, 35 SGD is about 20 €.

Regarding dress code, at the Long Bar in Raffles (5*, colonial district), the dress code only applies in the evening. Entry is free, but the cocktails are a bit pricier (though peanuts are provided). Be sure to try the famous "Singapore Sling"! We went there in the afternoon, and some scruffy American cruise passengers had no problem getting in!

Thanks so much for these details, Chris. Over time, I’ve gotten to know our tastes pretty well, and I can tell you that this kind of vibe really isn’t for us... though checking out the height of chic in "flip-flop-socks" is still super tempting 😅. See you soon, Christelle

Oh, it’s not the height of chic! But we go there for the view, of course.

I really loved the Long Bar at Raffles in the afternoon. A historic bar from the days when planters would gather there and their wives would dance! With an inimitable decor. 1920s jazzy vibe. The only place where the tradition is to toss peanut shells on the floor! But no view, of course! And the AC’s a bit chilly.