Your Ultimate Singapore Travel Guide
Singapore, located in the same time zone and just a five-hour flight from Perth, serves as an ideal destination for a long-haul stopover or a quick getaway. With its rich history, vibrant culture, diverse food scene, and lush foliage, it is well worth extending your stay to explore all it has to offer.
Weather and Climate
Due to its proximity to the equator, Singapore experiences consistent weather throughout the year. Temperatures typically range between 30°C and 32°C, with frequent chances of storms. These storms often result in scattered showers or short heavy downpours, accompanied by brief thunder, but conditions usually clear up quickly. It is advisable to pack an umbrella, though it may not always be necessary. The wettest months are from November to January, while the driest period spans from February to September. Regardless of the season, Singapore remains a pleasant destination year-round.
Flight Options
Singapore Airlines operates four daily flights from Perth to Singapore, with a favoured departure time of 6.40am, arriving in the Lion City at 11.55am. This schedule allows for a quick luggage drop at your hotel, giving you the entire afternoon and evening to begin exploring. For a more budget-friendly journey, Scoot Airlines, the budget arm of Singapore Airlines, offers two flights daily. During summer months, flights depart at 5.35am and 5.45pm, with times shifting to 6.25pm and 9.55pm from April onwards.
Entry Requirements and Airport Efficiency
All travellers must obtain an SG Arrival Card to enter Singapore, which is free and easy to apply for via ica.gov.sg or the MyICA app within three days of arrival. Immigration at Changi Airport is streamlined with numerous automated lanes, often allowing passengers to disembark, clear immigration, collect luggage, and reach their transport in under 30 minutes, with records as fast as 17 minutes.
Transport from the Airport
Well-organised taxi stands are available at all four terminals, with rides to the city taking about 30 minutes and costing between S$25 and S$45, plus additional surcharges. A more economical option is the MRT underground train, with a single fare from the airport to the city centre costing S$2.40 and taking approximately 45 minutes. Passengers can tap on and off using cards like Visa or Mastercard, with easy transfers at stations such as Tanah Merah or Expo for onward journeys.
Budget Dining and Local Specialties
While restaurant prices in Singapore are comparable to Perth, eating out on a budget is entirely feasible at hawker centres and shopping mall food courts, which adhere to strict hygiene laws. Many hawker stalls accept cash only, so it is wise to carry Singapore dollars, though ATMs are available. A unique local custom involves reserving seats by placing a packet of tissues on the table, ensuring your spot while you order food from various stalls.
Local specialties not to be missed include roti canai, a crunchy and chewy bread served with curry gravy; carrot cake, a savoury dish of stir-fried radish cake cubes; Hainanese chicken rice, a classic poached chicken dish; laksa, a spicy coconut-based soup; char kway teow, stir-fried flat rice noodles; wanton mee egg noodles; and chilli crab, a messy but delicious mud crab dish.
Accommodation Recommendations
Singapore offers a range of accommodation options, with City Hall being a highly convenient area due to its accessibility via the Green Line from the airport and proximity to attractions. Other excellent areas include Tanjong Pagar, Orchard Road, Marina Bay, Bugis, Clarke and Robertson quays, and Chinatown. For a luxurious stay, consider four-star hotels with pools, typically costing at least $400 per night. Budget travellers can find clean and modern hostels for around S$50 per night, while mid-range options include brands like Mercure, Holiday Inn, Ibis, and Far East Hospitality.
Top Attractions and Activities
Key attractions in Singapore include the Peranakan Museum, which offers insights into local culture with free guided tours; Fort Canning, a green space featuring the viral Tree Tunnel and historical sites; the Asian Civilisations Museum, with exhibits on trade and maritime routes; the Fullerton Hotel, known for its old-world charm; CapitaSpring, offering free Sky Garden visits with advance booking; and Raffles Hotel, where you can enjoy a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar.
Neighbourhoods like Tanjong Pagar and Chinatown boast vibrant street markets, murals by artist Yip Yew Chong, and numerous hawker centres such as Maxwell and Amoy Street. Bugis and Kampong Glam areas are picturesque, with sites like Sultan Mosque and Haji Lane, while Orchard Road is perfect for shopping and visiting the Singapore Botanic Gardens, including the National Orchid Garden.
Additional highlights include Little India for its cultural experiences and Tekka Centre, Gardens by the Bay with its Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, river cruises offering city views, and events like the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix and Light to Night festival. Whether exploring by foot, MRT, or cruise, Singapore provides endless opportunities for discovery and enjoyment.
