A Cheeky Getaway
Welcome to Singapore, where sweet culture meets cool innovation. Known as the ‘Lion City’, Singapore is one hell of a dream to visit. Futuristic skyscrapers and architectural genius dominate the skyline, which I absolutely LOVED! It’s a premium destination and hot on the bucket list for travellers, and I’m not surprised; it’s well worth the visit!
With so much to see, you could easily spend three or four leisurely days exploring Singapore, especially if you plan to unwind at the beach. But, if you find yourself short on time, experiencing the best of Singapore in just 48 hours is entirely feasible—I’ve done it myself!
In this blog, I’ll explain the essentials you need to know about Singapore and the incredible things you can do within this time frame, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this spectacular city.
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Singapore: Language & Currency
Diversity & Languages: Diversity isn’t just celebrated in Singapore—it’s the nation’s heartbeat. Singapore gives intelligent vibes with four official languages—English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil—plus the unique ‘Singlish,’ a blend of Singaporean English.
Currency: The Singapore Dollar (SGD) is used in Singapore. Singapore’s currency is known for its stability and is widely accepted throughout the country for various transactions. Although cards are commonly accepted in most establishments, it is highly advisable to carry some cash, especially for small transactions.
Singaporean Dollars, approx 30 GBP
Where To Stay
Finding decent-priced hotels with decent-sized rooms can be challenging. I paid £230 for two nights for a very small space. Hotels in Singapore’s popular areas often feature compact rooms, influenced by the city’s limited land area and high population density. The trend toward sustainability and energy efficiency further drives the construction of smaller, well-designed living spaces, reflecting the premium on space in Singapore.
Recommends: If price isn’t an issue, I recommend The Clan Hotel Singapore or Mondrain Singapore. Both offer a luxurious boujee feel, with decent-sized rooms and good views. They are also 5-star rated with top-class services and are within walking distance of attractions. Owen House by Habyt and Jyu Capsule Hotel are great options for those on a tighter budget.
My Hotel Picks:
Transport In Singapore
Getting around Singapore is a breeze thanks to its well-developed transportation system. Here are the three most popular modes of getting around:
MRT is one of the fastest and most frequent ways to get around Singapore.
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT): This comprehensive and popular metro system connects various parts of the city. It’s a fast and convenient way to travel, with extensive coverage and frequent trains.
Buses: Singapore has an extensive bus network covering virtually every island corner. Buses are a cost-effective means of transportation, and the routes are well-connected, making it easy to navigate around the city.
Taxis: Taxis are the most convenient way to explore Singapore. Many drivers understand English, so using services like GRAB, similar to the British taxi ordering service UBER, makes booking easy.
Also, I recommend pre-ordering a taxi from the airport, as you could wait hours for one to become available if it’s busy—and boy, that ain’t no fun! We spent an hour trying to book a taxi when we arrived, which was such a hassle at 1 a.m.
Getting Around Singapore In 48 Hours
I highly recommend purchasing a Hop On-Hop Off (HOHO) Ticket. You can buy a 24-hour or 48-hour ticket, which provides access to two distinct hop-on and hop-off routes. The ticket covers the main Singapore attractions and iconic places you MUST SEE. Also, it’s great fun on an open-top bus and is the best way to catch the vibes of Singapore!
An easy-read map with pictures and routes on the HOHO Bus
Before you hop on the bus, you’ll be given an easy-to-read map with pictures of attractions at stops and headphones to listen to audio available in seven languages. This will give you a good understanding of your surroundings throughout the route.
The HOHO buses run regularly (approximately every 15-20 minutes), and you can hop on and off as often as you like. I love this convenience, making the HOHO Bus the number one choice for travelling around at the best price. Depending on the time of year, the buses typically operate until about 6 p.m.
The First Day In Singapore: The Red Route
On my first day in Singapore, I kicked things off with the Red Route of the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour. Starting early lets you enjoy a full day of fun—the first bus leaves around 9:30 a.m. This route takes you through the city’s three vibrant ethnic districts: Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam.
The Red Route is a fantastic way to explore Singapore’s rich heritage and history. You’ll see pre-World War II shophouses, Buddhist and Hindu temples, traditional trades and handicrafts, and the unique charm and diversity of Singapore’s ethnic neighbourhoods.
Starting from Suntec City Mall (Stop 0), here are some must-see attractions along the way:
If you prefer to skip reading this blog and just see all the activities available in Singapore instead, check out these 30 Activities in Singapore.
Discover Little India: A Vibrant Stop
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple in Little India, Singapore
Little India covers both stops 2 and 3 on the Red Route. Hop off the bus and step into this vibrant neighbourhood, where you’ll feel the colourful vibes of Indian culture. Known for its bustling streets, lively markets, diverse shops, restaurants, and temples, Little India offers a sensory experience like no other.
Little India is a gem to explore. I love that the Indian hot spot blends into the Singaporean community. It’s lively and fun, with so much colour and flavour, so make this a stop to explore.
While In Little India
Kampong Glam On The Red Route
Street view of Masjid Sultan in Kampong Glam
Kampong Glam covers stops 5, 6, and 7 on the Red Route. Hop off here to explore a vibrant, culturally rich neighbourhood that perfectly blends history and modernity. It was once the seat of Malay royalty, but now Kampong Glam represents trendy shops, cool cafes, and a lively atmosphere. You’ll experience the traditional Malay and Arab influences that make Kampong Glam a winner stop.
While In Kampong Glam
Explore The Vibrant Chinatown!
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown
Hop off at stops 11, 12, or 13 to dive into the heart of Chinatown. Alongside Little India and Kampong Glam, Chinatown is one of Singapore’s most colourful and culturally rich neighbourhoods, showcasing the city-state’s Chinese heritage. I love that each district oozes culture; you can tell one from the other; it’s like mini-size countries within Singapore.
You’ll love walking down the narrow lanes laced with traditional shophouses and bustling markets as the aromas of delicious Chinese cuisine guide you as you explore. There’s plenty of food around if you’re looking for a feast.
While In Chinatown
Evening Adventure From Suntec City
The Supertree Grove lightshow at night
Kick off your evening with an adventure from Suntec City! Hop on an open-top bus for a cruise through Marina Bay and soak in a stunning sunset at Marina Barrage.
Evenings In Town
Day 2: Exploring Singapore On The Yellow Route
On my second day in Singapore, I hopped on the Yellow Route of the HOHO Bus Tour, known as the City Tour. The first bus leaves around 9:40 am and is perfect for exploring some of the city’s most prominent landmarks and attractions before the crowds kick in. Highlights include the UNESCO World Heritage Site Botanic Gardens and the glamorous Marina Bay Sands.
Starting from Suntec City Mall (Stop 0), here are some fantastic attractions you can explore:
The Singapore Flyer
Singapore Flyer Overlooking Downtown
Located at stop 1 on the Yellow Route, the Singapore Flyer is a must-see in Marina Bay. This giant observation wheel stands at a whopping 165 meters, making it one of the world’s largest!
Hop into an air-conditioned capsule for a 30-minute spin and soak in the stunning panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline. You’ll catch glimpses of iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and the Singapore River. It’s the perfect way to see the city from a new perspective!
The Iconic Marina Bay Sands
The famous Marina Bay Sands
Jump off at stop number 2 for the Marina Bay Sands. This integrated resort is a masterpiece of architecture in Singapore’s heart. Marina Bay Sands dominates the city skyline with its three interconnected towers reaching for the sky. But the real showstopper? The SkyPark perched on top! Enjoy panoramic city views, cool off in the stunning infinity pool, and wander through lush gardens—all in one unforgettable stop!
The Art Science Museum
Also located at stop number 2 is the Art Science Museum, which is hard to miss because of its distinctive lotus-shaped building at Marina Bay Sands. Renowned for its innovative and interactive approach to art and science, this museum is not your average visit!
I’m a museum-type girl, so I loved this experience. It was cool and colourful and kept me inside for the best part of an hour. Get ready for immersive displays, cutting-edge technology, and thought-provoking installations that inspire and amaze you.
Skyline of Marina Bays – The Art Science Museum is the lotus-shaped quirky building
Explore The Garden Of The Bays
At stop three on the Yellow Route lies the Garden of the Bays, a horticultural wonderland in the Marina Bay Sands area. The Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome are here.
Garden Of The Bays Entrance Ticket: With a Garden of the Bays Entrance Ticket, visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, witness awe-inspiring light shows, and delve into educational exhibits.
Supertree Grove: The distinctive Supertree Grove boasts futuristic tree-like structures for aesthetic and environmental purposes. These towering giants, ranging from 25 to 50 meters, are showcased with environmentally sustainable features. You can also watch the ‘Garden Rhapsody,’ a captivating light and sound show that brings the Grove to life at night.
Cloud Forest: Prepare to be amazed by the Cloud Forest, home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall! This striking glass structure houses a unique mountain ecosystem featuring a 35-meter-tall cascading waterfall in lush vegetation. Also, take a trip to the top on their elevated walkway for a different view of the garden, which is pretty cool.
Flower Dome: Step into the impressive Flower Dome, the world’s largest greenhouse, replicating the cool-dry climate of the Mediterranean region. The diverse collection of plants and flowers from around the globe is on display. With changing floral displays, the Flower Dome offers a vibrant and ever-changing landscape that highlights the Garden of the Bays. It’s super pretty!
The Flower Dome is the world’s largest greenhouse – inside the Garden of the Bays
A River Cruise
After a full day of exploration on day 2, you might have limited time, but there’s still a perfect way to end your trip: the Singapore River Cruise!
This is a great way to chill and take in some sights. You’ll see iconic landmarks like the Esplanade—Theatres on the Bay and the Merlion statue—a mythical creature with a lion’s head and a fish’s body. The cruise lasts about 40 minutes and frequently departs from the Boat Quay along the Singapore River until around 9 or 10 p.m. It’s the perfect way to conclude your Singapore adventure!
Along the river on the River Cruise
Botanical Gardens Delight
If you have spare time, check out the Botanical Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With over 10,000 plant species, including rare and endangered ones, this lush paradise is one for the senses. There are themed gardens, like the National Orchid Gardens and the Healing Garden, showcase medicinal plants. It’s nice for some downtime to relax with swan-filled lakes and picturesque trails.
Opt for Guided Tours
Alternatively, consider squeezing in a few pre-planned guided tours during your two-day adventure in Singapore. Let knowledgeable guides lead you on immersive journeys through the city’s hidden gems, offering unique insights and memorable experiences. You can find tours on popular third-party sites like Viator.
That’s A Wrap!
In the whirlwind of a 48-hour adventure in Singapore, the vibrant city will leave a lasting impression on you. Every moment is a blast, from the dazzling skylines of the Marina Bay Sands to the cultural immersion in Chinatown and Little India.
With a perfect blend of dynamic energy and diverse attractions, this short escape will give you lifetime memories. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get you to Singapore!
Travelling alone but feeling nervous? The How To Travel Solo Ebook has tips for planning safe, confident, and unforgettable adventures!
