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If you are traveling around Asia, chances are you will find yourself passing through Singapore on a layover. Outside of Europe and North America, Singapore’s Changi Airport is the most internationally-connected airport in the world. Over 110,000 people pass through this airport everyday.
Changi Airport is world-renowned for its many tourist attractions. From the multiple gardens found in each terminal to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, there are plenty of options to pass the time. If your layover will only be a few hours long, then you should probably stay in the airport. It’s not worth missing your connecting flight.
But if your layover is more than 5 hours, then I would urge you to consider leaving the airport to explore Singapore. If you have a few days to explore Singapore, that’s even better!
Below are some of the best things to do during a layover in Singapore.
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Getting From Changi Airport to Singapore
There are several ways to get from Changi Airport to the city, including by train, bus, taxi, or private transfer.
I recommend taking the train to Tanah Merah Station. From there, you can transfer to other train lines that will take you to locations around the country. For example, transfer to the Downtown Line to reach the popular Bayfront area.
Check out this page for more information on ways to get to the city from Changi Airport.
How to Get Around Singapore
The most convenient way to get around Singapore is with via the MRT Subway System.
If you are here for a layover, I recommend getting the Tourist Pass! You will get unlimited rides for 24 hours!
Marina Bay Sands Hotel
One of the most iconic images of Singapore is the view of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. This hotel is located on the shore of Marina Bay, and features three large towers connected by a skybridge on top that resembles a large ship.
The hotel contains over 2,500 rooms, a large casino, multiple exhibits and convention centers, a large mall, theater, and restaurants. You do not have to be a paying guest to explore the hotel.
A layover in Singapore isn’t complete without visiting this hotel. I recommend taking an elevator to the skybridge at the top of the hotel. Looking at the amazing views from the top of the hotel is free, but you will have to pay if you want to take a dip in the infinity pool. For a review of the hotel, click here.
Gardens by the Bay
Right next to the Marina Bay Sands Hotel lie the Gardens by the Bay. Another iconic image of Singapore is the Supertree Grove which contains large artificial trees. These “Supertrees” are giant solar cells that harvest solar energy. The Gardens by the Bay has 18 Supertrees, with the largest ones towering over 50 meters (160 feet). These also serve as vertical gardens to over 200 species of plants! The Supertree Grove is where 12 out of the 18 Supertrees are located.
OCBC Skyway
The OCBC Skyway, a 400-foot walkway connecting two Supertrees over 70 feet above the ground, is also located here. This walkway provides an amazing view of the surrounding Gardens as well as the Marina Bay Sands Hotel.
Be sure to stop by during your layover to get that perfect photo of Singapore!
Cloud Forest and Flower Dome
There are two giant glass greenhouses (the largest in the world!) located near the Gardens by the Bay: the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome.
For both of these destinations, you can book your tickets up to 10 days in advance. Try to buy your tickets ahead of time so they won’t be sold out during your layover!
Cloud Forest
The Cloud Forest contains plants from around the world, including the carnivorous Venus flytrap and pitcher plants.
The Cloud Forest maintains an internal temperature of about 75 degrees Fahrenheit to provide a hospital environment for plants that are used to high altitudes. The cool temperature is also a welcoming relief from Singapore’s daytime temperatures, which are usually in the upper 80s (Fahrenheit) all year round!
Flower Dome
The Flower Dome also contains plants from around the world, with a focus on unusual or unique plants. This giant greenhouse contains exhibits representing South Africa, Australia, South America, California, and the Mediterranean. They also have a large display of flowers in the center, along with an area for desert succulents, olive trees, and even Baobab trees!
Enjoy the Street Art
Before I traveled to Singapore, I did not realize that there was such a thriving street art scene there. Each neighborhood in Singapore has its own distinct feel to it, and part of that can be attributed to the style of art present on its buildings.
A lot of street art can be found in Kampong Glam, and it varies from street to street and even building to building. On one street, there may be religious graffiti depicting a mosque or temple, while a few feet away, there is artwork resembling psychedelic hallucinations.
My favorite artwork was a large Aztec mural depicting pre-Hispanic civilization on a Mexican restaurant.
Visit a Shopping Mall
I am not a huge shopper, but Singapore is famous for its shopping malls. There is a wide variety of items sold at these malls, including luxury brands and more budget-friendly items.
Each mall is pretty unique. Some of the smaller malls specialize in a certain item, such as clothing or jewelry. They may also only offer products based on a certain geographic region, such as a mall specializing in products from the Middle East.
Even if you don’t really shop, I’d encourage you to check out a couple malls while in Singapore. Check out this list of 50 different malls in Singapore.
Explore the Ethnic Neighborhoods
Singapore is divided into several different ethnic neighborhoods.
Chinatown
Chinatown is one of the largest neighborhoods in Singapore. As its name suggests, it is home to a large ethnic Chinese population. However, there are also many diverse religious sites in this neighborhood including Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, and a mosque. There are numerous restaurants and souvenir stalls in Chinatown.
Kampong Glam
Kampong Glam is considered the “Muslim” neighborhood in Singapore. This neighborhood is home to a large ethnic Malay population, but also includes immigrants from Indonesia and the Middle East. The largest mosque in Singapore, the Masjid Sultan, is located here.
This neighborhood is famous for its beautiful views, budget accommodations, and street art. If you visit this neighborhood, be sure to stop by Haji Lane. This narrow street is well known in Kampong Glam for its shops and restaurants.
Little India
Little India is another ethnic neighborhood that is worth visiting. This neighborhood does not have as much nightlife as the other neighborhoods, but the food alone is reason enough to stop by. This is also one of the most inexpensive neighborhoods for shopping and accommodations. If you plan on staying in Singapore for a couple of days, consider staying in Little India to save some money.
Where to Stay in Singapore
The ultimate hotel to stay at in Singapore is the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. However, if that is out of your budget, I recommend staying at the Wanderlust Hotel in Little India. This hotel is conveniently located less than a minute away from a MRT station, and is a great base for exploring the major attractions in Singapore.
Check out the map below to see available accommodations.
