With 5 days to spend in Singapore, you can certainly explore a whole lot! Experience the city’s top attractions and discover it’s best kept secrets.
Our 5-day itinerary is designed to ensure you leave the island with unforgettable memories.
5 Days in Singapore - An Overview
Singapore In 5 Days - Detailed Itinerary
Indulge in a Relaxing Exploration of Singapore
Singapore Botanic Gardens
National Museum of Singapore
Singapore Flyer
Set up in a verdant landscape, the Singapore Botanic Gardens are definitely not to be missed during your visit to Singapore! In fact, it serves as one of the best way to introduce yourself to the city. Inscribed as a World Heritage Site, the garden is the first and only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO list. The striking park offers beautiful ponds with thriving flora and fauna, along with the region’s first rubber tree orchards. Spend a day lazing about on the sprawling landscapes or simply take a stroll out with your family – there are several in-house cafes and activities that can easily occupy at least half your day, so plan accordingly.
- There are numerous walking trails throughout the garden, so you can easily spend a few hours here exploring.
- Check the weather forecast the day before- you do not want to see the Colosseum when it's raining as the tour is almost entirely open-air.
- Be sure to check out the Orchid Garden, which is home to over 60 species of Orchids. Keep in mind that the National Orchid Garden itself takes about 2 hours to see.
- The Botanic Garden is also a great place to take photos, so make sure to bring your camera!
Note: Entry to the Singapore Botanic Gardens is free, but do keep in mind that entry to the National Orchid Garden requires a paid ticket.
Restaurant Recommendations
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a popular picnic spot, so you can either prepare a scrumptious spread for yourself, or enjoy a meal at one of the many spots at the UNESCO heritage site before heading to the next spot!
After your time at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, make your way to the historic National Museum of Singapore. With a rich history that dates back to the 19th century, the National Museum of Singapore is the country’s oldest museum and currently holds more 1,700 cultural and historical artefacts. Housed in a classical building reminiscent of the country's past heritage, the museum underwent a renovation and is now equipped with the latest technologies to showcase Singapore's most valuable artistic, cultural and historical artefacts
Restaurant Recommendations Near National Museum of Singapore
Finally, end your first day with a ride of the Singapore Flyer. At a staggering height of 165m, the Flyer is one of the world’s largest observatory wheels - think of it as the London Eye of Asia. It's even been deemed as one of the biggest tourist attractions on the continent. The breathtaking view aboard the Flyer promises an expansive view of the skyline, along with a brief glimpse of Malaysia and Indonesia from the top. The urban architecture is a masterful addition to the country and displays flawless engineering. Sip on champagne as you enjoy the panoramic views of Singapore aboard the Flyer and see the city in a whole new light.
- Arrive early or purchase a Fast Pass to avoid long lines.
- Check the weather forecast in advance and dress comfortably.
- Make sure to take advantage of the photo opportunities both inside and outside of the capsule.
- Have your camera ready to capture the views as you ascend and descend.
- Singapore can be quite warm, so be sure to stay hydrated during your visit.
- On a clear day, you may be able to see as far away as Malaysia and Indonesia from the top of the Flyer.
- If you get motion sickness, sit towards the middle of the capsule for a smoother ride.
Recommended Restaurants near Singapore Flyer
Check out the Wildlife in Singapore
River Wonders
Singapore Zoo & Rainforest Lumina
Night Safari
Nestled right in between the well-known Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, the River Wonders is a river-themed zoo and aquarium. Designed to recreate the wildlife experience along famous rivers from around the world, the park is home to some rare and impressive creatures from across the globe. Get set to begin your journey alongside meandering rivers and enjoy the chance to view exotic animals such as the squirrel monkey, maned wolf, and jaguar.
Restaurant Recommendations near Singapore Flyer
The impressive Singapore Zoo
is well-known around the world, thanks to its 11 different zones and 12 exhibits that house over 2,800 animals, including over 300 wildlife species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. The zoo has made sure to create exhibits that replicate the exact natural habitat each of its animals would live in.
Opened to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Singapore Zoo, the new Rainforest Lumina experience is an exciting new addition to the list of attractions in Singapore. Rainforest Lumina attraction is a night time experience that allows people to visit the zoo after dark and experience a one-of-a-kind walk through a carefully laid of set of interactive installations - allowing its visitors to immerse themselves in the audio-visual spectacle before them.
- The zoo is huge! Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and plan to spend at least half a day there.
- The zoo is divided into different sections, each with its own theme. Be sure to check the map so you don't miss anything.
- The animals are free to roam in most of the zoo, so you might find yourself coming face-to-face with some of them. Don't worry, they're all harmless!
- The zoo has a lot of interactive exhibits, so you can get up close and personal with some of the animals. Just be sure to follow the rules.
- Singapore Zoo is also home to the world's first free-ranging orangutan habitat.
🇸🇬 Local Travel Tip 🇸🇬
The cable car cabins can get stuffy on sunny days. While there are fans inside the car, ensure you leave the windows slightly open for extra ventilation.
Singapore's Night Safari allows you to explore the animal kingdom under the light of the stars! As you walk through the nocturnal park, you will come across zones that represent topographies from around the world. Night Safari is home to over 2,500 animals, 38% of which are threatenedin the wild. The animals are housed in specially designed environments that mimic their natural ecological system, highlighted by the open-air exhibits. The Night Safari is divided into the following zones: Indian Subcontinent, Asian Riverine Forest, Himalayan Foothills, Equatorial Africa, Nepalese River Valley and the Burmese Hillside.
- The best time to visit Night Safari is during the cooler months, from November to January. This is when the animals are most active and you'll be able to see them at their best.
- You can explore Night Safari on foot or by tram. The park has two walking trails - the Leopard Trail and the Fishing Cat Trail - which offer up-close encounters with some of the park's resident animals.
- If you don't fancy walking, hop aboard the Safari Tram for a guided tour of the park. The tram takes you through four different zones - the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Equatorial Africa and China - where you'll see animals in their natural habitats.
- Night Safari is open from 7:15pm to midnight, and last admission is at 11:00pm. The park gets very busy during peak hours (between 9:00pm and 10:30pm), so it's best to arrive early or late to avoid the crowds.
Restaurant Recommendations
The park has a wide range of dining options, from casual snacks to fine dining. If you're looking for something quick and easy, head to the Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant or a couple of other restaurants like Starbucks & Wild Deliclose close by!
HOT TIP: Check out this combo for wildlife in Singapore to make your day smoother - Night Safari + River Wonders
Explore the Best of Sentosa Island
Singapore Cable Car
Universal Studios Singapore
Spend your third day on the beloved Sentosa Island. Known for its breathtaking views between Faber Peak and Sentosa Island, Singapore's cable car is the first and only cableway that links the mainland Singapore to the island of Sentosa. Enjoy 360 degree views of forests, skyscrapers, and sandy beaches as the car ferries you almost 5 kilometers on a 30 minute ride. The cable car has two lines: Mount Faber Line and Sentosa Line. The Mount Faber Line runs between Mainland Singapore and Sentosa Island, while the Sentosa Line runs only within Sentosa Island. With a round-trip pass, you can complete the entire trip, irrespective of which station you start at. Cross a skyscraper and float across the harbor on your way Mount Faber. As you approach this famous hill station, enjoy stunning photo ops as you pass by the lush greenery. On the Sentosa Line, fly over the jungle, sand, and sea; plus, catch views of the city's main attractions.
- You can pick an all-glass cable car to add a little excitement to your journey.
- Tickets are cheaper in the evening. If you wish to time your ride for the sunset, plan your trip for after 7pm.
🇸🇬 Local Travel Tip 🇸🇬
The cable car cabins can get stuffy on sunny days. While there are fans inside the car, ensure you leave the windows slightly open for extra ventilation.
Thrill-seekers can have a ball of a time at Singapore’s Universal Studios, located on Sentosa Island. Go beyond the screen and experience cutting-edge rides, shows, and attractions based on your favorite blockbuster films such as Revenge of the Mummy, TRANSFORMERS The Ride: The Ultimate 3D Battle, Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure and many others. In addition, don’t miss out on the Hollywood Dreams Parade, a special holiday show that brings all your beloved characters to life.
- Schedule your day around any shows you wish to watch and arrive about 15 minutes before the show starts to get the best seats.
- Don’t forget to join the studio tour at the end of the day to complete your Universal Studios experience.
🇸🇬 Local Travel Tip 🇸🇬
The first thing you should do is take the USS map and card with various entertainment timings with you. Don't waste your time in taking photographs immediately after entering, no matter how much you are tempted!
Mesmerizing and captivating, the Wings of Time is Singapore’s award-winning outdoor night show. A multi-sensory extravaganza, the show combines water displays, laser projections, and fire effects all into one captivating presentation. With a wonderful musical production playing in the background, experience the magic of 3D projection mapping and spectacular pyrotechnics. Created by a critically acclaimed team of local and international entertainment experts and set against a signature backdrop and a larger-than-life water screen, the show tells a contemporary tale of courage, mystery and magic. Sit back and get lost in this magical world as you journey across the fabric of time.
- Arrive 15-25 minutes early to snag a good spot for the show.
A Day Trip From Singapore
Pulau Ubin
Batam
Johor Baru
Malacca
Pulau Ubin is an island located off the north-eastern coast of Singapore. It is one of the last remaining rural areas in Singapore and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Visitors to the island can enjoy activities such as hiking, cycling and bird watching. There are also a number of historical sites to explore here!
Batam is a beautiful island located in Indonesia. It is known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters and friendly people. Batam is a popular tourist destination for both local and international tourists. There are many things to see and do on the island, making it the perfect place to spend a holiday. There are several beaches on Batam that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. The island also offers a variety of water sports such as snorkelling, diving and fishing. For those who love the outdoors, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore.
- The best time to visit Batam is between April and October when the weather is dry and sunny.
- Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, hats and sunglasses as the sun can be quite intense.
- There are a number of ATM machines located around the island, but it is always best to bring cash as some places only accept Indonesian Rupiah.
- When travelling by boat, be sure to check in with the Harbour Master’s office first.
- Batam is a Muslim majority island, so be sure to dress modestly when out in public.
- There are many delicious Indonesian dishes to try on the island, so be sure to sample as many as you can!
Roam the Iconic Marina Bay Singapore
ArtScience Museum
Gardens by the Bay
Marina Bay Sands Skypark
🇸🇬 Local Travel Tip 🇸🇬
The ArtScience Museum opens at 10am, if you start your day early, you could also take a walk through the nearby Chinatown!
The ArtScience Museum in Singapore is a public museum that focuses on the history and science of arthropods. The museum is located in the Bugis district of Singapore. It was established in 2016. The museum has a collection of over 200,000 specimens of arthropods, including insects, spiders, crabs, and lobsters. The museum also has a library of over 2,000 books on arthropods.
🇸🇬 Local Travel Tip 🇸🇬
The exhibits at the ArtScience Museum are super popular, so visit early and preferably on weekdays to avoid the crowd!
The famed Gardens by the Bay resembles a sci-fi movie set, one that is sure to make your jaw drop. It was initially brought about by the Government’s initiative to make Singapore a ‘city in a garden’ instead of ‘a garden city’. Gardens by the Bay are divided into three elaborate sections: Bay Central Garden, Bay East Garden and Bay South Garden. In each area, visitors can enjoy a natural extravaganza of flora and fauna. With an alien-like appearance, you'll feel like you've stepped into a colorful, friendly, fantasy world.
A trip to Marina Bay would certainly not be complete without a visit to the SkyPark Observation Deck. Rise 57 feet above the city and witness the heart of Singapore in all its glory. The public observation deck at Marina Bay Sands SkyPark resonates with luxury and even reveals the world’s largest infinity pool. Sip a tall glass of champagne as you overlook the breathtaking city skyline. If it's in your budget, you can also indulge in a delicious lunch at one of the fine restaurants in the vicinity. Offering a spectacular wine and dine experience, it's sure to be an unforgettable meal. Be sure to take home some exclusive souvenirs from the aesthetic Sands Sky Park Shop.
🇸🇬 Local Travel Tip 🇸🇬
End your trip with a tour of the nightlife scene in Clarke Quay. This riverside district is filled with bars, clubs and restaurants, and is at a walkable distance from the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark.
Other Singapore Itinerary Options?
Don't have 5 whole days in Singapore? That's alright, we've got other options for you. Check out our other itineraries for further inspiration:
Where To Stay in Singapore?
If you are looking for a luxurious hotel, Orchard Road is the place to stay. This area is home to many high-end hotels, as well as shopping and dining options. For a more budget-friendly option, Chinatown offers a wide variety of guesthouses and hostels. This area is also great for exploring Singapore’s Chinese heritage.
Little India is another popular option for accommodations. This area is known for its vibrant and colorful culture. You can find many great places to eat, as well as shops selling traditional Indian goods.
No matter what your budget or preferences are, you can find a great place to stay in Singapore. There are accommodations available to suit any traveler!
Recommendations:
1. Around Marina Sand Bays:
- Pan Pacific Singapore (5-star)
- Marina Bay Sands Singapore (5-star)
- Hotel Mi (4-star)
- JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach (5-star)
- Hilton Garden Inn Singapore Serangoon (4-star)
- Park View Hotel (3-star)
- River City Inn (2-star)
- Jayleen Clarke Quay Hotel (3-star)
- NH Collection Palazzo Cinquecento (5-star)
- Park Regis Singapore (4-star)
- Wink Capsule Hostel (2-star)
- Bliss Hotel Singapore (3-star)
- Furama RiverFront (4-star)
More Tips & Hacks For Making The Best of 5 Days in Singapore
- Take a ride on the Singapore Flyer, the city's giant ferris wheel. The views from the top are incredible, and it's a great way to orient yourself to the layout of the city.
- Definitely spend an afternoon at Sentosa Island, home to beaches, theme parks and other attractions.
- Sample the local cuisine. Singapore is known for its food, so be sure to try dishes like chili crab, Hainanese chicken rice and satay.
- Take a walk or ride the train through Little India. This vibrant neighborhood is a great place to shop for Indian spices and textiles.
- Be sure to purchase a good map of the city so that you can get around easily.
- Ensure pack light since the weather is quite hot and humid.
- Have plenty of Singapore dollars on hand since most places only accept this currency.
FAQs
The top things to do in Singapore would be to visit Sentosa Island, go on a tour of the Singapore Zoo, spend a fun day at Universal Studios Singapore, and take a cable car ride to Mount Faber.
Some of the best places to eat in Singapore would be at Hawker Centers, Chinatown, and Little India .
Orchard Road would be one of the best places to go shopping in Singapore. There are also several malls located around Singapore such as VivoCity, Marina Bay Sands, and ION Orchard.
Some of the best things to do at night in Singapore would be to go on a night safari at the Singapore Zoo, visit Marina Bay Sands for the light show and laser show, or go on a river cruise.
Some of the best places to stay in Singapore would be at a hotel near Orchard Road, Marina Bay, or Sentosa Island.
