We recently finished up a very enjoyable second visit to the wonderfully picturesque city of Singapore. Far more enjoyable than our first visit. In fact, it is almost hard to describe just how much of an improvement Singapore: Round 2 was compared to Round 1. For a couple reasons. One, because, by all accounts, Singapore just keeps getting better and better, continually improving the tourist experience and building new and increasingly innovative attractions. And our first visit was a long time ago, so a lot has changed.
Perhaps the bigger reason, though, is that our first visit was, let’s say, a massive disaster. To start with, we didn’t really WANT to visit Singapore at the time. Big city, big prices, blah, blah, blah. On that trip, we were still infatuated with Indonesia and were all about the great value island diving, wandering through the jungle looking for orangutans and making it our mission to search out all the cheapest scooter rentals known to man. But, alas, our visas were running out and we needed to leave the country for a night to get a clean slate. And, as luck would have it, Singapore was, quite literally, RIGHT THERE.
Our site includes affiliate links to products we recommend. If you use one to make a purchase, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Then, in hopes of not blowing our very tight budget completely out of the water, we booked two dorm beds for a single night in a shoestring hostel right next to the port. And, as everyone knows, those are all criteria shared by only the very best accommodations. Yet, even with those high standards, it somehow turned out to NOT be a very nice place. Hmm. Of course, that was just our opinion. Others felt differently, such as the thousand or so bedbugs that spent a good portion of the night absolutely chowing down on us, which I assume they rather enjoyed.
Of course, the use of the term “us” is also just an assumption. Over the years, much evidence has accumulated to suggest that I simply don’t react to bedbug bites. Because, believe me, there have been many times when those voracious little buggers MUST have been all over me. Yet, never a red spot, itchy area or even some tiny bloody napkins left behind.
Laynni, on the other hand, DEFINITELY reacts. As in, a hundred angry red welts symmetrically lined up and down her limbs, itching intensely and driving her mad with the desire to scratch, or, failing that, ditch every shed of clothing so they can just stop rubbing against her bites. So, yeah, she “reacts” all right. Both physically and, let me assure you, emotionally. So, Singapore: Round 1? Not a rousing success.
Which is why, needless to say, Singapore did NOT make it onto our original list of favourite cities in the world. Will it be added? Possibly, it always takes a bit of time and distance to digest a visit before we figure out exactly how we feel about a place. But Singapore is definitely in the running now.
It certainly helps that we no longer subject ourselves to rough and tumble dorm rooms in the interests of securing the cheapest bed possible, letting comfort, cleanliness and location be damned. Unless we’re on a multi-day mountain hike, when all comfort bets are off. And Singapore was most definitely no mountain hike, so a decent room in a great area with private bath and A/C it was. Relatively comfortable but tiny – super-tiny, in fact – yet still by far the most expensive hotel we’ll stay at in 4 months in Southeast Asia.
All right, now that we have addressed the significant difference between our hotel choices on our two visits to Singapore – arguably in far too much detail – it is time to discuss modern day Singapore. Where we went, what we did, what we liked and what was “just fine, colourful, I guess”.
First off, it is important to understand that it’s not just the hotels that are expensive in Singapore. In fact, I just read an article about how it recently beat out Zurich for the prestigious title of “most expensive city in the world”. Congrats, I guess.
However, and this is a very big “however”, we did NOT find that to be a real problem. What I mean by that is, well, it all depends what you want to do. Nice restaurants, amusement park style attractions, beer on the most popular street terraces, etc. – all crazy expensive. But our priorities were basically wandering the city, seeing the sights and checking out some of the most famous old neighbourhoods, all of which were basically free. And we found public transportation to be cheap and easy and meals in the hawker centres cheap and tasty. So, other than paying a lot of money for a mere handful of square feet of hotel room, we didn’t actually spend that much over 3 nights and two full days.
As for things to see and do, well, the fun starts right at the airport. Famous Changi Airport has often been named “best airport in the world”. And having been there twice now, it’s hard to argue. I’m not going to get into all the impressive architecture and unique attractions because we’d be here all day and I needed all that extra space to talk about bedbugs, clearly. But, just for starters, there is a major mall/entertainment centre located within the airport itself, called The Jewel, and it features a huge waterfall, called the Rain Vortex that you can see from every level, including on the train between terminals. So, yeah, it’s a pretty cool airport.
My focus here, though, is going to be the city itself, and all the different independent Singapore walking itineraries you can tackle to see the best stuff in a calm, orderly fashion (Singapore-style, I’ll call it), and without spending a bunch of money to do it. Keep in mind, the majority of these destinations are mainly photo ops, which tend to be our focus. Of course, there are even more highlights that aren’t described here (notably the huge – and expensive – amusement parks / beaches of Sentosa Island) but these 4 Singapore walking tours will cover most of the best Singapore highlights and photo spots.
The hotel we stayed in – the friendly, organized and surprisingly well-equipped little room in Heritage Collection on Arab – was located literally spitting distance from the famous Sultan Mosque. Not that we did any spitting. This is Singapore, after all. You’re also not allowed to jaywalk, vape or even get too boisterous in public (presumably). Nonetheless, the Kampong Glam area (sometimes spelled Gelam) is a great choice, with loads of atmosphere, a wide range of Middle Eastern restaurants and even a bevy of carpet shops, if that’s something you’re into.
Where you stay doesn’t have to change your plans much, though, because Singapore public transport is so organized and effective. Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the SMRT train map (S-M-R-T, S-M-R-T, I am so smart… Homer Simpson/Kenneth Michael Hunter), then just use your phone. First to find the best directions, then to “tap on” and “tap off” whichever mode of transport you choose, automatically calculating the charges to your card or Apple Pay depending on how far you go, and on how many connections. But the very MOST we spent in one day was three trips for a little over $S5 ($S1 = €0.68 / $US0.78 / $C1.07). So it’s cheap, is what I’m saying.
And the rest of the time, theoretically, will be spent on foot. So here, finally, are 4 comprehensive independent Singapore walking itineraries you can follow to add a bit of structure and efficiency to your sightseeing (when in Rome, so to speak).
Singapore Walking Itineraries Map
Click the star to save this map to your Google Maps – then find it under Saved/Maps (mobile) or Your Places/Maps (desktop)
1. Kampong Glam and Little India
We started this tour on foot right from our hotel on Arab Street and it only involved one mode of transportation – an MRT back from Clarke Quay. Altogether it took us about 3 hours but we didn’t really explore inside anything, other than the Tekka Centre, where we took a bit of a tea/lassi break.
Kampong Glam
Arab Street
Colourful, very Arab, with lots of carpet shops, street art and Middle Eastern textiles and lamps and food.
Sultan Mosque
Impressive, although there is no perfect place for photos. Maybe the best is from the Al-Tasneem Indian Muslim restaurant or the little street next to the restaurant. To explore inside, you need to be there at specific times (10am-noon or 2pm-4pm when we were there).
Haji Lane
This cute and tiny alley is full of social bars and theme restaurants. It is at its best in early evening, can be a bit dull in early afternoon and is positively bleak at 8am on a Sunday morning.
Malabar Mosque
Nice enough. Blue.
Abdul Gafoor Mosque
Nice enough. White and green.
Little India
Serangoon Road
Most blogs and guides will tell you that you need to see this famous street. I don’t know why, though. It does make a handy landmark for orienting yourself, but that’s about it.
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
Very hectically Hindu, although it is unfortunately another one on a somewhat busy road without any really good photo spot.
House of Tan Teng Niah
Very colourful and historic building that is off the street so, unlike the previous couple, offers plenty of good photo ops.
Tekka Centre
A busy, rough and tumble commercial centre with food stalls on one side, groceries/fish stalls on the other. As you might expect, it’s a great place to get authentic Indian food.
To the South
Selegie Art Center
Another good photo spot, especially from up the stairs on the covered walkway.
Fort Canning Tree Tunnel
This unique set of stairs leading up to a picturesque “tree tunnel” has become seriously Insta-famous. So if you want the classic “perched on the wall smiling coyly with the tunnel framing your flowing dress”, either get there early (before 9 should be pretty reasonable) or wait in line like everybody else. When we got there around 11am the line was about 30 deep, probably half-hour waiting time. But we can’t be sure because we just walked to the front and took a quick generic photo while people were switching out, instead of waiting to get one of us in it. And we’re pretty fine with that decision. From there, it is actually a very nice walk through Fort Canning Park.
Old Hill Street Police Station
Another tricky photo spot on a busy street corner but it is a pretty colourful and unique building. And not very utilitarian-looking, considering it was once a police station, and now basically a museum.
Clarke Quay
Yet another colourful set of buildings, this time housing a collection of marginally expensive bars/restaurants. It is a great place for a stroll, with a nice bridge and river views. There is also a very intense Slingshot amusement park ride, too, if it’s adrenalin you’re after.
Raffles Hotel
If you’re heading back up to Kampong Glam, you could stop off at this iconic hotel to enjoy the atmosphere and enjoy a classic Singapore Sling in Long Bar, the very spot the famous drink was invented over a century ago. It comes with an authentic potato-starch straw and plate of peanuts that you can eat and then throw the shells on the floor. Neat, I guess. But possibly not $S44 neat.
2. Marina Bay Sands / Garden by the Bay
This incredible hotel / shopping / entertainment complex is the modern-day symbol of Singapore. And for good reason, it is wildly impressive. It covers a pretty large area, all of which is very scenic, so you can easily just wander the place for a few hours and be duly amazed. Or you can up your experience by opting to pay the entrance fees at one or more of the additional attractions.
Marina Bay Sands Waterfront Promenade
Expansive and photogenic, certainly worth a stroll.
ArtScience Museum
We didn’t go in, partially because I have no idea what “ArtScience” actually entails, but true “ArtScience buffs” definitely should. Either way, it is a very cool building.
Helix Bridge
Shaped like DNA, at least if you’re someone like me who hasn’t been in school for a very long time, it is lit up purple at night and features especially good views of the bay and blooming petals of the ArtScience Museum.
SkyPark Observation Deck ($S35-39)
Considered one of the best viewpoints in all of Singapore. Although I would argue that that can’t really be true when you are actually LOOKING OUT FROM one of the most photogenic places in the city. I’m sure it’s still very nice, though.
Flower Dome / Cloud Forest ($46)
A huge, themed flower park and a huge, themed cloud forest full of waterfalls and rides and… dinosaurs? Yeah, it was Jurassic Park month while we were there. I’m sure it was very tastefully done but, well, maybe next time.
Marina Barrage
A huge concrete dam that is pretty memorable in its own right, or you can walk out on it for more angles of all the other stuff.
SuperTree Grove
One of the most popular attractions in Singapore, these bright, colourful “SuperTrees” are at their best at night. Full disclosure: I’m no expert, but I’m not actually convinced they are real trees. Still, quite a sight. It is free to wander around below them or head up to the second level for a different – somewhat closer – angle. There is also a free light show set to classical music twice a night (7:45 and 8:45 when we were there). It is all very… Disney. Still, I repeat, quite a sight.
To max out your SuperTree experience, you can choose to pay $S14 to be out on the OCBC Skyway – which looked sort of cool but not that different – or $S14 for the Supertree Observatory. And I honestly don’t know exactly what you’d see from there that you can’t see from the free spots, although there is a good chance they’ve found a way to make it worth the price, especially considering that’s about the same as you’ll pay for a simple cocktail most places.
Dragonfly Island
We loved the view of Marina Bay Sands from this side, especially when we could incorporate a cool dragonfly figure into our photos.
3. Chinatown
For this Singapore walking itinerary we will venture back into another of the old, classic Singapore neighbourhoods. Although not until after a few quick stops at some of the best modern additions.
Jubilee Bridge
A huge, long bridge with fantastic views of Marina Bay Sands (among other things) all the way along.
Merlion
The famous Merlion (mer-LION) is, you guessed it, half-fish, half-lion. At least that’s what it looks like. I have no idea what’s going on inside among the organs, or if it has gills, or if it lays eggs or just spits out live merlion babies. Those are all questions for a qualified Merlion specialist.
Either way, most people settle for some fun photos of this (presumably) mythical creature with the picturesque water fountain coming right out of its mouth. It is almost always busy but around sunset it becomes complete chaos, offering amazing views of Marina Bay Sands and the opportunity to watch hundreds of people struggle to find just the right angle to make it look the water is cascading somewhere funny, like their mouth, purse or anus. That last one should only be attempted by professional humour photographers, or groups of drunks.
Boat Quay
This nice little park features a couple cute white bridges, lots of riverfront restaurants and bars and some round, reflective things that offer an endless array of weird photo choices.
Sky Garden at Capita Springs
One of the most surprising free attractions in Singapore, it will cost you nothing to enjoy the amazing views from beautiful Sky Garden on the 51st floor of this spectacular building. The only requirement is that you book a spot ahead (reservations are possible up to 14 days in advance). There is also a free Garden Oasis that covers 4 floors (17-20) that is only open to the public on weekdays.
Chinatown
Ok, now we’re back into the old stuff. Old religious stuff, mainly.
Thian Hock Keng Temple
A historic Chinese temple. With dragons.
Masjid Jamae
A historic Indian mosque. With pleasant colours.
Sri Mariamman Temple
A historic Hindu temple. With cows.
Pagoda Street
Colourful and chaotic, this is the beating heart of Chinatown. And the very best place to buy some cheap trinkets and check “souvenirs for the family” off your list.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Easily the most impressive single attraction in Chinatown, this huge temple with its very specific dental focus is huge – 4 levels plus a rooftop garden – and free (outside of religious donations or buying a little something to remember it by). The bottom floor is an active temple, there is a fascinating open mezzanine just above, then several more levels of museum stuff. Buddhas, mainly, but I think that, deep down, you already knew that.
Maxwell Food Centre
An awesomely typical Chinese hawker centre, there are a million different food choices all amid the ever-present smell of fish. It is easy to get tempted into far too many different options. We’re quite famously not adventurous eaters, yet we still walked out having tackled a plate of Michelin-star noodles, a plate of braised pork, something that looked a little like a donut, a good spring roll and both an orange juice and a sugar cane juice.
Also, Clarke Quay is directly between Chinatown and Fort Canning Park so it could easily be included in either Itinerary 1 or this one, depending on your energy levels on the day.
4. The Southern Ridges
For a little change of pace, the Southern Ridges offer a surprising slice of nature right in the middle of a major city. There are quite a few highlights along the way and to see them all will involve walking 10 km one-way from Harbourfront. However, it is easy enough to walk as far as you feel and either turn back or exit from wherever you make it to. Another – easier but pricier – option is to take the cable car to Faber Point.
Marang Trail
Starting from Harbourfront, this trail is a well-marked, pleasant walk mostly up stone steps. The path is wide and passes right through lush, jungle scenery. It feels a world away from the rest of the city. The climb is a bit longer and steeper than we expected, but I suppose the fact they bothered to build a cable car should have been a bit of a giveaway.
Mount Faber Peak
Mount Faber Lookout Point (15-20 min) has great views and Mount Faber Peak features a fancy restaurant. Either one can be enjoyable under the right circumstances.
Faber Point
Wait, so the restaurant is Faber Peak? But this excellent viewpoint farther up the hill and, you know, HIGHER, is just Faber POINT? Ok, your hill, your rules, I guess.
Henderson Waves
For many people, the crazily aesthetic Henderson Waves are the highlight of the Southern Ridges. Creatively designed bridges and walkways with, yes, more exceptional city views. But these ones are even better, because they come with benches. 30-45 min from Harbourfront.
Forest Walk
More intense nature time passing through Telok Blangah Park.
Hort Park
Even more wonderful green space for Singaporean to enjoy whenever they’re feeling all concreted out.
Canopy Walk
A unique and atmospheric walk high above Kent Ridge Park.
Summary
So, there you have it, 4 very manageable Singapore walking itineraries you can do on your own. Each one involves around 2-3 hours of actual walking, plus rest stops, food stops and the usual quota of a gawking, framing and photographing. Only you can decide how much to allow for that.
Of course, while these were the 4 Singapore walking itineraries we prioritized, there are more options as well that will have to wait until our next visit. Sentosa Island is huge and famous and busy and expensive. And maybe not exactly a walking itinerary, exactly, but it does have Universal Studios, SEA Aquarium, Adventure Cove Waterpark and several beaches. So it’s not nothin’. Meanwhile, another good walking area is around Joo Chiat Road, where you’ll find the colourful (shocking, right?) Peranakan Houses, plus loads of fabulous street art.
Anyway, no matter how you organize your visit, Singapore has enough sights and attractions to keep you busy for days, although if you really prioritized you could probably cover all the most important spots in one very busy day.
Pin it for later!
If you like this post, you might also be interested in:
The Best Thai Islands: An Overview
Lombok Indonesia: Random Thoughts
Scuba Diving Paradise: Life on a Raja Ampat Liveaboard
The Historic City of Ayutthaya – Buddhas Galore!
Journal of a Thai Sleeper Train
Our Time in the Chiang Mai Markets
About the Author
Dean Johnston
Dean Johnston quit his job as a financial planner in 2008 to travel the world, and has now visited all 7 continents and more than 85 different countries. He wrote his first blog entry in a sweltering internet cafe in Bali in 2000 and has been writing about their travels ever since, including publishing 3 travel books.
As Routinely Nomadic, Dean remains focused on providing informative travel guides, entertaining stories and useful social media content to readers from all over the world.