Singapore is a country, unlike any other country I’ve visited. And while Crazy Rich Asians was able to capture the beauty and ostentatiousness of Singapore… it doesn’t quite capture the essence and uniqueness of the country. In a country that is quite young, having only become independent in 1965, it has since become a booming and innovative city. Singapore is a place where there are cameras on every street corner, chewing gum is illegal, and public caning is still legal. It’s a small island off of Malaysia, yet it feels as though you’re on a different planet altogether. This guide will show you how to spend 2 days in Singapore exploring the tourist hot spots as well as things more off the beaten path.
How to Spend 2 Days in Singapore
One thing that stands out about Singapore is the melting pot of cultures that have come together to make it what it is. From the Chinese to the Malays, Indians, and Arabs. Singapore is truly a melting pot of cultures with each ethnicity being represented. You’ll find Little India representing the Indian culture. Kampong Glam representing the Malay-Muslim population. Chinatown celebrating Chinese culture, and more. In two days you’ll get a taste of so many different cultures and traditions it might feel like you’ve visited many countries at once!
When traveling abroad, I highly suggest purchasing travel insurance for peace of mind in case anything were to go wrong. I use and recommend SafetyWing.
Day One in Singapore – Marina Bay + Kampong Glam
Spend your first day in Singapore seeing the main attractions – the sites that you see and immediately recognize. Head away from the downtown core towards the southern edge of Singapore, where you’ll find Gardens by the Bay open every day from 5 am-2 am. Walk amongst the “supertrees”, visit the observatory, or any number of rotating attractions. You can find out what is showing in the area, here.
While you’re in the area, I also recommend stopping in at one of the most recognized hotels in the world – Marina Bay Sands. While you can’t access the famed rooftop infinity pool unless you’re staying at the hotel, you can shop or dine at one of the many restaurants on-site such as Spago or Club 55.
Upon leaving Marina Bay, head north, passing the Singapore Flyer and Helix Bridge. A 30-minute walk will bring you to the Kampong Glam neighborhood. Here you’ll be immersed in the Malay-Muslim culture where you can spend time at the Sultan Mosque and walk down Haji Lane.
Before your first day comes to an end, check out the Singapore food scene by visiting a Hawker Centre! Hawker Centres are open-air-food complexes that serve a variety of different types of food for cheap. There are over 40 Hawker Centres in Singapore to choose from! You can even join a food tour to the Hawker Centres which is a fantastic way to try a bunch of different foods with a local guide.
Day Two in Singapore – Chinatown + Little India
On day two in Singapore get a taste of more cultures making Singapore great. Start by exploring Chinatown, where you can taste the signature dish – Hainanese chicken rice at the Tian Tian food stall in the Maxwell food center. If you’re in the area, it’s also worth the visit to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. For orientation purposes, the winding roads of Chinatown are found west of Marina Bay and south of the downtown core.
When you’re in Chinatown, absolutely don’t miss your chance at visiting Ann Siang Hill. During the day restaurants, bars, and shops open their doors and windows to the public. And at night, the streets transform into what seems like an outdoor market. Those same bars and restaurants set up tables and chairs in the street, giving a “block party” feel to Chinatown.
From Chinatown, walk 45-minutes north to the Indian hub of Singapore – Little India. With more shopping and dining, you’ll be able to experience a taste of India without leaving Singapore. Make sure to stop by Komala Vilas, one of the oldest Indian restaurants in Singapore that has been open since 1947.
While Singapore is made up of so much more than listed, you would need days to discover the entirety of the island. While two days in Singapore gives you enough of a taste for the country, I’m certain that you’ll want to come back.
Singapore Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting Singapore
TRAVELING THROUGH SINGAPORE
- To book a flight to Singapore, I recommend Expedia or Skyscanner to compare options
- I highly recommend travel insurance when traveling through Singapore – I use and recommend SafetyWing
- If you want an English speaking driver waiting to pick you up at the airport, use Welcome Pickups
- If you need a SIM card, aloSIM for an easy and affordable e-SIM – use code “KYLEE5” for a discount
ACCOMODATION IN SINGAPORE
- To easiest way to book hotels in Singapore is through Booking.com or Expedia
- The easiest way to book rentals in Singapore is through VRBO
TOURS IN SINGAPORE
- For tours and activities in Singapore, I recommend using Viator
- For cooking classes in Singapore, I recommend using Cookly
WHAT TO BRING TO SINGAPORE
- Don’t forget a Singapore guide book to help plan your travels
- You’ll need a travel plug adapter (Singapore uses type C, G, or M)
- My favorite luggage is Calpak
- My favorite travel backpack is Nordace
- I recommend bringing a reusable water bottle to keep your water cold on hot days and to cut down on plastic waste
- Don’t forget to travel with bug spray and sunscreen (face, body)
Visiting Singapore? Make sure to check out my blog post – 10 Things to See and Do in Singapore
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Founded by Kylee, a NICU nurse with nine years of experience, including seven years as a travel nurse; Passports and Preemies was created in 2017 and is now the go-to travel and lifestyle channel for nurses who crave adventure beyond the bedside. Whether you’re a staff nurse looking for your next getaway or a travel nurse navigating life on the road, this space is designed to help you maximize your time off, explore the world, and prevent nurse burnout.
On Passports and Preemies, you’ll find everything from travel nursing insights – how to get started, land the best assignments, and thrive on the road – to expert travel tips, destination guides, and real-talk about balancing nursing with a life well-traveled. Passports and Preemies also includes Beyond the Bedside – group trips for nurses around the world; as well as the podcast, Passports and Preemies Talks.
