Brightsun Travel’s Guide to Visiting Singapore

Singapore is looking to be a hot destination for travel in 2025, and we’re not surprised. Read our guide to this dazzling city with travel inspiration and useful information.

With its glitzy malls, towering skyline, long list of unique attractions, and rich culture that is highlighted through its cuisine, Singapore is a must for all bucket lists. What is there to do on Singapore holidays? What isn’t there to do is the real question!

Top Things to do in Singapore

Jewel Changi Airport

The fun starts when you arrive at Singapore’s Jewel Changi Airport, which is a rightful destination in itself, home to a long list of attractions and experiences, from the world’s tallest indoor waterfall to the suspended trampolines, endless shops and boutiques, and an interactive games studio. You'll want to make sure you spend some time here either on arrival or before departure!

Gardens by the Bay

A trip to Singapore is truly not complete without exploring one of its most iconic attractions - Gardens by the Bay, featuring futuristic gardens and the breathtaking Supertree Groves. Highlights include the Flower Dome, Garden Rhapsody light show, and Cloud Forest.

Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island is a hotspot for families and thrill-seekers, home to some gorgeous beaches and awesome attractions such as Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and Adventure Cove Waterpark. To reach Sentosa Island from the city, you can take the Sentosa Express train, the Sentosa Bus, or the Teleférico cable car.

Mandai Wildlife Reserve

Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Reserve comprises awesome attractions including Bird Paradise – the largest bird park in Asia, Singapore Zoo – home to over 2400 animals and 300 species, Night Safari – the first nocturnal wildlife park in the world, and River Wonders – the first and only river-themed wildlife park.

Chinatown

Chinatown Singapore will leave you enchanted by its cultural appeal and rich heritage. Explore iconic temples like the Buddha Tooth Relic, Thian Hock Keng, and Sri Mariamman, sample authentic local street food, browse traditional shops and boutiques, and enjoy a sundowner at trendy bars.

Clarke Quay

Clarke Quay Singapore is a hip riverside destination which was once a bustling commercial hub during the colonial era. Today, it has been transformed into a lively hotspot for dining, nightlife, boutique shopping, and leisure activities. The restored shophouses and godowns reflect Clarke Quay’s rich history as a key trading post. The preservation of colonial architecture adds to its charm.

Orchard Road

Orchard Road Singapore is a world-famous shopping and lifestyle destination, often referred to as Singapore's retail and entertainment hub. Stretching over 2.2 kilometres, the mall is lined with upscale malls, luxury boutiques, and a variety of dining and entertainment options.  You could definitely spend at least half a day at Orchard Road exploring the area.

Where to Stay – Hotel Recommendations

For luxury holidays to Singapore, we’d recommend the 5-star Mandarin Oriental in Marina Bay, as not only does this property offer a perfect base for exploration, but there’s also lots to enjoy within the property, from its dazzling swimming pool to its opulent spa and dining restaurants.

Another Brightsun recommendation for hotels in Singapore which is a great option in terms of affordability is the Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay, with a prime location in Clarke Quay just moments away from Little India, Chinatown, and the Gardens by the Bay. A highlight of this property is the rooftop pool which offers incredible vistas of the Singapore skyline.

Then there’s the Orchard Hotel, a trendy four-star accommodation situated on Orchard Road, placing you in the perfect spot for shopping. The hotel is also located close to the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Orchard Hotel Singapore offers deluxe rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, and a Michelin Guide Selected restaurant serving up Cantonese dishes.

Dining in Singapore – Delight Your Tastebuds

Singapore is a food lover’s paradise, offering an incredible variety of cuisines, from budget-friendly hawker centres to fine dining.

Hawker Centres

Singapore’s hawker centres are a must-visit for affordable, delicious, and authentic local food. Top dishes to try included chicken rice - steamed or roasted chicken served with fragrant rice and chilli sauce, Laksa – spicy noodle soup, Hokkien Mee – stir fried noodles with seafood, Satay – grilled meat skewers, and char kway teow – stir-fried flat rice noodles. Some of the city’s notable hawker centres include the Maxwell Food Centre, Newton, and Lau Pa Sat.

Must-Try Local Restaurants

For a more comfortable dining experience, visit restaurants specialising in local cuisine including Jumbo Seafood which is famous for its chilli and black pepper crab, 328 Katong Laksa - known for its flavourful laksa, Song Fa Bak Kut Teh - featuring a delicious pork rib soup, and Violet Oon - offering refined Peranakan (Straits Chinese) cuisine.

Fine Dining

Singapore boasts plenty of Michelin-starred and high-end restaurants. If you’d like to go all out on the dining front, we’d recommend Odette - ranked among the world’s best and situated in the Singapore National Gallery offering French fine dining. Waku Ghin is also worth noting; this impressive venue offers Japanese European fusion cuisine prepared by celebrity chef Tetsuya Wakuda.

Casual on the Go Dining

Trendy cafes like Artistry and CRAF in Haji Lane serve a mix of coffee and local fusion dishes, and there are also some fine local bakeries including the Tiong Bahru Bakery, offering Artisan bread and pastries. These spots are perfect for a quick bite if you’re spending the day sightseeing or exploring and would like a respite for some tasty food and drink.

Weather in Singapore

Singapore has a tropical climate, which means it is warm and humid throughout the year. Temperatures consistently range from 25°C to 32°C, and humidity levels are high, averaging around 70% to 80%. Rainfall is frequent with brief showers, and the wettest months are from November to January during the Northeast Monsoon. Singapore enjoys plenty of sunshine, but cloudy days are common due to the humidity.

Best Time to Visit Singapore

Optimal: February to April

These months fall within the dry season, offering more pleasant weather with fewer rainy days - ideal for outdoor activities like visiting Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island, or strolling through Chinatown.

Not So Optimal: November to January

These are the wettest months due to the monsoon season, with frequent thunderstorms. However, the rains are usually short-lived.

Seasonal Holidays

Chinese New Year (January/February) - colourful celebrations take place during Singapore’s Chinese New Year with parades, decorations, and food markets.

Hari Raya (Eid) - experience the lively atmosphere of Hari Raya in Kampong Glam and Geylang Serai.

Deepavali (October/November) - Little India lights up with colourful displays and cultural performances for Deepavali.

Singapore National Day (August 9) - expect spectacular parades, fireworks, and festivities.

Singapore Travel Tips

Public Transport is Your Best Friend

Use the Mass Rapid Transit system (MRT) and buses to get around the city. The MRT is affordable and easy to navigate. You can opt for an EZ-Link or Singapore Tourist Pass; these cards offer unlimited rides for a fixed price, ideal for sightseeing.

Dealing with the Humidity

Singapore’s tropical climate is hot and humid, so pack light, breathable clothing, like cotton and linen fabrics. The humidity can be intense, so drink plenty of water. Refill your bottle at water fountains found in most public spaces. Carrying an umbrella would be handy, to prepare for sudden rain showers and sun protection, as well as suncream and perhaps a small fan when out and about.

Stay Connected on Your Travels

Buy a local SIM card either at the airport or a local convenience store. These offer affordable data plans. Many public places, shopping malls, and cafes offer free Wi-Fi.

Take Advantage of Free Attractions in Singapore

Explore free Singapore attractions like Merlion Park – home to the iconic Merlion statue with panoramic views of Marina Bay, East Coast Park – offering a scenic coastline, cycling paths, and picnic spots, and Haw Par Villa - a unique theme park featuring over 1,000 statues and dioramas depicting Chinese mythology and folklore. Entry is free, and it's a fascinating place to learn about Chinese culture.

The conservatories of Gardens by the Bay require an entry fee, but access to the outdoor gardens, including the iconic Supertree Grove, is free. You can stroll through the gardens and enjoy the nightly Garden Rhapsody light and sound show.

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay often hosts free concerts and events. You can check the Esplanade's schedule for complimentary performances during your visit.
MacRitchie Reservoir Park is another free place to explore with hiking trails, including the TreeTop Walk, a free-standing suspension bridge offering a bird's-eye view of the forest canopy.

Finally, art and history lovers can explore the National University of Singapore Museum which displays various exhibitions ranging from classical to contemporary art. Admission is free, providing insights into Singapore’s rich cultural heritage.

Are you inspired to visit Singapore? Let brightsun help you plan the ultimate adventure to this incredible destination. We have a fantastic range of Singapore holiday packages - call 0208 819 0531 today.