Singapore is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a vibrant, multicultural, solo trip in Asia. I started my journey flying from Auckland to Christchurch, then Christchurch to Singapore on the renowned Singapore Airlines. I spent a total of 7 days in Singapore. The first 4 days were spent solo, giving me the opportunity to explore this small island nation, known for its rich cultural diversity. The experience was so captivating that I can’t wait to return.
Ready for an exciting 3-day solo travel itinerary in Singapore? Let’s dive in!
To be honest, Singapore had never been on my travel wish list.
Before my trip, I knew little about Singapore aside from what I’d seen on “Crazy Rich Asians”. My mum was heading there for a conference and invited me to join her. I arrived a few days earlier to explore Singapore solo, meeting up with her 4 days later. I managed to cram a tonne of things into the 7 days I was there. Here is my itinerary for an unforgettable 3 day solo adventure.
In true millennial fashion, before travelling to Singapore I did a quick search through TikTok. Once I had a quick snapshot of locations I needed to checkout, I google searched blog posts for a fuller picture on what Singapore would be like day-to-day. Some of the best blogs I came across and found super helpful were:
Great Blog from Arzelle, I was really interested in her Street Art posts (Singapore has some of the best) and managed to find the BEST street art locations in my opinion.
AMAZING blog site for foodies – I found some of my best meals in Singapore from this blog. Be sure to checkout the Hawker Centres for Michelin and 5* rated kai (food).
I love reading fellow kiwi blogs and Emma has great posts on Singapore. She even stayed at Raffles! That will be a must-do next time I visit.
Safety is a big thing when travelling alone, but fear not, Singapore is a great place to explore solo. While I personally haven’t had trouble travelling solo, I am a big believer in the ‘don’t go looking for trouble and you won’t find it‘ saying. In Singapore I didn’t have any problems or feel unsafe catching the MRT and walking back to my hotel late at night. I spotted many women and children out and about late in the evening alone which made me feel a little more confident.
Leaving New Zealand on a cool April morning, did not prepare me for the intense heat and humidity in Singapore. Singapore is significantly hotter and humid compared even to a NZ summer day, so pack light clothes. Bring essentials like sunscreen, a portable fan and good walking shoes for exploring during the day. Most days, temperatures soared above 30 degrees celsius with tropical humidity. Despite the sweltering heat I enjoyed the warm weather and made sure to book a hotel with a pool (trust me, you’ll appreciate having a place to cool off after a day of sightseeing).
When it rains in Singapore it pours. Unlike New Zealand, Singapore has heavy, tropical rains that bring with it intense humidity. The rain can literally be there one minute and gone the next. The rain that came in the afternoon in April was tropical rain (fast and heavy). It didn’t last long, but you are sure to get wet if you don’t come prepared. Bring an umbrella or clear poncho at a minimum, something small and easy to pack will do.
Singapore is clean. The streets are clean, the subways are clean and public places are clean. It was pleasant walking through back alleys to view street art and seeing no rubbish. Singapore has strict laws around rubbish, so do your part and be a tidy kiwi.
Made up of colour coded lines, with stops easily accessible from most tourist attractions, catching the MRT is easy as swipe and ride. Purchase an MRT Card from either the kiosk at the Changi Airport Station or at any MRT station help desk. If you’re lucky, you may be able to purchase one of the limited edition designs (I got Pooh Bear, cute). Top cards up at kiosks with cash or credit card (Wise Debit Cards come in handy) avoiding the hassle of buying a ticket for every ride.
Singapore uses an app called Grab (similar to Uber). It’s easy to download on your phone and sign up, only requiring a credit card. For example, from the City Centre to Changi Airport it cost approximately $35nzd (score!) one way. Rides around the city are cheap, don’t be afraid to use this if your feet are sore from all the walking you’ll do.
These little blue bikes are located around the city in Singapore. To use one, all you need to do is download an app called “Hello Bikes” and sign up. This was the perfect way to get around Singapore, while seeing more of the scenery (the MRT is mainly underground so you won’t see much). Biking is quite popular in general, so don’t worry about standing out, you’ll simply blend in with the locals. Most trips cost me less than $5nzd and got me to places significantly faster than walking.
Start your adventure with a pop of culture and colour. Make your way to Arab Street (easy walking distance from Bugis Station on the MRT). A lively neighbourhood, known for it’s colourful shophouses, boutique stores and bustling cafes, you’ll definitely find some instagram worthy locations to take your photos, here. As well as being home to the golden mosque (Sultan Mosque), be sure to checkout some of the amazing architecture in the immediate area as well.
If you’re visiting between Saturday to Thursday, Sultan mosque is open for visiting from 10-12pm and 2-4pm. Make sure to wear respectable clothing (covered shoulders and no mini skirts/shorts, ladies). There are cover up shawls available if you need one, and remember to take your shoes off at the door. This is a popular tourist attraction and an active mosque, so expect some crowds throughout the day.
Overall Arab Street is a haven for textile lovers, offering a range of fabrics, carpets, and unique fashion pieces. Take your time to wander through the streets, soak in the eclectic atmosphere, and maybe even pick up a few souvenirs. My favourite souvenir from Arab Street was a personalised perfume at Safr. Handmade perfume from a local perfumery make for special gifts and are reasonably priced. Check out their website here.
If you travel to Arab Street during Ramadan like me, just be aware that some of the local ethnic restaurants and cafes won’t be open during the day while fasting – but be sure to head back to Arab Street once the sun sets for a lively evening food experience as muslims celebrate ramadan.
Keep an eye out for some amazing street art too. Arab Street is a popular place for seeing some of the best street art in Singapore. If you’re into this, make sure to checkout the Curious Journal, she has plenty of blog posts about different spots around Singapore with some of the best street art on display.
Next, head to Bugis Mall, a shopper’s paradise that offers a mix of local and international brands. The mall is an excellent spot for retail therapy, with stores catering to various tastes and budgets. Don’t forget to explore Bugis Street Market nearby, one of the largest and cheapest places for souvenirs, trendy clothes, and accessories. After a shopping spree, you can recharge at one of the many cafes or food stalls offering delicious local delicacies.
I headed up to the top floor of the food court, and checked out their sushi train restaurant. The sushi was fresh and easy to order. As a single diner, I was able to nab a seat quickly up by the conveyor belt, but if you’re in a larger group you may have to wait for a table to come free. There are hawker like food joints in the mall, offering amazing local dishes, but I found finding a table quite difficult, it was easier to relax and enjoy my food in a quieter setting.
As the sun begins to set, make your way to Merlion Park. The iconic Merlion statue, a half-lion, half-fish creature, is a symbol of Singapore’s rich heritage. This spot offers stunning views of Marina Bay Sands and the city skyline, making it a perfect place for some solo reflection and photo opportunities. The park is especially beautiful at dusk when the city lights start to twinkle, providing a magical backdrop for your evening.
I made sure to pack a tripod so I could grab some epic photos with the Merlion. It was pretty busy when I got there so I wandered around to find something for dinner. One Fullerton (mall) was nearby and after a day of exploring I wanted something quick and easy so popped in here. If you are up for it, Raffles is not too far from Merlion and is a great place to checkout for dinner and drinks (but I’ve included this as part of Day 3, so fear not if after your first day you’re ready to head back to your hotel for a rest).
From Fullerton I caught a $12 Grab (equivalent to Uber) back to my hotel, picked up an ice cream bar at the local shop and headed to my room for a rest. After finishing my ice cream, I headed down to the rooftop pool (I stayed at the Holiday Inn) for a swim before showering and bed. Ready for my next day of exploring.
Begin your second day with a visit to Little India, a vibrant district brimming with colour, culture, and aromatic spices. The area is a sensory delight, with its bustling markets, intricate temples, and fragrant food stalls. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, one of Singapore’s oldest Hindu temples, adorned with exquisite sculptures and artwork. For more details on what to do in Little India, refer to my previous blog post here about this fascinating area.
From Little India, take a short trip to Orchard Road, Singapore’s premier shopping street. Orchard Road is lined with upscale boutiques, department stores, and luxury brands. Whether you’re looking for high fashion, electronics, or unique gifts, you’ll find it all here. Be sure to visit ION Orchard, a futuristic shopping mall with an observatory that offers panoramic views of the city. After a morning of shopping, treat yourself to lunch at one of the chic cafes or restaurants that populate the area.
In the afternoon, head to Chinatown, another of Singapore’s cultural gems. Chinatown is a blend of traditional and contemporary, with its historic temples, bustling street markets, and trendy bars. Explore the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, a stunning structure that houses what is believed to be Buddha’s tooth. The Chinatown Heritage Centre offers a deep dive into the history of Chinese immigrants in Singapore.
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple much like the mosque also offer the opportunity to visit during open hours. Because I was wearing a sleeveless dress, I made use of the free shawl borrowing at the entrance to the temple to cover up. The temple was amazing, a beautiful and serene experience.
Chinatown also offers some great markets, where fresh fruit, including Durian, the stinky fruit, can be brought and sampled. This stinky gold is a local delicacy and it was an experience smelling and tasting this exotic fruit. If you’re looking for some unique souvenirs, Chinatown can help with that, including the opportunity to purchase Chinese herbal remedies for all sorts of ailments and Singapore themed bags, notebooks and pens.
As the afternoon turns to evening, checkout the Hawker centres here for a delicious and cheap meal. The Hawker Centre we visited first was opposite the Relic Temple and served 12 dumplings for less than $5nzd. They were delicious and definitely filled the belly. Because meals are so cheap I also purchased duck on rice and a mango smoothie for dessert. All up dinner cost less than $12 and I was full to the brim. I brought some Mangosteen in Chinatown and headed back to my hotel to eat that by the pool, taking a dip to cool down after a hot day exploring.
On your final day, start with a visit to Gardens by the Bay, one of Singapore’s most iconic attractions. Buy the best priced tickets here, from Klook.
This futuristic garden is home to the spectacular Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome. Wander through the various gardens, marvel at the unique plant species and size up the breathtaking architecture. The OCBC Skyway offers a stunning aerial walkway through the Supertrees, providing an unforgettable view of the gardens and the city beyond. Gardens By the Bay has its own MRT station, making it easily accessible.
If you’re worried about the heat, rest assured each of the gardens/domes are air conditioned. The only part that isn’t, is the surrounding areas of the Supertree Grove and the skywalk – but if you have nothing to do in the evening (or a late flight to catch) checkout the free light show at the Supertree Grove in the evening. Every month they have a different theme and it truly is amazing to see these massive structures light up in time with music. I went to an evening show once my mum arrived, it was magical.
Next, head over to Marina Bay Sands, an architectural marvel that dominates the Singapore skyline. The complex houses a luxury hotel, a shopping mall, a casino, and an observation deck that offers some of the best views in the city. The infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands is world-famous, and although it’s only accessible to hotel guests, you can still enjoy the view from the Observation Deck. Have lunch at one of the many fine dining establishments in the complex, offering a variety of cuisines from around the world.
Buy the best priced tickets, here from Klook.
I went up to have a drink at the bar on the top. It was easy to access and rather than paying for a visit to the observation deck, I was able to pay for a drink and enjoy it with a view instead. If you’re staying at the Sands, then enjoy the pool, it looks amazing, with panoramic views.
In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll to Raffles Hotel, a colonial-style luxury hotel steeped in history. The hotel is renowned for its classic architecture and elegant interiors. Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at the Raffles Hotel Tea Room, or indulge in a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar, the birthplace of this iconic cocktail (beware they cost $48 nzd EACH). The Raffles Hotel offers a serene and sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for reflecting on your three-day adventure.
As your solo trip comes to an end, take a moment to appreciate the diversity and beauty that Singapore has to offer. From its vibrant cultural districts to its modern architectural wonders, Singapore is a city that promises unforgettable experiences for every solo traveller. Whether you’re shopping in Bugis Mall, exploring the rich heritage of Little India and Chinatown, or soaking in the views from Marina Bay Sands, this trip will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
If you enjoyed this or have any questions, feel free to contact me at nicola@prettyfarfromhome.com. I can’t wait to return to Singapore; it truly is worth a visit with so much to see and do.
A: Yes—Singapore is consistently ranked among the safest cities in the world, with very low crime rates and a reliable surveillance and law-enforcement presence. That said, it’s still wise to stay aware in crowded areas and keep a secure bag while exploring.
A: Absolutely. Singapore’s MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and public buses are clean, punctual, and easy to navigate, with English signage throughout. You can tap in using an EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay card—or even your contactless credit card. Consider a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited rides over a set duration.
A: While most places—malls, restaurants, attractions—accept credit/debit cards (especially Visa/Mastercard), it’s wise to carry some cash for hawker centres and small stalls. A little cash goes a long way for local eats. Checkout the Wise debit card for the best exchange rates, at the tip of your finger tips. Use my link here to get a free debit card (saving you $14NZD).
A: Singapore is hot and humid year-round, with frequent quick downpours. Lightweight, breathable clothing, sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and a compact umbrella or rain jacket are must-haves. Pack mosquito repellent and sunscreen as well, as the humid weather is the perfect breeding ground.
A: Grab an ESIM – the best one we recommend is Ubigi, use my code BU9A1VEU for 20% off your next Ubigi plan. If your phone is not ESIM compatible, then a local sim card can be picked up at Changi Airport or any major convenient store on the island. These options will be much cheaper than roaming, from home.
A: Yes—Singapore enforces strict regulations to keep the city clean and orderly. Chewing gum, littering, jaywalking and eating or drinking on public transport are banned – and can result in fines. When visiting religious sites, dress respectfully (cover shoulders and knees) and follow local customs like removing shoes at the door.
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