Layovers are often dreaded, but not in Singapore! On our journey to Japan, we intentionally scheduled a 12 hour layover in Singapore, and it was fantastic. It provided us with the perfect opportunity to explore the island in the most convenient ways imaginable. The island city is nice and compact so you can actually see a lot during a layover. In this blog post, we share our 1 day itinerary during our layover in Singapore and some tips to help you make the most of your time there!
Arriving for Your Layover in Singapore
When you fly into Singapore, the first thing you need to do is fill out the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) with Electronic Health Declaration. On the form, you’ll specify that your purpose of travel is ‘1 day Transit/Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF)’. You can fill out this form online. Remember to do it no more than 3 days before your flight and before you board the plane.
You can fill out this form electronically here.
Luggage Storage in Changi Airport
At the airport, you can choose to store your carry-on bags during your layover. We paid around 22 SGD (or 17 USD) for two large pieces of luggage. For the latest rates and available options, you can visit the Baggage Storage By Smarte Carte online page.
For convenience here are the storage rate as of 3/1/2024
Loose items: 6.00 SGD
Small items (below 10kg): 11.00 SGD
Big/Odd items (above 10kg): 16.00 SGD
Extra large-sized items: 19.00 SGD
Changi Airport: The Most Amazing Airport
Changi Airport is a testament of innovation, consistently earning its place among the world’s top airports. It’s more than just a stopover; it’s a destination in its own right and you can easily lose yourself in a world of entertainment during your layover. From lush gardens showcasing diverse flora to captivating art installations, Changi Airport offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of travel. And there is more: spa, upscale shopping, gourmet dining experience. You don’t event need to leave the airport to have a great time!
However, beyond the airport’s confines lies a vibrant city waiting to be explored. Are you ready to step outside and discover more?
1 Day Itinerary for a Layover in Singapore
Getting out of the airport is quite simple. You can either opt for an Uber or use public transportation. Singapore has a very efficient subway system, known as the MRT, which will take you all the way to downtown for just 3 SGD (about 2 USD) per person, per ticket. This was our preferred mode of transportation to leave the airport. Although it takes about twice as long as an Uber, if you’re not in a hurry, it’s a great option, especially considering the affordable price.
1 – Trying the Local Cuisine
One of the first things we did was try the chicken rice at Feng Ji Chicken Rice. They’ve been making Hainanese Chicken Rice for decades, and it’s really tasty and authentic. They also have refreshing drinks that are perfect for a hot day.
2 – Clarke Quay Historic Site
Next, we took a walk to check out Clarke Quay, a lively area by the Singapore River. It’s known for its bustling nightlife (which we missed), lots of places to eat, and beautiful views. The old shophouses and busy streets make it a fun place to explore. There are all sorts of places to eat, from fancy restaurants to cool bars. And you can’t beat the view of the river!
3 – Merlion Statue
Afterward, we kept walking to Merlion Park, known for its iconic statue and stunning view of the Marina Bay Sands hotel. It’s a fantastic spot for taking pictures!
Did you know? The statue represent a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, symbolizing the city’s origins as a fishing village and its lion-inspired name!
4 – Marina Bay Sands
From Merlion Park, we strolled towards Marina Bay Sands, passing through the Olympic Park along the way.
Marina Bay Sands is famous due to its iconic three-tower structure topped with a massive sky park. The complex includes a luxury hotel, a vast convention and exhibition center, a shopping mall with high-end boutiques, numerous dining options ranging from fine dining to casual eateries, a museum, and the stunning Sands SkyPark Observation Deck offering panoramic views of the city skyline.
Did you know? Marina Bay Sands features one of the world’s largest and most famous rooftop infinity pools!
5 – Hawker Center
The street food is strong in Singapore so you should definitely give it a try. Lau Pa Sat, also known as Telok Ayer Market, is a historic food market located in Singapore’s CBD. Built in the 19th century, it offers a wide variety of local and international cuisine in a bustling hawker center setting. Famous for its diverse food options, including satay and laksa you definitely want to try, it is a must-visit destination for food lovers in Singapore!
Heading back to the airport
Make sure to have at least 2 hours at the airport before taking your flight. While check-in is pretty smooth, if you end up with extra time, you can get to enjoy some of the malls and the evening show at Jewel’s Rain Vortex which is worth watching! (about every hour)
Our Bottom Line
If you’re transiting through Singapore and don’t plan to visit the island, consider scheduling a short layover to explore its highlights. Our recommended 1 itinerary includes savoring local cuisine, exploring Clarke Quay and Merlion Park, and visiting Marina Bay Sands. Don’t miss trying street food at Lau Pa Sat.
For those who enjoy Singaporean cuisine but find the overall cost of living to be pricey, check out our Destination Report on Penang, Malaysia. It offers similar food and staying there is a fraction of the cost!
What are your favorite layover experiences? Have you explored Singapore during a layover? Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below!
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