You just have to visit – Singapore is just awesome!
I can’t think of a better way to describe this incredible Asian country, but leaving it at that makes for a very short blog post, so let me try to do better.
It’s magical…
You step out of Changi Airport into warm, humid air, and the scent of satay and lilies and that special Asian “something” hits you.
A short ride later, you’re wandering through Gardens by the Bay, where huge glass domes rise from the greenery and the Supertrees are bathed in blues and magentas.
The lights of Marina Bay shimmer across the water, and it feels like the whole city is putting on a show – just for you!
It’s then that you know: this isn’t just another Asian metropolis. This is Singapore – and you’re hooked!
Ask me how I know…😂
So if you’ve ever hesitated to visit, wondering “Is Singapore really worth travelling to?”, here are the reasons it’s not just worth it, it might be your next favourite destination.
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I’ve been to Singapore more than ten times now – sometimes just for a day between flights, other times for a week or more – and I still haven’t run out of things to do.
I’ve ticked off all the big attractions and plenty of the smaller ones, yet every visit I seem to uncover something new to add to a list that’s growing not shrinking.
Singapore is the perfect stopover from Australia, whether I’m on my way to Europe, Asia or somewhere else entirely.
Each time I land, I find myself excited all over again to see what’s changed – and what still feels wonderfully familiar.
Travel Made Easy (Yes, Really)
One of the best things about Singapore is how easy it feels to visit. From the moment you land, everything just works.
The airport runs like clockwork, the signage is clear, and before you know it you’re checked into your hotel and planning what to eat first.
English is one of the official languages here, so getting around, ordering food and chatting to locals is simple.
The public transport system is clean, fast and easy to navigate – the MRT will take you just about anywhere you want to go, and taxis or Grab rides fill the gaps.
It’s also one of the safest cities in the world, which means you can explore day or night without worrying.
And because it’s compact, you never spend hours stuck in traffic or trying to work out how to reach the next attraction.
You can wander through a tropical garden in the morning, shop in an air-conditioned mall by lunch, and eat hawker food under the stars that evening – all without breaking a sweat (well, maybe just a little in the humidity).
Singapore is travel made simple, and that’s one of the many reasons I keep going back.
A City of Many Cultures
In Singapore the cultures don’t just sit side by side – they blend and influence each other every day.
Even in their housing blocks the population is mixed, encouraging everyone to live together easily.
You’ll see it everywhere, from temples beside mosques to the smell of spices drifting out of hawker centres filled with dishes from across Asia – Chinese, Indian and Malay, all blending.
Start in Chinatown, where red lanterns sway above narrow streets lined with dumpling stalls and traditional medicine shops.
Just a few MRT stops away, Little India bursts with colour – bright shophouses, sari shops and the intricate carvings of the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.
Over in Kampong Glam, the golden dome of the Sultan Mosque glints above Haji Lane’s murals and boutique cafés, while Joo Chiat tells stories of Peranakan heritage through pastel-coloured terraces and tiled verandas.
Each neighbourhood feels like its own world, yet they’re all unmistakably part of Singapore.
You can spend days wandering between them, learning the city’s history through its food, architecture and people – then turn a corner and find a new flavour or festival that reminds you how multicultural this city is.
Food Worth Travelling For
If there’s one thing that sums up Singapore, it’s the food.
This city takes eating seriously – and it shows. Every meal is delicious, whether you’re sitting at a plastic table in a hawker centre or enjoying a skyline view from a rooftop restaurant.
The hawker centres are where you’ll find the real heart of Singapore’s food culture. Try Hainanese chicken rice, char kway teow, laksa, or satay grilled right in front of you.
Dishes are cheap, quick and packed with flavour, and it’s completely normal to queue for the best stalls – locals know where the good stuff is.
Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, and Tekka Centre are great hawker centres to get you started.
If you’re after something a bit more refined, Singapore does that beautifully too.
The city has plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants and creative dining experiences, but you’ll also find fantastic mid-range options – casual spots serving authentic local favourites with a modern twist.
No matter your taste or budget, eating in Singapore is part of the adventure. It’s one of the few cities where you can have a $5 meal and a five-star experience in the same day – and both will be unforgettable.
Nature is Everywhere
For such a modern city, Singapore has an incredible connection with nature.
It’s often called a “City in a Garden” – and it’s easy to see why. Parks, green walls and tropical trees are everywhere, from quiet neighbourhood corners to the busiest parts of the city.
The best example is Gardens by the Bay, where those futuristic Supertrees light up the sky in a fantastic show.
Nearby, the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome bring the world’s ecosystems under glass – cool, misty and full of life, even in the middle of the city.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer a slower pace with shady walking trails and the world’s largest orchid collection.
And the otters – don’t miss the otters!
Up north, the Mandai Wildlife Reserve is home to the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Night Safari, Bird Paradise and the newest addition, Rainforest Wild Asia.
Together, they show just how serious Singapore is about conservation and sustainable tourism.
Even everyday spaces are designed to bring the outdoors in. Rooftop gardens, tree-lined walkways and hidden nature trails make it easy to escape the bustle without ever leaving town.
It’s a rare balance – a city that feels both futuristic and green.
Always Something New to Discover
One of the things I love about Singapore is that it doesn’t just promise change – it delivers.
Between visits, the city shifts – new zones, refreshed museums, redeveloped precincts, and upgraded attractions.
Over the past year, Rainforest Wild Asia has opened in Mandai, adding immersive rainforest trails, canopy walks and cave passages to the wildlife reserve.
Over on Sentosa, Minion Land is now welcoming visitors at Universal Studios Singapore, with new rides and themed experiences bringing plenty of fun.
The S.E.A. Aquarium has been completely reimagined as the Singapore Oceanarium, expanded to showcase marine life from around the world.
The city keeps layering new experiences over old favourites, so even when you return to the same spot, there’s always something different to see or do.
A renovated gallery next to your old haunt, a new walking trail in a garden you’ve visited before, or a fresh hawker stall beside a long-time favourite – every visit feels familiar yet new.
No matter how many times I land in Changi, I always find something I hadn’t seen before. And that is what keeps me coming back.
So Photogenic!
The skyline over Marina Bay, the colourful streets of Little India and Chinatown, the pastel shophouses in Joo Chiat – it’s hard to put your camera away.
Even the everyday scenes, like hawker stalls at lunchtime or a sudden downpour in the tropics, seem to make great photos.
But there’s more to it than what you see in the pictures. Every shot has a story behind it – about the people, the culture and the constant change that keeps the city interesting.
The modern architecture, the heritage buildings, the public art – they all say something about how Singapore mixes old and new so well. My favourite photos include a piece of each.
A Destination for Every Budget
Singapore has a reputation for being expensive, but it doesn’t have to be.
I’ve stayed everywhere from comfortable hostels to mid-range gems (and the occasional splurge) – and it’s possible to enjoy the city without blowing the budget.
Public transport is cheap and easy to use, hawker centres serve up some of the best meals you’ll ever eat for just a few dollars, and some of the main attractions don’t cost much, if anything at all.
Even iconic spots like Gardens by the Bay or the Botanic Gardens can be enjoyed on a modest budget.
If you prefer something a bit special, Singapore delivers there too – rooftop bars with incredible views, boutique hotels in restored shophouses, and world-class dining if you want to treat yourself.
It’s a city that works for every traveller. You can go high-end, keep it simple, or mix the two like I often do – splurge where it matters, save where it doesn’t.
The Perfect Stopover
Singapore’s location is one of its biggest advantages. Sitting right in the heart of Southeast Asia, it’s the ideal stopover for Australians heading to Europe, Asia or beyond.
Changi Airport makes it easy – flights run around the clock, and getting into the city takes less than half an hour.
It’s one of the few places where a short stopover actually feels like part of the holiday.
You can spend a day exploring the city’s highlights, relax by the pool at your hotel, or head to Jewel at Changi to see the famous indoor waterfall and grab a bite before your next flight.
Even if you only have a day or two, you can still fit a lot in – a few attractions, great food, maybe a rooftop drink overlooking Marina Bay. And if you have longer, there’s always more to see.
For me, Singapore is the stopover I look forward to, not just the place I pass through.
Why Visit Singapore?
For me, Singapore is one of those destinations that never gets old. It’s clean, safe and easy to explore, yet still full of life, colour and surprises.
Whether you’re stopping over for a day or staying for a week, it’s a city that always feels rewarding – simple to visit but impossible to forget.
If you’re planning a Singapore stopover, or even just thinking about one, come and join my Singapore Stopovers Facebook group.
It’s where I share tips, itineraries and practical advice, along with updates on what’s new around the city.
You’ll also find travellers who’ve just been, people planning their first visit, and plenty of friendly conversation about what to see, eat and do.
It’s the easiest way to start planning your own Singapore adventure — and get a few insider tips while you’re at it.
TRAVEL PLANNING ESSENTIALS
Find flights – I always use Skyscanner as my starting point when searching for flights. One search will give many options including airlines I may not have thought of. This means I can find the best possible flights to suit my needs
Book accommodation – my go to is always Booking.com for the best places to stay. It’s not just hotels anymore, but hostels, apartments, B&Bs and more. I love that the bookings are usually cancellable, and that I can book now and pay later.
Hire a rental car – RentalCars.com is my go to here. It allows me to do just one search and it finds cars from many of the different supplies, so no checking multiple websites to compare.
Get travel insurance – you would have heard by now that saying “if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel”. If we’ve learnt anything from the last couple of years it should be how essential travel insurance is. I use CoverMore for my insurance.
Pick up an eSIM – I tried an eSIM on my last trip and it was fantastic. I set it up before I went so it was ready as soon as I landed, and I still had access to my home number for emergencies. Get your own eSIM at Airalo.
Book activities, tours & attractions – I use a few different websites for this. Viator and Get Your Guide tend to be the first places I look. In Asia, Klook often has more options, and in Australia it’s Experience Oz.
Manage your money – the best way to manage your different currencies is with an account from Wise. You can hold money in many different currencies, and use them with the ATM card or from your phone.
