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Singapore - Travels

Singapore Layover: How to Make the Most of a Short Visit

It was my first time setting foot in Singapore in July 2019, when I was flying back to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from my home country, the Philippines, after my annual month-long vacation.

What was supposed to be simply a layover turned into a mini adventure.

I’ve always enjoyed having layovers in countries I’ve never visited before. Even when you only have a few hours, a stopover can give you a small taste of a new place, its people, culture, food, and way of life.

Of course, a short layover requires some planning. You have to consider immigration, transportation, traffic, luggage, opening hours, and, most importantly, making sure you get back to the airport on time for your connecting flight.

So, if you’re planning to explore Singapore during a layover, here’s how we spent ours—and some practical tips that may help you make the most of your time.


Why I Enjoy Short Layovers

For me, having a layover in another country is exciting because it:

  • gives you an opportunity to get to know a new place;
  • allows you to explore even with limited time;
  • can help you save money, since you don’t need to book a separate trip;
  • allows you to make the most of a limited vacation period;
  • gives you a short break from a long journey; and
  • lets you experience a little bit of another country’s culture, food, and lifestyle.

And if there’s one place where I really don’t mind having a layover, it’s Singapore Changi Airport.

Changi is not just an airport where you wait for your next flight. It has gardens, entertainment areas, restaurants, shopping, and Jewel Changi Airport, which makes even a long layover feel like part of the trip.

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Let’s Start With the Basics

Where Can I Leave My Luggage at Singapore Changi Airport?

If you’re planning to leave the airport during your layover, luggage storage can make your trip much easier.

Changi Airport currently has baggage-storage services across its terminals, including both public and transit areas. The airport’s official website says the services operate 24 hours, and rates depend on the size of the luggage. (changiairport.com)

During our trip, we found a baggage-storage counter at the airport. Since we only had medium-sized hand luggage, however, we decided to carry our bags with us rather than leave them behind.

Travel tip: Always check the current baggage-storage locations, rates, and restrictions on the official Changi Airport website before your trip because these can change.


What Is the Best Way to Get Around Singapore?

For a short visit, I highly recommend using Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system.

Singapore has an extensive public transportation network, and the MRT makes it relatively easy to travel between many tourist attractions without spending too much time or money on taxis.

During our own layover, we relied heavily on the MRT, which allowed us to visit several places within a limited amount of time.

For a short stopover, public transportation can be much more practical than arranging a private tour.


Do I Need a Visa to Leave the Airport?

This depends on your passport nationality and circumstances.

Because immigration and entry requirements can change, don’t rely entirely on information from an old travel blog—including this one.

Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) currently requires travelers to meet its entry requirements and submit the SG Arrival Card within three days before arrival, unless exempt. Travelers from visa-required countries may also need a visa or, where applicable, qualify for a Visa-Free Transit Facility. (ica.gov.sg)

For Filipino travelers, check the current ICA requirements before your flight.

Important: Your ability to leave the airport during a layover depends not only on your nationality but also on whether you have the necessary entry permission and enough time to clear immigration and return for your connecting flight.


What Currency Is Used in Singapore?

Singapore uses the Singapore dollar (SGD).

Exchange rates change constantly, so check the latest rate before your trip.

While cards and contactless payments are widely accepted, it’s still useful to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller food stalls or traditional hawker centers.

For us, having a little local currency made things easier during our short visit.

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What Is the Weather Like in Singapore?

Singapore has a tropical climate, so expect warm and humid conditions throughout much of the year.

Rain can also happen throughout the year, so bringing a small umbrella or lightweight rain jacket is always a good idea.

And if you’re coming from a cooler country, be prepared for the humidity!


What Language Is Spoken in Singapore?

Singapore has four official languages:

  • English
  • Mandarin Chinese
  • Malay
  • Tamil

English is widely used and is one of the country’s official languages, so visitors generally won’t have much difficulty communicating in tourist areas.

You may still hear plenty of Mandarin, Malay, and other languages as you explore different neighborhoods.

Here are a few phrases from our original article:

Mandarin

Hello: Nǐ hǎo
Thank you: Xièxiè
You’re welcome: Bú kèqi
Goodbye: Zàijiàn
Excuse me: Qǐng wèn
I’m sorry: Duìbùqǐ
Help!: Jiùmìng!
Cheers!: Gānbēi!

Malay

Hello: Hai
Thank you: Terima kasih
Yes: Ya
No: Tidak
Goodbye: Selamat tinggal / Selamat jalan
Excuse me / I’m sorry: Maaf
Help!: Tolong!


How Many Hours Do You Need for a Singapore Layover?

This really depends on your comfort level and whether you’re planning to leave the airport.

Less than 6 hours

I’d personally stay at Changi Airport.

There is simply too much uncertainty involved when you have limited time. You need to account for immigration, transportation, security, and the possibility of traffic or other delays.

And honestly, staying at Changi isn’t a bad option at all.

There is plenty to see and do.

Around 8 hours or more

A short city visit becomes more realistic, especially if you plan your route carefully.

Still, don’t try to squeeze too many attractions into one stopover.

10–16 hours or more

You have considerably more flexibility and can potentially explore several central attractions before returning to the airport.

But always leave yourself a generous buffer before your flight.

A layover is not the time to take unnecessary risks.


Things to Do Inside Changi Airport

Singapore Changi Airport has long been known for offering much more than the usual airport experience.

During our trip, we spent quite a bit of time exploring the terminals while waiting for our next flight.

Here are some of the attractions and facilities we encountered or noted during our visit.

Because airport facilities change over time, always check the official Changi Airport website for current attractions, locations, and operating hours.


Terminal 1

Depending on the current airport setup, Terminal 1 has offered attractions and facilities such as:

  • Cactus Garden
  • Water Lily Garden
  • Arrival Garden
  • Kinetic Rain
  • Airport lounges
  • Wellness facilities
  • Swimming pool and other passenger amenities

Some facilities are subject to access restrictions, operating hours, or fees.


Terminal 2

Terminal 2 has featured attractions such as:

  • Entertainment areas
  • Gardens
  • Orchid Garden
  • Sunflower Garden
  • Digital and interactive experiences
  • Television and sports viewing areas

The exact attractions and facilities can change, so check the current airport directory before your visit.


Terminal 3

Terminal 3 has been known for attractions such as:

  • Butterfly Garden
  • Crystal Garden
  • Movie facilities
  • The Slide @ T3
  • Various dining and relaxation areas

During our trip, the Butterfly Garden was one of the attractions that caught our attention.


Terminal 4

Terminal 4 offers a range of passenger facilities and entertainment areas, including cultural and art displays.

The Heritage Zone, for example, showcases colorful Peranakan-style shopfronts and provides visitors with a small glimpse into Singapore’s cultural heritage.


Don’t Miss Jewel Changi Airport

And then there’s Jewel.

Opened in 2019, Jewel Changi Airport became one of Singapore’s most recognizable attractions.

Its centerpiece is the spectacular Jewel Rain Vortex, which drops 40 meters through the center of the complex. The official Jewel website describes it as the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. (jewelchangiairport.com)

Jewel also includes attractions such as:

  • Rain Vortex
  • Forest Valley
  • Canopy Park
  • Hedge Maze
  • Mirror Maze
  • Discovery Slides
  • Foggy Bowls
  • Canopy Bridge
  • Topiary Walk

Canopy Park is located on Level 5 and currently includes several garden and play attractions. (jewelchangiairport.com)

One important detail for layover travelers: Jewel is landside, so you need to clear immigration to visit it from the transit area.

That means you should make sure you have enough time to enter Singapore and return through the required departure procedures before your flight.

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Places to Visit Outside the Airport

Singapore has far more attractions than you can possibly see during one short layover.

Some popular options include:

  1. Marina Bay Sands
  2. Gardens by the Bay
  3. Singapore Botanic Gardens
  4. Singapore Zoo
  5. Orchard Road
  6. Singapore Flyer
  7. Raffles Hotel
  8. Chinatown
  9. Sentosa Island
  10. Clarke Quay
  11. Universal Studios Singapore
  12. Night Safari
  13. Merlion Park
  14. Asian Civilisations Museum
  15. Pulau Ubin
  16. Fort Canning Park
  17. The Maritime Experiential Museum
  18. Fort Siloso

For a short layover, however, don’t attempt to visit all of them.

Pick a few attractions that are relatively close to one another and make a simple route.

That’s exactly what we did.


How We Spent Our Singapore Layover

We had almost 16 hours between flights, so we decided to make the most of it.

We arrived at Changi Airport shortly after 10 in the evening. Since it was already late, we decided to spend the night inside the airport rather than head into the city.

We eventually found a place to rest and managed to get around five hours of sleep on the airport benches.

It wasn’t exactly the most luxurious sleep of my life—but hey, it was free! 😂

And honestly, we were exhausted enough to sleep almost anywhere.

We woke up at around 6 in the morning, found something to eat, and prepared ourselves for our short DIY Singapore adventure.


First Stop: Merlion Park, the Colonial District, and Marina Bay

Our first stop was the Merlion Park.

The Merlion, with its fish body and lion head, is one of Singapore’s most recognizable symbols.

From there, we explored the surrounding areas and made our way toward the Colonial District and Marina Bay Sands.

It was a great way to start our short visit because several landmarks are relatively close to one another.

Getting There

At the time of our trip, we used the MRT to reach Raffles Place station and walked toward the Merlion area.

For current visitors, I strongly recommend checking the latest MRT directions and station exits using Singapore’s current transit maps or navigation apps because routes and access points can change.


Chinatown: Culture, Temples, and Local Life

From Marina Bay, we continued toward Chinatown.

This was one of my favorite parts of the trip because it wasn’t simply about taking pictures. We got to see local businesses, food stalls, temples, and everyday life in one of Singapore’s most culturally significant neighborhoods.

We visited several interesting places, including:

Chinatown Complex and Heritage Centre

Chinatown has a fascinating mix of old and new.

The streets are filled with food stalls, restaurants, small shops, souvenirs, and heritage buildings.


Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is an impressive Buddhist temple and museum complex in Chinatown.

We spent some time exploring the temple and looking at the different Buddhist statues and displays.

Some of our photos from the visit:

Reclining Buddha

Seated Buddha

Different Buddha statues

Inside the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

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Sri Mariamman Temple

We also visited the Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple.

Its colorful architecture and detailed decorations made it very different from the other places we had seen during our visit.

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Thian Hock Keng Temple

Another interesting stop was Thian Hock Keng, a historic Chinese temple associated with the worship of Mazu.

Visiting these different temples within the same area gave us a wonderful glimpse into Singapore’s multicultural heritage.

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Stop by a Hawker Centre

No Singapore visit would be complete without tasting local food at a hawker centre.

A hawker centre is essentially a collection of food stalls offering a variety of affordable local dishes in one place.

We visited Maxwell Food Centre, where there were plenty of food choices and lots of people enjoying their meals.

It was a great place to stop for lunch before continuing our sightseeing.

And the best part?

It was affordable, delicious, and very local.


Time to Head Back to Changi Airport

Eventually, it was time to head back to the airport.

This is where you really need to watch the clock during a short layover.

We made sure to leave enough time to return to Changi, complete the necessary airport procedures, and get to our departure gate.

We still had around two hours before our flight, so we used the remaining time to explore more of the airport and take a few more pictures.

And then it was time to board our next flight.


Was Our Short Singapore Visit Worth It?

Absolutely!

It was exhausting, especially because we had spent the previous night sleeping in the airport and then walked around different parts of Singapore.

But it was also exciting.

We didn’t pay for a guided city tour. We planned our own route, used public transportation, explored several neighborhoods, ate local food, visited cultural sites, and made the most of our limited time.

Would I do it again?

Definitely.

Singapore is one of those destinations where even a short stopover can give you a memorable taste of the country.


Final Thoughts

A layover doesn’t always have to mean sitting at the airport for several hours waiting for your next flight.

Sometimes, it can become a mini adventure.

Of course, you need to be realistic about the amount of time you have. Never leave the airport simply because you want to see more places without considering immigration, transportation, security, and the possibility of unexpected delays.

But with enough time and careful planning, a layover can give you a wonderful introduction to a new destination.

Our Singapore trip lasted only a few hours outside the airport, but we managed to experience food, culture, history, architecture, and some of the city’s famous landmarks.

And that is one reason I love traveling.

Sometimes, even a short visit can leave a long-lasting memory.


“Travel is never a matter of money, but of courage.”
— Paulo Coelho

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
— Jeremiah 29:13

Travel has a way of opening our eyes to how big and beautiful the world is. It reminds us that there is always something new to learn, someone new to meet, and another story waiting to be experienced.

I’m definitely looking forward to visiting Singapore again someday—not just for a layover, but for a proper holiday where we can take our time and explore even more.

Until then, Singapore, thank you for the memories! 🇸🇬❤️


Sources:

Since this is a travel post that was originally written from your July 2019 experience, I’d keep the sources short while directing readers to current official information:

  1. Changi Airport – Baggage Storage — Current locations, operating hours, prices, and restrictions.
  2. Singapore ICA – Entering Singapore — Current passport, visa, and SG Arrival Card requirements.
  3. Jewel Changi Airport – Rain Vortex — Current attraction information and operating hours.
  4. Jewel Changi Airport – Canopy Park — Current attractions, opening hours, and admission information.
  5. Singapore Tourism / Official Attraction Websites — General information for planning attractions and transportation.

Important: This article documents my 2019 Singapore layover experience. Airport facilities, attraction availability, prices, transportation routes, and Singapore’s immigration requirements can change. Always check official sources before your trip.


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Originally Published: January 21, 2020
Updated: August 2026

100 Comments on “Singapore Layover: How to Make the Most of a Short Visit

  1. Wow, Singapore is beautiful and it is full of wonders to discover. I wish I can visit it soon. I need to get on a plane and travel the world as soon as this nightmare ends. The first place I am going if I visit Singapore is the butterfly garden!

    1. Wow! That’s really great to hear Daniel! We shouldn’t stop being optimistic for the future hoping this crisis goes away soon. Butterfly garden sounds to be very nice idea! Good luck and hope you visit there too soon!

  2. Singapore is on my must see list and I can’t wait to do that, soon i hope, such a beautiful country.

  3. I love SG! And they really have one of the best airports. And it’s huge! I’ve missed the Chinatown District & Heritage Centre, Buddha Relics Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, and Thian Hock Kheng Temple. I meant to go to any temple but my companion had other things in mind. We had to come to a compromise, and the temples had to go. I’ll go back for them!

    1. Wow CA, seems that you’ve also enjoyed your visit there! Temples are such wonderful places to visit! They are a must and one-of-a-kind! Visiting them is like knowing the deep secrets of their culture and religion.

  4. Singapore has so much to do and see. Your post brought back my own trip memories. The Airport itself has so many attractions across it’s terminals that it is enough to explore for a day’s layover 🙂 Good to see that you have included it’s major attractions.

    1. That’s great to hear Neha! I love that you’ve enjoyed reading our travel blog. I knew that you’ve also enjoyed your visit in SG and will definitely go back there soon. Hope this list of places that you may visit in SG helps!

  5. I’ve been to Singapore and I visited some of the places you mentioned. It’s truly beautiful. Lot’s of places for pictures.

    1. Absolutely right! And I will not waste a layover without going out from the airport again. I haven’t visited so many other places yet, so maybe next time, those will be on my list.

  6. Singapore is one expensive city to live and visit! I love Hawker food! I hope to get back and experience it!

    1. That is unfortunately true Emmanuel. This country has a high living cost, especially when you work or reside there, so making the most out of your layover will be the best option for you to explore the country without spending much. And happily, that’s what we did. 🙂

  7. My brother in law in sister live in Singapore.i visit there once a year. Singapore is absolutely beautiful and really has many things to do and many places to visit.

    1. Wow it’s really great to hear that you have relatives residing there! It is such a wonderful place to build a career and achieve you dream job. Good luck on your next travel there Monidipa!

  8. what might i ask is the significance of the jewel at the airport? also, how long should you plan to spend going through customs and immigration in and out of the airport? cheers.

    1. Hello Joy, really good question. Actually, it has been said that apart from being a local attraction, The Jewel promises to be a major international draw for the city state, according to tourism and retail experts. Jewel’s waterfall and greenery gives a sense of what Singapore can offer at other attractions like Gardens By The Bay.

      With regards to going outside the airport, you just have to go through the passport control, which is located near the place where we took this picture below – https://i1.wp.com/www.lifemaghealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/20190627_064841.jpg?resize=768%2C374&ssl=1.

      There were no hassle, you just need to fill up a small white paper with questions about your passport, nationality, destination and some other basic information. Then, you will have to present this together with your passport to the immigration officers, they will stamp your passport and then you may go.

      While for going back to the airport, just present your passport again at the entrance (I actually forgot what that place was called), they will check and scan it, and that’s it. The process of going to and out of the airport will not take more than 5 minutes, unless there’s a long queue.

      Thank you and hope these tips help with your next travel!

  9. I love Singapore, it is often a stop off for flights from Perth to the UK which I do a couple of times a year. Such a brialliant country, looking forward to being able to travel again soon.

    1. That sounds really great Emily! Thank you for sharing your experience. Travelling a lot must be exhausting yet wonderful! Singapore is a really nice country, good luck on your next travel!

  10. Thank you for sharing this very detail guide! I sometimes transit the flight in Singapore but know nothing to do than sitting in a coffee with my laptop. This guide would make a short trip in Singapore easier for me next time.

  11. This is a great guide! I was in Singapore last summer and we only had about 6 hours! I wish we would have made it to Chinatown though, it looks amazing! We did go to Marina Bay Sands and explored the beautiful airport a bit too!

    1. Sounds great Monique! Thank you for sharing your experience, and based on what you’ve said, it seems like you’ve enjoyed it! It was really nice to travel in this country especially that they have a wonderful mode of transportation. Places are accessible for all locals and tourists.

    1. Absolutely! May it be a long or short duration visit, you will always find a way to make the experience wonderful and memorable. You’re welcome dear, happy to share travel information.

    1. You’re welcome Cynthia! Indeed, Butterfly Garden is beautiful, especially if you would visit it during the day, ’cause we went there at night and there’s not much butterflies to see or maybe they’re sleeping. 🙂

  12. Great post with a lot of information!! Thanks for that!! OMG! 4 official languages?? I live in Montreal and it’s already a mess with only 2 official languages, imagine 4!

  13. I love this kind of post that shows you what to prioratise if you only have a short time 🙂

  14. I always wanted to visit Singapore. This is such an helpful post with loads of great information. Thanks for sharing

  15. Reminds me of my Singapore adventure last year. Thanks for this bery informative article

    1. Indeed Steven, their subway/train system has a really huge network making the whole city accessible to both locals and tourists. It would be really easy to reach your destinations especially when you have limited time to explore the city.

  16. This is so insightful! I’ve always wanted to go. Maybe after this quarantine I’ll finally give it a go, hopefully sooner than later.

  17. Last time I was at Changi, the Rain Vortex had not opened yet. Would consider a stopover the next time I pass through.

    1. Oh, maybe they were still building up the vortex then. When we visited, it was packed with lots of tourists and even student from local schools enjoying its picturesque view.

  18. Such a great idea to make the best of a layover. I want to visit Singapore, but not just for a layover! It looks so cool with lots to see and do there. On my travel bucketlist!

    1. Thank you for the appreciation Matt! Visiting such country is a re ally wonderful and unforgettable experience. We’ve really enjoyed it.Hope you could visit there too soon! Good luck on your next travel!

  19. I love Singapore! So much to see and do and I love the diversity of everyone living there. I hope to return soon.

  20. This is a very detailed post. I have been to Singapore just early this year. How I wish I read this article when I was planning my SG trip. Thanks for sharing these helpful tips.

    1. That’s really nice to hear Jeph! Seems like you’ve had a nice travel this year. Hope you were able to return back home safely. Good luck, hope these tips help on your next travel!

  21. Lovely detailed post. I have been to Singapore many a times, most times on layover. I will use this post next time so I can plan to get out of the airport.

  22. Singapore seems like a great place to visit in with your list of things to do and see while on a layover there I have a lot of things to look forward to.

  23. Just saw the money image and it reminded me of my collection of money from different countries I’ve travelled too

  24. I went to Singapore almost a decade ago and it was amazing! I’m glad that it keeps improving based on your pictures! Layovers… The longest I had was 3 hours and I only spent it in the airport asleep/eating (in Istanbul, Turkey). Haha!

    1. Oh I totally understand, layovers are usually short and not more than 6 hours. It just happened that I’ve had a long layover on this flight I booked, and I tried to make most out of it. Speaking of Turkey, I would love to visit the country soon. I’ve been in the Middle East for more almost 7 years now, but I haven’t been to Turkey, which is actually a 3-4 hour flight from here.

  25. Wow!! very informative write up for a traveler like me. Very informative article. Images are beautiful..Thanks for sharing!!!

  26. Singapore is literally one of the most amazing cities on this earth🎉 I can’t wait to try out your recommendations on my next visit!

  27. I love everything you wrote- it makes me want to go to Singapore so badly. What is your favorite part of Singapore do you think?

    1. Thank you very much for asking. Actually, it would be the Hakwer Center because of the variety of foods you’ll find there. Though, you should arrive there in an empty stomach so you can eat it all, if not all then more 🙂

  28. Singapore is one of my favorite places to visit! Great tips and list of activities! Will do this after lockdown!

  29. Singapore is one of the country that I would love to visit and I don’t mind having a long layover I’ll be happy instead because I will be having a chance to enjoy the beautiful views and scenery of this place.

  30. I have been looking forward to visiting Singapore sometime soon(was suppose to go in November but had to cancel) and even though this is about a short time in singapore I think a lot of this is applicable to anyone traveling there.

  31. Thank you for sharing such a lovely post on layovers. I have never had to do a layover, but you made it seem a little bit more enjoyable.

  32. What an amazing city! Although this post makes me kind of sad, tbh. I was supposed to have a two-days layover in July, for the international food convention, but my plans got canceled due to the virus. Now I’m trying to get my money back from the airline but they are being unreasonable!

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