Travels

Singapore Layover: How To Make Your Short Visit Worth It

It was the first time I landed on Singapore grounds last July 2019 when I was on a flight going back to Dubai, United Arab Emirates from my home country, Philippines for my annual month-long vacation.


Why I enjoy short layovers?

It feels great to have a layover on a different country because it:

– gives you the opportunity to get-to-know the place;
– provides you a chance to explore the place even on a short period of time;
– helps you save money, since you don’t need to book and pay for a separate flight;
– helps you save time, especially when you have a limited vacation period;
breaks the ice of travelling, as it gives you a short period to relax from a very long trip and do whatever you want; and,
– allows you to have a taste of their culture.

Hence, if there’s one place where I didn’t mind having multiple layovers, it would be Singapore Changi Airport!

In this ultimate Singapore layover guide, I’ve put together my experience during our “short trip” there and knowledge from numerous resources to help you maximize your brief stay in this beautiful city.

Read on to find out everything you need to know!


Let’s start with the basics!

Where can I leave my luggage at Singapore Changi Airport?

All terminals have baggage storage available 24 hours a day. Prices vary depending on the size of your suitcase. One thing to note is that they won’t take computers or other valuables.

As an example, at Terminal 4, there’s one small tiny room with two people working assisting the passengers. Just be ready to wait for a bit if there’s a queue, or perhaps you may check with other terminals, it might be bigger and quicker.

But for us, since we only have medium-sized hand bags and are willing to carry it for the next few hours, it wasn’t necessary for us to leave any of our luggage in the airport.


What is the primary mode of transportation?

We recommend using the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) or the rail network system in Singapore spanning the length and width of the city-state’s main island. Thus, getting around is made easier and faster.

In this blog, you will reckon that most of the places we have visited there are by using their railway system.

MRT Standard Ticket

Do I need a visa to leave the airport and enter the city?

It depends on your nationality but mostly everyone can enter Singapore without a visa. You just need to fill in a landing card on arrival, go through the Immigration control as they stamp your passport and you’re good to leave the airport and explore Singapore.

You may check the official Singapore Immigration website to find out your visa requirements. For Filipinos like us, it’s visa free so we don’t have much to hustle.


What is Singapore’s currency?

They use Singaporean Dollars (SGD). Check here for the latest exchange rate.

If you prefer to use cash, there are exchange kiosks inside the airport, but the rate is never particularly convenient. So we recommend to bring US Dollars (USD) to exchange with their currency rather than bringing your local banknotes.

Pretty much everywhere such as bars, restaurants, museums do accept card as a payment. However, some shops like street food stalls or the public market requires hard cash.


What is the weather like in Singapore?

Just like most of the rest of Southeast Asia, Singapore is customarily hot and humid all year long but with the following months having pronounced differences:

  • October to January: Wettest months
  • February to April: A bit more pleasant
  • May to June: Hottest months
  • July to September: Most festive season and typically the best months

What is the language used in Singapore?

English is widely spoken and it is one of the 4 official languages (the other three being Mandarin, Malay and Tamil). That being said, you won’t have difficulty going around Singapore because everyone speaks English. Nevertheless, below are some helpful Mandarin and Malay phrases.

MANDARIN
Hello: Nǐ hǎo (Nee how)
Thank you: Xièxiè (shièh shièh)
You’re welcome: Bú kèqi
Goodbye: Zàijiàn (dsaì jiàn)
Excuse me (getting attention): Qǐng wèn
I’m sorry: Duìbùqǐ (dweì bú chi)
Is there someone here who speaks English?: Zhèlĭ yǒu rén hùi shuō Yīngyǔ ma?
Help!: Jiùmìng!
Cheers!: Gānbēi! (gon bay)

MALAY
Hello (formal): Hello
Hello (informal): Hai (Hi)
Thank you: Terima kasih (TREE-muh KAH-seh)
Yes: Ya (YUH)
No: Tidak (tee-DAH)
Goodbye: Selamat tinggal (SLAH-maht tin-GAHL) [“Safe stay!”] or Selamat jalan (SLAH-maht JAH-lahn) [“Safe trip!”]
Excuse me / I’m sorry: Maaf (mah’AHF) or Maafkan saya (mah’AHF-kahn SAH-yuh)
Is there someone here who speaks English?: Adakah orang yang cakap Bahasa Inggeris di sini? (AH-duh-kah OH-rahng yahng CHAH-kahp bah-HAH-suh ING-grees dee SEE-nee)
Help!: Tolong! (TOH-lohng)
Cheers!: Sorakan!


Where to go during a Singapore layover?

It depends.

We recommend going outside on a DIY tour, if you have at least 8 hours of stopover considering the traffic during rush hours. BUT you should be really fast and efficient so you won’t miss your flight.

Furthermore, if you have 6 hours or less, just stay inside the airport. Obviously, this is best if you don’t have the time to go through immigration and back. Rest assured, there’s so many fun things to do inside the airport!


Inside the Airport

Singapore Changi Airport, commonly known as Changi Airport, is a major civilian airport that serves Singapore, and is one of the largest transportation hubs in Asia. It is currently rated the World’s Best Airport by Skytrax for the seventh consecutive year since 2013.

The airport is quite expansive so you must NOT miss out wandering to these landmarks…


TERMINAL 1

Airport Lounge Service by Plaza Premium Lounge: Private lounge with showers, food, massage & more if you reserve your spot online!
Airport Wellness Oasis:  Relax and get a massage. Also try their signature Fish Spa!
Kinetic Rain: Watch 1,216 polished copper raindrops dance in the air, an art installation which is this terminal’s centerpiece.
Arrival Garden: This is the airports first garden.
Rooftop Jacuzzi and Pool: Who would have thought that one day, you could swim in an international airport, right?
Cactus Garden: This is a rooftop garden that has over 100 species of cacti and arid plants from Africa and the Americas.
Piazza Garden: Features seasonal and thematic plant displays throughout the seasons.
Sculptural Tree Garden: Has three tall tree-like sculptures clad with an interesting collage of foliage.
Water Lily Garden: See water lilies in a natural aquatic garden environment.


TERMINAL 2

Movie Theatre: Yes, you can watch recent films in the 24-hour cinema! The best part, it’s FREE!
Entertainment Deck: From Xbox 360 to Kinect stations, this is your one-stop multimedia entertainment centre.
A Million Times at Changi: One of the biggest kinetic artwork in the world, made up of 504 clocks moving in perfect unison.
Enchanted Garden: Interactive and decorative garden that comes to life with sight and sound.
Orchid Garden: Holds a colourful collection of rare orchids.
Sunflower Garden: About 500 bright yellow flowers amidst the runways.
Xperience Zone: Catch the latest sports events on large screens while lounging on plush seats.


TERMINAL 3

Butterfly Garden: The first butterfly garden in an airport and home to over 1,000 butterflies.
Crowne Plaza: Want a proper snooze during your Singapore layover? Check in to this stylish accommodation.
Crystal Garden: A great place to get some calm.
Movie Theatre: You can also catch the latest blockbusters and movies for FREE in this terminal.
The Slide @ T3: Take a ride on the world’s tallest slide in an airport!


TERMINAL 4

Game room & Entertainment Corner: Offers a fun selection of arcade games.
Heritage Zone: Experience the city’s heritage via culture shopfronts featuring multi-colored facades of old Peranakan houses.
Petalclouds: The centerpiece of Terminal 4, this is a grand-scale kinetic sculpture.
Steel in Bloom: This is a garden that also features a 6-meter high centre piece of plants and steel.
TV lounge: Families can take a break and catch up on their favourite TV shows on these comfy couches.


THE JEWEL

Opened in 2019, Jewel Changi Airport is the newest 10-level glass-dome complex that has an array of attractions not limited to gardens, a hotel, aviation facilities and 300 retail and dining facilities.

1.HSBC Rain Vortex: The world’s tallest indoor waterfall at 40 metres high and the nucleus of Jewel. Open daily from 8AM to 12:30AM.

The Rain Vortex

2. Canopy Garden: Take a stroll along creative garden trails, glide down giant slides or hide in bowls of gentle mist!

  • Canopy Bridge: Suspended 23 metres above ground, with a glass bottom at the centre portion for a gripping vantage point, the Canopy Bridge is sure to thrill and impress.
  • ManuLife Sky Nets: Experience the thrill of being almost weightless as you leap about this giant net! Stretching 250 metres long, even little ones can safely indulge in free play. At its highest point 8 metres above the Canopy Park, you’ll feel like you can reach the sky.
  • Discovery Slides: As the name implies, this is a fun playground but also an amazing work of art!
  • Foggy Bowls: Let your child slip in among puffs of cloud and hide away in gentle bowls of non-toxic mist. Kids will love the chance to play in this dreamy setting and let their imagination take flight.

3. Shiseido Forest Valley: A lush green sanctuary and retreat in the core of Jewel.

4. Hedge Maze: Have a field day weaving your way through Singapore’s largest hedge maze. Be rewarded with a bird’s eye view of the maze’s intricate windings when you reach the watch tower at its core.


Outside the Airport

More than you can imagine, Singapore is a hot spot for all excurtionists’ explorations, from visiting the magnificent landmarks to tasting the local cuisine.

Here are some of the hundreds of places you might want to see:

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

There are enormous places you might want to visit and a vast of activities you might want to do there. But, what if you have a limited time to spend? Do you think it’s possible to make your visit worth it?


Here is an overview on how we spent ours WITHOUT paying any guided tours and therefore 100% DIY…

To make sure we are timely-accurate (so we wouldn’t miss our flight), we have prepared a time table as per below:

This schedule served as our reference for the full period of our layover. We truly recommend this especially if you are a first-time visitor in this country, just like us!

So basically, we have almost 16 hours of stopover before our next flight. We have arrived at Changi Airport at past 10 in the evening and since it is evening time, we have decided to spend our night inside the airport.

There are rest zones or snooze lounges scattered around different terminals inside the airport so sleeping or taking a nap won’t be a big problem. However, during our time, there are lots of passengers spending their night inside the airport so we’ve had a hard time looking for a suitable place to sleep for free. So, we have decided to just take a 5-hour nap on their benches. It’s not bad though!

Then, we headed to our first location…


The Merlion Park, Colonial District and Marina Bay Sands

Half-fish and half-lion, the iconic Merlion resides at the Merlion Park waterfront. The Merlion, which merges the symbol of a fish and a lion, is an unmissable Singapore icon.

The Colonial District is one of the first places many visitors to Singapore head towards, due to its location on the Singapore River and the beauty of its surroundings. The area forms the very heart of Singapore, with its neo-Palladian buildings lining the banks of the Singapore River.

Marina Bay Sands is an integrated resort fronting Marina Bay in Singapore. It is also the most iconic hotel for the world’s largest rooftop Infinity Pool, award-winning dining, and a wide range of shopping and entertainment options.

Going there:

Catch the MRT to Raffles Place station EW14 on the East West Line. Take the exit towards the United Overseas Bank Plaza and from the middle of the plaza, you’ll see the Fullerton Hotel. Merlion Park is behind the hotel.


Chinatown District & Heritage Centre,
Buddha Relics Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple,
and Thian Hock Kheng Temple

Chinatown’s maze of narrow roads includes Chinatown Food Street, with its restaurants serving traditional fare like Hainanese chicken rice, noodles and satay. Souvenir shops and indie boutiques dot the area, offering clothes, crafts and antiques, while Club Street is full of trendy wine bars. 

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is a Buddhist temple and museum complex located in the Chinatown district of Singapore.

Night at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

The Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple. It is an agamic temple, built in the Dravidian style. Located at 244 South Bridge Road, in the downtown Chinatown district, the temple serves the majority Hindu Singaporeans, Tamilians, in the city-state.

The Thian Hock Keng, also known as the Tianfu Temple, is a temple built for the worship of Mazu, a Chinese sea goddess, located in Singapore. It is the oldest and most important temple of the Hokkien people in the country.

Going there:

Take the MTR, Exit A (Pagoda Street) of North-East MRT line’s Chinatown stationNE4/DT19. It is located along Smith Street, which was known colloquially as hei yuan kai (theatre street).

This is a screenshot of the map showing the locations of Chinatown Complex and the three nearby temples aforementioned. You may also check it on Google Maps.

Hawker Center

hawker center or cooked food center is an open-air complex housing many stalls that sell a variety of inexpensive food. An example is the Maxwell Food Centre where an enormous number of shops flock as the crowd fell in line and eat their foods on small but convenient tables.

This is an amazing place to spend your meal and to have a taste of their local food. It’s cheap and really satisfying!

Going there: Take the MRT and exit through Downtown Station DT17 and walk for around 10 – 15 minutes to reach the location.


Going back to the airport? Go through the Immigration and visit The Jewel.

The Jewel is found landside of Changi Airport so you need to clear immigration in order to explore this complex. But if you are short on time, you can still get a glimpse of this amazing building if you take the Skytrain that passes from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3 and back. Anyhow, Jewel is easily connected to the Arrival Hall of Terminal 1. A free airport shuttle bus service also goes between Terminal 4 and Terminal 2.

Consequently, we still got around two more hours before our next flight and we spent it productively by exploring other places inside the airport, took some pictures and wander some more.

It was indeed quite exhausting but who knows when would be our next visit/ layover in Singapore!

So, if you’re having a stopover there, may it be less than 6 hours or more, make the most out of it! The airport is significantly extensive to explore and the city is quiet explorative.



98 Comments on “Singapore Layover: How To Make Your Short Visit Worth It

  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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