When traveling from one destination to another, taking advantage of a long stop in a city can be a great way to see a new place. This was the case with my stopover in Singapore , during my trip from Australia to Phuket. With a 17-hour stop , I had enough time to explore some of the most emblematic corners of the city, although as you will see, I made some mistakes that I will share with you so you can avoid them.

Arrival: A midnight landing

My flight with Scoot Airlines was comfortable, but my arrival in Singapore was quite late, around midnight . I was not prepared for the challenges this would bring, especially since the train, which is a convenient option for getting around the city, was not available at that time. Unable to use the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) , I was forced to take an Uber to get to my hotel. Although the ride wasn't long, the cost of the Uber was something I could have avoided if I had considered cheaper transportation options.

The hotel: Expectation vs. Reality

The hotel I booked was close to the airport and in a convenient location for exploring the city, but I made the mistake of prioritizing economy over comfort . The bed was extremely hard , almost like sleeping on the floor, and the air conditioning was noisy . This meant that I couldn't rest properly and my experience was not what I expected. So, my advice to you: if you have the chance, pay a little more and make sure you have a place where you can really rest. There is nothing worse than feeling tired during a stopover.

Starting the day: A revitalizing breakfast

Despite the poor night's sleep, I had a day ahead of me, and I wanted to make the most of it! I woke up early, which gave me enough time to find a good breakfast before starting my tour of Singapore. I found a small place where I enjoyed a delicious coffee and a sandwich . It was a simple breakfast, but perfect to start the day with energy. Plus, I loved being able to pay with my Wise card , which offers a favorable exchange rate and no fees for international payments. If you don't have the card yet, I leave you my affiliate link here so you can take advantage of the benefits (and if you decide to open an account, you would help me a lot!).

Exploring Garden by the Bay: A Tropical Paradise

After a refreshing breakfast, I headed towards one of the most iconic places in Singapore: Garden by the Bay . This impressive futuristic park is an ideal place to walk and enjoy nature. My first stop was the Cloud Forest , a greenhouse that houses an internal waterfall and an incredible collection of tropical plants. The cool temperature and air conditioning of this place was a relief after the intense tropical humidity of Singapore.

Next, I headed to the Supertree Observatory , where you can see the city from above, surrounded by the Supertrees , huge artificial tree structures that are truly impressive. It is an ideal place to take photos and enjoy panoramic views of Singapore.

Lunch and return to the airport

After a couple of hours exploring these beautiful gardens, I felt ready for some lunch. I opted for a nearby market where I could enjoy a light and tasty meal. The food in Singapore is incredibly diverse and tasty, and I had no problem finding something delicious around every corner.

Once I finished lunch, I took an Uber back to the airport to get ready for my next flight. This is when I remembered a key tip that I want to share with you: use the train whenever you can . The MRT is much more efficient and cheaper than Ubers, especially if you are in a city as well connected as Singapore.

Things I learned: Tips for your stopover in Singapore

If you are going to spend a few hours in Singapore, here are some tips that will be very useful:

Don't forget to leave your suitcase at the airport or in a place where they can take care of it . The heat and humidity are intense, and carrying a suitcase all over the city can be a real pain. Make sure you leave your belongings in a safe place so you can move around easily.
Wear clothing appropriate for tropical weather . In March, the heat and humidity in Singapore can be extreme, and although the air conditioning offers respite, the walk in the sun can be exhausting if you are not well prepared. Wear light, comfortable clothing to enjoy your tour.
Don't miss Jewel Changi at the airport . This incredible shopping center and entertainment space is located inside the Singapore airport, and although it is not part of the city proper, it is a great place to explore if you have time before your next flight. The ocean of water and waterfalls in the center is impressive and certainly a perfect place to relax.

Do you have any tips for a short stopover in Singapore?

Visiting Singapore during a stopover can be a fantastic experience, but there are plenty of ways to make the most of your limited time in this vibrant city. Do you have any recommended places to visit in a short period of time? Or any recommendations to rest and recharge?

I'd love to hear your thoughts and any other advice you may have! Feel free to leave your comment, and if you have any questions, I will be happy to help you. I hope your stopover in Singapore is even more amazing than mine!

Singapore Stopover: What I Learned During 17 Hours in the Garden City