Love, Life, & Beyond

We are always on the lookout for a chance to travel to give us a much-needed break from juggling work deadlines, school schedules, and a never-ending list of chores. When we had a rare 5-day weekend coming up, we immediately raced to look at quick getaway options. Singapore came to mind as it’s a short flight away and has plenty of things to do, especially for families. Known for its impeccable cleanliness standards, vibrant food scene, and family-friendly attractions, it seemed like the perfect place. 

Our son had also crossed the magical threshold of being old enough for big rides, and we didn’t want to risk the unreliable local amusement park roller coasters. Singapore’s Universal Studios would be perfect for all of us. Another major factor in our decision was the food. My husband and I love trying out new flavours, and East Asian cuisine is one of our favourites.  

And so, with excitement bubbling over, we booked our tickets, packed our bags, and set off for Singapore. 

Singapore Visa Process for Indians

Having already visited Hong Kong and Thailand, Singapore was high on our list of places to go in East Asia, especially since we assumed we only needed to apply for an e-visa online. Turns out, you can’t apply for a Singapore visa directly—it must be done through certified agents. 

If you know someone living in Singapore, it’s easier, as they can apply online for you. Otherwise, you’ll need to send your passport and other documents to the agent, who will handle the application process. We needed prints of payslips, bank statements, an NOC letter from the office, 2 photos, and a cover letter along with the application form.

The visa itself is just a printout that you attach to your passport. We used Akbar Travels, and it took about five working days in all to send our passports and receive them back. Once you get your visa, remember to update your arrival card online on the Singapore immigration site before you travel. 

Upon arrival in Singapore, the immigration process is automated. You’ll scan your passport at the barrier gate, step into an enclosed area, and follow the prompts to take a photo and provide your fingerprints before moving forward. Be aware that the child’s photo in the passport can sometimes cause issues. Our son has his baby picture on his passport, so they had to manually approve his entry. He was stuck inside the barrier gate in immigration jail while they approved his entry.

Travel To/From and In Singapore

The flight from Hyderabad to Singapore takes just 4.5 hours—barely enough time to catch any sleep. We transferred our credit card points into air miles on Singapore Airlines and got business class seats as a surprise for our son. He was thrilled to bits. We enjoyed the lounge privileges, especially at Changi airport, which has a spacious lounge with top-class facilities.

We had an early morning arrival, and getting an early check-in at our hotel was not possible during peak season. If you need to rest or freshen up, there are paid facilities at the airport where you can shower and relax. We were too excited to start our vacation, so we headed to the hotel to keep our bags and then headed out to the mall nearby.

To help you navigate the massive Changi Airport, it’s a good idea to use the Changi Airport app. It also gives you points for any shopping you do at the airport.

Public buses and trains to and from the airport are regular ones without dedicated space for luggage. If you have manageable bags, these options work well, and the bus even offers a scenic route. It wasn’t crowded in the morning, so we could manage easily.

For any public transportation, you can use your Mastercard or Visa contactless card or purchase a travel pass at the airport that you can refill as needed. Keep in mind that if you’re using a credit or debit card, each person needs to have their own; you can’t swipe the same card twice. A Forex travel card without conversion markups is ideal, and we found the Ixigo Travel Card to be quite handy.

Remember, food and drinks aren’t allowed on public transport or in cabs, and it’s considered polite to use earphones instead of playing audio out loud. Singapore residents have to share their limited space with a constant flow of tourists, which can be annoying for locals, so it’s important to be considerate. 

You will be walking a lot, no matter what mode of transport you choose. Wear comfortable shoes and carry a water bottle.

Also, keep in mind that Sundays are when local domestic help gets a day off, and many other local residents step out to meet friends and family. You will most likely get a crowded bus or train and crowded sidewalks, especially in the downtown area.

For navigating the city, the Citymapper app is a great travel assistant, providing all options for public transport. For cab services, you can use apps like Grab and Zig. You can also hire bicycles to move around the city.

Where to Stay in Singapore

If you’re going to use public transport, stay in a central location. We stayed at Capitol Kempinski on Stamford Road. It is a quick walk to metro stations, bus stops, and many malls with food halls all connected underground. It is also within walking distance of Clarke Quay. They have bicycles you can use to ride if you feel like it, and they have a pool and gym area. The food there was also excellent.

If you’re going there mainly for the adventure park, then it’s a good idea to stay on Sentosa Island.

Even though Singapore is not a large city, commutes can take time. Cars get stuck in traffic, and buses and trains have many stops. So, figure out all the places you plan to visit and select an area to stay based on where you’ll spend most of your time.

What to Eat in Singapore

Singapore is a food lover’s paradise with a wide range of delicious options to explore. The city boasts a variety of East Asian cuisines, including Korean BBQ, Japanese ramen and grills, and local favourites like Singaporean laksa. 

Everywhere you look, you’ll find food joints. Food courts in malls give you a wide variety of choices. Places like Clarke Quay have restaurants lined up on the riverside for a more relaxed meal.

We tried hot pot at a small restaurant on Orchard Road. There are numerous restaurants where you can savour this interactive dining experience. You choose a soup base that is served in a big pot over a cooking plate on your table. You can add a variety of meats, vegetables, and condiments to this pot from a buffet table as per your tastes. Our son, who is rather picky, devoured this meal and asked for more. 

Singapore’s food scene is vibrant and diverse, catering to all tastes and dietary preferences. Vegetarian food in Singapore is relatively easy to find. Many hot pot restaurants offer vegetarian options, and there are plenty of Indian restaurants as well. When dining out, it’s a good idea to check if any Asian dishes contain fish sauce if you’re opting for a vegetarian meal. Halal food in Singapore is also widely available throughout the city, but when in doubt, always ask.

For sweet treats, you can enjoy bubble tea, ice cream, and even fresh orange juice from vending machines located throughout the city. 

For authentic Chinese cuisine, visit Chinatown. We went to a small place named Noodle Man on Smith Street. The man himself is right there making noodles from scratch, and the food from a modest menu was some of the best we’ve had. Be prepared to pay in cash, as they do not accept cards. 

For drinks, try a refreshing highball, a popular cocktail in Singapore. This cocktail consists of a spirit, like whiskey or vodka, mixed with a non-alcoholic mixer and served over ice in a tall glass. 

If you’re on the go, fast food can be a convenient option but remember to be courteous and clear your trays after eating. Starbucks, McDonalds, and Shake Shack were the ones we tried. Try the local menu items in these places, as they can often be better than the regular items.

What to Shop for in Singapore

Singapore is a fantastic place for shopping, offering a wide variety of items to bring back home. Note that if you’re used to shopping in places like Thailand, you’ll find Singapore a lot more expensive.

If you enjoy mooncakes, Chinatown and the airport have plenty of options. Traditional baked mooncakes come with various fillings, including egg yolk, lotus seeds, black sesame, and red bean; be sure to ask for vegetarian versions if needed. The snowskin mooncakes are made with mochi and don’t have a long shelf life.

Don’t fall for mooncakes with fancy packaging, as they tend to be double the price. We got ours from Bengawan Solo (airport), Tong Heng and Bee Cheng Hiang (both in Chinatown). A box of 4 should be between 40-50 SGD. You can even freeze them and reheat them in an oven if you don’t want to finish all of them as soon as you return home.

Other local delicacies to consider include pork or beef jerky (bakkwa) and pork or chicken floss. They can be had as a snack or as an addition to your fried rice and stir fries at home. We picked up a box from Kim Joo Guan in Chinatown. It’s also available at the airport. They are vacuum-packed individually, so they last a few years.

For those who like to cook East Asian cuisine at home, the Fairprice grocery chain has a great selection of pantry items. We picked up some fresh noodles and condiments. For snack lovers, local treats like salted egg chips and a range of Japanese snacks such as mochi and seaweed snacks are a must. 

Bacha coffee is another great find. They have pour-over sachets or ground coffee you can take home. 

We shopped for clothes at Muji and Uniqlo. Charles & Keith is a local brand, so it’s cheaper than in India. There are many vibrant street markets perfect for shopping for clothes and bags. We also took some of our old wristwatches and got the leather straps changed in a watch-repair shop at one of these markets near our hotel. There was also a Rolex resale store, in case you want to buy an original.

If you’re into gadgets, Singapore offers a wide range of electronics, including Nespresso coffee machines, phones, and watches, often at better prices and with more variety than back home. 

Malls on Orchard Street or the mega mall, Vivocity, are great places to spend the whole day shopping.

Most shops will provide a tax refund receipt with a minimum spend of 100 SGD, which you can redeem at the airport. Shopping at the airport can also be a great option, with rates often similar to or even cheaper than in the city.

For something unique, Lego shops around the city let you customise minifigures as a fun keepsake, and there is a Tintin store in Chinatown for fans of the classic comic. 

What to See and Do in Singapore

Singapore is packed with exciting activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re travelling with family or on a solo adventure, there’s always something to see and do. 

Instead of going through several lists of things to do, I planned our activities by checking out Klook. It has a list of popular activities that you can book directly from them. Klook often offers a 10% discount on most ticket prices and has some great combo deals. We preferred to book tickets only a day before, so we had the flexibility to decide based on the weather and our energy levels.

Keep in mind that some tickets are time-based, while others, like those for the zoo, may need to be registered directly with the activity site. Always check the ticket details carefully when booking to make sure you’re all set for a smooth experience. 

From iconic landmarks and world-class attractions to beautiful parks and unique cultural experiences, Singapore has something for everyone. Here are some of the activities we enjoyed on our trip to give you an idea when planning your trip.

Clarke Quay 

Clarke Quay is a vibrant riverside district in Singapore known for its lively atmosphere and variety of activities. It’s filled with numerous eateries offering a wide range of cuisines, making it a great place for dining. We had some awesome shawarma at the Turkish restaurant there.

We took a nice evening stroll and sat on the steps along the river, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling area. Right opposite us was the Slingshot ride for thrill-seekers, and it amazed me to think about why people would want to be thrown into the sky like that! 

We opted for the relaxed experience of a river cruise with WaterB Ferries. They are the only ones that have a tour for the musical fountain show at 8 pm near the Marina Bay Sands. The tour lets you catch stunning views of the city skyline, the iconic Merlion statue, and the impressive Marina Bay Sands, making it a fantastic spot to explore both during the day and at night.

Mandai Forest Reserve 

The Mandai Forest Reserve in Singapore is home to several popular attractions, including the zoo, night safari, bird park, and River Wonders, with more to be added soon. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, focusing on just one of these attractions can make for a more enjoyable day. 

The Mandai app is a helpful resource for visitors, providing important information and allowing you to book seats for shows. 

We chose to visit River Wonders, which features covered walkways that kept us dry even during a light drizzle. It was a good mix of sea creatures, birds, and land animals, with detailed information for those who like to know more.

We saw the huge manatee and the popular pandas, among others. For families with kids, there are engaging side quests available; usually, there’s a counter at the entrance where children can pick up a booklet and pencil to fill in some easy questions, and they receive a medal upon completion. Our son loved this concept, and it got him interested in reading the information boards instead of just running past all the displays.

One of the highlights of River Wonders is the paid boat ride, where you can spot a jaguar. Tickets for the boat ride can be purchased at the venue, but note that the ride is unavailable during rain. 

To get to Mandai, we took the metro to Khatib station, where there is a shuttle service to the zoo. The shuttle charges a fee for the trip to the zoo, but the return trip is free for all, even if you didn’t use it while coming in.

Sentosa Resort World

Sentosa Island offers a range of exciting activities and attractions, with the cable car being one of the highlights. A return ticket not only covers the ride to the island but also includes access to the cable car lines on the island. If you prefer, the island is walkable, though checking park timings in advance is essential, as most attractions close by 7 pm on weekdays, with the cable car operating until 8:30 pm. The night view from the cable car is particularly spectacular.

We tried the Helix Sky View, which gives a 10-minute panoramic experience from about 35 metres high. It’s ideal for those comfortable with heights; if you can handle it, just avoid looking down. The slow ascent and gentle rotation at the top make for a smooth ride with breathtaking views, including a glimpse of Indonesia across the sea.

The Luge tickets were sold out online, and there was a long queue for walk-in tickets, so we skipped it. Someone else who visited there said they booked the Luge for the afternoon and went to Universal Studios, then came out for the ride and went back in.

We walked over to the Universal Studios entrance instead of taking the cable car. Once inside, we went for the Sesame Street ride (gentle) and the Hurricane sound stage hosted by Steven Spielberg. Then came the big rides. I am not a fan of adrenaline-pumping action, so even the smaller rides were scream-worthy for me. Our son enjoyed every minute of it, even the big roller coasters.

After a lengthy 2-hour wait for the Transformers ride, we opted for an Express Pass, available at shops inside the park. This add-on pass allows you to skip lines but can only be used once per ride. If you don’t mind splitting up from your group, you can also queue in the singles line for quicker access if there are available seats. However, not all rides offer this option. We purchased two express passes for 120 SGD each (same price for kids) and alternated taking our son on the rides.

The main attractions are the big roller coasters, but even the smaller rides like the Mummy and Transformers are thrilling. For a less intense experience, the Far Far Away section has milder rides. You can check the height requirements for all rides on the website or app.

Note that most rides don’t allow backpacks, so you’ll need to either leave someone behind to watch the bags or rent a locker available near each ride. Outside food isn’t permitted, but there are water refilling stations, so bring your own water bottles. We had packed a few snack packets in our bags that came in handy during long wait times.

We particularly enjoyed the Waterworld show. It was interactive and filled with exciting fight scenes, which our son loved, and he even took a picture with the crew after the show. If you sit in the first few rows, you will have water thrown at you, but that’s part of the fun.

There are many souvenir shops and food stalls inside and outside the theme park that will tempt you and your kids—be prepared for some shopping splurges or have a talk on keeping to a strict budget before you go in. 

Sensible clothing and footwear are a must; many women in short dresses and platform heels struggled with the rides and long walks. Shorts or pants are ideal for comfort and practicality.

The Universal Studios app is a handy tool for navigating the park, offering maps, ride details, show times, and wait times. 

To wind down in the evenings, the sensory zone at Merlion Station is a nice spot to relax. There are also many restaurants nearby, where we enjoyed some excellent Thai food.

S.E.A World has a Junior Detectives program for kids on the weekends. We couldn’t make time for this but it would’ve been very interesting. We also missed the Zip line and going to the beach. Will have to do this next time!

Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay has a variety of experiences and beautiful places to explore. Before you go, check the site for any maintenance closures to make sure you don’t miss out on any attractions. The garden features several areas to walk around and unwind, including the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, which showcase stunning plant life and unique environments. If you don’t want to do both, then prioritise the Cloud Forest over the Flower Dome, as it’s more interesting.

The Supertree Grove is another highlight, though we missed the OCBC Skyway due to rain; it’s definitely worth considering if the weather is favourable, as it offers a spectacular aerial view of the gardens. 

For families, there’s a free-to-use sandy play area and a water sprinkler play area to keep kids entertained. Parents can lounge on the steps while the kids burn off some energy. Carry swimwear and a towel if your kids plan to use this space.

The Singapore Flyer is also a nearby attraction for great views of the city from above, and the Time Capsule section gives you a peek into Singapore’s history. You can even book a ride with a meal served inside. Go around 6:30pm so you get a day view, and the evening lights turn on as you descend after sunset. We skipped the Marina Bay Sands observation deck since this did the job well.

Chinatown

Chinatown is a vibrant and culturally rich area in Singapore that offers a mix of historic and modern attractions. You can explore a variety of places of worship, including a Hindu temple, mosque, and Buddhist temple, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of the neighbourhood.

The shopping stalls are perfect for browsing unique souvenirs and local goods, and the food stalls are tempting. As you wander around, you’ll also come across murals depicting scenes of old China, adding a touch of nostalgia to your visit.

For fans of classic comics, the Tintin store is a delightful stop. There are also many jewellery stores where you can pick up some gold or jade pieces.

Even if you don’t want to shop, it’s a nice place to walk to take in the city’s multi-cultural vibes.

City Spots

In the heart of the city, several notable landmarks offer a glimpse into Singapore’s rich history and vibrant architecture. St. Andrew’s Cathedral stands out with its elegant design and historical significance. The stunning stained glass windows filter the light beautifully in the mornings. We went on Sunday morning when they were just finishing the morning mass. They were more than welcoming of tourists, which was nice to see.

Nearby, the old police station with its colourful windows adds a charming touch of nostalgia next to the Central Fire Station. These spots make for great pictures.

Changi Airport

The Changi Airport is more than just a travel hub; it’s an attraction in itself, with a variety of activities to enjoy. 

The Jewel building is connected to the airport and has activities for kids, shopping areas, and many other things to do. The main attraction here is the impressive indoor waterfall. We had opted to skip going to Jewel and see the waterfall by taking the sky train between Terminals 2 and 3. 

Within the airport, there are numerous activities to explore, though some, like the large slide and wall climbing, are only accessible before passing through immigration. 

We went to the Butterfly garden and the small bear slide but spent most of our time in the lounge, where our son could catch a short nap, and we could relax.

To make the most of your time at Changi, the Changi Airport app is a valuable tool that provides information and helps you navigate the airport’s many features.