Things To Do During a Short Layover in Singapore
Quick spots to visit in your first trip
A 15-hour transit time turned out to be one of the most exciting days of my life. With the great hospitality of an amazing friend and a race against time, my super short trip to Singapore has been a wonderful one.
This wasn’t my first time transiting through a country and so I was used to the time crunch and the stress that comes with it. However, with proper planning you would be able to get the most of this beautiful country. Here are a few things you could do if you have a short stopover in Singapore:
Explore Changi Airport
It is labeled as the world’s number 1 airport and for good reasons. From movie theater to world’s tallest indoor waterfall to a forest valley, this airport offers some of the coolest features that one can experience in a short stopover. Especially if you have only few hours and don’t want to leave the airport then you can have a fantastic time inside. Transit time: 3–5 hours
Try local food
I was picked up by my friend and while roaming around the city, we ended up at his university campus where we tried some delicious local food. There are numerous local food markets where you can try delish food and get to know the locale a little bit. Transit time: 4–8 hours
Visit the iconic Merlion Park
Singapore’s popular landmark that sees flocks of tourists all year round is also one of the places that I was able to quickly stop by at. Take your phone out and click few pictures with the Singapore skyline in the background! Transit time: 4–8 hours
Singapore flyer
This giant observation wheel offers stunning views of the vibrant metropolis and is almost 30 mins long to give you a full air-conditioned and enjoyable experience. Transit time: 5–10 hours
Gardens by the Bay
If you spot the gigantic futuristic purple trees from the observation deck, then make sure to stop by the garden to see the supertrees by the bay. Also, if you are there at night then get ready to take some really great photos of the trees exhibiting various colors. Transit time: 5–10 hours
National Museum of Singapore
Something that I do when visiting a new city or country is to go visit the local museum to know a little bit about the country and the history. Not everyone will have time for this but I highly recommend going here as you will get an understanding of the importance of the geographical location of Singapore and how that impacted its massive economic boom. Transit time: 8- 10 hours
Marina Bay Sands
I am sure you have come across an image of this iconic building somewhere in your life. That’s right this is the building with a ship (which is a pool) on top that gets featured in almost all movies that features Singapore. The infinity pool is only accessible by hotel guests but you can still get a panoramic view of Singapore’s world-class cityscape at the Sands Skypark Observation Deck. Transit time: more than 8 hours
Sea Aquarium
I was not able to go here due to shortage of time but hey you can if you have some time to spare. The aquarium has an open ocean habitat that can apparently transport you to the deep ocean floor. Just keep admiring the fascinating sea creatures including some 200+ sharks! Transit time: more than 10 hours
Universal Studios Singapore
Relive some of your favorite movie moments and enjoy attractions in themed zones at the Universal Studios. From great shows to thrilling rides, it is currently the only Universal Studios in Southeast Asia. I had been to the ones in California and Florida and so decided to skip it during my trip to Singapore. Transit time: more than 15 hours
I am glad I was able to take the trip before the pandemic started. Things definitely don’t look the best right now especially the travel advisories in certain Asian countries, but waiting for a time when traveling will be ‘normal’ again and the world will start functioning like it always has. If you are planning to take a trip to or via Singapore sometime soon, then make sure to check the travel advisory before your travel. Be safe and considerate when you are traveling and you shall have a great time!
