Singapore is most Australians’ most-visited international destination, even if many don’t realise it: it’s the connection point for flights to Europe, India, and much of Asia. The smarter move is to stop on the way through, because Singapore on its own terms is one of Asia’s most enjoyable cities to spend 2 to 4 days. Extremely safe, immaculately clean, architecturally remarkable, and with possibly the best food density of any city in the world.
Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay Precinct
The Gardens by the Bay supertrees are the images you associate with modern Singapore: 50-metre steel and concrete tree structures covered in living plants, illuminated at night for a light and sound show that’s genuinely worth attending. The Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories within the gardens are exceptional botanical experiences. The Cloud Forest’s 35-metre mountain of cloud forest plants inside a climate-controlled dome is unlike anything outside Singapore.
Marina Bay Sands, the three-tower hotel with the boat-shaped SkyPark connecting the towers, defines Singapore’s skyline. The rooftop infinity pool is accessible to hotel guests only. The observation deck on the 57th floor is open to all for a fee and provides the most famous Singapore view.
Hawker Centres: Singapore’s Extraordinary Food Culture
Singapore’s hawker centres are open-air food courts where individual vendors sell specialist dishes at prices that seem impossible given the quality. Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown, Lau Pa Sat in the CBD, and Old Airport Road Food Centre in Geylang are among the most celebrated. Chicken rice, char kway teow, laksa, and chilli crab are the dishes you eat in Singapore, and hawker centre versions are routinely better than restaurant versions.
The Michelin Guide has given Bib Gourmand recognition to numerous Singapore hawker stalls, including Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell. This is not fast food: these are specialist dishes prepared by vendors who’ve spent decades perfecting a single recipe.
Practical Singapore: Getting Around and Costs
Singapore’s MRT subway system is one of the world’s best: clean, cheap, air-conditioned, and covers the entire city. An EZ-Link card loaded with stored value handles all public transport and can be purchased at any MRT station.
Singapore is not cheap by Southeast Asian standards, but accommodation costs are competitive with Australian cities. A quality mid-range hotel runs SGD $180 to $280 per night. Hawker centre meals cost SGD $4 to $8. The city is genuinely compact, and most tourist areas are walkable or one MRT stop apart.
Changi Airport: Worth Exploring in Its Own Right
Changi Airport, consistently rated the world’s best, is worth exploring even on a connection. Jewel Changi, the glass dome adjacent to Terminal 1, houses the world’s tallest indoor waterfall (40 metres), a rainforest, and some of Singapore’s best food options. If you have 4 hours or more in transit, the airport city tour is free for transit passengers and worth taking.
FAQ: Singapore from Australia
Do Australians need a visa for Singapore?
No. Australians receive a 30-day visa-free entry to Singapore on arrival. No advance visa application is required.
How long should I stopover in Singapore?
2 to 4 nights is ideal for a proper Singapore experience. One night gives you Gardens by the Bay and a hawker centre dinner. Two nights adds a day in the Chinatown-Tanjong Pagar cultural precinct. Three to four nights gives you the full city including day trips to Sentosa Island and the Botanic Gardens.
What’s the best hawker centre in Singapore?
Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown and Old Airport Road Food Centre in Geylang are the most celebrated. Both open from morning through late evening.
Is Singapore expensive?
Singapore is more expensive than mainland Southeast Asian destinations but comparable to Australian capital cities for accommodation. Food at hawker centres is very affordable. Alcohol and restaurant dining are the main expensive categories.
Can I visit Singapore as a day trip during a connecting flight?
Yes. Changi Airport offers a free Singapore city tour for transit passengers with layovers of 5.5 hours or more. You can also arrange your own city visit on a long layover with the right visa-free entry.
Book a Singapore stopover or complete Singapore holiday with Sai World Travel. Call 1800 724 967 or visit saiworldtravel.com.au.