The Ultimate Singapore Itinerary: 2-5 Days

Everything about Singapore is jaw-dropping. Seriously. The architecture, nature escapes, art, beaches, attractions, experiences—you just can’t go wrong visiting and exploring everything the relatively tiny diamond-shaped island has to offer.   

And that leads to the burning question: Are you, curious adventurer, even remotely familiar with all the wonderful things that Singapore has to share with the world?

Better yet, have you got a good clue as to what exciting things you’ll do and the incredible places you’ll explore the day you decide to pack your bags, board that plane, and land in Singapore?

Don’t worry, at one time I didn’t know either. But as a wanderlust traveler that’s had the chance to live young, wild, and free during a week-long trip in Singapore, I’m here to be your guide as you embark on your own memorable adventure.

Here’s my ultimate itinerary for what to do, where to go, and how to live your best life over 5 days in Singapore.

Day 1: What’s Your 1^st Activity?

You’ve arrived in Singapore in the morning/early afternoon. You’ve already checked in to your hotel and are free to roam. So, where do you start? What’s the first thing you do?

Enjoy a Ride on Singapore River Cruise

Let’s kick off your 5-day adventure with an unforgettable cruise along Singapore River, or as it’s called, the Singapore River Experience. But don’t think luxury yachts or fancy nautical ferries drifting down an expansive body of water—instead, hop aboard a traditional bumboat that travels up and down small waterways situated alongside Singapore’s significant historical and modern-day landmarks.    

It’s the perfect opportunity to sightsee and learn about Singapore’s rich history, and it’s a great introduction to Singapore’s stunning cityscape.

The 40-minute ride makes stops at eight different jetties—you can hop on/off at each—but it’s best to embark at Clarke Quay, a lively hotel, dining, and nightlife hub in Singapore, and end your trip at the Merlion Park jetty in Marina Bay. Speaking of which …

Buy Tickets: Jetty River Cruise ticket counter at Clarke Quay.

Singapore River Cruise website.

Go Sightseeing at Marina Bay

Marina Bay is your grand entrance to Singapore—the jaw-dropping, “Wow, this-is-so-unreal!” moment in the region, and believe me,I knowfrom experience. 

You’ll find Singapore’s most popular attractions at Marina Bay, which include Marina Bay Sands Resort, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Flyer (Ferris Wheel), Helix Bridge, ArtScience Museum, Fullerton Hotel, the daily Spectra Light and Water Show, Marina Bay Street Circuit—home to F1 races—and Merlion Park, a public gathering area overseen by two iconic statues of Singapore’s national icon, the Merlion, a mythical creature possessing the body of a fish and head of a lion.

There are so many things to see, places to explore, restaurants to dine in, and experiences to try in Marina Bay. You’ve got plenty of options to choose, but on Day 1 of your adventure in Singapore, trust me when I say it’s best that you visit the most exhilarating of them all …

Best Things to See: Marina Bay Sands, Merlion Park, Fullerton Hotel, Singapore Commercial Business District

Visit the Observatory at the top of Marina Bay Sands

Welcome to Marina Bay Sands. Take a look—easily one of the most unique and extraordinarily designed buildings around the world, wouldn’t you agree? And it’s not just a luxury hotel, either—it’s home to a casino, shopping mall, theatre, museum, nightlife venues, fine dining options, and best of all, SkyPark observation deck, located on its 56^th floor some 650+ feet above the city.

You’ve had the great introduction, the grand entrance—but this is where you truly fall in love with Singapore. The bird’s eye view of Singapore’s sprawling cityscape from atop of Marina Bay Sands is unparalleled.

I know for a fact that this humbling experience is even better with a cocktail in hand from CÉ LA VI SkyBar & Club Lounge, and your jaw will literally drop once you’ve landed eyes on Marina Bay Sand’s infinity pool, located adjacent to the observation deck. Whoever thought to put a pool that high is a genius!        

Things to See: Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, SkyPark Observation Deck and Infinity Pool, Casino Singapore, CÉ LA VI SkyBar & Club Lounge, Digital Light Canvas

Check out Marina Bay Sand’s website.

Grab Drinks and Party at Clarke Quay

You’ve spent the day sightseeing and getting well accustomed to Singapore, and now it’s time to end the night with a few drinks. Head over to Clarke Quay, one of the Singapore’s top nightlife hubs, where you’ll find bars, lounges, hip clubs, and live music.

Clarke Quay is a prime destination for locals and tourists, so there’s no need to worry about feeling … out-of-place. In fact, the area is home to a Hooters, Coyote Ugly, and plenty of western-styled pubs. Plus, Clarke Quay has a number of restaurants, bistros, and gastropubs to choose from so you don’t drink on an empty stomach.

Bars, Lounges & Clubs to See in Clarke Quay: Zouk Singapore, Attica, Fleek, Get Juiced, The Crazy Elephant, Level Up, Cuba Libre Café & Bar

Day 2: Explore Singapore’s Nature Scene

Congratulations, you’ve just finished your first day in Singapore! Now, what’s on the agenda for Day 2?

View Wild Animals at Singapore Zoo

Start your morning off with a trip to Singapore Zoo. It’s a great chance to get outside, enjoy Singapore’s tropical weather, surround yourself with nature, and view 2,400+ specimens of 300+ various species, over 11 different animal zones. You can feed animals, watch animal shows, go on a wildlife tour, and get a guided, behind-the-scenes look at wildlife.    

Hey, no one ever leaves a zoo unhappy, and with your endorphins sky high, by mid-afternoon, it’ll be time to head to the next nature-themed attraction, and perhaps the 2^nd most popular place to visit in Singapore…

Explore Singapore Zoo’s website.

See Incredible Floral Displays at Gardens by the Bay

Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay is a present-day horticultural masterpiece. It’s a gardener’s paradise; a plant lover’s dream. Heck, even if you’re not into floral displays, I’d highly recommend going just to marvel at the unique architecture, creative exhibits, and wonderful artistry.

Here are the facts: Gardens by the Bay host 1.5 million plants from every corner of the globe. There are several main areas to see—Flower Dome, Floral Fantasy, Cloud Forest, and Super Tree Grove—which together boast a variety of exotic plants, flowers, trees, art sculptures, and the world’s largest indoor waterfall, across a 250-acre green oasis.

It’s a botanical garden on steroids, and I can absolutely guarantee that your phone will be flooded with tons of amazing photos after your visit. Just ask the other 85 million people who have made the trip to Gardens by the Bay since it opened.  

Find out more at the Gardens by the Bay website.  

Relax Around the Majestic SuperTree Grove Display

By evening’s time you’ll want to remain In Garden by the Bay ‘s SuperTree Grove area for a spectacular light and sound show that occurs twice daily (7:45pm/8:45pm). You can view the show from ground level or from the free observatory atop of the tallest Supertree, which is some 164 feet tall.

Unwind With Drinks and Breathtaking Views at CÉ LA VI SkyBar & Club Lounge

And lastly, let’s end your day with a night out at back at CÉ LA VI SkyBar & Club Lounge, which is the restaurant and lounge perched on the very top of Marina Bay Sands SkyPark. Remember grabbing that cocktail earlier? Well, turns out the venue transforms into one of the most popular nightlife spots in town after 6pm.

Drinks, lounging, dancing, and a remarkable bird’s eye views of Singapore. You just can’t go wrong.

You’ll need reservations for seating. Book in advance on the CÉ LA VI website.

Day 3-4: Outdoor Fun in the Sun

Now, if you’re staying in Singapore for longer than 2 days, let’s explore what to do next:

Getting to Sentosa Island

Day 3 and 4 in Singapore should start in the early morning. These next two days are all about getting wet and wild and having lots of fun under the sun, so bring your best walking shoes and sandals.

Activities will take place on Sentosa Island, a picturesque island resort loaded with beaches, water sports, water parks, an aquarium, a theme park, scenic cableway, golf courses, museums, live shows, and more.

There are several+ ways to get to Sentosa Island—walking, driving, public transportation, car sharing—but for the best, most gratifying and awe-inspiring experience, I highly recommend traveling by cable car, which takes passengers on a 15-minute aerial ride 328 feet above sea level.

More information about getting to Sentosa Island, via their website.

Sentosa Island – Day 3

Now that you’ve arrived, it’s time to roam Singapore’s tropical island paradise, so grab your best swimsuit and start your day with a visit to Adventure Cove Water Park.

Experience exhilarating water rides, complete fun obstacle challenges in the water, snorkel in a rainbow reef, feed sting rays, and get tossed around in a giant wave pool. When you’re done, enjoy any one of the fun leisure activities spread across Sentosa Island, like trekking over the 11-storey high Fort Siloso Skywalk, letting the kids climb, crawl, and play at Nestopia, or walking a tranquil nature trail at Nature Discovery.

Afterwards, hop on the monorail and head over to Siloso Beach, where you’ll spend the rest of your day unwinding on sandy shores, grabbing delicious food at restaurants, and bar hopping at any one of the lively waterfront pubs around.

By the way, don’t forget to grab a cocktail and watch Magical Shores, the multi-sensory light and sound show that takes place in the evening. It shouldn’t be missed!

Sentosa Island – Day 4

Day 4—you’ve got lots to cover. Let’s start the day with a fun trip to S.E.A. Aquarium, where you can view 10,000 marine animals of over 1,000 different species. And if you’re really up for the challenge, try the aquarium’s gripping shark dive experience. Whew, I get chills just thinking about that one!

Next, make your way to Universal Studios Singapore, a theme park filled with thrilling amusement rides based on Hollywood blockbuster films. *Side-note* As you can tell, there’s going to be quite a bit of money being spent on these excursions, but remember: “Live life with no excuses and travel with no regrets”.

For the last leg of your escapade on Sentosa Island, enjoy the sunset over Palawan Beach, a scenic, quiet beach that’s primarily renown as Asia’s closest point to Earth’s equator.

With that, well done, you’ve officially had the time of your life on an island paradise! At the end of the night? Grab drinks, street food, shop for souvenirs, and explore historical temples in Singapore’s China Town.

For the full list of things to do on Sentosa Island, check their website.

Day 5: Shopping, Museums, Picture-Taking, and Leisurely Strolls

Congratulations, you’ve made it to Day 5 in Singapore. Surely you’ve had the time of your life and have created lasting memories.

There’s no need to go out with a bang—instead, settle on relaxing experiences, like going on leisurely strolls, taking your last photos, shopping, and visiting museums. Luckily, I’ve got the perfect suggestions of where you can get these done!

Return to Marina Bay

First, make your way back to Marina Bay. Grab more amazing photos of Marina Bay Sands, Merlion Park, Fullerton Hotel, and the towering skyscrapers of Singapore’s commercial business district. If you post them on social media, make sure to put all of the correct tags!

Next, walk across Helix Bridge, a jaw-dropping, twisting, DNA-looking inspired bridge that connects Marina Centre with Marina South. I guarantee you’ve never seen a bridge designed quite like this one!    

When you’re done, spend about 2-3 hours exploring the multi-sensory art, science, and magic exhibitions at ArtScience Museum. This is one mind-blowing experience you cannot miss.

And finally, enjoy the last stretch of your memorable adventure in Singapore buying last minute clothing, souvenirs, electronics, accessories, jewelry, and more at Orchard Road and Bugis Street Market.

It’s Time to Make Your Own Memorable Adventure

You’ve visualized your Singapore adventure, and now it’s time to live it. You’ve already got a great idea of what to do, where to go, and what to experience, and if you’ve loved reading this ultimate travel itinerary as much as I loved revisiting my own trip and sharing it, then you’re all set for your own fun, unforgettable tour of Singapore. Safe and happy travels!