Solo Travel in Singapore

Types of Girl about the Globe (GatG) – City & Sightseeing GatG, Shopping GatG

Are you planning to solo travel Singapore? Below is our Singapore solo travel guide including places to go alone in Singapore, Singapore attractions, where to stay, which tour company to use and the best way to travel in Singapore.

Find out how to get from the airport and what to do in Singapore. All companies included have been recommended by solo female travellers from our solo community and come with our Solo Female Friendly endorsement. Just choose the relevant section or read the full article for Singapore solo female travel. 

* Before you solo travel to Singapore, check what paperwork or visas are required for Singapore. 

n.b. By booking through this page for your Singapore solo trip, you are helping to improve the lives of vulnerable girls about the globe. Thanks for helping.

Contents

• Places To Visit in Singapore
• Singapore Tours
• Accommodation in Singapore
• Getting around Singapore
• Singapore Itinerary
• Singapore Travel Guide
• Best Time to Visit Singapore
• Travel Insurance For Singapore
• To and From Singapore Airport
• Travelling Onwards
• How To Be a Conscious Traveller in Singapore
• Questions about Singapore
• Map of Singapore 
• Plan a Trip to Singapore

Solo Female Travel Singapore

Is Singapore safe for solo female travellers? Yes. If you are thinking of a solo Singapore trip, you can’t pick a safer country to travel to. That's why I've given it 5 out of 5 stars. Laws are very strict and you can get fined for just throwing chewing gum on the floor.

Singaporeans are multicultural and are welcoming to international guests. When you are exploring Singapore alone, people are friendly so you’ll have no problems if you get lost and need to ask for directions. 

Clean, extremely safe and a wonderful city to explore, Singapore is an ideal location for women wanting to travel alone. When you are travelling to Singapore alone, make sure you check what you can bring into the country (medicines for example) as they are extremely strict. 

Singapore is such a vibrant country, it's clean, safe and an ideal location for women wanting to travel alone. If you are unsure how to tour Singapore on your own, where to go or how to travel alone in Singapore and would like company for your trip, consider taking a group tour instead. 

Places To Visit in Singapore Alone

An independent city-state, Singapore is a mix of old and modern. For a small country, it is actually quite diverse with many different religions and languages. Known for its shopping, Singapore has more than enough to entertain you if you’re not a shopper.

You’ll find temples, skyscrapers and even a man-made beach in this Asian metropolis. Discover all the best places to visit in Singapore and where to go in Singapore alone below. 

One of the top things to do in Singapore solo is to enjoy a Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel. This five-star hotel is undoubtedly one of the most famous buildings here, and is a Singapore attraction in itself, with colonial architecture that dates back to 1887. 

When you go solo in Singapore, for the best Singapore view, head to Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck for amazing views of the city. You do need to pay $20 for the view or you can spend your money on a cocktail in the bar instead. This is an absolute must see in Singapore, and one of the places to go alone in Singapore at night. 

For a different view of the city, Mount Faber Park is an entertainment spot where you can dine with a view. Take the cable car to the top of the hill to have a drink in a trendy bar and watch the city as it turns from day to dusk. 

Temples and Architecture

For more colonial architecture (without the cocktail), head to the Cathedral of St Andrews (the country's largest cathedral) or the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd which is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Singapore. 

One of the nicest places to go in Singapore is the gorgeous Thian Hock Keng Temple, an architectural masterpiece and national monument which is dedicated to the Taoist goddess of the sea. It is Singapore's most important Hokkien temple and dates back to 1839.

Sri Mariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in the city, and one of the old places to visit in Singapore. It is built in a Dravidian style, and located in Chinatown.

Don’t forget to take photos of the main Singapore tourist attraction when you travel solo Singapore – the Merlion – a mythical creature with the body of a fish and a head of a lion which you’ll find dotted all over the city. Visit 3 different temples on this famous sights and secrets private tour.

Art & History 

For the culture Girl about the Globe, head to The Intan, or the Peranakan Museum to learn more about Peranakan culture, Singapore’s vibrant community. The National Gallery Singapore is a fantastic gallery to see the world's largest display of Asian art.

You could easily spend two or three hours here. For the history Girl about the Globe, Fort Siloso is a preserved artillery fort which was built in the 19th century to help guard the Singapore harbour. It is an important part of Singapore's past and one of the interesting places in Singapore to go alone to learn more about the country's history. 

Fort Canning Park is a historic landmark and the place to visit in Singapore for the nature and history GatG. It’s 18 hectares of ancient artefacts such as the Fort Gate, which is a remnant of a 19th-century fortress. You can also learn about the city’s history at Maritime Corner. It’s one of the most scenic places in Singapore and is reachable from Orchard Road.

The Singapore City Hall is one of the national monuments. During the Japanese Occupation, it was used as shelter from air raids before becoming the Japanese headquarters. Nowadays, along with the old Supreme Court, the City Hall has been transformed into the National Gallery Singapore where you can see artwork from both Singapore and Southeast Asia. 

Kampong Glam is Singapore's Muslim Quarter, where you can learn more about the local history at the Malay Heritage Centre or just admire the gold dome of the Sultan Mosque. It's a different neighbourhood to visit, with a rich history and places to stop for lunch. 

Sentosa Island

One of the biggest tourist attractions in Singapore has to be Sentosa Island, one of the fun things to do alone in Singapore. Sentosa is a theme park built on an island south of Singapore linked by road. The best way to arrive here is by cable car which takes you from Faber Peak into Sentosa.

The Island can also be reached by bus outside Orchard Street. Unlike British theme parks where there is only an entrance fee to pay, you have to pay for each land that you enter. Half of the sights are free but the rides and shows are an additional cost.

Sentosa is also the place to cool off in the heat and drift along a lazy river or shoot down water slides at Adventure Cove Waterpark. It's one of the fun things to do in Singapore and you can easily spend a whole day here watching a parrot show, strolling through the spice garden or just relaxing on the manmade beach.

If you prefer more adventure, explore Universal Studios Singapore, the Underwater World, or fly through the air at the Megazip Adventure Park. There's even a Madame Tussauds Singapore on the island. 

Singapore Zoo

My favourite attraction is the Singapore night safari, an evening tour held at the Singapore Zoo. If you have ever wanted to experience a safari and haven't yet been to Africa, the night safari is the next best thing as you see nocturnal animals in an environment similar to their natural habitat. Take the priority tram for the best experience. 

Rhinos walk alongside the tram which transports you around the zoo and you get so close to the fruit bats that you can even touch them. There are also walking trails which bring you closer to the animals on foot. Singapore Zoo is one of the best zoos in the world as the animals are able to roam in natural and open habitats.

Getting to the zoo can take an hour as you take the train from various points in the city and then catch a bus. 

River Quay

River Quay and Clarke Quay are buzzing with all kinds of restaurants. Clarke Quay is more historical than River Quay but both have picturesque walks in Singapore along the river with skyscrapers along the skyline.

You can take a river cruise to really experience the Singapore river, or just sit on one of the quays in the sun with a coffee. If you are looking for things to do in Singapore at night alone, the quays are also a great place to enjoy a meal or drink at night within a sociable environment.

Singapore Gardens

If the city gets too much, there are plenty of spaces to escape to in Singapore. MacRitchie Reservoir Park has a suspended bridge through the tree tops as well as plenty of nature trails to hike. 

If you love flowers the Singapore Botanic Gardens has the most stunning orchid garden. This is Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an 80-hectare space of tropical paradise with waterfalls and a rainforest to lose yourself in. It is one of the places to visit in Singapore for free and is reachable from one of the MRT stations.

The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest at Gardens By The Bay is another beautiful place to spend some time. As well as 16-story manmade trees, it has the world's tallest indoor waterfall. 

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve should also be on any eco Girl about the Globe's Singapore travel itinerary. The reserve is outside the city centre on the slopes of Bukit Timah Hill and is the place to go if you fancy spotting some birds and wildlife.

For more nature, visit the Chinese Mythological Theme Park in Jurong and the Chinese and Japanese Gardens. If you're a bird lover, Jurong Bird Park in Jurong is Asia's largest bird paradise with more than 3000 birds and 400 species!

Shopping in Singapore

If you do come to Singapore for shopping, Orchard Road is the main place to shop and it seems to go for miles. Full of department stores it has all the goods you need including those cheap electrical items. Large video screens dominate the buildings so you have entertainment as you shop. You could spend a whole day window-shopping.

Orchard Street also comes alive at night with bars open past 12pm and clubs until the early hours of the morning. Dress smartly as many seem to have a strict door policy. You’ll find a taxi rank here to jump in a cab at the end of the night without worrying about how to get home. Newsagents are late opening for that midnight snack.

Restaurants in Singapore

Singapore is also known for its fine dining with a mix of cuisine. The price for eating out is quite expensive and if you want to reduce your costs, it’s worth visiting one of the many food courts situated on ground levels of department stores.

These are always busy and offer a canteen style of Japanese, Chinese, Indian, and Western food. If you can stand the hustle and bustle you will save yourself some cash with the average meal at $5.

However, if you do prefer restaurants, there are Italian, Greek and plenty of seafood restaurants to choose from with fresh crab and seafood. You can find good Indian cuisine at Arab Street, a traditional textile district with batiks, silks and sarongs.

Little India

Little India is a buzzy area with a main market and the Temple of 1000 Lights. It is a good place to browse but beware on Sunday nights when workers congregate for a party. The streets get packed so avoid the area unless you want to be an onlooker.

From here you can reach downtown Singapore in less than 10 minutes on the subway, and spend the rest of your day mooching around the city's museums. See the National Museum of Singapore, the Asian Civilisations Museum, or the Changi Museum & Chapel; a museum with a replica of the city's Changai POW Prison as a reminder of WWII and the Japanese occupation. 

A great way to experience some Singapore sightseeing from an aerial view is by helicopter. Scenic flights operate frequently and leave from the smaller airport. It’s advisable to book early to avoid disappointment.

Solo travel Singapore for skyscrapers, wining and dining and plenty of shopping.

Singapore Tours

G Adventures Singapore 

Solo travel to Singapore is really easy but if you feel more comfortable in a group for either part of your trip or the whole duration, G Adventures is a responsible tour company which mainly caters towards budget travellers. Most tours have an average of 10 people and there is no upper age limit.

Once you book your trip you pay extra for any excursions you want to do when you’re there. If you are planning on travelling from Southeast Asia, their adventures range from a 14-day Bangkok to Singapore trip to a 22-day Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand explorer.

There’s even an epic 40-day Bangkok to Kuta adventure seeing beaches, forests and volcanoes. I have personally used G Adventures and recommend them as a solo female-friendly company. 

* Click here for the full itineraries, prices, and start dates

Intrepid Travel Singapore

Intrepid Travel is similar to G Adventures with an average of 12 people on each tour. They tend to use hotels in Singapore instead of hostels and have a more comfortable style of accommodation hence the trips can appear a bit more costly than G Adventures. Their trips to Singapore include the main Singapore tourist attractions and range from a 14 day Real Bangkok to Singapore tour to a 28 day tour Bangkok to Bali, capturing some of the region’s best places. Read our Intrepid Travel Reviews or click here for the full itineraries, prices, and start dates

Day Tours

The transportation in Singapore makes the city so accessible to see independently that you don't really need a Singapore tour guide here unless you want to learn about the city. If you do, these local tours have been recommended by solo female travellers.

The Real Singapore Tours – Run by Betel Box. They have all kinds of guided tours in Singapore including many food tours such as Chinatown Food Walk, and a glam food walk of the Royal Malay District. You can also see Kampung Geyland Serai uncovered. They run tours of Singapore city throughout the year except on Mondays and public holidays.

Indie Singapore – Using only local guides for a Singapore local tour, Indie Singapore offers a Singapore walking tour with three different tours to take you away from the shopping malls. Although it is a free walking tour Singapore, you give a donation at the end depending on how much you enjoyed the tour.

City Tours – If you are transiting Singapore and have a 5.5-hour layover you can join one of the two free city tours to see the Singapore tourist spots. It's a must do in Singapore and a great way of discovering what to see in Singapore if you are only there for a few hours. 

Singapore Day Tours – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated activities and tours in worldwide destinations and includes Singapore tourist attractions and the most popular Singapore sights. Choose from a skip-the-line ticket to Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, a night safari experience, a walking tour Singapore or a cable car sky pass.

Some of the tours require a minimum of 2 people but there are plenty to book as a solo including a Sentosa Island tour and other Singapore tour tickets. And it's really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price, and availability for the tour of Singapore that you want to do, then book online. * Check all tours and prices here

Accommodation in Singapore

Singapore has many hostels to choose from with dorm rooms holding up to 16 beds. You’ll find a range of solo accommodations from budget accommodations to Singapore hotels and resorts on Sentosa Island. Most of the accommodation is in the heart of the city and a hostel in Singapore is one of the cheapest places to stay.  

Plus there’s Airbnb Singapore, which connects you to unique travel experiences and isn’t just limited to staying in a local’s spare room. Singapore can take hours to walk around, so if you are only there for a few days, it’s worth choosing a more central area to stay at.

If you are wondering where to stay in Singapore as a solo traveller, all of the accommodations below have been recommended by solo female travellers from our Girls about the Globe community and come with a Solo Female Friendly endorsement.

For all other Singapore accommodation including hotels in Singapore city centre, and the best hotels in Singapore (Marina Bay Sands for example), click on the link below. * Book, check rates or availability for all accommodation in Singapore

Rucksack Inn @ Lavender Street

Its name may not sound very enticing but the Rucksack Inn is in a good location, just a short walk from Little India, and 10 minutes from a 24-hour shopping centre. It’s a sociable hostel with dorm rooms and private rooms.

The rooms come with a flat-screen TV and the cheapest ones are without windows but if you’re out all day sightseeing, it’s worth the saving. Plus you do get breakfast included too. Don’t expect too much but it is a cheap option if you are on a budget and a good place to meet others. * Check rates and availability for Rucksack Inn

Hotel NuVe Heritage

This stunning heritage hotel is so elegant. Comfortable, and clean with lovely white decor, inside are themed suites complete with a flat-screen TV and coffee machine. The service is fantastic and you even get free snacks and drinks in your very own minibar.

Although it isn't a specific hotel for solo travellers, it is in a great location and near many of the city’s attractions including Raffles Shopping Mall. Plus it’s easy to get to from the airport too. Choose from a superior queen room, a premier king room or a premier suite. Breakfast is an additional charge. * Check rates and availability for Hotel NuVe Heritage

Getting Around Singapore

Travelling alone in Singapore is easy with the Singapore transportation system. There is a good system for Singapore buses in the city but if you are travelling by bus into Singapore, be prepared to get dropped off in the middle of nowhere.

Can you walk around Singapore? Yes, and walking is the best way to get around and a chance to visit stores as you walk around the city, but wear comfortable shoes as the city isn't that small. You could also take a Singapore bike tour to explore the city highlights by bicycle. 

How to travel around Singapore with the MRT – There is a good train system called the Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) which means getting around in Singapore easy and fast. The stops are near to the main attractions too.

You can either buy a Singapore MRT card from the MRT stations or at the 7-Eleven stores or if you're planning to use public transport in Singapore during your stay, buy a Singapore Tourist Pass which gives you unlimited travel from one to three days. 

If you want to see the city in a novelty way, you could take a rickshaw but make sure you agree on a fee before getting into a rickshaw. Taxis are metered making it easier. When you are solo traveling Singapore, if you do decide to drive, Singapore used to be colonised by the British so motorways are easy for British tourists with road signs in English.

Singapore Itinerary

Singapore is quite small so you can explore the majority of Singapore in 3 days. Three or four days is plenty of time if you want to take advantage of Sentosa Island and also the shopping. If you are looking for the best things to do in Singapore in 3 days, below is a recommended solo travel itinerary for 3 days in Singapore. 

Day One – Spend your morning at the National Gallery Singapore to check out their large display of Asian art, before doing the touristy thing and having a Singapore Sling in the courtyard of Raffles Singapore Hotel. In the evening take a river cruise along the quays then stop at Clarke Quay for dinner in a beautiful setting. It's also along the quays that you'll find the best bars for solo travellers Singapore.

Day Two – In the morning experience the zen of Singapore at the Botanic Gardens, and the world’s largest display of orchids at the National Orchid Garden. Then it’s time to shop (or window shop) in the afternoon at Orchard Road, one of the city’s main shopping districts, before heading to China Town for some Chinese food in the evening.

Day Three – On the third day spend some time in Little India and get lost amongst the smell of spices and street vendors. In the afternoon you could visit Sentosa Island or if you prefer somewhere more cultural, Tiong Bahru is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Singapore with a mid of old and cool. It’s a hip place to stay for dinner too. In the evenings you can take a Singapore night tour at the Singapore Zoo. 

Singapore is an ideal stopover on a Malaysia itinerary. From Singapore, you can travel to Melaka, the Cameron Highlands, Penang and Kuala Lumpur on a two-week itinerary. Some people just use Singapore as a stopover en route to Australia or New Zealand but there are plenty of things to see in Singapore to keep you busy. 

Singapore Travel Guide

If you need a guidebook for your solo trip to Singapore we recommend Rough Guides. Although it isn't primarily focused on what to do alone in Singapore, or places to go in Singapore alone, it will give you some ideas for travelling Singapore alone. 

Covering where to go, and when to go, must see places in Singapore, Singapore top attractions, itineraries, getting around, festivals and events, history, and maps, they are amongst the most comprehensive guides on the market. 

The Rough Guide To Singapore

If you are planning on solo travelling Singapore for the first time, the Rough Guide to Singapore covers topics such as: booking your trip, accommodation, getting there, getting around, food and drink, and travel essentials. They also include shopping, eating and entertainment so you can maximise your time and know exactly where to go. They’re your travel Bible.

* Get The Rough Guide To Singapore

 

Best Time To Visit Singapore

Singapore has a constant temperature of 29 to 31 degrees Celsius. They do have a wet season which usually happens from November to January. The best time to visit is between February and April unless you like it really hot then visit in May and June.

The chart below shows the weather in Singapore and the average maximum day temperatures throughout the year from January to December.

Travel Insurance For Singapore

It is safe to travel to Singapore but it is always recommended to take out travel insurance when you are traveling to Singapore alone, especially for any flight delays or lost baggage.

True Traveller and World Nomads are two insurance companies which can cover travel to Singapore. True Traveller is available to UK and European residents, and World Nomads is available to over 100 countries worldwide, including the USA and UK. For digital nomads, Safety Wing is a nomad insurance that covers people from all over the world.

All companies allow you to buy insurance when you are already on the road and offer different plans depending on your needs including additional adventure cover.

* Check insurance prices and cover for True Traveller

N.b. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

To and From Singapore Airport

Singapore Airport – There are a few ways that you can get from Singapore Airport to Singapore. Line 36 bus runs from Changi Airport into the city and costs approx £2 depending on which area you are travelling to. To get to Orchard Road in the city it takes 50 minutes.

The Subway / Singapore Metro (known as the mass rapid transit or MRT for short), operates from 0530 – 2350 every day except Sundays. This costs £4 plus you need to pay a £1 card deposit.

Taking a taxi will cost up to £17 depending on whether you arrive in rush hour or off-peak. The journey takes 20 minutes by taxi or you can take a shuttle for £6 which takes the same amount of time.

As a solo traveller Singapore you may feel more confident with someone waiting for you at the airport by pre-booking a transfer with Hoppa, a reliable and safe service for solo females.

Check Rome2Rio for journey times and fares.

* If you are transiting Singapore and have a 5.5-hour layover you can join a free Singapore city tour. 

Travelling Onwards (check visas before you travel)

To Malaysia – If you are planning a solo trip from Singapore, there are buses from Singapore to various parts of Asia with direct buses to various places in Malaysia. The bus takes approximately 6 hours from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur. The border crossing is easy with the bus driver directing you where to go. There is also an overnight bus or you can fly instead.

There are many towns just a few hours outside of the border and you can travel by bus to Melaka for example. Some buses offer Wifi and meals on board. Expect to pay from $40 to $50 for the journey depending on which company you go with. KTM operate trains direct from Singapore to Johor Bahru in Malaysia. 

To Indonesia – You can also solo travel from Singapore to Indonesia. There are several ferry terminals which connect Singapore with the Riau Islands in Indonesia. Take a ferry to Bintan, Karimun or Batam.

Where can I go from here?

• Kuala Lumpur – 1.5 hours
• Bangkok – 2.5 hours
• Brunei – 2 hours

How To Be a Conscious Traveller in Singapore

In addition to the universal ways to be a conscious traveller such as reducing your plastic, and shopping local, here are our recommendations for being a conscious traveller when you solo female travel Singapore. 

Stay in locally-owned accommodations and eat in local restaurants instead of international chains to help support local businesses. During your stay keep your water use as low as you can and turn off the tap and lights when you aren't using them. 

Minimise your footprint by being mindful of the local environment. Use public transport such as buses or walk or cycle.

Be mindful of the attractions that you visit. Cover your shoulders and knees if you visit the Sultan Mosque or one of the city’s temples.

Singapore has very strict laws so ensure that you dispose of your recycling properly, avoid eating on public transport and dispose of any chewing gum before you arrive in the country (it’s banned), and check their laws before you travel there.  

Social Impact Programs

There are several social enterprise cafes in Singapore that help give back to the community. Not only do they serve great cuisine but they also employ people with disabilities, and train students with developmental disabilities and autism.

You can buy meal vouchers so that people less fortunate can receive a meal, and help support Living Water International and Food Bank Singapore just by dining there.

The Social Space does its bit for eco Singapore tourism by using metal straws and fair-trade produce as well as training underprivileged women, and the Crossings Cafe gives all of its profits to charity.

The Seeds Cafe in Rainbow Centre has a flea market outside their premises too, so time your trip right and you can make more of an impact on the community by purchasing some handmade crafts too. If you are looking for somewhere to dine where you can make an impact, choose one of these eateries

Volunteering in Singapore

ACRES Wildlife Sanctuary – ACRES was founded with the aim of advocating an end to animal cruelty in Asia. They tackle wildlife crime and focus on wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, and community outreach to promote cruelty-free living.

By volunteering, you can help provide daily care for the animals and maintenance of the disclosures or raise public awareness about the illegal wildlife trade. Volunteer placements are from one week and accommodation in dorm rooms and 3 vegetarian meals per day are provided.

Stay Eco in Singapore

Oasia Hotel Downtown

This eco-friendly hotel is certainly unique. The exterior increases biodiversity and there are more than 50 species of plants that adorn the external garden-like walls. The interior of this hotel in Singapore is just as impressive.

There’s a swimming pool to unwind in (perfect for any solo trip Singapore), a stylish bar and restaurant and you are walking distance from a gallery, museum and the Sri Mariamman Temple. You may even see a squirrel during your stay.

• Prices start from £175 for a deluxe double room  
• To book, check prices or availability for Oasia Hotel Downtown

Vulnerable Girls in Singapore

Singapore is one of the world’s wealthiest countries but unfortunately, there is still child labour here. Although the legal age to work is 17 years old, it is permitted for companies to employ children as young as 13. Mandatory schooling is until the age of 14 years but working children who come from poor families and minority groups can find themselves working as manual labour. Read more… 

Questions About Singapore

• Can I drink the water? Yes, you can drink tap water but you may prefer to take your own water filter with you.
• Do you tip in Singapore? In restaurants, a 10% service charge is usually added to the bill. It's not expected to tip your taxi driver or tour guide. 
• Fixed price or barter? Fixed price but you can try to barter in markets in Little India for example. 
• Any ATMs? Bureau de Changes are everywhere and you’ll find ATMs outside every corner store and all over the city. 
• Which side of the road do they drive? The left-hand side. 
• Good for vegetarians? There are plenty of vegetarian restaurants and even vegan restaurants. 
• Any seven wonders of the world? No.
• Is Singapore safe for solo female travellers? Yes, Singapore is one of the safest countries for women travelling alone. See the solo travel section above. 

Map of Singapore