Last Updated on: 29th October 2025, 02:25 pm

Singapore—famously known as the Lion City—holds a special place in my heart because it was the very first foreign country I ever visited. Yes, it’s known to be a bit on the expensive side, but it quickly became one of my favorite travel destinations. From the super-clean streets and impressive modern transportation system, to the stunning attractions, Singapore is definitely worth every penny.

Here’s our Singapore Itinerary for 4 Days + Budget and Accommodations to help you make the most of your time in Singapore, especially for first-timers like me. Let’s get started!

Singapore Itinerary for 4 Days + Budget and Accommodations

Singapore Itinerary 4 Days

Day 1: Gardens By The Bay Singapore and Marina Bay Sands

For our first day, our destinations were Gardens By The Bay and Marina Bay Sands. We arrived in Singapore by 10 AM, and took our lunch at Changi Airport (which, by the way, is basically an attraction in itself!). After that, we headed to our hotel for a much-needed rest. By the time we were up and ready again—around 4 PM—we made our way to Gardens by the Bay. We explored the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, which we booked as a bundle on Klook. It turned out to be the perfect plan since it started raining, and both attractions are indoors.

Both attractions are massive, and stepping inside was like stepping into another world. The Cloud Forest houses one of the tallest indoor waterfalls in the world, while Flower Dome houses themed gardens based on countries from all over the world. We were supposed to catch the light show at the Supertree Grove at 8:45 PM, but we missed it since we took a long time exploring the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. We still went to the Supertree Grove, and seeing it in person is far more impressive than just viewing it online.

See our whole experience + Guide on Gardens by the Bay here

Marina Bay Sands

After visiting the gardens, my friends and I decided to visit Marina Bay Sands, which is just on the other side. We crossed the pedestrian bridge (Lions Bridge) first, and I was amazed at how the MBS looks stunning and even more huge in person.

We toured the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, and it’s a massive and super luxurious mall. There’s even a man-made indoor river where you can hop on a little sampan boat for a relaxing ride.

This mall also features numerous attractions, including the ArtScience Museum and the Skypark Observation Deck. Unfortunately, the ArtScience Museum was closed when we went there due to maintenance.

Day 2: Universal Studios Singapore, Merlion Park, and Lau Pa Sat

This was probably the highlight of my Singapore trip — I finally got to see Universal Studios Singapore in person! I’ve always loved amusement parks, and so do my friends, so we were super excited for this day. Compared to yesterday, the weather was sunny and the skies were finally clear. We took the MRT to HarbourFront Station, then headed to HarbourFront Tower II to catch the cable car to Sentosa Island.

It was my first time riding a cable car, so I was honestly so excited when we hopped on! It was an open-air ride, and the views were absolutely stunning — we got to see the sea and Sentosa Island from above.

We alighted at Sentosa Station, and we walked about 10-15 minutes before reaching Universal Studios. It was already 11 am, so there was a large crowd in the iconic USS Globe. It was a struggle to do a solo photo shoot in the globe, but I still managed to get some good shots.

Before we headed to the rides, we explored Hollywood Boulevard and took some pictures. It was really like walking into a studio set, and I was just in awe since it was my first time entering such a vast amusement park.

We started off with the Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase — which was a cute and fun ride, perfect for families and kids. After that, we checked out Lights, Camera, Action! — an indoor attraction set up like a real TV studio. I honestly thought it would just be a chill behind-the-scenes demo about movie effects, but surprise… there’s a twist at the end! (Spoiler alert: we got wet!)

Our next ride was Revenge of the Mummy, and it was definitely my favorite! I already knew that it was an indoor roller coaster, but nothing prepared me for what’s inside. There are a lot of unexpected twists, drops, and realistic special effects during the ride.

See also: 7 Universal Studios Singapore rides and attractions worth lining up for

We then went to Battlestar Galactica: Human vs. Cylon, which combined two roller coasters into one. At first, we were a bit hesitant to line up because we thought it would be packed with tourists. But to our surprise, the lines for both coasters were super short — we only waited around 15 to 20 minutes! My friend was shocked since the wait time here is usually around an hour.

Both roller coasters were amazing, but the CYLON one definitely stood out — it’s way more intense! It’s a hanging coaster, so your legs dangle as you twist and loop through the track. The HUMAN coaster, on the other hand, is a fast seated ride with sharp turns and big drops. It doesn’t have any loops, but it still gives you a serious adrenaline rush!

Our next ride was Shrek 4D, which was located in the Far, Far, Away Zone. As a Shrek Fan, I was ecstatic when we arrived, as it really resembles the Far Far Away I’ve seen in the movies. The 4D theater ride was awesome too- it was a great way to take a break from the heat outside. After that, we then rode Transformers, an indoor Hyper-Realistic 3D and also one of my favorite rides in the USS!

We also visited Minion Land, the newest zone at USS, which opened on February 14, 2025. We rode the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, a 3D motion simulator that brings you right into Gru’s secret lab. The 3D ride was fun, not to mention we got a chance to have a picture with the minions!

Last but not least, we went on the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure in the Lost World zone. It’s a river rapids ride that takes you through jungle-like scenery with life-sized dinosaurs — pretty cool and chill for the most part. But don’t be fooled… the ending hits you with a big surprise! There’s a huge drop and a splash that will totally soak you. Luckily, my friend and I came prepared with raincoats and plastic boots, so we didn’t get wet.

Merlion Park and Lau Pa Sat

After our USS adventure, we headed back to the hotel to freshen up—those rides and all that walking really wore us out! By around 9:00 PM, we made our way to Merlion Park to finally see the iconic Merlion statue in person. I’d also been looking forward to this moment, since taking a photo with the Merlion is pretty much a rite of passage for first-time tourists like me. I also took the iconic shot where I positioned myself where the Merlion’s water seems to pour into my mouth 😄

We were supposed to stay longer in the park, but it rained, so we headed to Lau Pa Sat for dinner. This iconic hawker center is one of Singapore’s most famous and historic food centers, known for its Victorian architecture and international food stalls.

I finally got to taste Nasi Lemak and ordered it at Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang, a Michelin-starred stall in Lau Pa Sat. It quickly became one of my favorite dishes that I tried during my stay in Singapore, along with Satay, which are grilled skewers served with peanut sauce.

Day 3: Cultural and City Tour

This day was all about museum hopping, exploring the city, and a bit of shopping. I also got to tick off a bucket list experience — riding a double-decker bus, which we rode on our way to Little India — our first destination of the day.

We visited the colorful House of Tan Teng Niah, which was built in the 1900s and is known as the last remaining Chinese villa in Little India. While it’s not open to the public, tourists are welcome to take photos of its colorful and vibrant facade.

Up next is Haji Lane, which is located in the Kampong Glam neighborhood. This narrow street is known for its colorful murals, graffiti, and small shops.

We also saw a cute little photobooth where we had a fun mini photoshoot, along with a small gift shop that offers artistic items like toys, keychains, and bags.

We also passed by the Sultan Mosque and spotted another vibrant mural that looked impressively realistic. I really enjoyed the atmosphere in Kampong Glam — it reminded me of the street shops in the Philippines, but with a more creative and artistic flair.

National Gallery Singapore

From Kampong Glam, we headed to the National Gallery Singapore and we rode via GrabCar. We booked our general admission pass through Klook, which we did before our we arrived in Singapore.

The National Gallery Singapore was massive —I mean, it used to be home to the former Supreme Court and City Hall of Singapore. It also boasts the world’s largest public collection of modern Southeast Asian art, with around 9,000 pieces on display. As an art lover, I truly enjoyed exploring the galleries. There were so many paintings and artworks to see! Though I have to admit, all the walking left me pretty exhausted by the end 🤣

What really caught my attention was the gallery’s stunning architecture. One unique feature is the sunlight-diffusing rooftop pool—a shallow reservoir above the glass ceiling that softens the tropical sunlight. The white balconies and elegant facade also make for great photo spots, perfect for Instagram-worthy shots.

And of course, the famous link bridges, which connect the gallery wings —the former City Hall and the old Supreme Court. From the bridge, you can see panoramic views of the atrium below and the stunning ceilings.

National Museum of Singapore

Next up on our Singapore itinerary was the National Museum of Singapore. We booked a Grabcar to get there, and just like with the National Gallery, we had already booked our entrance tickets in advance via Klook.

Compared to the National Gallery, this museum is more interactive—it features interactive displays, exhibits, and numerous artifacts. I also got to view the old vintage illustration world map, and I saw the map of the old Philippines, which is quite awesome.

One of the highlights of our visit was the interactive storytelling that walked us through Singapore’s history—complete with documentaries and real historical artifacts. From the British colonial days to their road to independence, it was my first time learning about Singapore’s past in such a detailed and engaging way. It was honestly fascinating to see how Singapore transformed from one of the poorest countries in Asia to becoming a leading nation in Southeast Asia.

Chinatown and Lightshow at Marina Bay Sands

After our long city tour and museum-hopping, we headed to Chinatown for a lunch break and some souvenir shopping. We had lunch at Chinatown Point Mall, which is super convenient since it’s right next to the Chinatown MRT station. Inside, there are a few dollar stores that sell discounted imported products, such as chocolates.

After eating, we walked over to Pagoda Street, where all the souvenir shops are. It’s the perfect place to buy keychains, magnets, and other souvenir stuff at an affordable price.

By evening, we went again to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands to finally catch the Spectra light show, which we missed during our earlier visit. The show starts at 8 PM, so we made sure to arrive on time this time around.

Day 4: Last Day (Jewel Changi Airport)

Our last day in Singapore—but definitely not the least! We checked out of our hotel by 12 noon. Before heading out, we made a quick stop at the rooftop to snap some final photos and take in the view of Marina Bay Sands one last time.

Our flight was at 6:25 PM, but we wanted to be early, so we headed straight to Changi Airport after checking out. We took the MRT since the airport has its own station, which is super convenient. Our flight was at Terminal 4, but since we still had plenty of time, we hopped on the Skytrain connecting Terminals 2 and 3 just to catch a glimpse of the Jewel Rain Vortex. We didn’t stop by the rain vortex anymore, since we already saw it on our first day in Singapore.

Honestly, Changi airport doesn’t feel like an airport to me— it’s almost like a luxury hotel. All floors are carpeted, and the surroundings smells amazing— even the bathrooms too! And every terminal has its own attractions; that’s just how large Jewel Changi Airport is.

We stopped by the Wonderfall, which is a 14-meter-tall, 17-meter-wide LED waterfall located in Terminal 2. From a distance, I honestly thought it was a real waterfall! We snap some photos before heading to Terminal 4 to check in our bags and wait for our flight.

While waiting for our flight, we explored some cool spots in Terminal 4—like the flower garden, the colorful Peranakan houses, and the Chandelier playground. One of the fun things about Changi Airport is that it actually has slides, and T4 even has its own! Unfortunately, it was closed for maintenance when we arrived. Fun fact: the world’s tallest airport slide can be found at Terminal 3!

Things to know before entering Singapore

sgac (SG Arrival card):

All tourists entering Singapore are required to submit their SG Arrival Card (SGAC) within 3 days before arriving in Singapore — including your arrival date. You can submit via the MyICA Mobile App, which is available on both iOS and Android devices.

You can also submit via their official website here

E-Gov Form:

For Filipino tourists, don’t forget to fill out this form at least 72 hours before your flight to Singapore—and again before you head back to the Philippines. You can fill out the form through the official mobile app here

E-Sim:

Getting an e-SIM for my trip is such a game-changer. No need to line up at the airport to buy a physical SIM card—it’s all digital and super easy to set up. I got mine from Klook, and it only took a few minutes to install and activate. I chose the Singtel e-SIM, and so far, it’s been amazing! It runs on 5G and even works inside underground trains. Klook offers different data packages too, so you can pick one that fits your needs.

You can book your e-SIM through Klook here – you can also see detailed instructions here on how to install your e-SIM on your phone. Just make sure your phone supports e-SIM before purchasing.

Travel Insurance:

While you may think it’s just an extra cost, purchasing travel insurance is one of the smartest things you can do when traveling. From lost luggage and flight delays to sudden illnesses or accidents abroad, travel insurance has your back when the unexpected happens. I purchased Travel Joy through Klook, which is very affordable and covers medical expenses up to ₱ 1,000,000. This is only for Philippine residents – you can book Travel Joy Insurance here

For international residents, Nomad Insurance is one of the best travel insurance out there, especially for long-term travelers. Their medical coverage is up to $250,000, including accident, inpatient/outpatient care, emergency dental, and medical evacuation. Here’s a calculator and see how your travel insurance costs:

Purchase your Nomad Travel Insurance here

Languages:

Singapore has four official languages — English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. But don’t worry, English is the most commonly spoken, and it’s used everywhere — in schools, commercial establishments, and even in daily conversations. So even if you only speak English, getting around is super easy. Most of the signages are in English, too, so you won’t have any trouble exploring the city.

Currency:

Singapore uses the Singapore Dollar (SGD) as its currency. You’ll mostly come across $2, $5, $10, and $50 bills, which are commonly used for everyday purchases.

Current Exchange Rate of SGD in Philippine Peso and US Dollar:

• 1 SGD = ₱44.53
• 1 SGD = $0.78

Mode of Payment:

You can pay by cash, but cards and digital wallets ( Credit Cards, Debit Cards, GCash, Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc. ) are most commonly used, even in convenience stores.

Singapore Itinerary 4 Days List

Here’s our Singapore Itinerary for 4 Days, which you can follow.

First Day:

• 10:00 AM – Arrive at Changi Airport, clear immigration.
• 11:00 AM – Early lunch at Jewel Changi Airport
• 12:00 PM – Jewel Changi Exploration.
• 2:00 PM – Check-in & Nap at the hotel
• 4:30 PM – Explore Gardens by the Bay (Cloud Forest).
• 7:15 PM – Early Dinner at Supertree Grove
• 8:00 PM – Explore Gardens by the Bay (Flower Dome)
• 9:00 PM – Picture taking at Lion’s Bridge (OTW to Marina Bay Sands)
• 9:15 PM – Explore The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
• 10:30 PM – Back to Hotel

Second Day:

• 8:30 AM – Breakfast at the Hotel
• 9:30 AM – Head to Sentosa Island via Singapore Cable Car (1-way)
• 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM – Universal Studios Singapore
• 7:00 PM – Return to the Hotel to rest and freshen up
• 8:30 PM – Stroll at Merlion Park
• 9:30 PM – Dinner at Lau Pa Sat
• 11:00 PM – Back to the hotel

Third Day:

• 9:00 AM – Breakfast at Ya Kun Kaya Toast at Clark Quay Central
• 10:30 AM – Visit Little India and House of Tan Teng Niah
• 11:30 AM – Stroll through Kampong Glam (Sultan Mosque, Haji Lane for indie shops)
• 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – National Gallery and National Museum Singapore
• 3:30 PM – Late lunch at Chinatown and shopping for souvenirs
• 5:30 PM – Return to hotel to rest and freshen up
• 8:00 PM – Spectra Light Show at Marina Bay Sands.
• 9:00 PM – Dinner at Rasapura Masters at The Shopees Marina Bay Sands
• 11:00 PM – Back to the hotel

Last Day:

• 8:30 AM – Breakfast at Hotel
• 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM – Prepare luggage
• 11:00 AM – Back to Hotel. Prepare luggage.
• 12:00 PM – Hotel Checkout. Travel to Jewel Changi Airport
• 12:30 PM – Lunch at Jewel Changi Airport.
• 3:00 PM – Final check-in at Jewel Changi Airport Terminal 4.
• 6:25 PM – Departure to the Philippines

Budget and Expenses

Here’s a breakdown of my expenses during my trip to Singapore, excluding airfare, travel tax, and other airport fees.

Note: We did our tour in DIY style, and this breakdown is the amount of expenses per person.

• Hotel Accomodation 3 Nights – ₱7057 (158 SGD)
• Gardens by the Bay Ticket (Cloud Forest + Flower Dome) – ₱1,371 (30 SGD)
• Singapore Cable Car Sky Pass to Sentosa Island 1-way ticket – ₱1,353 (30 SGD)
• Universal Studios Singapore 1-Day Ticket – ₱3,282 (73 SGD)
• National Museum Singapore Ticket – ₱429 (9 SGD)
• National Gallery Singapore Pass – ₱712 (16 SGD)
• Food Expenses – ₱2,225.08 (50 SGD)
• Transporation (Train, Bus and Grab car) – ₱1982 (44 SGD)
• G-Cash Card – ₱ 250.00

Total Expenses for 4 Days = ₱18,661.08 (419.34 SGD)

This breakdown of expenses can vary depending on your spending habits. I’m just sharing this to give you a rough idea of how much to set aside—but it’s always a good idea to add a little extra, just to be safe.

Where to Stay in Singapore

Jayleen 1918

Address: 42 Carpenter Street, Clarke Quay, Singapore, Singapore

We stayed here during our Singapore trip, and it was super convenient—just a short walk to Clarke Quay Central Mall, the MRT, Chinatown, and other public transport. We booked a standard room with two beds and a private bathroom, which was just right for our group of three. The stay also came with a free buffet breakfast, and the hotel has a rooftop bar with amazing city views—you can even spot Marina Bay Sands from afar.

Book via Agoda here

Other budget hotels

• Robertson Quay Hotel at Clark Quay ( 3-star hotel ) – Check Availability
• Hotel Bencoolen at Bugis ( 3-star hotel ) – Check Availability
• Hotel Conforto at Clark Quay ( 3-star hotel ) – Check Availability
• Arianne Hotel at Little India ( 2-star hotel ) – Check Availability

Capsule Hotels

If you are a budget solo traveler, you might want to check out these capsule hotels, which are much cheaper compared to regular hotels in Singapore.

• Circular House at Clark Quay – Check Availability
• CapsulePod@Aljunied at Geylang – Check Availability
• KINN Capsule at Clark Quay – Check Availability

Luxury Hotels

• Swissotel The Stamford Singapore – Check Availablity
• Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort And Spa – Check Availablity
• Grand Park City Hall Hotel – Check Availability

Singapore Itinerary FAQs

Is 4 days in Singapore enough?

If your Singapore itinerary focuses mainly on the city center, then 4 days is definitely enough to see the major tourist spots. But if you’re planning to explore more of Singapore’s nature spots—like the Botanic Gardens or the Night Safari—it’s worth staying at least 5 to 6 days.

Is Singapore expensive to visit?

Yes, Singapore can be quite pricey—especially when it comes to accommodations in the city center. We stayed at a budget hotel, and even that felt a bit expensive by our standards. Attractions like Universal Studios is pricey, so it’s good to set aside a budget for the popular tourist destinations. If you want to save, I highly recommend eating at hawker centers where meals cost just around 4–6 SGD, and using the MRT or buses instead of taking taxis. It’s affordable, efficient, and super easy to get around!

Where to exchange currencies in Singapore?

You can find money changers at places like The Arcade in Raffles Place, Chinatown, and Mustafa Centre in Little India. The Arcade is a popular spot for tourists because it also offers services like bank transfers and cheque issuance. Mustafa Centre is also a great option—it’s the only 24-hour money changer in Singapore, so it’s super convenient if you need to exchange money late at night.

What type of power plug/socket is used in Singapore?

Singapore uses Type G plugs and sockets.

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