Singapore Travel Bubble: 4 Ways to Spend 4 Days in Singapore

Hands up, who fancies a bite of chilli crab washed down with a Tiger beer at a hawker centre surrounded by skyscrapers?  In a steady but incredibly exciting reel of international travel announcements, Monday 8th November 2021 officially marks the day that the Singapore travel bubble opens with Australia. The two countries recently signed an agreement to allow vaccinated travellers from Australia to enter Singapore along with over a dozen other nations that the Singapore border recently reopened to.

Characterised by its sparkly clean efficiency, Singapore’s melting pot of cultures has resulted in unique pockets of industry, traditions and architectural aesthetics all over the city. Furthermore, the city-state has firmly found a place on Asia’s hit list for its vibrant food scene and its intriguing ‘City in a Garden’ ambition seen within its marvellous botanical gardens. 

The top things to do in Singapore span the toe-tingling treetop jungle bridges and the vertigo-inducing rooftop bars to the hole-in-the-wall eateries of Haji Lane and the hawker centres of Chinatown. Not forgetting to mention the sandy beaches of Sentosa and an array of unique tours designed by our Local Designers in Singapore!

One thing is for sure, Singapore is a fabulous destination to plan a trip to, especially so if you haven’t travelled beyond your country’s borders in 18 months! To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together four unique itineraries to spend four days or more in Singapore. But first, let’s cover the important travel requirements. 

What You Need to Know to Travel to Singapore from Australia (and Beyond)

Please note: this information was correct at the time of writing but may have since changed.

Before we dive in, it’s important to note that this agreement has been established as a VTL (Vaccinated Travel Lane), meaning it only applies to fully-vaccinated travellers wishing to enter Singapore. 

Prior to travel and upon arrival, you will need to show proof of vaccination in the form of a physical or digital vaccination certificate. Qantas and Singapore Airlines hope to later roll out a Travel Pass app which will replace the need to show this proof in physical or digital format. 

As well as the above, VTL travellers will also need to return three negative COVID-19 PCR tests before and during their time in Singapore:

• One test must be taken 48 hours prior to departure to Singapore
• A second test must be taken on arrival at Singapore’s Changi Airport
• A third test must be taken within 72 hours of their return flight to Australia

VTL travellers will not need to quarantine and will be free to explore Singapore as soon as they arrive as long as their PCR tests remain negative. 

Important Things to Note:

• All travellers planning to visit Singapore under the VTL scheme must also be booked onto a designated VTL flight.
• Unvaccinated children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult who meets all of the scheme’s requirements. Children two years old and below are exempt.
• The above requirements and rules also apply to the other ten nations on the Singapore quarantine-free VTL scheme – Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. 

Trips you may like

5-Day Discover the Cultures of Singapore

A multi-cultural island state which has affectionately become known as the ‘Little Red Dot’ on the map thrives with activity! On this five-day Singapore tour package, you’ll discover everything it has to offer and more. In between plenty of free time to explore the 19th-century shophouses in Chinatown and the hole-in-the-wall boutiques of Haji Lane, you’ll visit the famous Gardens by the Bay, head to Pulau Ubin and enjoy a kayaking tour and more. With a local guide, you’ll visit different neighbourhoods of Singapore and gain a deeper insight into this island state. One day, you’ll head out with your local guide on a street art and graffiti tour and you’ll even have the option to visit Sentosa island!

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4-Day Luxury Singapore Food & Culture Experience

Indulge all your senses in this 4-Days Luxury Singapore Tour! Singapore is one of the most vibrant and modern cities in Asia with a tropical climate, with delicious food, good shopping and a vibrant night-life scene it has become one top destination on its own rightYou will explore the city on a tour in a private vehicle, as well as try some of the best restaurants in the country! An experience you will remember for a long time!

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4-Day Best of Singapore

Singapore is a city-state and the smallest country in Southeast Asia. Singapore has the highest standard of living in Asia and is a spotlessly clean, efficient, regulated, modern city. The city has an interesting mix of old and new cultures, combining the skyscrapers of the Business District with a very interesting blend of ancient cultures in some of its districts. On this trip, you will experience the best of what this city has to offer, from beautiful architecture to amazing food.

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4-Day Singapore Stopover

Discover Singapore! On this trip, you will spend four days exploring Singapore. This city has an interesting mix of old and new cultures, combining the skyscrapers of the Business District with a very interesting blend of ancient cultures in some of its districts. Singapore is one of the greenest cities so much so that the city is dubbed the Garden City. You will visit the city by walking as well as by taking part in a Segway tour!

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Top Tips for Singapore Travel

We want to make sure you have all of the facts and important bits covered before we dive into the exciting itineraries! Here are our top tips for Singapore travel;

• MONEY: The currency is the Singapore dollar (SGD), often abbreviated to ‘Sing’. 
• LANGUAGE: The official languages spoken in Singapore are English, Malay, Tamil and Mandarin Chinese. You will find almost everyone speaks English in Singapore. 
• GETTING AROUND: Use public transport and Grab. Singapore has an incredibly reasonable and reliant public transport system, so make sure to use it alongside app taxis like Grab. 
• DRESS: Remember to dress appropriately. Singapore experiences very high humidity, so be prepared to sweat, dress light but remember to cover your arms and legs if visiting religious buildings. 
• RULES: Know the rules and stick to them. Singapore is an immaculate city for a reason, and there are plenty of regulations in place to keep it that way. Pay attention and don’t risk the fines or worse. 
• TAX: Be prepared to spend a little more. Singapore has a very high tax on things like alcohol and cigarettes, so be prepared to spend a little more. 
• WATER: Tap water is safe to drink here!
• CRIME: Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world due to its strict stance on crime. However, it is always sensible to keep an eye on your possessions in a city. 
• TIPPING: Tipping is not part of the culture in Singapore. Whilst they are appreciated if you have had good service, tips are never expected. 
• EARLY BIRDS: Singapore’s top attractions get very busy and hot! Make sure to arrive early if you are planning on visiting attractions like the Gardens by the Bay. 

Find the Singapore Itinerary to Suit You – Here are 4 Ways to Spend 4 Days in Singapore

Now, let’s dive into the Singapore travel itineraries to show you exactly what your trip could look like. 

Remember, each and every one of these tours is completely customisable to you! Our Local Designers in Singapore are ready and waiting to design your perfect trip filled with unique experiences.

#1 Explore Singapore on Foot, by Trishaw and by Sidecar!

Top Unique Experience: Singapore After Dark Trishaw Tour with Dinner

Accommodation: Five-Star Hotel

This city experience will begin and end in style with a private driver from the airport to your five-star Singapore hotel, set in the magnificent colonial-era Fullerton building, which played a pivotal role in Singapore’s rich history. The rest of the day will be spent enjoying the luxury amenities and exploring the local area on foot. 

The next day will begin with a unique coffee experience at the Chye Seng Huat Hardware (CSHH) Coffee Bar, where you will be invited to chat with the baristas whilst they expertly prepare your beverage. That evening, you’ll be whisked away by trishaw to discover the city by night. The famous Raffles Hotel will be an essential stop for a Singapore Sling followed by a sumptuous Chinese dinner.

The next day, you’ll explore the Joo Chiat/Katong neighbourhood, a treasure trove for delectable local food and ornate shophouses. The special charm of this area will be emphasised as you explore street after street of architectural masterpieces in a sidecar! 

Before departing the city the following day, your final night will be spent marvelling at Singapore’s futuristic green space on the Marina Bay Waterfront. The Gardens by the Bay are Singapore’s sanctuary of beauty and nature and should not be missed on any visit. 

#2 Explore the Neighbourhoods of Singapore and Beyond

Top Unique Experience: Pulau Ubin Tour & Kayaking Adventure

Accommodation: Four-Star Hotel

After checking into your hotel, perfectly positioned in one of Singapore’s oldest precincts in reach of plentiful historical landmarks, you’ll have the option to spend your first day on Sentosa Island. Complete with resorts, theme parks, sandy beaches and golf courses, a Sentosa tour is the perfect relaxing introduction to this metropolis. 

In between plenty of free time to explore the 19th-century shophouses of Chinatown and the hole-in-the-wall boutiques of Haji Lane, you’ll embark on a guided tour of the sanctuary in the middle of the city – Gardens by the Bay. Exploring the gardens –which cover 101 hectares– with a local guide will afford you a deeper insight into their creation, accolades and structure. 

The next day you’ll take a breath of fresh air away from the city on an open-sea kayaking experience from Pulau Ubin, an island just off Singapore. With an expert guide, you’ll explore the magnificent mangroves and head to Chek Jawa Wetlands to discover one of Singapore’s richest ecosystems that is home to diverse wildlife. 

As if the trip wasn’t special enough so far, you’ll spend your final full day exploring the nooks and crannies of Singapore’s most vibrant neighbourhoods on a street art tour. The day will be spent surrounded by bright coloured fabrics and textiles, Persian rugs, and gemstones, and will end with you letting your creativity flow in a graffiti workshop. 

#3 Explore Singapore’s Must-See Sights

Top Unique Experience: Gardens by the Bay Evening Tour with Satay Dinner

Accommodation: Four-Star Hotel

If you’re taking advantage of the Singapore travel bubble and visiting the city-state for the first time, this is the perfect tour to see it all! Focussing on the must-see sights, this Singapore tour bookends plenty of free time to explore the city on your own with two incredible travel experiences. 

The first of these experiences will begin with you hopping into a traditional bumboat, a humble mode of water transportation once used to ferry goods and people across the Singapore River. The watery stretches flanked by skyscrapers and traditional neighbourhoods will carry you to Merlion Park, past Marina Bay, through boulevards of historic buildings and to the beating heart of Singapore’s glitzy retail scene, Orchard Road.

The next day will be at your leisure, with plenty of recommendations from your local guide – Haji Lane and the Skypark Observation Deck are unmissable. Later that evening, you’ll find yourself chomping into succulent satay, grilled over flaming charcoal and Hokkien Mee, a local favourite noodle dish cooked in a unique broth. This delicious meal will be followed by a guided tour through the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome of the Gardens by the Bay, and the evening will be made complete by a mesmerising light show at the SuperTree Grove. 

#4 Explore Singapore With the Family

Top Unique Experience: Beyond the Screen at Universal Studios Singapore

Accommodation: Four-Star Hotel

Pleasing the whole family on any short trip can be tricky. Luckily for you, our Local Designers are equipped to design itineraries that suit families of all varieties. This Singapore itinerary is perfect for families looking to stay in the heart of Singapore, seek out the must-see landmarks for some memorable snaps and, of course, have a good deal of fun!

The trip kicks off with a guided tour of the Gardens by the Bay, home to over one million plants of over 5,000 species. The waterfalls, tropical domes and jungle-top walkways will keep the whole family entertained for hours. 

The next day will whisk you away to Resorts World Sentosa to experience cutting-edge rides, shows, and fun-filled attractions based on your favourite blockbuster films and television series at Singapore’s Universal Studios! 

In between these family experiences, you’ll have plenty of free time on this Singapore tour to sample street food at hawker stalls and explore other neighbourhoods of Singapore, including Chinatown!

It’s Time to Plan Your Singapore Trip!

With the Singapore bubble up and running, it’s time to plan your getaway. 

You can take the hassle out of planning your trip with Designer Journeys by connecting with our Local Designers and letting them take care of it all. Our Local Designers in Singapore are experts in travel planning; they will use their local insight and premium knowledge to tailor an itinerary to suit you perfectly. Whatever you’re looking for, our Local Designers will work with you to build your own extraordinary travel experience.

To get started, simply explore our gallery of customisable Singapore tours and tap ‘customise’ to answer a few simple questions. Alternatively, you can design your own Singapore trip from scratch if you know what you’re looking for! Either way, our designers will work with you to deliver your free personalised itinerary within 48 hours.