Take a Long Weekend Break in Singapore

Spectacular views over Gardens by the Bay, Singapore. Image source: Adobe Stock

Experience the nonstop energy of Singapore in the heart of Southeast Asia, where futuristic skyscrapers stand alongside traditional shophouses and temples amidst lush green spaces. Explore historic Chinatown, shop until you drop, photograph world-famous landmarks and indulge in diverse cuisines. Start your adventure at world-renowned Changi Airport and be inspired by our itinerary of what to do in Singapore in 3 days.

The iconic Raffles Hotel, home of the Singapore Sling. Image source: Adobe Stock

Day 1: Marina Bay, shopping & Singapore sling

Tour the Marina Bay district:

In Singapore, things to do are easy to find. Start by exploring the Marina Bay district on a self-guided or guided tour. Iconic landmarks include the multi-award-winning Gardens by the Bay, where nature merges with architecture to create the awe-inspiring Supertree Grove and Cloud Forest Conservatory. Get a bird’s eye view of the cityscape from the SkyPark Observation Deck at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

Visit the legendary Merlion statue with a lion’s head and the body of a fish. The city’s official mascot, the statue reflects Singapore's transformation from fishing village to global hub. Cross the Jubilee Bridge to the Singapore Flyer and see the sights from one of its air-conditioned capsules 165 metres above the ground.

Shop, shop, shop!

World-class shopping experiences for all budgets await in Singapore's retail districts. Orchard Road is a hub for high-end fashion, jewellery, and electronics. Find a new outfit—or three!—in the endless boutiques at ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City, and Paragon malls.

Get caught up in the lively vibe of the Bugis Street Market, easily accessible via the Bugis MRT Station. Here, you can shop Singapore’s widest selection of affordable clothing, accessories, hand-crafted items and souvenirs. Try classic Singaporean snacks like satay or pandan cake, sip on fresh fruit juice, or relax in one of the trendy cafes or bars, open until late.

Long Bar at Raffles:

End the day on a high note with a hearty meal from the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel. It’s the home of the famous ‘Singapore Sling’, a gin, cherry brandy, and grenadine cocktail garnished with sliced pineapple.

Spend a day enjoying the many activities on Sentosa Island. Image source: Adobe Stock

Day 2: Sentosa Island and adventures, Chinatown & local cuisine

Day trip to Sentosa Island:

Enjoy activities galore and loads of family fun on this man-made island. Visit Universal Studios, Fort Siloso Skywalk, 4D Adventure Land, Musical Fountain, Nature Discovery and many other attractions. Alternatively, slow down and relax at one of the island’s white-sand beaches.

Take a guided kayak tour:

For a novel Singapore experience and a complete change of pace, take a four-hour guided kayaking tour to explore the calm waters of the mangrove forest and spot bird life.

Be enchanted by Chinatown:

Join an insightful and immersive walking tour of Chinatown, one of many free Singapore tours. Admire the varied traditional and modern architecture styles, where ancient temples and medicinal halls sit alongside Michelin-starred restaurants.

Stop at Thian Hock Keng Temple, the oldest temple of the Hokkien people. The Buddhist mandala was the inspiration for the design of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. While in Chinatown, try the award-winning Meta’s East/West fusion cuisine.

Taste local delights at Maxwell Food Centre:

Singapore’s multiethnic roots have resulted in a dynamic food scene with authentic flavours influenced by Indian, Chinese, Malaysian and Indonesian cuisine. Sample them in the buzzing Maxwell Food Centre, full of hawker stalls known for their chicken rice and dim sum. Other classic dishes include laksa, stir fry, sheng jian bao and congee, or Chinese rice porridge.

Day 3: Neighbourhood tours, river cruise & Grand Prix

Discover multicultural neighbourhoods:

Start your final day by exploring Singapore’s culturally diverse districts with their distinctive architecture, magnificent places of worship, and shopping stalls with local goods and treats. Kampong Glam is Singapore’s Muslim quarter, overflowing with carpet shops, mosques, museums, and casual cafes serving Arab and Malay cuisine. Haji Lane’s narrow streets lined with shops, restaurants, and bars are the perfect backdrop for its colourful murals.

Contrast this with Little India’s vivid hues and rich South Indian heritage just two kilometres from Haji Lane. Soak up Singapore’s sights, sounds and scents while you browse Tekka Centre, a fresh food and dry goods market, and Mustafa Centre, an enormous department store with everything from Indian-inspired goods and spices to gold jewellery.

Water taxi river ride:

Sail down the Singapore River in a traditional wooden ‘bumboat’ or water taxi, known locally as a tongkang. At water level, you’ll get a new perspective of landmarks such as the Merlion statue, Marina Bay Sands, shophouses, skyscrapers and the durian-shaped Esplanade Theatre on the Bay. Start at Clarke Quay to sail past as many attractions as possible.

Relish pork rib tea in Tiong Bahru

Conclude your stay with Bak Kut Teh, a traditional Singaporean dish of stewed pork rib. It’s arguably the best when made at Ya Hua in Tiong Bahru, boasting a peppery yet balanced broth with tender meat.

Singapore Grand Prix

Be part of the action at the F1 Grand Prix on 22 September 2024 in Singapore. The event’s pulsating atmosphere promises once-in-a-lifetime experiences and memories, from the thrill of the races to the firework shows, concerts and exploring a vast selection of restaurants and bars around the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

Top tips: Know before you go

Take these considerations into account when planning your Singapore trip:

• Weather: Singapore’s tropical climate means you can expect wet, humid weather.
• Packing essentials: Pack comfortable walking shoes, light, breathable clothing and a reusable water bottle.
• Singapore visa requirements: Australians with onward or return tickets can enjoy visa-free entry.

Make travelling via Perth Airport easier with our nifty travel tips for international passengers.

Twilight over sensational Singapore. Image source: Adobe Stock

Explore Singapore: One flight away from Perth Airport

Fly non-stop to Singapore with Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Qantas or Jetstar in just over five hours. Departing from Perth Airport is a breeze—get your Singapore dollars sorted easily online or in-store and relax in the comfort of our award-winning T1 International lounge before takeoff to Singapore’s Changi Airport.

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