I went to Singapore for the first time this year and I fell in love with the country; I celebrated my 33rd birthday there, and it was perfect. Think of stunning landscapes, a clean city, and crisp air, that’s everything Singapore and more. Don’t even get me started on the airport; it’s worth all the hype and more. It wasn’t just the beauty; it’s the most seamless, easy-to-navigate, hassle-free airport I have ever been to, and I have been to many, having traveled to 38 countries, so trust me on this.
I’ve put together this complete Singapore travel guide covering everything you need before you land, where to stay, what to do, where to eat, how much to budget, and the visa process for Nigerians applying from Dubai. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re planning to go back, this guide has you covered.
1. Before You Land: What to Know Before Visiting Singapore
There are a few things you absolutely need to sort before you arrive in Singapore, watch my full pre-arrival TikTok below for everything you need, including the documents you should bring especially if you are black and pre arrival form everyone needs to fill.
- Fill in your Singapore arrival card online before you land, it’s mandatory
- Get an eSIM before you travel so you have data the moment you land
- Singapore dollars are best to exchange before you arrive or in the city, card works in most places but you need cash for the food markets
- The city is very safe but be mindful of strict laws, no chewing gum, no littering
2. Where to Stay in Singapore: Best Area & Hotel
I stayed at Amara Singapore and it was the perfect base. It’s centrally located, within walking distance to Chinatown and Maxwell Food Centre, and the train station is just around the corner so you can get anywhere in the city quickly and easily.
I always stay in the city centre when I travel, and Singapore is no different. You pay slightly more but you save massively on transport costs and time. For Singapore, staying near Chinatown or the CBD area gives you the best access to everything. Book the same hotel here: Booking.com link
If you’re visiting for the first time, the best areas to stay are Chinatown, CBD, and Tanjong Pagar, they’re central, well-connected, and close to major attractions.To plan your stay properly, you should explore real hotel options based on your travel dates and budget:
🔍 Explore Hotels in Singapore
💡 Tip: Prices change quickly. especially on weekends. It’s best to check availability early and compare a few options before booking.
3. Best Things to Do in Singapore: 4-Day Itinerary
I spent 5 days in Singapore and honestly it wasn’t nearly enough. This city has so much to offer. From the iconic Gardens by the Bay and Sentosa Island to cultural neighborhoods like Little India and Arab Street, you’ll be busy every day in the best way possible.
Watch my full 4-day itinerary below, it covers exactly where to go, in what order, and how to make the most of every day:
- Must-visit: Gardens by the Bay (go at night for the light show, its free!)
- Must-visit: Sentosa Island: beaches, Universal Studios, cable car
- Must-visit: Chinatown, Little India, Arab Street, great for walking and photos
- Must-visit: Clarke Quay for evening drinks and nightlife
4. Where to Eat in Singapore: From Street Food to Michelin Stars
Southeast Asia has some of the best food in the world and Singapore is right at the top. What makes it special is the range: you can spend under $5 on one of the best meals of your life at a hawker centre, or splash out on a Michelin-starred restaurant. Both are incredible.
The hawker centres are a non-negotiable, Maxwell Food Centre and Chinatown Complex Food Centre are my favorites. Get the Hainanese Chicken Rice. Get the Laksa. Get everything! lool
- Best budget meal: Hawker centres, under $5 for an incredible meal
- Best splurge: Michelin-starred restaurants around the CBD
- Must try: Hainanese Chicken Rice, Laksa, Chilli Crab, Kaya Toas
5. Singapore Trip Cost: Full Budget Breakdown
I spent $2,100 on my 5-day trip and I broke down exactly where every dollar went: accommodation, transport, activities, food, and everything in between. Whether you’re planning a budget trip or want to know what a comfortable mid-range trip looks like, this breakdown covers it all.
- Approximate budget for 5 days: $1,500–$2,500 depending on lifestyle
- Accommodation: $100–200/night for a good central hotel
- Food: $5–50/day depending on where you eat
- Transport: Very affordable, MRT train system is excellent and cheap
6. Singapore Visa for Dubai Residents: How to Apply
As a Nigerian living in the UAE, I needed a visa to Singapore, I applied for my visa from Dubai and the process was very straightforward. The application cost 162 AED and I documented the entire process, every document you need, step by step. Download the list of documents here
- Cost: 162 AED
- Download the full list of required documents here
- Processing time: Allow at least 2 weeks before your travel date
- Apply at on VFS website or through a visa agent in Dubai
7. Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool Hack (Without Paying $2,000)
Let’s be honest, most of us are not paying $2,000 a night to stay at Marina Bay Sands Hotel. But did you know there’s a hack to still get access to that iconic infinity pool and take those stunning photos? I found it and I’m sharing it so you don’t miss out on the most iconic photo spot in Singapore.
Singapore is somewhere I would always go back to; I paired my trip with Malaysia, which is 1 hour away. You can find more about that on my TikTok. Let me know if you have any questions or have visited Singapore; share your experience.
Till your next read, Ibi.