Singapore has always been one of the favorite travel destinations for Filipinos, thanks to its visa-free entry, world-class attractions, and seamless public transportation.
If you’re planning a long weekend trip to the Lion City for the coming Holy Week or for the holidays towards the end of the year, this 5-day Singapore itinerary will help you make the most of your visit.
Things To Prepare Before Your Trip
Valid Passport
Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from your travel date. For your peace of mind, you may book an appointment with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) as soon as a year before your passport expires to renew it.
eTravel Form
Complete your eTravel.gov form before your trip to present to the Bureau of Immigration officer upon your departure. If this is your first time traveling overseas, you’ll have to create a new account. Keep in mind that you will have to fill out this form again before flying back to the Philippines to log your arrival. You may fill out the form up to 72 hours before your trip.
Singapore Arrival Card
Fill out the Singapore Arrival Card. For your convenience, you may download the MyICA mobile app for iOS and Android, but you can simple submit your form through the e-Service online.
Travel Tax Receipt
Filipinos must pay travel tax for each trip they take. You may pay online on the official Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) website with a minimal processing fee or pay over the counter at the airport.
Travel Wi-Fi
Book your travel Wi-Fi with Big Sky Nation—the Philippines’ #1 travel connectivity provider based on customer reviews—to stay connected to high-speed internet throughout your trip!
Your 5-Day Itinerary for a Perfect Singapore Getaway
Day 1: Arrival, Explore Marina Bay Sands
Assuming you arrive in the morning, just before lunchtime, stop by Jewel Changi, and snap photos of the jaw-dropping Jewel Rain Vortex—the centerpiece of this majestic airport attraction. You may also opt to have lunch at one of the many restaurants at Jewel Changi to fuel up for your busy day.
If you’re on a budget, the best way to get from the airport to downtown Singapore is by taking the MRT from Changi Airport MRT station to the MRT station closest to your hotel. To travel with ease around the city, get your rechargeable EZ-Link card at the ticket counter or from one of the many EZ-Link vending machines at the station to skip the line.
After checking in and freshening up at your hotel, take the bus or MRT to Esplanade. This is the most ideal spot to start your walk for the most picturesque views of the bay. From Esplanade, walk towards the direction of Merlion Park. During your short walk, you will find photo spots, where you can snap pictures with the Marina Bay Sands as your backdrop.
Merlion Park can get really crowded, so be patient if you really want that quintessential Singapore photo with the country’s iconic landmark. There are also food stalls and cafes around in case you want to get some snacks and refreshments.
From Merlion Park, walk to the Helix Bridge, which is connected to Marina Bay Sands. These spots are located so close to each other with enough signs to point you to the right direction, it isn’t difficult to find your way.
Marina Bay Sands is a major entertainment and recreational hub, so depending on how much time you have, you can try many of its attractions. You can catch a play or musical at Sands Theatre, check out an ongoing exhibition at the ArtScience Museum, or enjoy birdseye views of Singapore from the Skypark.
If you find yourself still in the same area by dinnertime, sample local fare at Rasapura Masters—Marina Bay Sands foodcourt. You may also choose to head on over to Gardens by the Bay and have dinner at the Jurassic Nest FoodHall or Satay by the Bay.
After dinner, settle down at the Supertree Grove for the 7:45 PM light show called “Garden Rhapsody.” If you miss the first show, you can catch the next and last show an hour later. Cap off your long first day with a magical play of lights and sounds.
Day 2: Sentosa Island Adventure
There’s so much you can do on Sentosa Island, a day might not be enough! But to make sure that you tick the boxes of all the most exciting activities in the area, start your day at Resorts World Sentosa.
Arrive early to click photos with the world-famous Universal Studios globe without the big crowds, and proceed to enter the park. To save time, you may purchase an Express Pass on top of your Studio Pass to gain easier access to the rides.
Some of the mustn’t-miss attractions in Universal Studios Singapore include Battlestar Galactica, Transformers: The Ride, Revenge of the Mummy, and Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure.
In the afternoon, visit S.E.A Aquarium—one of the biggest aquariums in the world. Be captivated by the diverse marine life while also learning about ocean conservation. If aquariums are not your thing and want to keep your adrenaline pumping, try indoor skydiving at iFly Singapore or take a leap of faith with the bungee jump at Skypark Sentosa by AJ Hackett.
As night falls, catch the Wings of Time Fireworks Symphony Night Show—a marvelous spectacle that features water, laser, and fire effects to tell an unforgettable story.
Day 3: A Day in the “Wilderness”
For nature lovers, a day in the Singapore “wilderness” is a definite must!
The parks of Mandai Wildlife Reserve feature various wildlife and nature-based experiences. Choose from Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise (formerly Jurong Bird Park), Night Safari, River Wonders, and the newly opened Rainforest Wild ASIA—Asia’s very first wildlife adventure park, where you can ascend karsts, explore the depths of caverns, and see over 30 species of animals that roam freely throughout the nature park.
You may visit one attraction during the day and reserve the evening to sneak a peek into the world of nocturnal animals at the Night Safari. Take advantage of Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s ticket bundles to save on entrance fees.
Day 4: Shopping in the Lion City
What’s a trip to Singapore without a good shopping spree?
Hit the shopper’s paradise ION Orchard for a world-class luxury shopping experience. But if you’re leaning towards cheaper finds, Bugis and Chinatown are excellent spots for affordable souvenirs. You can also check out the hipster favorites Haji Lane and Kampong Glam (a stone’s throw away from Bugis!) for some unique pieces—from clothing to accessories!
For lunch, you can have your fill of sumptuous satay, baby squid, and chicken wings at Newton Food Centre, which was also featured in one of the earlier scenes of the blockbuster hit “Crazy Rich Asians.”
Then for dinner, check out the seafood restaurants in Clark Quay and enjoy the glimmering view of the Singapore River at night. You can also ride a river cruise for a one-of-a-kind experience in this district.
Day 5: Departure
After checking out of your hotel, make your way to the airport with ease by taking the MRT to Changi Airport Station. Don’t worry about your heavy suitcases, as elevators are easily accessible!
Big Sky Travel Tips
- While ride-hailing apps like Grab operate in Singapore, it is always best to take advantage of the country’s efficient public transportation to get around whenever you can.
- When the heat gets too intense or when the sky decides to pour torrential rains over the city, take the underground walkways or interconnected MRT stations and malls to shield yourself from the extreme weather outside.
- Before visiting, make yourself aware of Singapore’s strict laws. It’s not called a “fine city” without reason. Even bringing in chewing gum can get you in trouble here.
- Renting properties for short-term stays (under three months) like Airbnbs is actually illegal in Singapore. Your options for lodging as a tourist staying for five days are staying at a hotel or serviced apartments.
- Choose hotels in areas like Bugis and Chinatown if you’re the kind who enjoys last-minute shopping.
By planning ahead and staying connected with Big Sky Nation’s travel Wi-Fi, you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable Singapore trip. Safe travels and have an amazing adventure!
Big Sky Early Bird Promo: Get up to 50% OFF on Travel Wi-Fi Premium (shareable up to five devices) when you book 30 days before your trip! Use the code “EARLYBIRD” upon checkout or send us a message to book: info@bigskynation.com. You may also call us at 09177132855 or 09189647626 to place your order.
*Featured image by Guo Xin Goh on Unsplash
